Having grown up in South Manchester and spent countless weekends in the Lake District before eventually calling it home, it’s safe to say that I’m well acquainted with the stretch of motorway that runs from Junctions 19 to 36 of the M6. Or so I thought. But hidden away, just 10 minutes from the Salmesbury Interchange at Junction 31, lies everything you need for a few relaxing nights away. And fittingly, it’s named Everything Retreat.
Everything Retreat is an adults-only, luxury lodge resort that opened in the Ribble Valley in July 2022 – an area named the best place to live in the UK by The Times. The retreat features twelve cedar lodges, divided into two distinct collections: the Unique Collection, with six lodges individually themed after favourite destinations around the world, and the Signature Collection that consists of a further six lodges that complement the beautiful surroundings.
The welcome
We arrive at electronic gates and are ‘buzzed in’ by Kelly, the General Manager, who warmly welcomes us with a glass of fizz as we complete the formalities, before showing us to our lodge.
The lodge
We stayed in Byre which combines English heritage with a distinct rustic charm. It’s a spacious lodge with a wrap-around decking-cum-patio, surrounded by manicured lawns, young trees, shrubs and flowers.
The natural grain of this traditional cedar lodge displays a textured, earthy aesthetic. Its exterior exudes quality and is an early indication of what follows inside.
Inside, it’s cosy and inviting with a neutral colour palette with earthy accents of green and brown. It’s light and airy with stunning views of the retreat and the surrounding countryside. A small table and sofa provide a space to enjoy a cup of tea or perhaps a glass of wine.
The bed is adorned with plush pillows, luxurious bed linen and a throw, with a large scented reed diffuser setting the mood for a restful getaway.
Tucked in the corner, a log burner serves as a reminder that this sumptuous retreat can be enjoyed all year round.
Beyond the bed there’s a kitchen, separated by a breakfast bar, with everything you need to rustle up a quick snack or cook a lovely dinner, although there are plenty of excellent dining options nearby.
Sleek, white cabinetry is offset by modern countertops giving a modern elegance that is enhanced by the window that lets in plenty of natural light.
Outside, a charming wrap-around decking and terrace is home to a secluded hot tub that is set against the warm tones of the lodge and surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.
Furry friends are welcome at Everything Retreat, so we were fortunate enough to be be able to bring our faithful companion, George, with us.
The bathroom
Byre’s bathroom is compact but with everything we need – a basin, large mirror, WC, shower and soft, fluffy towels.
Refreshing and uplifting bamboo and jasmine toiletries from The Bath House Shop are provided.
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The facilities
It wasn’t open at the time of our visit but Everything Retreat has its own exclusive on-site Balance bar serving delicious lunch, tempting tapas and all-day drinks.
You can also enjoy cheese and charcuterie boards or afternoon teas at the bar when it’s open or in the comfort of your own lodge if it’s not. We had the latter on our terrace which was a wonderfully indulgent treat.
Just a 10-minute drive from Everything Retreat is Northcote, a country house hotel and one of only 5 restaurants in Lancashire to hold at least one Michelin star. Northcote was awarded its Michelin Star in 1996 and has retained it ever since, making it the perfect evening out if you are celebrating a special occasion. And if it’s a beautiful Summer’s evening such as when we visited, their outdoor terrace is a lovely location to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.
Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen’s 5-course gourmet menu is a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. Indeed, she makes reference to this in hermenu, stating that she likes her food to be “very visual, elegant, packed full of great flavours and textures” and in this regard our experience certainly did not disappoint. Pictured below is each course and you’ll see that she more than fulfils her vision.
Orkney Scallop – Iberico, Confit Potato, Gooseberry, Parsley
Chilled Isle of Wight Tomado – Elderflower Buttermilk, Garden Flowers, Dill
Wild Turbot – “Scarlet Prawn Pil-Pil”, Sweet Chilli & Garlic
Blackfoot Chicken – Girolle, Summer Squash, Lemon Verbena
English Raspberry – Hung Yoghurt, Meringue, Pink Peppercorn
I find it hard to choose a favourite from all these wonderful creations, but must say that the gooseberry sauce with the scallop was absolutely divine!
A choice of wine flights – including a non-alcoholic option should you be driving – is also available.
The location
Everything Retreat is located in the Ribble Valley, close to the village of Mellor in Lancashire. The nearest places of size 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 is also only a 10 minute drive away to the east, with Preston just the other side of the motorway.
With the Lake District and Peak District either side, the Ribble Valley is often overlooked by these more well-known national parks, but therein lies its charm. From rolling green hills and babbling brooks to charming villages steeped in history, the area offers plenty to explore but without the crowds. Starting in Hurst Green, we walked the 7-mile Tolkien Trail, following the banks of the Rivers Hodder and Ribble, so-called because J.R.R. Tolkien is said to have taken inspiration from the surrounding landscapes for his descriptions of Middle Earth.
Other nearby places of interest include Stydd Gardens, in the ancient Roman town of Ribchester, and Whalley Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey, close to the banks of the River Calder.
Other nice touches
The glass of fizz on arrival was a really thoughtful gesture and, once in our lodge, we also found some complimentary sweet treats waiting for us.
Having a continental breakfast delivered to our lodge each morning was also a lovely way to start the day, and included fresh fruits, juices, pastries, yoghurts, cereals, bread, cheese and ham, with hot breakfast sandwiches also on offer if we had preferred.
Everything Retreat also has its own Concierge team which is happy to advise on the best places to visit, make restaurant bookings on your behalf, or organise transport for you.
The cost
Rates for Byre start from £229, based on a minimum 2-night stay, including a continental breakfast box for 2 people delivered to the lodge each morning.
Exclusive hire options are also available if you want to book the entire retreat, making it perfect for celebrating any significant milestones with family or friends.
The best bit
One of the most notable treats at Everything Retreat is that each lodge has its own hot tub, strategically screened by vegetation in raised planters for added privacy. It provides the perfect opportunity to unwind outdoors, whatever the time of the year, and was recognised in the 2024 LuxLife Awards in which they scooped the “Best Luxury Hot Tub Lodge Retreat – North West England“.
Robes and separate towels are provided, as are a variety of hot-tub friendly Everything Retreat branded vessels, so you can relax with some fizz or a drink of your choice.
The final verdict
When you consider that this piece of land in the Ribble Valley was a wet, boggy field not so long ago, it’s incredible to see how it has been transformed into a beautiful sanctuary of peace and harmony, nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.
And with each lodge having its own private terrace, hot tub, log burner and a luxurious interior, you have all the ingredients required to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings in unparalleled comfort, whatever the season.
In just its first year, Everything Retreat was recognised as the Best New Business in the Ribble Valley Business Awards and was shortlisted for Best New Business and Best Self-Catering Accommodation in the Lancashire Tourism Awards. These accolades are a testament to the vision of Founder and Owner Louise Monk, as well as the dedication and hard work of her team.
Dislcosure: Our stay was sponsored by Everything Retreat.
Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel ‘Best Travel Influencer’ Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted “one of the world’s best travel blogs” and “best for luxury” by The Telegraph.
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