Whether it’s romance, relaxation or all-out indulgence you seek, a boutique getaway in Daylesford or Hepburn Springs, in spa-spangled Central Victoria, makes the ultimate winter escape.
With Australia’s highest concentration of mineral springs, this blissful region has become the destination du jour for sussed city folk in need of rejuvenation.
While Daylesford draws crowds to its acclaimed eateries and cutting-edge galleries, sleepier Hepburn Springs next door has a charm all her own, offering up an alluring mix of cute cafés, historic pubs and soul-soothing day spas.
For a self-catering stay in the heart of Hepburn, choose from the Italian glamour of Spa Country Villa Parma, a stately 1860s manor house set among Tuscan-style gardens, and the contemporary comfort of Spa Country Spa Villas.
Originally built by Swiss-Italian settlers in 1864, ravishing retreat Villa Parma flaunts four double bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. (If you’re travelling with a group, be sure to bag one of the rooms with an oval spa bath that’s big enough for two).
This two-storey stunner also features sumptuous communal areas, including a plush lounge room, neat kitchen and eight-seater dining table, making it ideal for families or a quartet of couples.
On the same property, secluded behind stands of native trees, lie the Spa Villas’ seven ultra-mod chalets. These corrugated-iron cubbyhouses are each spread over two levels, and offer a choice of one or two bedrooms.
Adding to the luxe feel are Generous open-plan living areas, gourmet kitchens, wood-burning fires and a host of creature comforts, such as giant soaking tubs and mohair throws to help keep the chill at bay.
Both are within robe-flinging distance of the Mineral Spa Retreat, a pampering palace of massages, mineral pools, sauna and steam rooms. The winter months hold extra appeal as on Friday nights from 7pm to 9pm, the whole place turns into a candlelit lair, so you can soak away your stresses before slipping into neighbouring restaurant Wild Birch for dinner or cosying up by the fire with a wintry cocktail at the Tipperary Bar.
To book Spa Country Villa Parma, Spa Country Spa Villas or any of Mr & Mrs Smith’s boutique hotels and holiday houses in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the Travel Team on 1300 89 66 27, 24 hours a day, five days a week.