By Jess Elmhirst

If you've been craving a proper break  the kind where you arrive, exhale, and feel your shoulders drop  a weekend at Laurel Cottage at Glanmedeni is made for exactly that.

This is a simple, unhurried 48-hour plan for couples (and dogs) who want fresh air, good food, and plenty of time to do very little at all.

Before you arrive: choose your one lovely thing

A weekend goes quickly, so it helps to decide what you want the stay to feel like.

Pick one:

·      Champagne on arrival (a small celebration, just because)

·      Food/meals to make your first evening effortless

·      A gentle qigong session to make it feel more like a retreat

Day 1: arrive, settle, and ease into the weekend

Late afternoon

·      Arrive, pop the kettle on, and let your dog explore the garden.

·      Unpack only what you need. This is a weekend keep it light.

·      Take ten minutes to do nothing at all. No plans. No rushing.

Early evening

If youve had a busy week, this is the moment to make things easy.

·      If youve arranged food/meals, let dinner be taken care of.

·      If youve chosen champagne, pour a glass and start the weekend properly.

Later

·      Light the fire if its that kind of evening.

·      Choose a cosy ritual: a film, a long bath, a book youve been saving.

·      Early night encouraged.

Book direct Want to arrive to something special? Book direct and add champagne, meals, or a qigong session to your stay.

Day 2: the proper day (walks, food, and downtime)

Morning: fresh air first

Start slowly  then head out.

·      Coffee, breakfast, and a gentle start.

·      Pull on layers and bring walking boots and wellies (West Wales likes to keep you guessing).

If youre in the mood for a longer outing, make it a proper walk with a good view and plenty of stops to simply look.

Midday: lunch out (dog-friendly)

For an easy, relaxed lunch with your dog, head to:

·      The Ship at Tresaith (a favourite for a reason)

If youd like something a little more make an occasion of it, book:

·      The Teifi Waterside (dog-friendly, with lovely views of the Teifi Estuary)

Afternoon: downtime (the best part)

This is where the weekend becomes a reset.

Back at Laurel Cottage:

·      Put the kettle on.

·      Dry off if youve been out in the elements.

·      Read. Nap. Do nothing.

If you want to deepen the sense of calm, this is a perfect slot for a qigong session  gentle, grounding, and surprisingly restorative.

Evening: cosy and unhurried

·      Keep dinner simple and comforting.

·      Light the fire.

·      Let the evening be quiet.

If you didnt do it on night one, this is a gorgeous time for champagne  especially with the fire on and the outside world doing its thing.

Day 3: one last slow morning (and a promise to come back)

A good weekend ends gently.

·      Wake up slowly, book a late check-out and indulge in a relaxed final morning.

·      One last cup of tea.

·      A short walk close by, take the dog to our off-lead exercise area just to stretch your legs and breathe in the air.

Before you leave, take a moment to notice how you feel  and choose one small thing youll take home with you (earlier nights, a daily walk, a slower start).

A weekend that feels like more than 48 hours

The best stays aren't about packing the days full. Theyre about the feeling you leave with.

If you'd love a weekend of sea air, cosy evenings, and proper downtime  with your dog right there beside you  Laurel Cottage is ready when you are.

Ready to plan your weekend?
Book direct to check availability at Laurel Cottage at Glanmedeni and make it extra special with champagne, meals, or a qigong session.