Nature’s Symphony: Exploring the Wildlife at Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque French countryside, the Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Discover the Future of Family Holidays in France at Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort

Are you dreaming of the perfect family holiday in France? Or perhaps you’re searching for a second home in a beautiful, serene location? Look no further! Introducing the Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort in central France, your soon-to-be ultimate family-friendly destination. Nestled in the heart France between the gorgeous Haute Vienne and picturesque Creuse regions of the Limousin, our resort promises a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation for families. While our resort is still under construction, we are excited to share what’s coming your way. Exciting On-Site Activities for Kids Get ready for an array of engaging activities designed to keep children of all ages entertained and active. Here’s a sneak peek at what will be available: 3 Musketeers-Themed Indoor Soft Play: Our indoor soft play area will bring the adventures of the Three Musketeers to life, offering a fun and safe environment for kids to explore. Splash Park: A water wonderland perfect for cooling off and having fun in the sun. Adventure Playground: Featuring slides, swings, and climbing frames, this playground will be a paradise for children. Treetop Adventure Park: For the thrill-seekers, our treetop adventure park will offer exciting zip lines and obstacle courses. Embrace Nature and Outdoor Fun The natural surroundings of our resort will provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities: Nature Hikes and Cycling: Discover scenic trails ideal for hiking and cycling, offering breathtaking views of the French countryside. Pony Trekking: Experience the charm of pony trekking, a delightful activity for children and adults alike. Fishing, Row Boats, and Pedalows: Enjoy peaceful moments on nearby lakes with fishing, rowing, and pedal boating. Delicious Dining Options We will offer multiple on-site dining options to satisfy even the fussiest little eaters. From casual snacks to gourmet meals, our restaurants will ensure everyone in the family finds something they love. Luxury Accommodations: Your Future Home Away from Home Our luxurious apartments, currently under construction, are designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience. When completed, these elegant apartments will be perfect for families seeking a permanent retreat in the heart of France. Explore the opportunity to own a piece of paradise with our exclusive apartments for sale, making Halcyon Retreat your home away from home. Special Experiences for Kids To make every family holiday special, we’re already introducing our fun activity book for kids. This little book is jam-packed with fun and interactive challenges so that there’s never a dull moment on your visit. Pick one up at reception and take part in our all-new Fairy Trail Scavenger hunt! Own Your Piece of Paradise: Contact Us Today! Stay ahead of the crowd and be the first to experience the magic of Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort. To learn more about our luxury apartments and receive updates on our progress, contact us here. Don’t miss the chance to own a home in one of France’s most anticipated family resorts! Make Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort your family’s dream destination. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest developments and be the first to know when reservations open!
How to Achieve Maximum Occupancy in Your Holiday Let

Owning a holiday let can be a rewarding investment, but ensuring your property is fully booked throughout the year is key to maximising returns. What does it take to achieve maximum occupancy? From location to amenities, several key features can significantly impact how attractive your property is to potential guests. Here are 10 crucial elements that can help boost your holiday let’s occupancy rate: 1. Proximity to a Major City Appeal to Urban Travellers: Properties located within a two-hour drive of major cities attract urban residents seeking quick weekend escapes. As of 2023, 56% of European travellers prefer short-distance trips within their own country. Changes in work-life balance have fuelled this trend, with many looking for nearby retreats without the complications of international travel. Post-Pandemic Travel Habits: The COVID-19 pandemic intensified this trend, with 65% of travellers in 2021 expressing a preference for destinations close to home. Families and professionals, in particular, appreciate easy-to-reach holiday destinations for quick, stress-free getaways. 2. Year-Round Activities and Events Steady Occupancy Rates: Holiday properties offering a range of activities throughout the year can maintain 15-25% higher occupancy rates, especially during the low season. Locations near local festivals, sporting events, and seasonal activities like hiking or indoor winter pursuits create consistent demand. 3. Nearby Water Major Draw for Families and Couples: Properties situated near lakes or coastlines are highly desirable, particularly for families and couples seeking a relaxing escape. A survey by VisitBritain found that 75% of travellers consider access to natural water features a crucial factor in their holiday decisions. Whether it’s swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenic views, proximity to water offers a range of activities that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Wellness Tourism Boost: The calming ambience of lakes and beaches contributes significantly to wellness tourism, as visitors seek stress relief and rejuvenation by the water. These serene environments provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and leisure. 4. Fine Dining Options Higher Spending: A Skift study revealed that over 40% of travellers are willing to spend more on dining experiences while on holiday. Properties located near high-quality restaurants can cater to food enthusiasts seeking culinary experiences. Influence on Decision Making: According to Statista, 68% of travellers consider nearby restaurant quality a key factor in their choice of destination, making fine dining a valuable feature for your holiday let. 5. An Attractive Property or Great Views Visual Appeal and Bookings: Properties with unique architecture or beautiful views stand out in online listings and attract more guests. A Tripadvisor study found that homes with impressive views and aesthetics saw 20-30% more inquiries than similar properties. High-Value Perception: Properties that photograph well, especially in social media marketing, can command higher booking rates. Platforms like Instagram play a significant role in influencing bookings, particularly for visually appealing properties. 6. Super-Fast WiFi Essential Amenity: A Statista survey showed that 88% of travellers consider fast and reliable WiFi a must-have. Whether for remote work, streaming, or staying connected, modern travellers expect high-speed internet as standard. Remote Work Trend: The rise of remote working has increased the demand for properties with strong WiFi. Airbnb reports that listings marketed as “work-friendly” saw a 30% boost in bookings post-pandemic. 7. Easy Access and Parking Guest Convenience: Easy access and ample parking are essential for guest satisfaction. A 2019 TripAdvisor report found that 62% of guests cited parking convenience as a top priority when choosing a holiday let. Higher Ratings and Repeat Bookings: Properties with straightforward access and parking receive 10-15% higher ratings. Satisfied guests are also more likely to rebook, boosting occupancy over time. 8. Pet-Friendly Accommodations Growing Demand: Pet-friendly properties are increasingly popular, with 53% of travellers more likely to book accommodation that welcomes pets, according to a HomeAway survey. Offering pet-friendly amenities allows you to tap into a wider guest base and increase bookings. Revenue Boost: Pet-friendly holiday lets can charge 10-20% higher rates, as guests are willing to pay extra to bring their pets along, particularly if you provide pet-specific amenities. 9. High-Standard Décor Justifies Premium Pricing: High-end décor helps justify premium rental rates. A Tripadvisor study found that guests are willing to pay up to 25% more for properties with stylish interiors. First Impressions Matter: Well-designed properties with professional photographs see 24% more bookings, according to Booking.com. Good décor enhances the guest experience and helps secure higher prices. 10. Outdoor Relaxation Spaces Appeal to Nature Lovers: Properties with outdoor spaces such as gardens, terraces, or patios are more attractive to guests who love spending time outside. A survey by Airbnb revealed that 39% of travellers prioritise access to outdoor spaces when booking their holiday. Higher Reviews: Properties with outdoor relaxation areas often receive higher guest satisfaction ratings and can command 5-10% more per night, especially in nature-centric destinations. At Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort, our properties check all of these boxes and more. Conveniently located within easy reach of Limoges and its international airport and Paris and Bordeaux via fast train links, our resort offers seamless access for domestic and international visitors. Boasting stunning views, high-end décor, and over 60 planned onsite facilities—including a premium golf course, luxurious spa, and a range of family-friendly activities—our holiday homes are perfectly positioned to maximise occupancy. Plus, situated in France’s “Land of 1000 Lakes,” guests can enjoy nearby sandy lakes and world-class dining options. Whether it’s a summer retreat or a winter escape, our properties ensure an unforgettable experience for all. Visit our website today to explore our exceptional holiday homes in the heart of France
A Retreat for All Ages: Multigenerational Holidays – Halcyon Retreat Golf & Spa Resort – France

In an ever-evolving world, the allure of multigenerational holidays continues to grow, each year witnessing a surge in their popularity.
Celebrations and Events at Halcyon Retreat – Halcyon Retreat Golf & Spa Resort – France

Beyond being a haven for families seeking a relaxing retreat, our resort takes immense pride in being the perfect venue for hosting special events
A Visitor’s Journey: Unforgettable Moments at Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort

When we received an enthusiastic email from one of our cherished holiday homeowners, sharing the incredible time they had spent with their family at Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort, and exploring the local attractions, we couldn’t help but be intrigued. Their heartfelt message expressed a desire to ensure that our other clients and readers could benefit from their invaluable recommendations. Eager to delve deeper into their unforgettable journey, we reached out to hear all the details… What we received was a beautifully written account, brimming with genuine admiration and we decided the best way to present their experience was to share it exactly as they had penned it. So without further ado, we proudly present to you a first-hand account from one of our esteemed holiday homeowners, who stayed at our resort and fell head over heels in love with their time here. We hope you enjoy the read. A Visitor’s Journey During this visit, we were pleased to have more time to explore the surrounding area than we had in the past. It proved to be a remarkable experience as we discovered lots of activities for kids, and families all within one hour drive of the resort. We fitted so much in, from a vineyard tour to another chateau boasting beautifully exotic gardens, children’s amusement parks, plus a zoo and aquarium. With the “eyes and soul” of both a tourist and family father, I can see that the area caters exceptionally well to families with children and offers engaging experiences for older generations as well. And the best part? These places aren’t overcrowded like in Paris or Bordeaux. Let me share the outline of our memorable trip, which was cherished with my wife, our 7-year old, and my Mother. Limoges Aquarium Just 30 minutes away by car, we spent our first day in the Limoges Aquarium, an intimate place with a very dedicated staff who spoke great English. We particularly enjoyed the fact that we were given the opportunity to feed the fish, big and small, and were able to dip our hands in the water to feel them. We have been to other huge aquariums, but this was indeed exceptional. Limoges Limoges is a wonderful medieval city with lots to explore. While time didn’t allow a visit to the porcelain collection, we highly recommend exploring the Limoges Cathedral and the old Butcher’s Quarter. Charming cafes and restaurants fill the square offering a delightful setting to take in the city’s history. The Saint Martial Commercial Centre houses all the essential brands and the small food court on the first floor offers lots of beautiful and delicious pastries. This indoor shopping centre would be a great visit on a rainy day. Freeriland On our second day, we visited Feeriland just outside Limoges. This fun family-run theme park is filled with fascinating exhibits featuring historical miniature models that range from the Roman Empire to the “Wild West” Cowboy Land. There’s also a park with lots of games to play, inflatables, and even a bamboo forest to explore. Each visitor receives an intriguing quiz (available in English, too) which is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged while exploring the models and park helping to sharpen their observation skills. Auberge de Veyrac Not far from Freeriland, we stumbled upon this delightful café and winehouse called Auberge de Veyrac. Even my mother, who isn’t really into wine, couldn’t resist taking a sip of their amazing Merlot house wine. It was that good! This place seemed to be a hit with the locals, and we were fortunate to snag a table for lunch. The ambience was charming and the food was delicious. It was the perfect spot to relax and indulge in some local flavours. Domaine does Gabies Just a hop away from the Chateau, we found a lovely vineyard managed by a lady who specializes in two main grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. We couldn’t believe our luck when a couple of friendly French-American tourists happened to be cycling through and ended up graciously acting as our interpreter. Talk about perfect timing! It turned out that booking a viewing was mandatory, but once again, luck was on our side, and we secured a spot. The vineyard treated us to an incredible wine-tasting experience, where we had the chance to sample their exquisite wines and purchase our favourites. The best part was that the vineyard boasts the most stunning views of the river below. It’s no wonder the wines here are so exceptional – the cooler temperatures by the water in this picturesque setting must contribute to their distinct flavours. The Cazine Lakes, Noth and La Souterraine Some beautiful nature trails surround and run through the Halcyon Retreat Resort. We had a lovely time meandering the beautiful lakeside area where my mother could find edible herbs. We got chatting with an elderly local who was proud to tell us about the beauty of his hometown. He told us about several fishing areas in the village which sounded fantastic. We found the locals to be very friendly and I even found a cafe owner who spoke to me in fluent Italian and could give me lots more information about the area. La Souterraine is also a lovely village with its own charms. There are several shopping centres including a Carrefour with a very good wine selection, mostly from Bordeaux, but also from Bourgogne. Chateau de Losmonerie We also had the pleasure of visiting the Chateau de Losmonerie, situated right next to the Vienne river. We struck up a conversation with the owner, who took us on a tour of the magnificent botanical garden filled with exotic plants from around the globe. He personally tends to each plant with great pride and was eager to share his fascinating stories with us. Inside the Chateau, we embarked on a guided tour that allowed us to delve into the history of the different rooms. The highlight came at the end when we discovered a
Books to Pack for your Holiday in France

Book suggestions that will make a great addition to your reading list, perfect for whiling away the hours in our idyllic French countryside.
International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Inspirational Women behind the names of Our Hotel Rooms

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Halcyon Retreat and learn about the inspirational women behind the names of our hotel rooms.
The Benefits of Company Retreats: Why Your Company Should Plan One

Experience the benefits of a company retreat with Halcyon Retreat. Our luxurious accommodation and range of activities offer an opportunity for your team to bond, communicate, learn, and recharge in a beautiful setting. Improve motivation, boost morale, and enhance your company culture.
Big Plans for the New Year

Discover the latest sustainable, creative and pet-friendly tourism trends at Halcyon Retreat Golf and Spa Resort. From eco-friendly building techniques to unique cultural experiences, we have something for everyone. Join us in our mission to promote sustainable travel and experience the beauty of our region.