Back to nature accommodation and experiences
2022 is set to be a year of reconnection to nature as holidaymakers seek ways to reclaim health, protect the environment, and travel in harmony with the planet. Following a year of various lockdowns around the globe and driven by the need for climate action, it’s no surprise that people are pursuing experiences in the great outdoors and sustainable opportunities which put conservation and eco-travel first. Here are 10 top picks for back to nature accommodation and experiences.
Wake up in wilderness at Elmley Nature Reserve, North Kent
Hidden away on an island off the Kent coast, Elmley National Nature Reserve is an inspirational place to visit and stay, with spectacular landscapes, soul-stirring skies and abundant wildlife. For those intending to switch off, Elmley has a dedicated yoga studio and offers wellbeing retreats with various accommodation options and plant based menus. All just one hour and a world away from London. As the only family owned and managed National Nature Reserve in the UK, it has long been their ambition to restore biodiversity to this special area and they have a strong commitment to the sustainability of the landscape. With a huge, wild landscape filled with birds, this is a place to reconnect and recharge.
Celebrate a simple way of living and connecting to nature with a stay at Kudhva, Cornwall
Kudhva is a place where the natural environment rules over the man made, as the cabins enhance and showcase the surrounding nature, all specifically designed for the environment they inhabit and blur the lines between the living space and the surrounding forest and coastlines. The accommodation takes you away from the everyday, celebrates the sustainable, and offers a simple way of living; totally off grid, in a beautifully curated space. Kudhva’s aim is to create memorable holidays, experiences and escapes which consider the impact on the natural world. Their site is off-grid and they aim to inspire all who come into contact with us to make positive changes in their own lives or businesses.
Find out about enhancing the environment and connecting habitats at Holkham, Norfolk
Holkham is an extensive, diverse and dramatic nature reserve which is part of the Holkham Estate, where you can stay at Holkham Lodges, the Victoria Inn or Pinewoods. Set within 25,000 acres on the majestic north Norfolk coast, Holkham offers a diverse plethora of landscapes and is home to a rich variety of wildlife and biodiversity. The estate’s vision is to be the UK’s most pioneering and sustainable rural estate and they have made advancements in renewable energy such as a 100-acre solar farm. They also offer Field to Fork tours to educate visitors about the land, trails and wildlife encounters so you can see first-hand how they are enhancing the environment and connecting habitats.
Cruise the UK in a new way with a sustainable twist, with Tradewind Voyages, UK-wide
Experience the British Isles and the charming coastal towns from a new perspective: on board a ship which marries sailing heritage and modern luxury, with a sustainable twist. There will be seven voyages exclusively visiting UK ports from 22nd June 2021, starting with a launch from Portsmouth, followed by six more itineraries around the UK; taking guests on a voyage that connects them with nature and the sea. To make this a sustainable cruise experience, they intend to sail without using propulsion engines for around 70% of each season. Their voyages are guided by the wind and the currents, a maritime experience on a traditional yet contemporary ship that’s fuelled by nature.
Wake up at Wheatland Farm and be part of their conservation project, Devon
Wheatland Farm is an ongoing conservation project, and you become part of that when you stay. The team manages 21 acres of Devon countryside for its wildlife, which is home to an array of birds and butterflies. The farm has four eco lodges which all have solar hot water and run on 100% renewable energy, most of it generated on site from their 11kW wind turbine and solar PV panels. This is a space to relax and reconnect.
Escape into nature at the new RHS Hilltop at RHS Garden Wisley, Surrey
Opening 24 June 2021, the Home of Gardening Science, RHS Hilltop, will be a new centre of horticultural excellence and a place focused on inspiring the next generation of scientists and protecting the future of plants, people and the planet. By exploring the science in our gardens we can begin to adapt to the challenges plants and gardens face from extreme weather, pollution, pests and diseases.
One to look forward to: the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort to open in 2023, Trafford, Greater Manchester
Plans to build the UK’s first city-based wellbeing resort are underway as Therme Manchester will create a unique experience not seen before in the UK by combining water-based activities with wellbeing treatments, art, nature and technology. Nature and water will be at the heart of the experience as Therme Group looks at every natural element that nurtures a healthy mind, body and soul; offering everything from exquisitely designed multi-sensory saunas, therapeutic mineral pools and waterslides to wellness therapies and health and fitness activities. Through memorable experiences, guests are introduced to new activities and lifestyle choices which they can incorporate in their daily lives. Imagine hundreds of species of plants, luxurious vegetation and bio-diverse gardens, as well as clear, warm thermal water.
Enjoy a tree-top escape in new luxury eco-friendly lodging with the Treehouses at Lanrick in Perthshire, Scotland
These five eco-friendly luxury treehouses launched in October 2020 and offer true escapism to nature in a private woodland setting, bordering the Trossachs National Park, yet only an hour from both Glasgow and Edinburgh. The conservation of this special woodland and wider area has been a priority when creating these hideaways and wherever possible the treehouses have been made from timber grown on the property thus minimising their carbon footprint. In the surrounding areas you can enjoy woodland and scenic river walks, biking, picnics, salmon and trout fishing, mountain climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and wild swimming.
Embrace the outdoors and new accommodation options at Fforest, West Wales
Nestled between the river Teifi gorge and the Teifi marshes nature reserve, Fforest is 200 acres of rural beauty and a unique world of Japanese, eco-led designed Onsen domes, traditional crog lofts, luxury garden shacks, a Georgian farmhouse and a myriad of wholesome food and beverage outlets. In 2021, Fforest is launching new accommodation options, more unique food outlets, as well as a collection of offers for families, gatherings and holidays. Combining ethically sourced materials, period pieces and local craft, Fforest provides comfortable and inspiring spaces to stay, as well as entertaining activities such as kayaking, rafting, mountain biking, bushcraft, archery, coasteering and hiking.
Sleep in a secluded Welsh Valley with Hidden Valley Yurts, South Wales
In a secluded valley, invisible to the outside world, lies a glamping site that contains five Mongolian yurts that are built from their own forest and have solar power, spring water and composting toilets; and The Lake House, their new luxury self-catering holiday accommodation. With the help of local ecology students, Hidden Valley Yurts monitors the health of the wildlife to ensure protection to their woodland’s flora, fauna and wildflower meadows.