Winter....the season synonymous with fireplaces, a glass of wine and curling up with a good book. Whilst we generally think of 'getaways' as sunshine, beaches and the outdoors, winter can be just as powerful as a season to escape the daily grind and recharge. After all we've already worked hard for half the year, we deserve some R&R don't we?
So do something for yourself this winter and make some time for you - here are our top 5 Winter Getaways this season.
1. Scenic Rim - Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale QLD
The highest non-alpine Lodge in Australia, Spicers Peak Lodge sits high in the Scenic Rim, only a 1hr 45mins drive from Brisbane but a world away from the hustle and bustle. All rooms are well appointed with luxurious bedding, fireplaces and your own porch to sit and take in the expansive views of the Scenic Rim. You'll also want to spend time in the main lodge area maybe for a pre or post dinner drink or even just to read and relax. For the more active travellers, there is a great selection of walking trails, a tennis court & heated infinity edge swimming pool with one of the best views you'll ever experience - a must at sunset! For those looking to be pampered, the onsite Spa Anise has a menu of treatments that will ensure you feel revitalised and relaxed during your stay.
Dining is also a key highlight at Spicers Peak, with Dean Alsford at the helm as Executive Chef you can be guaranteed every meal will tantalise your taste buds with a key focus on local and seasonal fresh produce.
All Inclusive Getaways for 2 nights this winter start from $1299 per person and include all meals, beverages (alcoholic and non alcoholic), 1 hour massage per person and signature turn down service on 1 evening. To add an extra level of luxury, helicopter transfers are also available.
2. Barossa Valley - The Louise Luxury Lodge & Appellation Restaurant
The Barossa Valley is an amazing destination at any time of the year and in winter it certainly delivers as a perfect short break.
Our pick is The Louise Luxury Retreat with it's luxurious boutique accommodation, country outlook and outstanding facilities including Appellation - the multi award winning restaurant headed up by Executive Chef, Daniel Murphy. For something special why not join the Chef's at the Barossa Farmers Market on a Saturday morning where they will buy you a coffee and introduce you to some of the best producers South Australia offers (bookings essential).
Of course the Barossa is famous for it's big, bold wines and when you have cellar doors from the likes of Grant Burge, Penfolds and Hentley Farm just to name a few, there is enough choice to keep your days full! Hentley Farm is also an amazing destination for lunch, with their award winning Discovery Menu including matched wines, an experience not to be missed! Note: we can organise transfers.
On top of wineries there is a myriad of activities in the region such as cooking schools, hot air ballooning or even head out on one of the amazing walking trails in the region (and ask the Louise to pack you a picnic basket).
2 Night packages start from $575pp including Breakfast
3. Daylesford - The Lake House
Just under 90mins drive from the heart of Melbourne sits Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, also know as 'Spa Country'. With some of the best Day Spa's in the country, spectacular scenery and luxurious accommodation options, a Winter Getaway is perfect for travellers looking for true relaxation and a little pampering.
The Lake House is the jewel in the crown and a true icon in the area. Sitting on 6 acres of picturesque lake frontage land it's beautiful, inspiring and welcoming all at the same time. Rooms are all appointed beautifully, each with it's own individual style creating a feeling that you are truly a 'guest' for your stay.
The onsite restaurant which is overseen by Co-Owner and Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM, has long been a leader in regional dining. A 'ground up' philosophy ensures the menu's are designed with home grown or locally sourced fresh and sustainable produce often picked or sourced that same day. In house guests are given preference for reservations however booking in advance is essential to experience this culinary must.
On-site facilities including a heated pool and spa, tennis court, walking trails, day spa and cooking school mean you will never have to leave however if you choose to, it is a fantastic location to explore the local scenery and food and wine culture.
2 Night Gourmet Escapes start from $775pp including accommodation, country breakfast daily, a la carte dinner on the first evening and Signature Tasting Menu including matched beverages by the glass on your second evening.
4. The Blue Mountains - Emirates 'One&Only' Wolgan Valley
A scenic 2.5hrs drive from Sydney and you arrive at the Luxurious Wolgan Valley in the Blue Mountains. Owned by Emirates and a key property in the 'One&Only' Luxury Brand Portfolio, a stay at Wolgan Valley is the perfect escape for guests searching for relaxation and connecting with nature.
A key focus on conservation and sustainability saw the property be the first hotel in the world to be accredited as carbon neutral by Carbon Zero, and the team at Wolgan Valley continually deliver a perfect combination of luxury and sustainability. Whilst the Lodge and Villas are luxurious and homely, the surrounding natural environment is the real highlight with an abundance of wildlife and breathtaking scenery that can be admired on the many trails either by foot or horseback.
As you can expect, dining at Wolgan Valley is impressive with a commitment to fresh, regional and where possible organic produce to create a culinary experience to be remembered.
Your free standing Villa will ensure you never want to leave with your own private pool, double sided fire place and deep soaking bath with country views for miles.
2 Night Winter Wonderland Packages start from $2295pp including accommodation in a Heritage Villa including Private Pool, Gourmet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily, Selected Regional Beers and Wines with Meals, Non-Alcoholic Beverages and in-villa snack bar, 2 daily on-site activities, 60 minute pampering spa treatment for one, Signature Wildlife and Sundowners Tour, evening Mulled Wine and Marshmallow Toasting.
5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland - Spicers Tamarind, Maleny
Set in lush rainforest on the banks of Gardeners Falls, the first thing you will notice is the sense of tranquility with the only sound coming from the many species of birds who call this beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast home.
Spicers Tamarind offers luxurious stand alone villas, well appointed with all the usual Spicers touches, all with fire places and outdoor cedar hot tubs or spa baths, perfect for a winter getaway.
As always, food is a key focus and the team led by Head Chef, Dan Jarrett offer up an inspired Asian-fusion menu in a casual and friendly environment that seems perfectly aligned to the core approach to the retreat. For those looking to take their culinary journey to the next level, the onsite Cooking School is a must with regular classes designed around bringing the best of Asian cuisine to life.
A visit to Spicers Tamarind is not complete with a little pampering at Spa Anise. The full range of treatments on offer combined with the surrounding rainforest seem to combine in a way takes relaxation to the next level!
2 night winter packages start from $559pp including breakfast daily and a $100 credit to the Spa or onsite Restaurant.
For more information or to check availability please contact us at info@mindandbodytravel.com and we will design the perfect winter getaway to clear the mind and nourish the body.
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