The landscapes of Carmarthenshire in West Wales lend themselves to a diverse range of experiences for business event. This stunning region has an abundance of great venues for events, conferences and smaller executive meetings, offering a wide range of activities for team building and incentives. This suggested itinerary suits those looking to explore Wales’ iconic and distinctive heritage landmarks as well as the stunning scenery that Carmarthenshire has to offer. A place to reinvigorate and develop team motivation in beautiful, wide open spaces.
Day one: The Dylan Coastal Resort
Arrive and check in to the newly redeveloped Dylan Coastal Resort in Laugharne (Lacharn), with captivating views of the Gower Peninsula and Taf estuary. The luxurious four lodges in the resort have been designed to a high specification but with comfort and wellbeing in mind for relaxation and perfect for small groups. The resort has state of the art spa and gym facilities, a large restaurant and bar with views across the water as well as a blue flag beach nearby. It offers the perfect backdrop for product launches and receptions.
Laugharne is the place that inspired Wales’ greatest poet, Dylan Thomas, and it’s easy to see why. In the heart of the town is Laugharne Castle, overlooking the beautiful Taf Estuary, with breathtaking views all the way to the Gower coast - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is believed to have inspired Thomas’ most famous work - Under Milk Wood and it’s cast was based on the people of Laugharne. Take a walk up to the immaculately preserved Dylan Thomas Boathouse to see Thomas’ original desk where he sat to pen his greatest works. Then, continue walking along the estuary to his grave in St Martin’s church, where he was buried next to his wife, Caitlin, before stopping for lunch at his local pub Brown's Hotel and sample some mouthwatering Welsh cuisine.
Spend the afternoon browsing the local area with some free time or just 30 minutes by road to Kidwelly, visit Pembrey Country Park and forest. Bike hire is available for groups here and there is over 500 acres of woodland to explore on foot or wheels. For longer journeys, join the Millennium Coastal Path trail and take in the breathtaking views of the coastline.
After a day full of history and wildlife, relax with an evening meal at Y Polyn restaurant. A very informal restaurant tucked away in the Towy Valley between the county town of Carmarthen (Caerfyrddin) and chic Llandeilo. Another chance to taste local produce - private dining area available.
Day two: The wonder of Wales
The National Botanic Garden of Wales is a botanical garden near Carmarthen. It is a perfect place to relax and explore the botanical research and conservation on offer here. With eight meeting spaces for hire for all types of events from private tours, product launches and receptions to small meetings and large conferences up to 1,000 delegates, it also features the world's largest single-span glasshouse. The venue also offers day courses on a range of research and conservation of biodiversity topics and also hands on experiences with birds of prey.
Lunch is available at the organic restaurant with locally served produce, or for exclusive groups, private dining can be arranged in one of the meeting spaces, there's also a shop and gallery to visit to make the most of any free time.
Dinner options are either at The Warren, an award winning café, restaurant and bar in the heart of Carmarthen serving simple, wholesome food focussing on local, seasonal and organic produce or back at the Dylan Coastal Resort
Day three: The history of Wales
A morning exploring some Welsh food and drink gems in the region with a visit to ‘the cool capital of Carmarthenshire’ Llandeilo located on the River Tywi. Llandeilo’s main feature is St Teilo’s church. Spend some time wandering around the delightful boutiques, café bars and restaurants. It’s also a great opportunity to visit Dinefwr Estate and Dinefwr Castle which offers a window into the Wales of the 13th century.
Carreg Cennen Castle is in Llandeilo and is situated above the River Cennen, this iconic ruin offers a natural cave and vaulted passage cut into the cliff-face. Spend some time wandering around this fascinating place discovering more about the people who once resided and worked here.
The afternoon will be spent tasting artisan Welsh produce with some gin, beer and cheese. Travel to the glorious countryside village of Llandarrog in Carmarthernshire and home to Coles, distillers of fine Welsh spirits and the first rum distillery in Wales. A private tour provides an opportunity to experience the whole process from grain to glass, of this Welsh family run business, who are also brewers of Welsh ales and ciders. Spend some time browsing the gift shop which has a range of products to take home and sample.
Lunch will be at the White Hart Inn. This 600 year old thatched pub and restaurant makes up the final part of the Coles business experience. With traditional log fires, oak beamed ceilings it’s a place to relax and enjoy a hearty lunch. From here travel 20 minutes to take an exclusive tour at Caws Cenarth, this family run business producing artisan cheese since 1986 and is amongst the most respected in the UK. These are the makers of the Perl Las, winners of the Supreme Champion accolade at the British Cheese Awards 2010.
Dinner can be one of two options for those looking to relax and unwind then spend the evening dining at Dylan's Coastal Resort or at Brown's Hotel with an exclusive table or for those wishing to explore further afield then travel just a short distance to Llansteffan to the exquisite Mansion House. This 5 star restaurant with rooms property with views overlooking Carmarthen Bay has a two AA Rosette restaurant offering both à la carte and market style menu .