Spicers - Winning Bounty

The success of the Spicers Group is the result of a brilliant team effort. Spicers retreats and restaurants, as well as its personnel, have attracted an increasing haul of awards throughout the past few years. Each retreat is boutique in terms of room numbers but expansive in benefits and beautiful locations.

The keenest fans of these retreats, according to Melissa, are executives who find that the facilities for incentive meetings, conferences and planning sessions exceed their expectations. Even more winning in their eyes is attention to detail and how these intimate work venues slide effortlessly into a focus on family getaways, romantic interludes and special celebrations.

Most retreats are located in South-East Queensland. Some of them are designated for adults only and others are family friendly, particularly in school holiday periods.

Spicers Balfour Hotel is the only urban property in Spicers’ portfolio. It is located in the gentrified suburb of New Market in Brisbane. Indulge in high tea on the breezy Queenslander wraparound verandah or feast on seasonal, organic dishes in the dining room. Dusk means easing into a cocktail at the bijou rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline and Story Bridge. Otherwise explore fashionable, neighbourhood boutiques or the in-house art exhibition.

Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim has been named Queensland’s best for luxury accommodation for the last two years. 12 suites, two hours drive south west of Brisbane, are surrounded by the pristine Main Range National Park. The cuisine reflects the modern diversity of Australian culture and this retreat was the first in the Spicers stable to take gold in the restaurant stakes. Recently it was hailed as the Savour 2012 Brisbane Restaurant of the Year. Dreamy dining can be countered with guided bush walks, vineyard exploration, tennis or mountain biking and even a day spa.

Spicers Canopy, Scenic Rim is an eco-luxury tented resort on the same property as Spicers Peak Lodge, abutting a large nature refuge. You can leave all city connectivity behind and check into the restorative embrace of nature, 2,000 acres of which is completely private. Safari style tents, chef-prepared meals, premium beverages and walks with bushman guides make this venue ideal for families and for group team building experiences.

Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville is a 10-suite guesthouse in the Sunshine Coast rainforest hinterland. Guests say they feel almost transported to rustic Provence. The Long Apron restaurant has accrued so much gourmet cred that it is firmly established in Australia’s top 100 restaurants but its list of awards for excellence in accommodation, spa experiences and spoil-me service have also been bountiful.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny is 12 acres of heaven and 15 minutes from the Clovelly Estate. It’s a cluster of chic rainforest villas that includes an award -winning Asian restaurant, a day spa and a Thai cooking school. Great service comes minus the over-the-top trappings of luxury. It is suitable for small groups and extended families. Natural timbers, stylish architectural design and the streaming refrain of a waterfall add up to an overall ambience that is magically Zen.

Spicers Hidden Vale, Lockyer Valley, an hour from Brisbane, is a traditional Australian homestead that houses an award-winning restaurant plus scattered and restored colonial cottages and barns. The elegant ambience of the 1800’s has been sympathetically transmuted into modern interior design. Vistas of mountains and valleys sweep around the open verandahs as do kangaroos and wallabies at dusk. This 12,000-acre farm is perfection for families in holiday seasons with a unique animal nursery, mountain biking, horse riding and adventurous 4WD excursions.

Eucalypts, grapevines and kitchen gardens are elements that help make Spicers Vineyards Estate in the Hunter Valley a leading eatery and an adults only romantic retreat. Cosy up at Restaurant Botanica over an inspired dinner or enjoy a lip-smacking lunch on the verandah. Idle until late morning over a sensational, in -room breakfast and complimentary bubbly. Head out horseback riding, for cellar and cheesemaking visits or golfing. In room wood fires in winter are worth toasting!

CONCIERGE EXCLUSIVE SPICERS PEAK LODGE PACKAGE INCLUDES: 2 NIGHTS ACCOMMODATION IN A LODGE SUITE • GOURMET BREAKFAST DAILY • 3 COURSE LUNCH OR GOURMET PICNIC HAMPER EACH DAY • SELECTION OF CANAPÉS SERVED FIRESIDE EACH EVENING • 7 COURSE DEGUSTATION DINNER WITH WINES TO MATCH EACH EVENING • PORTS AND LIQUEURS TO FOLLOW DINNER • COMPLIMENTARY IN-ROOM MINI BAR • ALL BEVERAGES DURING YOUR STAY (EXCLUDES SELECTED SPIRITS, FRENCH CHAMPAGNE AND PRIVATE CELLAR WINES) CONCIERGE BONUS PRIVILEDGE • TWO COMPLIMENTARY 90 MINUTE DAY SPA TREATMENTS, VALUED AT $300 • AU$2380 (Sun -Thurs ), AU$2980 (Fri -Sat ). * PER COUPLE • Valid UNTIL 30 JUNE 2024 • QUOTE OL12-SPPL

Contact Melissa Coles for more information on 1800 047 047 or email her at: mcoles@conciergetraveller.com