Under the stars
A recent Guardian article on its favourite off grid places to stay included Green Mountain Yurt, part of Further Afield partner El Cortijo Opazo‘s wonderful offering and it got us thinking about some of our places to stay that offer a bit of an outdoorsy experience… but not too much of one… See, we love a night outdoors, but to be completely honest the idea of erecting tents, blowing up mattresses, etc doesn’t always float the proverbial boat.
Have a look at some of our great places to stay that offer you the chance to stay “outdoors” without the hassles:
Crafty camping, Dorset
One of the originals, this collection of treehouses, tents, yurts and cabins is in a woodland close to Dorset’s wonderful Lyme Regis. There are communal areas but each of the places to stay has its own space. With raised walkways and stoves they’re wonderful in the depths of winter as well as the height of summer.
El Cortijo Opazo, Andalucia
Up in the hills, with Granada and Malaga both accessible, you’re really here for the setting – and the lovely accommodation. The walks from your doorstep are amazing and the hospitality warm and welcoming. Whilst everything’s included to look after yourself Robert and William also offer superb evening meals by arrangement. Truly luxury camping.
Artist Residence Oxfordshire
In the gardens of the lovely Artist Residence Oxfordshire is this shepherd’s hut. Set in the hotel restaurant’s veggie and herb garden, the hut gives you a totally different stay than one of the main rooms, but you’re also just across the garden for cocktails and dinner. The ensuite, whilst compact, elevates the stay to “hotel room in the garden”.
Tuddenham Mill, Suffolk
The Nooks at Tuddenham Mill are stylish pods in the hotel’s grounds, each with private outside space and privacy from your neighbours, but with access to the mill’s fabulous restaurant – read our interview with Chef Patron Lee to get a real sense of what’s on offer. One of the Nooks even has its own hot tub; but even if yours doesn’t you still get to book in for a spa treatment if you fancy one.
The Yurt at Botelet, Cornwall
You really don’t get much more romantic than this. A beautifully kitted out yurt set in a meadow on the Tamblyn family’s estate, The Yurt at Botelet allows you to truly escape. There’s also the opportunity to take part in Tia’s yoga and wellness focussed courses… or don’t. Simply retreat. Cornish coastline nearby and plenty to explore when you can drag yourself away.
Escape Yachting, The Caribbean, Croatia and Hampshire
OK, OK, so not exactly within the parameters of this group of places to stay, but we just love the idea of a sun downer on the deck of one of Matthew and David’s specialist sailing holidays. You don’t have to be a sailor at all – just have your sea legs. The canopy of stars in The Caribbean is beyond beautiful.
