Review: Retallack Resort and Spa

Retallack Resort and Spa
92
Excellent

Family Friendly Magazine Editors' Choice Award

Retallack Resort and Spa is a true gem in the heart of Cornwall. Close to some of Cornwall’s most visited attractions like Crealy Adventure Park and The Eden Project, it’s a wonderful destination to bring all the family. Situated close to St Columb Major, an old market town, it’s also near the famous harbour town of Padstow and the beaches of Newquay.

The resort is self catering, offering large Alpine-esque wooden lodges through to cosy apartments, all with large, airy living spaces and a well stocked kitchen. The accommodation usually also sports a private terrace, often with waterside views, perfect for a morning coffee or an evening digestif. Those with smaller children will be glad of the typical multi-room layout so that when the little ones are asleep, parents and adults can still enjoy themselves without fear of waking any sleeping babies up. It’s also possible to book one of the resort’s many babysitters if you want to go out one evening for a meal.

The resort is, therefore, an ideal place to go as a family. It also has a huge array of water sports on offer from the Total Wipeout type aqua park, zorbing and its Wake Park so there is plenty to keep everyone occupied. Parents can also leave children at the  “Little Den” or sign little ones up to an Aqua tots session or a Twinkle Tots music class. Sessions at the Den last three hours and cost £15. Plus, Retallack has a plethora of equipment and everyday necessities on site so that even before you arrive at the resort you are relaxed. With even sippy cups on offer, it makes packing for the family a breeze. For those with teenagers, when they aren’t being entertained on the water, there’s the opportunity to kite surf or, at the Eden project, try out England’s longest zipwire.

Additionally, despite being self catering, there is also a restaurant, The Lookout, onsite where guests can enjoy delicious breakfasts, hearty lunches and tasty dinners.  The Retallack prides itself on only using the very best local Cornish producers. There is also the relaxed Lookout Lounge where guests can enjoy an afternoon tea or freshly baked pizza, all from the comfort of a large sofa. Staff are exceedingly friendly and attentive in both.

Above all, Retallack Resort and Spa is an elegant place to visit, with or without kids. The Esya spa offers some great treatments for frazzled parents using the very best Elemis products – the menu is geared towards encouraging rejuvenation and relaxation. Plus there is a wealth of sports, extreme or otherwise, for those that like to partake in more energetic pursuits whilst on holiday. Dogs are also welcome here though they have to be booked into a dog friendly room. It’s a great destination even for the hairiest member of the family owing to the wealth of walks nearby that afford exceptional views of the surrounding countryside.

Retallack Resort and Spa, Winnards Perch, St Columb Major, Cornwall TR9 6DE
Telephone: 01637 882400
Website: https://www.ariaresorts.co.uk/retallack-resort/

What TripAdvisor says

Our Verdict: Retallack Resort and Spa
TO SUM UP
Our week in Retallack was wonderful and a great example of luxury family friendly self catering in Cornwall. Our 'Exclusive Collection' Fistral Lodge provided great waterside accommodation for the four of us (two adults a one and three year old) with a great open plan kitchen/living room, a downstairs toilet, two bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms, a balcony, stunning country views and a hot tub.

We particularly liked the way Retallack combines both child and adult holiday requirements into a luxury package. Kids activities, fine dining for the whole family, relaxing waterside hot tub when the kids go to bed...something memorable for all family members!

The children had plenty to do on site and the likes of Padstow, Rock and Newquay within a 20 minute drive provide plenty of family friendly holiday fun. What's more, if it's good enough for the cast of Poldark, including the delightful Aidan Turner, then it's probably going to be good enough for the rest of us! We heartily recommend Retallack, a deserved winner of our Editor's Choice rating.
FAMILY FRIENDLINESS
92
ACCOMMODATION
92
FOOD/DRINK
92
LOCALITY
90
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
92
92
Excellent