For some ‘me time’ – or a romantic break – here are five beautiful, peaceful rural retreats in Australia, Tenerife, Cornwall, Turkey and Thailand. Take your pick…
Rural Retreats #1
Finca el Quinto, Los Realejos, northern Tenerife (see main image)
This working, family-run organic farm – growing avocados, oranges, grapefruit and papaya, as well as some lesser known fare: chirimoyas, pitangas and chayotas – has thirteen cottages for couples and families to rent. A world away from the touristy south, the accommodation has been lovingly built using reclaimed materials. For piano players, there’s a Steinway grand. Also, two pools; pigs, chickens and parrots for kids to chase and a view of the nearby coast.
Rooms from £30 a night
www.fincaelquinto.de; Finca el Quinto, 37 El Caserio Los Quintos, 38410 Los, Realejos, Tenerife, info@elquinto.co.uk; +34(922)345002
Rural Retreats #2
Wildwood, Cape Tribulation, Australia
Set on a large exotic fruit orchard in the heart of Cape Tribulation – the largest community in Australia not connected to mains electricity – Wildwood retreat is as rural as it gets. There are two wooden cabins nestled in amongst rainforest trees, or a large two-bed house, with an adjoining garden apartment – catering for 2-12 guests. White sand beaches and restaurants are a 10-minute walk away, or you can stay on site and lounge in a hammock.
From £84 per night for two adults, with a two night minimum stay
wildwoodcapetrib.com.au; Wildwood (formerly the Cape Trib Exotic Fruit Farm), Lot 5 Nicole Drive, Cape Tribulation, QLD 4873; lizkearney@hotmail.co.uk; 0424 948 014
Rural Retreats #3
The LifeCo, Bodrum, Turkey
Frequented by the likes of Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, The LifeCo offer full-on detox programmes. We’re talking: shakes, herbs, colonic irrigation, yoga, walking. If you’re looking to reboot your system or lose a few pounds – this is the one for you. With wellness consultations, coaching sessions and a strict regime – under blue skies and the scorching Turkish sun – it’s part relaxation, part endurance. No sugar, no carbs, no caffeine – but plenty of fresh fruit juice and spinach.
Basic detox programme + room from £153 per night, per person
www.thelifeco.com; Bağarası Mahallesi 48400 Göltürkbükü, Bodrum – Turkey; bodrum@thelifeco.com; +90 (252) 377 63 10
Rural Retreats #4
The Santuary, Haad Tien, Thailand
On the island of Koh Phangan, just a boat ride away from the infamous Haad Rin (home of gap year favourite: the full moon party), The Sanctuary is built into the rocks, overlooking two white sand bays. It’s probably the most sophisticated tree house you’ll ever see. You’ll feel like you’re in The Beach. And not just because of the paradisiacal setting; the fellow guests are in-keeping too. It’s best for yoga, raw food, reiki, detoxing and relaxation. But they also have wine and beer.
From £45 a night for a Thai-style house sleeping four, dorm beds are also available
thesanctuarythailand.com; Haad Tien, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand, info@thesanctuarythailand.com
Rural Retreats #5
The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall
There’s an air of zen upon entering Cornwall’s eco hipster hotel The Scarlet; staff walk around slowly and quietly, you might not see another guest until dinner time (this was all part of the plan in designing the spacious; spaced-out rooms, which – by the way – all look out to sea). A reed-filtered natural plunge pool overlooks the bay, as does the cliff top hot tub. There’s a heated indoor pool, mosaic-laden steam room and suspended cocoon ponds for hanging out. You’ll leave feeling calmer.
Rooms from £230 a night, including use of the spa facilities; a 3-night yoga retreat including two-course breakfast each morning, private sessions, four hours of treatments and daily morning classes is £760
www.scarlethotel.co.uk; The Scarlet Hotel, Tredragon Road, Mawgan Porth, Cornwall, TR8 4DQ; stay@scarlethotel.co.uk; 01637 861800
Running a quaint B&B, architecturally mind-blowing house, glamping site in the woods – or anything in between – that you’d like us to review? Get in touch: info@theearlyhour.com
And readers! Let us know if you’ve visited any amazing rural retreats in the comment section below…