Wellness Experiences in the Woodland
A place to slow down, breathe deeply and restore
Balance and Restore in Nature
Woodland Wellness at By the Wye offers a deeply restorative way to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy quiet moments outdoors. Set within ancient woodland beside the River Wye near Hay-on-Wye, these experiences are designed to complement the calm, nature-led pace of your stay.
Guests at By the Wye naturally experience the benefits of forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) spending unhurried time among trees, listening to birdsong, breathing in woodland air and becoming more aware of the natural world. Woodland Wellness builds on this idea, offering private outdoor bathing and sauna experiences immersed in the landscape.
A Private Woodland Sauna Experience
Our romantic couples’ safari tent, The Cwtch, features a panoramic cedar barrel, wood-fired sauna installed on the lower deck. The sauna extends out above the woodland floor, with a full-height glass end framing views of the River Wye below.
From inside the sauna, guests can relax in the warmth while listening to the gentle crackle of the fire and the sounds of the river and surrounding trees. Wildlife is often part of the experience, with kingfishers, herons and the occasional otter passing quietly along the water.
This private woodland sauna offers a rare and intimate wellness experience, combining heat, stillness and nature in a way that feels both grounding and luxurious.
Outdoor Bathing in the Woods
The rear deck of Holly safari tent has been transformed into a secluded woodland retreat designed for relaxation.
Tucked away in a private clearing among the trees, this space includes an outdoor rainfall shower beneath the canopy, comfortable deckchairs for reading or resting, and a deep outdoor bath. As evening falls, guests can soak in warm water surrounded by woodland sounds, changing light and fresh air.
It is a simple but deeply calming experience, encouraging stillness, reflection and time away from everyday distractions.
Balance & Restore
For guests seeking deeper relaxation and restoration, private massage and reflexology treatments can be arranged during your stay at By the Wye. Set within the quiet of the woodland and accompanied only by birdsong and the movement of the trees, these nature-led wellness treatments offer a gentle way to slow down and reset.
Treatments take place in the comfort and privacy of your safari tent, allowing you to remain fully immersed in the calm of the site. There is no need to travel or follow a timetable, simply take time for rest, release tension and support overall wellbeing.
A small selection of massage and reflexology treatments is available, designed to promote relaxation, balance and a sense of physical and mental ease. Guests are welcome to book one or more treatments as part of their stay.
All treatments must be booked in advance and are arranged directly with one of our experienced, independent massage therapists, ensuring a personal and unrushed experience that fits naturally into the rhythm of your glamping holiday.
A Calm, Nature-Led Approach to Wellness
Woodland Wellness at By the Wye is not about schedules or spa facilities. It is about creating the right conditions for rest, privacy, natural surroundings and the freedom to move at your own pace.
These experiences are available exclusively to guests staying in the relevant safari tents and are designed to be enjoyed quietly, with care and respect for the surrounding woodland and wildlife.
Together with riverside walks, forest bathing and evenings by the fire, Woodland Wellness forms part of a gentle, restorative glamping experience in the Welsh Borders.
Reflexology
Reflexology is a gentle, restorative treatment designed to encourage the body’s natural balance and relaxation. Often described as a deeply relaxing foot massage, it works through specific pressure points on the feet that correspond with different systems of the body.
This treatment has been used for centuries to support overall wellbeing and is particularly valued for easing tension, encouraging relaxation, improving sleep quality and promoting a sense of calm. It can also help support the body during periods of stress or imbalance.
Following a short consultation, carefully selected oils are used alongside rhythmic massage techniques to create a soothing and grounding experience, allowing both body and mind to unwind.
Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage combines gentle massage techniques with the use of essential oils to support relaxation, emotional balance and physical ease. Each treatment begins with a short consultation, allowing oils to be chosen to suit your needs on the day.
The massage works along the body with flowing, calming movements, encouraging the release of tension and supporting circulation and lymphatic flow. The experience is deeply relaxing, helping to quiet the mind and restore a sense of balance.
This treatment is well suited to guests looking to unwind fully, relieve stress and enjoy a slower, more restorative pace during their stay.
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is a nurturing and supportive treatment designed to offer comfort and relaxation during pregnancy. Using gentle, pregnancy-safe oils and a pressure tailored to your preference, the treatment focuses on easing tension and creating a sense of lightness and calm.
The massage can be carried out while lying on your side or using a specialised pregnancy cushion, with pillows, blankets and supports added to ensure comfort throughout. Movements are slow, soothing and considered, helping the body relax and rest.
This treatment creates a quiet, caring space where expectant mothers can feel supported, relaxed and momentarily weightless.
Treatment Prices
Massage and reflexology treatments are available to book during your glamping stay at By the Wye. All session times include a full consultation before the treatment begins, allowing your therapist to understand your health, lifestyle and wellbeing needs and to ensure the treatment is right for you.
Prices
- 30 minutes – £45
- 60 minutes – £60
- 90 minutes – £90
Treatments take place in the comfort and privacy of your safari tent, offering a relaxed and uninterrupted wellness experience as part of your woodland glamping break.
To book a massage or reflexology treatment during your stay, please contact one of our independent therapists directly. Treatments must be arranged in advance of your arrival.
Hannah – The Soul Shack
[email protected]
Alice – Reflexology with Alice
[email protected]