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 finally calling it dwelling, it’s secure 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 assumed. However hidden away, simply 10 minutes from the Salmesbury Interchange at Junction 31, lies all the things you want for a number of stress-free 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 very best place to dwell 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 around the globe, and the Signature Assortment 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 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 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 welcoming with a impartial color palette with earthy accents of inexperienced and brown. It’s mild and ethereal with beautiful views of the retreat and the encircling countryside. A small desk and couch present an area to take pleasure in 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 yr spherical.

Past the mattress there’s a kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, with all the things you might want to rustle up a fast snack or cook dinner a stunning dinner, though there are many wonderful eating choices close by.

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

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

The toilet

Byre’s lavatory is compact however with all the things we want – a basin, massive mirror, WC, bathe and smooth, fluffy towels.

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

The amenities

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

It’s also possible to take pleasure in 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 lodge and considered 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 right night out in case you are celebrating a special day. And if it’s a stupendous Summer season’s night corresponding to once we visited, their out of doors terrace is a stunning location to take pleasure in 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 actually 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 season Squash, Lemon Verbena

English Raspberry – Hung Yoghurt, Meringue, Pink Peppercorn

I discover it laborious to decide on a favorite from all these fantastic 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 must you be driving – can also be out there.

The situation

The whole lot 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 also 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 realm gives 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 stunning solution to begin the day, and included contemporary fruits, juices, pastries, yoghurts, cereals, bread, cheese and ham, with scorching breakfast sandwiches additionally on provide if we had most well-liked.

The whole lot Retreat additionally has its personal Concierge workforce which is pleased to advise on the very 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 out there if you wish to e book the complete retreat, making it excellent for celebrating any important milestones with household or buddies.

One of the best bit

One of the notable treats at The whole lot Retreat is that every lodge has its personal scorching tub, strategically screened by vegetation in raised planters for added privateness. It offers the right alternative to unwind outside, regardless of the time of the yr, and was recognised within the 2024 LuxLife Awards during which they scooped the “Finest Luxurious Sizzling Tub Lodge Retreat – North West England“.

Robes and separate towels are supplied, as are quite a lot of hot-tub pleasant The whole lot Retreat branded vessels, so you possibly can calm down 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 subject not so way back, it’s unbelievable to see the way it has been reworked into a stupendous sanctuary of peace and concord, nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

And with every lodge having its personal personal terrace, scorching tub, log burner and an expensive inside, you may have all of the elements required to calm down and benefit from the pure environment in unparalleled consolation, regardless of the season.

In simply its first yr, 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 business for greater than 30 years. He’s Winner of the Improvements in Journey ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED journal. Along with different awards, the weblog has additionally been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.