Review: Unyoked Akash
Typically, when you venture into the wilderness you are accompanied by whoever is brave enough, in this case, it was my brother, Ethan. You then have to haul your sleeping arrangements, clothing, food, and entertainment with you before resting your head on a slightly damp pillow in a cramped tent. Plenty of fun, but sometimes not what you need when the desire to return to nature calls.
Unyoked are a company aiming to bring you closer to nature and to yourself. Located globally, but for the purpose of this review, in South Wales, our Unyoked cabin, named Akash, rests atop a hill overlooking breathtaking valleys.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with a wheelbarrow and torch to carry your luggage before a muddy path opened up and a large wooden cabin appeared. Approaching the front door, passing a collection of upturned logs circled around a slightly damp fire pit, I understood the reasons why people search for these spaces. We were voluntarily marooned, surrounded by a patchwork of fields, and lacking electricity. Wonderful.
This is not a fault of the place, electricity is not on the menu for Unyoked. Their mission is to return people to nature in-line with modern sensibilities. A humble stove, shower facilities, and an indoor fireplace are luxuries often ignored when exploring the outdoors. They were welcome additions this time around.
Dinner made, fire roaring, an equanimous wave covered me and I truly did feel relaxed and intune with my surroundings. A feeling that lasted up to the point I overheard what sounded like the Mario theme tune. Ethan had decided what our socially disconnected weekend needed was a Nintendo Switch. In all honesty, given the unpredictability of the weather this proved to be a nice touch, albeit I did feel as though I was cheating the Unyoked experience just a little.
Having lived away from home for seven years now, spending time with my brother is something I am unable to enjoy as much as I would like. Akash not only provided a beautiful setting, but allowed me to spend quality time with someone so close, and ultimately, it is that which Unyoked aimed for, and hit the target they did.
www.unyoked.co
Words: Jai McIntosh
Imagery: Unyoked
