I love a weekender away – an opportunity to discover new parts of Victoria, to meander and relax. Whether you’re flying solo, loved up, or even with little ones in tow, there’s something about pressing pause for a couple of days and changing scenery that’s incredibly good for the soul.
The Yarra Valley – only one hour from Melbourne – is a pretty decent spot to escape to (and one of my favourites). There’s incredible food, wine, vistas and activities.
And I’ve now discovered the most incredible place to stay.
Actually, it’s more than ‘just a place to stay’ – more than a bed or a regular B&B – it’s an experience. And I’m calling it – the Yarra Valley’s best; Araluen Boutique Accommodation.
Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, in stunning Steels Creek, Araluen Boutique Accommodation offers true luxury and comfort.
Whether it’s for one night only, or a few days away, I urge you to pop Araluen on your must-do list – you will not be disappointed.
Araluen offers lodge rooms to self-contained villas and really does make the perfect base for a few days of exploring the Yarra Valley. Or, you could do as I did, and check into the Hilltop Spa Villa at 3pm, and not leave until 11am the next morning. Call it de-compressing, call it de-stressing, call it soaking yourself in the beautiful surrounds … call it what you will. Sometimes you need to check out for a bit, and I have yet to find a better place to do that in than Araluen.
The surrounds are beautiful (plus, you can barely hear a pin-drop) and stepping inside the villa delivers instant calm.
Each villa is self-contained, including a fully equipped kitchen with gas cooktop and convection oven, air conditioning, gas fireplace, large flat-screen television, Bose sound system, Nespresso coffee machine and a wine fridge. All villa ensuites have a double spa, separate shower and heated flooring and towel rails. Yes, you read that right: heated flooring. Bedrooms have king-sized beds with luxury linen and pillows (and the most comfortable mattresses you may ever lay on).
The villas are comfortable, stocked with books and DVDs, wi-fi, all the kitchen gadgets you need, and a range of gorgeously scented Aspar body products to use.
Guests are also offered access to a large outdoor solar-heated swimming pool, property grounds (which are truly beautiful) and convenient car-parking.
Accommodation is offered with breakfast comprising locally sourced provisions – ours was stocked with a generous continental breakfast including two types of cereal, yoghurt, fruit, fresh bread from the local bakery, condiments, apple and orange juice and bottled water. If you’d prefer a hot breakfast, you can request the breakfast upgrade.
You can also pre-arrange a hamper on arrival, including dips, cheeses, wine, olives, crackers and bread. Otherwise you are welcome to bring your own (I highly recommended a stop at Kitchen & Butcher in Healesville, who can sort you out with, well, everything).
If you’d prefer to go out, Araluen is centrally located to a number of the Yarra Valley’s most well recognised wineries. The closest include De Bortoli, Steels Creek Estate, Yallina, Dixons Creek Estate, Mandala Wines, Balgownie Estate, Yarrawood, Shantell, Sutherland Estate, Zonzo Estate, Acacia Ridge, Fergusons Winery and Yering Station.
But if you’d prefer to stay in, owners Rachel and Neil Hanson can happily assist in arranging what you need – including wine. Araluen is fully licensed so the sparkling and red can come to you.
They’ve really thought of everything – including spa packages, hot air ballooning and bicycle hire, if you so desire.
For a truly relaxing weekend away, head to Yarra Glen, pop on a fluffy white robe, have a drink on a villa balcony, unwind with a long spa bath, and catch up on some reading in front of the fire.
Your soul will thank you.
Araluen Boutique Accommodation is located at 603 Steels Creek Road, Yarra Glen. Find out more by visiting their website or emailing them on enquires@araluenlodge.com.au
