words by Emma-Jade Stoodart
Stay
There are 21 rooms in total, ranging from shepherd’s huts to larger group barns. We stayed in The Lodge, a one-bedroom cabin with a distinctly rustic, shabby-chic feel. Think dark timber panelling, pops of forest green, a velvet sofa and slightly quirky Western details – antler lampshades, leather armchairs. It’s not quite my personal interior taste (I lean cleaner and more modern), but it’s undeniably cosy.
The kitchenette is simple but well thought out with a Smeg fridge, kettle, toaster, butler sink and a Grind coffee machine. Some of the larger barns come with fully equipped kitchens if you’re planning to cook. Our fridge was stocked with a carton of milk (always appreciated), plus a plate of chocolate cookies that didn’t last long.
The main living space centres around a generous log burner and TV, while next door, a four-poster king-size bed is made for slow mornings. The ensuite bathroom is stocked with locally made Loggique products – so good I immediately Googled where to buy the shampoo and conditioner when we got home.
But the standout feature is outside. Bifold doors open onto a private deck where a rolltop bath sits beneath a wooden canopy, festoon lights overhead. We ran it the evening we arrived and soaked under the stars, snow still visible on the ground. It was the best moment of the stay – followed closely by a sunrise bath the next morning, coffee in hand.
Spa
The small, cedar-clad spa is connected to the main barn. You book hour-long sessions to rotate between sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub, plus a cold-plunge shower if you’re feeling brave. I’ll be honest: I expected a bit more. The spa is pleasant but compact, and the outdoor hot tub is a large plastic tub rather than the wood-fired version I had imagined. It’s fine, but not a destination spa in itself.
That said, the treatments are a different story. I experienced the Five Element Aroma Facial by Elemental Herbology shortly after we arrived – the perfect way to start the stay. Elemental Herbology is a natural skincare brand rooted in Chinese medicine, and the whole treatment felt thoughtful and unhurried. It began with facial massage, followed by the AHA Radiance Glow Polish – a gentle exfoliator I’m convinced was responsible for the glow afterwards. A deeply hydrating mask followed, finished with their Cell Active Moisturiser, which left my skin calm, plump and soothed.
Eat
For dinner, we skipped the restaurant and stopped at a nearby farm shop, picking up local cheese, cured meats and crusty bread. Back at the cabin, we lit the fire, put a film on and stayed in under blankets. It felt exactly right for the setting.
The next day, we ate lunch in the Great Barn – an impressive oak-framed space that still feels relaxed rather than formal. I ordered the gnocchi with halibut, which was fresh and delicious, followed by cheesecake and a spicy margarita that deserves a special mention.
Breakfast is included continental-style, with pastries, fruit, yoghurt, granola and cheeses, or you can upgrade to something hot from the menu. The kitchen takes a seasonal, local-first approach, but nothing feels too fussy. There’s also a small bar next door with a curated drinks list, plus room service if you’d rather stay put.
Dog-friendly details
A big plus: Retreat East is very dog friendly. Not all cabins allow pets, but many do – and Daisy (our miniature dachshund) was welcomed with a dog bed, bowls and treats. She joined us in the main barn for breakfast and lunch, though she did bark at another dog (and later a squirrel outside, naturally). You’re surrounded by bridleways and countryside walks, with Barbour wellies to borrow and bikes to hire if you want to explore further.
What to pack:
This isn’t a sprawling spa resort or a see-and-be-seen destination. Retreat East is rustic, laid-back and deliberately low-key. You come here to walk, soak, eat well, sleep deeply – and do very little else. If you want a low-key countryside break that doesn’t cost the earth (with some cabins starting from £125 a night), it’s a brilliant choice.
For more information, head to the website here – https://retreateast.co.uk/
