TakeABreak Awards 2009
Winner: Gay & Lesbian-friendly – Karrak Reach
Denmark is in the
south of Western Australia and is just 50 km west of
Albany, a town that lies on the edge of the Southern Ocean and has amazing views of the coastline. Karrak Reach, national winner of the
Gay and Lesbian-friendly accommodation category in the 2009 Best Places to Stay Awards, is nestled into the glorious Scotsdale Valley near
Denmark and is a wonderful place to stay.
This is not the place for you if you need to stay connected… mobile reception is patchy (although improving!) and the roads can be steep, but the rewards are endless for those who want to experience a region where vineyards, farms and forest combine to offer amazing scenery and wonderful experiences.
Karrak Reach comprises 3
eco-friendly chalets, and a cottage that can sleep up to 8 people. Chalets 1 and 2 have two bedrooms, one with a queen-size bed and one with a double bed, Chalet 3 also has a queen-size bed and there are sofa beds in the living room of each chalet to sleep extra people. The
accommodation has been thoughtfully designed to make the most of the location and the spa bath is perfect for relaxing in, while each chalet has a deck to allow guests to sit back and soak up the view. For those who need to be in touch with the real world, all chalets have wireless internet access – perfect if you choose to use this lovely property as a creative or academic retreat.
It is the inclusive nature of Karrak Reach that made it the standout national winner in the TakeABreak Awards in 2009. The hosts are gay and while the property is suitable for all, they take pride in supporting their gay clientele and directing them to all the local gay and lesbian owned and gay-friendly businesses, attractions and facilities in the area.
Many gay and lesbian guests appreciate having accommodation owned by gay hosts and are keen to support them. The hosts are happy to provide
exclusively gay and lesbian holidays and functions on request and regularly set aside particular long weekends for this purpose and organise related events at gay venues, such as dinners, dances, bands and wine tours.
Karrak Reach also offers
pet-friendly accommodation and welcomes dogs and cats, large and small, to their secure environment. Pets are allowed to sleep indoors and a large and secure dog run is available so guests can leave their dog/s through the day while they explore all the region has to offer.
The property has abundant wildlife and there are plenty of walking trails that allow guests to make the most of the scenery, the wildlife and the opportunities for bird watching. As the chalets are set at the top of the property, they command wonderful views and give the feeling of truly being among nature. The property is a working farm and also operates as a small ‘trufflerie’.
Venture out from Karrak Reach and you have the choice of renowned vineyards, artisan farms and providores in the fertile Scotsdale Valley, all within easy reach of the property. Return to the serenity of
Karrak Reach and revel in the excellent accommodation, the views, the privacy and the wonderful, unobtrusive service from the hosts, and like many others, you will find it difficult to leave this haven and return to the real world.
About the Author
Lisa Monk is a marketing communications writer with a diverse background that includes experience in travel, hotel, finance, public relations and advertising. She has worked with Club Med, the Holiday Inn group and on a number of other travel projects on a freelance basis. Lisa has travelled throughout Asia Pacific, North America and England.
Lisa now works with TakeABreak.com.au as editor of the Holiday Inspirations newsletter and other publications. She lives in Sydney with her husband Andy, and sons.
Bookings:
Make an enquiry for your holiday at
Karrak Reach
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.
Find out more about Lisa at http://bit.ly/h_experts
