Why pick an unusual retreat over a hotel room? For some, it’s about unique architecture or creative touches that take a stay from functional to fabulous. Others look for retreats that breathe with history, or are set a little further away from the beaten track.
But for many unusual holiday-seekers it’s personalised, hands-on service that means the most. These guests prefer guided tours and lived recommendations to self-check-ins and printed manuals*… and if a welcome cuppa is involved, so much the better!
Personally described by their owners here, a stay at each of these incredible retreats comes with bespoke service elements that will feed your soul, as well as properly introducing you to the wonderful stories and surroundings you’ll be living amongst.
Some of these glorious retreats are based in the UK, others across Europe. Wherever they – or you – happen to be, if you’ve got questions, or are looking for ways to celebrate something truly special, they’d genuinely love to hear from you.
(*For those who prefer a more traditional approach, we’ve got some fantastic retreats for you, too – visit our unusual hotels category here).
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Manshausen, Norway
Manshausen, Leinesfjord, Steigen, Norway
Start your Nordic adventure story on this breathtaking island resort, where the sea and the mountains combine in a spectacular backdrop for relaxation, contemplation and activity alike.
Bedrooms: 2 per cabin
Sleeps: 4
There is no traditional front desk counter at Manshausen. Our guests are greeted on the mainland by us, and we transport them to the island by boat. We then explain the history of the historic trading post that once stood there, along with an overview of the island and resort buildings.
Broxted, Essex, England
Indulge your wanderlust with an off-grid, self-drive adventure aboard your very own Land Rover Defender, complete with rooftop tent set-up, a cosy lounge, and all the equipment you could want!
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 roof tents
Sleeps: 2-7 guests
Personalised service is our thing! All guests hear from me personally before their stay hire, helping plan trips (if needed), and advising on details like routes and campsites from our years of experience. We also provide an in-person tour of the vehicle and tent, and are on hand (almost!) 24/7 for any questions during their adventure.
Benamaurel, Granada, Andalucia, Spain
Cuevas Helena defines unique cave living for the modern age, set deep in the heart of the Andalucian countryside.
As we live on site, we’re always on hand to help with anything, while fully respecting our guests’ privacy. We’ve had many a relaxed chat over a vino and tapa! We also offer the option of a pre-arrival shop to make things easier for late arrivals.
Ryde, Isle of Wight, Isle Of Wight, England
A gleaming collection of iconic American Airstreams, each styled for nostalgic comfort and gloriously set within a 40-acre family-run farm on the Isle of Wight.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-6 guests per airstream
Our six shiny, original American Airstreams are so unique that your host Sarah ensures a personal check-in for every guest. She will take time to point out your retreat’s authentic features and quirks – some date all the way back to the 1940s – and will then be on hand to answer questions during your stay.
Bungay, Norfolk, England
A duo of hand-crafted, off-grid retreats (one an Amazing Space!) each with a sumptuous outdoor bath, peacefully secluded in a Norfolk wildflower meadow for a beautiful back-to-nature escape.
I always welcome guests in person and walk them to their chosen cabin. Many then invite me to join them for coffee on the veranda, or a glass of something cold in the meadow. I’m always open to this!
Santorini, Cyclades, Greece
A dreamily luxurious cave house with a romantic roof terrace and hot tub, blissfully secluded in a beautiful, unspoilt Santorini village.
We offer an in-person welcome and tour, with thoughtful local insights. Many guests return for the warmth, care, and personal touches that make them feel truly at home.
Battle, East Sussex, England
A trio of lovingly-crafted eco-retreats, beautifully secluded in the High Weald AONB with stargazing windows and unique themed décor for creative inspiration and historical wonder.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
I take our retreat guests on a woodland walk when they arrive – pointing out routes to the farm shop and historic town of Battle as we go – and join them round the bonfire on the last night. Personalised touches available with any stay include a book hand-picked according to your interests by Ian at the local bookshop, and seasonal posies of our garden-grown flowers.
Nr Glastonbury, Somerset, England
Luxurious family-sized safari lodges, dog-friendly and peacefully nestled on the edge of the Somerset Levels with a wildflower meadow and orchard to explore.
Bedrooms: 3 per lodge
Sleeps: 6
All of our guests are checked into their lodges by a member of our team – one of whom is trained in pizza oven tutorials! We buy all of the pizza ingredients, with bases delivered by a restaurant supplier, and then we personally teach guests how to build the fire, stretch the dough, and make exquisite pizzas.
Bude, Cornwall, England
Sumptuous romantic hideaways with stargazing hot tubs, privately secluded amongst lush Cornish countryside that's close to the coast.
We offer our guests delicious frothy coffees in the morning, and love using this time to connect with them. Sometimes, we also sit by the evening campfire with a glass of wine together. People often like to know how it all began here, as well as Adam’s stories from his professional 15-year rugby career!
Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire, Wales
Luxury log-cabin-style hideaways, surrounded by breath-taking gardens on a historic Grade II-listed property in North Wales.
Bedrooms: 1 per roundhouse
Sleeps: 2 per roundhouse
Before arrival, we call each guest to offer a warm welcome and chat through any details, then greet them with homemade cake, Tom’s marmalade, seasonal flowers from the garden, and thoughtful touches throughout their roundhouse. Guests also have full access to our walled garden during their stay: a peaceful, ever-changing space we’ve created and love to share.
Walterstone, Herefordshire, England
A lovingly handcrafted, luxuriously off-grid treehouse with a dreamy copper bathtub for scenic bubble soaks, privately nestled among whispering trees on the edge of Herefordshire’s Golden Valley.
We offer a warm welcome as guests arrive, with personal introductions to the land and tailored local recommendations for local walks, pubs, and wild swimming to match their interests. Many also love the chance to meet our new piglets and other farm animals.
Wark, Northumberland, England
A globally-unique and ultra-luxurious Net Zero conversion of a 19th century church, in beautiful rural Northumberland close to Hadrian’s Wall and Kielder Water.
Warksburn Old Church is a globally unique building, and one of the most energy-efficient in Europe. Anne and Alan will meet you in person, give you a tour of the world’s only Passivhaus church conversion, and explain its fascinating history.
Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
An award-winning, eco-friendly haven that's rich in home comforts and attention to detail, with breathtaking views of the Hebridean Isle of Lewis.
We engage directly with our guests, with every detail of that contact and the house itself carefully considered and fine-tuned to ensure we help them make the best of their island holiday experience. This includes welcoming them in person and checking in with them when they return home.
Brodie, Moray, Scotland
A reviving slice of forest living and coastal adventure, based from a cosy eco-cabin at the Edge of paradise.
We meet our guests in person, and enjoy talking to them about the retreat we’ve created for them. Many have thoughtful questions and appreciate the attention to detail we offer.
Skegness, Lincolnshire, England
A unique collection of creatively-themed vehicles with private wood-fired hot tubs, peacefully nestled on a sustainable, adults-only site in the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds, just 15 minutes from the coast.
Bedrooms: 1 per vehicle
Sleeps: 2
Exceptional hosting is at the heart of every stay with us. Our guests are welcomed with thoughtful touches that include wood-fired hot tubs prepared to their schedule, and help with anything from local tips to flat tyres!
Bredenbury, Herefordshire, England
Nostalgic, first-class couples and family accommodation at a restored 19th century railway station, set amongst timeless North Herefordshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per property
Sleeps: 2 or 4 per property
We offer guests a personalised tour of the station's rich history, recounting stories related to this Great Western Railway country station.
Forestmill, Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Sumptuous woodland hideaways, privately nestled on a magical Clackmannanshire estate that's teeming with rich heritage and diverse, protected wildlife.
Bedrooms: 1 per bothy
Sleeps: 2 per bothy
We always meet and greet our guests personally. A holiday highlight is guaranteed when they hear about the sublime Taco Van in Culross and the most gorgeous patisserie in Dollar! We help guests with their luggage on departure, too.
Calstock, Cornwall, England
Beauty, peace and calm combine in two romantic Cornish riverside retreats: the former Smithy and Captain's Office of a Victorian tin mine.
Bedrooms: 1 per cottage
Sleeps:
Jon and Jenny offer a warm, personal guest welcome that includes suggestions for good local walks and places to eat. They are also more than happy to give a guided talk on the fascinating history of the tin mine and the many old mine ruins.
Rothiemay, The Highlands, Scotland
A sumptuous collection of Scottish Highland hot tub retreats for couples and families on a sweeping, heritage-rich estate surrounded by 900 acres of peaceful nature in the Deveron Valley.
An extra-special welcome awaits at Mayen Estate from Ross and the team, who give each guest a personalised tour of their holiday cottage (with a locally-sourced hamper packed with local biscuits, fresh coffee and our very own apple juice and chicken’s eggs). Our Highland Coos, squirrels and free-range chickens also love to say hello and can’t wait to meet you!
Nr Lavenham, Suffolk, England
You'll be swept away to the height of luxury at The Windmill Suffolk - a glorious towering bolthole as seen on George Clarke's 'Amazing Spaces' and overlooking idyllic countryside, just two miles north of historic Lavenham.
We personally check in and out all of our guests, with a guided tour that explains not just how everything works, but also the history and local area. Other services have included acting as a ‘concierge’, suggesting and booking tables in restaurants and hot-air balloon trips!
Braunton, Devon, England
A sublime and secluded off-grid Devon retreat, dog-friendly and with a dreamy private deck to bring you blissfully back to nature, batteries fully recharged.
Bedrooms: 1
Sleeps: 2 (+2)
We always greet our guests personally and show them around the woods and meadow. It's a great opportunity to meet them, answer their questions, and offer recommendations for local pubs, dog friendly beaches, or even the best way to light a campfire!
Craster, Northumberland, England
Spirit your loved ones away to a magnificent, Grade II*-listed country retreat, rich in fascinating history and secluded in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty close to the Northumberland coast.
We live locally and offer advice on local attractions and ideas for the perfect trip, as well as wider catering options for larger groups. We love chatting to guests before their stay to help with all the planning – in fact, we do this a lot!
Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Indulgent rural luxury on a blissfully remote, dog and horse-friendly family farm nestled in sublime Aberdeenshire countryside, with private hot tubs for stargazing and a wealth of natural wonder to discover.
Bedrooms: 1 or 2 per lodge
Sleeps: 6
Host Louise meets every guest to welcome them personally to her family farm. During your stay, you can arrange a meet-and-greet session during which she will introduce you to her gorgeous alpacas, Valais blacknose sheep, and Highland ponies.
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