Tucked away in Deganwy Marina, The Quay Hotel & Spa is one of North Wales’ best-kept secrets. With sweeping views across the Conwy Estuary and the majestic UNESCO-listed Conwy Castle rising in the distance, it’s the kind of place where the simple act of waking up feels like a luxury in itself.
Deganwy, perfectly poised between elegant Victorian Llandudno and the medieval charm of Conwy, blends old and new effortlessly. I first stayed at The Quay years ago while filming in the area but a quick check-in after a long day and an early departure for location work meant I barely had a chance to appreciate my surroundings. This visit couldn’t have been more different.
From the moment we turned off the A55 and wound our way past the marina’s yachts and powerboats, the hotel felt like a welcome embrace. Inside, the lobby strikes a balance of contemporary glamour and subtle Art Deco influence, and the warm Welsh welcome from the front-desk team set the tone for the exceptional service throughout our stay.
The Spa: A Sanctuary by the Sea
We began our visit at the newly upgraded Spa, slipping into soft AX robes before settling into a serene relaxation room. My therapist, Maddy, talked me through my treatment and introduced me to Oskia, the award-winning luxury skincare brand proudly made in Wales. I chose the Rose de Mai oil for a soothing body massage, and after 50 blissful minutes cocooned in warm towels, I emerged renewed. A reminder of how vital a little “me time” can be.
The Spa’s expanded facilities include a restorative Himalayan Salt Room, alongside the traditional sauna, steam room, and an inviting pool. It was the perfect prelude to an afternoon of unwinding.
Rooms With a View
Our Executive Deluxe room was beautifully finished, contemporary, cosy, and thoughtfully equipped. The coffee machine (with excellent shortbread biscuits) was a personal highlight, but the star of the show was the private balcony. Overlooking the River Conwy, it offered spectacular views that transformed into something magical at night as the lights of historic Conwy twinkled across the water.
Dinner at Ebb and Flow
That evening we began with an aperitif at the gleaming bar before being seated in a quiet corner of the Ebb and Flow Restaurant, where Antonio and Ana looked after us with warmth and charm.
The menu is proudly local and shaped by the region’s coastal heritage. Our starters, Slow Cooked Crispy Belly Pork with homemade Spanish Black Pudding, and a vibrant Beetroot Ceviche Salad, set the tone beautifully. For mains, I chose the comforting Smoked Haddock, Seafood and Shellfish Chowder, while my husband’s Spiced John Dory with Saffron and Cardamon Fondant was fragrant and full of finesse. Affogato and Sticky Toffee Pudding rounded off a memorable meal.
Sunrise, Welsh Produce & Reluctant Goodbyes
Morning brought a spectacular autumn sunrise viewed from our balcony, the kind you can’t help but pause for. Breakfast featured an impressive array of Welsh produce, including Llaeth y Llan yogurt and Shirgar butter, and although the cooked breakfast was tempting, fresh fruit and toast won us over. With coffee in hand, we took one last lingering look at the coastline, reluctant, as always, to leave.
The Perfect North Wales Base
Whether you’re exploring the independent shops and castle of Conwy, heading into Eryri (Snowdonia) for mountain walks, or simply craving a restorative retreat by the water, The Quay Hotel & Spa is an ideal base for North Wales adventures.
This time, we had diary commitments calling and it was time to make a move but our 24-hour escape left us feeling refreshed, recharged, and already planning our return.
