Good Morning Lovelies, 

Wales is a place known for its never ending beauty! From the mountains that loom over it to the gorgeous coastlines and rivers, which flow in and around it, there is something so special about it that it becomes almost like a place out of a fairytale. Having seen and heard of the impact it has made on those around me, we have always been eager to see it for ourselves in fact. 

Therefore, when the team at Shacks offered us the chance to head to the north of the country to stay in their off-grid cabin, Altair, we jumped at the chance. Hidden amongst the greenest mountains that we had ever seen, the cabin is based almost within the mist of the mountains, locked behind a gate to make it truly remote. Something that made us feel so at peace upon arrival. 

Driving up to a small space that is placed just before you get to the cabin to help preserve the local area, we quickly unloaded our cases and headed on a little adventure to our home for the past few days. With little ones in tow, the walk to Altair felt like we were going on our own bear hunt, as we took in the sights and sounds of the nature of the world around us. 

As soon as we caught sight of it, the younger members of our family ran off to the front door to try and get that first glimpse inside. Yet, the cabin was locked and secured, with a key box to the side allowing you to gain entry with the code provided a few days before arriving. Opening the door, we all peeped inside, feeling our mouths falling open wide at the wonders of it. 

Walking into the home, you are first met with the main bedroom within the cabin, alongside the kitchen area, which was fully equipped. As our dogs jumped around outside in excitement at seeing so much greenery to run around in, we explored every room in awe. For the little ones, they were welcomed with ready made bunk beds, which had little lights beside them to provide them with a cosy nook to read and snuggle up in at night. Whilst for us adults, we couldn’t believe the view from the wide panoramic windows that surrounded our bed. 

There was no way that we were ever going to close the blinds within the room. We knew that magic would be seen and memories made every night, snuggling up as a family to watch the stars glisten, whilst the fireplace roared inside. Although, it was hard to see the fire roaring during our stay, as the dogs loved laying right beside it, warming up after running wild in the private field outside. 

The cabin also came with a fully equipped bathroom, which was perfect for us. However, the shower inside did nothing to compare to the outdoor bath that provided the most perfect space to relax away in. Better than any hot tub you could want, the cooling air surrounding the cabin refreshed every part of us adults who dared to dive into it. The little ones stuck to the inside bathing area throughout our stay. 

Upon everyone settling in, we decided to explore the items in and outside of the cabin. Wanting to feel the full effects of an off-grid stay, we took the opportunity to spend as much time as possible at the cabin, yet we loved being able to go off and explore the greenery and woods around us. Feeling the cool air on our skin was everything. We all agreed that it was just what we needed to feel refreshed after a hectic term at school and at work. 

Every night, we would build a fire outside, where we toasted marshmallows, sipped warming coffees, which had kindly been provided, and took in the tranquility of it all. When the night got too cool, we carried on with the blissful scene that we had created indoors, playing the board games that were in the cabin, snuggling up for stories and simply gazing in awe at the world around us and the opportunity that we had been given. 

For two whole days, we did nothing but be with each other, leading to us packing up and coming home a whole lot closer. Even at a young age, the little ones loved being away from their screens, as the adventurous areas allowed for them to explore and make up stories with unabridged freedom.

When we did venture off to see local areas, such as Mold, the peace stayed within us, leading to a sense of peace that we carried home in our hearts. The two nights we stayed within the Altair had made us feel closer, more in love with the world and ready to tackle the hectic nature of the festive season. Mostly because we knew that when it all got too much again, we now had a space that we could book up and go to again.

Having been given this trip, we couldn’t be more thankful for what we got to experience. Every member of the family has returned home with a new found love for each other and for that we are truly grateful. The younger members of our family are getting on better. The dogs even seem to like each other more. Coming off a holiday more at peace with the world is exactly what you want and this trip provided it. And for that reason we can not thank the Shacks team enough!

After our trip, fellow guest Rachel, told me her thoughts: “It was super relaxing to go back into a natural setting. The view in the morning and at night was amazing! Just looking out and seeing nothing but hills was incredible. It was a very basic shack, which was expected, but it was fun to just play games, read and walk the dogs in a really calm manner. The outside bath was immense too. It was so much fun and super chilled bathing out in nature. The kids loved being free and just running outside, something they could do easily at the recommended local beach which was really pretty. All in all, we had a great few days!

With breaks available throughout the year and all over the country, anyone looking for an escape from the hectic world around us, whether on your own or with your family, should head to the Shacks website. Off-grid living may not be something you think you would enjoy but once you are living that way, you will want to stay in that state forever. 

Especially if you stay in the Altair cabin! We are all still wishing and dreaming that we were back breathing in the gorgeous Welsh morning air! Something we hope to do again very very soon! In fact, I may just have to go and book a trip now! If you do too, you will never regret it lovelies! I promise! 

Joey X