During our long weekend in Devon, I really wanted to stay somewhere that felt connected to nature and would give me a break mentally and physically. I researched online for a luxury treehouse retreat in England where rest, relaxation and nature come first. And along came Nymetwood Treehouses. Tucked away in peaceful North Devon countryside, this adults-only escape is designed for one thing above all else: switching off.
And wow did it do the trick – from the moment you arrive, the noise of everyday life melts away. No traffic. No crowds. Just birdsong, rustling leaves and the quiet luxury of having nowhere you need to be.
Location of Nymetwood Treehouses: Secluded in the Heart of Devon
Nymetwood Treehouses sit within a private woodland setting, offering complete seclusion and privacy. There are only 2 treehouses on site, one of which is a spa treehouse. Of course this was too much for me to resist, so I picked that one – called “Starling”.
Within the grounds are lots of lovely fields, viewpoints and a nice woodland walk. The owners also live on site, so their house can be seen as you walk around the grounds. I particularly loved the picnic bench with stunning views in to Dartmoor National Park.
The treehouse is carefully positioned to feel hidden, even though you’re never far from Devon’s rolling countryside and dramatic coastline. This is not a place for rushing around or ticking off attractions. Instead, Nymetwood is about slowing down, breathing deeply and reconnecting with yourself and whomever you’re visiting with.
If you’ve been craving a digital detox break in Devon, this is exactly the kind of escape that delivers it, without trying too hard or branding itself as a wellness retreat unnecessarily.
Accommodation at Nymetwood Treehouses: Designed for Relaxation
Every detail at Nymetwood Treehouses has been thoughtfully considered to promote calm and comfort. Interiors are warm and inviting, blending natural materials with understated luxury. Soft lighting, wood textures, cosy seating and expansive windows that frame the woodland outside really make you feel like you’re part of nature.
There’s a beautiful log burning stove, plus indoor radiators which mean the treehouse is always warm. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen with an oven, hob, fridge and small freezer which make cooking and eating well a joy of staying.
Important Note: As the treehouses are remote, it’s important to bring food and drink with you for your stay. Whilst you can drive to local pubs & shops, there is not much close by.
The bed is a up a steep flight of stairs, and tucked in to an alcove under a skylight which opens to the stars. This was the one bit of the stay that wasn’t perfect for me – the bed was hard to get in to and wasn’t particularly comfortable.
The bathroom has a lovely waterfall shower, with doors that open on to a private deck with a huge soaking tub out in nature. Also on the deck are lounging chairs and a table – inviting you to drink coffee, read a book, or simply sit with your thoughts. This is a place where doing nothing feels like the most productive thing you could possibly do.
As we had booked the spa treehouse, there was also a private hot tub and sauna out on the deck. The sauna quickly became my favourite place in the entire treehouse; perfect for soothing my muscles after a long walk out in the National Park, or just to get warm as soon as I woke up, after lunch, in the middle of the afternoon, before bed….my husband despaired (he hates saunas and refuses to use them)!
Experiences at Nymetwood Treehouses: Exploring Devon
Whilst staying here, you can easily choose not to do anything other than stay in the grounds. Mornings are slow, unhurried and quiet, with no alarms unless you choose them. Long baths, saunas or hot tubs surrounded by the forest, hours of reading and playing board games, and cooking from scratch can easily take up your days.
That said, while Nymetwood Treehouses feel blissfully remote, they’re perfectly located for exploring Devon if you feel like venturing out. The surrounding area offers peaceful countryside walks throughout Dartmoor National Park, or in nicer weather to the North Devon coast and its beaches.
We found ourselves out hiking during the day, then returning in the afternoon to slow evenings cooking, reading and playing board games. We chose to do two hikes during our stay – the Teign Gorge Walk and Wistman’s Wood Circular. The landscape and scenery were truly stunning and the exercise and fresh air made me feel really refreshed.
The flexibility to do or not to do (or a bit of both), makes Nymetwood an excellent choice for a luxury staycation in Devon.
Top Tip: A stay at any time of the year has its benefits. If you want to visit for rest and relaxation only, then I recommend taking advantage of the lower winter prices. If you want to visit for hiking and outdoor activities, choose spring or summer.
Nymetwood Treehouses Final Thoughts: A True Sanctuary in Devon
For anyone seeking rest and relaxation, digital detox or couples seeking a romantic treehouse break in Devon, the combination of seclusion, hot tubs and peaceful surroundings makes Nymetwood a great choice.
In a world full of “busy” breaks and overpacked itineraries, Nymetwood offers something increasingly rare: space and time. This is a calm, considered place created for anyone in need of quiet time. I loved that it forced me to slow down, be more mindful and take time away from all the screens. I headed back to reality feeling re-set and energised, exactly what I needed!
Final Tip: If you’re visiting, here are some handy items to pack:
- Hiking Boots and a Rain Coat (especially if visiting in Winter).
- Tea bags, white sugar and milk (probably a staple on every Brit’s packing list regardless, the treehouses do provide some teabags but not enough for a week).
- Food and drink to last for your stay (there are plenty of plates, cutlery, trays, chopping boards and dishes to cook in provided at the treehouse).
- Books, games and notebooks.
- Bottle opener if you’re bringing wine!
- You do not need to pack a hairdryer, shower gel/shampoo, hot chocolate, cooking oil, salt & pepper, toilet roll, towels or washing up liquid – all of these are provided.
So what did you think of Nymetwood Treehouses? Would you enjoy a stay here? Let me know what you think in the comments below – and as always, stay safe and happy travelling!
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