CARDIFF
DESTINATION WALES: ALL ABOARD!

By Laetitia Missir de Lusignan

The capital of Wales has shed its skin! The docks: refurbished - historic buildings: restored - art centres and galleries: budding and looking to the future. A “shock and awe” transformation making the city a must see for curious souls in search of new sensations.

A GLIMPSE AT CARDIFF'S MEDIEVAL HISTORY
Located only few hours from London by car (243 km) and more less the same time from our Belgian capital by plane, Cardiff has a rich history that has charmed many - especially those who are passionate about tales of romance and mystery on a backdrop of rural landscapes lulled by Celtic melodies on moonlit nights. It is even said that the South of Wales has highest concentration of castles per square kilometre. Can you imagine? That's already one good reason to make for the city which has recently been moved into the frontline thanks to multiple new installations which have been inaugurated and set underway with enthusiasm, energy and passion.

Let's take a look at Welsh history: as we all know, Wales is associated with the most devastating industrialisation in Europe but it is also the site of many Roman vestiges dating from 600 BC of which some are quite well preserved (see the Caerleon amphitheatre); of the VIII century wall erected by Offa, monarch of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercie, to separate the two kingdoms (today Offa's dyke is considered one of the most beautiful walks in the country); and of the arrival of the well known Vikings (between the IX and the X century) which led to the reunification of the Gaul kingdoms.

Why not start a visit to the region with a tour of its historic relics, starting with Cardiff Castle (www.cardiffcastle.com) located right in the centre of town? The story goes that it belonged to the Scottish family named Bute who stayed there every time they left their beloved Scotland. Winter and summer parlours rooms, a private chapel, a nursery, beautiful libraries - it's not difficult to close your eyes and imagine elegant ladies wandering around garbed in their pale robes and surrounded by humble servants. Today, superb medieval banquets are organised in the castle's cellars (120 people maximum)! And there is also Chepstow castle, the very first castle built in the area. A little further a field one finds Raglan castle, a fortified manor constructed in a French style. Finally, in the West, are Newcastle, Coity and Ogmore castle, located on the banks of a river in a more than enchanting setting, and in the North, Caerphilly castle stands proudly in the middle of a picturesque lake.

COSMOPOLITAN AND CONTEMPORARY CITY
Oh yes... Cardiff is also bringing itself inline with the 21st century, rivalling certain cities, proud of their buildings conceived by recognised and talented architects. The Wales Millennium Centre (www.wmc.org.uk) which opened its doors on the bay only two years ago is home to the Welsh National Opera. All year round plays, dance shows, concerts by the greats are on the programme and artists from around the world come, just like the famous Sydney Opera House. One feels like one is somewhere else. The place breathes in the world with its uncluttered lines, its curves playing with the light when the Sun shows its head. The facility offers various rooms with cutting edge acoustics, modern bars, reading rooms, libraries and well stocked book shops. Everything is available, of course, for the proper organising of business events, from renting fully equipped rooms to preparing lunches or dinners in a modern fusion vein or a more traditional one (tel: 02920 63 4649).

It is also possible to organise cultural visits of the site with artistic, musical or architectural themes. Just a short walk away, Victorian redbrick buildings have been restored making a good starting point for a bit of shopping amongst art galleries and other places that have undergone metamorphosis, including a wooden chapel converted into a contemporary art centre. Next door, the seat of the Welsh National Assembly, constructed of glass and undulating oak and designed by Sir Richard Rogers (of Pompidou centre fame), has just been inaugurated by the Queen.

On Cardiff bay, and with the same tendencies towards the outrageous as refined designer labels, the St. David's Hotel & Spa (www.roccofortehotels.com) is a stop not to be missed (elected best urban spa worldwide in 2005!). Erected above the surf in the style of a futuristic lighthouse, the view is magnificent and the stay invigorating thanks to the hotel's famous spa offering treatments based around the use of sea water. The building, shaped like seagull ready to take off, welcomes visitors in a marine atmosphere. Blue décor and flowing curves in the style of the spectacular entrance hall and the uncluttered restaurant. The rooms have the feel of transatlantic cabins, opening onto balconies of teak, just like the bridges of so many ships over the waves. An immense swimming pool, hydro massage pools, fan showers and relaxing fountains promise extreme thalassic therapy as well as other massages from around the world (ayurvedic, hot stones, etc.) - a unique moment for events off the beaten track.

AROUND CARDIFF
Nothing is more appetising than to lose oneself in the Welsh countryside in order to discover the diversity of green landscapes; the opportunity to escape for a day to taste the calm and tranquillity of these areas should not be missed. To walk along the jagged cliff edges in the middle of rural Glamorgan, to stroll through charming villages perched on hill or another... for the South of Wales is also known as the “region of valleys”, such is the progression of intensely picturesque hillocks and horizons. This might be the occasion for you to organise a golf tournament amongst colleagues on one of the reputable courses in the area (www.greensofsouthernwales.com) such as Rolls of Monmouth or Cradoc which overlooks the fantastic “Brecon Beacons”. For those who prefer a peaceful stroll to a hike (www.wisdomwalks.co.uk), no worries. From Newport to Porthcawl, a multitude of activities are on offer: sailing, waterskiing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing at Penarth, a boat trip to the nature reserve on the island of Flat Holm. No one will be left disappointed... but remember: beginning of spring is the ideal time for a nature themed trip (more info on www.southernwales.com).

If you want to organise a business cocktail party or a dinner under the stars illuminated only by thousands of candles and in a spectacular setting, the Fonmon Castle, owned by Sir Brooke Boothby, is the place to go! (Rhoose, NR. Barry-Vale of Glamorgan, Tel: 01446 710 206, Fax: 01446 711687, email: fonmon_castle@msn.com). Ideal for setting up conferences, more intimate congresses or seminars (up to 80 pax) in an elegant setting (period furniture, ancient porcelain, very well kept gardens full of flowers and various plants). Meals are prepared thanks to the riches of the local produce and flavoured with the fresh herbs from the garden. There is no accommodation onsite, but charming cottages are available nearby. The adorable owners will take care of setting up other activities (www.adventure.visitwales.com) if necessary: horseback rides on the estate, croquet, etc... . you have only to ask!

WHAT ABOUT WELSH CUISINE?
Although it doesn't hold the greatest reputation, certain dishes deserve to be tasted for their uniqueness. Remember the leek, as national symbol it forms the basis of a plethora of dishes: laverbread, a mix of seaweed, oatmeal and bacon served on toast; rarebit, cheese on toast covered in mustard and beer; Glamorgan sausages, the well known, meat free, tasty dish cooked up using cheese, breadcrumbs, herbs and leeks. That should give you an idea! For the insatiable gastronomes among us the shank of Welsh lamb mash and vegetable ragout is guaranteed to delight, and the lemon tart with Monmouthshire lemon sorbet will melt on your tongue. Bon appétit and enjoy your visit!

Useful Info

How to get there
Eastern Airways who have been serving the direct Brussels-Cardiff route for a few months now.

A wealth of information
Welsh history, customs, festivals, culture and much more at,
www.visitwales.com , www.visitcardiff.com and www.southernwales.com.

All you need to know for incentive travel
Visit www.incentives.visitwales.com and www.cardiffconferencebureau.co.uk, send an email to info@cardiffconferencebureau.co.uk or call 029 2034 7800.

Weather
Wales is home to large amounts of precipitation all year round with occasionally strong winds - adding to the area's shadowy and mysterious atmosphere. Fortunately, due to the proximity of the mountains and the coast, weather conditions change rapidly from one place to another. In Cardiff temperatures rise no higher than 20°C in summer but on the flip side, it hardy ever freezes in winter.

Food
The Brazz restaurant at the Wales Millennium Centre: www.wmc.org.uk, Tel: +44 2920459000.

A little out of the way but known for its delicious cuisine is Le Gallois - Y Cymro. 6-10 Romilly Cresent Canton, Cardiff. www.legallois-ycymro.com.

Accommodation
The Hilton is right in the centre of the city - practical and comfortable but with no particular style. On the top floor the spa offers different types of pool, hammam and Jacuzzi (www.hilton.co.uk/cardiff).

Opened not long ago in the centre of Cardiff is the Park Plaza Hotel. A place with a dream spa and modern, yet cosy design. Possibility of organising conferences or congresses (www.parkplazacardiff.com, Tel: +44 29 2011 1111).

Places to visit
The famous Cardiff Castle (www.cardiffcastle.com).
The National Museum Wales (www.museumwales.ac.uk) which holds the largest collection of French impressionist paintings in the world.
Feel like a walk on Welsh beaches? Visit www.seewales.com for choice itineraries.
Sport and nature discovery: visit www.golf.visitwales.com

Key events for 2006
Important festivities take place all year round in Cardiff and the surrounding area. Why not design your incentive trip around some of them? Horse racing (www.cheostow-racecource.co.uk), concerts on a Shakespearean backdrop (www.nationaltrust.org.uk), you are spoilt for choice.

2006 is an important year for the town of Pontpridd as it is celebrating 150 years since the creation of the national anthem. The “Big Anthem Fawr” will play host to a number of festivities celebrating the event. For more info call +44 1443 4241123.

Reading
Before departing take a look at The Songlines by Bruce Chatwin and Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas to get a feel for the typically welsh atmosphere.