{"id":32060,"date":"2014-03-01T08:00:34","date_gmt":"2014-02-28T22:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/?p=32060"},"modified":"2015-03-11T12:53:13","modified_gmt":"2015-03-11T02:53:13","slug":"detox-in-daylesford-a-destination-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.co.nz\/vc\/blog\/detox-in-daylesford-a-destination-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Detox in Daylesford; a destination guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Stressed, overworked, and wanting to push the pause button on life?\u00a0I’ve got one word for you; Daylesford.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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A destination where you\u2019ll find spa treatments, pampering, relaxation, beautiful food, wine and peace and quiet. Here\u2019s my guide on getting there, where to stay, what to do and what not to miss! P.s: you\u2019re gonna wanna get to the end of this post- trust me. \ud83d\ude09Getting there:<\/span><\/strong>The quickest and easiest way to get to Daylesford, is to jump on a flight to Melbourne, <\/a>hire a car and get on the road \u2013 easy! (You can pre-arrange your car hire here<\/a>)<\/p>\n

From the airport, Daylesford is only an hour and a quarter\u2019s drive away through the Victorian country-side and you\u2019ll know you\u2019re close when cute cottages and big farm-style villas start popping up on the roadside.<\/p>\n

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Daylesford<\/p><\/div>\n

Where to stay: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

When it comes to Daylesford digs, it depends who you\u2019re bringing:<\/p>\n

Your partner:<\/strong>
\nFor a romantic weekend, my top picks are Hotel Frangos<\/a> (make sure you check out the different themed rooms \u2013the totally sleek Retro room, is particularly awesome!) and for a luxurious stay, check out Avala<\/a> Accommodation.<\/p>\n

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Frango’s Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n

A group of your besties: <\/strong>
\nTry The Grange at Lancefield Retreat<\/a>, The Sebel Creswick<\/a> (they offer a four bedroom farmhouse which is perfect for large groups and looks so pretty.)<\/p>\n

That friend who is high maintenance, err, who wants luxury:<\/strong>
\nIf you\u2019re after pampering then you just have to check out The Lakehouse<\/a> and Peppers Mineral Springs. <\/a>Both have spas on site too so you won\u2019t need to go far if a weekend full of treatments and being pampered is high on your priority list \u2013 which I totally recommend!<\/p>\n

What to do in Daylesford: <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Indulge yourself and head to a day spa:<\/strong>
\nBook a treatment at one of the many spas located throughout Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.<\/a> We book in at Salus Spa at the Lake House <\/a>and feel relaxed before we even walk through the door! I opt for a 30min massage and 30min facial combination \u2013 which are just amazing and I walk out feeling like a new person (I don\u2019t even care that I\u2019m not wearing make up!).<\/p>\n

Another great spa is the Peppers Mineral Spa pools <\/a>which are a good option even if the weather is freezing or a sweltering 38\u00b0 (as it is the day we visit!). Travel from the outdoor heated spa, to the cold plunge pool (around 20\u00b0), to a heated, infrared detox room. Here you can reap all of the detoxing benefits, or undo the prior night\u2019s damage.<\/p>\n

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Spa<\/p><\/div>\n

The majority of the spas in Daylesford offer great treatment menus ranging from full body massages and facials through to pedi\/manis, so regardless of your budget you\u2019ll be able to find something to suit.<\/p>\n

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Peppers<\/p><\/div>\n

Feed your soul (and your belly): <\/strong>
\nOne thing about Daylesford (well one of the many things) I love, is the passion, knowledge and pride that goes into the food produced and served in the area. A common theme from caf\u00e9 to restaurant is that all of the ingredients are sourced locally and grown on farms in the region.<\/p>\n

Check out Nat\u2019s blog<\/a> on Kazuki\u2019s, the Argus Dining Room and Wombat Hill House which all embrace this paddock to plate culture and as a result are able to produce utterly amazing food!<\/p>\n

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Delicious Daylesford food<\/p><\/div>\n

Drink all the coffee, wine & cocktails you can handle: <\/strong>
\nCoffee, wine and cocktails are a holiday essential, right guys? For awesome coffee, check out Harvest Caf\u00e9<\/a> and Larder,<\/a>both in town. For wine – check out A Perfect Drop,<\/a>which is just up from the main street and has a wide selection of local wines to choose from. For cocktails, try the Espresso Martinis at Jimmy\u2019s Bar back at Hotel Frangos (happy hour from 5-7pm too!).<\/p>\n

Go shopping!:<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s definitely worth crossing out an afternoon to dawdle and browse the shops. The streets are lined with boutiques selling clothes, skincare, gifts, home-wares and jewellery. You can spend the majority of a day just wandering the main street and going from gift shop to gift shop finding treasures to bring home.<\/p>\n

Visit Lavandula:<\/a><\/strong>
\nLocated just out past Hepburn Springs, Lavandula lavender farm is pure bliss. The property is based on an old goldminer\u2019s property and has been restored by passionate owner, Carol White. We arrive during afternoon and it\u2019s so peaceful. We relax at La Trattoria, the cute caf\u00e9 and feast on lavender scones (famous in the area) and lavender champagne!<\/p>\n

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Lavandula Farm; Cheers!<\/p><\/div>\n

Visit Wombat Hill House: <\/a><\/strong>
\nHidden up at the Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens, this caf\u00e9 is located right in the garden grounds, where they serve fresh food and drinks. They even offer a picnic hamper for customers to purchase to take out and enjoy the gardens! Amazing!<\/p>\n

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Wombat House<\/p><\/div>\n

See the Convent Gallery:<\/a><\/strong>
\nThe story of the Convent and the owner, Tina Banitska, blows me away \u2013 just her determination, vision and plan for such a huge, historical building is pretty amazing. It used to be an old convent and chapel and today is a successful art gallery, caf\u00e9, lounge bar, wedding venue and gift shop! (Phew.) It is just stunning and definitely worth a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hot Tip:<\/strong><\/em> check out the art gallery schedule and plan a visit to one of the exhibitions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Well there you have it, whether you’re heading for a weekend or a week, Daylesford has the goods to give you the detox you need.<\/p>\n

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Convent Gallery<\/p><\/div>\n

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\u00a0Leave a comment with your Daylesford recommendations?<\/h2>\n