Woodland Bothy

The lunch suggestion for our middle day was a nice touch, and the menu changed completely on the second day. I spent two nights there for my first glamping trip, with an extensive drinks list and a fridge already stocked. The all-you-can-drink plan meant we could sip delicious drinks while having a course meal surrounded by nature. It felt pretty luxurious. The food was all good, especially the homemade meat sauce pasta I ordered at lunch. May nights were colder than I expected, so bring thick pajamas. There's a free shuttle from the facility entrance. Public transport is an option, though service is limited, so coming by car seems easier.

The room had a breathtaking view, and we spent a while just listening to the birds. Dinner was cooked right in front of us and was so good we were completely focused on eating. There's plenty to do too, with a bonfire, stargazing, movies, and time in the cypress bath. We had a great stay and would like to come for more than one night next time. Getting there on foot was a workout. We left the car at the bottom of the mountain, put on our backpacks, and took about 30 minutes to climb the steep gravel track. In my early 30s, I felt like my heart was about to burst. Bring water for everyone and stop at the two rest areas. Experienced climbers may be fine, but if you're unsure about your stamina, ask for the free shuttle. I wore hiking boots and my companion carried my bag, and I was still worn out. It's all-inclusive, though wine lovers can bring their own or pay extra for more. Bringing different snacks is fun too.

The Italian meals were excellent, with a lot of local ingredients, and you can eat on the terrace or inside the tent depending on the weather and what you prefer. The rooms, garden, and bathroom were all spotless and clearly looked after. Staff and chef were wonderful, attentive while still giving us room. The climb up the mountain is steep, so wear proper shoes. Staff drive up, and they might be able to give you a lift if your legs or back are a problem, though I didn't check. There are slippers for indoors and the terrace, plus outdoor sandals, so no need to pack footwear. You can have a bonfire, but extra firewood costs more. The kerosene stove and fan heater kept things warm enough, but the rooms aren't fully sealed and there's no heating overnight, so bring warm clothes. I slept comfortably under the fluffy down comforter and blankets, even with the temperature dropping at night.

The old house has been renovated nicely, and it seemed to have Wi-Fi, so we could watch Amazon Prime and other services for free. Staff were friendly and even went along with our kids' unreasonable requests. The food was tasty, and the cypress bath smelled wonderful. I was surprised to spot Kasumi Arimura's signed autograph tucked in a corner. I'd be happy to visit again. The trip up was harder than I expected, but our children, aged 8 and 6, made it.