Nestled in the beautiful Brechfa forest, Ty Mawr presents a taste of old Wales, yet is only 30 minutes from Carmarthen. The dining area of this ancient house is wrapped in a pleasing old world package with thick stone walls and oak beams.

The menu could open with starters of Penclawdd cockle, laverbread and chive tartlet, or warm home smoked duck breast and quails egg salad. No self-respecting hotel in Wales could do without some Welsh beef and their organic Fferm Tyllwyd black fillet steak may be served with mushroom and red wine sauce. Fillet of Cardigan Bay sea bass on cauliflower puree offers strong competition, whilst vegetarians will rejoice at the roasted Mediterranean vegetables and smoked Cilowen cheese en croute with roasted red pepper sauce.

A decent wine list covers most eventualities. The atmosphere is relaxed to the point of restfulness and returning to the real world later could be a bit of a challenge.