A weekend in the Dandenongs: a getaway from the hustle and bustle

For a sophisticated retreat with a French kiss, there’s Belle le Vie in Sassafras, which ticks all the boxes for couples looking for a weekend getaway. Chic, dark French-style furnishings make up the rooms; a regal palette of black, gold and silver. Some rooms are overlooked by chandeliers, others have double spas, while one in particular is wrapped by a garden. Each of the six suites has its own identity – the Parisienne, the Provincial, the Jardin and the Marguerite are some you can choose from.

Coming a little more into the modern day are the Clarendon Cottages – a serene garden retreat hosting elegant rooms where luxurious comfort is the word. Dandenong Ranges cottages come in grand amounts, but there’s something quite special about the Clarendon Cottages. Even though the number of residences is small at three, there is a cottage for all options – one for solo travellers, another for couples, and a larger for a family or two couples.

Over in the suburb of Mount Dandenong is the Linden Gardens Rainforest Retreat, a bed and breakfast with an onsite day spa. Four romantic rooms make up the retreat – The Linden Cottage features its own indoor garden; the multi-level Sanctuary Tower has its own sauna, The Garden Retreat is spread across two levels with spa in the lounge area. And lastly is The Gallery Suite is on a single level with central spa that has full disability access. All suites have private entrances, ing sized beds, gas log fires and kitchenettes. Not that visitors need to worry about getting up to prepare breakfast in the morning – a cooked breakfast for two is delivered to suite doors every morning.

In the same vicinity is Arnica Views, where there is something to suit every type of traveller. There are two converted barns, suites, lofts, and a manor. Each residence is named, some notable options include Coorabell Retreat, a stunningly converted barn surrounded by forest, the Sunset Suite, an attic style suite with views of Melbourne’s city skyline (even from the bathtub) and the Arnica Manor, built back in the 1930s with a 12-foot stone fireplace. Spa and massage packages are on offer if you need to relax that little bit more.

Sassafras is also home to The Loft in the Mill, nestled in the heart of town. Walk in the grounds and you’ll pass through perfectly manicured gardens, through to the grand stone house made up of historically themed rooms. The Hathaway is based on the colour red, where visitors can curl up by the fire. The King Arthur is a sensual suite featuring sheer silk voiles and a giant spa right by the king sized bed. The Carriage House is the grandest of options, ideal for a group stay with three bedrooms. An open plan lounge and dining room bring people together, where visitors can cook meals cooked in the residence’s kitchen.

Over to the east a little bit is Emerald, a suburb as aptly verdant as its name. It’s the oldest township of the hills and as such its not short of accommodation options. Bed and breakfast The Heart of Emerald is a firm favourite; a pet-friendly hotel, where the traditionally furnished rooms here are large, homely and look out onto green and Puffing Billy – the hills’ famed steam train. The accommodation is also close to Emerald Lake, an idyllic spot to sit and indulge at the tearooms, hire a paddleboat, go fishing or simply stroll around.

When it comes to family accommodation in the Dandenongs, it can be a little tricky finding the ideal place to stay. The area is regarded as more of a couple’s getaway, but there are a few options that come to the rescue like Emerald Star Cottages. The family-geared getaway is run by an Emerald based family itself! Five cleverly designed, contemporary cottages make up the retreat. If you’re getting the whole family together for a trip, you can book out the entire site – sleeping up to 18 people.