This was published 12 years ago
Ti-Tree Village, Ocean Grove review: Log in to a life less stressful
Splendid isolation ... a Ti-Tree Village hideaway.
Hilda Quiroga washes away the working week at a secluded coastal retreat.
For those of us less inclined to traverse the winding wonder that is the Great Ocean Road when only a two-day weekend beckons, Ocean Grove and Ti-Tree Village is just the right distance.
Tucked away, a smattering of log cabins amid a haven of lush greenery, the village is a welcome respite. In need of some soaking, I book a deluxe spa cottage for two. We arrive in the drizzle and after a friendly reception, we find our log cabin and start the process of shedding away the week's worries. My partner immediately heads to the fireplace and soon the fire is crackling, feet are up and beer is served. Our cabin is nestled under the protection of a gnarly, twisted old tea tree, apparently 300 years old.
The evening descends and the tree, although beautiful, seems a little sinister in the fading light. I am grateful for the safety and warmth of the fire and the faux fur blanket to snuggle into. Ti-Tree Village, a former caravan park, is within walking distance of shops and the beach, so you are never far from the wintry delight of beachcombing or shop roaming. The beauty of staying in the village is that all log cabins are fully self-contained so if you bring all supplies, you need not stray far from the couch.
Ti-Tree also has free DVDs, board games and all the firewood you need. You need only move from bed, to spa, to couch.
If the thought of preparing the evening meal doesn't inspire, then right on your doorstep, next to reception, is the rustic allure of the BarkHut restaurant.
Bookings are recommended as the restaurant is quite popular with outsiders. But we are warmly accommodated despite not bothering to reserve a table, such is our weekend lethargy. The on-site restaurant looks like a movie set from The Man from Snowy River, farming machinery hanging from the ceiling, old number plates on the wall and, of course, a rip-roaring fire.
My partner, a vegetarian, is chuffed to find vegetarian paella on the menu as well as a good assortment of meat-free entree delights.
I choose good, old-fashioned lamb shanks, perched atop a mountain of mash and generously covered with gravy and greens.
The BarkHut also has outside seating around the back to soak up the afternoon sun and is a great place to kick back with a wine and weekend papers. Children aren't forgotten; there's a kiddie corner with play equipment and some guinea pigs that like a feed.
But if all this sounds like too much movement, there's always the spa. Impressed by the generous size of the bathroom, the deep spa, the abundance of soft, inviting towels, the candles; it is obligatory to stop, sit and soak. And after a long day of pottering, fire-gazing, sipping and soaking, the next natural progression is to the bed.
I succumb to soft, gentle folds.
It is no wonder sleep comes to claim us. The snapping and cracking of the dying fire is the most apt bedtime lullaby.
VISITORS' BOOK
Ti-Tree Village
Address 34 Orton Street, Ocean Grove.
Bookings Phone 5255 4433, see ti-treevillage.com.au.
How much $520 for a weekend in a deluxe spa cottage.
Summary A winter or summer delight.
Getting there Take the Princes Highway heading to Geelong, then follow the signs to Ocean Grove.
Verdict 15
The score: 19-20 excellent; 17-18 great; 15-16 good; 13-14 comfortable.
All weekends away are conducted anonymously and paid for by Traveller.
Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter
Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.