5th Century Princess Still Beckons Lovers to Wales
Edited by Sarah Wilman
In Wales, romance comes on January 25
each year, as the Celtic land celebrates the life of a fifth century princess,
St. Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. Dwynwen was the prettiest of the
Welsh King Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. She fell deeply in love with a
Welsh prince, Maelon Dafodrill, but her father forbade her to marry him. Maelon
was so outraged by this that he left Dwynwen. She begged God to help her forget
her prince and was visited in her sleep by an angel. The angel gave her a sweet
drink which was supposed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him to ice. When
Dwynwen awoke she prayed again that God would help her, and she was granted
three wishes. She wished that Maelon would be unfrozen, that she would remain
unmarried and that God would answer all requests made by her on behalf of
lovers. All three of these wishes were fulfilled and so Dwynwen devoted her life
to God.
This Celtic tradition is being honoured by some Welsh
hotels and spas which have created seductive packages for lovers, that extend
beyond the 25th January.
A Head For History?
Llangoed Hall is a country house hotel where several
celebrities, world leaders and royals have rested their heads. Among the antique
furnishings is an eight-foot by eight-foot four poster bed in Paulton’s Suite
and Welsh designer Laura Ashley’s original desk can be found in Room 7.
Accommodation usually ranges from £195 - £400 ($380 - $777), but a special rate
of £99 ($192) for two is on now through March 10, 2007 and includes all rooms
and suites. Visit
www.llangoedhall.com
A Head For Heights?
Perched on a headland above Saundersfoot Harbour and
Carmarthen Bay, the St. Brides Hotel offers a cliff top marine spa. Perfect for
romantics and newly-weds the hotel has discounted winter rates. Visit
www.stbridesspahotel.com
Just Want To Have It All?
The Manorhaus in Ruthin, is a boutique hotel, restaurant
and art gallery all in one. For January 25, they are offering a one-night St
Dwynwen break, from £135 ($262) per couple. For those who can’t make it on
January 25th, there are savings all winter long for guests staying two nights.
www.manorhaus.com
TM
In Wales, romance comes on January 25
each year, as the Celtic land celebrates the life of a fifth century princess,
St. Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. Dwynwen was the prettiest of the
Welsh King Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. She fell deeply in love with a
Welsh prince, Maelon Dafodrill, but her father forbade her to marry him. Maelon
was so outraged by this that he left Dwynwen. She begged God to help her forget
her prince and was visited in her sleep by an angel. The angel gave her a sweet
drink which was supposed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him to ice. When
Dwynwen awoke she prayed again that God would help her, and she was granted
three wishes. She wished that Maelon would be unfrozen, that she would remain
unmarried and that God would answer all requests made by her on behalf of
lovers. All three of these wishes were fulfilled and so Dwynwen devoted her life
to God.
This Celtic tradition is being honoured by some Welsh
hotels and spas which have created seductive packages for lovers, that extend
beyond the 25th January.
Perched on a headland above Saundersfoot Harbour and
Carmarthen Bay, the St. Brides Hotel offers a cliff top marine spa. Perfect for
romantics and newly-weds the hotel has discounted winter rates. Visit