Review of Oxwich Bay Hotel

Oxwich Bay Hotel is a secluded beachfront retreat on the south side of the Gower Peninsula, overlooking the sweeping sands and turquoise waters of Oxwich Bay.

Nestled within the Oxwich National Nature Reserve, Wales’s (and indeed, the UK’s) first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the hotel is surrounded by golden dunes, ancient woodlands, and dramatic coastal scenery, making it one of the country’s most picturesque seaside escapes.

 The hotel is just a short car journey from Swansea, with the nearest train station located around 13 miles away, taking approximately 30 minutes by car. For those arriving by air, Cardiff International Airport is the closest, sitting around 55 miles from the hotel, just over an hour’s drive through the scenic southern Welsh countryside.

Guests travelling from further afield will find Oxwich Bay Hotel easily accessible. London is approximately 200 miles away, with a 4.5 to 5-hour drive by car. Alternatively, travellers can take a direct train from London to Swansea in around three hours, followed by a short transfer to the hotel, making it an ideal coastal escape without the need for a long-haul journey.

Oxwich Bay Hotel offers four distinctive styles of accommodation, each thoughtfully designed to highlight the natural beauty of its coastal location while also catering to a range of guest preferences and group sizes.

The Old Rectory sits at the heart of the hotel. This historic wing, dating from the 18th century, houses 40 individually furnished en-suite guestrooms. Rich with period character, think original wooden beams, luxurious whirlpool tubs, and plush bedding, these rooms also treat guests to panoramic views over the bay. Just a short stroll from the main building lies The Ivy Cottage, a romantic, vintage-infused escape with five charming private double bedrooms.

Dog-friendly and perched mere yards from the shoreline, each room captures the essence of seaside intimacy with roll-top baths and sweeping sea views. For a whimsical, adults-only adventure, the Secret Garden Pods are a hidden gem nestled in the trees beside the hotel. There are six individual pods, each designed for two guests and equipped with en-suite facilities, fold-down beds, and a private patio, perfect for stargazing or sunset lounging. 

Finally, Beach Walk Parc provides a relaxed, family-friendly base with modern caravans tucked in a meadow, ideal for groups seeking comfort and convenience. These fully serviced units offer heating, kitchenettes, bathrooms, and space for up to eight guests, making them a practical and enjoyable option for families. Just a couple of surfboards from the beach, water sports enthusiasts flock to these caravans.

The service at Oxwich Bay Hotel is warm, personal, and rooted in genuine Welsh hospitality, attentive without ever feeling formal, ensuring guests feel completely at ease whether checking in, dining, or relaxing by the sea.

Facilities are thoughtfully designed to complement the coastal setting, from cosy lounges and the historic Chestnut Room with its roaring fireplace, to versatile event spaces ideal for weddings, celebrations, and business gatherings. Guests also enjoy direct access to the beach, beautiful gardens within the National Nature Reserve, and a choice of dining experiences, making the hotel as well suited for peaceful escapes as it is for memorable occasions.

The Oxwich Bay Hotel blends historic charm with coastal informality, creating a style that feels both romantic and unpretentious. Originally built as an 18th-century rectory, the hotel retains much of its period character: exposed stone walls, ancient oak beams, and even a 300-year-old tree-trunk fireplace give it a rustic, storybook quality.

At the same time, the interiors balance this heritage with warm, contemporary touches, plush bedding, whirlpool baths, cosy lounges, and fresh, modern design elements in the cottages, pods, and caravans. The result is a look that combines country-house tradition with relaxed seaside living. Its style is deeply tied to its setting: natural, timeless, and rooted in the landscape of the Gower Peninsula. Whether dining by roaring fires in winter or enjoying al fresco meals with sea breezes in summer, the hotel embodies a sense of Welsh hospitality, coastal romance, and understated comfort.

Oxwich Bay Hotel offers a range of food and beverage experiences that celebrate both its coastal setting and the rich produce of Wales. Guests can enjoy everything from hearty cooked breakfasts to refined dining, with menus designed around fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

In the main hotel, the Café Bar & Bistro serves an all-day menu, beginning with generous breakfasts such as the signature Full Oxwich, and moving through to fresh seafood, comforting classics, and seasonal dishes. Small plates like mussels in white wine, crab cakes, and braised beef croquettes pair perfectly with a glass of wine, while mains range from fresh crab salad and Welsh lamb to locally caught fish and hearty pies. Desserts lean into indulgence, with favourites like sticky toffee pudding, cheesecake, and a Welsh cheese board. For a quintessential treat, the hotel’s High Tea by the Sea is a highlight, offering delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and cream, and a selection of pastries, served with free-flowing tea or coffee, with the option to upgrade to Prosecco or Champagne.

The atmospheric Chestnut Room, with its 300-year-old tree-trunk fireplace and exposed stone walls, is a favourite for cosy dining by the fire, especially in the autumn and winter months.

Sunday Lunch is not just a plate of roast meat with the trimmings; it is a large black slate that is covered in delicious meats and vegetables with condiments galore. It’s not a meal, it’s an event! During warmer months, dining spills outdoors with al fresco meals overlooking Oxwich Bay, allowing guests to savour fresh air and sea views with their food. To complement the on-site offerings, a Michelin-starred restaurant lies just a short stroll along the beach, extending the culinary experience beyond the hotel itself.

The hotel’s unique location within the Oxwich National Nature Reserve, Wales’s first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, naturally places it in a position of responsibility as a guardian of one of the country’s most delicate coastal ecosystems. This setting suggests an inherent commitment to careful stewardship of the surrounding landscape, including the preservation of dunes, woodlands, and biodiversity.

From a culinary perspective, the hotel makes use of locally sourced Welsh produce throughout its menus. This not only reduces food miles but also supports regional farmers and suppliers, ensuring a more sustainable approach to dining. Combined with its emphasis on seasonal dishes, the hotel’s food philosophy aligns well with principles of sustainability. Oxwich Bay Hotel also incorporates everyday measures such as recycling, water conservation, and energy-efficient practices into its operations.