There are so many ways to spoil yourself in the Southern Highlands. You could plan an extended weekend of ultimate indulgence and then have trouble deciding whether you would use the time strolling through manicured gardens, or be tucked up by a roaring fire in some boutique hotel, then dining lavishly. Or you could simply check into Solar Springs, an upmarket spa that leaves nothing to be desired.
In fact when you start to think about it, a weekend is just not long enough.
To begin with, you need to book yourself into somewhere that will take care of all your needs, unobtrusively. Remember we're talking lavish decadence here. Bowral Heritage Park, is an ideal spot, or you could check into Peppers Manor House at Sutton Forest.
If you don't feel like a hotel-country house environment, there are dozens of top-end Bed and Breakfast establishments like the Old Schoolhouse, at Burrawang, or guesthouses such as Ranelagh House at Robertson. Then there are resorts, country lodges, conference centres and even some places connected to their own private golf course. Add to this, self-contained cottages, pubs and farmstays, and the range is quite amazing. If you just can't decide, discuss your needs with someone at the Southern Highlands Accommodation Centre.
With your accommodation taken care of, the next major concern is where you will eat. No problem - most larger establishments have their own restaurant or you can bib up and go out to dine at award winning restaurants such as the Blue Cockerel at Mittagong, or the Catch at Bowral. And if you want to learn how to feed yourself, book into one of Geoff Jansz's Lessons from the Farm, on his property at Bowral.
But most people (women, anyway) would agree that no indulgent weekend is worth anything without a spot of retail therapy - and this is where the Southern Highlands really shine. Book and craft shops, antiques stores and galleries will provide hours of pleasure whether you buy anything or not.
For the more active and those who adore the fresh mountain air, there are garden tours, or you can escape even further, take a picnic lunch and a walk into the gentle countryside and maybe check out some of the local villages such as Burrawang, Robertson, or Sutton Forest.
If a trip down memory lane is about as much exercise as you're after, even that can be arranged. A Little Piece of Scotland at Sutton Forest, is always worth a visit, as is the Bradman Museum at Bowral, and Mittagong Antiques Centre may just have that special piece you've been searching for.
But if everything hurts, or if you feel you deserve the ultimate indulgence, cut straight to the chase and book yourself into Solar Springs Health Retreat at Bundanoon. This is an ideal mix-and-match option as you can stay on site or attend as a day visitor (perhaps while your partner pursues other interests) and be pampered with treatments such as facials, massages, wraps and lymphatic drainage.
Solar Springs' philosophy is simple. They give you the tools to make changes in your lifestyle in relation to diet, exercise and relaxation. An exciting program of activities has been put together to make the most of the setting and environment. So you could find yourself bushwalking or cycling, playing volleyball or trying archery, or simply enjoying gentle stretching classes, tai chi and yoga, or low impact aerobics, swimming and circuit classes.
For those staying on-site, the accommodation ranges from light to luxurious, and tariffs include accommodation, all meals, leisure and sporting facilities and the supervised activities. For added benefits, the food is mainly vegetarian although special dietary requirements can be catered for.
While many people think of the Southern Highlands in terms of a cool retreat from the summer heat in the city, winter brings its own glory of misty days, the excuse to enjoy heartier fare, and maybe even a little snow.
Rich in comfort and charm, and lavish with its bounty - go on, indulge in the Southern Highlands. You deserve it, as they say in the ads.
Spend a night at one of the Peppers' properties and enjoy a complimentary breakfast when you book with your NRMA Member Card. Find out more...
If you are looking for somewhere special to eat on the Southern Highlands, try Katers at the Manor House (Katers Road). The food was great. The chicken & steak dishes were very tasty. We had the best (& biggest) potato wedges & mash potato EVER which were made from local Robertson potatoes. Take some of their own baked cookies home for later - you will be glad you did! A nice setting for a special celebration meal.
Angela P, Asquith
Health Spas are the place to relax and de-stress. Be warned though, the food is mainly vegetarian and you won't be eating anything remotely unhealthy here.
Kim, Penrith Lakes.
If you are in the Southern Highlands, I suggest that the Old Cheese Factory group of shops on the Illawarra Hwy are worth a look. The cheese shop has a pretty good range - we tried the locally made brie, camembert and cheddar. The cheddar never made it home it was that good. Nice selection of crackers & lavash. They also had a big range of cordials which looked interesting. There was also a confectionery shop, cafe, gift shop & toy shop. Worth a detour for the great local cheeses.
Silver, South Grafton.
4WD
