The Blondin Cush at Stay Balanced

Luxury shepherd’s hut at a Monmouthshire glampsite with alpaca walks RSPB Newport Wetlands five minutes’ drive; Wales Coast Path 10 minutes Private garden with a hammock and hot tub; shops 15 minutes’ drive

Always wanted to spend some time walking and talking with the animals? Channel your inner Dr Dolittle when you book in at Stay Balanced, and discover the hills and valleys of Monmouthshire from a location with friendly alpacas. If you fancy getting to know these furry beauties a bit better, for an additional charge, you can walk, feed and also take afternoon tea with them – they get hay, you get the fizz and cake.

Your accommodation at Stay Balanced is in a shepherd’s hut, kept warm with a woodburning stove and stylishly furnished with a comfy King Bed (with linen sheets, result), a sofa, dining space, and a kitchen corner with everything you need to conjure up simple meals.

Outside is a private garden with a hammock for snooze time and a hot tub for soaking away any residual cares. This area is fenced off to keep any canine companions safe – while they are very welcome on site, please be mindful that owners Gavin and Nilesh have accumulated two dogs, chickens and ducks of their own as well as the alpacas, so your pets need to be on a lead around their four-acre smallholding.

The centre of Newport is 15 minutes’ drive if you need stock up at supermarkets, while Cardiff’s gourmet food market (closed Sunday) is 35 minutes away by car.