January was 3 years long, February came and went in a flash and March bought us glimpses of Spring. But April? April is the time to truly embrace the changing seasons.
We don’t know about you, but we’re ready to wave goodbye to winter. The cosiness was great, but we’re here for the sunshine and flowers now, thank you very much.
We’re ready to swap our heavy boots for trainers. Let our knitwear be our outerwear. And to sweep our homes for lighter, fresher times.
To help you transition into the season with ease, we think it’s time for a holiday.
Luxury Glamping in The Lake District
An all-inclusive stay on a tropical island may be off the cards for most (if it is on the cards for you, bring us in your suitcase, please), but who says you can’t have a luxurious break on home soil? Not us.
It’s time to get back out there and appreciate the beauty on our doorstep. To unwind in all the glory the UK has to offer and watch nature unfold its springtime gifts from a hideout away from the bustle.
We’ve pulled together our top 10 favourite hot spots that match our sustainable values to give you the ticket you need to step into spring with joy. Simply book, pack, and relaaaaax.
Here’s to a Halycon holiday. Ready?
Old Lands, Monmouthshire
The cottages on offer in this Welsh haven support conservation and biodiversity projects, and each visit leads to a new tree planted. But if that’s not enough to sway you, perhaps resident naturalist (no, not naturist!) Sam Bosanquet will.
He’s on hand to share the stunning natural surrounds on offer, with walking tours around the 30 acres of parkland. If you’d rather sit while you soak it in, grab some oars and take to the lake.
Heckfield Place, Hampshire
This restored Georgian estate is nestled into 400 acres of secluded Hampshire woodland. Tuck into seasonal dining whipped up from produce grown on its own grounds, and relax with all-natural treatments in the in-house spa for a deeper connection to nature.
A country haven indeed.
Top tip: book a bespoke Pilates session with Bodyism while you’re there to soothe stiff, achy muscles.
The Scarlet, Cornwall
Are the waves calling you? Us too. This eco-sanctuary sits on the rugged coastline of Mawgan Porth, bringing you hot tubs with sea views and chemical-free swimming.
What’s more, this nautical site is just for adults, so we’re giving you permission to leave the kids with the grandparents so you can unwind (or entwine. Wink wink) in blissful silence.
Each booking donates £5 to Surfers Against Sewage, too.
The Meadows, Cornwall
While we’re in Cornwall, The Meadows swaps the sea for stone in this idyllic, self-catered barn renovation.
You’ll find wildflowers aplenty, starlit evenings and space to explore the countryside on offer, with gin from Tinkture as one of many welcome treats.
It’s all about appreciation for the simple things here, and you’ll get panoramic views from the comfort of your White Company sheets. Or bathtub.
Hex Cottage at The Wilderness Reserve, Suffolk
For those that need to step back from the grid to recharge, an electricity-free stay is just the ticket.
Enjoy a break away from the internet (and demanding schedules) in this candle-lit cottage nestled into a private lavender meadow for the ultimate digital detox. You can Instagram it when you get back…
They’ve installed 2000 nest boxes to help support the local flocks and trust us, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a fairytale with this one.
The Zetter Townhouse, London
Yes, you read that right. A sustainable luxury stay in London!
These Georgian-style Zetter Townhouse hotels in Clerkenwell and Marylebone may be lavish, but they boast impressive eco-credentials. Water is pumped from their own 1500ft deep boreholes, energy is ‘swapped’ to reduce over-use (heating your room cools their fridges), and materials are sustainably sourced and recycled.
Bask in London’s delights as you sip on award-winning cocktails from velvet chairs, or soak in their rooftop bath. Just be prepared to make everyone you know extremely jealous.
Saorsa 1875, Scotland
We’re heading up north for this one, to Scotland’s 100% vegan hotel.
Enjoy a unique spin on local, seasonal, and foraged produce that’s totally plant-based (they offset their emissions for every meal booked by planting a tree with The Green Earth Appeal), and sleep in decadent rooms each with their own quirky charm.
Top tip: look out for their weekend-long yoga retreats that include wild swimming.
The Samling, Windermere, Cumbria
Panoramic lakeside views from the hot tub, Coniston Old Man mountain range to the west and award-winning fine dining… what’s not to love?
It’s no secret that the Lake District has plenty to offer for a slice of tranquillity, but this luxe retreat brings 67 acres of lush landscape, Hypnos mattresses and bespoke wilderness adventures in the form of glamping, too. (With breakfast served by your own personal butler!)
Aquila, Lake District
Luxury lakehouse? Yes, please.
Aquila boasts that it feels straight out of a Bond film, and we couldn’t agree more – those views! And there’s lots of opportunity for adrenaline-fuelled days out close by if you need to let off some steam.
Smoked oak floors, king-sized beds, and Tesla eco-energy systems are one thing, but this secluded location was once home to the UK’s only Golden Eagle.
Titanic Spa, Yorkshire
The heart of Yorkshire rounds off our list, with this award-winning eco-spa that prioritises your wellbeing as much as the environment.
Set in the Pennine Hills, this restored 20th-century textile mill has plenty of charm, and plenty of zen-inducing spa treatments to boot.
Recycling, renewable water and green energy get top marks here, but we’ve got our eyes on the private mud chamber…
Top tip: round off an evening with a trip to Bar1911 Cocktail and Champagne lounge.
Which of these luxury, eco-friendly retreats caught your eye? If you’re escaping for the weekend to soothe into spring in style, we’d love to know. Tag us in your halcyon holiday snaps @HalcyonNaturalsUK!