The best cabins for a wild swim then a hot tub

Set on its own hillside plateau in the Scottish Borders, Tiny Home Two offers the sort of contrast therapy setup wellness retreats would charge a small fortune for. Except here, there's no schedule, no instructors and nobody telling you when it's time to move on.

The beauty of the setup is how naturally it encourages you outdoors. Swim across the loch then warm up in the wood-fired hot tub with views stretching across the Rule Valley. By the end of the stay, you'll realise you've spent most of your time moving between water, fresh air and spectacular scenery, which is rarely a bad way to spend a few days.

Green Retreat sits beside its own private lake in a peaceful valley of Mid Wales, where the daily schedule is largely dictated by water. Spend the day swimming, kayaking and exploring the water from the jetty before retreating to the warmth of the wood-fired tub overlooking the same view.

There's something deeply satisfying about watching steam rise from the water while the lake glimmers nearby, especially when you've just climbed out of it. It's the kind of simple hot-cold combination that leaves you feeling both relaxed and strangely energised at the same time. Surrounded by woodland and hidden away from the rest of the world, the whole place feels purpose-built for anyone who believes holidays are best spent outdoors.

As stylish as Notting Hill but without the crowds (or anyone in fact), Knotting Hill Barn House is an off-grid cabin of dreams that brings Alpine design to deepest rural Leicestershire. Designed for groups of friends and family to enjoy outdoor living, the wrap-around veranda allows you to follow the sun around the cabin, admiring the changing light over the bluebell woods and wild swimming lake.  

There’s a pontoon for leaping off into the water, and canoes to borrow for a lazy paddle. The stunning rustic interior has incredible attention to detail with four cleverly designed bedrooms, a wood burner, underfloor heating, and a sound system. At night the glade is lit up by fairy lights as you luxuriate in the hot tub.

In a wildflower meadow on a 25-acre farm sits Cobnut Cabin, designed for slow living and simple pleasures. Wander through ancient oak woodland to hammocks and a picnic yurt, then head to the Escley Brook, where you can wild swim in cool waters and drift lazily on a small rowing boat. The waterfall pool is a dream for an invigorating dip, and when the chill sets in, your wood-fired hot tub with mountain views awaits.  

Get settled in the tub on the covered deck, watching the Black Mountains shift through shades of pink as the sun sets. No Wi-Fi, no stress – just you, the stars, and maybe a Dru yoga session or an Indian head massage for peak relaxation.

Roll out of the huge super-king-size bed, slurp a coffee and drop straight into Loch Venacher for a fresh dip that will energise you for the rest of the day. You’ll need that extra spring in your step for adventuring in the Trossachs National Park, canoeing on the water, hiking Bracklinn Falls, and pony trekking in the hills.  

Luxurious Birch Cabin has huge floor to ceiling windows, with ever changing views across the loch to the mountains beyond, but best of all, it’s got sole use of a wood-fired hot tub. Reserve it in advance when you book your stay and spend leisurely hours bobbing in the warm water, with that satisfying feeling that you’ve really earned your soak.