With its French-provincial architecture, award-winning cuisine, relaxing day-spa and luxurious rooms, I was ready to move in to Spicers Clovelly Estate Retreat and stay for good!
Climbing the lush green mountain range driving through the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, we could feel the air temperature slowly cooling.
Nothing says ‘welcome to the country’ more than the occasional roadside fruit and veggie stands with hand-made wooden boxes and tin cans and jars for honour payments.
There is something refreshing about a country getaway. The crisp mountain air, the endless stars that light up the night sky and the quiet country roads interspersed with charming cafes and boutique stores.
And then of course you have the anticipation of a break spent in luxurious country-style surroundings.
As we arrived at Spicers Clovelly Estate Retreat, it was clear that this was going to be an extraordinary stay.
Shaded by the blooming jacarandas on the walk towards the main house and reception, we were treated to the fragrant ambience of the jacarandas, magnolias and gardenias – a perfect backdrop to the French-provincial style homestead in country Queensland.
Here is some of what I discovered during a four-day stay.
Beautifully appointed rooms
Blending the modern with the traditional, each room type features comfortable French style furnishings for an elegant but relaxed look.
We chose the traditional Spa Suite for our stay. Features included a king-size bed, Bemboka blankets, mini-bar, free Wi-Fi and luxury Appelles bathroom amenities. The marble bathroom included a large soaking spa bath,and the heated floor and towel racks were a wonderful touch.
Other room categories include:
Deluxe Spa Suites offer contemporary European décor with spacious and generous floor space, plus a separate lounge area with Bordeaux armchairs.
Estate Suites have their own sitting areas, Bay windows, outdoor terraces, private gardens and decks.
The French Cottage features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, full kitchen, front and back verandahs, in-ground outdoor spa and an open plan living area, making it ideally suited for friends or family getaways.
Beautifully appointed with French furnishings, the cottage allows full use of the property’s amenities, or allows you to simply disappear into your own private sanctuary.
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Spa Anise
If you’re anything like me, you can’t walk pass a day spa without peeking inside for a quick inspection and menu perusal.
Spa Anise provides a range of massage and facial treatments using Waterlily products. Inside, you’ll find marble and timber flooring, as well as a large corner spa with private outdoor courtyard.
Try the Spa Trinity package, a 1.5 hour treatment that combines three of the more popular treatments – a 30-minute massage, Petite Spa Facial and a mini Botanical Barefoot Indulgence – the perfect signature sampler and luxurious mid-afternoon escape.
The Long Apron Restaurant
Head chef for the Spicers brand, Cameron Matthews, oversees the talented Spicers Clovelly Estate team which is led by British chef, Chris Hagan. Together, the talented duo deliver a range of European-inspired menus that take advantage of locally sourced ingredients and freshly grown produce found right on the property.
The dining experience at any Spicers property is an important part of your stay. The Long Apron offers a complete a-la-carte menu. If in season, try the locally line-caught Snapper with beets and fennel fresh from the restaurant’s garden.
For a real dining treat though, try the unique tasting menu with matching wines, and with any luck, the Carrot gnocchi with spanner crab, bisque and carrot miso will be on the menu. Simply divine!
The Long Apron has collected several awards, including:
- Two Chef Hats in the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, Queensland Good Food Guide,
- Two Chefs Hats in the 2015 and 2016 Australian Good Food and Travel Guide Chef Hat awards
- Ranked in the Top 100 Restaurants in Australia by The Australian Gourmet Traveller
With this many awards and wide recognition, your tastebuds are in for a real treat!
Retreating to the mountains
Tucked in mountain farmlands, Spicers Clovelly Estate Retreat is located between the charming villages of Maleny and Montville.
A visit to one or both townships should be included on your itinerary to enjoy a traditional country Devonshire Tea, stroll the boutique shops, or just to take a slow and leisurely walk around the parks or gardens.
Other nearby attractions:
Kondalilla Falls – this cool mountain retreat set in the Blackall Range features a 90-metre tall waterfall with swimming hole- Eumundi Markets – Sunshine Coast’s most popular markets with clothing, arts, crafts, food and jewellery is open every Wednesday and Saturday
- Local wineries – Flame Hill Vineyard, Castle Glen Australia and Mason Wines are all within a few minutes drive
- Mooloolaba Beach – 30min ‘down the hill’ will see you in the popular beach areas of Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Maroochydore and Coolum.
