As the U.S. continues to experience summer heat and long days, our friends on the other side of the equator are geared up for their snowy retreats. Travelers can escape the summer heat and head to Victoria’s winter wonderland with these five cozy accommodations in Victoria, Australia. From wellness retreats with warm mineral baths to secluded cottages in the mountains, treat yourself to a restful and rejuvenating getaway.
Here are a few options:
Hepburn Spa Retreat: Located in the cozy town of Daylesford and surrounded by the Macedon Ranges, the Hepburn Spa Retreat is the romantic mountain getaway that you and your loved one have been looking for. With an emphasis on wellness, the Spa Retreat is located in the Mineral Springs Reserve and is within just steps of the iconic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa. Enjoy a luxurious bath in your exclusive spa and choose from a large selection of Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa’s high-quality mineral bathing salts to complete your indulgent experience. The Hepburn Spa Retreat has put a thoughtful touch into their lighting, which mimics our natural circadian rhythms with an open, modern space allowing warm natural light to flood the space. At night, escape the cold and curl up on the couch with a glass of Macedon’s famous Shiraz. From elegant villas with scenic views of the bushland, to the surrounding village full of warm springs and cozy bars, the Hepburn Spa Retreat is the perfect rejuvenating escape for you and your partner.
Drift House: (pictured) If you’re in search of a luxury boutique hotel with your experience customized to your own liking, look no further than the Drift House, located in the scenic coastal town of Port Fairy at the end of Australia’s famous Great Ocean Road. The Drift house features six king suites, a custom reception room, as well as “The Salon,” a serene garden pavilion boasting spaces for both dining and lounging for guests. Every king suite is designed with high-quality king beds, down duvets with your choice of pillow, and large contemporary bathrooms with walk-in rain showers. Book at the Drift House today to experience a blend of both history and modernism, with a luxurious twist.
Yering Gorge Cottages: For a cozy, secluded nature escape, check out the Yering Gorge Cottages. Housed within Yarra Valley and surrounded by the Yarra River, bushland, and the Great Dividing Ranges, you’ll have the unique opportunity to experience some of Australia’s celebrated wildlife, like echidna, platypus, kangaroos, wombats, and birds. Choose between 13 individual one-, two-, or four-bedroom cottages, all equipped with a balcony perfectly designed for you to watch the kangaroos and sip on some Yarra Valley wine. With Melbourne’s “Food and Wine Playground” and several recreational activities, like golf and bush-walking, right at your fingertips, the Yering Gorge Cottages make the ideal stay for both an adventurous and relaxing vacation.
Lon Retreat: For a real retreat from life, head to the Lon Retreat, situated on more than 200 acres of rural conservation land and tucked away on a hill in Point Lonsdale by the Bellarine Peninsula. Each of the 7 luxury suites has been crafted with its own ocean- and farmland-inspired decor and is available for those ages 16 and over, making for a relaxing, adults-only experience. Your cozy stay will offer unlimited access to a private heated mineral spa reserved for guests, as well as a farm-sourced breakfast for your first morning.
Big Sky Retreats: For an upscale North American ski lodge-esque experience near the Victorian Alps, book the four-bedroom, four-bathroom Big Sky Retreat property. During your stay, you can enjoy the intricately styled decor, including unique pieces, designer furniture, high-quality linens, and a serene color palette to help you relax after a day of snow sports. The ground floor features a full kitchen and three stunning lounge spaces to indulge in some privacy, and the top floor houses the fourth bedroom with two single luxury beds, as well as a fourth stylish lounge space. Additional amenities include a wood heater, in-unit laundry, a private fitness area, a wine fridge, an outdoor pool, and a Weber grill.