Fancy a soak under the stars? Check out these slow stays to warm your heart this winter
There’s no better way to relax than sinking into a steamy outdoor bath for a spot of stargazing – here are five heavenly getaways to enjoy this season.
From a far-removed geodesic dome in New South Wales to an exclusive hideaway in the wilds of Tasmania, these dreamy stays all have one thing in common: an outdoor tub where you can embrace the brisk winter air and submerge yourself in the bliss of a long, hot bath beneath the stars.
Faraway Domes, Warialda, NSW
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Who said luxury and sustainability can’t go hand-in-hand?
Escapism at its finest, Faraway Domes blends chic opulence with the seductive lure of seclusion.
Just two geodesic domes sit within 3642ha of private land, strategically positioned to ensure utmost privacy.
They are pointedly far away from it all, more than 400km from the humdrum of city life, inviting visitors to become allies with nature again.
Built into a wraparound deck, the domes are primed for luxurious evenings beneath the stars; slip into the roll top tub for uninterrupted celestial views.
Temple Farm House, Byron Bay, NSW
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Set on 30ha of idyllic countryside in the Byron Bay hinterland, Temple Farmhouse is an exceptional stay, boasting unrivalled seclusion with a hefty dose of marvellous views to boot.
Whether you are a duo in search of an escape to reacquaint yourselves with romance or a family seeking boundless green pastures where your littlies can run wild, this one-of-a-kind stay will satisfy your itch.
Deceptive in its name, this farmhouse is ultra lux with chic furnishings inside and ample space outdoors to breathe in the country air.
Our pick? A steamy soak in the vintage galvanised bathtubs on the deck.
Roundhill Retreat, Mapleton, Qld
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Synonymous with surf and sand, the Sunshine Coast is a top destination pick for many during the warmer months.
Buck the trend with a winter escape to the hinterland where Roundhill Retreat pares things back with understated charm.
Unapologetically screen-free and with limited internet access, it’s the perfect place to dissociate from modern distractions.
From the relaxed charm of dining outdoors to a beckoning plunge pool off the deck, which is heated to a pleasantly warm temperature in winter, there is ample opportunity for essential realignment.
Wander, Kangaroo Island, SA
With Kangaroo Island unparalleled in striking landscapes, Wander is suitably positioned to embrace its biggest asset: the coastal vista.
Four WanderPods rest in the island’s rugged cliffs, with sweeping views across the Great Australian Bight at the fore, whether you’re curled up on the couch inside or revelling in a deep soak in the tub on your expansive private deck.
Each pod is design-led and named after Southern Sky constellations; with minimal light pollution, stargazing may just become your favourite pastime.
The Retreat, Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair, Tas
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The Retreat is an exclusive, adults-only hideaway where loved-up couples can get snug amid some of Tasmania’s most stunning wilderness.
All things here embolden an affinity to nature, including the stylish outdoor bath set in an exclusive pocket of the forest alongside Lake St Clair.
Snow often blankets the forest in winter, transforming the setting into a wonderland that is perfectly alluring for a steamy soak among snow-dusted trees.
Once sufficiently steeped, you can surrender to the charm of an evening by the fire with a glass of one of Tasmania’s fine wines.
More unique destinations to explore, plus handy travel tips:
- 5 seriously wild escapes to try
- Australia’s ‘best beaches’ bucket list
- Wellness experiences worth travelling overseas for
- Expert tips for packing a travel-friendly make-up bag
- How to stop travel sickness spoiling your trip
Written by Sarah Vercoe. Main image by Adam Gibson. Wander image by Remy Brand.
