Break out the bubbly after the lockdown
Enjoy sweet seclusion this autumn and soak up the great outdoors on these restful hot tub holidays, says VICKY LISSAMAN
WOW-FACTOR BEACH PAD
Where: Overlooking the majestic Fistral Beach in Newquay, Pentire Penthouse offers eye-popping high-spec accommodation for eight guests in four en-suite bedrooms.
There’s a spacious open-plan circular living area with wraparound views over Newquay. Out on the terrace, there’s a prime spot for evening sundowners and al-fresco dining before relaxing in the hot tub overlooking the beach. Crashing Atlantic waves provide the soundtrack.
Effortlessly stylish, there’s a sparkling white kitchen with dual ovens and an island, perfect for pulling up a stool to for a chat and a prosecco, curved leather armchairs for lounging, contemporary artwork, super-king beds and touches of coastal blue throughout. ■ A week in September is from £2,800. Short breaks are from £1,400. See thewowhousecompany.com
A WARM FOREST WELCOME
Where: Wing your way to the woods to stay in a luxury log cabin with a private hot tub at one of Forest Holidays’ 11 idyllic and remote locations.
Surrounded by trees, each of their secluded lodges work in harmony with the natural settings. Hot tubs are all conveniently situated on the cabin decking, enabling guests to gaze out on the sheer beauty of the forest locations.
Book a movie package and curl up in front of the wood-burner for cosy nights in, then enjoy walks, cycling and high ropes adventures in the surrounding woodlands.
■ Three-night hot-tub holidays at Strathyre, Forest of Dean or Sherwood Forest locations are from £590 in September. See: forestholidays.co.uk
SOAK UP SCANDI-CHIC
Where: In the scenic Devon countryside deemed an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, Otter Falls is a beautiful collection of 16 holiday cottages and 13 Scandinavian-style lodges set around three lakes.
Located on the edge of the rolling Blackdown Hills, all properties have been recently upgraded and there are three new signature lodges, taking the self-catering accommodation on offer to a completely new level. The Finnish pine lodges, with one, two or three bedrooms, come complete with hot tub, log-burning stove, large veranda and southfacing patio with views over fishing lakes with nesting waterfowl and across the picturesque Otter Valley. ■ A three-night stay in a Signature Lodge with hot tub is from £899 in September. See: otterfalls.co.uk
GO ECO IN DEVON
Where: Set on 21 acres of farmland, two miles from Winkleigh, three exceptional eco lodges are each surrounded by trees and face a meadow declared a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’.
Butterflies flit across here from April to October, summer swallows dart above the grass, and ghostly barn owls hunt at dusk. Night times at these tranquil lodges are perfect for wide-eyed astronomers, with no light pollution. There are also crafts to try – such as woodturning, bikes to borrow, boats for the pond, hens to visit, a badminton pitch, camp fires, outdoor chess and more.
All the site’s energy is 100% renewable (and most is generated onsite), the lodges are dog-friendly and Large Beech Lodge, which sleeps six, has an optional hot tub at £35 per stay.
■ Seven nights at Beech Lodge is from £397 in September.
See: responsibletravel.com
CHILL OUT ON THE COAST
Where: Located in a sheltered woodland valley in the Cornish coastal village of Porthtowan, and just five minutes’ walk from a Blue Flag surfing beach, Rosehill Lodges are ideal for families. The Atlantic coastal path, perfect for relaxing walks, is also right on the doorstep.
At the end of the day guests can relax in the private hot tub, dine al-fresco and star-gaze from the shelter of the glass-covered decking. Then snuggle up in luxurious
super-king-size beds or watch the flames dancing around in the log burner.
Each five-star gold lodge comes complete with super-fast Wi-Fi, the latest TV technology with Netflix, Amazon and catch-up TV.
■ A week’s stay in September in Wheal Sparrow, which sleeps four, is £1,096, or £822 for a three-night weekend break. See: premiercottages.co.uk
THE WONDER OF WALES
Experience the luxury of time and space at this heart-stirring luxury cottage in Denbighshire, north Wales.
In a peaceful valley close to the historic market town of Ruthin, Eirianfa is surrounded by 17 acres of countryside.
Sleeping four in two super king-size bedrooms, it has plenty of space to spread out.
Enjoy relaxed mealtimes in the farmhouse kitchen-diner with original beams.
Then, after a day exploring the vales, the entertainment barn awaits. Throw darts, race cars on the PlayStation and turn up the sound system, all before sinking your shoulders into the warm waters of the private hot tub.
■ £1,450 for a three-night weekend stay in September. See: eirianfa.uniquehomestays.com
GLAMPING WITH BUBBLES
Hadlow Hideaways is an eco-friendly glamping site in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, set in a private wood in scenic East Sussex.
Just 35 minutes from the south coast, this collection of bell tents, which first opened last summer, offers a nod to camping of old – think campfires, little gas stoves and fold-out camping chairs – while also providing for the modern glamping family.
Each tent has its own kitchen shack, en-suite toilet and shower room, king-size bed and a wood-burning stove, plus outside there is also an accompanying private hot tub. Site hosts Natalie and Conor are on hand to recommend a good walk in the South Downs and on starry nights, you’ll find the telescope they have provided comes in handy, while their welcome hampers are full of homegrown and home-baked goodies. There are pigs and chickens and Natalie is only too happy for little ones to help her feed the animals and collect the eggs.
■ From £155 for a three-night break in September. See: glampingly.co.uk