In blissful, enveloping woodlands only a 5-minute drive from the bookish town of Hay-on-Wye, this cluster of luxury family-friendly lodges feels like a genuine escape. The setting is 7 acres of restorative meadow-fringed greenery under the star-spangled sky at the edge of a Dark Skies Reserve. Owners Lorna and Ryan's family have another eco-retreat in Tobago, which has a similar living-in-the-landscape vibe, and here they've worked their magic much closer to home.
The dwellings – three hugely spacious two-bed lodges for families or groups of friends – seem to merge with the landscape. They're set apart, artfully angled under Corsican pines to ensure maximum privacy. Faced in locally grown red cedar, the two-storey lodges each have a glass wall leading out to a spacious deck with a private hot tub. This was ready for us when we arrived, and we loved wallowing under a star-smeared sky, as well as the immersive indoor-outdoor experience of the architecture, waking up to vast views over rolling meadows. Thoughtful touches are everywhere, from the kids' under-the-stairs dens and specially crafted swings in the woods, to binoculars to borrow, and a bootroom for outdoor wear. Marshmallows are provided for roasting on the outdoor fire pits, you can choose from a wide range of books and board games, and there are lots of useful local recommendations to hand, plus the option of hampers from the superb local Hay Deli. All this, and dogs are welcome too. Rural bliss.
Highs
- Lushly green setting with wildlife on the doorstep; this feels like a real escape
- Luxurious secluded accommodation, ideal for indoor-outdoor living, for families or couples alike; book two or three lodges for a larger get-together
- You get your own hot tub and fire pit with BBQ grill
- Unpolluted night skies make this a stargazing hotspot
- Dogs are welcome
Lows
- It’s purely self-catering, so look elsewhere if you like breakfast provided or a restaurant on-site. Note that Hay on Wye is just a short drive away for eateries and food shops
- Only three lodges so book ahead for popular times
Best time to go
The Welsh Borders are fun to visit year-round. It's busiest here around the Hay Festival during the last week of May and the first week of June, but otherwise July and August are the peak season, when families come to Wales for the summer holidays. May and September are lovely times to visit too. In winter it's cosy in the lodges and pods thanks to the wood burner. Whatever time of year you come, pack wellies and wet-weather gear just in case, as well as some good walking shoes.
Our top tips
Head up Hay Bluff for a stomp, and then truly rejuvenate in your hot tub under the stars, before toasting some marshmallows over the firepit.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 5 independent reviews from i-escape guests
A fantastic setting and the cabins have been carefully thought out to give you the best of everything. The marshmallows and toasting forks were a great touch and much loved by the children. A lovely “hands off” approach to service - which is perfect for us - but when needed (the skylight in our room wouldn’t open) very quick to respond and help. The starter pack of milk, oil, tea and chocolate was wonderful. Overall a beautiful place carefully and thoughtfully presented. Great provisions for dogs as well, so all members of the family were happy!
We had a fantastic stay at Wye Valley Hideaways. We loved the lodge- the decor, views, hot tub were all amazing. We enjoyed popping into Hay - lots of lovely cafes and independent shops. We were also blown away by the scenery and would love to come back. Would recommend in an instant. Thanks so much!
My family had a lovely short break here. We were blown away by the attention to detail, particularly the welcome gifts, games for the children, amazing hot tub and fire pit and lovely interior design features in the lodge itself. Our children (aged 6 and 8) and one year old puppy had loads of fun exploring the woodland walk behind the lodge and we really enjoyed the lodge's proximity to local attractions. Such a lovely, clean, picturesque and well run establishment.
Our family had a lovely stay at Wye Valley Hideaways. We loved the design and facilities. It was all very clean and comfortable. Also had the benefit of being close to Hay on Wye. We have recommended it to friends.
The accommodation was roomy and well fitted. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of outside space especially as we had good weather, we didn’t feel cramped by the other units. The staff were helpful and friendly - they directed us to a good river walk and the route into the black mountains.
Hay-On-Wye has many good eateries although many are not open til Thursday. Would recommend Bull's Head pub in Craswell - a bit of a drive but worth it
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape