Ascending up the long country drive on approach to The Wilds made me feel like a little boy again; weaving around corners, through a little wood and past extremely friendly sheep, meant the whole process of arriving was an adventure in itself.
Often I find self-catering accommodation to be formal and minimalist however, The Wilds provides a couple or family (of up to four) everything you could possible need or desire. We were taken aback by the attention to detail from the owners, making sure that every stay here is as pleasant as ours was. The decor is rustic yet warming, clearly designed with an original farm house style in mind, with a few luxurious modern features such as the private hot tub, several top of the range radiators, a SONOS sound system and delightful furniture.
The space has been utilised perfectly; merging the kitchen into the living room meant that we never felt detached from one another, making our stay even more special. Having the luxury of our own outdoor hot tub, with a view we thought could only exist in Hollywood, made us both feel like we were film stars!
The positioning of The Wilds was superb. The quaint village of Crickenhowell is only a five minute drive away and meant that all amenities were easily accessible. On our first day we visited Talybont-on-Usk which was less than half an hour’s drive through the idyllic Welsh countryside. Our walk was magical. I’ve travelled the world extensively over the last three years with the band and honestly, the sights on our walk superseded many of my foreign hikes.
We could have been in New Zealand one moment, then Mongolia the next! It felt as though we’d stumbled onto the set of the next Lord of The Rings! Our penultimate day was spent in Water Fall Country (we completed the Four Waterfalls Walk in Aberdare) which was just over 40 minutes away. Once more we were amazed by the picturesque surroundings.
Overall, The Wilds provided us with the perfect break of relaxation and contemplation. The owners are clearly thoughtful people who have gone the extra mile to consider guest requirements. We couldn’t fault the accommodation, it truly felt like a home away from home. I think that’s why The Wilds is so special- it’s not just a hotel room or soulless chalet… it’s a welcoming home that’s undoubtedly loved by the owners and guests alike.
James McVey - lead guitar and vocals, The Vamps
