CONGRATULATIONS! You survived silly season and made it through new years. Now it’s time for you to enjoy a well-earned break that’s just for you. No wrapping. No Kris Kringle. No sparkles. Just downtime, eating and drinking, all for you. Bliss.
For a weekend of R&R that’s not too far from Melbourne, Daylesford hits the spot. Just two hours from Melbourne, it’s the perfect distance to get some time out from the city without over committing on distance and time.
And just to make it super easy, we’ve crafted the ultimate relaxation hit-list itinerary so you don’t even need to worry about planning. Just book, drive, arrive - and chill.
Here’s what you can get up to in 24 hours of rejuvenation in Daylesford. Go on – you deserve it.
12noon – Check in
Arrive in Daylesford and check in to the uber chic Frangos & Frangos Boutique Hotel. Remove city slicker clothes and replace with uber comfy, down-time threads. No laptops permitted beyond this point. Jump back in the car and head straight for Hepburn Springs.
12.30pm – Lax and lunch: Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa; the Pavilion Café
Pavilion Cafe
Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa has been the calling card for tired shoulders and healing seekers since 1895. The mineral waters of the region have been long renowned for their healing qualities and the Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa provides the ultimate in therapeutic bathing and spa experiences. Choose from communal bathing in The Bathhouse, hydro and steam therapies at The Sanctuary, a more exclusive bathing experience with a Private Mineral Bath, or a spa treatment like a massage, facial, manicure, pedicure and ‘spa ritual’. There’s a huge range of options such as the Indulgent Revival (150 minutes, from $350), Mothers-To-Be (90 minutes, from $229), a Cocoon (60 minutes, from $199) or the Champagne Sugar Polish (60 minutes, from $157). You’re in excellent hands with the highly qualified, trained and experienced team at Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa and you’ll feel the shoulders drop the moment you’re wrapped in a big white fluffy robe.
After all that hard work winding down, appease a well-earned appetite at the Pavilion Café, on the same beautifully inspiring site of the bathhouse and spa. It’s time for indulgence of the culinary variety with Devonshire tea (gluten free scones available), hearty salads, gourmet sandwiches and why not a touch of retox with a cheeky glass of bubbles on the side.
4pm – Naptime: Frangos & Frangos Boutique Hotel
Image via Frangos & Frangos Facebook
What would 24 hours of R&R be without a good afteroon nap at your accommodation? Frangos & Frangos Boutique Hotel is a luxury hotel experience, in the very heart of Daylesford. Dark walls, ornate features and long, heavy drapes offer an air of opulent European style. Rooms are decorated with classic chaise lounges, ornate ceilings, plush cushions and large pillows, all contributing to a cosy stay of kitsch elegance. Large private bathrooms feature huge free-standing baths, separate showers and gorgeous toiletries. A well catered mini bar houses all the good stuff – Veuve Clicquot, Peroni, local craft beer, orange juice, and soda. The Hotel Manager at Frangos & Frangos, Bernard Glaude, makes for an excellent host and great conversationalist, who’s happy to help with whatever you need for a comfortable stay. After your nap, wake up slowly in the lounge room downstairs before getting ready for a pre-dinner drink at on-site bar, Jimmies. Life is super tough right now, but you just gotta keep going. Good food awaits.
7pm – Wine & Dine at The Grande Hotel
The Grande Hotel is 2km from Daylesford in Hepburn Springs overlooking the forest for dinner, drinks and accommodation. This country federation style venue comprises a grand old dining room, cosy lounge bar, open fires, 11 hotel rooms, wrap around verandah and sublime food from regionally renowned hatted chef, Andrew Dennis. The focus at Grande Hotel is on seasonal and sustainable local produce with an emphasis on the best the region has to offer. Dinner is available Friday, Saturday and Monday nights from 6pm with weekend breakfast and lunch now on the agenda. We highly recommend scrumptious dishes like grilled Hervey Bay scallops with spiced pea puree and crisp Istra pancetta (cooked to perfection), and slow cooked duck with Moorish rice pilav and rose water yoghurt. Afterwards, enjoy a digestif in the lounge bar and take in the history that surrounds you before heading home via local taxi back to Daylesford.
9am – Breakfast at Koukla Café
Rise and shine to a new day and yummy breakfast. Adjoined with Frangos & Frangos Hotel, Koukla Café dishes up a highly reliable breakfast with a casual bohemian café vibe. Grab an award winning coffee from an award winning barista in this licensed and character-filled space. Options like the Breakfast Tortilla (with scrambled eggs, beans, salsa, guacamole), $17.90, will keep you charged for the day and more than keen to head back for a delicious lunch and woodfired pizza later in the day as well. Two thumbs up for this friendly, sunny, cosy spot with great gluten free pizza in Daylesford.
10.30am – More lax time at Daylesford Day Spa
Your 24 hours is drawing to a close but there’s still time for one more spa! A mere stroll from Frangos & Frangos is the Daylesford Day Spa set in a beautiful two storey heritage building. Be looked after from top to toe with exquisite treatments from specialist, highly trained and down-to-earth staff. Jurliques Facials, Relaxation and Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Spas, Rose Milk Baths, Body Treatments and the amazing Le Stone Therapy all designed to support you with the art of relaxation. And that they do. You’ll leave Daylesford Day Spa feeling rejuvenated, relaxed and recharged, leaving behind any stresses you might still be holding onto, getting you ready to tackle the buzzing city life again.
12noon – city bound
You are now fully restored and it’s time to head back to the big smoke. Before you do, take a wander through the town for some shopping at the gorgeous home stores and fashion boutiques that line Vincent Street. You’re guaranteed to find something you’ll love to take home with you and remind you of your blissful 24 hours in Daylesford; you’ll be more than glad you decided to treat yourself.
YOUR ITINERARY HIT-LIST:
We’d like to extend a very warm thank you to our illustrious hosts involved with the making of this post to share delightful Daylesford with you. Special thanks to Annie and Harriet at Mango and also the Daylesford and Macedon Ranges Tourism Board (explore the region with their new app, below).
