Today's forecast at Maia: Partly cloudy throughout the day with rain or snow.
1.8°C - 8°C with a 100% chance of rain
Sunrise: 07:43:24 - Sunset:16:15:22
Home | Stay | Maia

Maia

Bala, North Wales
Sleeps
2
| Beds
1
| Pet Friendly | Outdoor Bath

High above Bala, Maia rests naturally on the hillside, as though it’s always belonged to the view. The landscape stretches out as far as the eyes can see - mountains easing into one another, light shifting in soft, surprising ways. The kind of view that quietly stirs the imagination.

Inside, the shack feels calm and grounding. Timber, texture, and the quiet comfort that lets mornings unspool at their own pace. You'll find books, board games, and a well equipped kitchen with everything you should need for your stay, including pots and pans, a mini fridge, olive oil, fresh coffee beans and loose leaf tea. Step outside and the air meets you with a bright, open welcome, and the sunken bath sits right on the edge of it all - warm water, cool air, and the valley stretching out as though it’s telling its own slow story. Back inside, light the fire and settle in with your favourite person to enjoy the best show of all - sunset from this spot. Dogs welcome too.

Note: The imagery shows the location and setting of Maia however the cabin itself is a render placed into the image. We don't have images of Maia just yet, likeness will be similar to the images used.

Finding Maia

Maia perches high on the mountainside above Bala, with the valley unfolding below and Eryri/Snowdonia’s peaks rising in the distance. Trails wind from the Shack into the hills, through heather and stone, inviting quiet walks or more adventurous climbs. A short drive brings you to Bala town, where cosy pubs, local bakeries, and welcoming coffee shops offer a friendly pause after a day in the hills.

Getting to Alula
Car:
1 hour 30 from Liverpool
2 hours 15 from Manchester
4 hours 40 from London

Nearest train station: Ruabon, it's a 40-minute taxi from there.

Once you arrive, you can park and walk uphill 150m to the cabin.

Location shown above displayed as a guide.
Precise location will be provided after booking.

Features

Maia - Floorplan

amenities

Books and Boardgames
Dark Arts Coffee
Faith in Nature Toiletries
Hand Towels
Outdoor Bath
Pet Friendly
Piglet in Bed Bedding
Towels
Woodburner

facilities

Blackout Blinds
Eco Composting Toilet
Fan
Hot Shower
Insect Screens
King Sized Double Bed
Kitchen with Hob and Fridge
Woodburner

firewood

Firewood
We provide one big bag of logs and another big bag of kindling, it costs an extra £20 for unlimited firewood.

pets

Pet Friendly
It costs £35 extra to bring your pets and we include a welcome pack for pooches, including a water bowl, towel, poop bags and treats. We don't charge extra for multiple pets.

provisions

Coffee Beans and Grinder
Loose Leaf Tea
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

utilities

Mobile Phone Reception
Off-Grid
Renewable Electricity

Stay local

In under ten minutes by car - you’ll reach Bala, a small Welsh market town with a big heart. Here, you’ll find friendly pubs, cafés, and local shops that celebrate the best of North Wales.

Settle in for hearty Welsh dishes at Plas Yn Dre, sip something local at Y Cyfnod, or tuck into a wood-fired pizza at Cwrt. For those who prefer a quiet night in, browse Y Pantri, Tŷ Coffi, or the town’s independent delis to pick up fresh produce, artisan cheese, and treats to enjoy back at your Shack - preferably by the fire, under a blanket of stars.

Beyond food and drink, Bala is a haven for adventure and stillness alike. Spend the day at Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) - Wales’s largest natural lake - for wild swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply watching the light ripple across the water. Wander riverside trails, hike into the foothills of Eryri / Snowdonia, or follow the call of nearby waterfalls.

For a slower pace, explore Bala’s craft shops and galleries, or take a ride on the Bala Lake Railway, a heritage line that hugs the water’s edge. However you spend your day, everything here flows back to the same quiet rhythm - one set by nature, the land, and the steady rush of the river.

FAQs

How do you get to Maia?
You can travel to Maia by car or public transport. After your booking, our helpful welcome guide will explain both in more detail.

Once you've arrived, the walk to Maia is about 100 meters uphill. Remember to shut the gates behind you! 🐑
When is check-in and check-out?
Check-in is at 3pm
Check-out is at 10am
Is there a toilet and shower?
Every shack has an eco-composting toilet and a hot shower. We also provide eco-friendly toiletries, luxury towels, hand towels, and shower mats.
Is Maia pet friendly?

All our shacks are pet-friendly, and we charge a flat £35 fee - whether you're bringing one dog or the whole gang. Just select the pet option at checkout. We include a welcome pack for pooches, including a water bowl, towel, poop bags and treats.

At Maia:
Livestock - Maia is on a working farm and livestock can often be in the fields.
Walks - Plenty of nearby footpaths. See the 'What to do in the local area' dropdown for suggestions.

Is there firewood included?
Yes, we supply a big bag of kindling and a big bag of logs. There is plenty for your stay. However, if you think you will be spending a lot of time by the fire pit, then you can purchase unlimited firewood at check-out for £20.
Where is best for food and drink?

Pilgrim Café (Bala) – A small, soulful café serving excellent coffee, homemade cakes, and wholesome, locally-sourced lunches. The kind of place where you lose track of time watching the world go by.

Tŷ Coffi (Bala) – This café is perfect for a slow morning - good coffee, hearty breakfasts, and local chatter at every table.

Cwrt (Bala) – Wood-fired pizzas, craft beers, and a laid-back vibe. Great for an easy evening meal or a casual lunch before exploring the lake.

Rhug Estate Farm Shop (Corwen to Bala area) – An award-winning farm shop offering top-quality local and organic produce, deli counters, butcher’s meats and takeaway treats.

 
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