WAKING to the sound of an intense bashing on the window would usually have me quivering under the covers…or texting for help.
But when you’re staying in a floatel — that’s a floating hotel room — having swans swim up and (not so) gently make their presence known is all part of the fun.
My partner Dan and I were in Milford Waterfront, in Milton Haven, Pembrokeshire.
It’s a stunning area of the Wales coast, known for its history in the fishing and energy industries, but has recently undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment, putting it firmly on the tourist map.
We stayed at the Ty Hotel, which is part of the Celtic Collection chain, and opened in 2022.
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As well as the usual hotel rooms, plus a self-catering apartment, it has four floatel rooms nestled in a secluded corner of the marina.
These rooms have the usual bed, bathroom and tea and coffee facilities.
But you also get a stunning patio deck area with a beautiful view of the marina.
Milford Haven has become a hotspot for shopping, water sports and food thanks to the redevelopment.
And the food at Dulse, the restaurant at Ty Hotel, was out of this world.
The menu is brimming with locally-sourced fare — the traditional Welsh potato dish Tatws Pum Munud with sweet cured bacon comes highly recommended.
Martha’s Vineyard is another great spot for a meal.
The restaurant was the first completed building on the site of the former fish market, and it holds its heritage close with an enticing seafood menu.
And the restaurant’s unusual name has a history too.
In the 18th century, Quaker families from the American towns of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket were invited to settle in Milford Haven and establish whaling fleets.
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Pastel-coloured houses
You can learn all about the fortunes of these first families, and their descendants, at the Milford Haven Museum.
Nearby, the Milford Gallery has a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year and is housed in the building which used to serve the Nantucket whaling ships.
The marina itself has an array of shops for those wanting some retail therapy.
Meanwhile, if keeping active is more up your street, the Milford Beach Activity Centre will be a must-do.
It offers paddle boarding and kayak hire between April and October.
Out of season and a little on the nippy side, a heritage walking trail seemed more up our street.
The Pembrokeshire Coast Path gives once-in-a-lifetime views of the coastline, and there’s a great pub called The Griffin.
Head on a little farther and you’ll get to Tenby, one of Wales’ best-known seaside towns.
As well as its picture-perfect pastel-coloured houses and hotels on the seafront, it’s also renowned for its 13th century town walls and stretches of sandy beaches.
There are loads of pubs and restaurants to stop for a bite to eat or quick drink, and the cobbled streets and narrow alleyways really make you feel you’re somewhere magical.
You can’t get lost either, so I’d recommend just strolling around for the afternoon.
Follow the beach path up the hills and you’ll get lovely views, including of the ruins of Tenby Castle.
With all that on offer within just a few miles, I even forgave the swans for the early morning wake-up call.
