Having grown up in South Manchester and spent numerous weekends within the Lake District earlier than finally calling it dwelling, it’s protected to say that I’m properly acquainted with the stretch of motorway that runs from Junctions 19 to 36 of the M6. Or so I believed. However hidden away, simply 10 minutes from the Salmesbury Interchange at Junction 31, lies every part you want for a number of enjoyable nights away. And fittingly, it’s named All the things Retreat.
All the things 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 reside within the UK by The Instances. The retreat options twelve cedar lodges, divided into two distinct collections: the Distinctive Assortment, with six lodges individually themed after favorite locations world wide, and the Signature Assortment that consists of an additional six lodges that complement the gorgeous environment.
The welcome
We arrive at digital gates and are ‘buzzed in’ by Kelly, the Common Supervisor, who warmly welcomes us with a glass of fizz as we full the formalities, earlier than exhibiting us to our lodge.
The lodge
We stayed in Byre which mixes English heritage with a definite rustic allure. It’s a spacious lodge with a wrap-around decking-cum-patio, surrounded by manicured lawns, younger bushes, 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 welcoming with a impartial color palette with earthy accents of inexperienced and brown. It’s gentle and ethereal with beautiful views of the retreat and the encircling 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 could be loved all 12 months spherical.
Past the mattress there’s a kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, with every part you’ll want to rustle up a fast snack or cook dinner a beautiful dinner, though there are many glorious eating choices close by.
Modern, white cabinetry is offset by trendy counter tops giving a contemporary class that’s enhanced by the window that allows loads of pure gentle.
Exterior, an enthralling wrap-around decking and terrace is dwelling to a secluded scorching tub that’s set towards the nice and cozy tones of the lodge and surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Furry buddies are welcome at All the things Retreat, so we had been lucky sufficient to be be capable to carry our trustworthy companion, George, with us.
The lavatory
Byre’s rest room is compact however with every part we want – a basin, massive mirror, WC, bathe and tender, fluffy towels.
Refreshing and uplifting bamboo and jasmine toiletries from The Tub Home Store are supplied.
All the things you’ll want to plan your journey in 2024
The amenities
It wasn’t open on the time of our go to however All the things Retreat has its personal unique on-site Steadiness bar serving scrumptious lunch, tempting tapas and all-day drinks.
You can too 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.
Only a 10-minute drive from All the things Retreat is Northcote, a rustic home lodge and considered one of solely 5 eating places in Lancashire to carry no less than one Michelin star. Northcote was awarded its Michelin Star in 1996 and has retained it ever since, making it the right night out if you’re celebrating a special day. And if it’s a phenomenal Summer time’s night resembling after we visited, their out of doors terrace is a beautiful location to get pleasure from a pre-dinner drink.
Government Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s 5-course connoisseur menu is a feast for the eyes in addition to the tastebuds. Certainly, she makes reference to this in hermenu, stating that she likes her meals to be “very visual, elegant, packed full of great flavours and textures” and on this regard our expertise definitely didn’t disappoint. Pictured beneath 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, Backyard Flowers, Dill
Wild Turbot – “Scarlet Prawn Pil-Pil”, Candy Chilli & Garlic
Blackfoot Rooster – Girolle, Summer time Squash, Lemon Verbena
English Raspberry – Hung Yoghurt, Meringue, Pink Peppercorn
I discover it arduous 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 possibility do you have to be driving – can be accessible.
The situation
All the things Retreat is situated within the Ribble Valley, near the village of Mellor in Lancashire. The closest 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 usually missed by these extra well-known nationwide parks, however therein lies its allure. From rolling inexperienced hills and babbling brooks to charming villages steeped in historical past, the realm affords a lot to discover however with out the crowds. Beginning in Hurst Inexperienced, we walked the 7-mile Tolkien Path, 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 encircling landscapes for his descriptions of Center Earth.
Different 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.
Different good touches
The glass of fizz on arrival was a extremely 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 beautiful option to begin the day, and included contemporary fruits, juices, pastries, yoghurts, cereals, bread, cheese and ham, with scorching breakfast sandwiches additionally on supply if we had most well-liked.
All the things Retreat additionally has its personal Concierge staff 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 fee
Charges for Byre begin from £229, primarily based on a minimal 2-night keep, together with a continental breakfast field for two individuals delivered to the lodge every morning.
Unique rent choices are additionally accessible if you wish to ebook the whole retreat, making it good for celebrating any important milestones with household or buddies.
One of the best bit
Some of the notable treats at All the things Retreat is that every lodge has its personal scorching tub, strategically screened by vegetation in raised planters for added privateness. It gives the right alternative to unwind open air, regardless of the time of the 12 months, and was recognised within the 2024 LuxLife Awards wherein they scooped the “Finest Luxurious Sizzling Tub Lodge Retreat – North West England“.
Robes and separate towels are supplied, as are a wide range of hot-tub pleasant All the things Retreat branded vessels, so you possibly can chill out with some fizz or a drink of your selection.
The ultimate verdict
When you think about that this piece of land within the Ribble Valley was a moist, boggy discipline not so way back, it’s unbelievable to see the way it has been remodeled into a phenomenal sanctuary of peace and concord, nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
And with every lodge having its personal non-public terrace, scorching tub, log burner and an opulent inside, you’ve all of the elements required to chill out and benefit from the pure environment in unparalleled consolation, regardless of the season.
In simply its first 12 months, All the things Retreat was recognised because the Finest New Business within the Ribble Valley Business Awards and was shortlisted for Finest New Business and Finest Self-Catering Lodging within the Lancashire Tourism Awards. These accolades are a testomony to the imaginative and prescient of Founder and Proprietor Louise Monk, in addition to the dedication and arduous work of her staff.
Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by All the things Retreat.
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