8 romantic getaways in Victoria’s Spa Country

The heart of Daylesford is quaint Vincent Street, and Frangos is its pulse. The quintessentially Victorian building is rendered in soft grey and makes a true statement on the street thanks to its distinctive red wrap-around veranda. Paralleled elegance and attention to detail are carried through to the accommodation offered at Frangos, making this haunt an ideal weekend hideaway.

Boutique in size and luxurious in style, the hotel offers 12 individually styled rooms, each designed by former owner Jim Frangos who ensured each room expressed personality. Expect high ceilings, antique furnishings, and contemporary bathrooms. You’ll be pleased to know that all rooms are well-prepared for the chilly Daylesford temperatures featuring deep free-standing baths to guarantee a steamy night in with some bubbly in hand.

For a refined experience amidst the lush surrounds of Hepburn Springs, a stay at Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel goes without saying. What better way to fight the bitter chills than with a stay in an elegant boutique hotel equipped with plush furnishings, crackling open fires, and scenic vistas?

Originally built in 1935, the hotel charms guests with its blend of historical features and modern country décor. Dressed by Interior Designer Stuart Rattle, Peppers is THE kind of place intended for all those en vogue travellers. Guests can choose from the Springs Rooms located in the original building or the Garden Rooms and Villas which are scattered throughout the manicured grounds.

Daylesford is renowned for its gastronomic scene, and Peppers’ in-house restaurant, The Argus Dining Room, only does this reputation justice. Proudly holding one hat by The Age Good Food Guide, Argus serves modern Australian fare, using produce sourced from the Argus Kitchen Garden. Dishes are perfectly paired with wine which is carefully handpicked by renowned Sommelier, Jeremy Shiell.

Nothing quite encapsulates the elegance of Daylesford more than the iconic Lake House. Situated on the shores of scenic Lake Daylesford, this haunt bestows a slice of heaven amidst the rural landscape of Victoria. Proud parents, Alla and Allan Wolf-Tasker, arrived at the deserted site three decades ago and have since worked tirelessly to make the Lake House one of Australia’s A-list luxury destinations.

Offering a hotel, restaurant and spa, the Lake House is quite simply everything you need all bundled into the one sanctuary of bliss. Our pick is the waterfront suite which offers an open plan, and an aesthetic of gold, ochre, and mustard.

Beyond the plush rooms, guests can be enchanted by the culinary expertise offered at the Lake House Restaurant. Rightfully awarded two revered hats by The Age Good Food Guide, the restaurant draws inspiration from regional and seasonal produce. Finesse and strong attention to detail pair seamlessly to create a culinary treat for the discerning palette.

Hepburn Bath House & Spa is THE spa for all those travellers craving a weekend of pampering. Since 1895, this iconic bath house has been drawing mineral water directly from the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. Fortunately, Kudos Villas and Retreats is located a short kilometre away.

The independent villas are sleek in design and provide the ideal amount of privacy for those seeking a regional weekend of romance. With some villas named air, fire, earth, and water, it’s fitting that the accommodation draws inspiration from the land. Think exposed timber beams and large glass windows which overlook uninhibited bushland.

Villas are individually designed, but most offer an open plan space with log fires and dreamy spas that overlook the scenic landscape. Rooms come with mood lighting and an inviting king-sized bed, appointed with a pillow-top mattress and love-heart chocolates. The villas come with fully-equipped kitchens and a breakfast hamper of farmhouse muesli, bread, and a selection of organic spreads for the first lazy morning in.

Nestled on an acre of lush gardens with a backdrop of Daylesford’s scenic Wombat Forest, Bellinzona Grange Country Retreat makes for an idyllic experience. The Edwardian heritage villa offers upscale accommodation that puts indulgence at the forefront of the guests’ experience.

Rooms blend antique furnishings alongside modern fittings and clean lines. A colour palette of cream, beige, and soft brown creates a warm and inviting space ideal for a chilly night in for two! If you’re lucky, you might even secure yourself a room with French doors opening onto the retreat’s wrap-around veranda. If you’d rather have a little more independence, Bellinzona also offers stand-alone cottages.

A weekend away in the Daylesford region inevitably means a weekend sampling some of the region’s best produce. Tick off your foodie wish list at Bellinzona’s in-house restaurant, Heritage, which serves carefully prepared Australian and international fare.

Housed in a heritage listed building dating back to the 1850s, Albert Guest House voices the charm of Australian history all the while offering polished accommodation. With rooms flanked in original Cobb & Co design wallpaper and floral throws, you could easily be forgiven for thinking you were spending a weekend in rural England. All that’s left to organise is your very own Mr Darcy and the Pride & Prejudice scene is complete!

Old-world romance is lots of fun, but if you’re a more contemporary kind of traveller, the Mills Spa Suites is the younger stepsister of Albert Guest House, offering warehouse style accommodation. The suites showcase exposed stone and brick walls, with minimalist style furniture adorning the space. A toasty sojourn is guaranteed thanks to gas log fireplaces, jetted spas, and a scattering of soft throws and cushions.

What better way to relax for the weekend than in a self-contained retreat with your respective other, marvelling at the natural wilderness? Blue Cliffs Retreat allows guests to experience just this! Situated over 25 acres of natural bushland, the villas are tailored to all types of guests, with all bestowing spectacular views.

Arguably the best feature of these dreamy villas though are the at-home spa facilities. The bathroom offers a two-person sauna and spa bath, and the large deck features a private solar-heated swimming pool. Just imagine doing a couple of laps with an uninterrupted backdrop of the bushland!

With the villa appointed with white fluffy robes and BASIC EARTH biodegradable bath amenities, you can indulge in a true spa experience without ever having to walk out the front door.