There are family getaways where you come home needing another holiday, and then there are places that somehow manage to keep everyone entertained while still feeling like a proper escape for the grown-ups. The Lakes by YOO is very much the latter.
I recently stayed with my son, a friend and her two kids, and from the moment we arrived it felt like the perfect staycation. The setting is beautiful, the houses are incredibly well considered and there is quite literally an abundance of things to do. The trick is that it never feels busy or overwhelming. Everything is surrounded by nature, with the lakes, trees and open space creating this wonderfully peaceful feeling that makes you slow down almost immediately.
We stayed in The Sanctuary, one of The Lakes by YOO’s beautiful houses, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of the whole stay. Beautifully designed but incredibly homely, it is the sort of holiday house where you actually want to spend time. Everything has been considered, from the interiors and furnishings to the little details that make the space feel both luxurious and completely comfortable. It sits right alongside a peaceful pond, so the views are lovely and quiet, and the balcony quickly became one of my favourite spots for that first morning coffee.
The whole house has this wonderful feeling of being connected to the outdoors, but without compromising on comfort. There is space for everyone to spread out, cosy corners to curl up in and, most importantly, a kitchen that you actually want to cook in.
We ended up making dinner there in the evening, which worked perfectly. The children could eat, play and eventually head off to bed, while we stayed downstairs, opened a bottle of wine and cooked ourselves a proper supper. There was something so nice about not having to get everyone dressed and go out for dinner, but still having that feeling of a grown-up evening.
And then there are the bedrooms. The beds deserve their own mention because they were exceptionally comfortable. After a full day of swimming, cycling, walking and generally keeping up with 3 kids’ energy levels, getting into bed was absolute heaven.
I also loved how private and peaceful The Sanctuary felt. You have all the activities and facilities of The Lakes on your doorstep, but when you are back at the house it feels like your own little retreat. The children can be busy having the time of their lives while you still get those lovely moments of calm. For me, that is what makes the accommodation here so special. It doesn’t feel like somewhere you simply sleep between activities. The house is part of the experience, and I could very happily spend a whole day here too.
One of my favourite memories from the weekend was getting up, putting on our dressing gowns and wandering down for a morning swim in the lake. There is something wonderfully liberating about swimming outdoors in the morning before breakfast, and the children thought it was brilliant. It became one of those little moments that made the weekend feel like a proper escape rather than just a night away. There are bikes to borrow too, and we spent time cycling around the estate, exploring and generally letting the boys burn off some energy. And thankfully, there is plenty of that.
The children were completely spoilt for choice when it came to activities. They loved the pool, the bikes and all the different things there were to do around the estate. The boys were particularly chuffed to discover a football field. There is also a real sense that children are meant to be outside here. They can run, swim, cycle, play football and explore, meanwhile, the adults can actually relax. We spent plenty of time in the spa, which was exactly what we needed after a morning of activities. The treatment menu looks fantastic too, so next time I would definitely book in for a treatment rather than simply enjoying the spa facilities. It is that balance that makes The Lakes by YOO so clever. You can have a genuinely fun family weekend without sacrificing the things you want from a luxury break.
We also had brunch at The Lakes Bar & Kitchen, which overlooks the lake and is exactly the sort of relaxed, pretty setting you want for a long family breakfast. The food was delicious. The eggs were excellent, the pancakes were a particular hit and there was plenty to keep both adults and children happy. I also loved the fact that there is a little playground right next door, so the children could finish eating and disappear off to play while we actually finished our coffee. It is the kind of small detail that makes such a difference when you are eating out with children.
What really struck me about The Lakes by YOO is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional family resort. It feels much more like a beautiful private escape where children happen to be very welcome. You can spend the morning swimming in the lake, go for a bike ride, have brunch overlooking the water, spend the afternoon at the spa or by the pool and then retreat to your house for a relaxed dinner. And because the accommodation is so beautiful and comfortable, you don’t feel like you have to be out doing something all the time. Sometimes the best part of the day is simply sitting on the balcony, watching the water and doing absolutely nothing.
I can imagine The Lakes by YOO being brilliant at any time of year. In summer, there are lake swims, bikes, outdoor activities and long lunches by the water. Come autumn, I can imagine cosy weekends in the houses, woodland walks, spa time and long dinners in the kitchen with a roaring fire. Winter would be all about getting cosy, while spring brings the promise of being outside again. And that, ultimately, is why I would go back. It manages to be adventurous enough for the children, relaxing enough for the adults and beautiful enough that you genuinely feel like you’ve escaped. For a family staycation that manages to keep everyone happy, while still feeling properly luxurious, The Lakes by YOO is a very big yes from me.
