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5th Century Princess Still Beckons Lovers to WalesEdited by Sarah Wilman In Wales, romance comes on January 25 each year, as the Celtic land celebrates the life of a fifth century princess, St. Dwynwen, the Welsh Patron Saint of Lovers. Dwynwen was the prettiest of the Welsh King Brychan Brycheiniog’s 24 daughters. She fell deeply in love with a Welsh prince, Maelon Dafodrill, but her father forbade her to marry him. Maelon was so outraged by this that he left Dwynwen. She begged God to help her forget her prince and was visited in her sleep by an angel. The angel gave her a sweet drink which was supposed to erase all memory of Maelon and turn him to ice. When Dwynwen awoke she prayed again that God would help her, and she was granted three wishes. She wished that Maelon would be unfrozen, that she would remain unmarried and that God would answer all requests made by her on behalf of lovers. All three of these wishes were fulfilled and so Dwynwen devoted her life to God.
 This Celtic tradition is being honoured by some Welsh hotels and spas which have created seductive packages for lovers, that extend beyond the 25th January.
A Head For History? Llangoed Hall is a country house hotel where several celebrities, world leaders and royals have rested their heads. Among the antique furnishings is an eight-foot by eight-foot four poster bed in Paulton’s Suite and Welsh designer Laura Ashley’s original desk can be found in Room 7. Accommodation usually ranges from £195 - £400 ($380 - $777), but a special rate of £99 ($192) for two is on now through March 10, 2007 and includes all rooms and suites. Visit www.llangoedhall.com A Head For Heights?  Perched on a headland above Saundersfoot Harbour and Carmarthen Bay, the St. Brides Hotel offers a cliff top marine spa. Perfect for romantics and newly-weds the hotel has discounted winter rates. Visit www.stbridesspahotel.com
Just Want To Have It All? The Manorhaus in Ruthin, is a boutique hotel, restaurant and art gallery all in one. For January 25, they are offering a one-night St Dwynwen break, from £135 ($262) per couple. For those who can’t make it on January 25th, there are savings all winter long for guests staying two nights. www.manorhaus.com For details visit www.visitwales.com. Get into Romanticism and visit the inspiration for one of Wordworth’s best known poems- Tintern Abbey:
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