Business

Visit Wales launches new ‘girl gang’ breaks amid surge in social media interest

Published

9 months ago

March 7, 2025

THE TRAITORS star Elen Wyn invites faux Welsh Charlotte on a tour to experience the ‘hwyl’ of Wales

With ‘girl gang’ trips on the rise, Visit Wales has unveiled four new female-focused travel itineraries, catering to wellbeing, adventure, and multi-generational bonding.

Female group travel is a growing trend for 2025, with Visit Wales data revealing that the hashtag #GirlTrip has amassed over seven million views on TikTok in the last 120 days. Pinterest searches for “Girls Trip” have risen by 20% year-on-year, while social media mentions of the term have surged by 38%. The trend has also inspired millions of ‘when the girls trip leaves the group chat’ memes.

The four new itineraries, available on the Visit Wales website, feature an array of experiences, from soaking in seaweed baths and steaming in beachfront barrel saunas in North Wales to sampling freshly foraged seafood in Pembrokeshire. Visitors can also dance at a silent disco in Cardiff’s National Museum or enjoy a literary escape with a book club retreat in Hay-on-Wye. The itineraries form part of Visit Wales’ broader campaign inviting travellers to ‘feel the hwyl’ – a deep sense of joy that comes from being fully immersed in the moment.

Elen Wyn’s dream itinerary

BBC’s The Traitors star Elen Wyn, a 24-year-old translator and opera singer from North Wales, believes the country is an ideal setting for a girls’ trip. She has extended an invitation to Charlotte Chilton, the show’s infamous ‘villain,’ who adopted a Welsh accent in the series to soften her cutthroat tactics.

“Charlotte told me she’s more familiar with South Wales, so I’d take her up north,” said Elen. “Llanddwyn Beach is beautiful, and Mynydd Parys is strange but unique. Charlotte could do with chilling out, so we’d head to the beach and the mountains.

“I’m still in touch with Livi, Minah, and Leanne, and I’d love them to see the real Wales too. I’d take them to Barry Island—there were loads of Gavin and Stacey fans in the castle, so they’d love it. Charlotte tried to avoid me in the castle because she thought I’d pick up on her accent. I think we’ve got some catching up to do!”

Since moving to Cardiff for university three years ago, Elen has noticed that her friends from North Wales now make more of an effort to reunite.

“I’m definitely the organiser,” she said. “Wales is perfect for a girls’ trip, whether it’s a mindful walk around Roath Park Lake or a big night out on St Mary Street in Cardiff. My younger sister Beca and I love trying different restaurants here. I enjoy the balance of being mindful and doing something exhilarating, like swimming at Church Bay in Cemlyn or climbing Pen y Fan.

“I take mindfulness seriously—for mental and physical health. It makes you feel so good. I love relaxing on the balcony at Voco St David’s Spa in Cardiff Bay. Next month, Beca and I are booked into the spa at Dylan Coastal Resort in Laugharne after a friend recommended it.”

As a competitor in Eisteddfods since childhood, Elen is familiar with most parts of Wales. “I have so many great Eisteddfod memories, from caravanning with my family to winning my solo last year.”

Retreats and endurance challenges on the rise

One uniquely Welsh venue embracing the female group travel trend is The Dreaming, a wellness retreat in the Elan Valley, founded by Welsh singer-songwriter Charlotte Church. Originally a 15th-century monastery and later owned by design icon Laura Ashley, the site now hosts day retreats and overnight stays aimed at reconnection and relaxation. Surrounded by waterfalls, ancient forests, and an International Dark Sky Reserve, The Dreaming offers tailored retreats, including a Mother-Daughter Retreat, a Queer Retreat, and a Muslim Women’s Retreat.

Women-focused events in Wales are also gaining traction. The world’s largest female-only ultramarathon, She Ultra, will take place in the Llyn Peninsula this April, attracting a record 1,800 participants from around the world.

Organiser Huw Williams said many attendees travel in groups, seeing the event as more than just a race.

“The majority of participants are walkers and hikers, with around 20% being runners,” he said. “Women are coming from across the UK, Italy, Portugal, Poland, France, Greece, and America. It’s going to be an incredible weekend for both the women and the local community.”

The four new itineraries can be explored on the Visit Wales website.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

7 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

18 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.