Having grown up in South Manchester and spent numerous weekends within the Lake District earlier than finally calling it house, it’s protected to say that I’m effectively acquainted with the stretch of motorway that runs from Junctions 19 to 36 of the M6. Or so I believed. But hidden away, simply 10 minutes from the Salmesbury Interchange at Junction 31, lies every part you want for just a few enjoyable nights away. And fittingly, it’s named Everything Retreat.
Everything Retreat is an adults-only, luxurious lodge resort that opened within the Ribble Valley in July 2022 – an space named the most effective place to dwell within the UK by The Times. The retreat options twelve cedar lodges, divided into two distinct collections: the Unique Collection, with six lodges individually themed after favorite locations world wide, and the Signature Collection that consists of an extra six lodges that complement the attractive environment.
The welcome
We arrive at digital gates and are ‘buzzed in’ by Kelly, the General Manager, who warmly welcomes us with a glass of fizz as we full the formalities, earlier than displaying us to our lodge.
The lodge
We stayed in Byre which mixes English heritage with a definite rustic appeal. It’s a spacious lodge with a wrap-around decking-cum-patio, surrounded by manicured lawns, younger timber, shrubs and flowers.
The pure grain of this conventional cedar lodge shows a textured, earthy aesthetic. Its exterior exudes high quality and is an early indication of what follows inside.
Inside, it’s cosy and alluring with a impartial color palette with earthy accents of inexperienced and brown. It’s mild and ethereal with gorgeous views of the retreat and the encompassing countryside. A small desk and couch present an area to get pleasure from a cup of tea or maybe a glass of wine.
The mattress is adorned with plush pillows, luxurious mattress linen and a throw, with a big scented reed diffuser setting the temper for a restful getaway.
Tucked within the nook, a log burner serves as a reminder that this luxurious retreat may be loved all yr spherical.
Beyond the mattress there’s a kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, with every part you have to rustle up a fast snack or cook dinner a stunning dinner, though there are many wonderful eating choices close by.
Sleek, white cabinetry is offset by trendy counter tops giving a contemporary magnificence that’s enhanced by the window that allows loads of pure mild.
Outside, an enthralling wrap-around decking and terrace is house to a secluded sizzling tub that’s set towards the nice and cozy tones of the lodge and surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Furry mates are welcome at Everything Retreat, so we had been lucky sufficient to be be capable of deliver our devoted companion, George, with us.
The lavatory
Byre’s lavatory is compact however with every part we’d like – a basin, massive mirror, WC, bathe and tender, fluffy towels.
Refreshing and uplifting bamboo and jasmine toiletries from The Bath House Shop are offered.
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The services
It wasn’t open on the time of our go to however Everything Retreat has its personal unique on-site Balance bar serving scrumptious lunch, tempting tapas and all-day drinks.
You can even get pleasure from cheese and charcuterie boards or afternoon teas on the bar when it’s open or within the consolation of your individual lodge if it’s not. We had the latter on our terrace which was a splendidly indulgent deal with.
Just a 10-minute drive from Everything Retreat is Northcote, a rustic home lodge and one in every of solely 5 eating places in Lancashire to carry at the very least one Michelin star. Northcote was awarded its Michelin Star in 1996 and has retained it ever since, making it the proper night out if you’re celebrating a special day. And if it’s a gorgeous Summer’s night similar to once we visited, their out of doors terrace is a stunning location to get pleasure from a pre-dinner drink.
Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s 5-course connoisseur menu is a feast for the eyes in addition to the tastebuds. Indeed, she makes reference to this in her menu, stating that she likes her meals to be “very visual, elegant, packed full of great flavours and textures” and on this regard our expertise actually didn’t disappoint. Pictured under is every course and also you’ll see that she greater than fulfils her imaginative and prescient.
Orkney Scallop – Iberico, Confit Potato, Gooseberry, Parsley
Chilled Isle of Wight Tomado – Elderflower Buttermilk, Garden Flowers, Dill
Wild Turbot – “Scarlet Prawn Pil-Pil”, Sweet Chilli & Garlic
Blackfoot Chicken – Girolle, Summer Squash, Lemon Verbena
English Raspberry – Hung Yoghurt, Meringue, Pink Peppercorn
I discover it onerous to decide on a favorite from all these fantastic creations, however should say that the gooseberry sauce with the scallop was completely divine!
A selection of wine flights – together with a non-alcoholic choice do you have to be driving – can be out there.
The location
Everything Retreat is positioned within the Ribble Valley, near the village of Mellor in Lancashire. The nearest locations of measurement are Clitheroe to the north-east (10 miles / 20 minutes’ drive) and Blackburn to the south (3.5 miles / 10 minutes’ drive). The M6 motorway can be solely a ten minute drive away to the east, with Preston simply the opposite facet of the motorway.
With the Lake District and Peak District both facet, the Ribble Valley is commonly neglected by these extra well-known nationwide parks, however therein lies its appeal. From rolling inexperienced hills and babbling brooks to charming villages steeped in historical past, the world presents a lot to discover however with out the crowds. Starting in Hurst Green, we walked the 7-mile Tolkien Trail, following the banks of the Rivers Hodder and Ribble, so-called as a result of J.R.R. Tolkien is claimed to have taken inspiration from the encompassing landscapes for his descriptions of Middle Earth.
Other close by locations of curiosity embody Stydd Gardens, within the historic Roman city of Ribchester, and Whalley Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey, near the banks of the River Calder.
Other good touches
The glass of fizz on arrival was a very considerate gesture and, as soon as in our lodge, we additionally discovered some complimentary candy treats ready for us.
Having a continental breakfast delivered to our lodge every morning was additionally a stunning option to begin the day, and included contemporary fruits, juices, pastries, yoghurts, cereals, bread, cheese and ham, with sizzling breakfast sandwiches additionally on provide if we had most popular.
Everything Retreat additionally has its personal Concierge group which is comfortable to advise on the most effective locations to go to, make restaurant bookings in your behalf, or organise transport for you.
The price
Rates for Byre begin from £229, based mostly on a minimal 2-night keep, together with a continental breakfast field for two individuals delivered to the lodge every morning.
Exclusive rent choices are additionally out there if you wish to guide your entire retreat, making it good for celebrating any vital milestones with household or mates.
The finest bit
One of probably the most notable treats at Everything Retreat is that every lodge has its personal sizzling tub, strategically screened by vegetation in raised planters for added privateness. It offers the proper alternative to unwind open air, regardless of the time of the yr, and was recognised within the 2024 LuxLife Awards wherein they scooped the “Best Luxury Hot Tub Lodge Retreat – North West England“.
Robes and separate towels are offered, as are a wide range of hot-tub pleasant Everything Retreat branded vessels, so you’ll be able to chill out with some fizz or a drink of your selection.
The ultimate verdict
When you contemplate that this piece of land within the Ribble Valley was a moist, boggy subject not so way back, it’s unimaginable to see the way it has been reworked into a gorgeous sanctuary of peace and concord, nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
And with every lodge having its personal non-public terrace, sizzling tub, log burner and an expensive inside, you’ve got all of the components required to chill out and benefit from the pure environment in unparalleled consolation, regardless of the season.
In simply its first yr, Everything Retreat was recognised because the Best New Business within the Ribble Valley Business Awards and was shortlisted for Best New Business and Best Self-Catering Accommodation within the Lancashire Tourism Awards. These accolades are a testomony to the imaginative and prescient of Founder and Owner Louise Monk, in addition to the dedication and onerous work of her group.
Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by Everything Retreat.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. In addition to different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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