Deep in a hidden part of the forest in Powys, Wales, lies the beautiful and ever so slightly magical yurt and tipi site of Eco Retreats. To call this place a campsite is a bit like calling a glass of Champagne grape juice, it is so much more! Yes, it is camping to the extent that all that separates you from the very clear skies above you is some canvas.  However, with futons, luxurious bedding and a well equipped kitchen, this is a romantic, tranquil experience with all the fun of camping and none of the wet socks and communal toilet blocks. And with no other houses for 2 miles, you are totally off the grid. No mobiles, no wifi, no tv. Heaven. 

To access the site, you need to pass through the small Welsh town of Machynlleth. A charming place, complete with its own modern art museum, it feels like a haven for bohemian types, especially with the Centre for Alternative Technology, just on the edge of town.  Sadly we were in no position to linger and explore the cafes here, as we had three children in the back of the car who were starting to grizzle. Leaving the town,  the last one for miles (so the instructions to stock up on the way are well worth heeding!) we headed up into the forest.  Our instructions from hosts Michael and Cha Nan were very detailed and I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that in a rather gung ho manner, I decided that we were making fine progress, so just sat and enjoyed the view, rather than looking at their map. Minutes later we (may) have missed a turning and I was contemplating admitting that we might be a little lost, when we picked up some signs to follow. We drove along an unsealed road for quite a while and then turned the corner, the trees cleared and we same the most beautiful view I think I’ve ever seen. A lush grass valley, surrounded by trees, with a slight glint of white in the clearing. A tipi; my first! Getting excited now and with the children desperate to get our of the car, there wasn’t much time to meditate on the view. A quick drive down the hill and we finally arrived at our destination.  Met by Michael, our extremely charming host, we were taken to our accommodation. There are, in total, 5 tipis and 1 yurt on the site. Tipis can sleep up to 4 people, but with 5 of us in tow we were sleeping in the yurt. Having seen the majestic tipis from a distance, I was slightly disappointed, as they looked wonderful. However, the minute I set my eyes on the yurt my feelings changed instantly!

The tipis and yurt are dotted around the valley ensuring 100% privacy. The yurt is the farthest down the valley, with the tips set higher up the hill. Eco Retreats tries to be as green as possible, so once you reach the entrance to the site, you leave your car and complete your journey by foot. After 2 hours in the car, we were more than happy to leave it and jumped out with gay abandon. Stiletto wearers beware. You need to walk to your accommodation and carry your bags with you. It is a bit of a hike, but  oh so worth it. Sadly, as the Colcloughs are a bit of a travelling circus, we had a serious amount of baggage with us, meaning lots of to-ing and fro-ing to the car. Thankfully Michael helped us to lug our things, but I would suggest you keep your baggage to a minimum!

The yurt is a magical structure. Situated just above a bubbling stream, you won’t see anyone else for miles. Outside is a campfire and some logs to sit on. Wannabee cavemen and women, this is the place for you. A log pile, complete with axe awaits you, as well as an invite to gather your kindling from the forest. And to top it off, inside the yurt is a wood burning stove, so fire starters can have a dual fire lighting frenzy. Which is where we leave Ben. Meanwhile, the children and I explored the yurt.  The inside is plush and rustic all at the same time.  The bed is a futon, but is draped with luxurious bedding. On the floor are organic sheepskin rugs, perfect for cosying down in front of the (magnificent) wood-burning stove.  Cooking wise, there is a small gas stove inside, with all cooking utensils provided and a fridge box with freezer packs ready for your fresh ingredients. They have thought of everything here, with complimentary hot chocolate and a welcome hamper complete with locally produced organic mead wine.

As we were the only people staying on the site, we donned our wellies and after a mandatory paddle in the river, set off to check out the tipis.  Smaller that the yurt, the structures are made in the traditional Native American style. They are equipped with a cooker, utensils, chiminea and futon bed, with campfires outside as well. Like the yurt, they are all situated in entirely private sites. They also all have their own composting toilets and freshwater showers. These are solar heated, although not much chance of a hot one in October!

Back in the yurt and we tucked three very excited children into bed. Night time is when this place becomes seriously magical. There is no electricity here, so the entire yurt is lit up by tea lights in lanterns. This is not a place for hair straighteners and disco lights, but a place for romance and peaceful contemplation. Guests here usually have an evening meditation session and then in the morning, they can have a private Reiki healing session. Given that we had our children with us, we regretfully declined both. And this is where I have but one criticism of the place.  It is child friendly and you are more than welcome to bring your offspring, but I’m not sure you’ll want to.  Take the children camping in the garden, then leave them with their Grandparents and treat yourself to a weekend without TV, mobile phones and embrace your wellies and your romantic side.