Newly Added

New to Host Unusual: Lakeside Spa Lodges, Creative Blacksmithing, Grand Castle Stays, and Many More

31 July 2024

Our latest collection of unusual retreats is so gloriously diverse that we promise: whatever you love most about a unique holiday, you’ll find it here!

For example, if you’ve got a penchant for pampering, may we present a sublime collection of lakeside lodges – two with their very own infrared sauna – secluded among 93 acres of pure Sussex countryside, with incredible South Downs views thrown in.

Wild swimming is available and there’s a collection of amazing restaurants on site, too: handy if you want to give cooking a miss during your well-deserved break.

Fancy flexing your creative muscle? Luxury glamping and inventive blacksmithing courses combine on an idyllic North Devon nature-site… where you’ll be taught in a dedicated space, by an accomplished artist blacksmith as seen on the popular BBC One show, Money for Nothing.

If you’re looking for something to suit a grand occasion, how about a 16th century castle-retreat with superlative Scottish Highlands views? The master bedroom comes complete with an antique four-poster bed and a freestanding bathtub for added opulence.

We’ve got many more incredible retreats to introduce you to, from joyful whole-pub lock-ins and rustic Italian dwellings, to making like The Beatles and glamping in a yellow submarine!

Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: The Reeds at South Lodge | West Sussex

The Reeds at South Lodge

Lower Beeding, West Sussex, England
Sumptuous, sustainable retreats purposefully designed to reconnect you with nature, dog-friendly and privately secluded on the edge of a shimmering lake in vast, tranquil Sussex countryside.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2-5
From
£1,080 /night

Old Pound Smithy

Bideford, Devon, England
Luxurious glamping and immersive creative experiences combine, at a unique blacksmithing retreat in idyllic North Devon countryside that’s close to the sweeping coast.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 4
From
£80 / night

Muckrach Castle

Grantown-on-Spey, The Highlands, Scotland
An imposing 16th century retreat for grand group celebrations, secluded in private rural grounds with spectacular river-and-mountain views in the Scottish Highlands.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 10
From
£1295 -2695/wk

The Lamb Inn at Sandford

Sandford, Devon, England
Exclusive, fully-hosted hire of a 16th century Devon village inn, complete with country-styled en-suite bedrooms, fun activities, and a three-tiered garden for lazy afternoons in the sun.
Bedrooms: 7
Sleeps: 16
From
£2000 /2 nts

Perry Pond Cabin

Exeter, Devon, England
An oak-clad, sumptuously furnished retreat with an al fresco bathtub and rolling Exe Valley views, privately secluded by a stream-fed wildlife pond on a 23-acre Devon farm.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£152 / night

The Old Sunday School and Vestry

Cromer, Norfolk, England
An elegant townhouse and Grade II-listed chapel, rich in historic charm and furnished in soothing vintage style, with sandy Norfolk beaches mere moments away.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£407/week

The Hidden Villa

Marbella, Andalucia, Spain
An architect-designed retreat with an al fresco swimming pool, rich in laid-back Scandi style and privately secluded in the Andalusian hills close to Marbella, for jaw-dropping forest, sea and mountain views.
Bedrooms: 5
Sleeps: 14
From
£7936 / wk

Holly Water Cabin

Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon, England
A bespoke-designed, ultra-secluded eco-retreat with an al fresco copper bath, nestled on a welcoming, family-run Devon farm with a meandering river and acres of wildlife-rich countryside to explore.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£180 / night

Hadspen Glamping

Castle Cary, Somerset, England
Sumptuous, family-sized safari lodges with five-star facilities and private hot tubs, soothingly off-grid and secluded in a vast, private field in the heart of Somerset countryside.
Bedrooms: 2 or 3 per lodge
Sleeps: 7
From
£180 / night

Château Ribagnac

Ribagnac, Aquitaine, France
An enthralling 16th century castle with sumptuous suites, an al fresco swimming pool, and warmly welcoming hosts, beautifully secluded amongst picture-perfect French countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps:
From
£110 /nt for 2

Domes by the Sea

Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland
Savour incredible views over Kirkcudbright Bay from the comfort of a cosy geodome, complete with a stargazing hot tub and a romantic wood-burning stove.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2
From
£180 / night

The Black Rhadley Retreat

Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England
Start your digital detox in a luxury cabin with sublime outdoor bathing, peacefully secluded among whispering pine trees in the Shropshire Hills.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2
From
£175 / night

The Coppleridge Inn

Shaftesbury, Dorset, England
Eco-friendly cabins for lovers of adventure in the Great Outdoors, secluded next to an 18th century inn that overlooks ancient woodland and lush, sheep-dotted Dorset countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 4
From
£110 / night

Finn Lough

Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland
Plan your perfect getaway to the Emerald Isle with a stay at Finn Lough's amazing accommodation - from luxurious eco-cabins to futuristic Bubble Domes.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
From
£295 / night

East Quay Pods

Watchet, Somerset, England
Five ultra-creative, individually-styled retreats that form part of a community-focused arts hub, elevated on the Somerset coast with incredible far-reaching views.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per pod
Sleeps: 6
From
£110 - 180 /nt

Margate Beach House

Margate, Kent, England
A light-filled, design-led gem with quirky artwork, a hot tub, and a glorious outdoor lounge, beautifully positioned for magnificent beachfront views.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£1125 / 2 nts

Marram, Cliff Beach Cabins

Bhaltos, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
A bespoke-crafted haven for a tranquil escape filled with natural beauty, blissfully secluded on the edge of a vast, white-sand Atlantic beach on the Isle of Lewis.
Bedrooms: 2
Sleeps: 4
From
£750-£1345 /wk

Beavers Retreat Glamping

Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Get back to nature on a luxurious, eco-friendly site with comfy domes, wood-fired hot tubs and alpaca treks, exquisitely set in the heart of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 5
From
£85 / night

Devonia Escapes

Bideford, Devon, England
Two lovingly hand-crafted cabins, each with a private outdoor hot water bathtub, sanctuary-like decking, and idyllic stream-and-woodland views on a family-run Devon farm.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
From
£130 / night

Trulli Acquasala

Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
Discover a traditional Apulian retreat with modern amenities and a shimmering saltwater pool, set within an ancient olive garden just five minutes away from the White City of Ostuni.
Bedrooms: 4
Sleeps: 8
From
£338 /night

Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat

Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia
Immerse your soul in traditional Balinese culture, surrounded by jaw-dropping bamboo architecture, tumbling waterfalls, and eco-friendly luxury at Ulaman Eco Luxury Retreat!  
Bedrooms:
Sleeps:
From
£607 / night

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