Spring couldn’t come fast enough. I don’t know if it’s just me, but there appears to be something in the air at the moment that’s making all my girlfriends question life as it is right now. Everyone needs a big fat hug — and maybe a girlie weekend away with their besties.
So, from one Adelady to another, I’ve put together a list of all the wild and wonderful places you can break free with your girlfriends in SA.
1. Cook up a storm with Sticky Rice Cooking School
Adelaide Hills
Feed the soul with a hands-on Thai cooking class and stay overnight in stunning luxury villas in the heart of the Adelaide Hills. AMEN sister!
2. Chill out at Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat
Yorke Peninsula
This place sleeps six people with three separate bedrooms, has a couple of sitting rooms, a kitchen, and hallway long enough to do at least six cartwheels in. They run creative workshops — art, photography, yoga, even gin workshops! Depending on what you’re in to, owner Steph books a local SA artist to hold art workshops for your friends and family.
3. Indulge in High Tea at The Grand
Glenelg
With some of the best views over looking Glenelg, you can feast on delicious mini-eats with a High Tea in The Promenade Restaurant at The Stamford Grand. Not that you’d bring your kids on a girlie weekend away but if you are so inclined, then they also have kids’ High Tea options which are VERY cute.
4. Stay and play at Seawall Apartments
Glenelg
On absolute beachfront, Seawall Apartments is our happy place. It’s where Lauren got engaged and where we’ve had many family holidays and big celebrations. With 22 gorgeous fully self-contained apartments, there’s enough room for your whole girl gang! Just a short walk from Jetty Road, you can shop away your worries and sip as many cocktails and coffees as your heart desires — without having to drive home!
Image credit: Seawall Apartments Facebook
5. Get amongst Robe in one of many Robe Lifestyle Properties
Robe
One of the prettiest seaside towns in SA, Robe has everything you need for the ultimate girlie weekend away. Offering a range of high-end and affordable beachfront, hinterland and centrally located properties, Robe Lifestyle Properties has something for every need.
6. Pop the bubbles at Barossa Shiraz Estate
Lyndoch
Pack your bags, we want to take you on a weekend away to the world’s most sought after wine region — the Barossa. Barossa Shiraz Estate is luxury vineyard accommodation made up of five beautiful, self-contained, cottages, in the middle of rolling Shiraz vines, close to amazing Barossa wineries and cellar doors. You’ll feel so far away from home, even though you’re only a 50-minute drive from Adelaide.
7. Do the Riverland right with Griffen’s Marina Houseboats
Blanchtown
Travelling on a houseboat truly is one of the BEST ways to experience the Murray, and Griffens do it well. Their boats are decked out with all the necessities — ours even had a rooftop spa! — and you’re guaranteed a unique and relaxing getaway.
8. Cosy up at Crossfield Cottage
Barmera
Everything you could possibly need has been considered — down to marshmallows for your hot chocolate and all the ingredients for a gourmet breakfast. For those who are driving down after work on a Friday and don’t have time to go to a shop, owner Carolyn can happily leave behind everything you need for a BBQ dinner.
The cottage can sleep up to six people, has three bathrooms… and an extra bath outside. Yes, you read that right! Have you ever really relaxed until you’ve had an outdoor bubble bath??
9. Immerse yourself in nature at Lush Pastures
Yankalilla
Three immaculate eco-friendly villas set on top of a hill over-looking never ending kilometres of beautiful Yankalilla countryside… what more could you want? Alpacas! Yes, they have them too.
Owner, Cheryl is a brilliant cook, and as part of your stay (depending on the package you choose), she whips up an exquisite brekky and three course dinner.
10. Hire out Waverley Estate for a weekend
Port Elliot
Tucked away behind a vineyard, around an olive grove and up a long white stone driveway, you’ll find a hidden gem like nothing else in SA. Welcome to Waverley Estate. No, this 19th century castle style retreat isn’t in the middle of Tuscany as it may look. It’s a two-minute drive out of Port Elliot and it’s a WONDERLAND. The main house sleeps five people and has kept its original charm and Parisian-style furniture throughout. The cottage kitchen has an industrial-sized oven, cook top and every platter, plate and teacup you can think of.
11. Feel ALIVE at Marion Holiday Park
Marion
Of course, this is HEAVEN for kids but they also have awesome self-contained accommodation, a massive bar area, pools, entertainment, and that’s just scratching the surface. I mean, water slides with your besties… who doesn’t want to do that?
12. Head to the Hills at Lapito House
Myponga
This stunning old stone farmhouse in Myponga spans over 116 acres and borders with the Heysen Trail and Myponga National Park. It’s the ultimate all-season escape with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and stunning bushland views. Imagine sitting with a wine in hand, watching these views.
Image credit: Lapito House Facebook
13. Get your glamp on in Deluxe Safari Luxury
Barossa
Get up and close and personal with nature in one of 12 eco-friendly deluxe safari tents. You’ll wake up surrounded by native gums, with never-ending Barossa vineyard views… this is OUR kind of camping. Tents share a private swimming pool and heated spa, a BBQ and lounge area and plenty of fresh air to recharge those batteries.
Image credit: Discovery Holiday Parks
14. Float away your worries with Breathe Stretch Float
City
Salt Therapy, Floatation Therapy and Yoga — I mean, doesn’t that sound DIVINE! Float effortlessly in their deluxe purpose-built, state of the art floatation tanks. It’s the perfect way to lower stress and anxiety, improve sleep, assist in reducing the effects of PTSD, and enhance creativity! They even offer life coaching.
15. Have sips and giggles with Serafino
McLaren Vale
Dazzle your besties with a unique Serafino experience. Did you know you can STAY at Serafino in McLaren Vale!?
If you really want to go next-level, take a 30-minute scenic helicopter flight over the surrounding coast line. You can indulge in a platter-style picnic lunch, showcasing their finest local produce, or you can enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the Serafino Cellar Door.
Image credit: Serafino Wines Facebook
Now you’ve got a list of gorgeous getaways to choose from… you just need to grab your gals and do it!
Hayley xx
