Luxury Lodges boasts a range of stunning properties situated amidst beautifully landscaped parklands within some of Britain's best loved holiday destinations from Cornwall to the Lake District. The latest resort added to the exquisite collection is the £20million Dylan Coastal Resort. Located in the south west Wales town of Laugharne, the site is rich in heritage with deep literary connections and breath-taking surroundings and provides the perfect base for discovering this picturesque part of the world.

The client:

Dylan Coastal Resort, as with each of the Luxury Lodges sites, typifies stylish hotel-inspired self-catering accommodation that works for everyone, from large multi-generational families to fledgling couples. The structures have been sensitively built in keeping with the mesmerising, ever-moving and mystical seascape of the river Taf and Gower Peninsula. 

The lodges feature modern furnishings, balconies, hot tubs and sweeping views across the estuary and there are plans to build 125 high-end new lodges as part of the much-anticipated development.

Dylan Coastal Resort boasts the £7.5m Milk Wood House Spa, which comprises themed showers, a herbal steam room, relaxation zone, an elevated bar and restaurant with panoramic terraces, an infinity pool with river views and an outside hydrotherapy pool. The spa has been heralded by the luxury resort sector as 'world class' and sets a benchmark in terms of design and range of inspiring amenities.

Ishga is the spa brand of choice for all Milk Wood House treatments, as the marine products are organic and derived from the sea, with all the nourishing benefits of its vitamins and minerals.

Engaged to design this defining Milk Wood House Spa was long-established architectural firm PRP.

The brief:

Investment and construction of Dylan Coastal Resort combines the most efficient, sustainable and ecologically sensitive methods of building. The property honours and celebrates the existing natural environment with designers working closely with local planning authorities to ensure the conservation of the surrounding historic environment.

By creating a fully-immersive experience for visitors, the resort contributes to the local community, showcasing the best of Laugharne and enhancing the already rich cultural and natural landscape in the region.

At the epicentre of this inimitable development is Milk Wood House – an inspiring wellness destination combining first-class bar and restaurant areas, roof terraces, extensive wet leisure facilities with treatment rooms and relaxation zones.

The architect:

Mark Walker, Associate Director at PRP architects.

The inspiration:

Mark: “The design inspiration was both the immediate and distant setting on the edge of the River Taf estuary. The site stretches along the contours of a steep cliff edge with spectacular views out to the river and landscape beyond. Every opportunity to experience the breath-taking and ever-changing view were considered, thus enabling visitors to see the dramatic Welsh coast and changing weather through uninterrupted clear fenestration.

“Having one side of the building against a rock face, the building had to open up entirely to the south and to the views. This meant careful decisions about the positioning and internal height of the key spaces, opportunities for roof terraces, thoughts about how visitors would use and move around the structure, such as climbing up the open plan floating stair from the entrance to the restaurant whilst all the time being able to engage with the views.

“Open plan areas were also conceived with views in mind and we thought about linking spaces which then frame another view or place the user in a new space such as in a hot-pool at night, relaxing in the spa or having a cool drink in the snug bar.

“Despite the challenging levels, the building had to be truly accessible which was achieved with level access and lift provision to the upper floors.

“Looking back at the building from across the estuary, we wanted the building to look like it belonged to the rugged rockface; that it was anchored to it.  We used strong horizontal lines which stretch out further from the building as stone walls to draw in visitors and reinforce the idea that the building has grown out of its setting.

“The horizontal proportions combined with vast glass openings that frame the outdoors immerse the user inside and reflect the landscape back to the onlooker.” 

To find out more about Dylan Coastal Resort and Milk Wood House, visit www.luxurylodges.com.