Karinya suite

Nice welcome package of milk, water, wine and very good selection of tea/ coffee and some cereals

Cooking facilities were limited due to the outlay, ok for short stays

Great peaceful location. Very stylish with comfort at the centre. Easy access and communication.

Nothing it was all good.

Luxurious feeling as soon as you set foot inside the property and sink into the deep-pile carpet. All linens, bedding, towels, toiletries were beautiful (and spotless of course). Key-safe access, no hassles co-ordinating time with host, just let ourselves in. Having the key in a key-safe with a code was so useful as we were able to come and go at different times; whoever got back first could just let themselves in. On the large dining table Sam had put out two glasses and a chilled bottle of wine as a welcome ! Communication with Sam was very easy, she was on the end of her phone if we needed her but otherwise we had total privacy, just what is required of a host. The patio at the back of the property is private, not overlooked by the owner, with seating and a bar-b-q available for use. The microwave has various functions, we cooked ourselves a meal using the oven function. Plates and cutlery are all to hand. Milk was supplied in the fridge, ready for use. Lots of varieties of cereal, tea and coffee all on a tray on the dresser which was the 'kitchenette'. The main bedroom and en-suite bathroom was beautiful with soft, fluffy towels. (The water needs to run for quite a while before it becomes hot.) It happened to be a heatwave when we visited but we left the curtains closed when we were out and the Karinya suite was wonderfully cool. Blissful to have a shower morning and evening :-) The village is quiet and peaceful, previous winner of 'best-kept village' competition. The property is also towards the top of a cul-de-sac, so no traffic noise at night enabling a really restful stay. I walked to the 13th century church for Sunday communion service and was made to feel very welcome. DRIVING - this is a really rural area, every route into the village has some single-track road with high hedges and infrequent passing places - be prepared to reverse sometimes when encountering vehicles coming the other way!

The parking is at the front of the owner's house and the entrance to the vacation property is right round the back (50 paces). If you are carrying lots of luggage in or at the end of a busy day it can feel a long way...It's not an issue if you are fit and healthy, and it is flat. The 'kitchenette' is only intended for making drinks, toast and snacks really, no kitchen utensils or food preparation surface, not even a bread-knife. Apparently the Rock and Fountain pub, one mile down the road, does very good meals, or The Woodlands in Llanvair Discoed, the next village (1.3miles). One quirk of the 'kitchenette' area is that there is no sink, all water for drinking or the kettle needs to be fetched from the bathroom. So washing up is also awkward :-( The Karinya suite living area is quite large, opulently furnished, fridge-freezer and microwave were really useful - but no water supply... TIPS: Caldicott has a selection of eateries and a Co-op which is open til late. Magor has a variety of restaurants, cafes, pizza/tapas bar, chip shop. Both are just a short drive away.

The spacious and tidy apartment, variety of tea and coffee, cleanliness

Too small kitchen area