Nestling in the stunning surroundings of the Ribble Valley, the Everything Retreat, an adult-only collection of luxury lodges, is designed with rest and relaxation to the fore.
The Ribble Valley is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty, it’s also the foodie capital of the north of England. Hikers and bikers are catered for at all levels, with the promise of gourmet lunches and dinners as a just reward for their exertions. Yet apart from a handful of rooms above pubs, luxury accommodation has been in short supply until now. The Everything Retreat has just opened with 12 exquisitely designed lodges nestling among verdant hills, a haven of tranquillity for all guests.
Who for
Tourists and Business people wanting luxury comfort with more flexibility than hotels can supply, keen to get away from it all.
Accommodation
12 stand-alone lodges, six identical and the other six with an individual stylish designer theme, spaced out across the countryside. Each has a private hot tub, wood burning stove and a supremely comfortable, king-size bed with bespoke-made mattresses as standard. Charging sockets by the bed and Free Wi-Fi mean you’re always connected.
Underfloor heating provides warmth and comfort, there’s a smart TV with streaming services and luxury bathrobes and hairdryers are supplied. Self-catering facilities in each lodge include a kitchenette complete with Nespresso coffee machine, combi oven, integrated fridge, induction hob (upon request) and a dining area/breakfast bar. The lodges are also fully stocked with all the utensils, crockery and glassware needed for your stay.
We stayed in one of the Signature Collection lodges and were impressed with the quality of the design as well as the sumptuous bed linen. Best of all it was completely quiet and, in spite of the cold, managed to bathe in the hot tub outside on the terrace. Of course we’d lit the wood burner beforehand and came back inside to sample the free gin and tonics.
Food & Drink
There’s no restaurant but you can have a breakfast hamper delivered to your door. A central stone building houses an onsite bar serving snacks and charcuterie along with drinks. In the same space is a catering kitchen and dining area. Local businesses can provide a wealth of bespoke catering options by arrangement.
Coming soon is the ability to order dinner delivered to your lodge in partnership with local chefs. In the meantime, there are a wealth of pubs, restaurants and fine dining establishments nearby. The Everything Concierge can make recommendations and bookings.
Facilities
Plans for introducing health and wellness activities to the site are well underway. A versatile, new wellness space has just opened its doors to the public where activities such as yoga, Pilates and meditation will be available to guests. The Stables situated next to the bar and wellness space has been granted planning permission to be converted into a series of treatment rooms, with work due to start in early 2023. E-bikes or cycles can be rented at reception.
How much?
Prices start from £250 per lodge, per night.
What’s nearby?
The imposing landmark of Pendle Hill is visible from the lodges, known notoriously for staging a series of witch trials in 1612. For history buffs, the 14th Century Cistercian Abbey ruins of Whalley Abbey are 6 miles away with Browsholme Hall, a Tudor manor and historic house, 13 miles. Preston Railway Station has connections to London, the Lake District and Scotland and the Retreat can arrange the 30 minute transfers.
VERDICT: The Ribble Valley is fast becoming a foodie destination and the Everything Retreat makes the perfect base to explore the area on foot, in the saddle, or by car. You’re guaranteed an excellent night’s sleep and will wake up to the sounds of the countryside with a view of Pendle Hill.
