Winner:JOINT GOLD Best Eco Family Resort
Who:The Lakes by YOO, Cotswolds, UK
What:An exclusive rural estate and luxury hotel in the Cotswolds with a distinctive focus on sustainable living.
Why:
The Lakes by YOO is an exclusive rural estate and luxury hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds, offering a polished yet purposeful take on modern family travel. Once a disused quarry, the landscape has been thoughtfully reimagined into an expansive natural playground, where refined design, outdoor adventure and environmental responsibility coexist with ease.
Spread across 850 acres of lakes, meadows and woodland, the estate offers a choice of hotel rooms, apartments and waterside cabins, all designed to provide space, privacy and a seamless connection to nature. Our judges loved the broad nature based itinerary including wild swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking on the lakes as well as a Woodland Tree Top Trail that delivers high-adrenaline fun with rope courses, climbing walls and a zip line soaring over the water.
For quieter moments, The Spa by YOO balances indulgence with family-friendly flexibility, offering treatments from Dr Barbara Sturm and Wildsmith alongside a swimming pool open to all ages. Dining at The Lakes Bar & Kitchen champions locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed lakeside setting, complete with live music and a wooden playground that keeps younger guests entertained.
Sustainability underpins every aspect of the estate. More than half a million trees have been planted, eco-conscious building materials blend harmoniously with the landscape, and energy-efficient systems significantly reduce environmental impact. As a protected SSSI, conservation lakes and wildlife habitats remain untouched, reinforcing the estate’s long-term commitment to responsible luxury. The result is a refined, restorative escape where families can reconnect -with nature, with each other, and with a more mindful way of travelling.
“This looks like a wonderfully wholesome destination for active families, offering everything from water sports to memorable dining, all while ticking the sustainability boxes. The forest-school approach to children’s activities sounds like a dream, and it’s refreshing to see a property that truly nurtures a connection to nature alongside beautiful interiors and thoughtful service. With the inviting design, the lakes, and the abundance of outdoor activities, it’s hard to ask for more — family travel is always easier when nature and adventure are part of the experience.”
“A very peaceful and quiet place with excellent food, flexible walking routes, and genuinely unique facilities. There’s plenty of outdoor space for both children and adults to relax and explore, making it ideal for families. A truly distinctive destination in the Cotswolds, and a great place to spend the holidays.”
“This looks like a genuine sanctuary for families wanting to unplug and reconnect with nature. The setting and cabin design are first-rate, with plenty of fun and engaging activities for children. It feels like a wonderful way for families to step away from screens and fully immerse themselves in the outdoors. The strong eco focus is especially appealing, and the concept is beautifully executed - from the stunning natural setting to the chic, thoughtfully designed accommodation.”
“Just wow. What a beautiful hideaway in an absolutely stunning setting. You couldn't help but unwind here, the lakes, the spa... it looks like the kind of place you'd never want to leave. That said… when can Team Junior come to visit?”
Ideal for...
The Lakes by YOO caters to environmentally conscious families seeking luxury experiences that reflect their values. It appeals to parents who want their children to engage meaningfully with nature while enjoying exceptional hospitality. Guests are drawn to immersive adventures, authentic farm-to-table dining, and hands-on learning, all set within a sustainably minded resort. Discerning families invest in responsible luxury, creating memorable stays that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards amidst the beauty of the Cotswolds countryside.
What makes it special...
The Lakes by YOO is a leading example of sustainable luxury family travel, where environmental conservation and community engagement are woven into every experience. Children engage with nature through hands-on activities—from bushcraft, raft building, and archery to farm visits with rescued animals and heritage vegetable gardening—learning sustainability in an immersive, playful way. Families can explore lakes, meadows, and wildlife habitats together, enjoying adventures that blend education with relaxation. Thoughtful touches, from locally baked sourdough to paper-free check-in, show that luxury and eco-conscious living can coexist seamlessly, making The Lakes by YOO a standout destination for mindful family getaways.
"A Swallows and Amazons-style natural playground where families experience sustainable luxury without compromise, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards through immersion in the great outdoors."
Junior Fact File
Garden Room from £295 -£450 per night.
Location & Access: The Lakes by YOO, Coln Park, Nr Lechlade, GL7 3DT. By Car: Accessible via the M4 from London and Bristol, or the M40 from Birmingham. All accommodations include two or more parking spaces. By Train: The nearest mainline station is Swindon, approximately a 30-minute taxi journey. By Air: Conveniently reachable from Bristol, Birmingham, and London Heathrow airports.
