Spicers Sangoma Retreat

Located at the top of the ancient Grand Canyon, Chalets at Blackheath comprises four freestanding chalets discreetly spread out through the expansive resort grounds.

This pastoral haven, set within the Southern Highlands, entices those looking to press pause on life, and eschew cityscapes for golden vineyards, expansive lakes, and lawns peppered with flowerbeds.

Six cottages, each featuring a distinct design, prettily balance luxurious décor, with countryside chic. White wood-panelled bathrooms with heated handmade tiled floors encompass deep freestanding baths, and views of the delightful gardens through open shutters. Airy studios include seating areas and glass doors, leading to private patios. Two and three bedroom-cottages have fully-equipped kitchens and spacious living rooms, with fireplaces.

The Book Barn, the heart of the estate, is an enchanting, low-lit space of exposed beams, chandeliers, and timber shelves, supporting rare works, and a vast collection of paperbacks. A stone fireplace aids in creating a cosy atmosphere, encouraging guests to linger longer, and dine at the restaurant or nurse a tipple by the bar, both of which are housed in the barn.  A seasonal menu, drawing inspiration from the nearby farmlands, can be enjoyed outside on the terrace, with panoramic vineyard vistas.

To taste the wine produced from these vines, the Cellar Door allows you to sample an array of labels in a beautiful setting, with century-old pine, glass, and locally-sourced stone enhancing the interior. Apart from presenting ample opportunities to indulge, the estate’s surrounding landscape calls for exploration on foot or by bicycle.

Enjoying a blissful location just steps from the golden sand and blue seas of Cabarita Beach, along an idyllic stretch of the Australian coastline, Halcyon House is a stylish, glamorous boutique hotel blessed by a tranquil atmosphere. Evolving from an original surfer motel into one of the most picturesque and sought-after design hotels on Australia’s east coast, the striking interior and serene exterior amount to a memorable beachside escape, anchored further by friendly service and sprinklings of luxury.

Consisting of 19 rooms and two luxurious two-bedroom suites, each guestroom at Halcyon House was individually designed by a renowned interior designer, showcasing a distinctive, eclectic style. Features include antique furniture, fabric upholstered walls, and luxurious king-size beds, while the bathrooms are particularly striking, adorned with hand-made blue and white tiles, gilt mirrors, and antique-inspired tapware. This attention to design is present throughout the rest of the hotel, with a dominant blue and white colour scheme. The on-site restaurant, Paper Daisy, is an extra nod to this theme, characterised by soft furnishings, blue and white wicker chairs, ornate wallpaper and attractive artwork hanging on the walls. Guests can also enjoy some fantastic culinary treats here, with a range of delicious dishes and refreshing cocktails ensuring that Paper Daisy has become an admired setting for food and drink.

At the heart of the hotel’s exterior is an inviting and attractive outdoor swimming pool and sunny terrace, proving the perfect spot for soaking up the sunshine of New South Wales, while others may prefer to retire to the sands of the nearby beach for their dose of sun-worshipping. Extra rejuvenation can be had in the shape of the hotel’s on-site spa, offering personalised spa treatments ranging from soul-soothing rituals to restorative facial therapy.

Taking outdoor living to another level, this homely synthesis of trinkets, mismatched furnishings, and rustic décor radiates a folksy feel. Open-plan design is central to the creation of the airy communal spaces, drawing the immediate natural scenes of Byron Hinterland within.

The magnesium mineral pool is the pivotal focus of this salubrious spot, encircled by vintage umbrellas, shading velvet-cushioned loungers, and facing an endless stretch of treetops, with a hint of the ocean in the background. A trio of wooden and glass pavilions share this vista, with white-walled interiors, cosy features, and elements of greenery. Considerate touches like in-room binoculars for bird spotting from your patio, and complimentary wine and cheese boards to pair with your sunset viewing, are what make this place so special.

The lack of a spa or fitness centre encourages you to immerse yourself in the spectacular surroundings, and yoga and Pilates sessions, as well as beauty treatments, can be arranged upon request. Although there’s no on-site restaurant or bar, home-made pizzas can be whipped up by the owners, and a breakfast spread, inspired by fresh ingredients from the hotel’s garden, sets the tone for another perfect day in paradise.