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Luxury Australian Itinerary – Wine Flight – Margaret River, The Barossa Valley & Kangaroo Island

Posted on September 1, 2020September 23, 2020 by Nicola Billens

Wine Flight

Spend 2-3 nights at each property. This itinerary works equally well in reverse.

Not surprisingly wine region culture so often seeds a strong food culture and vice versa. The two simply go hand in hand. Australia’s reputation as a premium wine-producing country is undisputed.

Wine lovers from around the world are drawn to the ‘home’ of the wines they have tried, savoured and loved. The Louise Barossa Valley, Cape Lodge Margaret River, and Kangaroo Island offer an entree to these prestigious and emerging wine regions, and very often, a personal connection with the winemakers and characters who live there.

This itinerary offers world-class wine experiences together with warm and knowledgeable hospitality alongside culinary excellence and luxury accommodation.

This itinerary is just an indicator of what’s on offer in Australia. At Alquemie we tailor make every vacation based on the whims of our guests. Please contact us to find out about the magical holiday we could craft for you.

CAPE LODGE – MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

Cape Lodge private estate and boutique hotel sits within 40 acres on its own vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine region – a wine region by the sea. This premium wine region has a strong reputation for fine gastronomic flavours and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.

A selection of must do’s

Best of the Best Wine Tour – A sophisticated behind the scenes wine tour often referred to as “The wine tour for people who don’t do tours”. No minivans, no crowds; the Best of the Best Wine Tour represents personalised touring at its best.
Gourmet Weekends are also scheduled throughout the year bringing together winemakers, food producers and lovers of food and wine. These weekends include master classes, tastings and winemakers dinners.
The Cape Lodge Cooking Classes are ideal for lovers of great food and wine experiences. Keep an eye out for the Long Table Lunch Calendar including Truffle Hunt Tour.

The Louise overlooks stunning vineyards of the Barossa Valley

THE LOUISE BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

The Louise, an idyllic luxury vineyard retreat, encompassing acclaimed restaurant Appellation, is situated on a gentle hill surrounded by hundreds of acres of vines, with breathtaking vistas across the world renowned Barossa Valley. Home to more than 100 wineries, the Barossa is a vibrant community with a rich 160-year old cultural and architectural heritage and the oldest continuous food and wine culture in Australia.

A selection of must do’s

The Most Brilliant Blend – Don a labcoat and enjoy the challenge of being a winemaker for a day in the Penfolds laboratory where many of the iconic Penfold’s wine blends originate. Bring your blended wine back to Appellation to form part of your dining experience that evening.
Numerous private tastings and winemaker introductions may be arranged for guests such as the exclusive private tour of Seppeltsfield – A National treasure and living museum of wine history.
Appellation features a nightly wine-paired Chef’s Tasting Menu and believes that the sum of ‘food + wine’ should be greater than the individual parts and that wine is a finished product. A series of dishes created to pair with specific wines, creating a unique marriage, with ingredients directed by the season.

KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

Kangaroo Island is the third largest island off the coast of mainland Australia and is known as Australia’s Galapagos. It is home to an abundance of iconic native Australian wildlife species and features stunning coastlines and spectacular scenery.

Indulge yourself in premium luxury at Ocean View Eco Villas, Kangaroo Island. Oceanview Eco Villas is a fully-hosted eco-luxury accommodation located on a 500-acre rural property, nestled atop the stunning Kangaroo Island coastline known as ‘Redbanks’.

A selection of must do’s

See Kangaroos (and koalas) in the wild of course!
Dine your way around the island as you explore a diversity of wild-catch and farmed seafood, olive oil, honey, wines, micro-brewed beer, gin and free range eggs.
Meet with researchers, volunteers and find out what is happening behind the scenes for conservation on Kangaroo Island.
Explore Kangaroo Island on a multi-mode adventure – four-wheel drive, walking, ocean rafting and fat-tyre cycling.
Walk among Australian sea-lions on a beautiful sandy beach at Seal Bay Conservation Park.

Click here to begin your tailor-made journey to Australia

Luxury Australian Itinerary – Best Of The West

Posted on November 29, 2018June 26, 2019 by Nicola Billens

The Best of the West

13 – 16 nights, if you choose to include all four lodges in Western Australia, plus a night on route where required.

This Best Of The West itinerary, is exactly that – celebrating Western Australia’s breathtaking contrasts and memorable Australian experiences. Uncover the hidden treasures of the Margaret River wine region, including award-winning wineries, spectacular beaches, tall-timber forests and world-class surf breaks.

Discover the wild remote Kimberley coast on the adventure cruise of a lifetime encompassing spectacular gorges, waterfalls and islands. Venture deep into the Kimberley wilderness, encountering an astonishing variety of wildlife along the way.

If time permits, discover into the underwater beauty and biodiversity of The Ningaloo Reef just metres away from pristine beaches. This itinerary can be reversed.

CAPE LODGE – MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

Described as one of Australia’s finest gourmet establishments, Cape Lodge private estate and boutique hotel sits within 40 acres on its own vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine region. This premium wine region has a strong reputation for fine gastronomic flavours and spectacular scenery, where rolling vineyards sit against a backdrop of ocean and forest.

A selection of must do’s

Best of the Best Wine Tour – A sophisticated behind the scenes wine tour often referred to as “The wine tour for people who don’t do tours”. No minivans, no crowds; the Best of the Best Wine Tour represents personalised touring at its best.
Sunset Kangaroo Safari – Have your camera ready as you get up close and personal to the Western Grey Kangaroo’s in their natural surroundings. Savour delicious home baked orange cake with a steaming cup of Billy tea or coffee.
Twilight Didgeridoo Tour at Ngilgi Cave, Harvest Farmgate Tour and new Cooking Class and Long Table Lunch Calendar including Truffle Hunt Tour and Cooking Class (July and August).

TRUE NORTH – THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (7 NIGHTS)

Long revered as one of Australia’s outstanding adventure experiences. The True North has been designed with a draft of just 2.3 metres to go where no other ship can go, with high levels of comfort and style. Cruises are activity based with expert crew of 19 people, on-board helicopter and 6 expedition boats giving up to 36 guests access to remote and wild coastal areas – in style.

A selection of must do’s

The Horizontal Falls – Experience the awesome power of the region’s huge tidal range in an exhilarating tender ride and then climb aboard your air-conditioned helicopter for a view of the falls that very few experience.
Eagle Falls heli-picnic – Enjoy a breathtaking helicopter flight and indulge in True North’s mouth-watering fare alongside a picture-perfect waterfall in remote far-north Western Australia. Only accessible by helicopter.
Fishing experience for Barramundi – Visit Leadline Creek for an opportunity to ‘land a barra’.

EL QUESTRO HOMESTEAD – THE KIMBERLEY, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

(El Questro operates from April until October)
In the middle of almost 1 million acres of Wilderness Park and 100km from the nearest town, the luxury of the El Questro Homestead sits in stark contrast to Western Australia’s rugged Kimberley landscape. Perched on a cliff top, with vistas across the Chamberlain River, the Homestead is a relaxed retreat catering for a maximum of 18 guests.

A selection of must do’s

Take off on a Helicopter Tour to The Lost City and Miri Miri Falls. Explore the Lost City with an El Questro ranger, followed by a cool dip in the pristine Miri Miri Falls while you enjoy a refreshing morning tea featuring local produce.
Spend an afternoon at the Zebedee Thermal Springs – A magical place to relax and rejuvenate after a busy day.
The Homestead is renowned for serving gourmet cuisine in dramatic locations. Request an intimate dinner beneath the stars, or a table set on the cliff side.

SAL SALIS – NINGALOO REEF, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (3 NIGHTS)

Where the outback meets the reef….Nine luxe wilderness tents hidden among the dunes overlook Ningaloo Reef. This wild bush luxury camp provides a unique place from which to explore Western Australia’s coral coast and one of Australia’s best-kept natural secrets. Sal Salis’s ecological principles also ensure that your stay generates a minimal environmental footprint.

A selection of must do’s

Swim with Whale Sharks (April to July) – Ningaloo Reef is known as one of the best places on earth to see and swim with Whale Sharks and Manta Rays.
Wildlife Viewing – Red Kangaroos, wallaroos, rock wallabies and Gould’s Goannas are resident in the park while the birdlife includes Pied Butcherbirds, Fairy Wrens, Kestrels, Zebra Finches, Reef Herons, waders, seabirds and the occasional Emu that strolls through camp. Ningaloo is also a major breeding area for Hawksbill, Green and Loggerhead Turtles, which are seen daily in front of the camp.
Sea Kayaking – Kayaks are the perfect vessel for exploring the reef with minimal interference to the ecosystem. Travel by kayak to spots further off shore where an anchor is dropped in the sand while guests enjoy a snorkel.

Click here to begin your tailor-made journey to Australia

Luxury Australian Itinerary – A culinary experience for stylish foodies

Posted on December 14, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

A culinary experience for stylish foodies

6-9 nights (plus suggested add-on and extra nights en route if desired).

The enjoyment of food and wine is integral to the experience offered by every luxury lodge of Australia and the culinary standard at all properties is outstanding. However, the food & wine experience offered by some properties is truly the lodge’s reason for being, and for visitors for whom food and wine is a primary reason to travel, these properties will have a compelling attraction.

Appellation at The Louise, Cape Lodge and Lake House are outstanding examples of destination restaurants, with luxury accommodation co-located. These culinary destinations, or ‘restaurants with rooms’, have international and national recognitions at the highest level. The below itinerary is should appear on any food and wine lover’s bucket list.

Cape Lodge is Margaret River's finest dining experience — Cape Lodge is Margaret River’s finest dining experience

CAPE LODGE, MARGARET RIVER, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (2-3 NIGHTS)

Described as one of Australia’s finest gourmet establishments, Cape Lodge private estate and boutique hotel sits within 40 acres on its own vineyard in the heart of the Margaret River wine region.

A selection of must do’s

Best of the Best Wine Tour – A sophisticated behind the scenes wine tour often referred to as “The wine tour for people who don’t do tours”. No minivans, no crowds; the Best of the Best Wine Tour represents personalised touring at its best.
Sunset Kangaroo Safari – Have your camera ready as you get up close and personal to the Western Grey Kangaroo’s in their natural surroundings. Savour delicious home baked orange cake with a steaming cup of Billy tea or coffee.
The Cape Lodge Gourmet Retreat and Cooking Classes are ideal for lovers of great food and wine experiences.

Discover perfectly paired wine and food at Appellation restaurant at The Louise

THE LOUISE, BAROSSA VALLEY, SOUTH AUSTRALIA (2-3 NIGHTS)

A selection of must do’s

The Most Brilliant Blend with Appellation restaurant and Penfolds – Don a labcoat and enjoy the challenge of being a winemaker for a day in the Penfolds laboratory where many of the iconic Penfold’s wine blends originate. Bring your blended wine back to Appellation where the award winning culinary team will create a special course custom paired to your wine that will form part of your dining experience at Appellation that evening.
On a Saturday morning join one of Appellation’s chefs at the Barossa Farmer’s Market, as they shop for dinner provisions and share in their delight for the food of the region.
Exclusive private tour of Seppeltsfield – A National treasure and living museum of Australian wine history.
A day touring a selection of (over 100) wineries that have made the Barossa Australia’s most famous and revered wine region.

Discover dining delight at Daylesford's LakeHouse — Discover dining delight at Daylesford’s Lake House

LAKE HOUSE, DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA (2-3 NIGHTS)

An icon in regional dining, Lake House in Daylesford has long been considered to be one of Australia’s best restaurants, championing local seasonal cuisine long before it became a mantra for many. The hotel and all manner of indulgent facilities that have grown around the restaurant over the past three decades continue to delight visitors from near and far. Indeed executive chef and co-proprietor Alla Wolf Tasker has enough national and international awards to fill virtually every wall of her fabled house on the lake.

A selection of must do’s

Dine at the multi-award winning Lake House Restaurant.
Farm Gate & Winery Tour – Head out for the day with a local guide and meet the farmers, producers and winemakers who passionately connect the ‘paddock to plate’. There’s organic and biodynamic producers, rare breed farmers, producers of goat and sheep’s milk cheese, cider, beer & winemakers, bakers and more. You’ll taste along the way and there’s plenty of opportunity to fill your bags if your luggage allowance can cope!
Meander through the property grounds and explore the Kitchen Garden planted out with herbs and edible flowers. Orchard areas include olives, crabapple, stone fruits, apple, quince and medlar.

Enjoy a sunset and al fresco dining at Spicers Peak Lodge

SPICERS PEAK LODGE (OPTIONAL EXTRA)

The eponymous Spicers Peak Lodge Restaurant, is a highly respected and awarded restaurant, offering cooking schools and specialist cooking retreats.

Click here to begin your tailor-made journey to Australia

Exclusive Australian accommodation for groups of friends

Posted on July 12, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

Picture this…Your favourite people, an amazing location, a heavenly bed, delicious food, wine aged to perfection and a range of unique and interesting activities that would delight even the most seasoned traveller. Sound good? Well that’s what’s on our list of small boutique properties are just perfect for groups of friends. These gorgeous options for exclusive Australian accommodation for groups will make you want to go on vacation right now. Read on…

Spicers Peak Lodge

With just ten luxurious suites and two Private Lodges, Spicers Peak Lodge serves as an intimate and relaxing accommodation experience in one of South East Queensland’s most beautiful wilderness areas. Located on 8,000 acres at the peak of a ridge, with breathtaking views of the World Heritage listed Main Range National Park and Scenic Rim.

There is a range of experiences designed to give guests access to this strikingly beautiful part of the Australian wilderness including rainforest bushwalks, mountain biking adventures, and wine tasting at the nearby Granite Belt wine region. There are also guided four day treks ending in a night of luxury at the lodge.

Pretty Beach House

Pretty Beach House is the epitome of relaxed luxury and elegance for those looking for a private getaway not far from Sydney. A serene escape nestled within the heart of the NSW Bouddi National Park and high above Pretty Beach (just a 5 minute drive away), here you’ll find the perfect balance of intimacy, privacy and personalised butler service. With just four luxurious pavilions a group can have this exclusive Australian accommodation all to themselves.

Arkaba

Arkaba’s true luxury is delivered by the fact that its 60,000 acres are shared by just 10 guests, taking the definition of exclusivity to a new level in Australia. Located in the ancient and awe-inspiring grand scale landscape of the Flinders Ranges, Arkaba is a genuine blend of conservation and tourism.

Arkaba’s team of expert field guides live and breathe the bush and through a mix of guided walks, open top safari drives and sheer passion, they will open up the secrets of one of Australia’s most fascinating and spectacular landscapes.

Exclusive Australian accommodation for groups at Arkaba — Spot unique Australian wildlife on a sunset safari at Arkaba

Cape Lodge

With 22 romantically secluded rooms and a magnificent five bedroom private luxury Residence, Cape Lodge in the Margaret River Region of Western Australia sits on 40 acres of manicured parkland and ornamental lakes and has its own 8 acre vineyard producing fine Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz exclusively for guests of the hotel. The superb Cape Lodge Restaurant is voted one of the ‘Top Ten in the World for Food’ in Conde Nast Traveller’s Gold List and is described as “one of Australia’s finest new generation dining establishments.”

Private, tailor-made activities in the nearby surrounds of Margaret River can include wine tasting (of course!), devouring some of the best regional produce in the country, learning about the Aboriginal significance of the region, surfing the world-famous breaks, multi-day walks, whale watching, truffle-hunting and much more. Read our review here.

Crystalbrook Lodge

Hidden in the rugged outback of North Queensland this secret outback mecca catering to only 10 guests is an oasis of luxury perched over the spectacular Crystalbrook Lake.

The lake is haven to a staggering range of wildlife including birds, freshwater crocodiles and fish; a nature lover’s paradise, guests can spend days on the lake or riverside, exploring the bush wilderness or just enjoying the serenity and stillness of the outback in the lodge’s private manicured grounds. Keen fishermen will be hooked on giant barramundi or heli-fishing in the gulf rivers. Here in “big sky” country, the colours of dawn and dusk bookend nature’s daily theatre.

Travelling with groups of friends is one of the loveliest ways to spend time. On the other hand, trying to organise everybody can be difficult and sometimes pleasing everyone can be tough work. This is where Alquemie comes in. Our Alquemists are specialists at crafting magical holidays and ensuring that each and every traveller has the trip of a lifetime. Get in touch today.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Cape Lodge – Margaret River

Posted on January 10, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

Cape Lodge – Reviewed

As we turned into Cape Lodge, my travelling friend and I both felt a sense of calm, of tranquillity. There are rows of grape vines in the distance, some grand old trees in the gardens and a scattering of elegant buildings that sit comfortably in the lovely, relaxed grounds – nothing jars! Our two night stay was about discovering more of the Margaret River region but I was excited to be staying in the recently refurbished Lake View Suites and dining in the refurbished restaurant – such a treat!

The Cape Lodge team are always welcoming and we were shown to our rooms after a cup of tea in the lounge and a chance to pick Veronique’s brain about where we should have lunch the next day. With beautiful views across the lake, the spacious suites are fabulous. The décor is warm with touches of vibrant grape-green, the bathrooms are open plan and yet provide for modesty if required. The beds are huge and comfortable, a sofa is positioned to enjoy the view and the carpet is the type that makes you wiggle your toes. Plush, rich, relaxed, serene … these are the words that spring to mind.

We wandered over to the restaurant for dinner and gone are the dark plums of its past! The restaurant and bar have new life, again a new colour palate, this time cool & fresh colours that allow the focus to be where it should be – on the stunning cuisine that is thoughtfully and artfully plated up. We opted for the 5 course tasting menu and loved the delicious flavours, sensible portion sizes and impeccable wine pairing. On our second night we enjoyed a shared platter in the bar – after a full day of wine touring and eating this was more than enough and is a really smart offering.

We can report that we would happily go back there again every weekend – Cape Lodge offers a regional experience that has just the right amount of relaxed friendly style, sophisticated cuisine and beautiful surrounds. Well done on the refurb, Cape Lodge you’re looking great!

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie