Love a bit of Luxury?
I know I do, and if there’s a chance to take off for a weekend for spa treatments, fine wine and wonderful food then I’m your gal!
So I thought today I’d pick 5 of our favourite luxury getaways in Western Australia and tell you a little about them.
Table of Contents
Cape Lodge, Margaret River
What’s not to love about Cape Lodge? It exudes exclusivity, privacy and charm. If you have a special anniversary as we did above (25 years and counting) you’ll find that staff go the extra mile with gorgeous special touches.
The cottages and forest retreats (with spa baths) are at the end of a winding drive and set around manicured lawns and a dam. There’s a gorgeous swimming pool, and tennis courts. If you’re lucky enough to book The Residence then you’ll have a whole house to yourself along with your own one hole golf course too.
The main lodge is built in the Cape Dutch style and very discreet – expect high tea with muffins and classical music, and the restaurant overlooking the lake is one of the best in WA.
All in all Cape Lodge is a place to chill and relax in a stunning setting.
You can read more about Cape Lodge here: Cape Lodge Margaret River and 11 Great Things to Do In the Region, and more about The Residence here: Sensational Luxury Accommodation in Margaret River Region
Empire Retreat, Dunsborough
Another retreat reached by a winding road off Caves Road. You’ll meander past a lake where ducks and geese do roam.
In a forest setting the spa cottages are luxurious and spacious, each with it’s own outside shower too. The main building reeks of understated class and all around the property there are nooks and crannies to sit and daydream, plus a large outdoor jacuzzi where guests can find quiet spaces to contemplate life, the universe and everything.
There’s a Day Spa offering oh so lovely treatments on the premises.
You can read more about Empire Retreat, here: Pure Luxury at Empire Retreat. Beaches and Breweries Part 2
Windmills Break, Yallingup
Ahh when you walk into Windmills it’s the tropical feel that will blow you away, for beyond the classy club lounge with its feature fireplace is a garden full of palms and big leafy green plants, beyond which sits a sparkling blue swimming pool, an outside spa, and lovely lawns.
The Studios with their own kitchenettes are fabulous, and have spa baths, big screen TV’s and secluded gardens or patios – love the bird life too.
Read more about Windmills Break, here: 10 Great Things to Do around Yallingup and Where to Stay While You’re There
Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge, Margaret River
What I love about Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge is the feeling of being tucked away in a Hansel and Gretel forest setting, with nobody else around for miles and miles.
Inside the cottages the decor is not rustic at all – they are high ceiling’d and luxury personified. The enormous windows that soar in the spa bathroom make you aware of how much part of the forest you are.
Wood fires for winter, a patio in your own forest garden, and an outside bush shower complete the sylvan picture. Bicyles provided – great forest tracks to cycle and a tranquil lake to enjoy.
I wrote more about Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge when I updated the Western Australian chapter of the Fodors Travel Guide.
Mantra Frangipani, Broome
From the cool of the south west to the heat of the tropical north, and you can’t get more tropical (think Balinese) than the exotic Mantra Frangipani near Cable Beach in Broome.
Two pools and beautiful landscaped grounds surround self catering cottages which are spacious and perfectly appointed.
Your outside Bali style shower will be a big feature of your stay here during the summer months, and you’ll enjoy chillaxing on day beds in the gardens.
All in all expect relaxed holidaying in a quietly elegant, upmarket setting.
I’ve written more about Broome and The Mantra Frangipani, here: Why Basking in a Bali Style Resort in Broome is Good For You
Places I’d love to go
Of course there are other luxury getaways in Western Australia, and you can be sure they’re on my list!
Maitraya Luxury Private Retreat. Why? Because I’ve peeped and seen how it sits so exclusively in a beautiful spot near Albany, tucked away with a wonderful view. Looking at the pics on the internet made me go: “Oh Wow!What a place to while away the weekend!”
The Outram in Perth. Why? Because its stylish, sophisticated and a little oh la la Parisian. Set in leafy West Perth, it’s close to cafes, culture and Kings Park.
El Questro Homestead. Why? Well, this is the ultimate in remote exclusivity and all sort of stars (including Nicole Kidman and Ben Elton have stayed here). My friend Jenny who writes the fabulous, A Taste of Travel blog, told me this: “After having finished a fabulous Kimberley cruise from Broome to Wyndham, we spent a night at Emma Gorge before departing from Kununurra. As we explored the El Questro area, we spied El Questro’s Homestead, perched proudly on top of the cliff overlooking the river. I knew that one day, I would love to return here!”
The Richardson Hotel & Spa. Why? Becuase it’s a boutique hotel that’s just too cool for it’s own good. Also in West Perth. It’s trendy and very hush hush elegant. Today search prices brought up $395 per night per room – not bad for that sort of luxury.
If you’d like to see another list of Luxury Getaways, then try the Top 10 Luxury Getaways via Tourism Western Australia.
Or visit Travel Photo Thursday where other bloggers narrate their travel tales too.
What’s your favourite luxury lodge – and where in the world is it? Why not tell us in the comments?
Or, if you’ve written about a luxury retreat, why not link to your blog post in the link-up below? Here’s what to do.
1. Please Comment on this post 2. In a post you are writing (or have written) about hotels/resorts/ travel, please link to this post. 3. Click the linky tool and add the URL link to a post you’ve written about a luxury resort/hotel. 3. Please comment on some of the other sites in the linky.
Luxury Retreats around The World
40 Comments
I so need to pamper myself in these peaceful and beautiful places. These are where I want to go when I finally get to visit your country.
They are definitely places to relax and be pampered Neva – I do hope you get to stay in one of them, one day 🙂
Goodness I just finished going through all of your links and looking up the places you wish to visit. My first choice would be Yallingup. As long as I could get the pork belly and clams from Broome. Where’s the quack-quack pizza?? Another wonderful post and a belated Very Happy 25th Anniversary to you and your honey, Johanna! 🙂
Wow, Mike! Impressive! That was a lot of homework! Thank you for going through all the links. Yes, Yallingup is gorgeous and Broome is too – not to mention the pork belly and clams. Ha ha, quack-quack pizza, that was in Margaret River at Sea Gardens I think from another post. Well remembered! Thank you for your well wishes too 🙂
Hi Jo
I haven’t stayed there because it’s just up the road but people who visit Lyndendale Gallery rave about Peppermint Lane Lodge in the Ferguson Valley. Its more of a b and b than a resort perhaps.
So beautiful 🙂
The one place in the world where I felt the most pampered was on a Vietnamese luxury junk-style boat cruise around Halong Bay in Vietnam. Our two night, three day cruise was absolute decadence – the food was exquisite, the décor on the boat very luxurious, our cabin very roomy and comfortable and the service five star. I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Sounds amazing, Kathy – and something I’m going to put on my wish list. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you Muza-chan!
Aha, the lovely Peppermint Lodge! I haven’t stayed there either Denise, but I’ve visited, and yes I would say it’s a gorgeous place to while away a weekend. Thanks for reminding me.
You don’t realise how many fabulous places we have to stay in the WA until you read a great post like this. We are really very spoilt. I must get out more often and try some of them! Thanks for the mention Jo.
We are spoilt, aren’t we Jenny! The trick is finding the time to do it all!
Last year we went to Harmony Forest set between vineyards and forest south of Margaret River. Devine. Restful. Peaceful. I have added my link.
Thanks for the list of suggestions Jo. It is about time hubbie and I picked another weekend getaway.
You’re so right, Johanna. I deserve this! We’ve had back to back snow here in New York since Sunday and my poor body has taken a beating. I could use the pampering.
I’m currently holed up in a stressful 8 to evening job 6 days a wk … how i could use some pampering!
Western Australia seems to be overflowing with amazing places to stay. Broome would top my list but if I had a few weeks I’d be happy to try them all.
I have stayed at some very nice places – The Terranea Resort just south of LA and a few of the safari lodges in Namibia and Botswana were fantastic. Recently a stay at the Four Seasons in Costa Rica was a real treat – and I wish life was more like that all the time.
These getaways all look and sound lovely – if I ever make it to Western Australia then they will definitely be on my wish list!
Thanks and glad you’ve been inspired, Lisa 🙂
Hope you make it to WA sometime Leigh! Wow, sounds like you’ve experienced some great getaways, resorts and lodges around the world.
Ahh, Rachel – hope you do manage some pampering soon 🙂
Ohh, it sounds cold in New York Marcia, you definitely need a bit of our WA sunshine! Keep warm 🙂
Thanks for adding your link Jill. Harmony Forest is lovely isn’t it. Yep, a weekend away is in order for you hard working gal!
Jo you always make me want to phone and make a booking the moment I finish reading about all the exquisite places you visit! Keep those tempting blog posts coming!
I’m on my way, Jo. Just waiting for my private jet to come and pick me up and I’m there! Seriously, these are some fabulous looking properties to stay at. That pool at Cape Lodge looks divine. One more reason to get back to WA!
These all look fabulous and such diverse lodging types. What a great collection! I had a hard time picking a favorite but I would have to go with Mantra Frangipani for the tropical feel. I feel relaxed just imagining myself laying on those lounges.
It is a fab resort,Mary. The two pools are ace too 🙂
Sending you a jet tomorrow, Carolyn! Lol!!! Hope you get over here one day soon.
So glad that I do make it sound tempting Catherine. Thanks for reading and commenting too.
All these places look fantastic. You are so fortunate to have stayed at them. I really like that heart made of flower petals. Of all of these, I think the Mantra Frangipani appeals to me the most because I remember how great it sounded when you posted about it originally. I’d also like to try that Halong Bay cruise Kathy recommended. My own personal best luxury getaway experience was at Pangkor Laut in Malaysia. It felt like heaven being there. I’ve added it to your LinkUp.
Hey Michelle, impressed that you remembered the original write up ofthe Mantra Frangipani! It must have appealed big time. Pangkor Laut in Malaysia would be awesome. Will have a squizz.
These are fabulous places! Who doesn’t love luxury?! (but it comes with a cost. 🙂 Lovely photos!
Yes, and that’s a shame isn’t it Renuka 🙂
They all sound gorgeous. I never knew that Australia had so many luxury offerings. My favorite is a resort located on a stunning stretch of sandy beach in Nova Scotia. Whenever I’m home I try to book at least one night. For me, there’s nothing like going to sleep and waking up to the sound of the ocean waves!
Ohh that sounds divine, Nancie 🙂
There is nothing like staying in luxury. I’ve stayed in some great places over the years but the Lyall Hotel in Melbourne sticks in my mind as a very special place. I’ve added it as a linky – thanks for the great idea and memories.
Thanks Annabel. The Lyall Hotel in Melbourne looks amazing too 🙂
Oh I could do with a little luxury right now… but tragically about to start cooking dinner for the hungry hordes which is the opposite. I was reading the new edition of Australian Traveller today and was DROOLING over some of the accom in the far north of WA, think seaplane from Kunnurra… will get a bit of luxury soon I hope. Love this list, definitely one to refer to in the future.
So glad you found it useful, Seana! Yes, there are some FAB spots in the far north of WA – ones I’d love to explore too. Hope you get a bit of luxury soon and here’s hoping dinner was good :)! Thanks for popping by.
How glorious! Thanks for reminding us of all the exquisite places to stay in WA. Judging by the places you’ve written about, I really don’t know if I’ve ever stayed anywhere ‘luxurious.’ Maybe I should add that to a wish list!
I think that’s a definite ‘must’ Wanda, and I hope you get to experience one of these lovely places too 🙂