Everything Retreat is a luxurious hot tub hideaway nestled in the hillside of The Ribble Valley, offering peace and quiet in 12 stunning high end lodges, immersed in nature.
It’s the realisation of a dream thought up by Louise Monk, a local developer and owner whose vision was to create a tranquil haven where guests can relax and recharge in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.
Having just launched last year, the dozen cedar tree lodges include six Signature Collection offerings which are all identical, and six stunning Unique Collection lodges which have taken inspiration from Louise and her family’s exotic travels around the world. Every one of these stunning lodges comes with its own private hot tub for a relaxing Lancashire stay.
As soon as I enter the gated complex and cruise down the driveaway, I at once feel the pressures of daily life literally melting away. I find greenery to be the best tonic for stress and anxiety and seeing these beautiful hot tub lodges placed perfectly within an oasis of plants, shrubbery and ponds, immediately brings a smile to my face.
We park up and are greeted at the concierge lodge by the lovely Lucy – full of useful information about the surrounding areas and suggestions on the best walks we could do, while being offered a complimentary drink (or soft drink) from the bar. We were then taken up to the lodge and given a quick tour so we knew where everything was. There’s also a handy file in each lodge with lots of useful info including how to operate the hot tub on the decking.
While our ‘Skala’ hot tub lodge was very much embedded in the Lancashire landscape, its Scandinavian inspired vibes immediately transported us – beautifully white and minimal and the true definition of ‘hygge’ with log burning fire indoors, cosy blankets on the bed, under floor heating and towel rail, plumped up pillows, fluffy bath robes and most importantly, an outdoor hot tub.
The high spec self-catering kitchen had everything we could need include microwave and oven in one, fresh milk in the fridge, a Nespresso machine, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery and even a few mini gins to get our holiday started in style!
We loved the personal themed touches like ‘The Scandinavian Guide to Happiness’ on the bedside table, the hanging plants and many ornaments dotted around.
Keen to get the hot tub fired up, we grabbed our robes from the lodge, a set of plastic champagne glasses (which are also adorned with the Everything Retreat logo – a lovely touch), and our beach towels from the wicker baskets under the dresser and got down to some serious relaxing at 39 degrees. The hot tubs are each positioned on the lodge’s terrace so you get maximum privacy and gorgeous views, with sheep and lambs your only companions (although they’re beyond the fence and adorable to watch in the distance.)
After a blissfully hot rainfall shower, we set off on Lucy’s recommended walk – The Tolkien Trail – a 9km hike which did feel tough in some places, but what an enjoyable few hours! If you like to feel the burn in those calves and some seriously amazing scenery, I’d definitely recommend it. After a pint of shandy in the Shireburn Arms, it was home to spruce up for dinner at The Northcote.
You might not be aware that The Ribble Valley is famed for its incredible food with Northcote no exception. Here, Lisa Goodwin-Allen uses the Lancashire landscape as inspiration for all of her locally sourced dishes – you can enjoy a set tasting menu with paired wines in a fine dining setting just 10 minutes away from Everything Retreat’s hot tub lodges.
We woke up to a box full of breakfast bits which had been left in the outside cupboard for us – what a treat – a hamper packed with bread, slabs of butter, fresh cheese and ham, pots of creamy yoghurt, fresh fruit, apple and orange juices and mini pots of jam, croissants and pastries. It was a little chilly when we visited in April, but come the warmer months, I can’t imagine anything better than enjoying breakfast with a pot of coffee outside on the terrace taking in those views and planning the day ahead.
For day two, we decided on a gentler stroll and chose from a pile of leaflets Lucy had left for us – it’s a collection of walks designed by pubs in the local area which also start and finish there. The Calf’s Head in Worston was our starting point and after an hour or so of meandering, we were back at the pub for another refreshing shandy!
After another afternoon in the hot tub easing weary legs, it was wine, cooking and music (there’s also a SMART TV with Netflix etc. should you want to get cosy and watch a film).
Yet another hamper awaited us on the second morning – there’s definitely some excitement and anticipation involved in taking the lid off to see what’s been left by the breakfast fairy! After a hearty feed, it was time to pack up the car. I’d definitely recommend an Everything Retreat stay of at least two days to fully recharge in this fabulous place. Sad to be leaving, but knowing we’ll return and feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, it was back to the city, memories made.
If you’re heading to Lancashire, or fancy a gloriously relaxing stay in the beautiful Ribble Valley, you can book your Everything Retreat hot tub lodge stay, here.
