Review: Retallack Resort and Spa

pregnancy timeline
Weeks 0-4	Weeks 5-8	Weeks 9-12	Weeks 13-16	Weeks 17-20	Weeks 21-24	Weeks 25-28	Weeks 29-32	Weeks 33-36	Weeks 37-40
first trimester	second trimester	third trimester

Harlyn Lodge I’m Linda and single mum to Liam who will be 4 in December.
We spent a lovely 2 days at Retallack Resort and Spa in Cornwall. The resort was relatively easy to find although there were no signs until you get there. Checking in-time isn’t until 4 pm but we were able to check in a few minutes early. After paying the deposit and collecting the keys we set off to find our lodge which was only a short drive from Reception.

We had been allocated a 2 bed Harlyn Lodge and on entering found it to be clean and well equipped. There was a Welcome Pack in the lodge which included milk, bottled water, Cornwall bread (which was delicious), Cornish biscuits, tea, coffee and sugar. There was also a Service Pack under the sink with washing up essentionals – bin bag, j clothes, scourer, washing up liquid, a couple of tables for the dishwasher and a couple for the washing machine.

Luxury bedroom After investigating the lodge and checking out who was having which room we decided it was time for dinner which was a home-made affair. There seemed to be a problem with the tv so we walked down to Reception to inform them, they told us that they would contact IT. No-one came or called so while Liam watched Fireman |Sam on our dvd player I caught up on my science homework. One thing I realised is how much I reply on the tv for company when Liam goes to bed.

Tuesday started with breakfast and sunshine!!! Liam had a swimming lesson booked for 10.30 so we packed the bag and headed down to the pool, stopping at the playground on the way. Liam and I played on the see-saw, Liam played on the swings and climbing frame but couldn’t do the zip wire as he was too young. There are also tennis courts adjacent to the playground and a golf course on the other side. The playground is suitable for children
aged 7-8 but ages 5-6 were able to use it with supervision.

Splendid kitchen area We then headed down to Reception to see if they had managed to get hold of IT, unfortunately they didn’t answer their phone so the lady on Reception said she would send them an email. I notice that my booking for dinner was for 5pm but the Restaurant wasn’t open until 6, luckily the lady changed my booking for lunchtime

Swimming didn’t turn out quite as expected because the lesson was part of a package and badges had been awarded the week before so underwater photographs were being taken. We still managed to have fun though and the swimming instructor suggested booking a lesson for later in the week. I thanked her but told her that Liam and I would be leaving the following day. She also offered to go through some pointers there and then but I told her that it wasn’t a problem that we were quite happy as we were.

After swimming we went back to the lodge to discover that the tv was working fine and that the shower screen had been put back on it’s runners (I’d reported this in the morning). This resulted in a happy mummy and a very happy Liam.

Liam enjoying soft play We took a slow walk to the Loop Restaurant and once there were greeted by a welcoming and friendly member of staff. He asked where we wanted to sit and as Liam seemed enthralled with the FlowRider we decided to sit right in front and watch the fun. I ordered the house burger and Liam wanted pasta with cheese and peas. Unfortunately, once we had order the staff member came over and informed us that there were no peas and would broccoli be ok. As Liam eats broccoli at home I agreed it would be fine.

The Loop Restaurant had a good selection on the menu, was very reasonably priced and decent portion sizes. There was also a good choice for children with daily offers and specials on the menu.

After lunch we went for a short drive and on our return decided to see if the FlowRider was up and running and for Liam to play in the soft play area. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting and watching the participants on the FlowRider while Liam equally thoroughly enjoyed the soft play, luckily there was only one other child playing there, it’s quite small but big enough for Liam to have fun!!

Smiler - liam loving the swing We went back to our lodge and chilled out for the evening enjoying the comfort of the lodge. Check-out was relatively easy, we just handed back to keys and headed off into the sunset.

To sum up the Lodge was absolutely beautiful but I was concerned that Liam being an adventurous 3 year old would break something, especially the fine bone china!! At home Liam uses the same plates etc as me but I would only let him use the child proof plates. I especially liked not having to use my own towels and wished that I had know before I went that Retallack provided them, it never occurred to me and I brought my own!! I would return to Retallack although the distance from my home in Sussex makes it unlikely that I would do so, it’s a long way on your own with a chatty 3 year old. The weather was fab for October and I would say that in the summer the Resort would be lively with plenty of activities for the children.