We recently spent two nights at Maia Shack in Bala, North Wales, and had an absolutely wonderful stay. Maia is new to Shacks and only opened in March 2026 and is definitely a great addition to their portfolio of properties across the UK. If you’re looking to properly switch off and reconnect with nature, this is the perfect place.
What are Shacks?
Shacks are off grid log cabins that sleep between 2-4 people. They have a range of properties across the North West of the UK and North Wales and are constantly adding to their portfolio. All of the shacks are designed to encourage you to unplug and relax in a way we don’t often get the opportunity to. Each one is positioned in a place of natural beauty, surrounded by incredible views and miles away from the hustle and bustle of life. Although there are some differences between the shacks they all have
- A double or king bed surrounded by incredible views
- A log fire
- A (very good) shower
- A working kitchen with everything you need
The only thing you have to work out is which one to book!
Maia
We have previously stayed in the 4 bed shack Sirius in Tarporley, Cheshire, but this time opted for Maia in North Wales. Maia is beautifully designed for two people, with everything you need for a comfortable off grid escape.
One of the highlights, and the reason we picked this one in the first place, was undoubtedly the outdoor bath. Having a relaxing soak under the open sky while taking in the incredible views was a truly memorable experience.
The location for Maia is wonderful. It is positioned high up above Bala and the views from the shack are spectacular from sunrise to sunset. It is completely secluded, offering total peace and privacy. You’ll need a car to reach the shack, but once you’re there, you can easily spend your entire stay there without interruption just admiring the views and relaxing if that’s what you’re after.
However it is worth noting that there is a other Shack, Alula, just a short walk away and the cars are parked in the same car park. If you’re staying in Maia the people in Alula can’t see you at all, not even when walking from he car park to their shack, you have complete privacy, but if you stay in Alula you can be seen by the people staying in Maia if they go for a walk or by the people who look after the properties and walk their dogs there as we bumped into them, so if you want compete privacy book Maia.
Maia is also dog-friendly, which made it even more special to be able to bring our beautiful girl Luna along to enjoy the adventure with us and what we thought was great was that there is a security fence put up around the shack so we could leave the door open and let Luna wander in and out knowing she couldn’t run off.
The kitchen has two gas burning hobs so as long as you know this n advance and plan your meals accordingly you can easily stay self catering with no need to eat out. That being said there are some lovely pubs just a short drive away in Bala if you do want to go out.
For those who like to explore, there are also plenty of beautiful places nearby, including Bala itself and the Mary Jones Pilgrimage Centre and Walk. For those happy to take a drive out or those travelling from the North West of the UK who want to stop on the way or way back like we did then we recommend Llangollen for one day and Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfalls for another.
However, we found ourselves equally happy simply relaxing at the shack and soaking up the tranquillity, soaking in the bath, reading and playing scrabble.
Shacks.com has created something really special with Maia, a peaceful, thoughtfully designed retreat that combines comfort, seclusion, and some of the best views we’ve experienced on a UK getaway. We left feeling completely refreshed and would happily return and would definitely recommend to those looking to unplug for a it.
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