A few weeks ago I had the absolute pleasure of a night stay at Basement Retreat Tynemouth. This brand new holiday let is right in the heart of Tynemouth village, and offers a secluded, relaxing stay for two, with everything you could need for a luxury coastal escape right on your doorstep. Available for bookings now, here’s what you can expect from a stay at Basement Retreat.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary one night stay at Basement Retreat Tynemouth for the purposes of this review.

I was one of the first guests to stay at the apartment, so I was met by the owner at the entrance to the apartment. It doesn’t have a designated parking spot, but your stay does come with a permit so that you can park anywhere in Tynemouth, including Front Street, so not far at all. 

Dianne showed me around, and we had a really good chat about the apartment, her vision for it and what she wants guests to experience when staying here. Spoiler; she’s nailed it. If you follow them on Instagram you will have seen how stunning it looks from the photos, and I can honestly say it’s just as beautiful in reality.

Checking in to Basement Retreat Tynemouth

My check in was in person, and walking in I was immediately met by the most gorgeous spa scent that just filled the whole place. What the beautiful photos on Instagram don’t show you is how it makes you feel. 

Being there it was instantly relaxing, and despite being so central with the world of shops, pubs and bars on the street above, you honestly feel a million miles away and like you’re in a spa. 

I was given a quick tour of the place, including all the technology, gadgets, and how things work – it’s very modern and has everything you could need including Wi-Fi, radio and Bluetooth speaker, easily controlled heating, TV etc at your fingertips if you want them. 

Personally I didn’t, it was too tempting to be able to just switch off from the second I arrived, but they’re all integrated into the space so that you barely notice they’re there, and they don’t detract from the earthy, natural feel of the place.

I was then given a foot spa with salts, a chocolate brownie and a matcha latte to sit and enjoy while we had a bit of a chat. Dianne is a qualified spa therapist, and it really showed in the whole experience, both of my check in and the apartment itself.

She explained to me that part of the questionnaire I had to fill in before my stay was so she could tailor the check in experience to what I wanted from the stay. I’d had a really busy week moving and starting a new job, so planned to relax and she made sure that was the case from the instant I got there. 

If people prefer self check-in that is available too, but basically it’s very personalised to give a unique experience to every guest depending on who is staying. This includes the welcome hamper that every guest will find in the kitchen, including treats from Woods cafe, and the type of milk you drink waiting for you in the fridge. 

Basement Retreat Apartment Tour

On to the apartment itself, you can see how stunning it is. A real retreat like nothing I have experienced anywhere else, the attention to detail in every aspect of it is incredible. 

The main room when you enter is the bedroom and living area, with a huge big comfortable bed, dressing table complete with Dyson hairdryer, and lighting that you can set to how you choose. 

The black shutters match the walls, which you can open to allow daylight in from the street above, but really the atmosphere of the place I found it better to keep them shut. It wasn’t dingy at all despite all the dark walls, it was really unique.

The furniture is all wood and leathers, weaved baskets, a yoga mat and a meditation cushion. Dotted about are chunky leather photography books of local attractions, and unique pieces that combined make it a total rustic retreat. It’s honestly gorgeous. 

The sideboard under the TV is home to the coffee machine, which has a full range of coffee pods to choose from, and there’s fresh ground coffee and a selection of teas available too. I couldn’t begin to tell you all the details, flavours and combinations, but they’ve thought of everything for every taste.

Up the step and through to the kitchen and dining area, again all in theme with the decor there are so many more details that make the Basement Retreat so special. The dining table is the centrepiece, set for two with matching plates, cutlery and glasses, and everything you could possibly need in the cupboards and drawers if you wanted to cook yourself. 

On to what for me was the highlight of the entire place, the Basement Retreat bathroom.

Through sliding doors you can see the huge feature tub, with details like the bath salts in a little bowl on a stool next to it, matching towels on the rails and over the bath ready for you, two soft robes and slippers, and a big double shower. All of the toiletries you might need are provided – Aesop of course, and candles lit.

All of it combined, with so much thought into the decor and amenities make it the most tranquil space. 

I’m not usually a bath person but it’s the first thing I did, and again it just felt like an out of this world spa experience. Time slows down in there, and you just feel like all the stresses of the real world disappear. 

I went out for dinner in Tynemouth the evening of my stay, as everywhere is under 2 minutes walk, there’s obviously some amazing food places and bars to enjoy right on the doorstep, but to be honest if I had known how relaxed I’d feel after my bath I would have ordered in and not left at all.

There is a little outside snug area just outside the front door, sheltered from view from anyone, and comes with blankets and a heater. 

I had the best nights sleep, complete with an eye mask that was left by the pillow. Everything came with a little handwritten note telling you what it was and how it fit with your experience. An unmatched level of personalised service.

The following morning, I was offered breakfast delivered to my door, so a hot latte and croissant turned up, but there was a big choice you can choose from. Alternatively you could make your own or go out into Tynemouth, it’s all up to you.

I left the Basement Retreat feeling like a new person. I know how much I sound like I’m totally fangirling, which I am – no shame at all, but it really was an incredible stay in a beautiful apartment. I couldn’t tell you a negative, and Dianne was keen for me to tell her if there were any so she could fix them but there genuinely wasn’t.

I may have been invited for a review, but I would go back again and again, and pay full price in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a luxury night away, or somewhere special for an occasion then it’s perfect for that.

I think the best thing about it is how much they care about your visit, why you’re there and what you want to get out of it. Everything is tailored to you so if you book, really take the time with the questionnaire you are sent about your trip. It’s not just admin it has a benefit, and it’s this extra mile that makes it such a memorable stay. I’ve been telling people about it for weeks since.

I know people will ask, so to let you know they aren’t dog friendly, and I can see why considering the furniture, so you can enjoy a night off from your furry friends, and there are some minimum stays but full details are online.

If you’re interested in booking a stay at the Basement Retreat Tynemouth, visit their website here to book, and also make sure to follow them on Instagram as they’re always sharing offers and little updates worth knowing. You can also find more photos and videos on my Basement Retreat Instagram highlight here.