Cast aside those visions of L-plates, whipped cream and dodgy dares at your local pub or that costly trip abroad. Head into the heart of Cornwall for a luxurious girlie break at Retallack Resort. The Wed team pays a visit...



Arriving at Retallack Resort, a glade of luxurious escapism nestled amidst a sublime corner of Cornish countryside, I felt the chatter of the working week subside as a weekend of fun, indulgence and relaxation with my gal pals beckoned.

The cluster of lodges overlooks a lake, a stretch of fields and the heights of Bodmin Moor beyond. There was a chorus of “oohs”, “aahhhs” and “OMG – Iook at the view/hot tub/bedroom!” as we explored our eight-berth lodge, marvelling at the delicious luxury of it all. Contemporary, stylish and endlessly comfortable, there were two large living rooms, a series of plush bathrooms, snug beds piled with crisp linen and huge windows flooding the rooms with natural light. Mod cons included flat screen TVs and DVD players, a kitchen diner (stocked with supplies) and a hot tub on the decking, making it the cosiest of boltholes for some downtime.



We had barely been there for ten minutes before the chink of wine glasses could be heard emanating from our balcony as we fired up the barbecue and toasted our arrival with a feast of beef burgers and hot dogs washed down with wine. As night fell and the stars punctuated the velvety darkness, we ran across the decking in our bikinis amidst a fair amount of shrieking – it was winter, after all – and slipped into the heavenly bubbles of the hot tub beneath a full moon. Perfect.

After a restful night’s sleep and a cooked breakfast, we were ready and raring to go to Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre in Newquay the next morning. Well, perhaps raring to go might be an exaggeration. Despite partaking in a fair few adrenaline activities during my post-university travels – sky diving, glacier hiking, kayaking and the like – now, teetering on the edge of 30, I’ve found I’m somewhat less willing to throw myself from great heights or enter roaring rapids. But the team at Lusty Glaze brought a fun and light-hearted spirit to the morning’s activities and we found ourselves abseiling down an 80 ft cliff (admittedly with a jitter or two on my part) and then, most exhilarating of all, zip wiring off the cliff and hurtling across the beach – a shot of fresh air, elation and adrenaline shooting through my veins, with awesome views across the spectacular coastline to boot.



With a varied programme of activities, such as coasteering, surfing, rock climbing and the ‘I’m a Sea’lebrity’ package, Lusty Glaze Adventure Centre has a challenge for anyone who wants to test their fear factor, while the hip new bar provides a chilled spot to sup on cocktails and ocean views for the less adventurous.

With heads and lungs coursing with fresh salty air and the cobwebs safely cleared, we returned to Retallack for the part of the weekend I was most looking forward to: the spa session. I opted for hot stone therapy and, as the therapist kneaded my muscles into delicious submission, my mind slipped into the mellow climes of pure relaxation. Followed by a dip in the resort’s swimming pool and a recline in the sauna and steam room, an afternoon of shameless indulgence was had – and thoroughly enjoyed – by all.



Although each and every one of us would claim not to be a girlie girl, that evening we found ourselves indulging in an obligatory game of ‘snog, marry, kill’ after a few glasses of Pimm’s, munching on pizza over dating game shows and Jake Gyllenhaal movies and a singsong of Take That and Les Misérables classics in the hot tub beneath a blanket of stars.

After a blissful weekend, a cloud lingered over my mind as we reluctantly packed up the next morning and made our way back to reality – and it wasn’t just the alcohol. This heavenly hen package should come with a warning – cliché-ridden as it might be, you won’t want to leave.


Enjoy a dose of adrenaline action at Lusty Glaze Beach
The Adventure Centre
Lusty Glaze Beach, Newquay
01637 872444 www.lustyglaze.co.uk

The Luxury Hen Weekend
The package includes three nights five star accommodation, use of the leisure facilities and a barbecue and breakfast pack. The hen receives a free Decleor treatment up to the value of £50 and all guests can enjoy a tension therapy massage for the discounted price of £19 each.
Price £69 per person
Retallack Resort and Spa
St Columb Major, Cornwall
01637 882400 www.retallackresort.com

words Rebecca Matthews

Copyright WED Magazine 2010