Cynefin Retreats: now for families as well as couples
One of my favourite Herefordshire hideaways, Cynefin Retreats, recently announced the launch of three new luxe-lodges to accompany its four stylish luxe-pods. Sleeping four as opposed to two, it now means that families (or groups of friends) can sample the Cynefin magic.
What to know about the Cynefin Retreats
Set within seven acres and surrounded by pine trees, meadows and woodland, the three luxe-lodges and four luxe-pods that make up Cynefin Retreats offer an idyllic indoor-outdoor experience for families, couples and friends – and dogs! With welcoming interiors and fantastic outdoor spaces, you needn’t leave the grounds to have a great stay.
However, with Hay-on-Wye on the doorstep and Symonds Yat a little further away, these luxurious cabins have charm, history and adventure on the doorstep if you’d like to spend your days exploring the Welsh borders.
Cynefin Retreats Luxe-Lodges
Cynefin Retreats is super easy to find. Whether you use your car’s sat nav or Google Maps, both will take you right to the entrance where you’ll spot the solar panel-clad roofs of the luxe-lodges a little way in the distance. There’s a parking spot right outside the lodges making unloading luggage, children and a dog a breeze. Check in is from 4.30pm.
With tea, coffee, hot chocolate and marshmallows – and some lovely local goodies – calling to you from the kitchen shelves, you might want to make yourself and drink and enjoy the views before you rush to unpack. Four-legged friends aren’t forgotten about either. A little jar of treats and their own towel will be waiting for them. Dogs should stay downstairs and there’s a stair gate to help with that.
When inside the lodges, your eyes are automatically drawn to the views from every window. Overlooking the meadow and with a glimpse of the luxe-pods in the distance, you almost feel as though you’re outdoors even when you’re cooking in the kitchen, sat at the dining table or feet-up on the sofa.
While the single-storey pods are designed for couples, the luxe-lodges are almost double in size and have two roomy bedrooms perfect for a family of four - or five, as a travel cot or blow up mattress can be supplied if you have three children. Both rooms have blackout blinds but it’s tempting to leave them up and sleep with the window ajar so you can wake up to birdsong.
If you’re a busy parent, quick showers are usually the norm, but do find time for a luxurious soak. The bath is enormous and the view incredible. Persuade your partner to mind the children and shut yourself away for an hour. It’s an amazing experience.
Even the most indoor-loving human will find themselves lured outdoors by the landscape at Cynefin. At the very least you’ll want to spend evenings grilling over the fire pit and enjoying a dip in the hot tub. Bliss!
