STAYCATIONS

Sustainably sorted Top #3 Ecostaycations

The change in weather has got many dreaming of their next holiday, but with thanks to Covid many plans have fallen through. The pandemic has affected many aspects of our lives, not just the way in which we holiday, but including the way in which we think about the environment. The logical solution?

Staycations have really taken off in 2020, especially with the forever changing rules regarding holidays. Beaches, lakes and the open countryside are beautiful venues for a well-deserved weekend away. Not leaving the U.K for your holiday adventure is beneficial for your pocket and the environment, so here are my top three eco-friendly staycations:

Chewton Glen, is a 5 star hotel located in the heart of the New Forest, Hampshire. This remarkable manor is a luxurious holiday in itself, with the choice of being able to stay in the main house or rather the contemporary-chic treehouses. Boasting a new kids club, allow yourself and your partner to unwind with the little ones having fun in one of the varied activity classes available, such as an assortment of cookery courses. Having been awarded Editors Choice Spas 2021, enjoy an award winning spa day with this ultimate country escape. Allow yourself to unwind and switch off

STAYCATIONS

from the hum drum of daily life with their range of spa packages and treatments. Chewton Glen regularly offers guest speakers, music, and drink tasting nights, and have availability for Christmas and New Years Eve.

For more info checkout: www.chewtonglen.com

Glen #1 Chewton

STAYCATIONS

#2 House Farm Soho

Soho Farmhouse in Oxford is one of the U.K’s most instagrammed eco-friendly staycation locations, with almost 51,000 posts using the hashtag ‘Sohofarmhouse’. Their luxurious hotel is available to members at a discounted rate but does allow for non-members to enjoy the hotels vast array of activities and pastimes. Set in 100 acres of glorious countryside, this hotels aesthetic boasts boutique chic combined with country wood cabin and features quirky aspects to the interior around every corner. Soho Farmhouse has ten garden rooms, 40 cabins, a four-bedroom cottage, 40 piglets, and a seven bedroom farmhouse. There is parking, restaurants, bars, steam room, laundry, room service, a pool, sauna, wifi, tennis court, fitness centre and a kids club. Not to mention this eco-friendly staycation has been visited by Harry and Megan, Cara Delevigne and Eddie Redmayne, so keep your eyes peeled when visiting!

Cuckoo Down Farm in East Devon really caught my eye, considering it is STAYCATIONS located so near the World Heritage coastline at Sidmouth. This award-winning glamping site boasts eccentric interior design making it the ideal location to chill out with friends or family. Be sure that there are no more than six of you! The farm has four decorated safari lodges, hot tubs and two beautiful yurts. Perfect for relaxing, glamping or family fun. The full site can also be hired for hen nights, parties, wedding or group activities. It is also excellent for kids, with the lambs, the pony Ebony, the sheepdog Ebony and the chickens. Cuckoo Down Farm has the best mix of glorious pebbled beaches, countryside and is a happy medium for those that need their creature comforts whilst camping. #3 Cuckoo Down Whether you want a weekend of no phones or want to Instagram the entire thing, eco staycations are the holiday for you!

Here are Stay Connected’s tips to ensure you enjoy your staycation to the absolute fullest:

1: Try to turn your phone notifications off as soon as you get there. If you are on a family excursion or a group trip and you still want to make as many memories as possible, try bringing a digital or disposable camera! It often makes pictures more precious when you have to go through the process of getting them developed. 2: Get outdoors! The weather is getting a bit colder but wrap up warm and get out there. Enjoy the nature near to you and explore in the areas surrounding. 3: Activities that you haven’t tried before are always a good choice when on staycations. Perhaps hire a boat, windsurfing kit or kayak. 4: Grab yourself a few re-used books or visit a nearby library during your staycation. There is nothing better than losing yourself in a page-turner of a book and doing it the eco friendly way. 5: If the weather prevails, grab a warm blanket and go star-gazing. If you’re staycationing in the countryside you will be more likely to see the stars due to less light pollution. 6: Explore the local area: go to a local theatre, find out what events are on in the area.

7: Do some exercise daily, such as yoga or stretches. Use a mat or a towel, along with online videos and try to complete this daily during the morning as a ritual. 8: Try and write about your experience, perhaps keep a diary or a notebook to jot down your thoughts during your stay. 9: Relax when you’ve settled in for the night and create a family meal using locally sourced ingreidients. Sit round the table and enjoy! 10: Meditation is a brilliant daily practice, not only just for when you are staycationing. Try to practice some mindfulness each morning and throughout the day. Have a look on Youtube or try apps similar to Headspace or Calm.