The uber luxe Spicers Retreats dotted around South East Queensland are all bucket list getaways but if we had to pick our favourite, it would definitely be Spicers Hidden Vale. Just over an hour away from Brisbane in Grandchester, this country escape has it all—luxe accommodations, a travel-worthy restaurant and spectacular views. Plus it ticks a box that so far as we know, no other luxury stay in South East Queensland does—it’s totally family-friendly.
While anyone in search of a peaceful, romantic weekend will certainly find it here, for those in search of a family getaway where everyone will feel pampered and relaxed, Spicers Hidden Vale is the place to go. As well as having generously sized cabins and plenty of wide open space to explore, recent additions to the property include an adventure playground, a massive infinity pool with a spa overlooking the hills and a daily farm animal feeding experience—enough to keep any energetic child entertained.
This is all on top of Spicers Hidden Vale’s epic line up of activities, which includes lawn games, frisbee golf, a pool table, nature walks, tennis, gold panning, koala safaris, archery and their huge adventure park criss-crossed with dozens of mountain biking trails. You can fill your itinerary with a little of everything or just mosey on over to their open-air chill out space and eatery The Barn when you (and the kids) need a change of scenery from your cabin.
Now when we say cabin, we don’t mean a homely little single room hut, oh no—these are the cabins of your dreams, complete with spa baths, private verandahs, separate bedrooms (depending on which you book) and some, if you really want to splash out, with outdoor baths and stone fireplaces. Ranging from one to four bedrooms, there's a cabin for every size family or group. Oh and say hello to the friendly kangaroos outside when you wake up in the morning.
Bonus, the Spicers team can even arrange a babysitter for you so the adults can enjoy a well-deserved dinner at Homage Restaurant. Any dining experience here should start with a drink at the adjoining bar, which has an intriguing cocktail list to work your way through while you sit back in the old world lounge.
Once you’re seated in the restaurant (hopefully out on the verandah so you get a sunset view), the best way to order from the menu is to simply not—opt for the Homage Tasting Menu instead and dine on course after course of sustainably sourced and locally inspired dishes. Everything on the plate here is either grown, pickled and smoked right there on site in the market garden (which you can take a stroll through), or sourced from producers within the local area, so you know it’s fresh as fresh can be.
There’s a 300-strong wine list to sip on while you dine, and with a cellar full of some 3000 bottles, it’s pretty likely you’ll find something that takes your fancy. After dinner, while the air is still chill, you can finish off a little liquid dessert by the fire pit, before retiring to your nearby cabin for the night.
Find everything else you need to know about Spicers Hidden Vale and book your stay here.
Image credit: Spicers Hidden Vale | Supplied