words by Louise Af Petersens
There are some places that leave you feeling genuinely different when you return home. Not because you’ve packed your itinerary with activities or travelled halfway around the world, but because they’ve given you something increasingly rare: the opportunity to properly switch off. That was exactly our experience at James Hide at Elmley Nature Reserve.
As a family of three with a busy five-year-old son, life often feels wonderfully full but relentlessly busy. Between work, school, screens and the endless mental load that comes with modern life, finding time to slow down and simply be together can feel surprisingly difficult.
From the moment we arrived at Elmley, the pace changed. Surrounded by vast open skies, wild landscapes and uninterrupted views across the reserve, there was an immediate sense of calm. Phone screens were forgotten, notifications became irrelevant and suddenly our attention shifted to the things that really mattered, spotting wildlife, exploring the landscape and enjoying uninterrupted family time together.
The setting is simply breathtaking. There is something incredibly restorative about being immersed in nature without sacrificing comfort, and James Hide strikes that balance perfectly. It feels remote and secluded, yet beautifully designed with everything you could possibly need for a comfortable stay.
One of the biggest highlights of the stay was the dipping pond. Or at least it was for my five-year-old son. He absolutely loved it and embraced the adventure of it all. It quickly became his favourite part of the entire trip. Me? Let’s just say I was more into the outdoor baths.
Now, I do enjoy a cold-water dip, so I went in fully expecting to embrace it. What I hadn’t quite prepared myself for was the fact that the dipping pond is exactly that, a real pond. Adventurous swimmers and nature lovers will absolutely love it, but I quickly discovered that pond swimming isn’t quite my thing. My son, however, was completely unfazed and declared it the best part of the holiday.
For me, relaxation came in a different form.
During our stay, I enjoyed the most wonderful Votary facial, which felt like the ultimate treat after months of rushing around and spending far too much time in front of screens. It was deeply relaxing, incredibly restorative and left my skin feeling refreshed, hydrated and glowing. Combined with the peaceful surroundings, it was exactly the reset I didn’t realise I needed.
Food is always an important part of any family getaway, and the Pizza Shack at Elmley deserves a special mention. The pizzas were genuinely fantastic, fresh, delicious and exactly what you want after a day spent outdoors. We spent the evening enjoying pizza while watching the changing light across the reserve before heading over to the firepit for toasted marshmallows. For our son, this was pure magic.
For us, it was one of those simple family moments that often become the most memorable. Sitting together around the fire as the sun began to set, away from screens and distractions, felt wonderfully nostalgic and surprisingly rare.
The dipping pond may not have converted me into a wild swimmer, but the outdoor bath was another story entirely. In fact, I’m now actively trying to work out how to fit one into my own garden. Without question, it was my personal highlight of the stay. There is something incredibly special about sinking into a warm bath surrounded by fresh air, open skies and the sounds of nature. I enjoyed one bath in the evening as the sun was setting and another first thing in the morning, and both felt equally magical. It was peaceful, grounding and deeply relaxing in a way that an indoor bath simply can’t replicate. If there was one thing I wished I could pack up and take home with me, it would be that bath.
Back inside, the hide itself was beautifully designed. Cosy, comfortable and thoughtfully equipped, it manages to feel both luxurious and wonderfully simple. The bed deserves its own mention because it was genuinely one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept in. After a day spent outdoors, climbing into crisp sheets and falling asleep to the sounds of nature outside was bliss.
One of my favourite touches was the breakfast delivery. There is something wonderfully indulgent about waking slowly and having breakfast brought directly to your door. sitting outside with a bacon sandwich, yoghurt and granola, fresh croissants and coffee while taking in the landscape felt like the perfect way to start the day.
The beauty of Elmley is that it encourages you to do less.
There is no pressure to be productive, no packed schedule and no expectation to constantly be doing something. Instead, you’re invited to slow down, notice your surroundings and reconnect with nature and each other. In a world where we’re constantly connected, that feels like a real luxury.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a restorative solo retreat or a memorable family staycation, Elmley offers something genuinely special. We arrived feeling tired, distracted and in need of a break. We left feeling rested, reconnected and already planning our return.
