Here’s a question: what does “award-winning” really mean, in the ferociously competitive world of hospitality?
We think it acknowledges the highest possible standards. This means not only can you naturally expect pristine cleanliness and a certain amount of style, but also that extra attention to detail that takes a holiday from good to exceptional.
Throw an unusual place to stay into the mix, and your break becomes even more memorable. We tend to find that unique retreats are carefully crafted – sometimes from scratch – by people who care deeply about making guests feel happy and comfortable.
As a result, personal touches and a homely feeling of warmth set these retreats apart from standard resorts and bland hotel rooms – and more often than not, there’ll be a few treats thrown in for good measure! Think locally-made goodies, or a fun experience that could be hard to find elsewhere.
So, with all that said, it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate those unique retreats – and their lovely owners! – that won well-deserved accolades in 2024. Here’s to impressively high standards, and here’s to our glittering roll-call of award-winners… here at Host Unusual, we couldn’t be happier for each and every one.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Lorraine at The Roost Luxury Cabins with two of their GOLD awards
Widegates, Cornwall, England
A unique, expertly handcrafted back-to-nature escape that showcases some of the best sea views in Cornwall.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 6
Lydcott Glamping achieved international success as the GLOBAL Winner in the Glamping Destination category at The World Luxury Travel Awards. Lydcott Glamping was also honoured with three major awards at the prestigious Cornwall Tourism Awards, including the highly coveted ‘Winner of Winners’ award. Their achievements include: - GOLD in the Glamping Business of the Year category (third consecutive year) - GOLD in the Wildlife Friendly Business of the Year category (an upgrade from Bronze last year) - The 'Winner of Winners' title, recognising Lydcott Glamping as an exceptional leader among Cornwall’s finest tourism businesses
Mitcheldean, Gloucestershire, England
Two sumptuous adults only, dog-friendly cedar cabins with a hot tub and luxuries galore, bespoke crafted and nestled in the magical Forest of Dean.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
Awarded Gold Award by Visit England for both cabins in August 2024, and GOLD in two categories (Glamping Business of the Year & Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Award) in this year's Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards..
Loch Fyne, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Two architecturally-designed, off-grid havens with floor-to-ceiling glass and minimalist Scandi-inspired interiors, dreamily nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne.
Bedrooms: 1 per Kabn
Sleeps: 2 per Kabn
Visit Scotland's recipient of Best Unique Stay and Best Self-Catered Accommodation in the 2024 Thistle Awards
Hartland, Devon, England
An Insta-worthy, dog-friendly treetop haven with a private terrace and a gleaming copper bathtub (that can be moved inside or out!) dreamily nestled in 20 acres of picture-perfect Devonshire countryside.
Visit England National Winner for Sleepy Owl Devon GOLD Award for Self-catering Accommodation of the Year in England
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.
Awarded Passivhaus Certification 2024 - the world’s first church-to-home conversion to achieve the Passivhaus standard.
Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire, England
A blissful, ‘back-to-nature' treehouse with a romantic sunken bathtub, set around a private lake at the edge of a picture-perfect Lincolnshire village.
Treetop Hideaways have had another year of feeling so grateful for the dedication of our wonderful staff, our lovely guests and the recognition we have received. We were absolutely delighted to win 'Best Self Catering Establishment of the Year 2024' for Lincolnshire Life's Taste of Excellence Award. This award was voted on by the general public. We were also presented with the 2024 Gold Winners Award for Camping/Glamping Site of the Year at the national Land, Leisure & Tourism Show at the NEC in Birmingham. We have also been shortlisted in the 2024 Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Award Category in the Tourism Excellence Awards for Lincolnshire and Rutland. We won this same award in 2023.
Portlaoise, County Laois, Ireland
A private, magical haven with joyfully quirky retreats and idyllic wildflower meadows, peacefully secluded in Ireland’s ‘Ancient East’ close to bustling Dublin.
This year, Glamping Under The Stars has won: • Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice Award 2024, (putting us in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the world). • Google’s ‘You’re the Business’ Award 2024 for business excellence. • Best Dark Sky Experience AND Best Caravan/Camping/Glamping Experience at Midlands103 Hospitality Awards 2024
Matlock, Derbyshire, England
Eco-friendly, accessible, self-catering log cabins, camping pods and a gypsy caravan on a working farm in the Peak District.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Hoe Grange Holidays won two incredible awards in 2024. Their passion for accessibility was recognised with the VisitEngland Gold Award for Accessible & Inclusive Tourism, and they won the Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby Gold Award for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism too!
Greetham, Rutland, England
Six unique and ultra-modern geodesic domes, each with their own private kitchens, bathrooms and blissful wood-fired hot tubs in rural Rutland.
Bedrooms:
Sleeps: 4-6 per dome
In the Stix have achieved a 5 star award from the AA and also have been shortlisted for the Tourism Excellence award 24-25 by Visit Britain, for the “best camping/glamping site (winners announced in February 2025!)
Poole, Dorset, England
Hand-crafted glamping retreats for couples and families (and their dogs!) nestled on an award-winning site that’s rich in natural beauty and fresh-air adventure, with Dorset’s iconic attractions in easy reach.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 4
It's been a bumper year for awards at South Lytchett Manor Glamping. Accolades include: AA Five-Star Platinum Award – 98% Quality Score * Visit England Five Star Award – 98% Quality Score * Diamond award in the Loo of the Year Award * Gold in the South and South East in Bloom Award * DMB Tourism Awards 2024 - two golds and a silver award
Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales
A cwtch-infused cabin with an indulgent bathtub, nestled in its very own four-acre, river-fronted wildflower meadow and beautifully secluded in the “garden of Wales”.
Erwain Escapes were finalists of Carmarthenshire Business Awards - Best Tourism & Hospitality Business of the Year in July, and recently received Highly Commended for Best Caravan, Camping & Glamping Award for the Carmarthenshire’s Tourism Association Awards
Cottered, Hertfordshire, England
Sustainable, adults-only Hertfordshire hideaways with al fresco baths, where city style and indulgent sensory treats meet pure countryside tranquillity.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2 per unit
East of England Tourism Awards - Best self catering accommodation - WINNER Visit England Tourism Awards - Best self Catering in England - BRONZE
Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Isle Of Wight, England
Sustainable rural glamping on the Isle of Wight - where you'll find the perfect setting, from scenic romantic escapes to fresh, fun-filled family adventures.
Bedrooms: varies
Sleeps: varies
Tom’s Eco Lodge glamping scooped Gold again at the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2024!
Mayfield, East Sussex, England
A private 12-acre country estate in East Sussex, offering stylish self-catering accommodation in historic farm buildings, treehouses and Shepherd huts for large groups of up to 32 guests.
Bedrooms: 18
Sleeps: 10-32 guests
Fair Oak Farm won 'Best Country Retreat Venue in the UK' in the 2024 Hospitality Awards.
Cranbrook, Kent, England
Rediscover your zest for life in the heart of the Wealden countryside, from the vibrant comfort of an off-grid wellness retreat with a private sauna, hot tub and cold plunge pool.
The Red Cabin was awarded Gold in the Land, Leisure and Tourism Awards for New Tourism Business of the Year 2024. The judges said: "The Red Cabin in Kent exemplifies excellence in innovation, sustainability, and customer service. Its unique approach and dedication to providing a top-notch experience make it a standout destination in the tourism landscape. We look forward to witnessing its continued success and growth in the future. Congratulations."
Boncath, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Warmth, wildlife and a friendly sense of community await, at an eco award-winning Pembrokeshire camp-and-glamp site.
Top of the Woods have been awarded Trip Advisor Travellers Choice for 3rd year running putting us in the top 10% of accommodation as reviewed by our guests * Lux Awards – Best Eco Luxury Glamping Accommodation 2024 – Wales * Welsh Enterprise Awards –- Best Eco-Luxury Glamping Site 2024
Bishop's Frome, Herefordshire, England
Magical, lovingly hand-crafted treehouses filled with creature comforts and exquisitely nestled on the rural Herefordshire and Worcestershire border, with fun fresh-air activities aplenty!
Bedrooms: 3 per treehouse
Sleeps: 6
One Acre Wood is in the finals for the accessible and inclusive tourism award, the ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism award, the new tourism business of the year award, and self-catering accommodation of the year in the Visit Herefordshire tourism awards (winners announced in Feb 2025)..
Bratton Clovelly, Devon, England
Come and live the high life, in a luxury hand-built treehouse, beautifully nestled amongst soothing Devon woodland.
Bedrooms: 1 per treehouse
Sleeps: 2 per treehouse
Gold Award for Self Catering Accommodation of the Year and silver award for Ethical Responsible and Sustainable Tourism at the Devon Tourism Awards 2024/5
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
Hadspen Glamping have earned AA Glamping Site of the Year 2024 award, two bronze awards for New Tourism Buisness and Glamping Site of the Year at the Bath Bristol & Somerset Toursim awards, and were also awarded Gold by Visit England.
Nowe Warpno, Police, Poland
An elegant and historic palace, exquisitely decorated and surrounded by sweeping woodland, for the ultimate in luxurious group and individual stays.
Bedrooms: 16 Suites/Bedrooms
Sleeps: 1-42 Guests
Manowce Palace has won the Gold Award Winner in the Historic Romantic Hideaway category in an annual competition run by the association Historic Hotels of Europe.
