Arrive to a heated Hot tub
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.
What to pack for a hot tub stay
Other than your swimmers - and I suggest a couple of cozzies, just in case you want to return before your trunks have dried. Our cottage includes a fluffy robe , for keeping warm between back door and tub, and you definitely want something to snuggle up in when the chilly air bites after your soak. otherwise pack your own robe and some outdoor slippers or crocs, great for keeping tootsies cosy between inside and out - Elsie's hot tub sits on limestone slabs, but many are on gravel which is pretty unforgiving on your feet.
Elsie's has a selection of plastic flutes and wine glasses so you can enjoy a tipple without breakages., because broken glass will stop play. We also add a chilled bottle of wine to enjoy whilst you laze in the tub.
Heating up your Hot tub
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
- Add a few twizzler fire lighters and stack Jenga style pile of kindling (little sticks) that catch light fast. Set these alight.
- Close the door - lift the door to sit on the latch. Leave the vents open
- 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.
- Add more logs, once the fire is crackling - try get 4-5 logs in
- Check on the fire every 30-40 mins and add more logs 3-4 or more at a time
- Check the temperature of hte water - you are aiming at 38 degrees
- It will take between 2-3 hours from cold
- It will take 1 - 1.5 hours from 25 degrees
- It will take an hour from 30 degrees
- 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.
Heating up your Hot tub
A weekend break at Elsie's cottage is more than just enjoying the hot tub - there are stunning walks to explore, as well as the towns of Malvern and Ledbury which offer some lovely shops cafes and pubs to explore. Or you may like the idea of an experience either at the cottage or nearby, arrange a massage in your cottage or a creative workshop, Book a potters wheel experience at Eastnor Castle or try your hand a clay shooting.
Alternatively you may prefer to keep your weekend simple and enjoy your cottage.
Enjoy cooking up a pizza in the wood-fired oven, or run yourself a bubble bath, light the candles and relax in the roll top tub with a book. Or just curl up next to the in the cosy lounge with a film or game of cards the perfect end to a weekend break,
At Elsie's Cottage we offer a late checkout on Sundays so you have time for another dip, if you can't resist it.
