Make the most of your Hot tub weekend break

Pack your swimmers or trunks, you are going to be going for a dip this weekend!  A hot tub weekend break is all about getting outdoors, and bathing under the stars.

For guests at Elsie's Cottage we always heat the tub ready for a dip, so its always worth checking with your host that the hot tub will be ready to use.

Before you strip off and climb in to the soothing hot water, maybe enjoy a cuppa and a treat to wind down after the journey. Our guests have homemade brownies waiting for them, and a chilled bottle of wine.

Maybe stretch your legs, with a wander, after all s secluded hot tub break is all about getting out into the wild. If you've brought your four legged friend, give them a run before you settle in for the evening, because believe me, once you climb into the warm waters and relax, you won't want to move.

We hope you'll wake super rested after your evening soak and a good nights sleep. Ready for the rest of your hot tub weekend break

Enjoy a long lazy breakfast - we have a full English hamper you can add to your stay, after which you may want to venture out.

On your doorstep are woodland walks and hills to conquer.  Or if you fancy a wander around cobbled streets and plenty of independent shops to explore head out to Ledbury. Pick up a few deli treats, then home for a lazy afternoon.

Heating your hot tub back up can seem a little daunting - especially for those who don;t have wood burners or anything that needs a live flame.  Unless heated by electric, many wood burners are wood fed.  They have a fire integrated into the side of the wooden hot tub.  To light here is a our top tips:

• Always keep the lid on whilst heating
• Add plenty of logs at a time - the more you add to the fire the faster it heats up
• Always keep the filter on (big red switch) that keeps it clean and the water circulating
• Keep the vents (narrow slats in door) open to allow more air in.
• You'll need about 12-15 logs to get the hot tub up to temperature from cold
• It takes 2.5 - 3 hrs to heat from cold
• 1 - 1.5 hrs if it is warmed from the previous night

How to Light

1. Add a few twizzler fire lighters and stack Jenga style pile of kindling  (little sticks) that catch light fast. Set these alight.
2. Close the door - lift the door to sit on the latch. Leave the vents open
3. Add a couple of small logs, being careful not to extinguish the fire - use the fire gloves for this. Allow the logs to catch alit.
4. Add more logs, once the fire is crackling - try get 4-5 logs in
5. Check on the fire every 30-40 mins and add more logs 3-4 or more at a time
6. Check the temperature of hte water - you are aiming at 38 degrees
7. It will take between 2-3 hours from cold
8. It will take 1 - 1.5 hours from 25 degrees
9.  It will take an hour from 30 degrees
10. Once the temperature is up to 32 degrees be careful not to add too many logs - 2 will be enough. If you add too many the Hot tub will over heat and you will struggle to get in.

If you replace the insulated lid the night before the temperature should not drop below 25 degrees.