Do you get goosebumps when someone whispers in your ear? That’s ASMR at work. The letters stand for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and the term refers to that tingling sensation many people feel when they experience certain sights and sounds.
ASMR is associated with feelings of calm and relaxation, which is why some of us actively seek it out in times of stress (fact: internet searches for ASMR sounds and videos rocketed during the Covid-19 lockdowns!).
While not everybody feels ASMR, those who do are known to experience heightened sensitivity to their surroundings. For them, ASMR can play a huge part in choosing a holiday, because the right retreat has to tick certain sensory boxes. Think glorious natural views, butter-soft fabrics, and sounds that promise to relax and soothe.
Pictures tell an exquisite visual story, but noises are often less-considered and harder to imagine. That’s why these magnificent Host Unusual retreats each come with the owner’s personal description of sounds you can expect to hear during your stay (as you’ll hear, some even come with clips!) for pure ASMR bliss.
Author: Nina Jervis-Green
Main image: Lilypod | Devon
Dittisham, Devon, England
An exquisite collection of luxury treehouses, a gleaming American airstream, and artisan shepherd's lodges, all with al fresco hot tubs and beautifully nestled in the scenic heart of Devonshire countryside.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 1-5
“You’ll be completely spoilt by the blend of natural sounds you’ll hear around the site, from lambs bleating to their mums and the mooing of milking cows, to joyous birdsong and the gentle babbling of the nearby stream.”
North Berwick, East Lothian, Scotland
A lovingly crafted, dog-friendly woodland retreat, deliciously secluded in a hidden corner of Scotland with a sandy beach just minutes away.
“Staying here means immersing yourself in nature’s ASMR! There’s a wonderful woodland soundtrack of birds in the trees, with the soothing crunch of autumn leaves underfoot. And as the cabin is just five minutes from the beach, you’ll also be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves.”
Ystwyth Valley, Ceredigion, Wales
A lovingly hand-crafted, off-grid tree cabin with a wood-fired hot tub and a suspended stargazing net, peacefully secluded in the picturesque Cambrian Mountains of mid-Wales.
“Guests often tell us that the stream is the soundtrack of their stay, and they couldn’t be more right. It’s a gentle lullaby that cascades into a series of tumbling waterfalls – an ideal accompaniment to a hot tub dip and stargazing by the crackling waterside campfire.”
Bushmills, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Escape from everyday life with a romantic break in a lovingly converted County Antrim corn mill, where your soundtrack is the gentle rushing river.
“The melodic sound of the flowing river permeates every corner of the mill. You’ll get the chance to sleep right over the water, too, so any feelings of stress will float out and away towards the sea.”
Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Ireland
An eclectic collection of hand-crafted cabins with private hot tubs, bell tents and historic lodges, magically secluded in the vast, idyllic gardens of an 18th century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 4
“Surrounded by 70 acres of garden and woodland, we are a haven for nature and our soundscape stirs the soul: it’s wild, gentle, and deeply grounding. Many guests mention the birdsong before they comment on the views, it’s that incredible!”
Pentrefoelas, Conwy, County Conwy, Wales
Luxurious hand-built cabins with their own stargazing hot tubs, beautifully nestled on a working family-run farm in the midst of Snowdonia National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 or 3 per cabin
Sleeps: 6
“The peace and natural soundtrack of our retreat are truly special. It’s not alarms or traffic that wake you here, but gentle, joyful birdsong drifting through the morning air – one of those small, beautiful things that linger in your memory long after you’ve left.”
Southwold, Suffolk, England
Lovingly custom-created havens, rich in holiday luxuries and peacefully secluded on a private estate just minutes away from the beach.
Bedrooms: 1, 2 or 4
Sleeps:
“We enjoy the constant and mesmerising sound of the waves… the perfect rhythm to lull you to sleep each night. In spring there’s also the uplifting sound of skylarks singing their hearts out. It’s impossible even for the most stressed ears to not feel joy on hearing them!”
King's Lynn, Norfolk, England
Mosey on down to a welcoming and irresistibly quirky retreat that’s expertly themed around America’s Old Wild West, surrounded by wild ‘n’ wonderful West Norfolk countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2
“There’s no need for curated playlists here. The land offers its own immersive soundtrack, from earthy wildlife voices and crunching gravel, to rain drumming on the tin roofs – a lullaby you didn’t know you needed.”
Capo Zafferano, Sicily, Italy
A breath-taking, architect-designed family retreat secluded on an remote Sicilian reef that thrives with natural beauty, with a private bathing cove and spectacular sea-and-mountain views close to Palermo.
“The sounds of the sea bring so much character to a stay at our beautiful villa. Seagulls cawing overhead, the sound of the waves and the gentle sea breeze all add to the memories you’ll make during your holiday with us.”
Witney, Oxfordshire, England
A spectacular private island retreat with indoor games and an Arctic spa hot tub, dreamily set between Oxford and the Cotswolds in the midst of a vast, shimmering water-skiing lake.
“Our auditory landscape invites relaxation and connection with nature, with the rhythmic morning tapping of a woodpecker and the gentle laps of water against the shore. The buzzing of bees and the hum of insects fill the air by day, and as twilight descends the distant call of an owl can often be heard.”
Lewdown, Devon, England
Romantic and restorative eco-retreats, lovingly hand-crafted and nestled on a shimmering Devon farm lake, with an on-site vineyard and hammocks suspended over the water for the ultimate in digital-free luxury
“We designed Lilypod to let nature speak for itself, and it does. The absence of artificial noise is part of what makes sleep here so deep and restorative – when you wake, you can look forward to the sounds of the waterfall, swooping swallows, and the rustle of willow fencing in the breeze.”
St Ives, Cornwall, England
Innovative glamping pods with stargazing roofs, secluded in a leafy hilltop hideaway with stunning views of St Ives Bay.
Bedrooms: Open plan
Sleeps: 4 or 5 per pod
“Bird sounds you’ll hear include the drumming of the Great Spotted woodpeckers, cawking pheasants, and the gentle honking geese flying down to Hayle Estuary. Let your soul soar on the sounds of nature!”
St Osyth, Essex, England
Eco-friendly glamping on a working potato farm... complete with spectacular sea views.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2 or 2(+2) per Suite
“Sounds here range from the gentle quacks of the ducks, to scurrying rabbits and the occasional Muntjac heard and seen trotting around the site. Meanwhile, a walk around the sea wall brings the call of the oyster catchers and other wading birds – a cacophony of nature at its best.”
Gayton Thorpe, Norfolk, England
The Cattle Sheds is a stunning Green Tourism Gold-awarded architect-designed barn conversion, ideal for luxurious large group breaks in rural Norfolk.
“Here, nature’s white noise is the original ASMR – no filters or fuss. Instead there’s the rustle wind through tall grass, the call of a barn owl, and softly-buzzing bees: all calm and grounding noises.”
Waxham, Norfolk, England
An architect-designed ‘happy place' by the sea, set behind the sand dunes in a Norfolk Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“The steady hum of breaking waves are your constant calming companion – within a few days, you’ll know just from the volume whether the tide is in or out! The chatter of garden birds and the calls from gathering seals on the beach all add to the soundtrack of your stay.”
Cardigan, Ceredigion, Wales
A charmingly hand-built cabin that's dog-friendly, off-grid, and set in an idyllic Welsh meadow corner, achingly close to historic Cardigan and with the added option of an immersive therapy retreat to help you face life’s challenges
“Imagine the sounds of breeze rustling the treetops, with birdsong and gently cascading water. Imagine relaxing on a raised deck by your own private stream, with sunshine peeking through the leaves. Imagine a sanctuary. Welcome to Den by the Stream.”
Crewkerne, Somerset, England
Adults-only roundhouse glamping on a lush organic farm, for unrivalled luxury amongst nature.
Bedrooms: 1 per roundhouse
Sleeps: 2 per roundhouse
“Feel part of the woodland as birdsong welcomes in the day, the birds themselves flitting through the branches. Later, as you soak in the hot tub, you might hear the unmistakable rustle of badgers emerging from their sett, or bats swooping through the starry sky.”
Penrith, Cumbria, England
Take a pew in a divinely-restored, Grade II-listed 17th century church with expansive and soul-stirring rural views, peacefully secluded in a ‘hidden gem’ Lake District village close to Ullswater.
“From the solid bang of the chapel’s ancient door handle to birdsong drifting through the old windows, the rustle of trees in the garden, and the occasional distant sheep, staying here is a sensory reset in the English Lake District.”
Nr Fort William, The Highlands, Scotland
An ultra-romantic ‘zen den' retreat, complete with an al fresco hot tub, magically secluded on a historic West Highlands estate with artist-worthy views of Ben Nevis.
“The first sounds we hear in the morning are the gentle bleating of lambs, followed by the distinctive call of the cuckoo and the cries of golden eagles. Nearby, the river flows over smooth stones and a light mountain breeze drifts through… all calm and soothing sounds.”
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
“Guests often share their sound experiences with us. Many love listening to the owls and the dawn chorus. Another said that every morning, they were greeted by a little robin knocking at the window as a charming natural alarm clock ‘…truly an unforgettable experience, and we can't recommend it enough!”
Newchurch, Herefordshire, England
A peaceful, detail-rich haven with a wood-fired outdoor bath-for-two, blissfully elevated on the border of Wales and England for big-sky valley views and digital-free luxury.
“Sounds here include delicately buzzing bees and the conversations between lambs and their mothers nearby, as well as immersive birdsong and the rustling of leaves in the breeze.”
Lauder, Scottish Borders, Scotland
An award-winning selection of five-star retreats with hot tubs, enticingly set amongst acres of scenic, wildlife-steeped farmland in the big-sky Scottish Borders.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: 2-10 per unit
“Our soundtrack is gentle, grounding, and full of nature. Though even the quiet moments here carry their own soundscape: the bubble of the hot tub, the crackle of a BBQ or campfire, the distant call of a donkey (probably Dylan) letting you know it’s dinner time!”
Craswall, Herefordshire, England
Lovingly-crafted, adults-only havens with luxurious private facilities (including dreamy outdoor bathing!) secluded amongst rolling Herefordshire countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 per unit
Sleeps: 2
“Laze away your weekend with us as you listen to the gentle drone of the honeybees, the soft bleating of frolicking lambs and the abundance of birdsong. At night, why not take an outdoor bath under the stars and listen as the owls chatter the night away?”
Lake of Menteith, Stirlingshire, Scotland
A unique, modernist box-lodge with an al fresco hot tub and breath-taking lake-and-burn views, privately secluded on a family-owned Scottish estate with an acclaimed on-site restaurant.
“One of the most relaxing sounds here is the birdsong from commonly-spotted birds: the Eurasian Blackbird, Eurasian Blackcap, Goldcrest, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Common Chaffinch.”
Ashurst, West Sussex, England
An award-winning foodie retreat that combines soothing West Sussex countryside views with baking masterclasses and tempting seasonal produce.
“Our five acres of gardens and woodlands are a haven for wildlife sounds and sightings. Book a stay from September-December and you’re likely to hear wild deer marking their territory in rutting season!”
Colchester, Essex, England
A unique, quirky cabin-for-two with an al fresco hot tub, rich in luxurious detail and beautifully secluded on the edge of ancient Essex woodland.
“We’re nestled on the edge of a nature reserve, less than a mile from Colchester Zoo (as the crow flies) – so guests are occasionally treated to the haunting howl of wolves or the distant roar of lions on a still night.”
Stamford, Lincolnshire, England
A historic, lovingly converted riverside retreat on the edge of the Fens, filled with welcoming warmth and surrounded by wildlife-steeped countryside.
“The 18th century mill race runs under the master bedroom, making a hypnotic and powerful sound. It’s our most popular room partly for that reason – babies have even slept through the night for the very first time while staying in there!”
Hawick, Scottish Borders, Scotland
A cosy, off-grid hillside retreat with magnificent views of the Border Hills, complete with a wood-fired hot tub, neighbouring red deer, and your very own lochan.
"Our guests say it best! Here’s a lovely comment from one: ‘The bed is by far the most comfortable I have ever slept in, it felt like a wee nest. We loved falling asleep to the sound of hooting owls and barking foxes’”.
Piré-Chancé, Brittany, France
An avant-garde, architect-designed hotel inspired by the structure of a tree, with an indoor pool, gourmet restaurant, and luxurious nest-like rooms that soar over the serene north west-French countryside.
Bedrooms: 1 per room
Sleeps: 2
“There is a beautiful natural soundtrack from the estate surrounding our hotel, which is broadcast continuously in our Michelin-starred restaurant nearby.”
