A PICTURE-PERFECT place to indulge in proper forest bathing, says Lifestyle Editor Catherine Bennion-Pedley.
Soaking up the forest views from the Cotswolds will leave you refreshed.
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THE LOWDOWN
Sitting on 3m-high stilts among towering pine trees and above a floor of ferns are seven beautifully designed treehouses that would leave TV architect George Clarke dewy-eyed.
Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the setting – especially those at the foot of the stone freestanding baths and king-size beds – while Sonos speakers, smart TVs, Sage coffee machines and stylish brass lamps all add to the luxe vibe.
Woodburners and underfloor heating keep things cosy, as does the wine and coffee in the welcome hamper.
A communal feasting table and games of Cornhole are nearby if you come with friends or family (some treehouses sleep five).
Strolls through ancient woodland begin from the bottom step. . .
WHAT WE LOVED
The bath ritual, £25, includes a red clay face mask, dried petals and handmade aloe vera body butter and it left our skin feeling properly pampered.
Plus, soaking up the forest views at every turn left us more refreshed than a spa stay.
WHAT WE DIDN’T LOVE
Some of the treehouses have balconies and baths that overlook the main track, so you may not feel quite as lost in the woods if you are staying in those, despite the clever privacy blinds!
OUT AND ABOUT
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The Royal Oak Ramsden is within walking distance and the food is insanely good – think maple and wildflower gin-cured trout, £7, seaweed buttered monkfish with samphire, clams and garlic, £32, and local Barnsley lamb with Cornish potatoes, £26.
Pair with Malmesbury white, £9 a glass (Royaloakramsden.com).
Foodie gem The Charlbury Deli & Cafe serves up an array of treats, including excellent cappuccinos and freshly baked chocolate cruffins (Charlburydeli.cafe) – they’ll fuel you on the pretty four-mile Oxon Way walk, which handily starts from the town.
Find eclectic lifestyle gifts at No.5 (Cotswoldframes. co.uk) and celeb-spot the likes of Princess Eugenie over a whisky sour, £12, and brown crab toast, £8, at The Bull (Thebullcharlbury.com).
Independent, family-owned Hook Norton Brewery is a 25-minute drive away and brilliant for ale fans – two-hour tours with tastings cost £20 per person.
Then tuck into a delicious steak and Hooky Ale pie, £15, at its Malthouse Kitchen (Hooky.co.uk), before browsing for books at Jaffé & Neale (Jaffeandneale.co.uk) and antiques at Station Mill, both in Chipping Norton (Stationmill.com).
Spotting giraffes, rhinos and lemurs at Cotswold Wildlife Park won’t disappoint, either. Entry costs from £17.50 per adult (Cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk).
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THE DAMAGE
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Stays at TreeDwellers cost from £220 per night (Treedwellers.co.uk).
