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✅ How to book your XL Escape
Hillside Havens manages all bookings for The Smugglers Retreat directly through their own website.
For availability, pricing, and full booking details, visit 👉 https://www.hillsidehavens.co.uk/rooms/glamping-pod-en-suite-with-wood-fired-hot-tub-and-large-garden.html
Kim & Chris Ewen
We are SO excited to welcome you to our home! As the founders of XL Escapes, we pour our hearts into creating a space where you can relax, unwind, and make lasting memories.
With two rescue dogs—Holly from Bosnia and Buddy from All Bullie Rescue—and Nala, our beautiful ginger cat (and undisputed Queen of the house), we understand how important it is to feel not just at home, but truly content and relaxed—especially when traveling with your furry companions.
Our goal is to offer more than just a holiday; we want to provide a home away from home where you can escape daily pressures, have a laugh, and enjoy quality time with loved ones. Whether it’s a cosy night in, exploring the local area, or simply making time for yourself, we’re here to make your stay special.
If you have any requests—big or small—just let us know. We’re always happy to help (and we love an excuse to bring a smile to your face, drink in hand, of course!).
Meet Your Hosts
Hillside Havens was created with one goal in mind—to offer a luxurious glamping experience where guests can truly escape, unwind, and reconnect with nature. This labour of love was designed for those looking to step away from the daily grind, whether it’s for a peaceful retreat after a busy workweek or a cozy base for exploring the stunning landscapes of Moray Speyside.
Nestled in the heart of Scotland’s whisky country, Hillside Havens is perfectly positioned for adventure, with distilleries, castles, beaches, golf courses, rivers, and mountains all within reach. Whether you’re here to explore or simply relax under the dark, star-filled skies, your hosts have ensured that every detail is taken care of.
With high-end private pods, featuring ensuite shower rooms, underfloor heating, Netflix-enabled TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and fire pits for marshmallow toasting, Hillside Havens is a place where comfort meets the outdoors. Your hosts take pride in offering a warm welcome, a peaceful escape, and a luxury glamping experience that keeps guests coming back time and time again.
XL Escapes Peace Of Mind Promise
Every business you see on XL Escapes has confirmed to us that they welcome XL Bullies.
Before being listed, we ask the questions we’d want answered ourselves — from real experience living and travelling with XL and reactive dogs. That includes confirming they are happy to host XL Bullies, that their listing details are accurate, and that they’ve considered their own legal and insurance responsibilities.
We don’t assume. We don’t guess. We ask — and they confirm.
If anything changes or a business doesn’t stand by what they’ve told us, we take it seriously.
If a business listed on XL Escapes turns you away because of your dogs breed, contact us. We will review it, remove them if necessary, and refund your membership.
Cancellation Policy
We know that sometimes things don’t go to plan, which is why our cancellation policy is clear and fair:
- Cancel more than 4 weeks before your stay: You’ll receive a full refund, including your deposit.
- Cancel within 4 weeks of arrival: The booking is non-refundable.
Refunds - If you’re due a refund, we’ll process it promptly to your original payment method.
Need help? - If something unexpected has come up, just get in touch. We’ll always do our best to help.
Home Rules & Useful Information
- Hillside Haven only allow check ins on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
-Hillside Haven only allow check outs on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
- Check in: 3pm
- Check out: 10am
- Unregistered guests are not permitted
- Free parking on site.
- Clean up after them in the garden before departure.
Smugglers Retreat Glamping Pod with Hot Tub - Hillside Haven
⚲ Dufftown, Scotland
4 guests (2 adults, 2 Children) · 1 bedroom · 1 bathroom · 1 bed & 1 sofa bed · 2 dogs allowed · Largest Enclosed garden · 5ft fence · All breeds welcomed
Tucked high on the hillside with the best views on site, Hillside Haven – Smugglers Retreat is your private slice of Speyside luxury. Soak in your own wood-fired hot tub, let the dogs and kids run free in the largest fully enclosed garden on site, and unwind in total comfort just a short stroll from town.
Full Property Description:
Wake up to sweeping Speyside views, the scent of fresh countryside air, and the sound of nothing but birdsong. At Hillside Haven – Smugglers Retreat, life slows down. Perched in the most elevated spot on site, this gorgeous glamping pod pairs modern luxury with peaceful seclusion — and the biggest enclosed garden of them all.
By day, explore distilleries, castles, and coastal paths. By night, fire up the BBQ, toast marshmallows at the fire pit, and sink into your private wood-fired hot tub under the twinkle of fairy lights. With a covered gazebo, you can soak in steaming waters come rain or shine.
Inside, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space with underfloor heating, a plush double bed (plus sofa bed for the little ones), and everything you need to cook, relax, and feel right at home — from a fully equipped kitchenette to high-speed WiFi and a smart TV.
And for our four-legged guests? They’ll love the freedom of the spacious secure garden, with its high 5ft fence, it gives you peace of mind while they play.
Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a dog-friendly getaway, Smugglers Retreat is more than a place to stay — it’s where your best memories will be made. All just a short walk from the charm of town and the beauty of Speyside.
About This Listing
This property is owned and managed by the host. The information below is provided by the property owner and confirmed as accurate by them.
XL Escapes publishes this information to help guests make informed decisions and does not own or manage this property.
Full Property Description:
Wake up to sweeping Speyside views, the scent of fresh countryside air, and the sound of nothing but birdsong. At Hillside Haven – Smugglers Retreat, life slows down. Perched in the most elevated spot on site, this gorgeous glamping pod pairs modern luxury with peaceful seclusion — and the biggest enclosed garden of them all.
By day, explore distilleries, castles, and coastal paths. By night, fire up the BBQ, toast marshmallows at the fire pit, and sink into your private wood-fired hot tub under the twinkle of fairy lights. With a covered gazebo, you can soak in steaming waters come rain or shine.
Inside, you’ll find a warm, welcoming space with underfloor heating, a plush double bed (plus sofa bed for the little ones), and everything you need to cook, relax, and feel right at home — from a fully equipped kitchenette to high-speed WiFi and a smart TV.
And for our four-legged guests? They’ll love the freedom of the spacious secure garden, with its high 5ft fence, it gives you peace of mind while they play.
Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a dog-friendly getaway, Smugglers Retreat is more than a place to stay — it’s where your best memories will be made. All just a short walk from the charm of town and the beauty of Speyside.
Paw of Approval
Photos from real stays, with dogs who gave it their paw of approval.
Amenities:
At Hillside Havens, dogs aren’t just welcome—they’re truly valued guests! 🐶 All breeds, including XL Bullies, are accepted because the hosts don’t discriminate against dogs—only irresponsible owners.
- This pod comes with a fully enclosed and secure garden with a 5ft fence.
- Dogs must be on a lead at all times when outside their private garden.
- Max 2 dogs per pod (£20 surcharge per stay).
- Guests should bring their own bedding & bowls for their pup’s comfort.
- With secure spaces, stunning countryside walks, and a welcoming policy for all breeds, Hillside Havens is the perfect luxury glamping retreat for dog owners. 🏡🐾✨
XL Bully Policy Update (Added 20.07.2026)
Following the recent change in the law regarding third-party liability insurance for exempted XL Bullies, the owners have confirmed that they have spoken directly with their insurance provider.
They have been advised that, where an incident involving a dog is caused by the negligence of the dog owner (and not by any fault of the holiday accommodation, such as a failure to maintain secure fencing), liability rests with the negligent dog owner rather than the accommodation provider. This also applies to legally owned exempted XL Bullies.
For everyone's peace of mind, guests bringing an exempted XL Bully will be asked to provide a copy of their Certificate of Exemption before their stay.
Neighbourhood Overview:
Nestled in Speyside, Dufftown is known as the Malt Whisky Capital of the World, home to six distilleries, including the famous Glenfiddich. Beyond whisky, history lovers can explore the ruins of Balvenie Castle and Auchindoun Castle, while outdoor enthusiasts can hike Ben Rinnes for breathtaking views.
The town’s Highland Games bring Scottish tradition to life every July, and the Whisky Colours Festival celebrates its rich heritage. With scenic cycling routes, warm community spirit, and stunning countryside, Dufftown is the perfect blend of history, adventure, and whisky culture. 🥃🏡✨
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