Bannisters, Mollymook review: Infinite appeal

Angie Schiavone spoils herself on the South Coast.

There's something about infinity pools that makes me swoon. The one at Bannisters is no exception and acts as a big drawcard when I'm planning a South Coast sojourn.

Of course, it's a little too cool for swimming when we arrive but I can't help myself.

It's fairly small and triangular, the rippling water appearing to join seamlessly with the huge Pacific Ocean beyond. The view is amazing enough on its own but the pool, framed by gums either side, makes it all the more dramatic.

Bannisters is a lodge, restaurant and day spa in sleepy beachside of Mollymook, the type of place people go to spoil themselves. Room names such as ocean deluxe, spa retreat and pinnacle penthouse are a clue this place is all about relaxation and luxury. Having said this, Bannisters does seem to pitch itself a fraction too high. Photographs on the website dazzle, showing everything polished and perfect. In reality, while still lovely, parts of Bannisters are looking slightly tired and little things (like low-quality toilet paper) seem out of place.

From the balcony of our room (an ocean deluxe, the least-expensive option), we see the ocean from a slightly different angle. A little higher up now, we watch the waves crash on the headland rocks below the noise quite loud but therapeutic and calming.

An hour before dinner, we head to the poolside bar and bistro to kill some time. There are cushion-strewn lounges and lots of private nooks, with candles and lanterns here and there. Staff are friendly and accommodating, while soft music and quietly conversing patrons allow the sound of the waves to filter through.

The restaurant soothes, too. In crisp whites, the room is divided by strips of sheer fabric. Again, service is efficient and smiling as impressive as leek and potato soup, poured from a jug at the table over a poached free-range egg. For main, jewfish fillet with saffron gnocchi is a conversation stopper (too busy eating), while green-apple sorbet served with apple parfait for dessert starts us talking again (compliments only).

Rain sets in as we leave the restaurant, so we're glad to be only a short saunter from our room and that we've kept our big red Bannisters umbrella close at hand. Earlier, we'd trawled through the massive DVD selection and selected the night's viewing. Too easy.