Having grown up in South Manchester and spent numerous weekends within the Lake District earlier than ultimately calling it dwelling, 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 assumed. However hidden away, simply 10 minutes from the Salmesbury Interchange at Junction 31, lies all the pieces you want for just a few stress-free 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 one of the best place to dwell within the UK by The Occasions. The retreat options twelve cedar lodges, divided into two distinct collections: the Distinctive Assortment, with six lodges individually themed after favorite locations all over the world, and the Signature Assortment that consists of an extra six lodges that complement the gorgeous environment.
The welcome
We arrive at digital gates and are ‘buzzed in’ by Kelly, the Normal Supervisor, 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 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 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 12 months spherical.
Past the mattress there’s a kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, with all the pieces you might want to rustle up a fast snack or cook dinner a stunning dinner, though there are many wonderful eating choices close by.
Smooth, 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, a captivating wrap-around decking and terrace is dwelling to a secluded scorching tub that’s set in opposition to 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 have the ability to carry our trustworthy companion, George, with us.
The lavatory
Byre’s lavatory is compact however with all the pieces we’d like – a basin, giant mirror, WC, bathe and delicate, fluffy towels.
Refreshing and uplifting bamboo and jasmine toiletries from The Tub Home Store are supplied.
All the things you might want to plan your journey in 2024
The services
It wasn’t open on the time of our go to however All the things Retreat has its personal unique on-site Stability 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 personal 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 a minimum of one Michelin star. Northcote was awarded its Michelin Star in 1996 and has retained it ever since, making it the right night out in case you are celebrating an important day. And if it’s an exquisite Summer season’s night corresponding to once we visited, their outside terrace is a stunning 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 visible, elegant, packed filled with nice flavours and textures” and on this regard our expertise definitely 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, Backyard Flowers, Dill
Wild Turbot – “Scarlet Prawn Pil-Pil”, Candy Chilli & Garlic
Blackfoot Rooster – Girolle, Summer season Squash, Lemon Verbena
English Raspberry – Hung Yoghurt, Meringue, Pink Peppercorn
I discover it exhausting to decide on a favorite from all these great creations, however should say that the gooseberry sauce with the scallop was completely divine!
A alternative of wine flights – together with a non-alcoholic choice do you have to be driving – can also be accessible.
The situation
All the things Retreat is positioned within the Ribble Valley, near the village of Mellor in Lancashire. The closest locations of dimension 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 also be solely a ten minute drive away to the east, with Preston simply the opposite aspect of the motorway.
With the Lake District and Peak District both aspect, the Ribble Valley is commonly neglected 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 world presents loads 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 alleged to have taken inspiration from the encompassing 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 stunning strategy 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 workforce which is blissful to advise on one of the best locations to go to, make restaurant bookings in your behalf, or organise transport for you.
The associated fee
Charges for Byre begin from £229, based mostly on a minimal 2-night keep, together with a continental breakfast field for two folks delivered to the lodge every morning.
Unique rent choices are additionally accessible if you wish to ebook your complete retreat, making it excellent for celebrating any important milestones with household or buddies.
The very 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 supplies the right alternative to unwind open air, regardless of the time of the 12 months, and was recognised within the 2024 LuxLife Awards through which they scooped the “Finest Luxurious Scorching 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 may chill out with some fizz or a drink of your alternative.
The ultimate verdict
When you think about that this piece of land within the Ribble Valley was a moist, boggy area not so way back, it’s unimaginable to see the way it has been remodeled into an exquisite 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 got all of the substances 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 Enterprise within the Ribble Valley Enterprise Awards and was shortlisted for Finest New Enterprise 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 exhausting work of her workforce.
Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by All the things Retreat.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Finest Journey Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of many world’s finest journey blogs” and “finest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.
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