Luxurious break
Experience the bliss and luxuriation of Spicers Peak Lodge in Maryvale with an infinity pool and degustation menu
Warmly greeted and sat with a flat white (on almond milk of course!) on the terrace, I stare in awed silence at the view. Slowly, finally, the tension falls out of my shoulders. It’s been a long working week and I am truly looking forward to soaking in the mantra of Spicers Peak Lodge: “the most luxurious way to put back everything that life takes out”.
Tucked in the mountain luxury of the scenic rim, it’s hard to believe this is just under two hours’ drive from Toowoomba, in the Maryvale area near Warwick. The hills roll into the distance, bright green after recent rain. The clouds are reflected alongside the blue splash of sky in the infinity pool, a little jewel of colour amidst all that green.
The greatest drawcard of this place is not just its exquisite luxury, but its removal from all things hurried. An engine throttles into earshot and a couple bids me farewell. “Our chopper is here,” they say, “enjoy your stay — it’s amazing.”
We are shown to our room, spacious and chic with a king-sized bed dominating the space, fireplace, lounges to recline and a beautiful ensuite for those luxurious, hot soaks. Doors open onto our private balcony, where we opt to lunch. The beauty of Spicers means doing as much or little as you like. For the more active there is a sunset tour, helicopter rides, day spa, yoga and gorgeous grounds to explore.
With a little time before gin appreciation begins at the bar, I change into my robe and make my way to the Spa Anise for a hot stone massage therapy — highly recommended!
I contemplate ringing my boss to let him know I will never be coming down from this mountain paradise.
We pass the afternoon by the pool, before retiring to the fireplace as the evening chill moves in.
Like everything at the lodge, dinner is a sumptuous affair, with a degustation menu and excellent wine pairing, with home-baked bread, blackened garlic butter and smouldering eucalypt leaves setting the tone as entree.
Tasmanian wild scallops with chestnut and elderflower and holmbrae duck with mango and finger lime are just some of the delights prepared for guests in a custom, seasonal menu.
The one guarantee with a visit to Spicers Peak Lodge is the feeling of utter restoration, in this secluded hidden gem.