To call The Ceridwen Centre a campsite is like saying Da Vinci was a bit handy with a paintbrush. For this purpose-built hillside hideaway is as seamless at hosting workshops, retreats, courses, and weddings as it is at hosting your glamping getaway. Nestled within 40 acres of lush (an adjective the locals are fond of) West Wales farmland, Ceridwen lies in the fabled Teifi Valley which straddles Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire. Helmed by helpful host Simone, the site wears its green credentials proudly. There's a range of ingenious environmental features all over the farm including solar water heating, a biomass boiler and solar electricity. Its little wonder they were awarded Sustainable Tourism Gold Award for Carmarthenshire for 2013/14.
Eco accolades aside, there's plenty to tempt you to this spellbinding place. Undulating, verdant hills, gently flowing brooks, enchanting wooded glens – Ceridwen has views, and then some. After that there's the accommodation. Besides the several masterfully converted farm buildings (including a refurbished calving shed and über luxurious central house), glamping guests have a choice of four hand-crafted Welsh yurts. Each sleep up to four so are ideal for a small family. Sitting in sweet seclusion in a wild flower strewn apple orchard, these fully-furnished abodes are the very essence of 'getting away from it all'. For those with more amorous intentions, the Gypsy Cwtch (Welsh for a heartfelt cuddle) is a lovingly restored 19th-century Romany wagon with views to die for. The Cwtch features all the antiquated charms of the traveller heritage – Welsh woollen blankets, china collectables, a brass mantelpiece over the warming range stove. There's been more than a couple of proposals made from this enviable spot – don't be surprised if you find yourself returning a year hence for your own nuptials.
Whether here as part of a group or seeking the solace and seclusion of a couples countryside break, Ceridwen radiates a wholly inclusive, laid-back attitude. You may chose to indulge in a few of the many varied workshops on offer, from yoga to creative writing. If the latter, you'll not grow short of inspiration for some suitably purple prose. As you admire the idyll before you, red kites circling overhead, you might like to consider that Ceridwen was the enchantress of Welsh medieval legend said to possess the cauldron of Poetic Inspiration – how apt a name for a setting whose charms you'll soon succumb to.
Throwing a glamping get-together? Simone is happy to whip up cakes and desserts for your special occasion. Groups can also gorge themselves at the regular summer pizza nights. They are also licensed to sell alcohol and stock lots of lovely local beer and cider, organic wines and sparkling wines, local, organic spirits. Organic veg boxes from the farm itself are also available in season. The John y Gwas (01559 370469) is a cracking, quirky little local just a mile down the hill but well worth the slog back up, especially for ale afficionados. For eating out, The Daffodil (01559 370343) at Penrhiwllan serves stylishly presented dishes, particularly their deliciously decadent desserts. Newcastle Emlyn's Pachamamas (01239 711334) boasts arguably the region's most eclectic menu with everything from Turkish to Thai. The Riverside Cafe (01239 710404) also in Newcastle Emlyn, is a lovely ivy-clad, waterside spot that serves delicious vegetarian lunches.