A Retreat from the Digital World
Let’s face it, we’d all like to think our day starts like some AI-generated image of a long contented stretch, rays of improbable sunshine beaming through the curtains and new-found zeal to face the day. For most of us, though, the morning begins with the sound of an alarm clock, followed by the immediate urge to reach for our phones. Before we’ve even managed to scratch out the sand from our eyes and properly focus, we’re already scrolling through social media or checking emails.
Technology has become such a part of our daily lives that reaching for a device first thing is a reflex action akin to washing our face or putting on our shoes. It’s not something we give a lot of thought to, but the instant need to immediately engage with the online world means we are frequently “connected” before we’re even switched on.
What if you could just take a moment to enjoy the silence? Oh, right, there’s no such thing as silence between next door’s barking dog, that neighbor who’s up before the birds because his shift starts at 8am and he has a two-hour commute, or the binmen, collecting and crushing your rubbish with the finesse of a male bovine in a crockery vending establishment.
Silence isn’t so much golden, it’s as precious as gold itself. The sound of nothing is a vastly underrated concept. It calms, soothes, and relaxes (okay, so they may all mean the same thing, but you get the picture – or sound as the case may be).
I wasn’t quite prepared for the silence when we rolled into the Florida Manor estate, just outside Killinchy, to enjoy a stay in one of the Birch Cabins nestled in its grounds, but it was greeted warmly all the same. Even though our visit there was some weeks ago, when the dark came quickly from the mid-afternoon, the silence was not disconcerting or uncomfortable.
Florida Manor is located on 200 acres of countryside. It’s about a dozen miles from Belfast, but it might as well be on the other end of the island such is the feeling of release you get.
The Birch Cabins are beautifully appointed, modern structures which keep faith with the woodlands that surround them. They are situated on an elevated row on the grounds of the estate and although closely nestled together, there is sufficient privacy for you to enjoy your stay in peace.
Each cabin is equipped with a fridge, kettle, and microwave oven, so you can self-cater or simply enjoy a cup of tea or coffee on the balcony while you engage in a bit of high-end forest bathing. Or there is the option to enjoy many of the nearby establishments in Killinchy or Lisbane.
Feeling too relaxed to cook (and let’s face it, “getting away from it all” should involve eschewing all those household chores), we dined at the Poacher’s Pocket, which is a five-minute drive from your own pocket of tranquillity. They serve dinner and breakfast (something we also took advantage of the following morning) and have a cosy little shop crammed with local produce and, importantly, snacks and beverages you can squirrel away in your forest base.
But back to the cabin, and it’s like someone plucked a luxurious hotel room and plonked it in the middle of a secluded forest, which is just begging for you to meander around. Because that’s what you do. There may be the best part of 200 acres to roam, but this really isn’t “hiking” ground; this is for strolling, soaking in the stillness, absorbing the good vibes of Mother Nature to prepare you for the piece de résistance: the hot tub.
Now, there’s relaxing on the balcony with a cup of tea (or something stronger), there’s relaxing with a nice walk, but what the outdoor, wood-fired hot tub affords you is “relaxing under a night sky, blanketed with every star in the sky.” That’s not something you get everywhere, or at any time.
You can engage your outdoor woodsman’s character briefly as you feed the fire in anticipation of that dip later on. All fuel and lighting apparatus are supplied – all you have to do is follow the lighting instructions, give it a couple of hours (this is the time for walking, grabbing a bite, or just generally chilling), and then plunge yourself into luxury.
There is wifi available in the cabin, there’s a TV on which you can access all manner of streaming services, but for the full “unplugged” experience, the outdoor hot tub is where you can completely detach from the world. Cherish this. It will be a million miles away on the next Monday morning you awake, bleary-eyed and contemplating the mundane week ahead.
Sure, if you really want to connect with nature, you can pitch a tent, cook a tin of beans on a gas stove, and harvest your water from a nearby stream, but what Birch Cabins gives you is luxury in the midst of simplicity. Modern comforts meet timeless comforts, and the world can wait.
Booking Information
One-night stays at Birch Cabins start from £250 per night, with winter packages starting from £382.50 for a two-night stay for up to two people sharing. For further information, to book, and for the latest details on seasonal packages, visit www.birchcabins.com or connect with @BirchCabins on Instagram.
