Are they really worth it?

We often get asked if hot tubs really make a difference and the answer is...yes! They absolutely do. Hot tubs have proven time and again to be the number one way to increase bookings and revenue by a country mile. The term receives over 30,000 searches every month and our case studies show that adding a hot tub to your glamping space increases occupancy by 25-30%. It also allows you to increase your nightly rate and more than cover the time and fuel required.

What type should I get?

We highly recommend avoiding chemical tubs, due to increasing BISHTA regulations around having to test chemical levels 3 times a day, not to mention that they aren’t very environmentally friendly. Wood-fired tubs are much more in-keeping with the whole experience. While they use fresh water and need to be emptied and cleaned in between each guest, you can now get them fitted with plastic liners which makes them much easier to clean.

What’s a good brand to go for?

Naked Flame supply cedar tubs and Gareth the owner can give you all the information you need about how they work. You also get a discount as a Canopy & Stars owner. Other suppliers we recommend include Swedish brand Hikki and Kirami.

Are there simpler alternatives?

If you are unwilling or unable to install a hot tub, you may consider an outdoor bathtub instead. They can be easier to manage, with mains-fed hot water emptied and refilled by guests. However, standard outdoor bathtubs do not sit within our ‘hot tub’ collection, which is one of the most searched on our site. While we do have ‘wild washes’ and ‘outdoor bath’ collections, they aren’t anywhere near as popular. There is also the possibility of creating a hybrid which meets the hot tub collection requirements but has the ease of a bathtub. Omnitub do large sunken Japanese tubs which also have jets to offer the ‘hot tub’ experience.

What should I consider when buying and siting my hot tub?

• Remember to get a tub with the same capacity as the space you’re going to put it with
• Think about the privacy of the hot tub
• Keep the tub open to the skies! There’s nothing like stargazing from the tub
• Get good photos of the hot tub that show the view from it
• Be aware that there are often long lead times when buying
• Think about the eco side of things - wood usage and where any waste water will go