REVIEW: HOOGA RETREATS, CANTERBURY
- 34 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Our otherworldly stay with a TARDIS, cinema, fairytale bath and magical yurt in a tropical oasis
We take a TARDIS to an otherworldly stay, complete with a secret cinema den; fairytale outdoor bath, and magical yurt.
Hooga Retreats owners, Peter and Natalie have shown themselves to be the ultimate Time Lords, slowing the clock at our personal, flower festooned oasis.
A baby frog leaps onto my foot as they show us around, heralding the start of a fairytale adventure - Peter gently moves it before we discover its royal form.
The two hearts of my inner Whovian skip a beat when we discover our very own TARDIS loo, filled with memorabilia - it really is bigger on the inside.
The private retreat is a masterclass in cosy and magical hospitality, with a large, sunken outdoor bath, framed by tropical flowers. We fill it with bubbles and watch the stars, while the children splash about and sip hot chocolates.
At its centre is a stunning, five metre Mongolian yurt, which is like stepping inside a twinkling fairytale.
There's a vintage wooden rocking horse at the foot of the theatrical, four-poster bed, along with a cosy bed for the children, and a log burner, which we toast marshmallows on.
The shelves and walls are heaving with fascinating and tastefully curated curiosities and oil paintings.
Fairy lights snake around the dramatic, hand painted inner dome, aping stars when darkness falls, when you can also gaze up from bed through the sky light at the real constellations and moon, above.
Beside the yurt, stands an adorable mini house, with a fabulously equipped, teal and honey wood kitchen, with mini dining area, lounge and shower.
On the kitchen top, striped popcorn pots and a movie snack bar await us, heaving with chocolates, sweets, crisps and popcorn.
We discover why, when we climb a mysterious staircase and discover our own, secret cinema snug, with a neon studded foliage wall; squishy mattress brimming with fluffy pillows and throws and an enormous movie screen.
My children spend most of the stay delightedly squealing and calling me over to witness their latest discoveries.
Hooga Retreats is a child’s dream to explore and the surprises don’t end here. At the top of the stairs into our garden is a gate, which leads to a private heated swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and summer house.
We enjoy a dreamy hour here, splashing about and watching the trains whizz by, briefly reminding us that we’re just moments from Canterbury centre, and not in a tropical hideaway.
Everything is catered for, with endless toys and games - we work our way through Twister, Dingbats and Monopoly.
There’s a dog bowl for four-legged companions - who are very welcome - fresh candles for a romantic outdoor bath; a fully stocked wood box with fire lighters and kindling; jars of toiletries, and even an assortment of eye masks, beside the beds.
Leaning back into the bubbles of the outdoor bath, sipping prosecco, with the sound of birdsong and giggling children, I feel fully content and rested, which is no mean feat during the summer holidays.
Peter and Natalie have created something truly magical and unique - like no home you’ve ever been in, which instantly feels like home, and where time is happily slowed down, until you reluctantly return to the real world.
Hooga Retreats, Toad Hall, 87A St Stephen's Rd, Canterbury CT2 7JW
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