Inside The Reeds at South Lodge: Britain’s Standout Luxury Eco-Lodge Retreat
Picture waking up with sunlight pouring through huge windows, not just any view, but 93 acres of rolling Sussex countryside and a mirror-still lake right outside your door. That’s what guests get at The Reeds at South Lodge, a small but ultra-exclusive collection of eco-lodges that’s got everyone buzzing since it opened in 2024. Think of it as glamping, but on another planet—one where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword but baked into every inch, without skimping on any of the five-star trimmings.
The design alone makes a statement. Felce & Guy—yes, the same folks who designed South Lodge’s spa—pulled off something special. The lodges have two storeys and are all about biophilic design. So, there’s tons of greenery, and the open-plan layouts turn the border between indoor and outdoor into a suggestion, not a rule. Every lodge serves up prime lakefront views through enormous glass fronts. Inside, Beverley at Sparks Studios worked her magic, focusing on natural and recycled materials that feel plush rather than preachy. You’ll spot features like reclaimed wood, eco-friendly stone, and clever lighting. The sustainability angle isn’t just for show, either; The Reeds is a certified B Corp, pushing the hotel world’s eco credentials in the right direction.
If you’re wondering what makes it more than just an eco-lodge, the answer is in the details. Each lodge gets its own copper whirlpool bath with a direct line of sight to the lake—perfect for a soak before breakfast or a nightcap under the stars. Some of the spa lodges even come with infrared saunas on the terrace, making them a dream for wellness junkies. Bathrooms are decked out in marble, with huge tubs and rain showers that wouldn’t be out of place at a top spa. Every inch is screaming indulgence.
A Guest Experience Engineered for Total Escape
The Reeds isn’t about flashy lobby scenes or crowded breakfast buffets. Instead, it’s about quiet, thoughtful touches. Breakfast? Delivered to your lodge door in a basket, loaded with fruit, warm pastries, and all kinds of goodies. There’s a hatch, so you don’t even have to chat with anyone before coffee. Your minibar comes stocked with local beers and classic sodas, while the in-room kitchenette means you can whip up a snack or store leftovers from last night’s feast at The Pass—South Lodge’s Michelin-starred restaurant run by chef Ben Wilkinson. If you want something more relaxed, Botanica is on hand for casual but refined countryside fare and great wine pairings.
Service goes fully 21st-century here. Once you arrive, a staff member sets you up on WhatsApp. That’s how you book spa treatments, arrange a buggy (the affectionately named ‘Reeds-mobiles’) to shuttle to the hotel’s restaurant, or just ask for another bottle of something cold. Even bad weather won’t slow you down—guests are zipped around in these electric buggies, keeping things quiet and eco-friendly. Privacy and service don’t often go hand in hand, but somehow here they do.
The activities are just as tailored. You can join guided wild swimming sessions—yes, lifeguards included—complete with branded gear to keep you warm. Or, if you’d rather stick to dry land, the on-site vineyard offers tours and tastings. There are swing seats scattered around for lazy afternoons, and for those who need accessibility, at least one lodge is designed to accommodate everyone without cutting any corners on the luxury front.
It’s impossible to ignore the impressive sustainability efforts—bamboo cladding on the exteriors, toilets flushed with collected rainwater, air-con units running on heat pumps. And each lodge is named after a local plant or animal, building a story that connects guests straight back to the land around them. Bi-fold doors blur the line between inside and out, opening onto private verandas with plush furniture—another place to soak in the view or just unplug.
Now, about the price: £1,200 a night for a lake-facing lodge, and £1,400 if you go for the private sauna setup. If you want the South Lodge experience for less, the main hotel starts at £465, but those ultra-private, glass-walled hideaways are in a league of their own.
At The Reeds, it’s more than a hotel room. It’s like getting an upscale country home for the weekend, but with a dedicated concierge team, top-notch food on call, and nature literally at your doorstep. No wonder it’s rapidly staking its claim as the UK’s most exciting—and possibly best—hotel stay.
