Fronlas

Eco meets luxury at Fronlas, a 3-bedroom Edwardian townhouse B&B situated at the foot of the Brecons

Peering over the idyllic River Tywi to the Brecon Beacon mountains, pretty Llandeilo is one of several 'transition towns' aiming to slash carbon emissions and exploit alternative energy from local sources. So it's a fitting spot for one of Wales' most eco-aware and organically sourced B&Bs, which opened in April 2008 in the heart of the town.

But Fronlas is much more than an eco-escape: it's a boutique B&B par excellence. With only 3 rooms and tireless (but never overbearing) service from Eva and husband Owain, the welcome could not be warmer. In the bedrooms, a gorgeous combo of designer furnishings, groovy bespoke wallpaper, organic mattresses and solar-powered underfloor heating makes you feel at once indulged and guilt-free. The breakfast - from the toasted granola to the award-winning pork sausages - is as delicious as it is local. For city dwellers on a romantic break, hikers and cyclists wanting to blow cobwebs away, foodies and shoppers keen to explore Llandeilo's growing array of delis and non-chain boutiques, we can think of few better – or better value – gems.

Highs

• Unique design, with contemporary Welsh-made furniture and perfectly matched fabrics
• Total peace and tranquility, despite being in town
• Genuine environmental and social credentials include solar panels, eco-electricity, organic cottons, and fabulous locally sourced breakfasts
• Friendly owners who are always on hand to help plan your days
• With dramatic ruined castles, botanical gardens, fishing, footpaths and cycle routes on your doorstep, there's no shortage of stuff to keep you amused

Lows

• With only 3 bedrooms and a fast-growing reputation, you'll need to book early for weekend stays
• The train journey is long - 4.5 hours from London (if all goes well), and 3 hours (with 1 change) from Bristol - but the scenery is stunning once in Wales, and Llandeilo station is literally one minute's walk from the B&B