Located in a secluded spot in the Cornish countryside, there is no better place to relax than Retallack Resort & Spa.
Words by Rosie Cattrell
When we think of escaping our everyday lives, even just for a day or two, images of calm green countryside and fresh blue water will often spring to mind; breathing in that crisp Cornish air and making the most of the incredible landscape surrounding you. What you may be surprised to learn is that the magic touch of luxury accommodation can be found in the heart of it all, just waiting to offer holiday memories to last a lifetime.
Nestled in the countryside, Retallack Resort & Spa is a five-star, Visit England credited self-catering holiday village, with Swiss style lodges and unique boutique barn accommodation, offering everything from one-bedroom self-catering lakeside apartments to six-bedroom barns, and sleeping up to 12 guests, there truly is room for the whole family. Set within 150 acres of countryside, and with three lakes, this multi-generational, action-packed, nature and wellness retreat offers the ultimate enjoyment for young couples, families, or celebratory groups of all shapes and sizes.
On arrival, holidaymakers head to guest services where they will be greeted with warm smiles, information about the resort and a map showing them how to get to their accommodation. There are little welcome treats within their accommodation, so guests can make that all-important hot drink after travelling or crack straight open a bottle of bubbly if they are in the exclusive lakehouse or boutique barns. And if there is a dog in the party, there is a little bag of treats for them too, including a toy.
From then on, it’s all about doing as much or as little as you’d like to; the team will provide the base, it’s up to you to choose how to spend your time here in this beautiful corner of the UK. With staff always on hand to help make your stay the best it can be, you can expect recommendations for the best places to visit during your stay, and even help with booking the exciting on-resort activities.
Retallack Resort & Spa is well known both with locals and with other holidaymakers within the area, as well as guests and holiday home owners at the resort for the water sports offering year-round. There will often be kids booked on to the FlowRider or Aqua Park after school, or surfers wanting to practice their skills on the guaranteed wave. Plus, the water sports team is also known for their Flow Shows at peak times, demonstrating their daredevil skills and stunts to spectators who will kick back with a drink or a meal – it’s great family entertainment. What’s more, as it’s Cornwall’s only FlowRider, it certainly attracts attention; younger kids like to learn to bodyboard and older children, teenagers, and adults all like to have a go at surfing or, if they’re experienced, practice their surfing skills.
In spring the ‘Total Wipeout’ style inflatable obstacle course opens, which is popular with all ages, from families to groups of friends. In 2021 it opened with new obstacles, adding to the slipping and sliding fun. Plus, there is a wake cable with sliders for those that want to carve up the lake with tricks, an inflatable volleyball court and paddle boarding for more gentle activity. There’s also a beach café down at the lake for those that would rather spectate than get wet, and the indoor pool with sauna and steam room is perfect for those looking for something a little less action packed. For couples and groups of friends looking for relaxation, a trip to the spa for a massage or treatment is just the thing, or maybe mum needs a couple of hours to herself after an action-packed day.
Speaking of which, there is no better way to relax and refuel after a fun-filled day of adventure than a bite to eat over conversation with your nearest and dearest. The Lookout bar and eatery was refurbished at the beginning of last year, having opened up in April 2021 with a fresh new look. Laidback and relaxed, this is a dining experience for the whole family, inviting you to pop in after a day spent exploring in your casual gear to sit down, reflect on the day and let the team do the cooking. Sure to need a good meal to fill a hungry stomach, you’ll find all the classics on the menu. Why not indulge in the flame-grilled flavours of a house burger, or the Cornish classic of fish and chips? With other favourites like pizza, vegetable risotto, pan-fried sea bass and garlic and herb chicken ready to warm the cockles of any adventurer, you won’t need to leave the resort to satisfy your hunger, unless you’d like to, of course. With high tables to perch at for those wishing to enjoy a drink or two, and relaxed sofas by the fire for those winter days with a hot chocolate alongside tables and booths for couples, families and groups, you can sit by the glass frontage and watch people wipe out on the FlowRider or choose a cosy corner away from the action.
If, as often happens for many who visit Cornwall’s shining shores, you fall in love and decide on something a little more permanent, one of Retallack’s astonishingly beautiful barns might be just the thing. The exclusive barns are effortlessly stylish, surrounded by countryside with some perched on the banks of the lakes in The Meadows development, which opened in the summer of 2020. This is luxury, self-catering holiday accommodation at its best. Imagine living spaces designed for spending time together; sofas and cushions made to sink into; cosy bedrooms for snuggling down in; decking perfect for gazing at the dark starry night skies. Decorated in soft palettes, natural textures and soft lighting, they are inviting, homely boltholes where you’ll just love to spend a week relaxing. Some feature floor to ceiling glass frontage, letting plentiful light shine in. All have decking areas for you to soak up the fresh morning air or warm balmy evenings with a drink in hand, and if you choose one with a large rooftop terrace made for al-fresco dining and to enjoy the delights of a bubbling hot tub to giggle the night away, you may never want to leave. Off the back of the success of The Meadows barn development, the team are now building a Hillside development of 67 boutique barns, set to open in the spring of 2023. These are two, three and four-bedroom barns nestled in the countryside and are available for holiday home purchase as well as holiday lets. The interiors and exteriors will reflect the popular development, The Meadows, with the four-bedroom barn featuring an expansive roof terrace. Starting at £295,000, and with show homes open now for anyone interested in taking a tour of these gorgeous properties, exploring this opportunity couldn’t be easier.
So, whether it’s taking a dip in a hot tub on the vast roof top terrace, breakfast on the decking overlooking the countryside or sitting with a book and a cooling drink, listening to the sounds of the lake, there is a barn for everyone – ranging from two and three-bedroom right through to four and six-bedroom – these barns are great for bringing everyone together for a holiday, whilst making the most of the incredible facilities that Retallack Resort & Spa has to offer. Combining luxury and fun all in the heart of the Cornish countryside, you may find that you never want to leave!
awayresorts.co.uk/parks/cornwall/retallack