Road Trip: Retreating to nature at the Lakes by Yoo
While I’d once spend my weekends bouncing from reformer Pilates studio to the latest buzzy restaurant, more frequently I find my antidote to stressors in nature, the great outdoors proving a rewarding setting for mindfulness and family bonding.
Though given I’m not yet ready to compromise all creature comforts, my adventures tend to marry luxury with a sense of escape – as felt in my latest trip exploring the pastoral Cotswold countryside, driving the new Mini Countryman to the enchanting Lakes by Yoo, where wild swimming, nature trails and spa therapies await.
The car and journey
Perfect for a family of four (with a fifth member on the way), the updated Mini Countryman – a SUV – now claims to be more spacious and sophisticated. Cocooning while roomy, it’s deceptively big, boasting ample boot space for all the add-ons that are inevitable with carting around kids. But while that excited my husband, I was more taken with the car’s innovative wellness-inspired tech. Making the journey as enjoyable as the destination (which I’ll get to later), it has various ‘experience modes’ to enhance your ride.
Starting our journey in Green Mode, which optimises fuel efficiency and provides a calm, eco-friendly driving experience, we then got hooked on Balance Mode, which sets a tranquil atmosphere with soft interior lighting as well as an in-seat massage. Whoever said travelling with kids was stressful? Mine were as atypically chilled out as me (they’d discovered the gaming feature found within the car’s central OLED screen, after all).
Upon arrival to the Lakes by Yoo, a luxury lakeside estate near the charming village of Lechlade in Gloucestershire, we switched to Trail Mode, where an on-screen compass and vehicle stats helped us tap into our adventurous sides.
The destination
A secluded staycation spot, unlike your classic Cotswold hotel, Lakes by Yoo offers much more – whether you're into cycling, walking, wild swimming, water crafts or activities like fishing, archery and clay pigeon shooting.
The private estate features luxurious lakeside homes surrounded by nature – the architecture seamlessly integrating with the landscape, creating a harmonious environment that instantly lowers the shoulders. Blending modern comforts with rustic charm, our stunning cabin offered panoramic views of the water and woodland, which we couldn’t wait to explore.
One of the most exhilarating experiences at Lakes by Yoo is wild swimming in the grounds’ myriad lakes. While I was drawn to trying this in such a pristine environment, relishing the idea of being truly connected to nature, the combination of cold water and pregnancy isn’t compatible. Instead, we opted for a guided nature walk, led by an experienced local expert who introduced us to the area’s wildlife, flora and fauna. My boys were thrilled to spot nesting egrets, muntjac, water scorpions and red bellied newts, while we learnt about the medicinal properties of the local plants. Other highlights (for us all) included meeting the resident turkeys (Charles and Camilla), and pigs (Gin and Tonic), and exploring the trails on borrowed bikes.
Indoors, meanwhile, The Spa by Yoo was not to be missed. It features a stunning lap pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a fitness suite and treatment spaces where are all kinds of longevity-based offerings help to reduce inflammation, boost circulation and bolster immunity. When it comes to the more pampering therapies, the signature rituals by Cosmoss – from local resident Kate Moss – were impossibly tempting. Inspired by her brand’s ethos, they use potent, natural substances to restore balance and enhance harmony.
While apartments are self-catering (though nicely supplied with coffee, tea, milk, bread and cake upon arrival), the on-site Lakes Bar & Kitchen is open to residents and guests, serving delicious, wholesome and hearty meals with views of The Sailing Club Lake beyond. Note: the tomahawk sharing steak is everything you’d hope it would be – perfect for satisfying that fresh air-fuelled appetite.
What to pack – and the soundtrack
This is England, so: layers and waterproofs including wellies (I felt very at home in my Barbour pair). Plus sunnies, of course, for soaking up those moments on your lake house or cabin’s outdoor deck. The landscape is flat, so there’s no need for hiking boots, but you would benefit from trail trainers or sports shoes when running or playing tennis on one of the courts. Water sport or wild swimming enthusiasts will want all the relative apparel.
While the adventure playground will entertain kids of all ages, we packed plenty of indoor activities, too, for when the weather took a turn. Plus the popcorn we brought for a movie night curled up besides the fire went down a treat – it was the perfect accompaniment for the refreshing retreat we'd all relive in a heartbeat.
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