Set among woodland and meadow, Cynefin Retreats is an immersive destination offering an incredible indoor-outdoor getaway experience for you and your beloved furry friend. Here, the true luxury is living and breathing this idyllic Welsh borders landscape, from the comfort of your handcrafted accommodation.

Offering the ultimate in contemporary living, our four 1-bed pods and trio of 2-bed lodges are designed for those seeking a unique escape in a stunning countryside setting, yet only three miles from the historic market town of Hay-on-Wye.

Dogs are not just accepted here, they’re wholeheartedly welcomed. As dog owners ourselves, we know that the best breaks are those where all members of the family are catered for whether big, small or furry.

Designed for couples and their pooch, our four luxe-pods offer stylish, modern living, with iconic curved walls to the rear and wall-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to the front, with uninterrupted views to the countryside.

Each pod features an en-suite bedroom with romantic floating bed, adjoining a spacious, open-plan kitchen-living area. With both a wood burning stove and luxurious underfloor heating, uniform warmth throughout the pod is guaranteed. An adjoining cloak room for boots, coats, dog throwers, leads, and towels ensures your pod can remain clean and uncluttered.

Sliding glass doors open to a partially covered wooden deck, with private hot tub enabling an easy transition between indoor and outdoor living across the seasons, whatever the weather. Beyond the deck is a spacious terrace with dining and lounging furniture. Each pod has a bespoke fire-pit with BBQ grill perfect for sizzling sausages and toasting marshmallows.

Perfect for families or groups of friends, our trio of lodges offer spacious bedrooms and open plan living areas to enjoy time together, whilst having space to breathe.

Built using pioneering wood technologies, the iconic lines of the timber clad lodges reflect the local environment, with each one offering privacy with views of the surrounding countryside and plenty of outside space.

Each lodge features two spacious bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, each with the option of either a super king size bed or twins. The family bathroom has a standalone bath and separate shower. From the open plan kitchen, living and dining room you look out through expansive glass doors to a private decking with your own hot tub, and beyond to the spacious terrace with fire pit and BBQ grill.

Similar to the pods, there is a separate room to keep any bulky, wet or muddy items. You’ll also find a washing machine for your comfort and ease should you end up covered with muddy paw prints after a countryside adventure.

As avid dog-lovers, we understand that your dog is a member of the family, and VIPs (Very Important Pooches!) are welcomed at Cynefin Retreats with as much warmth as their owners.

You and your canine companion will have a tail-wagging time exploring the local area and the wealth of walking opportunities nearby. Our woodland adjoins the public footpath leading directly onto the Wye Valley Walk – a fabulous path that leads directly to Hay-on-Wye, the ‘Town of Books’, famous for its Literary Festival. Beyond your doorstep, The Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons are nearby which are fantastic for scenic dog walks.

If more action is what you’re after, wild swimming, canoeing, trekking, and cycling are all possible with your pooch in tow. Our pre-departure pack is full of activity ideas. 

We welcome one dog per pod and up to two well-behaved dogs per lodge for a small fee.

By day, breakfast in bed watching the sun come up on a crisp winter’s morning, take a picnic lunch in the meadow on a balmy summer’s day, or supper on the terrace watching the sunset.

By night, cosy up on the sofa with the log burner roaring and a good book in hand, or embrace outdoor living toasting marshmallows by the fire pit and drinking prosecco in the hot tub looking up at the stars.

Throughout the day, across the seasons, let this extraordinary landscape soothe the senses and rejuvenate the spirit.