Somewhere along the way, holidays stop being about ticking off bucket lists or cramming in as many activities as humanly possible. They become about something far more valuable: the little comforts that make you feel genuinely relaxed and properly looked after on a staycation.

It’s the simple pleasures that turn a good break into a brilliant one. A decent bed that doesn’t leave you aching. A proper cup of tea made exactly how you like it. Space to breathe. Peace and quiet. The freedom to do absolutely nothing if that’s what you fancy. It’s not extravagant; it’s the foundation of genuine rest. And honestly? Once you know what truly helps you unwind, you stop settling for anything less.

We’ve put together this guide to celebrate those often-overlooked comforts that make staycations so special – the things that might seem small but make all the difference between a break that leaves you exhausted and one that leaves you genuinely refreshed.

So grab yourself a cuppa, settle in somewhere comfortable, and let’s talk about what really matters when it comes to a proper, restorative escape.

Peace and Quiet

Silence is genuinely underrated. You don’t realise how much constant noise wears you down until you finally escape it. No honking horns. No paper-thin hotel walls where you can hear every conversation next door. And no late-night party crowds stumbling past at 2am. Just… actual quiet. The kind where you can sit outside with your morning coffee and hear birdsong instead of traffic. Where evenings are peaceful, not interrupted by sirens and car alarms. Where you can genuinely relax without background noise grinding away at your nerves.

It’s the difference between coming home from a break feeling rested and coming home needing a holiday to recover from your holiday. At Oakcliff, we pride ourselves on creating a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere where you can properly get away from the hustle and bustle. No constant noise. No chaos. Just the kind of tranquillity that actually lets you unwind.

Space to Breathe

There’s a reason hotel rooms start to feel claustrophobic after a certain age – you’re essentially living in one room with everything (and everyone) on top of each other. Having actual space to move about, to separate yourself from the rest of your group when you need a bit of peace, to just… breathe – it’s essential, not optional.

Unlike those cramped hotel rooms where you’re practically sitting on the bed to watch telly, proper holiday accommodation gives you designated spaces: a kitchen, a living area, separate bedrooms, and a bathroom. Room to actually spread out. You get privacy when you need it. A proper table to sit at for meals (not balancing plates on your lap). A comfortable sofa that isn’t also your bed. Space to read without someone else’s telly blaring two feet away.

It’s the difference between spending a week feeling on top of each other and actually enjoying each other’s company. A bit of breathing room makes everyone happier.

A Proper Night’s Sleep

Let’s be honest, sleep becomes more precious as we get older. And the difference between a good night’s sleep and a terrible one? It’s everything. We spend roughly a third of our lives asleep, so the last thing you want on a break is tossing and turning on an uncomfortable mattress or being woken at dawn by sunlight through flimsy curtains.

You know that groggy, achy fog that follows a bad night’s sleep? The one that turns a relaxing break into just… existing like a zombie? Not exactly what you had in mind for your getaway.

What Actually Makes a Difference:

• A genuinely comfortable bed – not one you have to “get used to,” but a proper, supportive mattress
• Quality bedding that feels nice and keeps you at the right temperature
• Proper curtains or blinds that block out early morning light
• A peaceful environment – no traffic, noisy neighbours, or mysterious hotel sounds

Without proper sleep, nothing else on your break is quite as enjoyable. At Oakcliff, comfortable beds and peaceful nights aren’t afterthoughts; they’re what make a stay genuinely restorative. You deserve to wake up refreshed.

Your Own Outdoor Space

There’s something genuinely precious about having your own little slice of the outdoors, not a shared balcony overlooking a car park, but actual outdoor space that’s yours for the duration of your stay.

The joy of stepping outside with your morning coffee, watching the sunrise in peace. Sitting out in the evening with a glass of something nice, breathing in fresh air on your own terms, without having to “go somewhere” to enjoy it. Decking, outdoor seating, or even a private hot tub – these aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re what turn a good break into a properly restorative one. And at Oakcliff, we’ve got options for all of these. Because honestly? A little uninterrupted time outdoors does wonders. It calms you down, lifts your mood, and helps you sleep better. Fresh air and a bit of peace, it’s simple, but it works every time.

Proper Heating and Hot Water

You won’t realise how essential proper heating and hot water are until you don’t have them. Trust us on this one. The comfort of knowing you’ve got somewhere genuinely warm and cosy to return to after a day exploring? Absolutely priceless.

Imagine this: You’ve spent a lovely but chilly day at the beach. You come back tired, a bit windswept, wanting nothing more than a hot shower and a warm cuppa. But the shower’s just a pathetic trickle of lukewarm water, and the heating’s barely taking the edge off the cold. Not exactly the relaxing end to the day you had in mind, is it?

Reliable central heating and hot water don’t tend to be at the forefront of people’s minds when booking a staycation, but they absolutely should be. Because these aren’t extras, they’re basic comforts we all deserve. At Oakcliff, you won’t be layering up indoors or rationing your shower time. Warm, cosy accommodation and proper hot water are just there. As they should be.

Accessible, Easy Living

For some, accessibility isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s everything. It’s the difference between genuinely relaxing and spending your break navigating unnecessary obstacles. Having everything on one level (or at least easy access) means you’re not worrying about steep stairs, awkward steps, or complicated layouts. You can just settle in and enjoy yourself, rather than treating every trip to the bedroom like a minor expedition. No endless staircases. No wrestling with heavy doors. Just practical, well-thought-out spaces that work for real people with real needs. Because holidays should be about relaxation, not logistics.

At Oakcliff, we have accessible accommodation options specifically designed to make your stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Everyone deserves a proper break.

Familiar Comforts Close By

There’s something reassuring about knowing there’s a decent shop nearby if you need something. Proper tea, decent milk, your preferred biscuits – the familiar brands that just taste right. It bridges that gap between home and away. You get the comfort of familiar things, just in a different, more relaxing environment. And let’s be honest, not being stranded somewhere remote without essentials is a genuine relief. You can pop out for milk or grab some biscuits to go with your afternoon cuppa, rather than having to plan for every possible scenario before you even leave home.

It’s one less thing to stress about. And honestly? That’s what holidays should be. At Oakcliff, you’re close to local shops, Dawlish Warren, and everything you might need, without being in the middle of the chaos. It’s the best of both worlds.

It’s the Little Things

These aren’t extras or add-ons, they’re the foundations of genuine comfort. And as we get older, we stop pretending otherwise. We know what we need to truly relax. A comfortable bed that doesn’t leave us aching. Proper space to breathe. Peace and quiet in a world that never seems to stop shouting. The freedom to make a cuppa exactly how we like it.

Little things? Maybe. But they’re what turn an ordinary break into one that actually leaves you feeling rested and restored.

Staycations at Oakcliff deliver these comforts without fuss – just thoughtful, practical spaces designed for people who know what genuinely helps them unwind. Because you’ve earned a proper rest. Not one you have to compromise on.

So, book your stay at Oakcliff now! Click here to secure your spot and create unforgettable memories!

If you enjoyed our blog ‘The Little Comforts That Make a Big Difference on a Staycation’, you might like our other blogs. Find them here.