Not all weekend breaks need to be about doing more, seeing more, or feeling more. Not every escape needs a packed itinerary, restaurant bookings or a long list of places to tick off. Some weekend breaks are about less. And less, in the very best possible way.
I’ve just returned from an incredible two night stay at Hydra, a luxury off-grid cabin by Shacks, tucked high into the hills above Llangollen in North Wales. I actually don’t live far from Llangollen but this weekender about travelling far or discovering somewhere new. In fact, it was the opposite. The intention behind this trip was to slow everything right down, to step out of routine and to experience familiar countryside from an entirely different perspective.
Hydra offered exactly that! A pause. A deep breath. A reminder that sometimes the most restorative breaks are the ones that strip life back to its simplest, quietest form.
Discovering Shacks and the promise of going off grid
Shacks specialise in beautifully designed, off-grid cabins that focus on simplicity, comfort, and connection to nature. Their ethos is clear from the outset. These are not places designed to distract you. They are places designed to let you be present.
Before arriving, I was sent a what3words location to find Hydra. That alone told me this was not going to be a standard, easy-to-spot accommodation. This was somewhere deliberately remote, somewhere you had to make a small effort to reach. That sense of intentional removal from everyday life is part of the Shacks experience and it begins long before you arrive.
The drive itself was familiar at first. I passed through Llangollen, a place I know well, before turning off onto a narrow single track lane that immediately began to climb. And climb. And climb some more. Each bend took me further up into the hills, with views opening out wider and the noise of daily life fading behind me.
Eventually, I reached a beautiful farmhouse where I had been instructed to park. And there, quietly waiting below, was Hydra.
First impressions: Architecture in the landscape
Hydra is striking without being showy. The all-black exterior is bold and modern, yet it sits effortlessly within the softness of the surrounding countryside. Against rolling green hills and open sky, the cabin feels like a confident architectural statement that still respects its environment.
There is a sense of luxury before you even step inside. Not the polished, hotel-style kind of luxury, but something more thoughtful and grounded. The kind that comes from good design, quality materials and careful placement within nature.
Opening the door, I was immediately met with warmth. The interior is simple, rustic and beautifully considered. Natural textures, soft lighting, and a muted colour palette create a space that feels calm and welcoming. It is also surprisingly spacious which was a genuine relief after more than my fair share of tiny glamping cabins where you spend the weekend trying not to bump into furniture!
Hydra feels like a place you can actually settle into…and that’s exactly what my dog immediately did!
Dog friendly cabin
Oh yes, Hydra sleeps 2 humans and is dog friendly too. My pup, Wanda, had a doggy welcome pack waiting for her which included a bowl, some treats, poo bags and a doggy towel.
The cabin is set in a very large field which initially seems to be enclosed but there are a few small gaps in the fence. If you have a well-behaved dog then I’m sure it won’t be a problem. If, like me, you have a small and adventurous dog who will do anything to catch a pheasant…you’re going to struggle!
If I went again, I’d take an extra long lead so I could tie my dog up without her escaping into the woods.
There is a well positioned hose just outside the front door of Hydra which is perfect for hosing down mucky pups before allowing them inside.
Inside Hydra: Space, light and comfort
The layout of the cabin flows effortlessly. At the far end sits a large, inviting king size bed positioned directly in front of two enormous windows that frame the view across the valley. This is the heart of the cabin and it is impossible not to be drawn to it.
Before I had even unpacked, I could already picture myself sitting there for most of the weekend with nothing more than a good book, a warm drink, and that ever-changing view. Morning light spilling across the bed and clouds drifting past as I watch the weather change throughout the day.
The rest of the cabin continues this sense of ease. There is a log burner waiting to be lit, instantly setting the tone for slow evenings and cosy nights. The kitchenette is compact but well equipped, with everything you need to cook simple meals without fuss. A small table and chairs sit nearby, perfect for unhurried breakfasts or candlelit dinners.
Everything has been included with intention. Nothing feels excessive, yet nothing feels lacking.
Off grid living without sacrificing comfort
Hydra is completely off grid, but this does not mean uncomfortable. Quite the opposite. This is off grid living done thoughtfully and well.
The cabin has hot running water, a powerful shower and an eco composting toilet that is far more pleasant and discreet than many people might expect.
Electricity is limited as it comes from the solar panels outside, which encourages you to be more mindful with what you’re using. Phones are charged, but not endlessly scrolled. Lights are soft rather than glaring and evenings naturally shift towards conversation, reading, or simply sitting quietly watching the fire.
As you’d expect, there’s no Wifi but there’s just enough mobile signal to get you through the basics. Whatsapp worked perfectly for me and I could slowly load my emails and Google Maps…but it was slow…in a way that I loved.
It’s like a digital detox without going all the way! I kept instinctively picking up my phone to begin some mindless doomscrool, and then it would take too long to load so I’d give up. It wasn’t long before I stopped picking it up and just focussed on whatever I was doing.
This gentle limitation is part of what makes Hydra so effective as a place to rest. Without constant digital noise, your senses recalibrate. You notice more. You rush less and you realise how often you pick up your phone without even thinking!
The rituals: Fire, water and sky
One of the most grounding parts of staying at Hydra is the rhythm of small rituals. Lighting the log burner becomes something you take your time over. Watching the flames catch and settle feels so satisfying.
Even making a cup of tea becomes a slow ritual of waiting for the water to boil on the flames and then pouring it over loose leaf tea and watching the steam rise as you sip it slowly.
Outside, there is a deep outdoor bath that quickly became one of my favourite features. As the day faded and the air cooled, soaking in warm water while looking out across the hills felt almost meditative. There is something incredibly humbling about bathing under open sky, wrapped in steam and surrounded by silence.
I will admit that the water went cold a bit too quickly for my liking so if I went again I’d probably boil a few pans of hot water inside and then add them to the bath to keep it toasty!
At night, the lack of light pollution reveals a sky full of stars. On clear evenings, the view is extraordinary. Constellations stretch overhead, uninterrupted by artificial light. It is the kind of night sky that reminds you how small you are, in the most comforting way.
The Shacks Wild Sauna
When staying at Hydra you’re also close to the Shacks’ Wild Off-Grid Sauna, which is an opportunity you can’t miss when you’re so close by! If you’re staying in Hydra you get £30 off and it’s only a 4 minute drive (30 minute walk) and a little downhill hike to reach!
This wood-fired sauna is hidden in the hills and surrounded by forest. It’s designed to strip away distractions so you can focus on heat, steam, nature and deep calm. The location is private and serene, with sessions booked exclusively for your group so you share the space only with people you know.
The sauna is easy to find thanks to What3Words but without that you’d have no idea it’s here!
The sauna operates without electricity, and the wood fire itself provides the heat. You control the temperature and humidity by adding logs to the fire and pouring water over the hot stones.
A typical session lasts three hours, which includes the time it’s going to take you to light the fire and heat up the sauna. They say it takes 30 minutes to heat up, but on a cold January day it definitely took longer. I initially thought this was a long time, but it was actually really nice to sit in the sauna while it warmed up. We lit the fire and then took the dog for a walk and came back when it was about 25 degrees C and we sat in there fully clothed until it got hotter! You could sit in there and read a book or have lunch while it’s heating up.
You can then control the heat and humidity by adding water to the coals and extra logs to the fire.
After your time in the deep warmth, there is an outdoor shower where you can refresh and feel the invigorating contrast between hot and cold. Even just stepping outside into the cold for a minute was enough of a blast!
Sessions are available in morning, midday and late afternoon time slots, and booking is open to both cabin guests and the public. If you are staying at one of the Shacks, you receive a discount on your Wild Sauna booking.
The experience feels like a ritual rather than an activity, especially in colder months when the forest landscape around the sauna feels even more wild and atmospheric. This is definitely something you can make into half a day out and it would be so fun to do with a group of friends.
A stay designed for stillness
What struck me most about Hydra and my whole stay at Shacks was how quickly my body and mind responded to the stillness. Without plans, schedules or pressure to go anywhere. I stopped looking at my phone and read an entire book without interruption. I don’t remember the last time I did that!
Even though I was only thirty minutes from home, the separation felt complete. That is perhaps the greatest achievement of this place. It does not rely on distance. It relies on atmosphere, intention and design.
Hydra creates a boundary between everyday life and something quieter.
Exploring Llangollen, if you want to…
While Hydra invites you to stay put, its location also offers plenty of options if you feel the pull to explore. Llangollen is nearby, with its riverside walks, independent shops and welcoming pubs.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is within easy reach and I absolutely love a canal walk that passes over the aqueduct. You can take boat trips or even kayak over it too.
A hike up to Castel Dinas Bran is one of my favourite things to do in Llangollen. It’s not a particularly long walk but it’s very steep so it’s a challenge that will reward you with incredible views over Llangollen and North Wales. Reward yourself afterwards with a meal at The Cornmill, a gorgeous riverside pub.
You’ll also find Plas Newydd, a charming National Trust property and garden, just at the bottom of the hill that takes you up to Hydra. There’s a nice cafe here and gardens to explore so it’s worth popping in when you pass.
The beauty of this stay is that none of this feels obligatory. You can explore, or you can not. Both choices feel equally valid.
Thoughtful details and considered hospitality
Shacks have clearly thought about the details. From the quality of the linens to the kitchen essentials provided, everything feels considered rather than generic. There are books and games for slower evenings, a few books on digital minimalism and exploring, a tape radio with some vintage tapes and soft towels and natural toiletries that align with the cabin’s ethos.
The instructions are clear, friendly and unobtrusive. Entry into the cabin is contactless and I was sent details about how to find it and get the key. I parked at a farmhouse where the lights were on but I didn’t see anyone and I was sent a phone number before I arrived so I could call if I had any problems. I did actually have to send a message about getting firewood and they replied immediately with photos and clear instructions. It was nice knowing help (and humans!) were on hand immediately. You are trusted to enjoy the space respectfully, which adds to the sense of calm and autonomy during your stay.
It feels less like being a guest, and more like being temporarily entrusted with something special.
Who Hydra is for
Hydra is ideal for anyone craving quiet. It is perfect for couples seeking reconnection, solo travellers in need of rest, creatives looking for space to think or anyone who feels overstimulated by modern life.
It is not a place for parties, noise, or constant activity. And that is exactly the point.
This is a cabin for people who understand the value of less.
Why Hydra Works
Hydra by Shacks is not about novelty. It is about presence. It is about stripping away distractions and letting nature, design and stillness do the work.
Even living so close by, my stay felt like a true escape. I returned home rested, grounded and quietly energised in a way that only comes from genuine rest.
Sometimes the best journeys are not about going further. They are about going inward. Hydra creates the space for exactly that.
And for anyone feeling the pull towards less, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
