FOUR MORE ESCAPES
DOVECOTE Gerringong, NSW
With more than 60 hectares of oceanfront farmland, Dovecote is making a case for elevated isolation. Featuring two buildings, The Range, which sleeps four, and The Headland, which accommodates up to eight, this is the place to reconnect with friends – billionaire style. The Headland was the architectural star of this year’s The Invisible Man movie and the interior is picture perfect, with its designer furniture, heated natural mineral pool, clean lines and outdoor fire pit; while The Range is cosier but still extremely high end, thanks to the plunge pool and framed views. Services include spa treatments and in-house fine dining prepared by local chefs at Far Meadow Table. dovecote.com.au
MARRAMARRA LODGE Hawkesbury River, NSW
This new Hawkesbury River luxury stay is the best kind of isolated, just 40 minutes north of Sydney. There’s no road access. The only way in is by boat, seaplane or helicopter, but that just fuels the fantasy that you are far, far away. With only 14 lodgings, hosting up to 28 guests, couples feel as though they have the views to themselves. Accommodation includes safari-style tents and minimalist bungalows, each with river-stone bathrooms and understated design. The all-inclusive experience for guests features boat transfers, daily meals including a sixcourse dégustation dinner and paired wines at onsite restaurant Budyari (meaning “good” and “well” in the Dharug language), and daily cocktails and canapés. marramarralodge.com
FIVE ACRES Phillip Island, Vic
The fireplace is the centrepiece of each of the three designer cabins at this new eco escape. And Phillip Island’s rugged coastline is the enveloping backdrop.
The solar-powered retreat is a working farm eight kilometres out of the island’s main township of Cowes, and 90 minutes from Melbourne. It’s also just moments away from the nightly parade of 4000 little penguins on Summerlands Beach. Each cabin has a single bedroom – great for couples – or book all three for crews who could benefit from personal space. fiveacres.com.au
KIMO ESTATE Gundagai, NSW
Overlooking the Murrumbidgee River flats on almost 3000 hectares of sheep and cattle farm, Kimo Estate is the return to nature we’ve been craving. Their small, off-grid eco huts offer everything you need to unwind, with wood-fired hot tubs, fire pits and views for days. For larger groups, try the Windies Cottage or Shearers Quarters. There’s free wi-fi, so you can work if you have to, but the property is at its best when you clock off from the outside world. kimoestate.com