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Craving a place to unwind? And to retreat from the world? Countryside paradise Blyth Rise Stays, located at the heart of Suffolk offers just this. DOSE takes a much needed break from fast paced London to see what the venue has to offer.
Arrival at Blyth Rise Stays
Nestled in the small ancient village of Laxfield, Blyth Rise Stays is easily reachable just a mere two and half hour drive from London (or an hour and a half by train into Diss), so you don’t have to travel far to reach this slice of heaven.
A family-run business, these stylish wooden cabins were birthed from a fifteen-year rewilding project. So you can truly feel the love and care that has been poured into every element of Blyth Rise Stay from the authentic Woodland Igluhuts to the luxurious Lake Lodges.
Landscaped to evolve in harmony with nature, a stay here offers guests an opportunity to reach inner solitude and relaxation in just a few days. Even after transforming from a family passion project to a thriving holiday business, the rich history can still be felt as soon as you step foot on the ten-acre property.
For instance, every single one of the 2,000 trees were lovingly hand-planted by family members, plus the wooden lakeside bridge (where you can enjoy your morning coffee from) was built by the family’s stepdad. These personal touches are what creates such a special and meaningful experience. Nostalgic family home feel blended with luxury boutique.
Plus, peace and solitude are not themes they take lightly here. Being a pet and child free venue offers a permission slip to really carve out quality time for yourself. So you can return to your loved ones post-trip with an overflowing cup to give from.
Cosy Cabins
Checking into our cosy cabin (or shall we say cocoon), we were met with the most stylish decor and luxury design. The open plan igluhuts boast a fully-functional kitchen, mini living area and a big bouncy bed. The windows dotted around allow for natural light to flood in and for spotting wildlife.
Carefully curated elements like a crystal gem diffuser were already enhancing our mood and setting us up for a dream stay.
The sleeping area being cleverly separated from the rest of the cabin offered a real sanctuary and after testing out the bed, we decided pretty quickly lots of night-ins were on the cards. So once the sun set, we snuggled up under our Egyptian Cotton sheets and tucked into the array of board games (and welcome snacks) that were left in our room. A trip that allows you to unleash your childlike freedom? Yes please.
Waking up in the morning feeling on cloud nine, we enjoyed the most heavenly sights of glistening trees, wildflowers and rabbits leaping through the grass.
And let me tell you – that first kick of your morning coffee hits a little different here. Rolling out of bed and straight into the hands of nature’s magic fuelled my soul in ways I can’t describe. Set away from the roads and with River Blyth running through the grounds, the peaceful sounds of nature replaced the usual external noise and I felt my stress begin to melt away into the ether.
Disconnect to Reconnect
…with yourself. A stay here lets you take your foot off the pedal. So you can simply be. And without usual distractions like Wi-Fi or a TV, you can really switch off and go inwards. Plus, if you’re lucky, wildlife sightings of wild hares or herons will serve as your entertainment throughout your stay.
We definitely grabbed this slowness by the reins, with mindful walks along the stunning footpaths, many moments soaking up the sun from our private outdoor dining area and at night, staring into the beautiful night’s sky. With almost zero light pollution, the star-gazing is spectacular on a clear night. A rarity to a city girl and welcomed free thrill!
There’s even your own private BBQ a stone’s throw away from your cabin. So if you’re one to opt in for the full experience, huddle round the fire with your travel companion(s) and share stories as nature puts on a private show for you.
Food & Drink at Blyth Stays
The on-site honesty shop (the cutest little wooden shed) is stocked with everything you could possibly wish for. And of course allows you to live like a true Suffolk local. You’re spoilt for choice with locally sourced sweet treats, a freezer full of healthy ready meals and a multitude of delicious beverages.
So there’s no need to step foot inside a supermarket and you can really take that whole switching off from the outside world invitation to the next level.
My personal favourites were the Pump Street Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate and Harris & James chunky peanut butter bar.
There’s a real community feel at Blyth Rise Stays and collaborating with so many local brands enables you to immerse yourself in the many delights the county has to offer. Without needing to explore far and wide, if like us, you decide to stay local.
Woodland Iglu Saunas
We ended our stay in style by treating ourselves to a morning at one of the on-site Iglu saunas. Mindful mornings at their finest.
Booking your private spot is easeful and means you get to soak up the experience alone, which feels like a real luxury. Nestled deep in the woodland, I felt truly held by Mother Nature and it was one of those moments I was wishing I could bottle. With the warmth on my skin and gratitude flooding my body, I was in total heaven.
Wellbeing Activities
They also offer a range of luxury spa treatments that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your room – all bookable on their website.
And at a small extra cost, you can enjoy one of the on-site yoga classes co-founder Katie teaches throughout the week, exclusive to guests only. These include Vinyasa Flow, gentle Hatha-based classes and dynamic Ashtanga, so no matter your vibe, you’re sure to find it here.
Group classes take place on the outdoor yoga platform, so you can soak up the views as you flow. Or, if you’re staying in a Lodge, private group classes are available on request, for a more intimate, hands-on experience. Easy to book through [email protected].
Holiday in Nature
In a society that encourages us to speed up, it’s never been more important to seek opportunities to slow down. And this is exactly what’s on the menu at Blyth Rise Stays. Simple living. Tranquility. And true solitude. A breath of fresh air.
Booking a stay here frees you from the usual holiday pressures such as excessive planning, itineraries and restaurant bookings. Because everything you need for a great trip can be found right at your feet – in the nature that surrounds you.
This trip gifted me everything I needed and more. A calmed nervous system. A deeper connection to nature. And a type of inner stillness I hadn’t felt on that level for a long time. I left with a full heart.
Now that I’ve tasted the type of heaven that the Suffolk countryside offers, I know my next visit won’t be too far away. And Blyth Rise Stays will most certainly be at the top of my list.
By Aimee.
Aimee received a gifted stay at Blyth Rise Stays.
Book a stay in a Woodland Igluhut from £430 for a three-night weekend or four-night mid-week stay, and £700 for a week stay; Lake Lodges start from £595 for a three-night weekend or four-night mid-week stay, and £970 for a week stay. The price is the same for a single or double occupancy. See www.blythrisestays.co.uk for more information.
