Luxury in spa country

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This was published 15 years ago

Luxury in spa country

Tranquility . . . the lodges at Hepburn Spa Pavilions have the mood of a high-class Balinese hotel.

Tranquility . . . the lodges at Hepburn Spa Pavilions have the mood of a high-class Balinese hotel.

Lindy Percival finds an upmarket getaway that accepts children.

Hepburn Spa Pavilion 1, "Horizon", might be the spa country's most laboriously named getaway but these architect-designed, eco-built lodges win me over with just two words: children welcome. OK, perhaps it's more a case of children tolerated but, as any parent knows, the combination of luxury digs and little guests is a rare one indeed.

Naturally, there is a degree of pre-arrival trepidation, along with warnings about best behaviour, but we needn't have worried - the mood here is relaxed elegance rather than preciousness. And I figure something is working when the first thing the kids want to do is take a bath. Even the novelty of a television in their bedroom doesn't lessen the urge to climb into their very own two-person spa and hit the bubble button.

The layout of these two-bedroom villas suggests Horizon and its sister pavilion, Saffron, were built with two couples in mind. The ground-level bedrooms are similar in size and feel, with the mood of an upmarket Balinese hotel. Asian-style furnishings, timber-louvred windows and two sumptuous ensuites create a classy first impression, with brightly coloured cushions serving to lift the understated decor.

Upstairs, under a vaulted timber ceiling, a light-filled, open-plan living area combines coffee-coloured and chocolate-brown walls, polished floorboards, tasteful furnishings and a well-equipped crisp-white kitchen area. Bright modern artworks and large vases filled with artfully arranged flowers affirm the atmosphere of elegance, while an abundance of cushions reminds guests they're visiting to unwind.

The view from up here is stunning - floor-to-ceiling windows look out across the gloriously green hills of Hepburn Springs. The location of the pavilions, at the end of the main road just before it turns towards Castlemaine, means there's little to interrupt the verdant vista. Standing on the balcony and barbecue deck, the full range of nature's green palette stretches before us - from the smoky restraint of ancient gums to vivid European foliage introduced when visitors first started "taking the waters" here.

As befits this glorious bush setting, Hepburn Spa Pavilions has been built using "eco-friendly building methods" and green living is extolled throughout - notices urge guests to "live the sustainable lifestyle" by minimising water use and rubbish production, while the complimentary goodies are mostly organic. All good stuff but with an air-conditioner and television in every room - including a wide-screen in the living area - I couldn't help feeling the message was a little mixed. The pavilions' website flags ongoing initiatives that should produce a deeper shade of green over time.

Other quibbles? The lack of clothes storage - one coathanger per guest, no wardrobes and minimal drawer space - means the initial state of minimalist elegance is quickly replaced with the clutter of belongings. And a sensor that sent the bathroom fans into noisy action whenever we entered proved an early - and lasting - irritant, particularly in the middle of the night. Overall, though, Hepburn Spa Pavilions offer the sort of upmarket accommodation you'd expect at this point on the price scale. The beds are gloriously comfortable (a king bed in one of the bedrooms was converted to two singles to accommodate the kids), with goose-down doonas and pillows and pure cotton sheets. I am also impressed by the fact each bed comes with a choice of firm or fluffy pillow.

As befits a spa-country getaway, the bathrooms are a feature here, with hydro spas, spacious walk-in showers and lovely soaps and bath salts. Bathrobes and slippers are supplied, along with tasty offerings including smoked salmon, King Island brie, organic milk and orange juice, plus good coffee, cereals and chocolates.

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The spaciousness of the living area, the gorgeous outlook and the high comfort factor mean you can easily spend a couple of days here without stepping outside. But with the newly renovated Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa only minutes away along a pretty tree-lined track, it's hard to resist the lure of the springs. Longer walks along the old springs route remind us once again of why this part of Victoria has long been a drawcard.

A good selection of eateries is also within walking distance, from the high-end offerings at Peppers' Deco Restaurant to funky-looking local cafes. But with kids in tow, we opt for the Farmers Arms Hotel in Daylesford, which features a winning combination of great, restaurant-quality food and friendly staff who are happy to accommodate a pair of unadventurous young diners. It seems there are some horizons that will just have to wait.

VISITORS' BOOK

Hepburn Spa Pavilions

Address Hepburn Spa Pavilions, Main Road, Hepburn Springs.

hepburnspapavilions.com.au.

Bookings 5348 4422

Getting there Two hours from Melbourne via Calder Highway.

How much Two-night minimum stay on weekends: $630 for one room, $830 for two.

Summary Hepburn Spa Pavilions lives up to its promise of a luxurious and tranquil setting in which to rejuvenate.

The verdict 17

All weekends away are conducted anonymously and paid for.

The score: 19-20 excellent; 17-18 great; 15-16 good; 13-14 comfortable, well run.

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