I sat stock-still on a bench fashioned from a fallen silver birch, scanning the woods for a sudden movement or a flash of blue. Deer and kingfisher visit this secluded copse and its stream, and I hoped to spot at least one of them. There was a rustle in the undergrowth, but it was only a more familiar winter visitor: a cheery robin.
It was a chilly day for wildlife-watching, but that didn’t matter to me – I was inside a sizzling sauna, gazing out of a large picture window. In fact, I was soon sweating so much, I nipped out to the icy-cold shower to cool off. The next time I overheated, I braved a plunge in the cold-water tub.
Later, I couldn’t believe that I’d been merrily sitting in a cold bath in the woods. Only that morning, Storm Benjamin had swept through this corner of East Sussex. But, as Scandinavians and those in the Baltic countries have long known, bad weather is no reason to stay indoors. And it’s easy to embrace the elements if there’s a sauna on hand. Since lockdown, the UK has got the outdoor sauna bug too: according to the British Sauna Society, the number of “wild” saunas on beaches and in forests doubled from 104 in May 2024 to 213 in May 2025.
The design of this particular sauna, the Drying Shed, was influenced by traditional Japanese buildings, and resembles a little rust-coloured temple. It is fuelled by logs from sustainably managed local woodlands. A sauna session lasts three hours in total, including lighting the stove and an hour or so for the room to heat up, plus stoking the fire to maintain the temperature (an average of 85C, although it can be anywhere from 60-100C).
With its wood-fired hot tub, black cladding and timber panelling, Hill Cabin has a contemporary Scandi vibe. Photograph: Holly Farrier
It was easy enough to light the stove and keep it going, even though my main experience of fire-lighting is confined to barbecues and campfires. There are detailed instructions and plenty of tinder, kindling and seasoned logs. The key is time and patience – the temperature builds steadily, so it’s best not to overload the stove with too much wood too quickly. Equally, it’s better to wait until you feel too hot before popping outside, rather than opening the door and letting all the heat out. The sauna can be booked by groups of up to four people, from 10am-1pm or 1pm-4pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
I shared the ritual with my boyfriend, who is a sauna sceptic. I expected him to get bored after five minutes and leave me to it, but we both stayed for the duration, going in and out several times. It was almost sauna by stealth – he was captivated by the view, only belatedly noticing that alternating between extremes of hot and cold makes you feel bracingly alive. He did stick to the shower, though, rather than the bath, no matter how I much I rhapsodised about the benefits of cold-water immersion. Maybe my chattering teeth put him off!
When the sauna was over, we walked the five minutes to Hill Cabin, our home for the night. This simple former farm building has been given a contemporary update with black cladding. The open-plan kitchen/living space and bedroom have a Scandi vibe, with lime-washed wooden floors, timber panelling and vintage furniture, made cosy with lots of rugs, floor cushions and throws, a log-burner and scented tea lights. The outdoor patio has a wood-fired hot tub, fire pit and a shelter with a table and chairs.
Bedroom at Hill Cabin. Photograph: Holly Farrier
The cabin is gorgeous, but as with the sauna, the view steals the show. As the name suggests, Hill Cabin is perched on a rise with a valley unfolding below. A few friendly sheep, two horses and Mavis the donkey enliven the foreground; rolling fields, russet-coloured trees and a far-off village form the dreamy backdrop. We soaked up the scene from the comfort of the hot tub, our faces pink from the cold but our bodies toasty warm.
Hill Cabin is one of two cabins available to rent on Great Park Farm, a 10-hectare family farm in Catsfield, near Battle. Cabin X is in a similar style, though tucked away in the woods. But farmer’s son Will Gowland, who grew up here, has grander plans. He is an architect – he and his practice, Built Works, designed and made the Drying Shed and are now building two more cabins, due to open in spring, with another three at the design stage.
Will gave us a tour of the two half-built properties and they are on a different scale altogether. Yogi’s Cabin will have its own natural swimming pond, a wraparound deck and a yoga studio. Bather’s Cabin will include what is essentially an indoor-outdoor private spa, spreading on to the roof terrace. They will be followed by Musician’s, Chef’s and Explorer’s cabins. All will be handmade from sustainable materials, from local larch to British hemp for insulation.
“It costs five times as much to build this way, but we want to be genuinely sustainable,” Will said. He is a certified Passive House designer, and Built Works is a member of the Association for Environment Conscious Building.While the existing two cabins are a real treat, the five new ones will offer five-star luxury, with prices to match.
There is a long-running farm shop, cafe and plant nursery on site. We went in for carrot cake and left loaded with chutney, bedding plants and the orange and cinnamon tealights that made our cabin smell so divine. Guests can stock up on ingredients to cook dinner in their cabin, or pop to the village pub, but we decided to brave the 45-minute walk to Battle. It was pitch-black and drizzly, but there is a footpath almost all the way, and Will lent us much-needed head torches.
The writer emerges from the cold water forest tub
We emerged at the imposing gatehouse of Battle Abbey, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, and warmed up over dinner at Chequers, a 15th-century coaching inn. As well as burgers, steaks and pies, the pub serves some imaginative veggie dishes – I had the lion’s mane mushrooms with bean cassoulet and crispy leeks (£16). We didn’t even mind splashing across streams on the walk home, knowing there was a fire to light when we got back, and a stock of books, games (and wine).
Ours was a flying visit, but if we’d had more time, we could have headed to Hastings, a 25-minute drive away. As well as the old town, fishing quarter and art galleries, its attractions include the Samphire Sauna on the revamped pier.
As it was, we ended our stay where we had started: by a huge picture window, gazing at the view. This time we were sitting at the dining table in the cabin, eating a breakfast of homemade granola and freshly baked bread. The morning looked bright, crisp and cold – and just as enticing as any summer’s day.
The trip was provided by Architects Holiday; cabins sleep two, from £242 a night B&B (or three nights for the price of two until the end of March). A three-hour sauna session at the Drying Shed is £45 for up to four people; there are discounts and extended opening hours (7am-10pm, seven days a week) for cabin guests
The Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests in its original state, with the 30-hectare Spanish forest belonging to the Natura 2000 Network and opening for just 10 days a year
A forest in the Catalonian hills receives only a handful of tourists each year(Image: Trendencias)
Millions of people worldwide enjoy hiking, with many taking to slopes, hills, mountains and other challenging terrains each year.
However, some trails are more popular than others, such as the Seven Sisters walk in southern England, which becomes particularly crowded when the UK transitions from winter to spring and summer.
Spain also has a thriving hiking scene, but there’s one route that sees not thousands, but merely tens of tourists annually.
In a world of overtourism, the Pinar de Can Camins is a haven of tranquillity, reportedly accessible only about 10 times a year.
According to Trendencias, the Pinar de Can Camins is one of the few Mediterranean forests that remains in its original state, with the 30-hectare forest currently part of the Natura 2000 Network, reports the Express.
The limited visitor numbers are due to the forest only opening on the first Sunday of each month, excluding July and August. Moreover, only the first 25 tourists are allowed entry.
These lucky 25 visitors are given a free guided tour of the area, starting from the Puerta del Delta at 11am. Reservations can be made via phone, in person or email.
While Spain’s Pinar de Can Camis successfully limits tourist numbers, another Spanish territory has urged tourists to reconsider visiting in 2026.
In recent years, the Canary Islands have been a hotbed of tension between tourists and locals, with residents voicing concerns about the impact of mass tourism on their communities.
Last year alone, the Canary Islands played host to approximately 7.8 million visitors, while the islands’ airports processed around 27 million passengers during the same period.
Fodor’s Travel, a renowned travel publication, has included the Canary Islands in its 2026 ‘No list’, which highlights destinations experiencing a surge in tourism that travellers might want to reconsider visiting.
The Canary Islands made the list due to the overwhelming number of people flocking to popular spots like Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote.
Echoing this sentiment, an environmental group in Tenerife known as Asociación Tinerfeña de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN) has raised the alarm that natural spaces are being “degraded”.
In a statement, they said: “Natural spaces are constantly degraded, with alarming losses in biodiversity. Overcrowding has erased peaceful places where we could once enjoy life there are no truly local spaces left.
“We are losing our identity, culture, and, ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn’t come to truly discover the islands, but to consume a fake backdrop.”
Former Manchester United and Everton striker Wayne Rooney explains how Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest side exploited Liverpool’s weaknesses in their 3-0 win at Anfield.
Belem, the host of COP30, is trying to show that the Amazon can generate jobs without clearing trees. Para state has launched a new Bioeconomy and Innovation Park to help locals turn traditional forest products from acai to Brazil nuts into export-ready goods. The project sits beside the century-old Ver-o-Peso market, linking long-standing Amazon trade with modern processing labs and equipment meant to boost production and income.
WHY IT MATTERS
Brazil wants to demonstrate that a “living forest” can be economically competitive with cattle, soy and mining. Early studies show forest-product value chains already rival livestock income in Para, and officials hope to expand that into a recognisable industrial sector. With Belem about to host the world’s biggest climate summit, the state is under pressure to prove that conservation and development can advance together.
Producers, small businesses and forest communities stand to benefit from better processing facilities and higher-value markets. Companies like Natura already rely on Amazon ingredients, while newer ventures are scaling up acai, oils and specialty foods through the park’s labs. Farmers and cooperatives are also using the facilities to improve packaging, blends and shelf life, hoping to reach premium buyers at home and abroad.
WHAT’S NEXT
Para will use COP30 to court investors and expand infrastructure so forest-based industries can grow beyond small-scale production. The Bioeconomy Park is expected to push more Amazon products into global markets, but lasting success will depend on keeping forests intact as demand rises. For Brazil, Belem’s progress will serve as a showcase of what a viable “rainforest economy” could look like on the global stage.
This forest in Wales has become a popular spot for walkers, with a number of trails to follow and beautiful waterfalls to see – and it’s even free to park
08:00, 17 Nov 2025Updated 08:28, 17 Nov 2025
The forest offers different walks for different capabilities
Nestled in the heart of Wales, a picturesque walking route awaits that offers breathtaking views without the strenuous hike.
Halfren Forest is creating quite a stir among avid walkers who are flocking to the area to experience its beauty firsthand. Located near Llanidloes and named after the River Severn as Afon Hafren, this spot boasts scenic trails complete with an accessible boardwalk.
The river meanders peacefully through the forest, showcasing beautiful waterfalls and cascades. Freshwater fish can be seen swimming along its clear waterways, and a variety of wildlife, including rare birds, inhabit the surrounding trees.
While Natural Resources Wales manages and maintains the forest, it also serves as a commercial timber production site and event venue. It’s a popular location for motorsport events, hosting numerous 4×4 rallies, and even serving as a stage for the Wales Rally GB.
For those keen on walking, there are several routes to choose from, with two particularly popular trails. The Cascades Walk is one such trail, featuring a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk that winds through the trees and leads to a viewing platform overlooking the waterfalls.
Another option for adventurous explorers is the Source of the Severn Trail, a longer route that takes you through the woodland’s beauty right down to the river’s source. As you follow the stream trickling through the trees, you’ll be treated to stunning views along the way.
One recent visitor to the site raved on TripAdvisor: “Absolutely stunning. Fantastic walks – the perfect day out if you enjoy fresh air and stunning scenery. Would definitely recommend.”
Another enthused: “This whole area has been designed and developed into a variety of walks and walkways with an excellent colour-coded display of each walk with distance, estimated time for each walk and highlights that you will experience on each walk.”
It’s worth noting that this forest walk offers free parking – a rare treat at such destinations. However, it does fill up quickly, so car sharing and avoiding peak times is advised.
One visitor dubbed the forest as “an absolute gem”. They penned: “Hafren Forest provides beautiful trails and scenic views…we took the red Cascades Walk, which takes you along the boardwalk to the cascades. This meets up with the dark blue trail up to Blaen Hafren Falls. This took around an hour and a half.”
However, many reviews highlight issues with the portable toilets in the forest. Many visitors reported them being blocked or unsanitary, with one person claiming they’re “unusable”.
For those who love the idea of a holiday but need their beauty sleep to last, look no further than this city
08:00, 14 Nov 2025Updated 08:37, 14 Nov 2025
Vilnius has a rich wellness culture(Image: Go Vilnius)
Forget beaches and sunshine – for many of us, the prospect of five nights of quality sleep on holiday is more than enough. If this sounds like your getaway priority, look no further than Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital – which has just been named the top European destination for sleep tourism.
With its profound wellness culture, Vilnius provides exactly what “sleepcation” travellers are seeking: saunas, spas, and local rituals, designed for deep relaxation, according to Go Vilnius. You can also effortlessly take day trips to the UNESCO dunes on the Curonian Spit or meander through the surrounding forests of Neris National Park. Assessing air quality, light pollution, green space, nightlife, rainfall, and nighttime temperatures, the research examined 300 cities, reports the Express.
In the city, 61% of the urban area is green, trees blanket 48% of the city, and 95% of residents live within 300 metres of greenery. “In Vilnius, I always find ways to relax, no matter the time of the year. During the warm season, I enjoy spending time outdoors in Vilnius’ numerous green spaces or the nearby forests and lakes. In winter, relaxing walks around the Old Town improve my sleep, while the city’s numerous spas and saunas help me unwind after a long day or week,” said Madu Melo, Brazilian expat and marketing professional, living in Vilnius for five years now.
Lithuania, already crowned the World’s Best Wellness Destination by the ITB Health Tourism Awards 2025, has seen its capital Vilnius dubbed the European Sleep Capital, making it a rising star for restful getaways. Here are five unique wellness rituals, woven into city life, that ensure locals and visitors in Vilnius enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Held in the vaulted cellar of the refurbished 17th-century Pacai Palace, this multi-sensory ritual brings Lithuania’s coastlines and forests into a tranquil treatment. The experience kicks off with a four-hand full-body massage and a soft tolling of Old Town bells, mixed with the soundscape of the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon (a tribute to the UNESCO-listed dunes).
Guests are then offered a taste of natural birch sap, invited to inhale the scent of handpicked linden, chamomile, and clover, and to appreciate the beauty of Lithuanian nature for total sensory relaxation. Located beneath the Bokšto Square complex in restored medieval cellars, this circuit alternates between heat and recovery. The 25-meter, four-lane pool sets the rhythm for rounds of traditional sauna, salt sauna, and hammam, punctuated by brief cold dips.
The standout feature is Cloud9, a short vibro-acoustic session on a gently swaying bed that aids the nervous system in unwinding. In a cosy boutique setting on Kalvarij Street, just a stone’s throw from the city centre, groups remain small, allowing the sauna master to maintain the perfect pace.
Visitors can look forward to timed garas (steam waves), traditional birch or oak vanta whisking, aroma infusions of natural scents, and simple breath-work, with each round concluded by a refreshing cold-water dip. After the New Year, an igloo-shaped outdoor sauna will be unveiled in the courtyard of the former Lukišks Prison, now a cultural hub. This unique sauna experience combines brief heat sessions with cold-water baths. The small groups and the thick walls of the igloo ensure tranquillity, enhancing the hot-cold contrast and making it easier to concentrate on breathing and pace.
Nestled next to Sudervl stream and a 1923 windmill, three bathhouses – the Old, the Great, and the Small – offer leisurely, expert-led rituals. Over approximately three hours, guests are treated to measured steam dosings and vanta whiskings, paired with applications of honey and salt, all while enjoying peaceful intervals by the pond or river.
The forest setting and preserved wooden buildings complete the experience, helping visitors unwind without leaving the city. The conversation about wellness and sleep will continue in Vilnius on 22 November at Sleep Fest. The event will feature international experts such as Dr. Daniel Amen, Leslie Kenny, and others, who will share insights on how to incorporate sleep science into everyday routines to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
“Sleep Fest is about bridging the gap between science and real-life challenges. We’re trying to show that better sleep and calmer minds aren’t luxuries, but necessities anyone could have through building everyday habits that help to improve the overall wellbeing,” said Diana Augunait, the organiser of the Sleep Fest.
Vilnius’ recent accolades, including the European Green Capital and European Christmas Capital 2025, highlight the city’s tranquil atmosphere: plentiful green spaces, traditional stress-free Christmas celebrations, and much more.
Conveniently reachable via Frankfurt, Copenhagen, or Helsinki, Vilnius is ideal for a comprehensive European wellness journey or simply a dedicated “sleepcation”.
Many Brits are now looking for a comfortable staycation to take this autumn. The main challenge that many dog owners face when arranging a holiday is considering who will care for their pe. But they needn’t fret any longer if they’re reserving one luxurious collection of cabins
Samantha Bartlett Assistant Editor, Social News
12:59, 29 Oct 2025Updated 14:43, 01 Nov 2025
The Nest at The Roost Luxury Cabins(Image: theroostglamping.co.uk)
Plenty of people are currently searching for the ideal spot to enjoy an autumn getaway. The bright summer holidays are behind us and numerous
Brits are now choosing to book a comfortable staycation within the UK instead. The main challenge that many dog owners face when arranging a holiday is considering who will care for their pet. But they needn’t fret any longer if they’re reserving one luxurious collection of cabins situated in The Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, which is completely dog-friendly. The Roost Luxury Cabins all feature a private sauna, outdoor bathtub, log burner and fire pit. There’s also all the kitchen kit you’ll require – a kettle, toaster, induction hob, microwave, mini-oven, fridge (with small freezer) and a dishwasher.
Plus pots, pans, crockery, cutlery, cooking utensils, washing up liquid, dishcloths, tea towels, cooking condiments, fresh ground coffee plus various teas and fresh milk.
All your bed linen and extra fluffy Egyptian towels are provided too, and there will even be some homemade brownies awaiting you.
Those bringing pets are permitted two small dogs or one medium sized dog.
The venue explains: “We leave a blanket, towel, poo bags, water and food bowel and a treat for each dog.
“If you pooch has got a bit muddy on all those lovely walks, we provide doggy towels and have a dog wash area behind the site office.”
They also provide details on canine-friendly pubs and eateries nearby.
There’s a fee of £30 for one dog (£40 for two dogs) per stay. This must be paid by card to the proprietor before arrival.
Discussing their dog-welcoming approach on their website, The Roost Luxury Cabins state: “Don’t leave your best friend behind! Here at The Roost we love dogs. The cabins are dog friendly with secure garden areas and all your doggy needs are catered for.
“Your pooch will be spoilt with their own handmade truckle bed.”
The establishment shared a video on its TikTok account showcasing the cabins, which rapidly became popular, gathering over 93,000 likes.
A dog was visible outside the lodge as the footage started, before revealing the outdoor bathing facility. The snug sleeping quarters were then displayed, accompanied by glimpses of the charming garden and external sauna.
Text overlay stated: “Call me crazy, but I would choose this with the dog over a fancy hotel.”
One viewer declared: “Oh my God, this looks INSANE!”
Whilst another commented: “Omg love this! Will have to take a look.”
A third remarked: “Looks like my sort of heaven.”
Visitors planning to book should be aware the location requires a minimum 2-night booking and check-in is restricted to Monday, Wednesday or Friday.
Rates are generally £499 per two nights but may fluctuate based on the date.
Whilst the establishment welcomes dogs brilliantly, families with children might prefer alternative accommodation as the cabins are exclusively for adults. Guests can select between two distinct cabins – The Nook and The Nest, with further information available on The Roost Luxury Cabins website.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The accommodation currently boasts a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor, drawing from 112 reviews.
One guest commented: “We have had a really relaxing and enjoyable week in this amazing cabin! Loved the sauna and hot tub and sitting on the swing seat enjoying the peace! A beautiful place in a wonderful location.”
Meanwhile, another visitor remarked: “A perfect place to celebrate our 5th wedding anniversary. Everything is beautiful and the soak tub and sauna made it super relaxing. We loved explore the local area and will definitely be back.”
What attractions can be found close to the cabins?
Outdoor and nature
Beechenhurst and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail: Explore art installations in a woodland setting.
Go Ape: Enjoy high ropes courses and zip-lines in the trees.
Forest of Dean Cycle Centre: Rent bikes for various woodland trails.
Dean Forest Railway: Ride a steam train through the forest.
Perrygrove Railway: A family attraction with a miniature railway and treehouses.
May Hill: A prominent hill with a distinctive cluster of trees on top, offering great views.
Wye Valley: Explore canoeing, kayaking, and walking opportunities along the river.
History and heritage
Hopewell Colliery: Take an underground tour of this working free mine.
Clearwell Caves: Explore this ancient and unique underground attraction.
Dean Heritage Centre: Learn about the local history of the Forest of Dean.
Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum: Discover the history of the regiment in Gloucester.
Museum of Gloucester: Explore thousands of exhibits on the city’s past.
Jet Age Museum: See aircraft and aviation equipment in Gloucester.
National Waterways Museum: Learn about waterways in Gloucester.
Coleford Great Western Railway Museum: A museum dedicated to the railway.
Other attractions
Gloucester Cathedral: A magnificent cathedral in Gloucester with famous cloisters.
Nature in Art: Explore art exhibitions and a sculpture garden.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens: Visit this historic castle and its extensive gardens.
Luton Town reach the FA Cup second round with an injury-time winner after Forest Green Rovers stage a remarkable comeback from three goals down in a thrilling first-round encounter.
