28 Aug A RELAXING GETAWAY AMONGST THE VINES AT BALGOWNIE ESTATE & NATSKIN SPA
After a 10 day whirlwind trip to the USA with the family I was in need of some proper rest and relaxation. Thankfully Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa, only a short drive from Melbourne, had everything I needed and more all in the one place. Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley, and less than an hour from Melbourne’s CBD, it makes for the perfect weekend away or day trip.
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa is a 4.5 star Boutique luxury resort set on 30 hectares surrounded by Vineyards and stunning views. The Estate is based on the principles of quality, wellbeing and lifestyle providing sustainability and accessibility.
Staying overnight in the one bedroom spa suite was the perfect setting for a relaxing stay. With views of the Yarra Valley from our own private balcony, a spa bath, King size bed and access to the indoor heated swimming pool, gym and steam room all included.
First up I pre-booked a two hour treatment at the onsite Day spa, Natskin to begin shortly after my arrival at Balgownie Estate. I was more than ready to relax, rejuvenate and de-stress so I chose the Rasul Ritual which is only available at Natskin Yarra Valley. Described as a relaxing spa ritual, both unique and divine it certainly lived up to the description!
Rasul Ritual (2hrs)
- Beautiful spa facial
- Body exfoliation in steam Rasul
- Masks to face & body
- Full body massage
- Face & body hydration
It was by far the most unique & relaxing spa experience I’ve had. Two hours of bliss left my skin feeling so soft and I’m still feeling the benefits weeks later. The Steam Rasul is exclusive to Natskin and is a must try water therapy experience. Lying beneath a canopy of star lights in the steam room and enjoying a combination of mud, steam and water therapy was truly a unique and relaxing experience.
That night we enjoyed dinner with stunning views at the onsite restaurant Rae’s Restaurant. You can choose from two or three courses with wines matched to each dish. For my main I chose the Duck breast with red cabbage puree, asparagus and plum jus. For Dessert I chose the Chocolate Delice with milk chocolate delice, raspberry sorbet and chocolate shortbread. It was a delicious meal at a stunning location with open fireplace, views and intimate atmosphere.
After a peaceful night sleep in our one bedroom spa suite we walked over to enjoy a buffet breakfast at Rae’s Restaurant. Taking our time to just relax and take in the views of the Yarra Valley we enjoyed a delicious breakfast spread of eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit and coffee. It was a lovely crisp winter morning so after breakfast we took the time to sit in front of the fireplace and read the morning paper. We then checked out and went back to the onsite day spa, Natskin for a 45min Swedish massage which ended our trip in relaxing style.
If relaxation and delicious food is what you’re after I highly recommend a stay at Balgownie Estate in the Yarra Valley. www.balgownieestate.com.au
Make sure to pre-book a spa treatment or two at the onsite Day spa, Natskin, www.natskin.com for the ultimate in relaxation.
