TakeABreak Best Places to Stay Awards 2009
National Winner - Romantic Accommodation: Cedars Indulgence Retreat
Every now and then, we catch glimpses of life for the extremely rich. On television, movies, and in magazines, we view stories featuring wealthy men and women immersed in lives of pampering and luxuries. Out loud, of course, we ridicule their excesses, their complete disregard for the real world and their obvious addiction to extravagance. We have to work, after all, and are proud of our accomplishments. But when no one else is around, when we’re all alone after a hard day at the office, cleaning our kitchens or stressing about the day’s events, we secretly wish we could be them…just for a day, of course. Maybe a weekend. Certainly not longer…well, maybe just a little longer.
Winning the lottery might be an option, or even finding a fairy godmother. For the rest of us, the ultimate way to feel truly pampered and spoiled in a sinfully good way is to spend a few days at the
Cedars Indulgence Retreat. This secluded, romantic getaway located in Ballan,
Victoria is the winner of the
Romantic accommodation category for the 2009 TakeABreak Awards. You and your partner can slip into soft fluffy bathrobes and spend a weekend of romance and blissful indulgence together.
Ballan is located in Australia’s '
Spa Country', less than an hour northwest of Melbourne and has picturesque vistas all around. Cedars Indulgence Retreat is set in five acres of gardens and trees, boasting a large glass conservatory as the perfect place to relax while taking in the view. You’ll actually enjoy rainy days, sitting inside as the rain patters on the glass all around you. But while the sun is out – romantic strolls through the delightful grounds are a must.
Exclusivity is a hallmark of the rich and famous, and one you can expect at Cedars. Only one couple is permitted at any time, meaning only one couple can experience the invigoration of their special treatments, like aromatherapy spas, full body massages and clay wraps. In the evening, you may retreat to your private movie theatre after a gourmet meal accompanied by a boutique wine. Or you may prefer an early night in your lavish suite where you can snuggle up in front of a log fire before spending the night in a luxuriously comfortable bed.
Although there is plenty to see and do outside this haven, including exploring nearby Daylesford with various delicious wineries, a lavender farm and some fantastic bush trails, it’s likely you won’t want to leave the property. There are so many tempting packages to consider, and each one will vanquish any desire to depart this sanctuary from reality.
For example, the 'Ultimate Indulgence Package', available for purchase as part of a two-night stay, includes a sumptuous cheese platter with port and coffee upon your arrival. With this package, you’ll each enjoy a half-hour sauna, a half-hour zenoxy treatment, a magnificent one-hour full body massage, an aromatherapy spa, a saltglow (exfoliation), claywrap or mudwrap, and a facial. All that pampering will make you ravenous, so each night the package includes gourmet dinners with a bottle of boutique wine, and a delicious cooked breakfast the following morning. And of course – you’ll enjoy a private movie on the big screen each night.
There are smaller packages for those who are new to this life of opulence and need to edge their way in more gradually. Packages are available for mid-week stays, as well as single-night 'Heavenly Experience' packages, and 'Romantic Escape' packages for those who wish to sample some of the spa treatments and then snuggle up with a book, or venture out and explore.
The most difficult thing about a romantic stay at the award-winning Cedars Indulgence Retreat is facing the reality that it will eventually come to an end. Like the clock striking midnight for Cinderella, couples find their time runs out sooner than they’d like. If the comments by the many happy clients of Elizabeth and Ulrich, the proud hosts of this dream retreat, are anything to go by – most couples plan to come back.
Although you are faced with the inevitable return to reality, you’ll feel invigorated and ready to handle anything.
For more information or to make an enquiry, please go to the
Cedars Indulgence Retreat listing on TakeABreak to contact the operator direct.
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in
Adelaide, Yulara (
Uluru),
Alice Springs and
Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After
backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in
Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a rotating basis.
Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys
family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see
Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find
holidays they would enjoy.” Kylie currently works as a
travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
Cedars Indulgence Retreat
through TakeABreak and the property operator will get back to you directly to confirm
pricing and availability. Visit their listing for more pictures, further information
on rates, the availability calendar and guest reviews.
Kylie Jane Degeling wrote this article
