Everything Retreat Review

Reviewed by Cath Joyce

Hidden away in the small village of Mellor in the picturesque Ribble Valley is a haven of luxury called Everything Retreat. With sensational views and stunning scenery, you won’t be short of places to explore when you visit, however once you have arrived you might just find you don’t actually want to leave the luxury of your lodge! The lodges are all presented to an incredibly high standard and offer the perfect location for couples wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Having lived in Lancashire all my life I know first hand what an amazing area the Ribble Valley is, not only do we have such beautiful scenery but this area of Lancashire is also a foodie heaven with lots of amazing restaurants on the doorstep. Lancashire folk are also well known for their friendliness and what a welcome we received when we arrived at Everything Retreat. From the moment we stepped into the reception area we were made to feel incredibly special with nothing too much trouble for owner Louise Monk and her staff. The young girls in reception were very welcoming and knowledgeable about the retreat and it was also evident that they loved their job.

The site was originally owned by Louise’s sister and when she decided to move, Louise grabbed the opportunity to purchase the site and has been working hard over the past few years to realise her dream of creating a luxury retreat in this beautiful part of the world. With design ideas taken from her travels around the globe, the site has been transformed into a landscaped haven with 12 luxury lodges, each with an outdoor seating area and hot tub. It is obvious that the layout of the site was well thought out, the sloping site and positioning of the lodges means that you never feel overlooked by your neighbours. With cars left in the car park by reception, traffic is kept to a minimum helping to add to the peace and tranquillity of the place, but don’t worry about carrying your bags, with a concierge service there’s always somebody on hand to help out.

Walking into our lodge it was clear that Everything Retreat offers genuinely luxurious standards both in terms of the accommodation and the decor. We stayed in one of six Signature Lodges, which are perfect for couples each with a lounge area complete with wood burning stove, king sized bed, kitchen area and shower room. The shower room was fabulous, spotlessly clean with beautiful faux plants on the windowsill. Bath House toiletries, a heated towel rail and large fluffy towels completed the effect giving me serious bathroom envy the moment I walked in!! The lodge was tastefully decorated and the added touches like the cushions, throws and accessories gave it a lovely luxurious feel.

Alongside the Signature Lodges are the six Unique Collection lodges offering the same facilities but with totally unique designs. Louise has taken inspiration from her travels across the globe and with the help of local interior designer Charlotte Bovingdon from Tannery Interiors, each lodge has been given a completely unique style with different furniture, decor, accessories and even scents from the most fabulous reed diffusers I have ever seen, making each lodge an incredibly sensuous and special place. Charlotte has transformed each lodge into such a welcoming, relaxing environment that I guarantee you won’t want to leave! The attention to detail is simply outstanding and it is the little touches like the themed fragrances, Mahjong game in the Asian Zen Lodge (Koya) and the decanter of whisky in the Highland (Bothy) lodge that make these lodges stand head and shoulders above the rest.

On the cool autumnal day that we visited our favourite was Bothy, based on a Scottish Highland Lodge, its warm colour scheme and cosy feel made us want to curl up in front of the fire with a glass of Everything Retreat’s signature gin, created by local company Wild Fox Distillery, and not go back outside!

Newly opened is the wine bar and a muti-purpose room. The luxury feel continues in the bar area, with plenty of comfortable seating and a warm, modern look. The room can be used for a variety of uses, we took a class in Christmas wreath making but it could just as easily be used as a dining area or for a yoga session. Coming next is a kitchen area to allow catering for small functions and breakfasts and they are currently renovating the original farmhouse as accommodation for larger groups.

If you are celebrating a special occasions Louise and her team will organise flowers, balloons, afternoon tea, cakes or anything else you require to make your stay even more memorable.

Much of the Ribble Valley is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling countryside giving way to the nearby Bowland Fells. The area is perfect for walking or more adventurous outdoor activities. History lovers will enjoy visiting the Roman settlement at Ribchester just a few miles away and Clitheroe castle and the 14th century Abbey at Whalley are also worth a visit.

Known as the food capital of the north the area contains a plethora of great restaurants, pubs and eateries so whatever your taste in food and drink you will find something to satisfy your taste buds in the many diverse and delicious restaurants in the local area. Try one of the local teashops for delicious cakes or dine at nearby Northcote which with a Michelin star is a real food lovers paradise.

If you don’t want to venture out then I can highly recommend the breakfast hamper which is delivered to your lodge and packed full of delicious treats to start your day in style.

We had an amazing time at Everything Retreat and with a special birthday fast approaching it won’t be long before we are back!!

Rating: 5 out of 5

Prices start from £250 per lodge, per night

Everything Retreat, Pendle View Lodges, Primrose Lane, Mellor, BB2 7EQ

Website: https://everything-retreat.com/

Email: hello@everything-retreat.com

Telephone: 01254 965095