Staycation meets escapism as off-grid cabin retreats become this summer’s most sought-after break
Remote, back-to-nature hideaways far beyond the reach of Wi-Fi or even a decent phone signal – the rise of cabin culture continues apace, with aspirational images of rural retreats cluttering Instagram and gracing the pages of best-selling book Cabin Porn. Post-Covid, the boom in people seeking a peaceful, get-away-from-it-all escape felt like a natural reaction after months of being cooped up. But the popularity of cabin breaks continues to soar, offering the promise of a respite from modern, hectic lives along with the chance to uplug and unwind while surrounded by nature. Of course, cabin culture is nothing new. Norwegians have been enthusiastic fans of ‘hytte’ for decades, while Scotland has a long tradition of ‘bothies’, simple shelters scattered across the Highlands and used by hikers. However, with the buzz around cabins reaching fever pitch, it’s no surprise that many have had a designer makeover.
A clutch of swish Scottish cabins
Leading the way with the opening of five lochside cabins next month is Glen Glack, on the magnificent Atholl Estates in Perthshire. Inspired by traditional no-frills bothies, these hideaways aim to offer the same rustic vibe but with no-holds-barred comfort. Each has a discreet ‘turn Wi-Fi off’ button, hinting at the escapist ethos, while the buildings themselves are cleverly designed to look at home in the landscape. Sustainably built cabins rest on stilts and are clad in locally-abundant larch, for which Atholl Estates is famous, to leave as light a footprint as possible and merge seamlessly with their leafy surroundings. Views are equally soothing, towards glassy Cally Loch where private pontoons float invitingly on the water. So far, so back-to-nature, but step inside and you’ll find sumptuous interiors by acclaimed design team Turner Pocock. Living rooms feature exposed beams, sink-in armchairs and wood-burning stoves, while every cabin has a state-of-the-art kitchen, drying room, luxurious bedroom and expansive bathroom. There’s a subtle nod to the setting within the historic Atholl Estates, too, with tartan sofas in soft hues alongside artwork from the attics at Blair Castle, home to the Atholl family for over seven centuries. Our favourite touch, however, is the outdoor bath in Juniper (all the cabins are named after native tree species) where guests can quite literally immerse themselves in nature.
A rustic-luxe retreat in Wales
Exuding contemporary cool, Cynefin Retreats delivers a different take on cabin culture, with its sleek cedar-and-steel eco-pods and Scandi-inspired decor. The setting is stellar, folded into the wildly beautiful Wye valley, with the craggy peaks of the Brecon Beacons on the horizon. It feels remote, yet Hay-on-Wye is just a short drive, with pretty streets lined with quirky boutiques and eateries – well worth a potter even if you miss its renowned Hay Literary Festival. Back at Cynefin, it’s all about reconnecting with nature – footpaths fan out from the cabins, which come kitted out with binoculars for wildlife-spotting. Timber swings are dotted through the woods, along with bird, bat and owl boxes among the trees. There’s even a secret willow garden, with a bottom-shaped bough for lounging with a good book.
Everything is designed to help you embrace the great outdoors, with huge plate glass sliding doors opening onto private decked terraces with hot tubs, firepits for toasting marshmallows and some of the most sensational stargazing around. Cynefin lies within a designated ‘dark skies’ area, which means on clear nights you can play spot-the-planet while bubbling away in the hot tub. Back inside, slick modern design and funky interiors combine with luxury touches such as cloud-like king-size beds, deep bathtubs, high-tech sound systems and heavenly locally-made Welsh lavender toiletries. For families, the trio of spacious lodges are a treat, with all the bells and whistles of the original one-bedroom eco-pods but with an extra bedroom and kid-friendly touches such as blackout blinds, wooden toys and nature books tucked away in dens beneath the stairs. Dogs are welcome, too, with food and water bowls provided, along with a fluffy dog towel and outdoor mud-cleaning station for rinsing off after walks.