Woodlands Rainforest Retreat Review
Written by Olivia Richardson: 12-November-2007
Total seclusion in a pristene forest
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The vibe
Romantic, cosy and enveloped in nature. Don't expect marble floor and executive styling – it's very cute, quaint, boutique and you can feel that the host has put their personality into the décor and design (the same kind of loving feeling you get when you eat a home-cooked meal).
Who would come here?
Couples (this is very lovey-dovey – not really suitable for a girls' trip, etc.) who want total privacy and exclusion in a gorgeous and cosy bungalow, nestled in the middle of a pristine forest.
Love
* The seclusion, crispy clean air with a hint of menthol/eucalyptus, cosy-hut vibe; and the feeling that you're completely secluded and alone.
* The floor-to-ceiling windows, the very saucy open fire place (rhirr!) and the mega-huge, deluxe sunken spa – open the wooden shutter blinds or even the glass door for a gorgeous and romantic view.
* The staff completely leave you alone (e.g. if you order breakfast, they silently leave it outside in a special wood-camouflaged fridge and you don't even realise they were there).
Not so keen on...
Driving there from Melbourne at night (don't do it! You drive through the middle of The Yarra Ranges National Park and it's very windy, pitch-black and can be foggy and slippery). It's gorgeous and majestic in the day though (think winding roads tightly encased with towering, match-stick-looking, dense forest – amazing).
You leave feeling...
Like you want to extend your stay! Plus relaxed, charmed and totally rejuvenated.
Awards
* Winner of the 2006 Australian Tourism Awards for best Hosted Accommodation
* Winner of the 2005 and also 2006 Victorian Tourism Awards.
Price
* Weekends (2-night stay – Fri-Sat) = from $690 per couple
* Mon-Thurs = from $345 per night per couple
* 3-night weekend (Fri-Sun) = $990 per couple. Check out more options here.
Getting there
It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Melbourne. Find personalised directions here.
Facilities
TV, DVD and video player with a whole library of things to watch for free, fully equipped kitchen, central heating and cooling, BBQ, plump and plush king-sized bed and you can pre-arrange a massage in your hut.
Meals
You pre-arrange to have breakfast, lunch and dinner the night before – they bring the meals to you. Think spinach and ricotta agnalotti, followed by mild Indian curry vegetable parcels and topped off with a rich, chocolate tart, etc.
You can also pre-order a gourmet BBQ pack to cook on the private, under-cover gas BBQ outside on the wooden deck. It contains prime Victorian meats, chicken, fish, salads, farmhouse cheeses, crusty bread, chutneys, mustards and deserts. There's also a picnic hamper (Victorian smoked trout and meats, chargrilled marinated and pickled vegetables, salads, farmhouse cheeses and deserts).
Our ratings
Cleanliness: 5
Comfort: 4
Experience: 4
Décor and design: 4
Attention to detail: 4
Staff and service: 4
Total rating: 4/5
Bookings/more info
(03) 5963 7150
www.woodlandscottages.com.au
relax@woodlandscottages.com.au
Manby Road, Narbethong, Victoria