Wales has seen an explosion in chic, designer-led places to stay in the last few years, after the opening of the St David's Hotel & Spa blazed a trail for cool Cymru in 2001. Here's the best to have opened since then.

1 The Quay Hotel & Spa, Deganwy, Conwy

Just one year old, this modern and very contemporary hotel manages to blend high-standard facilities for business travellers with services to appeal to families. Most of all, it’s known for the fantastic views across to a floodlit Conwy Castle while eating dinner in the slick Vue Restaurant. The spa and fitness centre are welcome additions, and a few nice homely touches, such as free water replenished daily in suites, serve to complete the overall package.

Doubles from £195 room only with an estuary view

Tyddyn Llan, Llandrillo, Denbighshire

A glorious Georgian country pile in the luscious Vale of Edeyrnion, North Wales

BACKGROUND

• St Bride’s Spa Hotel, Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire

• The Quay, Deganwy, Conwy

• West Usk Lighthouse, Newport, Gwent

• Manorhaus, Ruthin, Denbighshire

The New White Lion, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire

Matt Rudd investigates a designer hotel tucked away in the Welsh hills

BACKGROUND

• Walk the Anglo-Welsh border

• Go wild in the Welsh country

• Are you to the majestic Welsh manor born?

• Pembrokeshire rock and roll

2 Canaston Oaks, Narberth, Pembrokeshire

Opened Easter 2007, Canaston Oaks is a luxurious B&B base for exploring one of the most charming regions of Wales. The four-room, all en-suite, property has been converted from farm buildings and now blends contemporary fittings with a warm, homely welcome, all set amid the family’s 200 acres of working farm. It feels close to nature with immaculately manicured grounds and an abundance of local wildlife. But best of all is the breakfast: a traditional Welsh dresser groans under the weight of homemade muesli and fresh fruit each morning.

Doubles from £95 per room on a B&B basis

3 Ffynnon, Dolgellau, Gwynedd

Families often get short shrift at B&Bs, but this brand new, three-room designer guesthouse in North Wales is about as family friendly as you will find. That’s not to say it’s all soft toys and bottle warmers – far from it. With a keen eye for contemporary interior design and a super-friendly welcome, it feels both homely and stylish at the same time. Nor are guests imprisoned in their room. The drawing room, in particular, is a sun-soaked space to relax over coffee and weekend papers.

Doubles from £120 per room on a B&B basis

4 Ynyshir Hall, Machynlleth, Powys

Winner of the Gold Star – Hotel award at this October’s National Tourism Awards for Wales, the von Essen hotel group recently acquired the hotel, but left husband and wife management team, Joan and Rob Reen, to run the property. Artist Rob designed each of the nine rooms to reflect the character of the artist after which they are named, while the restaurant, with Joan as maître d’, has built a strong reputation for excellent-quality dining.

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