For Muslim couples seeking stillness, connection, and barakah in nature, Kaya at Blackhill Farm in Herefordshire is a sanctuary for the soul.
Set against the rolling hills and open skies of the English countryside, it’s where faith meets tranquillity, a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember the beauty of simplicity. From making dhikr as the sun rises over the Black Mountains to sharing homemade pizza under the stars, Kaya is more than a getaway; it’s a reminder of gratitude, balance, and togetherness.
After weeks of London’s endless rush, the trains, the chatter, the constant hum of life, we found ourselves craving stillness. As a busy couple who rarely find time to simply be still and in each other’s company for too long, we longed for a space to slow down together. Somewhere green, peaceful, and grounding. That’s when we discovered Kaya Black Farm, tucked away in the rolling hills of Herefordshire, about 150 miles from London, a place where time seems to slow and every view feels like a deep breath.
The drive itself was a journey into calm, passing through charming towns like Oxford, Cheltenham, and the edge of the Cotswolds. The scenery shifted from glass towers to golden fields and winding country lanes, each mile easing us further away from the city’s noise.
Leaving London by midday on a Friday, we set off for Kaya Black Farm to arrive in time for their 4pm check-in. By the time we turned onto Kaya Black Farm’s long gravel driveway, the city’s energy felt a lifetime away.
We arrived just around Asr time, the late afternoon light painting the fields in warm gold. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and grass. As we pulled in, we were welcomed by our amazing hosts, Emily and Malik, and their children, who were busy picking local produce and riding a trailer around the grounds, laughing and enjoying the ride.
Kaya was our home for the weekend, a beautifully designed self-catering Sky House Yurt — was modern yet perfectly in tune with the land around it.
At first glance, we worried it might be cold inside; it was early June, and the air still carried a light chill. But the moment we stepped in, those doubts disappeared. Our yurt was warm, cosy, and comforting, with its own kitchenette, indoor games trunk, and a private bathtub at the foot of the king-size bed, as well as an outdoor shower. The space was a lot bigger than we had expected.
Though a few other yurts dotted the grounds, each was placed far enough apart to offer privacy and quiet.
From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by Emily and Malik, whose incredible hospitality set the tone for the weekend. They’re truly passionate about creating a wonderful experience for every guest, and it shows in every thoughtful detail, from the warm greeting and personal touches in our yurt, to the wealth of local knowledge they eagerly share. We were even given a prayer mat, a small but thoughtful gesture that felt like a gentle reminder from Allah (SWT) to pause, disconnect, and truly be present. It encouraged us even more to embrace the weekend ahead, a sign, we felt, that this was exactly where we were meant to be.
Emily and Malik can also help organise treatments like massages, provide recipe cards if you fancy cooking in your yurt, or arrange indulgences like chocolate fondants, a margarita pizza-making machine, or a halal BBQ (just remember to bring your own halal meat, toppings and pre-book these experiences). Kaya also offers e-bikes for hire, which are fast and fun, but make sure to practice on a straight path before tackling the hills if you’ve never done it before.
After settling in, we poured two steaming mugs of Yorkshire Gold tea and carried them out onto the deck, where we sat watching the light dance across the fields. Sheep grazed lazily in the distance; the air was still, and for the first time in weeks, there was no sound of traffic, just the gentle hum of nature.
Later, after praying Maghrib, we sat on the deck again to watch the sunset, the sky washed in gold and rose tones. Dinner that night was a camp-made mini lasagna, simple but comforting.
After dark, we tried the outdoor shower, softly lit by warm fairy lights and the glow of the stars above. The cool night air against the warm water was invigorating, a reminder of how peaceful life can be when you’re surrounded by nature. As we stepped out from the shower area, we could see the faint twinkle of distant farm lights scattered across the hills, a quiet, faraway glow that felt worlds apart from our usual view when leaving a hot shower. It was simple, beautiful, and almost surreal, the kind of moment that makes you whisper Alhamdulillah without even realising it.
Every evening, we lit the wood burner in our room, watching the flames slowly take hold and fill the space with a soft, comforting warmth and a romantic glow. We relaxed on the king-size bed, reading or sipping tea, completely unwinding in the peaceful ambience. Wrapped up in blankets afterward, we fell into the deepest, most restful sleep we’d had in months, and it was only our first night here.
The Cat’s Back Walk and Outdoor Pizza Fun
Morning came quietly, sunlight spilling through the Sky House Yurt windows. After breakfast, fresh eggs and avocado on toast, we laced up our boots and headed out for our first walk.
We chose the Cat’s Back, a short but spectacular route famous for its panoramic views. The trail began gently before curving upward, the wind carrying that familiar countryside freshness.
From the top, the view took our breath away,the majestic Black Mountains, the ridge of Hay Bluff, and the ancient line of Offa’s Dyke stretching across the horizon. It felt as though we could see forever.
We found a flat rock to sit on and just took it all in, opening our small book of daily adhkar, letting our voices blend softly with the wind that moved through the grass. Performing our morning adhkars on the mountain felt profoundly different, deeper, more grounding, than when we do them at home while rushing to get ready for work.
That morning sun was warm and gentle, early June, the perfect walking weather. We unpacked our small picnic and enjoyed the lemon cake and fresh strawberries that Emily and Malik had left for us as a welcome treat.
Returning to Kaya Black Farm, the afternoon brought an entirely different kind of joy: making pizzas on the mobile outdoor stove. It was one of the highlights of our stay, firing up the outdoor pit, laying out thick woollen throws, and crafting our own pizzas. Each of us added our favourite toppings, spreading cheese, fresh vegetables, and herbs on the dough. Guests are encouraged to bring their own toppings; however, if you let Emily and Malik know what you’re after, they can prepare this for you and refrigerate the ingredients prior to your arrival.
The smell of freshly baked pizzas was intoxicating, rich, cheesy, and smoky from the pit fire, mingling with the earthy scent of the countryside. Sitting outside on the deck, wrapped in throws, we savoured every last slice. The pit fire kept us warm for hours, the glow of the flames reflecting off our smiles, making the evening feel magical, intimate, and utterly satisfying.
The Bull’s Head Circular Walk
By our second morning, we were ready to take on something a little longer. Over breakfast, we found the Bull’s Head Circular Walk on Strava, a 9.87 km route that looked too tempting to resist.
It turned out to be a perfect mix of scenery, rolling farmland, gentle hills, and leafy lanes. The walk took us just over two hours and twenty minutes, and though it was more demanding than the Cat’s Back, it was equally rewarding.
The ground was damp in places, especially across the common land, so sturdy footwear was a must. Halfway through, the path opened up to breathtaking countryside views, the wind picking up slightly as we climbed. We stopped for a break, sharing the last slice of lemon cake and fresh strawberries from our welcome pack.
That afternoon, we decided to try the e-bikes provided by Emily and Malik at Kaya Black Farm. They’re fast — very fast — so we took a few minutes to practice on a straight path before tackling the hills. Once we got used to the speed, it was pure fun, gliding through the breeze, fields blurring past as the countryside opened up around us.
An Afternoon in Hay-on-Wye
Later, we set out to explore Hay-on-Wye, just a short drive away along the winding green roads of Craswall, passing through the charming hamlets of Longtown and Michaelchurch Escley. The journey itself was stunning — rolling fields, stone cottages, and quiet lanes framed by hedgerows guiding us toward Hay-on-Wye, the famous town of books and a haven for readers and dreamers alike.
The town is world-famous for its annual literary festival, which draws authors, thinkers, and hundreds of readers from all over the globe. But even outside festival season, it’s full of charm and character.
Nestled just off Oxford Road in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, Hay Castle (‘Y Gelli Gandryll’ in Welsh) is a historic gem that seamlessly blends the town’s rich past with its vibrant literary present. Originally built in the late 11th or early 12th century as a Norman ringwork, the castle was later rebuilt in stone around 1200 by the de Braose family.
Today, the castle serves as a cultural hub, offering exhibitions, guided tours, and events that highlight its storied history and connection to the town’s literary heritage. Visitors can explore the medieval keep and Jacobean mansion, enjoy rooftop views, and relax in the on-site café.
We spent hours drifting from one bookshop to another, pausing for tea and conversation with the friendly locals. There’s a slower rhythm to life here, a sense that time expands when you’re surrounded by stories and kind people.
As we drove back toward Kaya Black Farm, the evening sun lit the fields in amber and pink, and we eagerly anticipated another night in our cosy Sky House Yurt, curling up on the king-size bed in front of the log burner, with the romantic glow casting flickering shadows across the room.
Our weekend at Kaya Black Farm was everything we needed, restorative, peaceful, and grounding. From the warmth of our Sky House Yurt, the romantic glow of the log burner, and star-lit showers to the long countryside walks and afternoons spent among books, every detail was thoughtful and soul-soothing.
Emily and Malik’s incredible hospitality made our stay even more memorable. They are genuinely passionate about creating a wonderful experience for every guest, something you feel in the warmth of their welcome, the care in their recommendations, and the way they’ve poured love into every corner of Kaya Black Farm.
They’ve thought of everything, from massages and recipe cards to e-bikes, BBQs, and pizza-making kits, so that guests can build their own version of relaxation. Whether you want to explore the hills, cook outdoors, or simply do nothing at all, Kaya Black Farm offers the space to slow down and breathe again.
As we packed up to leave, the morning mist hung low over the fields, and I thought: sometimes, the best journeys aren’t the ones that take you far, but the ones that bring you back, to yourself.
Sustainability sits at the heart of Kaya Black Farm. Every detail is designed with care: all materials are ethically sourced, halal-conscious, and in harmony with the farm’s eco principles, and everything used across the farm is locally sourced or homegrown.
Guests can enjoy the natural environment responsibly, from cooking in their pods or cabins to wandering the serene grounds. Kaya at Blackhill Farm offers three unique spaces to stay: the Pumla, another Yurt, and The Nook. The two yurts and The Nook blend cosy cabin charm with luxury touches, including hot tubs and private gardens, perfect for couples seeking both comfort and connection with nature.
Kaya at Blackhill Farm has three check-in days per week, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with check-ins at 4pm and check-outs at 10am. Prices start at just £149 per night, depending on the time of year you book. It’s the perfect couples’ retreat, Muslim-friendly and exclusively for adults. Kaya at Blackhill Farm’s two yurt’s are both step free thanks to part funding from the UK Government to improve their overall accessibility. They also have a really coherent access statement.
To visit Kaya at Blackhill Farm, log on to www.kayaatblackhillfarm.com
Natasha Syed is the dynamic Editor-in-Chief of British Muslim Magazine, the UK’s premium Travel & Lifestyle publication catering to Muslim audiences. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for celebrating diverse cultures, she leads the magazine in curating inspiring content that bridges heritage, modern luxury, and faith-driven experiences.
Under her leadership, British Muslim Magazine continues to set the standard for authentic, and engaging trusted narratives, making it the go-to source for Muslim traveler's and lifestyle enthusiasts across the UK and beyond.
