For sanctuary
In romantic cottages made for bare feet and late breakfasts, couples and solo sojourners pour cream into whiskey-spiked coffee, while dogs take up residence beneath frost-dusted windows.
Winter is for lovers. For the rib-tickling laughter that only happens when clouds burst above the hot tub and raindrops dilute homespun sloe gin cocktails that were months in the making. From bubbling backyard waters, dash indoors to the firelight where the smell of honey-glazed root veg wafts from the Aga and a handwoven basket makes an offering of woollen blankets. These hideaways are for couples in search of the Great British Snuggledown.
Once upon a time there was just one, a solo traveller who retreated to the seaside to paint in the window and dunk local shortbread into cups of cocoa. When quietude calls, going alone is sometimes the only thing that will cut the midwinter mustard. And so we make a case for luxury idleness: throw sticks for pups on beaches bare but for seagulls, set the table for a candlelit dinner for one, and sprawl out on velveteen sofas with the buttons to yourself.
Idlewylde
Machynlleth, Snowdonia, Wales, UK
From the sweet seclusion to mountain vistas, hot tub to glittering skies uninterrupted by city lights, Idlewylde is an impossibly romantic escape for couples in North Wales.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,595 per week, £1,150 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome, or three on prior request
Features: Hot tub
The Outpost
Reached by a private bridge, this frontier-style cabin on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park invites couples to recline in a hot tub under the stars, and recharge under a canopy of trees.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,450 per week, £1,095 per short break
Pets: One dog is welcome
Features: Woodfired hot tub and fire pit
Ebony Wood
Dark, mysterious and ever-so romantic, Ebony Wood on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is an atmospheric couples’ escape surrounded by sweet scented pines and rustling hedgehogs.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,795 per week, £1,295 per short break
Pets: Two well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, infrared sauna, yoga deck, outside shower and outdoor food prep area and sink
Saffron Tower
Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, UK
Standing watch from the corner of a beautiful walled garden, Saffron Tower is a true wellness retreat where couples can indulge in a spa-like experience on the Anglesey coast.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,995 per week, £1,395 per short break
Pets: Two medium well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Heated indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, gym with running machine, Echelon Exercise bike, Hydrow rowing machine, weights, yoga mats and portable air conditioning unit
Isla Windmill
Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, UK
High on a hill overlooking the Anglesey coast, Isla Windmill is unique, authentic and fit to burst with character with views of the sea and Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests (+2)
From: £1,595 per week, £1,150 per short break
Pets: Two medium well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, portable air conditioning unit
Hinterland Cabin
With views of the Conwy Valley, Hinterland Cabin is a luxury log home with a hot tub, sauna, and yoga deck bordering Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park in Wales, enveloped by big skies and wild mountains.
Sleeps: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,795 per week, £1,295 per short break
Pets: Two medium well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, sauna and yoga deck
White Beach Cove
Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey, Wales, UK
A traditional Welsh cottage nestled into Anglesey’s remote north coast, White Beach Cove is an adventurer’s delight hidden in one of the UK's wildest corners.
Sleeps: Up to 4 guests (+1)
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £1,850 per week, £1,250 per short break
Pets: Three well-behaved dogs are welcome
Features: Hot tub, electric car charging point, portable air conditioning unit
Heddwen
A luxury farmhouse in Wales, with dramatic views of Cardigan Bay in one direction and Snowdonia's namesake mountain in the other, Heddwen exudes coastal warmth and cottage charm.
Sleeps: Up to 6 guests
Alternative Group Option: Up to 2 guests
From: £2,250 per week, £1,695 per short break
Pets: One medium sized well-behaved dog is welcome on prior request
Features: Outdoor bath
Haute Hibernation > For Sanctuary > UK > Wales > Snowdonia
