The Vale Resort is celebrating its 25th anniversary
Having opened its doors in 1999, the Vale Resort is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a year’s worth of promotions that are taking place on the venue’s social media channels. Couples can get their hands on golf and spa breaks, afternoon tea, gin-making experiences, golf lessons and more.
The independent four-star Vale Resort was built by the Leeke family and is made up of the 143-bedroom Vale Hotel, two championship golf courses, extensive leisure and sports facilities, Wales’s largest spa, extensive conference and events facilities, restaurants, bars and Hensol Castle, an exclusive wedding and events venue that also incorporates a distillery.
Stephen Leeke, the managing director, commented: “When I started at the Vale Resort in 1994, we had a portacabin, driving range and nine-hole golf course. My father, Gerald, had a love for sports and a vision for a sporting hotel. It’s been the proverbial extension on the extension since then, which has culminated in the world- class facilities that you see today. Not only do we house the training bases for both Wales’s national rugby and football teams, but we can compete with the very best with our golf, leisure and business offerings. The ground-breaking opening of the Grade-I listed Hensol Castle as a venue tailored for exclusive weddings and events, incorporating a craft distillery in the cellars, is, in the words of my father, “the icing on the cake” and the feedback from guests has been outstanding. It’s been very much a team effort along the way, and I’d like to thank our staff, members, guests, colleagues and partners in the Welsh Rugby Union and Football Association of Wales for all they have done to contribute to our success.”
Spooky Season takes over Swansea Bay this Halloween
Halloween takes over Swansea Bay this week, with spooky activities and events taking place across the area. Little ones can get creative with pumpkin pottery painting. They can also step into the magical world of The Spooky Castle at Oystermouth Castle, or head to Gower for pumpkin picking, experiencing Wales' biggest Pumpkin Festival, along with a Haunted Trail and an interactive Witches of the Farm adventure for ages three to 12. Older thrill-seekers can brave a more frightening after-dark experience at The Harvest Calling. Halloween itself brings creepy-crawly encounters, face painting and live entertainment at Plantasia Tropical Zoo. In Swansea City Centre on Saturday 31st October, Spooks in the City will round off the celebrations.
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Wowcher’s spa expert Cheryl Corns shares five ways to enjoy a little luxury for less
A relaxing spa visit doesn't have to involve an overnight stay or a three-figure budget. From choosing a shorter treatment with facilities access to comparing afternoon packages, there are ways to enjoy a little luxury while keeping spending down. Cheryl Corns, Wowcher's spa expert, shares five practical tips to help people find a spa experience that suits their budget. "Start with what you'd most enjoy from your visit," says Cheryl. "A massage, a swim and some time in the sauna might be exactly what you're looking for. You don't necessarily need a long treatment or an overnight stay to make it feel like a treat. "The key is to compare the whole experience—what treatment you get, which facilities you can use and how much time you have there—so you choose something that works for you."
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Keepsakes to Treasure with House of Janneke
Lifestyle brand House of Janneke is expanding its collection of meaningful keepsakes with two new titles: The Book of Special Guests and The Book of Special Recipes, designed to preserve the people, stories and traditions that matter most. Following the success of The Book of Special Days, founder Janneke Simpson has created two beautifully presented books that encourage owners to capture memories by hand, creating personal mementoes to revisit and pass down through generations.
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LUSH stores including in Cardiff host Halloween events
Calling all little (or big) monsters this half term to celebrate Halloween the LUSH way! Stores across the country, including LUSH Spa Cardiff are hosting fang-tastic experiences guaranteed to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. From creepy bath bomb-making workshops to 18+ fancy dress parties, there's something for everyone. For little ghouls and goblins, Halloween-exclusive product making workshops will be hosted in various LUSH stores, so everyone can get hands on making best-selling Monster Scare Bear and Pumpkin Punkin bath bombs. Become your own LUSH compounder, and enjoy an educational experience learning about the brand's fresh ingredients and handmade products.