TYF Eco Hotel Review

Posted: 06 May 2008 by Laura Burgess

Whether or not you stay at the TYF Eco Hotel in St David's for the view, the food or the outdoor adventure, chances are you'll get talked into doing something extreme while you're there. For us it was the coasteering session which had us well and truly out of our comfort zone.

It was a chilly December day and the thought of jumping off a cliff into swells of agitated sea below wasn't at all appealing. But not one to say no, we decided to try it out. The hotel has a stock of wetsuits and gear, and a small army of trained staff to take guests out to the coast.

Our first task was to jump into what's known by locals as the 'toilet'. The sea rapidly fills up this semi-enclosed cliff face only to empty out as quickly as it arrived. We wondered whose idea it was not only to jump into the 'toilet' but also to lay face-up on the surface while being heaved up and down by the tide.

But despite leaving our tummy somewhere metres above us each time the waves drew out, it was quite good fun once we got in -- a seal even popped its head above the water for us, as if to say, "See? It's fun!" One thing's for sure, you certainly understand the power of the sea when you're being thrown about by the waves. Luckily, the thought of a freshly brewed cup of organic tea was enough to keep us in the game.

The hotel is housed in a converted windmill and there are some fantastic views of St David's Peninsula at the top. The restaurant offers locally sourced food including Caerfai cheeses from the next door neighbour's farm and delicious breakfasts to give you energy for your adventures. TYF Eco Hotel is certified organic through the Welsh Organic Scheme.

Rooms are basic but warm and clean -- perfect for drying off after a day at sea. There's no TV; just a wind-up radio to keep you busy. In the bathroom you'll find Ecover toiletries and soft white towels. Guests who arrive without a car can sample a free organic drink from the hotel's honesty bar -- we picked an intriguing hemp beer with a comical scratch 'n sniff label. The staff wear organic cotton t-shirts and are a friendly bunch of people. St David's is working towards becoming the world's first carbon neutral city -- a project that's led one by of the founders of TYF.

Altogether TYF is an experience in itself. It's the perfect setting to lap up the views of the Pembrokeshire coast, or even better, to immerse yourself in the view, literally, by jumping off the cliffs or paddling out in a kayak. You could even say that it's 'extreme green'.