Ah, Summer. There’s no better time of year to embrace nature and the outdoors.
Still, the extreme temperatures and sweltering city air can get even the most devoted sun worshippers a little hot under the collar. At some point, we all need a break.
Why not beat the heat this summer under a cool canopy of trees?
Spicers Retreats offers a true escape from the unrelenting sun because every property is situated in a beautiful rural or scenic mountain setting where the temperatures, along with the pace, drop considerably.
Unlike the beach, a trip to your nearest Spicers Retreat can be anything you want it to be. The properties all combine the pleasures of a 5-star country retreat with the outdoor fun of a nature reserve.
A Mountain Top Retreat
Try swapping the surf for the mountains at Spicers Peak Lodge in Queensland’s beautiful Scenic Rim. Just two hours from Brisbane, this mountain top getaway is Australia’s highest non-Alpine lodge.
Here, the guest lounge fireplace roars year-round. Enjoy the sweeping views on the deck and sip your favourite cocktail or wine before enjoying a 5-star meal in the private restaurant.
Fill your day with an array of activities. With hiking and biking trails, a tennis court, and a sculpture trail, there’s plenty to explore. If you prefer, relax in your lodge suite, in the library, or choose from a full menu of treatments at Spa Anise. And of course, what’s a retreat without a pool and jacuzzi? Soak your cares away as you admire the mountain views.
Address: Off South Branch Road, Maryvale, Scenic Rim, Queensland
More info: www.spicersretreats.com/spicers-peak-lodge
Rainforest Tranquility
Another cool and relaxing spot to beat the heat is Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the lush Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Nature is on your doorstep at Tamarind with the beautiful Gardeners Falls located at the back of the property.
But it gets better because the elegantly appointed villas are designed to bring the outdoors in. With private viewing decks, the rainforest can be enjoyed right from your front door. Depending on the villa you choose, there’s either a deck spa, a daybed, or table setting.
When you’re not out enjoying nature on foot or on Tamarind’s mountain bikes, Spa Anise is on hand for a spot of pampering. Offering facials, a hydrotherapy room, steam room and five types of massage, there’s a different treatment to enjoy every day. When it comes to beauty products, the professional therapists at Spa Anise use only luxurious Australian made Waterlily products.
Like every Spicers Retreat, food plays an important part in the experience. The award winning restaurant features the freshest ingredients, many grown right on the property. Every Spicers has its own unique character and at Tamarind, the focus is on Asian cuisine.
Tamarind extends its foodie flair by offering guests cooking school courses. Expert chefs guide students in the preparation of a range of cuisines in state-of-the-art facilities.
Address: 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Queensland
More info: www.spicersretreats.com/spicers-tamarind-retreat
MORE SPICERS RETREATS STORIES…
- A long lunch in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- Sydney’s hottest new boutique hotel – Spicers Potts Point
- Interview with Spicers founder and owner – Jude Turner
Raise a Glass in the Vineyards
Just two hours from Sydney, Spicers Vineyards Estate is a place where great food and great wine come together in the rolling bushlands of the Hunter Valley.
With vineyard views from Restaurant Botanica, the wine theme is very much inspired here. Set on eight acres, Spicers’ private vineyards offer a great escape for food and wine lovers.
And with its own private wine cellar, fine dining restaurant and guest lounge, the indoor atmosphere is as relaxing as the scenery outdoors. Explore the native bushland on hiking and biking trails or relax in the swimming pool or hot spa.
As for accommodation, every room and suite features vineyard or mountain views.
Address: 555 Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, New South Wales
More info: www.spicersretreats.com/spicers-vineyards-estate
