Celtic Woodland Holidays

Set between two spellbinding valleys – the Elan and the Wye – Celtic Woodland Holidays enjoys a peerless position amongst Wales' most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Just outside the historic Wyeside town of Builth Wells, it's the perfect base for outdoor adventurists with Snowdonia to the north, the Brecon Beacons to the south, and the Cambrian Mountains and Cardigan Bay a little to the west. Then again, once you settle in to your luxury off-grid digs at this tranquil woodland retreat, you might not venture far after all...

The five pods that comprise the bulk of the lodgings here are enterprising host Leigh's own patented design. Christened the moduLog, these unique timber-built pods owe as much to treehouses as they do to wooden cabins, blending seamlessly in the sylvan surroundings. Constructed from locally sourced timber, each occupies its own elevated and secluded woodland clearing. Low-impact features such as sheep’s wool insulation and solar power are in keeping with the site's all-round eco-friendly credentials. Interior features include a wood-burning stove atop a slate hearth, a beautifully finished kitchen space (utensils included), and box seating with in-built storage that convert into comfy beds. Unlike the more commonplace pod designs, these canny cabins offer a far more welcoming space to unwind, with light pouring in through the French windows and a spacious porch for guests to enjoy al fresco dining and exceptional sunsets across the Wye Valley.

For those larger family getaways, the newly constructed treehouse happily hosts up to six guests, with separate double and twin rooms, plus a sofa bed in its spacious lounge. And for those who prefer their camping the proper way, a scattering of all-weather woodland pitches have been carved out in the forest. Made from artificial grass, they comfortably accommodate a family-sized four berth tent, and each has a raised barbecue and picnic bench.

It's the little extra touches that really elevate the experience here. Like the facilities hub you can call into for a hot shower a game of air hockey. Or the charming onsite shop stocking everything from torches and bedding packs, to locally-reared sausages and homemade cakes. Or the ingeniously up-cycled tractor tyres put to use as help-yourself-herb gardens – perfect for enlivening your dinner in the wood-fired pizza oven. In 2019, Leigh even added a wood-fired sauna and a cold-water plunge shower, which combine for an exhilarating wellness experience in the great outdoors. Not that it's all fancy dining and pampering. Nippers can really let their imaginations run wild here, too, making the most of the enchanting woodland setting. Get them to see what wildlife they can spot on the kilometre-long woodland trail, or see who triumphs in the fairy door hunt.