This was published 10 years ago
Peppers Salt Resort and Spa: Weekend Away: Kingscliff
Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, Kingscliff.
Sean Mooney finds a property for all seasons at Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, Kingscliff.
THE SETTING
Peppers Salt Resort and Spa sits on the edge of the sand dunes of northern NSW, north of Byron and south of Surfers. The patrolled beach is a major drawcard, as are the green hills of the hinterland.
THE SPACE
The low-rise, high-luxury property has two main pool-centred spaces: the "lagoon" pool with its sandy beach and shaded cabanas, and the smaller "tropical" pool, which is popular with families. Twenty rooms have their own private plunge pools.
THE KIT
There are one, two and three-bedroom apartments available. Our two-bedder provides us with two balconies overlooking our plunge pool and there are also kitchen facilities, a lounge room, two bathrooms and one large bathtub, a nifty coffee machine and a full-sized fridge-freezer. The latter is used to store the delicacies created by the nearby Piccolo gelato bar.
COMFORT FACTOR
Most visitors spend their days poolside or at the beach (we did beach in the mornings, pool in the afternoons). Should the weather be against you, a large selection of free and unlimited in-house movies awaits. The comfortable lobby with free Wi-Fi is another option. Happily, the sun shone for us, so we kicked back on sun loungers, swam and sat in one of two spas, usually in the company of one of the resident water dragons.
FOOD
The property turns on an excellent breakfast buffet and the poolside cafe does well with drinks and snacks throughout the day. The highlight is undoubtedly dinner at Season restaurant, in particular a degustation menu that showcases fresh produce from local growers. Executive chef Martin Glutz (formerly of Palazzo Versace) has created some amazing dishes using local produce such as pork from Bangalow, passionfruit from Dungay and native finger limes from Chillingham. The mango souffle and unique peanut creme brulee are incredible. The only disappointment is a limited room service menu that does not adequately reflect the quality of the produce and personnel in the kitchen.
WORTH STEPPING OUT FOR
Salt village has several restaurants, shops and a pub, which means plenty of options only a short walk from the resort. Fins at Salt is well regarded, and Sea Salt Pizzeria and Mahsuri Thai are both excellent. There are seven kilometres of walking and cycling paths in the area and you can rent bicycles and tennis equipment from the resort. A large open park with a playground and barbecue facilities is just across the road. A drive into the hinterland following a local food trail map can lead you to Pickled Pig Brewery, Witches Chase Cheese Company and Tambourine Mountain Distillery.
THE VERDICT
One of those rare properties that really is perfect for couples and families. There are plenty of options for those who want fresh air and exercise, and those who prefer fresh movies and gelato. Having such culinary excellence on your doorstep is very welcome.
HOW TO GET THERE
From the Gold Coast airport, rent a car and drive south for about 30 minutes.
ESSENTIALS
Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, Bells Boulevard, Kingscliff. Rooms start at $196 a night for a one-bedroom apartment, $470 for two bedrooms, including breakfast, movies and broadband. Phone 02 6674 7777, see peppers.com.au/salt.
The writer was a guest of Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, Kingscliff.
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