Melin Mabes

Can it really be that an intergalactic visitor has crash-landed in the heart of the West Wales countryside? Struck by this gleaming white landing module pod with its three spider-like legs, visitors to these parts could be forgiven for thinking they’ve stumbled upon Pembrokeshire’s very own Roswell. Well, the little green men could do a lot worse than Spodnic – the extraterrestrial-themed glamping pod at Melin Mabes.

The brainchild of master craftsman Martian… sorry, Martin Johnson, space-age Spodnic is truly out of this world. This ingenious creation has illustrious origins – not only did it start life as prop from the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, its staggering transformation into a cosmic glamping pod was documented on the small screen by Channel 4’s George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces. And it’s easy to see why. Spodnic is brimming with amazing astro-themed features, like a Star Trek-style automatic sliding door, ‘gravity-defying’ rotating double bed, space-blanket-lined walls and steps up to a Perspex ‘cockpit’ in the roof, purpose-built for stargazing. Interplanetary paraphernalia abounds, with colour-changing alien lights, ray guns and the obligatory lightsaber. There are even astronaut’s helmets for your budding Buzz Aldrins and nipper Neil Armstrongs. Needless to say, kids will love it.

While the UFO understandably steals the headlines, the site itself is an incredible spot in its own right. Melin Mabes lies within four stunning acres on the site of a 16th century mill that Martin and wife Carol-Anne acquired from nearby Picton Castle. This tranquil stream-side setting is open to a handful of tent campers, with a trio of hard-standings for caravans. And if you’re more period romance than science-fiction, there’s a gorgeous antique (150 years old!) gypsy caravan (named Mabel) for couples, complete with ornate décor and an authentic Queenie wood burning stove.

The newest addition to Martin's glamping wonderland is the Templar Treehouse. This incredible sylvan shack rivals Spodnic in the ingenuity stakes. Set in a private pocket of the mill garden overlooking the river, the treehouse strikes a pleasing balance of rustic luxury with underfloor heating, hot tub, fully equipped antique kitchen and a modern bathroom to boot. There's even a slide to get back down to ground level (or a handcrafted staircase for the less adventurous). When not admiring the sunrise from the spacious veranda, spend your evenings swinging in the suspended loungers while stargazing beside the stone circle firepit. 

Glampers are each given their own kitchens for exclusive use (Mabel’s boasts a fabulous newly-built pizza oven), while for campers, the rustic kitchen shack (complete with attendant Dalek, of course) serves as a well-equipped central hub. Thoroughly outdoorsy perks, like picking veg from the patch and feeding the chickens, offer a pleasingly surreal start to the day after emerging from your very own spaceship. And when the eminently reachable footpaths beckon, the idyllic harbour village of Saundersfoot is just five miles away – or you could always warp speed it there in Spodnic.