Editor’s Choice

Reconnect with nature / Relax and rejuvenate with our top picks for getting back to nature

22 July 2016

Do your mind and body a favour and reconnectwith nature! Time spent outside can help us to reduce stress, better cope withdepression and to feel happier, more balanced and refreshed.
We’ve picked out our top ten Host Unusualretreats to help you get back to nature, whether you choose to stay on apeaceful Nature Reserve, take a dip in a natural swimming pool, soothe awayaches and pains in a log-fired hot tub or explore your own private island withonly the local wildlife as neighbours.
Elmley Nature Reserve, Sheerness, Kent
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A choice of luxurious Shepherd’s Hutson a beautiful National Nature Reserve.
Why we love it:
Elmley is the only reserve in the UK thatallows guests to extend their visits to overnight stays. You can even bookReiki and holistic treatments on site!
Reconnect with nature by:
Exploring the meadows, marshes andwaterways of the reserve, photographing the wildlife and spotting barn owls,wildfowl, avocets and hares.
 
West Lexham Treehouses and Glamping, nr Kings Lynn, Norfolk

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A boutique eco-friendlyglampsite offering enchanting treehouses and bell tents.
Why we love it:
Fairylights and lanterns create a magicalatmosphere that will enthrall kids and big kids alike! Plus West Lexham hasawesome green credentials and runs on almost 100% renewable energy.
Reconnect with natureby:
Exploring WestLexham’s 21 acres of beautiful gardens, talking wild walks, strolling by theRiver Nar and admiring its floating watermeadows, rehydrating with the on-tap mineral water drawn from a clear spring onsite.
 
Torsa House and Island, Oban, Scotland
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A unique self-catering holiday retreat on aScottish island.
Why we love it:
Torsa House is the only property on theisland, and even comes with the use of a motor boat allowing you to explore theneighbouring bays and islands.
Reconnect with nature by:
Wandering the hills, bays and meadows ofthe island.  Viewing the resident ottersand seals from the shoreline, and perhaps catching a lucky glimpse of whales,dolphins and porpoises. Looking out for the island’s small herd of deer, andspotting birds of prey (including the occasional golden eagle).
 
Longview B&B, Walsingham, Norfolk
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A luxury adults-only B&B just tenminutes from award-winning beach Wells-next-the-Sea.
Why we love it:
Aside from the fact Longview is a haven oftranquility, it also offers the chance to enjoy a unique natural swimming pool!
Reconnect with nature by:
Taking a refreshing dip in the naturalswimming pool, wandering around Longview’s heavenly garden and visiting some ofthe UK’s finest beaches, Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea which are close by.
 
Wanderlusts Gypsy Caravans, Cumbria
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An adventure holiday with a difference – aunique gypsy caravan trip through the Cumbrian countryside.
Why we love it:
It’s great fun for kids and adults alike,and you can sit back and relax as your guide escorts you from camp to camp,sets up your campfire and leaves you to relax for the night.
Reconnect with nature by:
Meeting and making friends with your horse,and taking the reins on quiet country roads. Enjoying starlit evenings by thecampfire, taking a dip in a stream and enjoying the serene Cumbrian countrysidein a wonderfully unique way.
 
A Little Bit of Rough, nr Uppingham,Rutland
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A luxury,eco-friendly camping experience with three fully equipped canvas lodges.
Why we love it:
The lodges are set in 20 acres of private woodland, and the secret location is only revealedonce bookings are confirmed, adding extra excitement and intrigue!
Reconnect with natureby:
Spending cosy nightsstargazing on the deck, exploring Spindleberry Woods and spotting local wildlife – rabbits, pheasants, buzzards,red kites, badgers and fallow deer have all been spied.
 
Hillfort Tipis and Camping, Pembrokeshire, Wales
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A stunning ruralcampsite offering tipis, bell tents, and yurts, as well as traditional campingpitches.
Why we love it:
Hillfort enjoys stunning views in all directions,features a unique log-fired hot tub and even has its own onsite mountain!
Reconnect with natureby:
Stargazing from thelog-fired hot tub, horse-riding and fishing, bird-watching (puffins, razorbills and storm petrels are often spotted, andsometimes you may even see a buzzard or peregrine falcon), taking a trip to StrumbleHead Lighthouse for seal and whale watching, and walking the legendary PembrokeshireCoastal Path.
 
Brockloch Eco Retreat, Dumfries andGalloway, Scotland
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Boutique eco-retreatoffering a cosy off-grid bothy and a unique treehouse.
Why we love it:
The accommodation offered at Brockloch issustainably built, completely off-grid and surrounded by 190acres of glorious Scottish countryside.
Reconnect with natureby:
Cycling the gradedmountain biking trails, spotting the local wildlife including red kite, deer, badgers and red squirrels, discovering exotic plantsand flowers at Logan Botanic Garden or trying a range of exciting activitiesincluding kayaking and climbing at Galloway Activity Centre on the banksof LochKen.

Traustholtshólmi

Selfoss, Southern Region, Iceland
A cosy selection of yurts, secluded on a private Icelandic island filled with culture, history, and nature in its purest form.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 2 (+1)
From
£390 / night (2 guests)

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