Stylish and indulgent retreat

OLINDA – LOCHIEL LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

SET AMONGST THE GARDENS and the tall native timbers of the Dandenong Ranges, only an hour's drive from Melbourne, Lochiel's contemporary mountain cottages are a stylish and comfortable alternative to frilly B&B's. Moments from Credo Restaurant and Ranges Café Bar Restaurant, the tri-level cottages are especially designed for indulgent and relaxing stays for couples. Features include tree-top balconies, large oval spas, king or queen-sized beds, wood fires and beautifully appointed bathrooms with large windows overlooking the forest canopy creating a real sense of place. The attractive, original three-bedroom cottage has two bathrooms and a large, outdoor spa and is perfect for two or three couples to share.

This is a very tranquil place to stay with no major decisions to be made apart from which movies to watch on your wide screen TV with surround sound, which path to take for a stroll through the forest or whether to dine at Ranges or Credo, both run by Lochiel's restaurateur owners.

The tariff includes a breakfast at Ranges Cafe Bar Restaurant which serves light meals all day and modern cuisine with exotic flavours by night. Try the Ranges Big Breakfast, zucchini and sweetcorn fritters, toasted coconut bread with homemade local raspberry jam or some of the many other delicious items on the menu. Credo Restaurant is famous for its seasonal, modern Italian dinner menu while all-day breakfast and lunch are also served here at weekends.

You can forget about your car altogether if you wish when you stay at Lochiel as the mountain village of Olinda is an easy walk away with galleries, cafes and speciality shops such as the Olinda Sweet Company selling sweets from around the world. Further away you can take a Yarra Valley wine tour, go ballooning or visit the Healesville Sanctuary.

TARIFF: from $250/couple/night midweek (Monday to Thursday).