Our tips on where to escape when the weather is cooler. Escape your winter blues this July and start planning your next weekend away with some helpful hints from The Office Space. From Saturday night in the city to a European adventure (and everything in between), we’ve got all of your luxury-verses-budget options sorted.
- Saturday staycation in the city
Sydney is an exciting city, so why not opt for a Saturday-Sunday-staycation in the NSW state capital! Retire the time-poor excuses and gift yourself with a weekend to enjoy the latest offerings of the city – stop, slow down and start exploring. Why not check out The Grounds of the City for a lazy lunch, stroll around the Botanic Gardens and curl up in the sun with that book, or jump a ferry and explore the Harbour’s landmark islands while soaking up the sights of the city. QT Hotel Sydney Shack up in this perky and playful hotel above the State Theatre, smack-bang in the middle of the city with prices starting from $320 for a standard room. Pop downstairs for dinner and check out the Hotel’s Restaurant Gowings.
- A hop, skip and a drive from the city
Head south down scenic, winding roads to the charming country town of Berry, just a short two-hour drive from Sydney. This beautifully quaint rural township is famous for it’s lush, rolling dairy fields, restaurants, antique stores and tree-lined streets. This unspoiled town boasts some of the earliest architecture with many of it’ buildings fully restored and heritage protected. It’s also a short drive to the NSW Coast, leaving many day trip options open for lunch at Nowra, a drive through Kangaroo Valley, or a hike through the Seven Mile Beach National Park. Luxury: Willow Farm Dive into country-chic luxury at the breathtaking Willow Farm. Handpick fresh apples from the farm’s orchard, throw in a fishing line and try your luck at catching some wild bass, or sit on the verandah and watch the sun go down. This beautiful farm stay is the ultimate in country elegance, with its sweeping views, gourmet (and fully stocked) kitchen, and deep-set spa baths. You’ll feel a world away from everyone, despite being a five-minute drive to the town center. Prices start from $900 per night. Budget: The Jasmine Cottage Want the country charm without the price tag? Try the warm, simple and cozy Jasmine Cottage. This gem is located at the foot of Berry Mountain, which is the perfect place to surrender to serene surrounding nature. Dive into nature and put your hiking shoes on, to explore the beautifully green mountainside, hit the streets for a shop, or visit the many wineries located within a short drive of this accommodation. This quaint cottage can be home with prices from $260 a night.
- The Aussie rainforest
Hit the northern skies for your very own rainforest retreat. The Daintree is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world, spanning 1200 square kilometers and sprawling all the way down to the edge of the ocean. Experience an evolutionary awakening and explore this sacred and ancient part of the world in our very own backyard. Luxury: Silky Oaks Lodge Sitting on the sacred land of the Kuku Yalangi tribe, tune into tranquility with this lush, boutique accommodation. Nestled high up in the mountainside of the Mossman riverbank, you can stay in your very own Daintree Treehouse, with prices starting from $500 a night. Perks include daily yoga practice, daily gourmet breakfast and guided walking trails. Budget: Cape Trib Beach House Resort Located on its own pristine, private beach, this secluded getaway has accommodation on offer for every holidaymaker. Bringing you the ultimate coastal calm, it’s the perfect place to turn off the technology and explore the abundance of natural beauty surrounding you. If you want to revisit the youth of backpacking, prices range from $30 per dorm, or you can snatch up your own personal villa from $180 per night.
- New Zealand’s spectacular South Island
Do you want lakes, snowy mountains and the nature of Canada but aren’t keen to travel too far? New Zealand’s south island has got the goods. Let’s be honest, our closest neighbours southern hemisphere really is ‘God’s Country.’ From its crystal clear lakes, rolling mountains, epic glaciers, and nature, it has everything on offer. Queenstown is the ultimate escape for adventure, or relaxation and everything in between. Luxury: The Spire Hotel – Queenstown Green and white and blue – the colours of Queenstown. This place has got everything. Lush pine forest crawling down the mountainside, snow on their tops, and surrounded by that deep blue pristine water. It’s the capital for adventure sports, the perfect skiing spot, and equally as relaxing to wander by the water and explore the town’s centre. If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury, The Spire Hotel is for you. It boasts sweeping lake and mountain views, deep-set spas and your very own fireplace in every room. Lock in your suite with prices starting at $720 per night. Budget: The Wanaka Hotel – Wanaka Want the NZ experience minus the crowds? Wanaka is for you. An hour south of Queenstown, this tiny town is really special. Quiet and drenched in natural beauty, the town is perched on the surrounds of Lake Wanaka, with breathtaking views of the Rob Roy Glacier (a hike we highly recommend). The Wanaka Hotel is nothing fancy and that’s precisely what makes it so charming. It has an old-world, art deco feel, nothing has changed in the décor from 70’s and it’s got your basics covered – which is really all you need when you have Wanaka waiting outside your door. Prices start at $109, and you can even splash out on a lakefront view for under $200 per night.
- All the way! Your European adventure.
We’re not including a budget option for this one because… well, it’s Europe. Kick off your European adventure with none other than Razglednica – the ultimate in luxury on the Croatian waterfront. Located in Split, this three-bedroom apartment sits perched on the promenade of Croatian cornucopia in an immaculately restored heritage landmark, built in the 19th Century. Oh, and did we mention it’s the whole floor? Its very name means; picture perfect postcard, which could even be an understatement for this stylish and unique home. No other holiday accommodation offers such stunning, uninterrupted views of the old town, Riva or Dinaric Alps, and Islands. It boasts a gorgeous rooftop terrace and 360-degree sweeping views of the Adriatic coastline beyond the port, towards the forested Marjan National Park across terracotta rooftops. Prices begin at 200 Euro per night in the low season and move upwards for shoulder and high seasons. Don’t miss this stunning Split luxury, and stay up to date with Razglednica via the apartments Instagram and Facebook. Want more? Stay in touch and subscribe to our monthly newsletter here.
