Everyone’s idea of self-care is different. Some prefer long hours spent in the spa enjoying relaxing pedicures and skin brightening facials, while others enjoy long hours curled up on a rainy day under their warmest blanket reading their favorite novel. Either way, self-care is self-defining and we all have the autonomy to choose in what way we love on ourselves.

For me, a perfect self-care day would be spent in nature and I’ve already made up my mind that my next international self-care retreat would be spent in the UK at the Port Lympne Reserve. Located in Kent, Port Lympne Reserve is a true wonder in the travel industry and the property spreads over 600 rolling acres filled with wildlife. Giraffes, bears, rhinos, wildebeest, and a slew of other creatures roam here freely and adventure literally awaits around every turn. If the animals and beautiful scenery aren’t enough to get you going, the stellar accommodations at Port Lympne definitely will tickle your fancy. From their Treehouse Hotel overlooking the rhino and cheetah paddocks to 180-degree panoramic bubbles allowing you to sleep directly under the stars, vacations or “short breaks” at Port Lympne Reserve are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. 

Just a 90-minute drive from London, Port Lympne is your favorite British fairy tale brought to life. Surrounded by nothing but the blissful outdoors and right next door to some of the most majestic creatures on the planet, Port Lympne Reserve has all of the amenities you need for the ultimate self-care experience in nature.

1. Self-Care for a Cause

Port Lympne Reserve is not a zoo. Instead, the property works in conjunction with the Aspinall Foundation, a conservation founded in the 1970s by John Aspinall dedicated to the captive breeding, education, and reintroduction of endangered animal species into the wild. Thus far, the foundation has reintroduced 8 black rhinos, 11 European bison, 70 western lowland gorillas, and 180 primates back into their natural habitats, and proceeds from tickets and stays booked at Port Lympne go towards taking care of the multitude of animals that call the reserve home. 

For the last 30 years, the Aspinall Foundation, now led by John’s son, has continued to rescue and protect animals from all over the world. With their overall goal being to halt the extinction of some of Earth’s most precious and unique creatures, having a self-care vacation at Port Lympne means you’re helping to protect those animals as well. I don’t know about you, but it always feels good to take care of myself while taking care of the planet. So staying at Port Lympne has a dual purpose that other places in the UK just don’t have.

2. The Treehouse Hotel

If somehow you’ve managed to hold on to your inner child through adulthood, then I’m sure you’ve dreamed about sleeping in a treehouse at least once in your life. We’ll you can make that dream a reality at Port Lympne’s Treehouse Hotel. Voted the best tourism and self-catering experience in 2017 and 2018, the Treehouse Hotel is a 4-star, suite-style luxury hotel sitting high above the reserve. 

All the rooms are glass fronted with furnished, private balconies that can comfortably accommodate up to four guests and if you choose to stay at the hotel, it includes access to both wildlife parks on the property. Each room comes with a full kitchen so if you’d prefer to cook instead of dining out, you’ll have everything you need to whip up all of your favorite meals. If not, take some time to have breakfast in the Moroccan Courtyard or dine at the Port Lympne Hotel Restaurant. The rooms also have a modern, minimalist vibe with open floorplans and a ton of natural light. 

Do you want to skip the luxury and immerse yourself in nature even more? If so, Port Lympne has some additional stay accommodations that are perfect for the true adventurers at heart. 

3. Glamping & Panoramic Bubbles

If the Treehouse Hotel isn’t your idea of self-care, Port Lympne has amazing glamping tents and panoramic bubbles that allow you to sleep among the many animals roaming the reserve. Located at Bear Lodge, the property has 19 glamping tents that can sleep up to 8 people. There is an en-suite bathroom and shower in each one and real beds so you can sleep comfortably while overlooking the bear habitat. Glamping experiences allow travelers to sleep right under the stars each night and there’s nothing better than spending an evening under the vast night canvas.

You can take your outdoor sleeping experience to the next level by booking one of Port Lympne’s 180-degree, panoramic bubbles. A romantic, luxury retreat space perfect for self-care stays and baecations, these bubbles are excellent for stargazing in nature’s midst. The bubbles have a king-size bed, a freestanding bathtub, and a wetroom and all units are air-conditioned and have all the amenities you need to be comfortable during your stay. 

4. Wildlife Galore in Howletts Park

There are over 900 species of animals living in the Port Lympne Reserve. While many of them are on the conservation side, some can be found in the Howletts Wildlife Park. Home to over 390 animals, Howletts houses Kent’s largest anteater and the largest herd of African elephants in the UK. Leopards, gorillas, and monkeys live happily in the park and, with new babies coming each year, the park works alongside the Aspinall Foundation to reintroduce animals into the wild. 

The park is spread over 90 acres for you to explore and it wins a TripAdvisor certificate of excellence each year. There are also nature walks, animal talks, interactive feedings, and more happening throughout the park every day so there is plenty to see and do.

5. The Finest Dining

You’ll feel warm and welcomed if you ever get hungry while staying at Port Lympne Reserve because they have a plethora of restaurants and cafes right on the property for you to indulge in. All of their ingredients and herbs are locally grown and sourced and they procure all of their wines directly from the English wine country they reside in. 

If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast or a cup of tea, you might want to head over to the Garden Room or drop by the Port Lympne Hotel. The afternoon tea is served with delicious pastries, scones, seasonal jams, creams, and other savory bites so be sure to have tea time added to your itinerary. The Mansion Bar & Terrace with stunning sea views and original decor is a great place for coffee and pastries while Babydoll’s Wood-Fired Pizza offered the finest Italian cuisine. 

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