Think you have to wait until May to have a holiday? Think again.
Although officially the set date for hotels to reopen across the country is May 17th, the government has decided to allow self-contained properties to welcome back guests a little earlier, as long as all those travelling are from the same household.
Many eager Brits are already taking advantage of the loophole and booking self-contained accommodation all over the country, which will be officially allowed to welcome visitors from the 12th April.
Although many would assume that the April opening only applies to fully equipped holiday rentals such as those found on Airbnb and VRBO, there are actually a bunch of hotels that will be opening their self-contained suites, apartments and guesthouses to guests in April, before (hopefully!) opening the rest of their rooms and facilities in May.
We love self-contained getaways; bring the family, stock up on some groceries and get cosy with some fresh views. Most are equipped with full kitchens, laundries and multiple bathrooms and living areas, which means you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort or flexibility when exploring a new part of the world. As restaurants and bars are able to open outdoors on 12 April, hotels that are offering self-contained accommodation are also opening some dining and bar options meaning you don’t have to cook yourself!
Here are a few of our favourite self-contained stays, all ready to welcome you from the 12th of April. However, if you are keen on a self-contained staycation, get in quick – properties across the country have experienced a surge in bookings since the announcements just days ago.
Please note: obviously, the situation regarding the pandemic can change very quickly, and the projected dates for reopening may shift in response. Please always stay up to date with the current situation and travel responsibly.
In this post:
Chevin Country Park and Spa
Located in Otley, right by the dales of West Yorkshire (and only 10 miles from Leeds), this rustic escape is the largest log cabin in all of England. From April 12th, they will be opening up their cosy, self-catering lodges, set amidst miles of unspoiled woodland.
The lodges feature modern kitchens, comfy beds, cosy dining and lounge areas and most also boast their very own, private hot tub.
Guests can wander (or cycle) along the many paths and trails, grab a game of tennis, go fishing on the nearby lake or simply sit back in the peace and quiet and enjoy the fresh air.
The property is also dog friendly, which means you really can bring the whole family!
For more info or to book, head here.
The Meadow Glamping
This unique and magical spot can be found in a quiet corner of Broughton, Hampshire and is home to three very special self-contained stays.
Guests can choose to sleep in an original Showman’s Wagon, a sumptuous bohemian boudoir (complete with private summer house) or on an original, 23-foot canal boat, now moored to its very own private island. How’s that for something different?
Each space is thoughtfully decorated and complete with a range of facilities to make each stay comfortable.
The property features two acres of rolling meadow, a lake, plenty of friendly wildlife and a range of cosy nooks and crannies where you can best enjoy this beautiful part of the world. Outdoor fire pits, BBQ’s, picnic spots and plenty of local activities make The Meadow Glamping a truly special experience.
To see more, head here.
Lime Wood
Set amongst the stunning New Forest, near Lyndhurst (and only 15 miles from Southampton), this stunning manor house was once a medieval hunting lodge, dating back to the 13th century. Now, this 5-star escape provides guests with every amenity necessary to enjoy a truly indulgent stay.
As of April 12th, the hotel will be opening up its self-contained garden suites, Forest Cottages, the Lake Cabin or the Forest Cabin. Although the restaurant won’t yet be ready, pop-up outdoor dining will be available, and the Herb House spa, its treatment rooms and most of its facilities will be open for guests to enjoy.
Featuring enormous, cushy beds, double-ended baths, monsoon shower heads, cosy lounge areas and a bottle of champagne on arrival, the accommodations will not disappoint. Guests can explore the gardens or nearby forest, spend some time at the spa or take a dip in the heated pool.
Michele – Roving Reporter and I stayed in one of the cottages and had a great time. Lime Wood is one of my favourite hotels with a great spa and beautiful surroundings. The cottage came with an abundance of provisions including freshly baked bread, pasta, sauces, snacks and drinks. Toiletries were by Bamford and super sized for a family.
For more info or to book, click here.
The Engine House, Porthtowan
The Engine House in Porthtowan is a Grade II Listed property, set amongst the beauty of the Cornish coast, and has featured on several television shows for its unique design, including ‘Grand Designs’ and ‘Homes by the Sea’.
Providing guests with sweeping views of the ocean, the property has been fully remodelled inside with a fresh and modern interior including a full kitchen, cosy bedrooms, a fireplace and even an outdoor area, complete with a pizza oven.
Ideally located between Illogan and St. Agnes, visitors can wander in either direction along the South West Coastal Path, head to the beach or explore the nearby villages.
To learn more, see the photos or book via VRBO, click here.
White Swell
Located on the beautiful shores of Kessingland Beach, this fresh and modern property features stunning sea views – but that is only the start.
Not only can guests enjoy a full kitchen, a lounge with a wood-burning stove, comfortable bedrooms (there are eight of them) and bathrooms with roll-top tubs, but also a home cinema, basement games room, large lawn and not one, but two, sunny terraces to soak up the rays or enjoy a meal.
If all that isn’t enough, then visitors can opt to spend the day by the sea, surfing or swimming, or head inland to the lagoons and woodlands of the nearby Benacre Nature Reserve. You definitely won’t get bored at this stunning spot.
Plum Guide is an upmarket alternative to Air Bnb or VRBO where all properties are inspected. Michele used them for a lovely garden apartment in London last year and was very impressed with the experience versus Air Bnb.
For more details or to book, head here.
Chewton Glen
Chewton Glen is a five star country house hotel in Hampshire, ideally located just minutes walk from both the sea and the New Forest. As of April 12th, they will be reopening their famous ‘Treehouses’; just a quick walk from the main building, these unique rooms and suites are set right amongst the treetops.
Featuring large outdoor terraces that overlook the surrounding forest, king size beds, hot tubs, marble bathrooms and a range of snazzy mod-cons, you can bet that a stay here will be one to remember.
Also from the 12th, the Kitchen restaurant will be open for alfresco dining and the Spa will be exclusively available to Treehouse guests and spa members only during this time. Michele has visited the spa several times and loves it outdoor jacuzzi, hydrotherapy pool and large columned swimming pool.
With private parking, concierge and mini kitchenettes, The Treehouses are fully self-contained with the added bonus of seclusion and privacy. Guests can expect daily breakfast hampers delivered via a private hatch and a delicious ‘delivered to you’ takeaway menu.
If you book through our partners, Debonair, you will get the following benefits:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (probably unlikely with the Treehouses)
- Daily Full breakfast for two guests per bedroom, in restaurant
- A $100 USD equivalent Resort/Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Half Bottle of Champagne and Chocolates
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
Cary Arms & Spa
Cary Arms & Spa is a stunning 5-star property located right on the coast of Devon in beautiful Torquay. The historic seaside inn has been extensively (and expensively) restored and has been the recipient of a number of travel industry awards over the last decade. The property gets 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor.
As of the 12th April, the hotel’s unique rental cottages will be made available to guests. All sea-facing with their own outdoor dining terraces, gardens and BBQs, the cottages also feature spacious lounges complete with a fireplace, fully equipped kitchens and flat-screen TV’s (with Netflix!). Guests will also receive a welcome hamper on arrival, with fresh bread, butter, milk and a bunch of other goodies.
There is plenty to do in the area, including coastal walks, swimming or exploring the surrounding villages.
To book, or find out more, head here.
