Cheetahs Retreat

Cheetahs Retreat is a wood-clad, three-bedroom lodge at Crossways, near Dorchester and close to Warmwell. The lounge, kitchen and dining area share one room finished in lime green, with a wood burner, a Smart TV, a breakfast bar with two stools and bi-fold doors. The kitchen has ovens, a gas hob, a dishwasher, a fridge and a freezer, and a WC is downstairs.

Upstairs, a super-king-size bedroom has an en-suite shower room and a TV, and there is a double and a bunk room. The family bathroom has a bath, a shower and a WC. A deck outside has furniture and a picnic table, and the lawn beside it is not enclosed, so children and dogs need watching.

Up to three dogs are welcome, with additional charges that may apply. Parking is for one car beside the lodge, and further cars go in the main car park. The shop and pub are 0.5 miles away, and the beach is 6.5 miles. The site has a spa with a heated outside swimming pool, a sauna and a cold plunge, a restaurant, and water sports, mountain biking and fishing. Equipment can be hired between Easter and October half-term, subject to availability and weather. Some leisure sessions must be booked in advance, and some carry charges.

Access to the pool and spa is payable on arrival, and a refundable security deposit is paid direct to the site. The lodge suits a family of up to six, or friends sharing, who want a deck, a wood burner and the lakeside facilities nearby, with a dog or two along.