HOME to Australia's largest concentration of natural mineral springs, there are more than 300 treatment therapists in Daylesford and its twin town of Hepburn Springs as well as a host of excellent day spa options in Victoria's spa country, which is a one and a half hour drive from Melbourne.
For more than a century, people have flocked here for calming retreats. Today, Daylesford's spas offer a wide selection of treatments from massages, mud wraps and reflexology to shiatsu.
One of the most well-known establishments in the area is Salus Spa at Lake House. On the shore of Lake Daylesford, the property has 33 rooms and suites, a highly acclaimed restaurant and cellar, and excellent resort facilities.
The state-of-the-art spa emphasises hot mineral water hydrotherapy. It has nine treatment areas from Japanese-style
spa tubs filled with heated mineral water set in private tree top cabins with a backdrop of the lake to the latest in European spa treatments and technology.
Guests can also enjoy the outdoor sauna and jacuzzi built on a deck area overlooking the creek and gully. Lake House Spa Cuisine is a welcome addition to your treatment and can be enjoyed on the balcony or in the lounge.
Offered on a complimentary basis is Salus sparkling mineral water, which originates from a selected local spring and is bottled specifically for Salus guests.
Non-residential guests can also make a booking at the beautiful award-winning Lake House Restaurant, which I highly recommend. The fine dining restaurant with expansive windows is flooded with light in the day, and boasts lovely sunset views in the evening.
The menu showcases the best available seasonal produce sourced from regional suppliers. The entire dining experience for me was a memorable one thanks to the impeccable service and dishes that showcased the finest ingredients such as the simple yet delicious oven-roasted prime beef fillet with potato puree, baby vegetables and Bearnaise sauce.
Situated in the town of Hepburn Springs, just five minutes drive from Daylesford, is Peppers Springs Retreat, another luxurious boutique hotel and spa.
Built in 1935, the well-restored Art Deco hotel features rooms with chic decor, spa baths, warm furnishings and a range of garden suites. Its Mineral Spa fuses ancient healing therapies with state-of-the-art relaxation technology. Among the various treatments are the hydrotherapy bath, clay wraps and soft pack floats.
For something a little different, make a booking at the serene, minimalist Shizuka Ryokan Day Spa Retreat, also located in Hepburn.
After pampering yourself with a traditional geisha facial treatment and shiatsu massage, stroll around the private Japanese gardens and renew your mind and soul. For those who enjoy a light and healthy meal, delicious Japanese cuisine is also served here.
Get a rub-down in the privacy of a tree-top cabin.
Spas aside, an equally calming spot in Hepburn Springs is the Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm, which used to be the
home of early Swiss Italian immigrants who settled here during and after the gold rush.
The property has been bought over by an Australian lady recently - but she has continued to lovingly conserve the architecture of the farm house and other buildings. I wandered around the beautiful lavender field and soaked in the scenery before heading to the farm's La Trattoria restaurant and cafe for a superb lunch under the shady trees.
The menu offers outstanding meals including perfectly executed roast lamb and lavender scones with whipped cream and homemade strawberry jam. Before leaving, I popped by the gift shop to purchase some soothing lavender products and luscious jams.
Wine lovers will enjoy visiting one of the 40 wineries in the region. Sip some of the fine wines from Hanging Rock Winery, Granite Hills, Craiglee and Curly Flat as well as limited releases from Daylesford's local Glenlyon winery Ellender Estate.
This region is also home to a diverse community of artists. If you are looking for a unique painting, visit one of the many local galleries in Daylesford, Kyneton, Lancefield, Malmsbury and Woodend. Many artists also open their
studios so that visitors can see their work in progress.
A weekend retreat in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs is a breath of fresh air and recommended for those who want to experience a relaxing time in the countryside.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on July 31, 2008.
