sauna

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

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.

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.

Finland’s Helsinki Airport has heated up the world’s first runway sauna in order to help incomers relax and unwind as soon as they arrive in the famously happy country

The world’s first runway sauna has opened.

It is perhaps unsurprising that the world’s sauna capital, which is home to three million saunas or one for every two people, is the first to set one up on the tarmac. Finland’s Helsinki Airport has heated up the runway sauna in order to help incomers relax and unwind as soon as they arrive.

“Most airports have transit zones – some even have saunas. But only Helsinki Airport can offer a transit to Finnish happiness. It is the touchpoint to tune into the rhythm, values and mindset of Finland. Your story can go anywhere from here. To showcase this short transition, we built the world’s first runway sauna at Helsinki Airport,” says Anna Tuomi, Finavia’s head of marketing.

Helsinki Airport has been selected as the best airport in Europe seven times within the past eight years. According to Finavia, “it is a melting pot of diversity and a gateway to Finnish design and local values of trust and equity. The sauna culture welcomes everyone.”

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The word ‘sauna’ is the only Finnish word which has entered into mainstream usage around the world without being translated into other languages. It only takes approximately three hours from London and two hours from Berlin to land in Helsinki to experience the local sauna culture.

There are also three saunas right at the Helsinki Airport terminal — and more waiting in nearby hotels and around the airport area. From the airport, it’s only a short trip to explore the wide variety of saunas located across the Helsinki metropolitan area.

“Finland is known as the world’s happiest country and the timeless tradition of sauna is at the heart of Finnish culture. At Finavia, we’ve brought these elements together to celebrate Finnish happiness,” Tuomi added.

Aviation and saunas are two things that have been brought together before.

Ari and Jari Lehtinen, 57-year-old twins known for their unconventional sauna designs, have successfully launched their latest creation, which combines Finland’s love for saunas with getting up in the air.

The innovative flying sauna, weighing just 170 kg, ascended to an altitude of 2,300 metres during its inaugural flight, allowing its occupants to experience temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius while floating above the Finnish landscape. The flight lasted approximately one hour, with two sauna enthusiasts and two crew members on board.

Ari explained the motivation behind the project. “It’s always about attempting something that others don’t do. And sauna is always fun. People are usually in high spirits when saunas are involved. This is an incredibly good counterbalance for work,” he said.

This airborne sauna is the latest in a series of unique projects by the Lehtinen brothers. Previously, they created an underwater sauna, a hemp-constructed sauna, and a cowhide-covered mobile sauna. Their previous endeavours have taken them to extreme locations, including a sauna session atop Halti fell, Finland’s highest point, during a snowstorm.