Retallack Resort & Spa, Winnards Perch, Cornwall

Set in the Cornish countryside, Retallack Resort and Spa offers something for every member of the family.  It’s difficult to know where to start as there are so many aspects to staying on this resort and each one is worthy of mention.

As you make your way down the drive to reception the views are stunning. Rolling hillsides with a few wind turbines dotted about in the distance ensure you can start to unwind before you even reach reception! The check in process is quick and efficient. Most people probably just want a map to find their lodge but reception staff are only too happy to help with any other questions or issues guests may have . We found all of the staff approachable and willing to help in anyway they could, they even took delivery of an Amazon package for us! There is a small shop located next to the reception area selling holiday essentials which is very useful if, like us, you forget you need milk and bread whilst passing the local supermarket and arrive home empty handed! 12 & 14 year olds got used to cycling up to reception to do a bit of shopping for us!

Our lodge was beautifully situated overlooking a lake. It was clean and well furnished with everything a family would need so no need to pack high chairs or cots as they have thought of everything, including stair gates. Toddler even had his own plastic cutlery, plates and cups too. The accommodation on site includes 1 bedroom hotel suites, 2/3/4 bedroom Classic or Superior lodges and 2/4/6 bedroom Premium lodges so they really do cater for everyone. Each lodge has its own hot tub too.

All accommodation is equipped with pot, pans and utensils to ensure you can create masterpieces within the comfort of your own holiday home. We were treated to a culinary delight by our older 2 children during our stay and Husband and I cooked too, but the restaurant provides a good choice of menu should you wish to ditch the oven and head to ‘The Lookout’ for a bite to eat. Most meals can be ordered to takeaway  which was great for us because  after an exhausting day out toddler was so tired he just wanted his bed. Once the bedtime routine was finished & he was tucked up dreaming about his day, the rest of us ordered a takeaway instead of going out. This provided great flexibility. On other evenings we did enjoy eating in ‘The Lookout’. The staff looked after us very well & the food was well presented and tasty. We appreciated quick service too. Toddler can go from being calm to screaming for food in the blink of an eye. Its worth noting too that the restaurant serves breakfast until 11am. On our departure day we packed the car, left the lodge and enjoyed one last breakfast before heading home. The children and I would recommend the pancakes and husband would definitely recommend the full English!

Out and about on the resort you will find plenty of activities for all. A huge lake is home to the inflatable Aqua Park, Wakeboarding and Zorbs. There is a man made beach too. We found this very useful for Toddler especially when our 12 and 14 year old were flinging themselves around on the Aqua Park. Picnic tables and a cafe selling hot snacks and a good choice of drinks means guests could easily spend a few hours down by the water.

For a more sedate experience then head to the spa. They offer a good choice of treatments which are all reasonably priced. The staff are friendly which makes for a much needed and relaxing couple of hours.

If the water park whetted your appetite for more adrenaline action then Flowrider is a must! Located outside the restaurant it provides entertainment for both those taking part and for those capturing the action on cameras and phones . The Watersports team are amazing guys. From providing the right size wet suits to ensuring everyone in the group, whatever their ability, enjoys their experience this team is the best!

We occasionally call Toddler ‘Chunk’ due to the fact he is only 3 but very tall and 20 kg! This meant he was lucky enough to be able to participate on Flowrider along with Husband and older 2 children . Obviously he wasn't sent to ride the waves on his own, he was in the very capable hands of Jack, one of the instructors. Initially I wondered whether he would get splashed in the face and decide it wasn't for him, but how wrong could I be! His little face lit up and under Jack’s careful watch his first Flowrider experience was magical! He was hooked! In fact, his first words to me the next morning were, ‘Mummy can I put my wetsuit on please?’ Flowrider is open to anyone over 107cm tall and, although I haven't been brave enough to take on the challenge, it looks like huge amounts of fun. A great way to make memories with the family.

As a couple, Husband and I would opt for a G&T on our balcony, a meal or 2 out, a dip in the hot tub or a swim in the 15m indoor swimming pool located next to Flowrider and perhaps a visit to the spa, (or gym for Husband!). As a family, we put the children first and try to find activities they will love. We were spoilt for choice at Retallack. We met up with Jo who manages the entertainment on site. There is a weekly programme of entertainment for kids which include: silent discos, UV glow parties, movies on the beach under the stars & quiz nights to name but a few. An activities timetable is available too and this includes: Archery, Fencing, Woodland Survival and a Treasure Hunt plus lots more throughout the week. There is also a well equipped creche. Children can be dropped off for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of 4 hours and will be able to play with huge amounts of toys, get musical with instruments or do some arts and crafts. The creche garden offers the chance to dig in the sandpit or create some mud pies in the muddy kitchen. Jo is a wonderful lady and I'm sure she is a very valued member of staff. She went out of her way to ensure our children had an unforgettable experience.

We spent a whole afternoon with Jo. Starting with Husband and older 2 children enjoying archery. Toddler was kept at a safe distance in the creche. He particularly enjoyed painting, glueing and sticking and playing outside in the mud kitchen. The rest of the family got competitive with their bows and it was 12 year old who was victorious when the final scores were added up!

Next was the Crazy Karts. these were huge fun with only one drawback - the weight limit meant Husband and I couldn't have a go! The children managed some speedy manoeuvres and Toddler ended the session perfecting his spinning ‘donuts’! After this it was Toddlers‘ turn with a bow and arrow. The arrows had suckers on the end of them so no one would be injured should Toddlers’ aim wander. He managed to hit the target a few times under the guidance of Jo - she was very patient - but his favourite game was shooting the arrows into the Sky! Luckily he had 12 and 14 year old to retrieve them from across the activity area! Jo suggested we try the treasure hunt. She told us it was a great fun filled activity and she wasn't wrong! Each clue had a riddle to solve, which our older 2 enjoyed, plus there was a picture on each board which corresponded with a picture on the map. Toddler enjoyed matching the 2 pictures and running on ahead to find the next post with another clue! They were all rewarded at the end when they found the treasure chest! Toddler will tell you this was one of his favourite activities.

At the time of writing this review, (July 2019 ), the resort is going through a period of expansion. There is ongoing construction work which means lorries and plant machinery can be seen from certain points around the site. It did not in any way detract from what was a fabulous holiday. At check in we were given a letter explaining there was work going on around the site and vouchers to spend for any inconvenience it may have caused. The staff were on hand to answer any questions we had & the work commenced at a reasonable time each day with no real noise. It is an exciting time for Retallack, its staff and guests. The expansion will ensure families and couples enjoy an enhanced holiday experience with new lodges being built, more restaurants and bars and extra children's activities. Plans also include a big expansion of water activities too. I believe Retallack offers so much for all at the moment, but the future looks bright and it will bring a new dimension to a resort that already offers the chance to kick back and relax, make some memories &, if you are braver than me, step out of your comfort zone and get your adrenaline pumping!

*This is not an ad! All opinions & experiences are my own.*

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