Blue Monday is pretty miserable, but being so down just gives you more room to go up. That’s why we've turned the depressing formula on its head, calculating the best time to book your holiday for maximum happiness. It’s a combination of factors such as when payday falls, the availability of our best spaces, how fed up we are with the weather and Prospective Joy, based on research suggesting that we get as much from looking forward to a trip as actually being on it.
It turns out that booking something in the last week of January will give you a larger happiness boost than at any other time of year. We’re calling it National Book a Holiday Week and it’s going to blast Blue Monday away in a burst of anticipated sunshine.
Take a look at this powerful formula (not too closely please) and get yourself months of happiness with a holiday to look forward to at one of our amazing spaces.
Happiness factors
W = the feeling of need for good weather
B - Account balance pre-payday
b - Account balance after payday
T - time since last holiday
A - Availability of that place you've been dreaming of
M - Current motivational levels
Hr = the happiness released at the anticipation / booking of your holiday
...or discover a few favourites below
NEW The Lookout Treehouse, Devon
This space is still being crafted at Wolf Wood Treehouses and will be ready to welcome guests in February 2019.
Just walking here would be a refreshing, relaxing experience, but staying at The Lookout adds more than a touch of sparkle. Across the long rope bridge from the track, find an incredible remote open space of soft wood colours and light flooding in from the full wall of bi-fold doors. Drift lazily from the lovely king-size bed to the huge sofa by the wood-burner, watch sunset from your private jacuzzi out on the deck, or the sauna just a short walk from The Lookout.
Carswell Beach Hut, Devon
The beach hut sits in a tiny cut in the rocks perched above your personal strip of sand and private beach. The gentle wash of the surf fills the cove as you light the BBQ and laze in the wood fired hot tub, The remoteness of the spot means no mains power and a wild outdoor shower experience, but the wood-burner and the mezzanine bed, turn the cabin into a cosy coastal nest.
Corner House, Herefordshire
The floor-level outdoor tub, the angular lounge with the wide glass front doors and the huge bed under the equally huge skylight, all compete to be the place from which you stare at Herefordshire’s hillsides and clear night skies.
Hare Field Cabin, Suffolk
This cabin’s modern elegance keeps the best of urban comfort close to hand in a quiet spot of Suffolk. You can spend a morning lazing in the king-size bed with the sound of birdsong in the background, pad across the heated floor to the monsoon shower, then throw open the doors to the terrace while you cook breakfast.
The Lake, Cornwall
The container at The Lake effortlessly frames the tranquil, flooded quarry, quietly letting the shifting light on the water and the countryside’s varied seasonal hues take centre stage. Simple comfort, peace and privacy reign, it’s like the lake, the countryside, the whole world, are yours and yours alone.
Mosaic Cabin, Herefordshire
In the old orchard at Herefordshire Hideaways, a creative, open-plan space has grown up. The well-planned cabin, built with local timber, has solar panels, gorgeous geometric fabrics from afar, and a piano to make a fun, uplifting retreat.
The Straw Bale Lodge, Bath & N.E Somerset
The cob fronted lodge is discreet, accessible and beautiful in all seasons... from sitting by the wood burner in winter right through to midsummer picnics. Take a walk in Bath's scenic countryside or, if you're feeling less active, enjoy the same views from the comfort of your private hot tub.
Bucks Coppice, Dorset
Ramble through ancient woods on the miles of the Jubilee Trail that crosses at the top of the country lane, then come home to lie on the suntrap deck and slide into the lake whenever you get too hot. The only visitors to this secluded spot, hidden in the depths of Dorset countryside, are a huge array of bird life, maybe deer, wild boar and if you're super lucky, visiting otters.
Netherby Treehouse, Cumbria
This homely treehouse commands amazing views across the river to the Scottish Border from its secluded outpost. Crack into the welcome hamper of local, seasonal produce and stroll out onto the elevated walkway to soak up fresh country air. Fittingly for a place in the trees, the interior is a cosy nest.
Humble Bee, Devon
This might be a human-sized beehive, but there’s no colony of guests, just the two of you. Sip champagne as the steam from the outdoor bath drifts up the rock walls that make the Humble Bee such a hidden spot or fold back the various doorways and let the woodland flow in.
