6 minute read
RETREATS: RETREAT RENDEZVOUS
Retreat rendezvous
Bring your teams together in a perfect blend of productivity and relaxation in these spectacularly scenic retreats designed to foster creativity and connection.
QLD
Spicers Hidden Vale, Lockyer Valley
Blending luxury, comfort and the tranquil beauty of Queensland’s Lockyer Valley, this enchanting property is just an hour’s drive from Brisbane CBD. Dotted throughout the beautifully landscaped gardens are charming cottage accommodations, thoughtfully restored to feature 34 rooms and suites complete with verandas overlooking valley views. In addition to expansive outdoor spaces, there are four meeting and event spaces, each with its own distinct character to cater to a variety of different events. Guests will especially be impressed by the retreat’s renowned culinary experiences, which include its own market garden and the hatted Homage Restaurant. Activities like horse riding, vineyard tours, stargazing, guided nature walks and scenic helicopter flights are sure to foster inspiration and connection among team members.
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Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari (Fraser Island)
Kick off your shoes and embrace the barefoot eco-luxe vibes of K’gari, meaning Paradise – a fitting name given to the island by its traditional owners, the Butchulla people. Adorned with sand dunes, ancient rainforests and more than 100 freshwater lakes, the Heritage-listed surrounds of the world’s largest sand island provide an inspiring backdrop for corporate retreats at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Ideal for larger conferences and team retreats, there are 152 resort hotel rooms, 109 self-contained villas, and eight executive houses, alongside five versatile purpose-built meetings and events spaces, while multiple restaurants and bars can cater to memorable food and beverage experiences, such as beachside cocktails and creative Asian fusion dining. Activities like 4WD Island touring, ranger-guided walks, and bush tucker tours can be arranged year-round for a memorable team bonding experience.
NSW
Bangalay Luxury Villas, Shoalhaven Heads
Situated on the picturesque South Coast, just a twohour drive from Sydney, Bangalay Luxury Villas will have busy teams feeling relaxed from the moment they set foot in this coastal sanctuary.
Combing natural beauty with modern comforts, this boutique property has 14 one-bedroom and two twobedroom spacious and accessible self-contained villas, all with gas fireplaces, private decks overlooking the golf course, and luxe Aspar bathroom amenities. Contemporary and stylish, they’re a home away from home, offering delegates a private and comfortable space in which to relax and unwind.
The award-winning hatted restaurant, Bangalay Dining, showcases the region’s finest produce, delivering exceptional food and beverage experiences, from multi-course degustations and gourmet picnic hampers to tailored catering packages. This space can also be exclusively booked out for up to 120 guests. Guests can unwind by the pool, play a round of golf and enjoy a range of team bonding activities such as yoga and meditation, horse riding on the beach, guided bush tucker foraging walks, wine tastings, surf lessons, cooking classes and much more. A designated event coordinator can help to create a customised itinerary to ensure a conducive environment and memorable experience for your delegates.
NT
Bullo River Station, Baines
From the vastness of the land to the vivid colours and native wildlife, the Northern Territory is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone. Set on 400,000 acres of privately owned countryside at the convergence of the Bullo and Victoria Rivers, this extraordinary Australian property will allow your groups to experience life on a working cattle station with plenty of unique team building activities such as horseback riding, 4WD driving, and cattle mustering. Or, simply spend the time exploring waterfalls, swimming in waterholes, fishing, and discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art. At the end of the day, teams will be welcomed back to the warm outback hospitality with generous and comfortable accommodations, wholesome meals and a refreshing drink. There are 12 guestrooms, each one opening onto shady lawns, for a peaceful place in which to relax and reflect.
WA
El Questro Homestead, Durack
Perched atop clifftops with captivating views of the Chamberlain River, El Questro Homestead offers a secluded hideaway immersed in the wild beauty of the Kimberley. With capacity for up to 20 guests and exclusive booking options, the Homestead serves as a remarkable venue for corporate retreats and incentive getaways that can customise everything from meals and tours to activities that foster team bonding through unique experiences. There are ten premium suites onsite, featuring luxury touches such as outdoor stone baths, self-service bars and private verandas from which to take in the views. Forge connections over a locally sourced three-course dinner, paired with exquisite wines beneath a star-studded sky, or embark on a guided excursion to discover the wonders of this incredible region.
SA
Sequoia Lodge, Adelaide
Situated in the splendid Adelaide Hills wine region, Sequoia Lodge comfortably accommodates between 14 and 28 guests which features 14 luxuriously appointed suites. The exclusive lounge lends itself well to small meetings, group dining, and team-building with a mix of spaces, including private boardroom, complete with cosy fireplaces and a sun deck overlooking the valley. Onsite amenities include artesian spring-fed hot pools, an infinity pool, and a wildlife enclosure, while the adjacent Mount Lofty Estate boasts a tennis court, day spa, larger event spaces and five restaurants and bars, including the renowned Hardy’s Verandah Restaurant. The property’s events manager can organise exclusive experiences such as artisanal cheese and wine masterclasses, a Ferrari drive through the hills, and scenic helicopter tours.
TAS
Picnic Island, Freycinet
With its breath-taking beauty and serene atmosphere, this private island sanctuary offers the perfect environment for teams to recharge and reconnect. There are just five double or twin bedrooms onsite so it’s best suited to smaller groups of up to 10 seeking a more hands-on experience – think foraging for ingredients and cooking together. The nearby Freycinet Marine Farm provides fresh seafood for guests to cook themselves, or you can arrange for a local chef to come to the island. The island’s pristine setting and incredible vistas provide a backdrop for relaxation and reflection, where guests can explore its natural wonders, and enjoy nature walks, kayaking and fishing for a well-rounded retreat experience.
