Cosy Winter Getaways Just a Car Ride Away
Cold weather? More like cuddle weather.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to kiss goodbye the days of sandy feet and salty hair. At least for now, beach days are pretty much off limits (unless you like ice baths). Cool weather brings with it the excuse to be outrageously lazy and retreat into hibernation until the weather reaches an acceptable 25 degrees. Weekends are spent huddled under a blanket, our eyes fixated on a never-ending stream of Netflix.
Image: Giphy
Little did you know that just an hour away (or two at the most) awaits the most extraordinary thing you’ll do all season. Enjoy a long weekend of deep relaxation and all the snuggling a girl could ask for, without any of the hassle of a long haul holiday. No plane flights (or heels for that matter), necessary!
Pethers Rainforest Retreat, Tamborine Mountain
Remember when you were a kid and you begged your mum to let you sleep in your treehouse? Well, now you can do it in style. Pethers Rainforest Retreat is an intimate collection of luxury treetop cabins that will have you feeling like Tarzan’s Jane in no time. Wake up to the soothing sounds of the rainforest and enjoy your hand-delivered basket of brunch on the balcony. Spend the day discovering the outdoors, exploring local antique stores and stopping by a winery (or three) for a quick tasting, then come home and relax in your very own treetop bubble bath and settle in for a truly cosy night lounging in front of a crackling fire. Sounds heavenly, right?
Amelie’s Petite Maison, Montville
A dreamy Parisian cottage situated in beautiful Montville, Amelie’s Petite Maison is the perfect cure for your winter blues. Rustic, shabby chic interiors straight out of one of your Pinterest boards will have you feeling like a pensive Provence-based poet in no time. Forget all of your work worries, grab your special someone and a glass of rosé and soak in the serenity of rolling rural hills and a much-needed breath of fresh country air. Run with the theme and splurge on some sneaky French waffles from the breakfast buffet and an array of flavoursome, locally-sourced cheeses later on in the afternoon. C’est magnifique!
Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale
A photo posted by Spicers Peak lodge (@spicerspeaklodge) on Jun 2, 2016 at 12:37am PDT
Spa weekend anyone? Make the trek up to Spicers Peak Lodge, the ultimate romantic retreat, and unwind for the weekend. Opt for a cosy little loft or a luxurious private lodge and lap up lavishness like you’ve never experienced before. Stressed? Treat yo’ self and indulge in their unparalleled spa treatments. Keen for some adventure? Why not take an exhilarating helicopter ride? Oh and don’t forget to keep an eye out for some little visitors – of the wallaby variety, that is! Can we get an “Awwwwwww”?
Mango Hill Farmstay, Peachester
Experience farm life in the best possible way: little to no manual labour and a whole lot of cuddling adorable animals and chowing down on fresh produce. Need we say more? Whether it’s just the two of you or you’ve got the kids in tow, Mango Hill is the ultimate way to spice up your ordinarily lacklustre weekend routine. Stay huddled up in your room or venture out and see the sights – the choice is yours. But one thing’s for sure: you certainly won’t regret this out-of-the-box getaway. We’re willing to bet you’ll be back for more.
Byron Bay Beach Houses, Byron Bay
A photo posted by Byron Bay Beach Houses (@byronbaybeachhouses) on Jul 8, 2016 at 11:32pm PDT
The beach in winter? Didn’t we already decide this was a no-go? WELL, it might seem peculiar but in fact one of the beautiful places to be when the temperature drops is by the ocean. Forget surfing and sunbaking; prepare for a welcome weekend of walks on the beach, lunch by the water, drives through the countryside and afternoons at the markets. Curl up in your stunning private beach house and watch the waves roll in. Enjoy all your favourite parts of laidback beach life with the added bonus of no crowds, no sunburn and no sweat. Sounds pretty damn good to us.
Sirromet Winery, Mt Cotton
A photo posted by Lisa MacKenzie (@lisamackenzie84) on Apr 2, 2015 at 11:25pm PDT
Sleep amongst the wine. We’ve all had that dream. Sirromet Winery is renowned for its impeccable wines, breathtaking vineyards and crowd favourite functions (a day on the green – so awesome). But did you know you can stay there? Snooze peacefully in the most tranquil of spots, nestled among the grapevines, right where you know you’ve always wanted to be.
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