Winter might be well and truly upon us, but with the cold weather comes travel experiences ideal for those looking to trade the city for a mug of mulled wine and a cosy log fire.
If looking for a winter getaway (but border closures are limiting your movement), we’re here to help.
We’ve put together a round-up of our favourite winter getaways – from Japanese-inspired ski cabins to a boutique, Hamptons style hotel on the Sunshine Coast.
The Eastern, Thredbo
A holiday in the snow is surely the archetypal winter getaway, and if you’re looking for a ski holiday destination to rival the minimalist snow cabins of Japan, The Eastern Thredbo has got you covered.
The two architecturally designed cabins reflect Japanese and Nordic influences through pared-back, clean design, custom furniture and high-end touches (smart-tech, Aesop toiletries and that all-important coffee machine for a pre-ski buzz).
A Frame Kangaroo Valley
This sustainably built A-Frame cabin is the passion project of editor and creative director Sophie Lord (Hello May magazine) and architect Ben Gray, who decided to set about building a heartfelt space to escape from city life.
With a wood-fired hot tub, 130 year old claw foot bath, waterfall views and 16 acres of private property to explore (and the adorable village of Kangaroo Valley just a ten minute drive from the property), A Frame Kangaroo Valley is the perfect option for Sydneysiders looking for full winter immersion just a short drive from the city.
Bellingen Farmhouse by Weil House Living
Decorated with a perfectly curated selection of vintage furniture and eclectic art, Bellingen Farm House is the quintessential farmhouse – the perfect place to hunker down with a group of friends and a cauldron of mulled wine for a winter weekend.
The town itself is equally charming, but Susan (the woman responsible for the spectacular spaces at Weil House Living) will equip you with a hamper of local seasonal produce on arrival, so there’s really no reason to leave.
Loea Boutique Hotel
If your approach to winter getaways is less about embracing the cold (and closer to denial), Loea Boutique Hotel is the perfect “endless summer” destination. The Hamptons-esque boutique hotel opened in mid 2020, with the magnesium-enriched swimming pool, vintage coffee cart and laid-back luxury bedrooms making it a fast hit with Queenslanders looking for a border-closure-restricted holiday experience… if borders are open, it’s time to book in
Pumphouse Point
Located in the middle of a glacial lake, hotels in Australia don’t get more “wintery” than Pumphouse Point. The sustainably designed, wilderness retreat style hotel is a Wi-fi free zone, instead providing guests with electric bikes to explore the area, carefully curated hampers and cosy wood fires (as well as binoculars to take in the spectacular setting amongst the myrtle forests).
Marramarra Lodge
If Pumphouse Point has piqued your interest but getting to Tazzie is an obstacle, Marramarra Lodge is the answer. Once the adventure destination of the Royal family (pictures remain of Prince Charles’s time at the lodge), Marramarra Lodge is an undeniably indulgent option for your winter getaway, but worth it if travel restrictions have got you craving seclusion (and an Austrian-style lake experience). Situated on the edge of the Hawkesbury, Marramarra Lodge is your go-to if you’re looking for a luxury lakeside getaway: think private boat rides and five course degustation dinners.
Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat
Named “World’s Best Eco Spa” by the Global Spa awards, Gwinganna is the perfect option if you’re looking for a full winter re-set. Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeinated drinks are prohibited – the ethos being about allowing your body and mind a break from all of the rushes and confusion that make up our modern lives.
If you’re looking for a winter getaway that leaves you with more than memories (and stellar Instagram content), Gwinganna is the go to – an investment in your future self.
Need more inspiration?
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