Travel guide Hepburn Springs

We all know that life is busy and pulling us in many different directions … work, family, friends, community obligations – but what about our obligation to ourselves? We all need the chance to step away, take stock and recharge, otherwise life becomes merely an obstacle course to overcome, rather than the great adventure it is meant to be.

Places like Saltus allow us to draw breath and remember what is really important, and the beauty of the surrounding countryside in the Hepburn Springs region of Victoria makes it easy to forget about pressure and deadlines.

These luxury villas are set high above the Mineral Springs Reserve, with panoramic views across the valley below, and yet they are in the heart of the village itself, with easy access to the many delights and attractions.

Each of the three villas has its own layout and finishes, yet they all have the same wonderful feel that comes from stylish furnishings and thoughtful inclusions.  Saltus 1 is a one-bedroom self-contained luxury villa, with an open plan layout that makes the most of the wonderful view. This is an adults only retreat, and the king-size bed, huge LCD TV and the spa-style bathroom with its freestanding sculpted stone bath and luxury spa products all tell you that you are in for something special.

Saltus 2 has two bedrooms, both have king-size beds and full ensuite bathrooms and like Saltus 1 it is a self-contained luxury villa, with commanding views from the spacious open plan living areas and private balcony. Choose from the two-person free standing spa bath (Spa room) or a sumptuous two-person free standing stone bath (Stone room), which also has stunning views over the Mineral Springs Reserve and valley below. Bookings can be made for one or both bedrooms.

Saltus 3 is another one bedroom self-contained luxury villa, also with a king-size bed and the same panoramic views. It also features a sumptuous freestanding two-person spa bath.

While the three villas may have different configurations, they all feature the same thoughtfully chosen inclusions such as heated bathroom floors and towel rails, split system heating and cooling throughout, gas fireplaces in the living area, a choice of large screen TV, DVD library, stunning bathrooms and luxury spa products.

Breakfast for the first morning of your stay is a delicious fully cooked breakfast at the Red Star Cafe, a short 100m stroll from any of the Saltus villas.

Dragging yourself away from the wonderful refuge of a Saltus villa is not easy, but you will be rewarded with the beauty of the Hepburn Springs village, along with the array of shops, cafes, day spas and restaurants.  This historic village was established in the 1850s and is in the centre of the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia.  Just over 100 kms from Melbourne, it is the perfect place for an indulgent weekend – or week – away.  There are shops and galleries to explore, sublime spa treatments to enjoy and the beauty of nature to help you relax and forget the routine of everyday life.  Saltus is adjacent to the famous and recently refurbished Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa and special packages are available to Saltus guests.

Perfect for a couple, or a group of friends booking all three villas, a stay at Saltus is truly a gift for the soul.  And if you love the sound of the Saltus experience and want to stay somewhere else, then Saltus at Daylesford has the same attention to detail and fabulous fitout as its Hepburn Springs cousins.

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 Joseph and Nicholas.