Have you ever noticed how the most “relaxing” group holidays often require a spreadsheet, three separate WhatsApp groups, and a diplomatic meeting just to decide on a dinner time? If the thought of one more group compromise makes you want to hide under your duvet, we have a radical suggestion: go it alone.
Solo travel isn’t just about independence; it’s about the luxury of silence, the thrill of choosing your own countryside walks at a moment’s notice, and the sheer joy of having your very own holiday retreat that stays exactly as tidy (or as beautifully messy) as you left it. Whether you’re craving a DIY wellness retreat to shake off the stress of the daily grind or looking for a dog-friendly escape in Somerset where your pup is the only companion you need to cater to, there is a unique magic in being your own best company. In this blog, we’re diving into how to fly solo on holiday and why it might just be the best decision you make this year.
Finding Your Perfect Solo Sanctuary
Finding the right space for a solo getaway is about more than just a bed; it’s about finding a base that feels like a sanctuary, not a hollow hall. When you’re choosing your accommodation, we recommend looking for these three must-haves:
- Proportions that feel like a hug: A sprawling five-bedroom house can feel a bit echoey when you’re on your own. Look for high-spec spaces designed for intimacy like a shepherd’s hut or a luxury lodge where everything you need is tucked perfectly.
- Private indulgences: The best part of solo travel? You don’t have to share the bubbles. Look for amenities like a private hot tub or a log burner that allow you to indulge in total me-time without waiting for your turn.
- Safety: While you want the peace of the countryside, you don’t necessarily want to feel stranded. Choosing a retreat on a private estate offers that middle-of-nowhere quiet with the added security of knowing a friendly team is just a stone’s throw away.
Whether you’re a fan of the quirky and quaint stargazing vibes of our Somerset yurt or you’re craving the all-out indulgence of a copper bath and private hot tub at Olivia’s Roost, the goal is to find a sanctuary that feels safe, snug, and unapologetically premium.
The Best Things to Do on a Solo Adventure
Walking at Your Own Pace
One of the greatest joys of going solo is the total lack of “are we there yet?” energy. When you step outside of your Walnut Barn escape, the Mendip Hills are your playground. You can choose to tackle the more challenging Somerset walks, or simply meander through the local lanes when the mood strikes. There’s no pressure to keep up with a group; it’s just you and miles of stunning landscape. Whether you’re looking for the rugged views of Crook Peak or a gentle stroll through Hutton woods, you can design your own itinerary of things to do without a single committee meeting.
Enjoying a Table for One
The solo dining dread is a total myth. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that enjoying a table for one is a legitimate travel superpower. There’s a specific kind of peace found in sitting by a roaring fire in a welcoming local pub with a good book and a pint of cider. Hutton and the surrounding villages are home to proper, local spots where a solo guest is greeted with a genuine smile and the best cosy corner in the house. The best part? There’s no what are you having?, no can I try one of your chips?, and absolutely zero small talk required. It’s just great food, the luxury of your own thoughts, and that book you’ve been meaning to finish for three years.
Leaning into Slow Living
For those moments when you just want to rest and recuperate, going solo gives you the ultimate permission to lean into the slow in slow living. Spend an entire evening stargazing by your yurt, finally finishing that book in a copper bath, or unashamedly binging your favourite show by the log burner. There is no one there to judge your snacks or your screen time; it is your adventure, your way.
The Benefits of a Solo Holiday
Treading Lightly
Sustainable travel is much easier to achieve when you are the only one in charge. When you go solo, you naturally use less water, generate less waste, and are more likely to appreciate the local landscape rather than rushing through it. Choosing a staycation in Somerset is a greener choice that doesn’t cost the earth.
Your Best Four-Legged Plus One
You don’t need to be totally alone to enjoy a solo trip. Sometimes the best travel companion has four legs and doesn’t complain about your choice of music. We offer some of the best dog-friendly options on the Estate, and having your pup with you is the ultimate icebreaker at the pub and the best motivation to explore those extra miles.
Total Spontaneity
Ever wanted to change plans mid-step? On a solo trip, if you see a sign for a hidden cider farm or decide to swap a hike for a long soak in the hot tub, you just do it. There is no one to convince and no one to let down.
No Bill-Splitting Stress
Forget the awkwardness of dividing a group dinner bill or debating the cost of a luxury lodge. When you travel alone, you have total control over your budget. Indulge in that extra dessert or book the higher-spec hut without having to run it by anyone else.
A Genuine Digital Detox
It is much easier to put the phone away when you aren’t checking a group chat to coordinate logistics. A solo break is the perfect excuse to reset your internal clock to the rhythm of the countryside rather than the buzz of your notifications.
Tips for Your First Solo Escape
If the idea of a solo trip still feels a bit daunting, here are some top tips to help you dip your toe in:
- Start Midweek: A 2-night Tuesday-Thursday break is the perfect way to test the solo waters when things are at their quietest and you can often benefit from mid-week discounts too.
- Pack the Joy Items: That book you have meant to read for a year, the fancy face mask, and your favourite snacks.
- Safety First: Our Estate is private and secure, meaning you can enjoy the middle-of-nowhere feeling with the peace of mind that we are just a stone’s throw away if you need us.
- Pre-order Your Treats: Arrange for a local produce box or a dog hamper to be waiting for you so you can hunker down and start your reset the second you arrive.
- Curate Your Soundtrack: Download that specific podcast or the playlist you have been saving for a long, uninterrupted walk through the Mendips.
The true luxury of a solo escape isn’t just the high-spec hut or the private hot tub; it is the rare chance to be the main character in your own story. When you stop compromising on where to walk or when to eat, you find a rhythm that is entirely your own. If you have been waiting for the perfect moment to prioritise your own reset, this is your invitation to take the leap. We are ready to welcome you to the Estate, where the quiet is waiting and the only agenda is yours. It is time to stop waiting for others and start dating yourself.