Chateau Rhianfa is a Grade II listed venue in Beaumaris, Anglesey. Built in the nineteenth century, it has a French Gothic style and enjoys an imposing position overlooking the Menai Strait. It is now a hotel and I recently stayed there with my husband.
There is a grand country house atmosphere about it which is enhanced by the friendly and helpful staff who invited us to explore all areas of the hotel and there was plenty to explore. The reception rooms are beautifully furnished and include a banqueting hall, music room, games room, sun room and bars. There is a gym, sauna and hot tub an outside tennis court and landscaped gardens leading to the Menai Straits. There are also wine caves where tasting sessions are available.
We had booked a dinner inclusive deal which took the form of a ‘dining experience’. The idea is that guests arrive in the reception hall at 7 pm to enjoy sparkling wine and canapés and afterwards dine around a large table with the other diners. When booking, all dietary requirements are noted and the chef makes suitable adjustments for all diners.
On the evening we dined we arrived on time to discover we were the only diners and were invited into the music room where we were served the most delicious canapés with our chilled wine. Sitting in this sumptuous room which contained antique books, a grand piano and various other instruments on display, was fabulous. We were brought the menu for our dinner which had been created for us by the chef, based on our likes and dislikes. What a treat! All ingredients are locally sourced and it was no surprise that Welsh lamb was the main course. We were taken to the dining room where a table had been set in the window with stunning views of the lights glistening on the Menai Strait. Each course was beautifully presented and tasted as good as it looked and the warm freshly baked bread was wonderful. Leaving the dining room feeling very contented, we surprised ourselves by indulging in homemade butterscotch and coffee, again in the music room.
We retired to our delightful room after a wonderful dining adventure. The room itself was small but had an en suite which was in one of the turrets of the magnificent building. The turret area had been made into a wet room which had a large overhead shower and individual showers on either side! We were blessed with sunny weather during our stay which, I think, always enhances an experience. The views over the Menai Strait to Snowdonia were breathtaking.
Anglesey has some lovely beaches and coves to explore and when we were there it was quiet so we were able to walk on deserted beaches. Snowden and the Snowdonia National Park is a must. There are, of course, other places to visit whilst in North Wales. An hour’s drive from the hotel would take you to Portmeirion, the Italian style village created by Sir Clough William Ellis, also the filming location for the 1960’s production of The Prisoner. Criccieth too is worth a visit to enjoy a Cadwaladar ice cream by the sea and possibly visit the David Lloyd George Museum and see where he was born and his grave.
North Wales has much to offer, especially, in my opinion, out of season (midweek outside school holidays) and in good weather.
“Visit website”:https://chateaurhianfa.co.uk/