Ivan Tulovskiy
We spent the weekend at glamping "Island" with my wife — it’s a really interesting and atmospheric place! We stayed in cottage №12 with a sauna, right by the pond. Between the cottage and the sauna is a promenade that offers a beautiful view of the water, creating an incredible sense of seclusion and tranquility.
🔥 **Sauna and Hot Tub**
The sauna is traditional Russian, wood-fired, and takes about 3 hours to heat up. You can enjoy a real steam bath, pour water on the stones, and buy a venik (bunch of birch twigs) or herbal infusion on-site.
A special highlight is the hot tub. It takes about 4 hours to heat, so it’s better to arrange it in advance so everything is ready when you arrive. In the evening, soaking in the hot tub while it’s raining, with a view of the pond — it’s absolutely delightful!
🏡 **Cottage**
The cottage itself is fairly simple: wooden interior, minimal amenities, and almost no dishes (though there is a kettle). Therefore, it’s best to bring everything you need — food, dishes, drinks, etc. However, this simplicity adds to the feeling of "disconnecting from the hustle and bustle" and connecting with nature.
🚗 **Location and Infrastructure**
The nearest store is a bit far, but there’s a restaurant called “Syrvarnya” (Cheese Factory) — you’ll need to walk or drive there separately. During the off-season (we were there in October, Sunday to Monday), there were hardly any people around — just silence, leaves, autumn vibes, and beauty!
One big advantage is the convenient location: just 6 km from the MKAD, and you already feel like you’re in the countryside.
🍽 **Food**
Dinner at the “Syrvarnya” restaurant exceeded our expectations — the food was truly delicious, with creative dishes and excellent preparation. Breakfast was also a pleasant surprise: simple presentation but very tasty, especially the homemade yogurt.
🚪 **Small Details**
We really appreciated the automatic gates with QR code entry — everything is well thought out and convenient.
As for drawbacks, the shower is located in the sauna, and in the morning, it can be a bit chilly — which might not be very comfortable in winter. Also, the simplicity of the cottage itself could be noted, but it wasn’t an issue for us.
🌲 **Conclusion**
If you want to get away, relax in nature, enjoy a sauna, and splash around in a hot tub, this is a great place. It’s especially beautiful in autumn — water, yellow leaves, and complete calm.
Highly recommended for couples and those who love peace, solitude, and nature.