Retreat East

From what we had seen on social media to actual reality was not at all the same. All in all a very disappointing stay, one that we were so looking forward to. A cold welcome, no logs for the log burner, poor service in the restaurant, a dirty bunged up sink full of black hair, not worth the money at all. Will not be returning. Such a shame as could be wonderful if more attention to detail.

Stayed in the farmhouse as a group of six girls in October as a long weekend together and whilst we enjoyed our weekend together we were a little bit disappointed with the accommodation. The farmhouse is lovely and understand it’s a very old building but several aspects of the house are completely filthy and need a clean. I emailed customer care when I got home over a month ago and haven’t heard anything back. Horrible cobwebs everywhere (which I understand could happen in an old building but this just clearly hasn’t been cleaned properly in a long time), cigarette bits outside the patio door, filthy remote control, water marks over all walls in the bathrooms and mould in the freezer. Sofas are also quite marked which doesn’t really scream the luxury retreat this is meant to be. There is a window smashed in one of the bedrooms as well and a huge crack in the floor in one of the bedrooms/ ceiling of the kitchen so you can hear everything in one room from below. I would say six adults is probably the max you can fit comfortably without being too cramped. We paid £15 each for breakfast each night of our stay which is not worth it for the continental option!!! The plates aren’t even big enough to fit a slice of toast on and there are very limited options and doesn’t even include a ‘proper coffee’ from the menu. Asked the staff several time to replenish the yogurts and everything was so slow. Some of the group ordered hot food for an additional cost which took 45 minutes to come and it wasn’t busy. Also ordered smoothies which took 30 mins to come as the bar staff had ‘lost the ticket’. So after already paying £15 for breakfast + £4 + £5 smoothie + hot food I noticed on check out they added 13.5% service charge when we received less than average service. I’m not surprised I didn’t hear back via email as when anything was raised to staff it didn’t seem urgent or looking to provide good customer service unfortunately. I would also advise not to come just for a spa day especially in colder months. There is no where to sit and wait apart from the restaurant when a group is in the sauna and steam room area you have to be quiet due to being right next to the treatment rooms.

My sister and I were purchased a spa day for a thank you gift. The day started with a smoothie shot which was delicious. Followed by exclusive use of the outdoor hot tub and facilities. (Sauna, steam room, ice bucket & showers) We then got showered and ate lunch in the barn in our gowns. Lunch was amazing. We had the roast beef fried Capers, Cornichons, Crispy Onions and mustard dressing and a chicken club sandwich and fries. We were asked to fill out a questionnaire which would allow them to choose the correct products for us. We then had the most relaxing 60 min massage and 90 minute facial. They had thought of everything. The bed was heated, bolsters under your knees, weighted blanket on top of you. Eye mask to cover your eyes and the perfect relaxing music. We had Lucy & Andrea as our therapists and they were amazing. Talked us through everything before we went in and checked a couple of times if the pressure and heat was ok. The massage alone will have us travelling the hour journey back again. This really is such an amazing retreat and will we definitely be coming to try out one of their cabins. Perfect for a couple of friends/ family or a couple.

We stayed for 2 nights in The Coop. Lovely room, spacious with nice decor & comfy bed. As for the downsides, while appearing to have a full kitchen (& plenty of space to do so) it’s just a toaster, fridge & sink - there’s no way to heat up food which is a complete miss & just quite frustrating. The outdoor bath is lovely but the decking is green & covered with algae, the outdoor furniture + cushions were green & no one would want to sit on them. As for the bathroom, there’s no space or shelf for you to put any make up or skin care on & there’s a rainfall shower but no separate hose for when you don’t want to wash your hair. Given the price tag, £350 per night, I don’t think it’s good enough to have blankets from Dunelm & fake plastic green trellis up in the outdoor space or supply such a small amount of firewood (enough for 2/3 hrs) & then charge for more. In addition, the included breakfast was a poor continental offering of croissants, bread, cheese and yogurts. Again, for £350 a night, everywhere else I’ve stayed would include a hot breakfast buffet or made to order dishes. Lastly, I’d tried to contact the “spa” to book in via email ahead of our stay but got no response past my first email so we didn’t experience. All the staff were lovely & kind but unfortunately, for the price, Retreat East feels a little rough round the edge compared to similar properties like Farmstead Lodges, The Pig, The Ffolkes etc.

My wife and I had heard so many positive things about Retreat East that we decided to have a long post valentine weekend stay, even though it was a mere 15 mins away. When we arrived we had a lovely lunch before checking in. The self catering lodge we stayed in was beautiful and spacious and the four poster bed was exceptionally comfortable. The lodge was more than warm enough, but we lit the log burner at night to add to the cosy ambience. On one day we went on a local hike. There is an abundance of well maintained footpaths, so plenty of options for a distance to suit your needs, and everywhere was so picturesesque. We also made good use of the spa, undergoing treatments and used the steam room, sauna and hot tub. The friendliness, thoroughness and helpfulness of the staff is one of my residing memories, whether that was at reception, or in the spa or restaurant. We shall return.

Lovingly converted barns & outbuildings, make for a private & secluded retreat. Extensive walking trails, bikes on hand & even a small spa space, make staying on the grounds easy but near enough to good golf & the Ipswich towns nightlife & restaurants, to make this an ideal base for a holiday, mini break or event. The restaurant, The Great Barn is outstanding. We went back for a second dinner after a phenomenal first. The vegetable consume was the best i’ve ever had. Nice piece of Hake for my main & duck for my partner, perfectly matching sides, with the potato hey (which we had as a starter) standing out. Everyone very friendly.