Decadence is, of course, meant to be a bad thing. See the 'bright young things' of the thirties, and the once mighty Roman Empire. But, when you’re receiving a fantastic Swedish massage in a yurt at a quiet Dorset hideaway, you start to wonder whether those youthful aristocrats and the Caesars had the right idea after all.
Nestled in the secluded Cerne Valley in the heart of the Dorset Downs, Green Valley Yurts takes rest and relaxation to a whole new level. Whether it's the massage you fancy or the organic hamper upon arrival, these guys know how to make your stay as hassle-free as possible. As newly-arrived visitors first lay eyes upon Longmeadow Farm's sprawling, verdant fields, the sighs of contentment are almost audible across the valley floor.
While you settle down to some proper pampering, kids will love exploring the rolling grounds, paddling in the gently flowing stream and making friends with the resident sheepdog. Guests are spoilt for choice with six authentic Mongolian yurts all dotted around the ma-hoo-sive camping field (did we mention how big this place is?)! All are kitted out with rustic furniture in tasteful shabby-chic, with a proper wood-burning stove for extra cosiness on those cooler, star-filled evenings.
For all it's charm, there's substance to Green Valley's effortless style. 'Sustainable Tourism' is more than just a buzz term for the Green Valley team, having been organically farming Longmeadow for the last 25 years. Solar panels radiate and illuminate, while eco-showers and low-flush toilets are housed in the facilities barn. Even the wood for the stoves is from locally grown sustainable timber. Best of all, the onsite farm shop stocks organic veg from the farm – no food miles there then.
As for the local area, where do we begin?! From quaint villages like Godmanstone (onetime home to Britain's smallest pub) to historic Dorchester and stately Minterne House, Green Valley's location is truly enviable. It's also equidistant from some of the South Coast's best seaside resorts including Lulworth, Swanage and Weymouth. Most famous of all though is the iconic Cerne Abbas Giant – Britain's largest hill figure. Ancient fertility totem or 17th century satirical graffiti? No one really knows his true origin. But surveying over his chalky West Country kingdom, we'd like to think Cerne Abbas' most famous son would cast an approving glance to our friends at Green Valley Yurts.