Escape the daily grind this weekend, place your personal effects in a convertible vehicle and drive off with someone who makes you smile. Our vehicle of choice is the all-new Mazda MX-5, and the someone who makes us smile… well, it is someone who makes us smile (a girl has got to have some secrets)!
We round up 4 of the best places you will want to road trip to. And what you should find when you get there.
Pretty Beach House, a house that is down right gorgeous
What you’re after: A quintessentially Australian place to lay your head and unwind, some good food and wine.
What you’ll get: A ‘welcome to country’ indigenous smoking ceremony welcome by the Darkinjung elder, a private king-bed pavilion with an infinity pool, pretty much the pinnacle of Australian luxury perched on seven and a half acres of bushland overlooking the Bouddi National Park and Broken Bay. Dining on the all-inclusive food and wine offering designed by world-renowned Stefano Manfredi, served at your request. A couple’s massage in the day spa using pure Australian skincare by LITYA.
What else you can do: Enjoy guided bush walks in the Bouddi National Park, mountain bike riding around the property, a helicopter day trip into wine country or discover local hidden gems in waterways from Broken Bay and Pittwater on board the property’s luxury sports cruiser.
The road trip: Cruise on down the Central Coast, you’ll be there in 90 Minutes from Sydney
www.prettybeachhouse.com.au
Perry Street Hotel, superbly styled self contained suites
What you’re after: A stylish European stay within easy reach of good wines and vineyards.
What you’ll get: A boutique luxury self-contained apartment hotel, built within the historic 1862 Mechanics Institute. A choice of 13 sophisticated suites styled with a distinctly contemporary Berlin influence.
For a rush of decadence, the Perry Suite with champagne on arrival is convincing. As is the beautifully appointed ‘Blue Room’ with L’occitane bath products, oversized shower, and daily breakfast bag delivered to your room. Inside the latter, you’ll find locally-sourced produce such as freshly baked breads and jam, gluten-free muesli, juice and hot chocolate.
The road trip: Less than 4hrs drive from Sydney.
www.perrystreethotel.com.au
1860, An original timber lodge lovingly restored
What you’re after: Luxury lodgings in an old Victorian country town with big heart. Calm and quiet, the chance to just exhale … and inhale clean, crisp air.
What you’ll get: An original timber slab hut that dates back to 1860 – lovingly rescued (slab by slab from Taggerty) and restored using materials from a warehouse, old stables and farms – amped up in a luxe way by owners Gina and Matt.
A remarkably peaceful stay with a king sized bed and full kitchen. A basket of breakfast treats in the fridge including locally sourced rashes of hand smoked bacon, organic eggs, jams, yoghurt and fruit. Your daily baked bread gets delivered to your doorstep. The option to zen out on the timber porch or kick back on a comfy, oversized leather sofa, glass of vino in hand, open fire crackling.
What else you can do: Take a scenic walk from Lake Sambell to Lake Kerferd, soak in the sunshine from Bridge Road Brewers’ courtyard drinking craft beer and eating open fire cooked pizzas with gourmet toppings. Shop for beautiful things along Beechworth’s main drag – finding luxury picks like Syrian soap, hand made Mexican straw hats or French inspired homewares. Dine on fish, chips and cauliflower florets at The Ageing Frog Fish Bar or a seven course degustation at 3 Chefs Hatted restaurant Provenance.
The road trip: Beechworth is 3hrs from Melbourne.
www.1860luxuryaccommodation.com
Hotel Hotel, a hotel that does not do things by halves
What you’re after: An ultimate weekend you didn’t know existed. A creative commune with designer appeal.
What you’ll get: A designer hotel with original artwork, objects and restored furniture in each room, clay rendered wall rooms, salvaged oak beds and windows that open. Overhead rain showers and half egg bathtubs with Aesop products to test your kleptomaniac tendencies.
What else you can do: For some local retail therapy take a short drive to Lonsdale Street in Braddon, or wander through the trendy cluster of cafes, shops, restaurants and galleries in Canberra’s coolest patch, New Acton precinct. Catch a flick under the stars or at Palace Electric cinema and dine at these establishments if you consider yourself a bit of a discerning foodie (aren’t we all?).
The road trip: Canberra – 3hours from Sydney, 6.5hrs from Melbourne.
This message is brought to you by All-New Mazda MX-5. Discover more by visiting www.allnewmazdamx5.com.au
