Retreat East

Reviews of Retreat East

Retreat East

Brick Kiln Farm, Sandy Lane, Ipswich, IP6 9QE, United KingdomSee Hotel Details
Retreat East
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Guest Reviews

8.3/10
Very good
47 Reviews
Verified reviews
Location8.3
Amenities8.3
Service8.3
Cleanliness8.3
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Positive reviews(28)
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Negative reviews(12)
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jan 6, 2026
Lovely night away, my mum booked this for my 30th. It was a lovely night break. We stayed in the shepherds hut it’s full of whatever you will need tea, coffee, water, milk and biscuits. We chilled read our books spent our time in the hot tub, saunq and steam. We did hire bikes for the morning but we woke up with snow! Bev and the other ladies at reception were very accommodating helping with recommendations. We also had dinner and breakfast there which both were nice. Overall great stay for one night!
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jan 6, 2026
Wonderful experience staying in a shepherds hut on my own for a night for a mini retreat. The hut was beautifully designed and so cosy. Snuggled up by the fire reading a book, drinking tea and eating the delicious homemade cookies. I went over to the beautiful restaurant for a fabulous roast dinner. The staff were all really friendly, particularly Beverley on reception and the maintenance guy who came to help me with the wood burner as I couldn’t get it going. Lovely views from my hut across the field and it was an absolute bonus waking up to snow in the morning. I would totally recommend a stay here. The shepherds huts are small (as is to be expected) so ideal for a solo traveler or a romantic break for a small couple!
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jan 4, 2026
We stayed in one of the Shepards Hut’s which was perfect for a few nights away. Done to a good standard, spotlessly clean (despite pets being allowed) and a very comfy bed. All staff were excellent, very friendly and provided a great service. The food, despite being fairly expensive was local and of very good quality. Portion sizes were great and I always left feeling full. The included continental was pretty good also. Spa facilities, whilst limited were a nice added bonus. Unfortunately on our visit the spa receptionist was unavailable meaning there was considerable confusion around accessing the facilities etc. Only one changing room for the treatment rooms, spa facilities and hot tub wasn’t ideal as it meant our valuables got locked in the changing room whilst someone else used them. Far from ideal. Some external lockers would provide a good solution I think. I would recommend more details/instructions once you book online about where to go, whether to come already in your robe etc. Extra clarity would certainly help regarding making the whole experience more relaxing. The bikes were also poorly maintained meaning you couldn’t cycle any great distance. No helmets available and again no pre warning you need to go via reception to advise you’re taking them. Despite this we enjoyed using them, albeit just down the hill. Despite my criticisms I think these things are relatively minor and could easily be resolved. Overall it was a great stay away and I would really consider returning later in the year.
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jan 3, 2026
My second time visiting this time solo so a different experience. The staff are fantastically friendly and helpful I instantly felt at ease and was able to relax and have a wonderful time. I ate great food and enjoyed the huts log fire and facilities. My big bouncy dog was made most welcome throughout my stay. I will be back for a third visit for sure . Thank you
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
8.0/10
Very good
Posted on Jan 3, 2026
We went for two nights as a family for NYE and overall the stay stay was lovely. However for the price, there are a few improvements that could be made to really make this a 5* resort. We stayed in The Stables which was lovely and cosy, but small details like no hooks anywhere to hand coats, no sockets next to a mirror, decor was a bit tired and could do with a re-paint, especially in bathrooms which were showing signs of water damage. Also place was SO hot we virtually had to keep our front door open all the time as the thermostat wasn't really making any difference. Food was amazing and service nice and friendly. A great place for dog lovers as you can take your dog everywhere and were very welcome. NYE was a great big dog disco!
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
2.0/10
Posted on Jan 3, 2026
Arrived for coffee, not a very friendly welcome, with only bopne table occupied finishing breakfast. Sat at a larger table and waited and waited for our coffee or at least someone to take an order, eventually a young girl appeared and cleared the table of the previous debris, ordered coffee again, waited and waited, still no sign of anything, so one of us went to find a waitress, a very nice elderly lady came and took the coffee order, "have you any pastries" we asked, we have some croissants came the reply, "we'll have 3, one each please" the croissants came, still no coffee, then the butter came, then some jam appeared, then eventually x 3 luke warm coffees. We certainly will not return
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
8.0/10
Very good
Posted on Jan 2, 2026
My boyfriend booked a one-night stay for my birthday on 29th December, and we stayed in The Sty Cabin, which was cosy and comfortable. The surrounding grounds offer some lovely walks, which were ideal for us and our dog. There were, however, a few areas that could be improved. We paid an additional £25 for our dog, which included a bed, bowls and treats, but the bed provided was far too small. There was also a light not working in the hanging space area. The outdoor bath was a nice feature and enjoyable to use, although no bubble bath was provided. This may seem minor, but when paying almost £500 for one night, it’s the small details that make a difference. I enjoyed an express facial treatment, but the location of the treatment rooms felt quite strange. Being situated within the main restaurant meant guests were asked to wait in the corner of the restaurant in their dressing gowns. The restaurant service felt quite chaotic, with a number of menu items unavailable and our starters arriving before our drinks. While a continental breakfast is included in the price, I do feel that at least a few hot options should be included given the overall nightly cost. We arrived for breakfast at 9am and found that items such as fresh juices, glasses and yoghurt took a long time to be replenished or us guests had to raise with the staff that items were finished. I also ordered the French toast, which appeared to be the same as the bread and butter pudding I had for dessert the night before, which was disappointing. Overall, the stay itself was lovely and has a lot of potential, but unfortunately the price point feels too high for the overall experience delivered.
Guest User
Stay Date Dec 2025
Other
4.0/10
Posted on Jan 1, 2026
Booked a birthday spa on the 30th December which turned out to be a big disappointment. From the car park, the signage is confusing as the direction to the reception is not for the spa it’s for people staying in the accommodation. Lady in this reception gave us vague directions as to where to go, we wandered off heading for the Christmas tree she told us to look for, which turned out to be inside the barn restaurant, not visible from outside. No clear direction or spa signage to tell us we were in the right place and embarrassingly walked past people using the hot tub, this was the direction the path took us.. The spa it turns out is attached to the barn dining area. I say spa, it’s not, it’s a small area with a cloakroom to change in, one sauna, one steam room, (which we had to notify staff was flooded), and a hot tub which you have to walk outside in the elements, pass diners in the barn to get to. Not much fun on a rainy day and why no door directly from the spa? . No proper instruction when you get to the hot tub either other then press a button when you get there? The tub was nice but had not been cleaned as there were abandoned towel and slippers on the chairs. After the spa, we had a nice afternoon tea in the barn but unbeknown to me, my friend had requested a surprise birthday dessert, it didn’t come. The lady in charge, took off the pricey Prosecco as compensation. In summary, I’ve had many spa experiences but sadly this one is the most disappointing, especially as it was one I wanted to try out for a birthday treat. It may be a nice add on for people staying in the accommodation but for day visitors it certainly isn’t worth the money or the visit.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Dec 29, 2025
Retreat East is the perfect ,warm Christmas hug! It is so relaxing and the staff are unfailingly thoughtful and attentive. The Great barn its restaurant , and its huge Christmas tree are the perfect welcoming hub . Our barn was spacious, cozy and warm. It felt like a home from home. The walks through the Suffolk countryside were a perfect way to spend an hour or two enjoying the replenishing solitude of the area. A great way to restore energy after another busy year in the office. We love this place and will return again and again.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
8.0/10
Very good
Posted on Dec 24, 2025
We had a lovely and comfortable stay overall, with good service throughout. The food was enjoyable, particularly breakfast and dinner, which we both really liked. There are, however, a few areas for development. The spa “waiting room” is currently located within the restaurant area, which felt awkward and uncomfortable for both guests dining and those waiting for spa treatments. A more private, dedicated space for spa guests would greatly improve the experience. The gym equipment was quite limited and there is clear potential for Retreat East to invest further in this area. Expanding the gym and developing additional leisure facilities could attract more visitors, including non-residents. For example, a bar or relaxed seating area for evening drinks outside of the restaurant would be a welcome addition. Finally, while our room was comfortable, we did experience an issue with ladybugs and flies, which detracted slightly from our stay. We stayed at Retreat East for 2 nights and our room was not made up for our second night. It was explained to us that the rooms are not made up every day however, it would have been great to be have been provided with fresh towels without having to ask. Overall, a pleasant experience with lots of potential for improvement.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
4.0/10
Posted on Dec 24, 2025
Second visit to Retreat East. First was for a Sunday roast and it was fantastic. This time was for a 38th wedding anniversary , that they were aware of, and could not have been more different. The main meal was plain, poorly presented and the patatoes cold and tasted of old oil. Vegetables and the salad was just lumped into a bowl, without any thought of presentation. Had to wait 30 minutes and then had to call someone over to serve us for desert. Several other patrons returned food. Waiters stood close to our table discussing the customers just being difficult when they sent food back. Found it unprofessional. Contacted the venue but they did not even bother to respond.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
2.0/10
Posted on Dec 22, 2025
Disappointing experience. A table for breakfast was booked 3 weeks in advance to celebrate a birthday. Confirmed booking again on the day as we added a extra person (only 4 of us in total) We had been looking forward to this. On arrival we were left standing in the dining bar area without acknowledgement making us feel as though we had wondered into the wrong venue. A waitress eventually approached us and when we explained we had a booking the waitress looked shocked and pointed at a table and said "that table has just been wiped you can sit there" no welcome, no courtesy and no sense of hospitality at all. We were then rushed through ordering, and told to hurry and that the drinks order will be taken after. The food arrived fairly quickly, although the beans on the full breakfast were cold and missing some items that the menu stated would be included. Despite this being a birthday breakfast we were made to feel like an inconvenience, particularly as the dining area was actively being cleared around us while we were still eating, the atmosphere was uncomfortable, the service inattentive and abrupt and the overall experience fell well below expectations. For a venue of this reputation, Retreat East delivered no welcome, no atmosphere, extremely poor service and very disappointing first impression. Will not be returning and looking at the other more recent reviews other feel the same.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
2.0/10
Posted on Dec 18, 2025
Absolutely shocking!!! Was looking forward to our Christmas afternoon tea, please see photos of what we received, was definitely nothing like what was advertised. Service was non existent. Had 2 friends really ill because there allergies were not adhered to.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
6.0/10
Posted on Dec 16, 2025
The service in the restaurant was very poor. We were asked for a drinks order without being given a drinks menu and were told there were only two beers on tap, despite there being more available. Food was served over the head of a baby — thankfully nothing was spilled. No one came to take a drinks order during the meal, and there was a long wait between the starter and the main course. There were also no serving spoons provided for the side dishes or shared sauces, which were placed in small dishes for the table. Hot side dishes were repeatedly placed in front of the babies, who of course do not understand that they are hot and tried to grab them, forcing us to handle the hot dishes ourselves. On a positive they did give us extra gravy for the table and the food was nice. This is a second visit in the last 4 or so weeks and if the service doesn’t get better don’t think we would go back, which is a shame as we use to really like it and recommend to friends and family.
Guest User
Stay Date Nov 2025
Other
2.0/10
Posted on Dec 14, 2025
We visited as a group of 17 people for afternoon tea and were extremely disappointed by both the service and the food. To begin with, only four pots of tea were provided for 16 people, which was clearly inadequate. Service was over 40 minutes late, even after we asked for it to be served at a specific time. From the first serving of afternoon tea to the last, there was a 15–20 minute gap, meaning some guests were left waiting while others had already finished. Throughout this, we were made to feel like an inconvenience rather than valued customers. There were also serious issues with allergens. We had guests who required gluten-free and vegan (dairy-free) options, and despite assurances, both allergen customers became unwell within hours of eating. This is extremely concerning. Several items that were advertised or expected were missing, including: Baron tart Brandy butter Chocolate Baileys deluxe No apology or alternative was offered. The vegan and gluten-free “scone alternative” was a dry carrot muffin, which was completely incomparable to what was served to other guests. Gluten free sausage roll no replacement and only 2 dry crumbly sandwiches served. Normal sandwiches were hard on the edges so obviously been out a while! The mince pie on normal afternoon tea was rock solid and overcooked. Photos clearly show the difference between what was advertised and what actually arrived. Additionally, items such as the ginger bite were missing their topping and were very dry. We attempted to resolve this directly with management. Leyton ignored follow-up emails, and although Max, the General Manager at retreat east, called, he stated he could not authorise refunds and instead offered to invite only 4 people back out of a group of 17, which felt dismissive and unreasonable given the scale of the issues. One of our gluten free guests couldn’t make it and photos attached of what takeaway for them. £32! This is an honest review. We genuinely hoped management would take our feedback seriously and resolve the situation, but it appears customer concerns are simply ignored rather than addressed. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this experience based on the poor service, missing items, allergen concerns, and lack of accountability.