I recently did two very different escapes with one shared ethos: switch off, slow down and let nature reset you. From starry nights and a wild sauna in the hills above Llangollen to a romantic outdoor bath in Staffordshire woodland, Shacks off grid cabins prove that less really is more.
In an age of constant connectivity and busy schedules, nothing sounded more appealing to me in the midst of a busy digital heavy work week, than escaping to an off-grid cabin retreat. So when I had the chance to try Shacks off grid cabins; first Hydra in the Welsh hills near Llangollen with my friend Rebecca, and later Mizar in the ancient woodlands of Staffordshire with my husband James, it felt like exactly what I needed!
Shacks promises “off grid holidays in wild locations – handcrafted and made to slow you down,” and my experiences certainly lived up to that ethos. These cabins were more than places to sleep…they were invitations to unplug, breathe deep and reconnect with what (and who), truly matters.
Let’s start with my wilderness adventure in North Wales with a friend, complete with a wild” sauna!
Hydra: an off-grid adventure and a nearby wild sauna in North Wales
My friend Rebecca and I set off on a girls’ getaway to experience Hydra, one of Shacks newer cabins in North Wales. This is a hideaway defined by wild open spaces and a sense of adventure. Tucked high above the Dee Valley near Llangollen, Hydra feels wonderfully remote.
The last stretch of the drive to get there takes you down narrow single-track roads, the kind that made me grip the wheel and laugh (nervously!) as the hedgerows closed in! But I guess that’s to be expected going ‘off grid’. By its very nature it is remote. But oh my, is it worth it.
By the time we parked at the farm and trundled our bags down a grassy track to the cabin, via a handily provided wheelbarrow (very useful indeed), it was clear we’d left the everyday behind. What awaited us was a cabin with sweeping views over rolling hills, where sheep were our closest neighbours and the sense of escape was instant.
Inside, Hydra’s modern design makes the most of its setting. The real showstopper is the panoramic window that stretches across two walls beside the bed. Waking up there feels cinematic: you open your eyes to rolling hills, grazing sheep and an ever-changing sky. Even from under the duvet, the landscape is centre stage. There’s certainly no need for a screen when you have that view!
The rest of the cabin is just as thoughtfully designed. We quickly lit the wood-burning stove and settled in. As two best friends who rarely get proper ‘me time’ in the midst of life and parenting, we relished the chance to talk without distractions. The cabin had a stack of books, a radio and board games and with no WiFi to tempt us, our conversations went deeper than they had in months. That night, the stars were spectacular thanks to the lack of light pollution. Wrapped in blankets by the outdoor fire pit, we chatted away under the constellations. Heaven!
Morning brought a surprise: a few curious sheep peering straight into our window. Hydra sits on farmland, so the occasional woolly visitor is part of the charm. After coffee, we headed for our much-anticipated Wild Sauna session.
Tucked in the woods a short drive away, the Wild Sauna is one of the most unusual wellness experiences in the UK: a rustic, wood-fired barrel sauna with no electricity, no changing rooms, and no frills. Some visitors cool off by stepping under the outdoor cold shower rigged up to a tree, providing a bracing contrast to the heat of the cedar-scented sauna. Others simply sit outside between rounds, wrapped in towels, listening to the river nearby. It’s a stripped-back, elemental experience: no frills, no distractions, just steam, fresh air and space to reset. The appeal is in its simplicity, a chance to feel lighter, calmer and more attuned to nature by the time you leave.
Hydra, paired with the Wild Sauna, is perfect for friends wanting an adventure that blends comfort and wilderness. It’s a place to talk late into the night, reset together, and return home with memories of starry skies, firelit conversations, and a sense of having truly stepped away from it all.
What’s Included in a Shacks Cabin
One of the best things about staying with Shacks is that everything essential is provided, so you can pack light. Cabins come with fresh bed linen, toilet toll, handwash, towels, cutlery, crockery and cooking basics. There’s a two-ring gas hob, pans, mugs, glasses, a cafetière, and even a grinder with locally roasted beans. Logs, kindling and firelighters are supplied for the wood burner and fire pit, while eco-friendly toiletries are stocked in the bathroom.
Each cabin has its own composting toilet but don’t be put off. This is no festival-style loo; it’s cleverly designed, odour-free and feels surprisingly ‘posh’. The bathrooms themselves are lovely, with sleek finishes and a strong hot shower. The only thing to bear in mind is that everything is powered by solar, so you’re encouraged to be mindful of water and electricity use. Far from being a compromise, this conscious approach feels in keeping with the off-grid ethos, and makes you appreciate every hot shower and every cup of coffee that little bit more.
What to Bring:
While the cabins are well equipped, a few extras can elevate your stay:
Warm layers: Evenings get chilly, especially if you’re sitting out under the stars.
Walking boots or sturdy shoes: Most cabins involve a short walk from the car, and there are trails right on the doorstep.
Torch or headlamp: Essential for late-night trips outside or finding your way back from the Wild Sauna in Hydra’s case.
Swimsuit, towel and flip-flops: Ideal for the outdoor bath at Mizar or for sauna sessions in North Wales.
Favourite food and drink: There’s no shop nearby, so bring your supplies. A bottle of wine or flask of hot chocolate makes evenings by the fire even better.
A good book or journal: With no WiFi, this is the perfect chance to read uninterrupted or jot down reflections. In short: bring what makes you comfortable, but know you won’t need much. The whole point is to strip things back and enjoy the simple pleasures.
The Power of Going Off-Grid
Our stay at Hydra showed us how stepping off the grid can be transformative. In a wild Welsh valley with a sauna, this cabin gave me gifts: time, presence and connection. The richest conversations often happen once the screens are switched off.
Hydra (Llangollen, North Wales)
Sleeps 2, pet-friendly, with access to the Wild Sauna.
Price: from around £327 for 3 nights off-peak. Wild Sauna sessions cost extra (guests receive a discount).
For latest details, availability and to book, visit shacks.co.uk.
Review and images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Some images supplied
