A Romantic Escape: Our Night at Plas Dinas Country House

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway with interesting history, charm, and a touch of luxury, Plas Dinas Country House in

Bontnewydd should be at the top of your list. Nestled in stunning grounds with views of Snowdonia, this former home of the Armstrong-Jones family (yes, that’s Lord Snowdon, Princess Margaret’s husband) is a place where history meets elegance.

From the moment we arrived, the sweeping driveway and beautifully kept grounds made us feel like we were stepping into a different world. Check-in was from 3pm, so it’s worth taking time to explore the house’s historic features and soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

At 7.30pm we were invited to the drawing room, where a roaring fire and soft, inviting armchairs awaited. Canapés and pre-dinner drinks set the tone for the evening—a warm, intimate start to our stay.

Dinner was served in The Gun Room, a romantic dining space with an ambiance that’s hard to beat. Table lamps cast a soft glow, fresh flowers added a touch of vibrancy, and a homemade loaf of bread awaited us at the table. The attention to detail was incredible.

The menu offered a choice of four starters, each beautifully crafted, followed by a refreshing sorbet. For mains, there were another four options to choose from, ranging from locally sourced meats to delicate fish dishes. Dessert was just as delightful, with four indulgent choices that left us spoiled. After dinner, we returned to the drawing room for coffee and petit fours, basking in the cozy atmosphere by the fire.

We stayed in the Caroline Superior Deluxe Room, which was nothing short of exquisite. The four-poster bed was grand yet inviting, and the roll-top bath beneath a chandelier was the definition of luxury. Small touches like handmade biscuits and a sherry decanter in the room made the experience feel even more special.

The staff at Plas Dinas were nothing short of exceptional. From the warm welcome to their attentiveness throughout our stay, they went above and beyond to make us feel special. Friendly, knowledgeable, and always on hand without ever being intrusive, they truly elevated our experience. It’s rare to find customer service of this caliber—second to none and a perfect complement to such a remarkable setting.

It was the most romantic night my husband and I have enjoyed in a long time. The intimate setting, impeccable service, and historic charm made it feel like a getaway fit for royalty. Plas Dinas has easily become our favourite escape, and we can’t wait to return.

If you’re craving a romantic retreat, look no further—Plas Dinas is the place where love and luxury meet in one.

Taking Control of My Health with Biokissed Urine Strips

In 2024, I made a commitment to optimise my health and well-being—and a key part of that journey has been using Biokissed Urine Strips.

As someone already invested in the vitamin and wellness industry, I realised that while I was taking supplements, I had never tested my levels. And as the saying goes, if you’re not testing, you’re guessing!

Through my research, I also became more aware that diseases and illnesses often start developing years before noticeable symptoms arise. Taking control of your health requires proactive tools, and these urine strips have been a true game-changer in helping me better understand my body. I want to share how these at-home testing strips have transformed my wellness routine and why they might just do the same for you.

Why Choose Biokissed?

Biokissed provides a simple yet highly effective way to monitor your health from the comfort of your home. Their urine strips allow you to measure 10 essential health parameters with a single sample, giving you real insights into areas like hydration, nutrient levels, and oxidative stress.

While I am proud to be one of 27 UK distributors for Biokissed, my motivation to share these strips isn’t just about sales—it’s about the incredible value they bring to health monitoring. I first heard about Biokissed through a friend. The company’s roots are in Bali, and repeat international orders were costly, so becoming a stockist made sense to make them more accessible for myself and others in the UK.

How Do the Strips Work?

The Biokissed urine strips measure the following 10 parameters:

• Vitamin C

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Zinc

• Water (hydration levels)

• pH levels

• Protein

• Ketones

• Sodium

• Oxidative Stress

The strips are paired with the Biokissed app, which is free to download on the App Store or Google Play, these strips analyse your results and provide you with a personalised health score. The app also offers tailored nutritional and lifestyle advice to help you make informed decisions about your wellness.

CAUTION: It’s important to note that while Biokissed strips are a fantastic tool for monitoring your health, they are not designed to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Instead, they empower you to better understand your body and make proactive adjustments to your lifestyle.

How to Get Your Strips

You can purchase Biokissed urine strips directly through me for just £12 plus postage.

If you’re a Health & Wellness practitioner/ Nutritionist/ Personal trainer/ Physiotherapist/ Holistic practitioner who wants to offer clients a simple tool to monitor their health or you want to stock up for family and friends, buying in bulk is a cost-effective option.

• Purchase via my link here: Buy Biokissed Strips

• Purchase bulk here: Become a distributor

• For more information on how the strips work, check out the Biokissed Wellness App and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

It’s recommended on average to test every three weeks to track your progress and see how changes to your diet or lifestyle are impacting your overall health.

About My Online Shop

You can find me on Instagram at @biokissed.distributoruk, where I share updates, tips, and more information about Biokissed. If you’re interested in becoming a distributor like me, I can also connect you with the team to learn more about this revolutionary business.

Taking control of your health is a journey, but having the right tools—like Biokissed Urine Strips—can make all the difference. If this resonates with you, feel free to reach out anytime.

Love,

Shoned xx

A Last-Minute Escape to Bodysgallen Hall and Spa: Rediscovering a Special Retreat

Sometimes, life calls for a spontaneous escape, and that’s exactly what we decided to do this week when we booked a last-minute stay at Bodysgallen Hall and Spa. Nestled in the heart of North Wales, this 17th-century country house hotel offers the perfect blend of history, elegance, and tranquility. Surrounded by over 200 acres of parkland, it’s rooted in history. Over the years, Bodysgallen has become synonymous with luxury, a haven for those looking to recharge amidst a sense of stepping back in time.

It’s a place that holds fond memories for us. Years ago, Bodysgallen was our go-to retreat—a chance to unwind and connect. After the whirlwind of welcoming twin girls into our lives, it became our special getaway. But as life got busier, we fell out of the habit. This week, however, felt like the perfect opportunity to bring it back.

Afternoon Spa Bliss

We checked in at 3pm, greeted warmly at reception, and wasted no time heading to the spa facilities. The spa, tucked away in a restored stone outbuilding, is everything you’d hope for in a countryside escape. We spent the afternoon unwinding in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and whirlpool spa bath, letting the cares of everyday life melt away. For those who fancy a workout, there’s a well-equipped gym, but relaxation was our priority.

A Chocolate Box Cottage: The Bailiff’s House

Post-spa, we retreated to our accommodation for the evening, The Bailiff’s House, a charming little cottage that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a storybook. The concierge mentioned that this particular cottage is a favorite among American visitors, and it’s easy to see why. With its stepping-stone path leading to the front door, a private garden overlooking the perfectly manicured topiary gardens, and interiors that blend rustic charm with comfort, it’s the kind of place that invites you to stay a while. The peaceful setting, just a short stroll from the main house, gave us the perfect blend of privacy and convenience.

Dinner at Bodysgallen

That evening, we got dressed up for dinner, a real treat when most nights at home are spent in loungewear! Pre-dinner drinks were served in the library, where we sat by a roaring fire, sipping wine and nibbling on canapés.

Candlelit dinner was held in the Dining Room, a fine dining experience that showcases the best of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. We shared a bottle of Malbec, savoring every moment of our three-course meal. The menu was beautifully curated, with each dish more delicious than the last. Afterwards, we retired to the lodge sitting room for a night cap, and enjoyed the cozy, relaxed ambiance before heading back to our cottage.

A Morning to Remember

Breakfast the next morning was included in our stay, and it didn’t disappoint. One of the perks of booking directly with Bodysgallen is knowing you’ll get that extra level of care. From the full Welsh breakfast to lighter options, it was the perfect way to start the day.

As we reluctantly packed up to leave, we couldn’t help but reflect on how much Bodysgallen still means to us. It’s a place that feels like home, steeped in tradition yet offering every modern luxury you could need. This visit reminded us why it was our favourite getaway years ago, and we’ve promised ourselves to return again.

We’re National Trust members, and from time to time, they share exclusive special offers in their magazine, which are always worth looking out for.

For anyone craving a romantic escape or a luxurious retreat to recharge, Bodysgallen Hall and Spa is a true gem in North Wales.

Sometimes, the best plans are the ones you make at the last minute—and this one didn’t disappoint.