Cynefin Retreats

The highlights

• Luxury pods make a great spot for couples looking to escape to the countryside.
• Rest up in your own private hot tub after a day out exploring this marvellous part of the country.
• With the Brecon Beacons being one of only five ‘Dark Sky’ protected status regions, you’re bound to see some of the clearest and brightest stars of your life!
• Pick up supplies from the on-site honesty system shop- artisan crafted homemade marshmallows for the barbecue are a particular recommendation.
• The pods represent perfect accommodation for the popular Hay-on-Wye festival

You should know

• This is a dog’s paradise, designed with four legged friends in mind. That said, there are working farms nearby as well as multiple wild animals, so please ensure that dogs are well behaved and kept on leashes on the trails.
• The properties are all found in the same small patch of land, so you will have neighbours in nearby pods.

The detail

Right on the edge of the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park, in England but only three miles from the Welsh border, Cynefin Retreats is a collection of ultra-decadent timber glamping pods boasting a range of high-end amenities. Situated close to Offa’s Dyke, the historic landmark which serves as a boundary between England and Wales, Cynefin Retreats is perfectly located to take advantage of the plunging and dramatic mountains, the starry and protected ‘Dark Sky’, and the culturally rich ‘Town of Books’ - Hay-on-Wye.

Each pod has been cleverly designed to take full advantage of the jaw-dropping views of the hills and valleys which this region is celebrated for. The main living space in each pod benefits from a floor-to-ceiling glass door, creating an airy and light-filled space which really draws the beauty and tranquillity of the surrounding woodlands into the pod. These glass doors open directly onto a private timber decking, where you’ll find your hot-tub, the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine and soothe your muscles after spending the day hiking, wild-swimming or cycling.

The pods come with super-romantic beds in the separate bedroom, with a high-end en-suite bathroom adjoining the room. The kitchen is integrated in the open-plan living space, and comes with everything you need to prepare a feast using local ingredients. Alternatively, the pods all feature outdoors barbecues, making al-fresco grilling a great option. For the ultimate hygge experience, every pod comes with both an engineered wood-burning stove to snuggle up in front of every evening, and underfloor heating throughout, ensuring that whatever the season, you’ll be cosy throughout the day and night. There’s even a cloak room and storage space adjoining each cabin, so that the clean, sharp Scandinavian lines of your pod go uninterrupted by hiking gear and luggage.

Cynefin Retreats are located within a private seven acre estate, where Corsican Pine woodlands and wildflower meadows attract a diversity of wildlife, from foxes and badgers to rare birds and unusual butterflies.

This area is a walker and nature-enthusiast’s paradise, with endless hill and valley ranges and forests rich in diverse trees and foliage. A number of trails and footpaths snake right past the pods, taking you towards the Wye Valley Wall, or Offa’s Dyke itself, whose lengthy peak can be walked along. How you explored the varied and exciting scenery is up to you; between horse riding, canoe rental and instruction, hiking, fell-running and mountain biking, there really are options to suit every kind of adventurer, all within close proximity. Well known for its celebrated festival, Haye-on-Wye is a beautiful town, just three miles from the pods. Anybody with an interest in literature, architecture, food, and the finest in small town charm will find Hay-on-Wye to be unmissable.

Features

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