Take your foot off the gas and restore mind, body and soul with deep sleep, zero screen time and beautiful surroundings. Here are some of our favourite places for R&R in the South West
Kudhva, Cornwall
Positioned as a new breed of landscape hotel, Kudhva is an off-grid, eco-cool collection of cabins and retreat spaces tucked away on the rugged north Cornish coastline.
Adjust to a new, gentle rhythm of living in one of the treehouse-like cabins, rising high among the woodland canopy. Plump for one of the tipis facing the rolling Atlantic surf, or book a stay in one of the off-ground tents, a canvas replica of the cabins. There’s also the Danish cabin – a secluded bolthole near a 40ft waterfall.
Each spaces offers a one-of-a-kind experience on the site of a former slate quarry, with wild swimming, coastal hikes and serene lounging all within easy reach. Whether you’re seeking a solitude-is-bliss escape, a group getaway, or a stay that opens the door to meeting like-minded souls, Kudhva pushes the boundaries of the typical retreat.
Gwynver Beach House, Beach Retreats, Cornwall
R&R doesn’t have to be a solo pursuit. Sometimes, the best antidote to the stressors of modern life is quality time with a group of loved ones – especially when it involves swimming in calm waters, lounging on soft sand, practising yoga, or simply yapping as the sun melts into the horizon.
This luxurious beach house near Sennen (walkable via the coast path or a short drive away) delivers exactly that. Sleeping up to ten, the property is tucked away in a peaceful spot surrounded by seemingly endless rural beauty. Gwynver Beach and its powdery white sands are just minutes away, though there’s just as much joy to be found within the Scandi-style beach house.
Inside, expect en suite bedrooms, two generous living spaces, a cinema room and a high-spec kitchen. Outside, there is a vast landscaped garden with ample seating, a patio with barbecue and fireplace, and an ocean-facing terrace complete with dining area.
Guests also receive The Iconic Treatment – a £100 local food hamper delivered to the property, plus bath and body products from Cornwall’s land&water.
Timber Hill Lodge, Lyme Regis Stays, Dorset
With sweeping views of Lyme Regis in every direction, the urge to scroll on social media quickly fades at this design-led retreat.
The lodge is part of the Lyme Regis Stays collection and has been thoughtfully reimagined from the ground up. A calming palette and handcrafted wooden furniture set the tone, complemented by a garden cinema room and spacious balconies made for slow mornings and golden-hour unwinding. In the open-plan living area, sunlight pours through expansive windows, revealing sea views by day and the twinkling lights of Lyme by night. With so many inviting nooks, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to settling in with a good book and a cafetiere of coffee.
Step outside and you’ll find National Trust woodland on your doorstep, as well as access to the South West Coast Path, plus the town and beach within walking distance.
Rest + Wild, Exmoor
Lose yourself in one of the country’s most untamed landscapes with a stay at Rest + Wild. Five luxury cabins are dotted across four fields, ensuring privacy, and are each designed for two (with space for a travel cot). Expect a king‑size bed with views of the Exmoor landscape, a fire pit, outdoor copper bathtub, rainfall shower and complimentary Wildsmith products.
Ease into your stay by lighting the fire pit, slipping into the outdoor tub, then cooking up a feast with the Best of British food hamper add‑on.
The cabins are designated switch‑off zones, so there’s no wifi – just birdsong, big skies and the gentle movement of nature. Dogs are welcome and will relish the walking and river splashing opportunities nearby.
Mello View, Somerset
Retreat to this stylishly rustic cabin overlooking the Axe Valley and embrace total tranquillity. The as-seen-on Grand Designs property sits deep in the Somerset countryside and is completely off-grid.
With no television, no wifi and limited mobile signal, Mello View’s The Gardener’s Shed is a place to properly unplug – trading digital noise for undisturbed sleep, from-scratch cooking and long, restorative walks in the wilderness. Life slows to the simple pleasures: collecting eggs from the hens, picking vegetables from the garden, and crafting a zero-miles breakfast before wandering through acres of orchards, paddocks and gardens.
There are also regular Pilates sessions, tailored to include reformer, mat work, or both, set against the soothing backdrop of the Axe Valley.
Enjoyed our curation of places for R&R in the South West? Check out these cool escapes.
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