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The process of rejuvenating your mind and body becomes easier to contemplate when you visit a charming countryside resort like St. Pierre Park in Chepstow. A Marriot undertaking, this resort is perfect for a getaway when you need to restore your inner balance or just to enjoy the picturesque sights of rolling green South Wales in a remarkably serene and beautiful space. What's more, if you can enjoy the culinary delights offered by their Morgan's restaurant, named after the erstwhile sheriff of Monmouthshire who used to live there, what more can you ask?

With focus on Welsh cuisine, the menu features cawl, a traditional soup of lamb and vegetables baked with a puff pastry lid, amongst starters and a main course of roast pork fillet with sage, wrapped in Serrano ham and served with green beans and Dijon mustard sauce. A baked white chocolate cheesecake with poached orange segments offers a fitting end to the meal.

The hotel started off life as an iron master's cottage, located picturesquely at the bottom of a hillside where flows the River Wye. Cistercian Monks would have fishing forays from nearby Tintern Abbey and perhaps it is not too much to hope that the odd well-fought fish might still find its way to the hotel. For local produce is very much part of the repertoire there, with Welsh lamb and well hung beef a joy to have. There is an extensive wine list with at least one Welsh bin available.

Beauty comes naturally to the Wye Valley, a rich, verdant and picturesque locale, which offers leisure delights such as golf, racing, walking, cycling and rugby amongst numerous others. The Beaufort Hotel in Chepstow is a striking 16th century coaching inn with several en suite bedrooms for a restful stay and despite the restoration, little has been detracted from the original charm. Their award winning Oaks Restaurant highlights traditional British dishes alongside more international favourites with locally sourced produce and meat.

There's crispy Chinese duck served with pancakes and plum sauce amongst the starters, followed by a main course of baked chicken wrapped in smoked bacon or a 10 oz gammon steak with egg and pineapple. Vegetarians have it good, with such options as tomato and basil linguine or the char grilled Mediterranean vegetables. A selection of luscious desserts are displayed on the board everyday and the drinks list is extensive featuring fine wines, draught beers, lagers and ales.

Llanvair Discoed, a village in Monmouthshire, is home to a small population and The Woodlands Tavern, their local country pub, provides simple, traditional and delicious food. This charming inn is a well known spot for fresh, locally produced ingredients which are utilised in imaginative dishes, with the focus largely centring on fish. Special themed evenings add interest to the atmosphere, and on any day the experience is invariably informal and friendly.

The a la carte could typically begin with pan fried tiger prawns with garlic and lemon served with sweet chilli sauce;main courses could feature a fillet of wild sea bass on spinach and wild mushroom risotto. If you're in the mood for something lighter, the bar snacks offer a good selection such as ploughman's lunch or whole tail breaded scampi.

Wines for the discerning drinker are aplenty while you could also try local real ales such as Tomas Watkins and Felinfoel. This family friendly pub can also accommodate small events such as christenings and other celebrations in their function room.