Luxury lakeside retreats in Scandinavia

From the moment you flip the bedside switch for the shower to come on and heat to exactly the right temperature before you leave your luxurious double bed, you know that you have left behind the world of rush hour traffic and frantic work life.

Of course, you could choose instead to sink into the elegant bath at the other end of the bedroom and look out on your private veranda, complete with luxury hot tub, barbeque area and reclining chairs. The private sauna? You can always try that later.

This is Rowan Lodge, the most exclusive of nine stunning 4 Star Scandinavian holiday lodges nestled in seven acres of landscaped grounds and tranquil fishing lakes at Eye Kettleby Lakes near Melton Mowbray.

Designed with couples, friends and families in mind, the lodges are ideal for a romantic break, relaxing getaway or an exclusive fishing holiday.

As soon as you enter the genuine round log cabins you are at once struck by the relaxing scent of pine and the exceptionally high standard of the interiors.

All of the self-catering lodges have open plan lounges and fitted kitchens, giving a light and spacious feel to the interiors and some exceptional views onto the lakes and rolling hills. All of the lodges come with underfloor heating, gas stoves and private hot tubs, with the luxury lodges also having plasma televisions with surround sound, saunas and supersize beds.

Then of course there is the welcome bottle of wine or bubbly. If you are lucky enough to have booked a lakeside lodge it’s the perfect excuse to pop the cork and enjoy the sunset over the lakes. If you don’t fancy self-catering, you can visit the on-site restaurant, which offers fine dishes to tempt guests and locals alike, all served in the surroundings of the magnificent log cabin clubhouse.

The eight coarse lakes (including a specimen carp lake) and 52 peg canal style match lake are a big draw for fishing holidaymakers. Cabin guests have their own private lake as well as access to another seven lakes shared with Public Day ticket holders

For those that prefer to shop than fish, the site is only a few minutes drive from historic Melton Mowbray and Leicester, Derby and Nottingham are also within easy travelling distance.

There is also plenty of scenic countryside to enjoy, with walks around renowned local beauty spots such as Rutland Water, and pet owners are welcome at Willow and Sycamore Lodges for those in search of a pet-friendly holiday.

It’s a testament to the success of Eye Kettleby Lakes that from starting with only four lodges in June 2006 it has already more than doubled in size with plans for another 5 Star lodge.

The brain-child of former farmers Joe and Lizzy Lomas, Eye Kettleby Lakes is a family run business, which has set itself apart by offering a luxury retreat with a personal service.

Site owner Lizzy Lomas says: “It is wonderful to find that people are enjoying their visit to Eye Kettleby Lakes so much that they are rebooking sometimes several times a year. We only have one lodge available for next May Bank holiday and are already taking bookings for Valentines Day in February. It is also proving popular with international visitors from Australia, Canada and the Netherlands, who often stay at the site while visiting relatives and exploring Leicestershire’s historic towns and countryside”.

Readers interested in finding out more about Eye Kettleby Lakes can view its 1, 2 and 3 bedroom lodges and lakes on a virtual tour at Eyekettlebylakes.com.