Evaluation: The whole lot Retreat, Mellor, Ribble Valley, UK…

Having grown up in South Manchester and spent numerous weekends within the Lake District earlier than ultimately calling it house, 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 the whole lot you want for a couple of enjoyable nights away. And fittingly, it’s named The whole lot Retreat.

The whole lot Retreat is an adults-only, luxurious lodge resort that opened within the Ribble Valley in July 2022 – an space named the perfect place to reside 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 around the globe, and the Signature Assortment that consists of an additional six lodges that complement the attractive environment.

The welcome

We arrive at digital gates and are ‘buzzed in’ by Kelly, the Basic 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 attraction. 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 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 12 months spherical.

Past the mattress there’s a kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, with the whole lot you must rustle up a fast snack or cook dinner a beautiful dinner, though there are many wonderful eating choices close by.

Modern, white cabinetry is offset by fashionable counter tops giving a contemporary magnificence that’s enhanced by the window that allows loads of pure mild.

Outdoors, 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 The whole lot Retreat, so we had been lucky sufficient to be have the ability to deliver our trustworthy companion, George, with us.

The toilet

Byre’s lavatory is compact however with the whole lot we’d like – a basin, giant mirror, WC, bathe and mushy, fluffy towels.

Refreshing and uplifting bamboo and jasmine toiletries from The Bathtub Home Store are offered.

The amenities

It wasn’t open on the time of our go to however The whole lot Retreat has its personal unique on-site Steadiness bar serving scrumptious lunch, tempting tapas and all-day drinks.

You may as well 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 The whole lot Retreat is Northcote, a rustic home resort and certainly one of solely 5 eating places in Lancashire to carry at the 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 season’s night comparable to 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 her menu, stating that she likes her meals to be “very visible, elegant, packed stuffed 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 laborious to decide on a favorite from all these great 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 accessible.

The placement

The whole lot 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 (three.5 miles / 10 minutes’ drive). The M6 motorway can be solely a 10 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 usually ignored by these extra well-known nationwide parks, however therein lies its attraction. From rolling inexperienced hills and babbling brooks to charming villages steeped in historical past, the world provides 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 embrace Stydd Gardens, within the historical 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 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 beautiful solution 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.

The whole lot Retreat additionally has its personal Concierge workforce which is completely happy to advise on the perfect locations to go to, make restaurant bookings in your behalf, or organise transport for you.

The associated fee

Charges for Byre begin from £229, primarily based 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 e-book your entire retreat, making it excellent for celebrating any vital milestones with household or mates.

The perfect bit

Some of the notable treats at The whole lot Retreat is that every lodge has its personal sizzling tub, strategically screened by vegetation in raised planters for added privateness. It supplies the proper 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 offered, as are quite a lot of hot-tub pleasant The whole lot Retreat branded vessels, so you may 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 unimaginable to see the way it has been remodeled into a gorgeous sanctuary of peace and concord, nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

And with every lodge having its personal personal terrace, sizzling tub, log burner and an expensive inside, you may have 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, The whole lot 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 laborious work of her workforce.

Dislcosure: Our keep was sponsored by The whole lot Retreat.

Paul Johnson

Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxurious Journey Weblog and has labored within the journey trade 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 greatest journey blogs” and “greatest for luxurious” by The Telegraph.