Girls’ getaway… Mum-cation… Slay-cay. No matter what you want to call it — a trip away with your besties is ALWAYS a good idea! There is nothing, and I mean NOTHING that fills my bucket and recharges my soul more than a getaway with my girlfriends!
The uninterrupted, (yes, uninterrupted!) conversations that yo-yo between deep and meaningful and utterly ridiculous. The deep belly laughs that lead to that one friend who either snorts, chokes on their drink or wets their pants (just a little). Taking photos of the friend who falls victim to ‘first night fever’ and ends up snoring in a cocktail coma on the couch. Silent but suffocating laughter as you try and place a Cheetos in their mouth as they doze. Capturing the whole operation on video (which you’ll cackle about and use as blackmail for years to come). The sleep-ins and lazy mornings over coffee. The cheese platters on constant rotation. The respite from housework, bickering kids and ‘Muuuuuuuuuum!’ I could go on forever, but I think you get the picture!
Image Credit :: Yondah Beach House
What I’m saying ladies, is when life hands you lemons, forget the lemonade — grab the cocktail shaker and call the girls! Book that trip away and take the opportunity to wine, dine and unwind… because god knows you bloomin’ deserve it!
In full support of the sisterhood, I’ve created a list of places here in SA that are PERFECT to let the good times roll with the girls who feed your soul. I’ve found delightful digs all over our great state — from beachside to countryside and of course all the wine regions in between.
Spending quality time with your girl gang really is food for the soul, so do yourself a favour and make it a priority. It’s cheaper than therapy, after all!
Little Dune – Middleton
This four bedroom house based in Middleton is what mum-cation dreams are made of. Situated just one block away from the beach, it’s the perfect location for summer swims or rugged-up winter strolls.
Enjoy sunset wines on the deck or stay inside and sprawl your pyjama clad bodies over the giant lounge whilst chatting the night away. The best bit — there are fireplaces both inside and out, so no matter where you and the gals want to cosy up for the night, you’ll have the comforting warmth of a crackling fire at your tootsies. Bliss!
Image Credit :: Little Dune Middleton
Yoho House – Delamere
Yoho house is my idea of hillside perfection. I’m not actually sure what’s more stunning — the house itself, or the utterly magical views surrounding it. Large windows frame a lush panorama of rolling hills. You’ll literally have Greensleeves playing in your head as you take it all in!
Image Credit :: Yoho House
The property has two creeks flowing through it so if you stop gasbagging long enough, you’ll hear the gentle sound of flowing water. Oh the serenity! In the evening, rug up and toast marshmallows around the outdoor firepit, or alternatively, light the wood fireplace inside and relax in pure luxury — the expansive windows make you feel like you’re outside anyway! If the weather’s warm, why not pile the girls in the car and spend a few hours at the Insta-worthy Second Valley Beach, which is conveniently located nearby.
Yoho House has three bedrooms and sleeps up to six people. I can almost guarantee all six of you will cry when it’s time to leave!
Image Credit :: Yoho House
Old Coach Road Estate – Hindmarsh Valley
A stay at Old Coach Road Estate will make you feel like you’re the only girl in the world. (Well, you and the lucky girls you take for the ride)! Set on over 200 acres of secluded Fleurieu countryside, your clan will be able to giggle like a gaggle of geese and squeal with pure excitement without disturbing a single soul (other than some native wildlife). Don’t worry though — the Kookaburras ain’t Karens!
Old Coach Road Estate sits majestically on a hillside overlooking the most picturesque views. There are plenty of outdoor areas where you can soak up this magical outlook in the fresh country air. I must say however, that the absolute heart and soul of this beautiful house would have to be the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace in the lounge. You’ll find it very hard to pry yourself away from the utter perfection of this room. Those windows! That view!
With three bedrooms and a study, Old Coach Road Estate can sleep six guests if you don’t mind sharing rooms, (hello slumber party vibes!), and up to eight guests if you’re happy to make use of the sofa bed in the study. To be frank though girls — I’d sleep on a dog’s bed if it meant staying a few nights here!
Image Credit :: Old Coach Road Estate
The Retreat Stirling – Stirling
The Retreat Stirling offers luxurious one and two bedroom apartments in our beautiful Adelaide Hills. There’s always the option to book the whole venue out though if your posse is plentiful! Situated on two acres of beautifully manicured gardens, you’ll have access to a heated indoor pool and all the mod cons you could ever wish for (including a cooked breakfast which comes with the booking).
Image Credit :: The Retreat Stirling
If you get the urge to leave this gorgeous property, you’ll have the Heysen Trail at your doorstep (to burn off some of that cheese platter goodness). Alternatively, why not go and visit a few of the delightful wineries close by. It’s called balance, friends!
Image Credit :: The Retreat Stirling
The apartments are styled to perfection and you and your besties will no doubt be cuddled up by the open fire every night catching up on all the goss!
Mesa Del Mar – Aldinga
Mesa Del Mar is perfectly situated between the grapevines of McLaren Vale and the pristine beaches of Silver Sands. This modern abode stands boldly in prime position — smack bang on the esplanade of Aldinga Beach. We’re talking uninterrupted, front row coastal views ladies! There’s also beach access directly across the road, so no lugging umbrellas and towels for hundreds of metres back and forth.
Image Credit :: Mesa Del Mar
Just imagine a day of winery-hopping with the girls before retreating back to this gloriously appointed residence to watch the sun set over the ocean from your very own balcony. Heaven! Mesa Del Mar can host up to eight of your favourite ladies and is the perfect place for an escape, no matter what time of year.
Image Credit :: Mesa Del Mar
Bukirk Glamping & Fancy Coops – Clare Valley
For those wanting something a little unique, Bukirk provides bespoke luxury accommodation in the Clare Valley. There’s five gorgeous ‘glamping’ style Belle Tents, each with their own private ensuite and deck and three self contained ‘Coops’ (ie. cottages) which consist of an ensuite, kitchen, TV and dining area.
Image Credit :: Bukirk Glamping & Fancy Coops
Enjoy coffee with the girls on your deck every morning and waste half the day away chatting in pyjamas… (just me?). Come evening, you’ll want to have a few wines by the firepit whilst watching the sunset cast its magic over the endless rolling hills. In the warmer months, you’ll even have a heated saltwater pool to enjoy! Cue good times and tan lines!
Bukirk is situated on 42 acres of farmland, but only a five minute drive to Clare’s wineries, shops and cafes, so the opportunities to explore from your ‘home base’ are endless.
Magnolia Farm – Willunga South
For the besties wanting to go big — Magnolia Farm can host a whopping 16 of your bosom buddies! Just imagine the memories that would be made with a group of this size! This stunning house is situated on 10 acres of picturesque countryside and boasts panoramic views all the way to the ocean. You’ll likely spot some koalas in the surrounding trees and be visited by the local kangaroos who come up close to the house to graze. The open-plan layout of the living area makes it the perfect place for you and the girls to congregate and enjoy a cheese platter and a few drinks. There’s also plenty of space within the house to retreat to if you need a break from all the chatter and lols! (Who am I kidding though, right)?!
Image Credit :: Magnolia Farm
With so much to offer on its doorstep, you won’t be at a loss for activities whilst staying at Magnolia Farm. Visit one of the local beaches, drop into a few local wineries, stroll the historic high street in Willunga or grab some delicious provisions from the Farmers Market which will come in very handy for ‘platter-o’clock!’ You’ve also got the option of the outdoor firepit OR the indoor combustion fireplace. Spoiled for choice!
Image Credit :: Magnolia Farm
Merfolks Landing – Moana
Merfolks Landing is a gorgeous coastal style home that can sleep seven of your besties. Moana beach is just a short stroll down the hill so those hot summer days or sunset winter walks are sorted. You’ll also only be a 15 minute drive to the McLaren Vale wine region… (it’d be rude not to)!
Image Credit :: Merfolks Landing
Don’t spend too much time out and about though — you’ll want to soak up the stunning ocean views from the balcony. Why not put on some tunes and enjoy cooking a barbecue in the fully enclosed, private backyard. If you’re there in the cooler weather, there’s also a gas fireplace in the living room, (which is the perfect place for tea and Tim Tams if you ask me)!
Image Credit :: Merfolks Landing
Coast at Encounter Bay – Encounter Bay
With its five bedrooms and two living areas, this luxurious modern beach house will cater for even the most gallant of girl gangs!
Image Credit :: Coast at Encounter Bay
At Coast, the beautifully designed open-plan kitchen and living space opens up to an outdoor entertaining area where you’ll be treated to the most spectacular scenery. Coast’s lofty Crows Nest location is perched at the ideal elevation to enjoy the panoramic views which cascade all the way down to our stunning southern coastline. You’ll be counting down the minutes to cocktail hour so you can enjoy this impressive outlook with a drink in hand!
Image Credit :: Coast at Encounter Bay
The little added luxuries here will make your stay that extra bit special. You’ll enjoy quality linen, a Nespresso machine, filtered water and an automatic ice maker (which excites me in a slightly irrational way). This bright, breezy and impeccably styled beach house would make the perfect home base for a girls trip.
Yondah Beach House – Foul Bay
This multi award winning architect-designed beach house is located on 300 acres of oceanfront on the spectacular coast of York Peninsula. Yondah sleeps up to eight guests in its three spacious bedrooms and there’ll be no competing for the shower with three sparkling designer bathrooms to choose from!
You’ll feel like the bee’s knees strolling down to your own private beach, (yes you heard right), and then wandering back to the house to rinse off under the outdoor hot water shower. Could there be anything more invigorating than standing under a warm stream of water surrounded by fresh air, nature and spectacular views? Stick a fork in me, I’m done!
Image Credit :: Yondah Beach House
There are four separate outdoor decks to choose from, each boasting spectacular views in every direction as well as barbecue facilities so you can enjoy the sea breeze as you cook up a storm.
Yondah is so secluded that the only things you’ll hear during your stay are the birdlife, the ocean and the sound of your besties having the time of their lives!
Image Credit :: Yondah Beach House
Seafire Beach House – Foul Bay
This lavishly luxe beach house is tailor made for an intimate four guests. Located on 150 acres of secluded oceanfront on Yorke Peninsula’s wild southern coast, you’ll feel like absolute royalty as soon as you arrive.
Feast your eyes on the panoramic views of windswept dunes and endless blue ocean from the expansive windows in every room. In the living area, a soaring wall of glass runs the full length of the room and on clear days you’ll see all the way to Kangaroo Island.
Image Credit :: Seafire Beach House
Seafire is a joy to visit no matter what the season. In winter, you and the girls will most certainly be gathered around the cosy courtyard fireplace or inside watching the weather pass through from the comfort of the couch and the warmth of the Danish style wood heater. In summer, you’ll no doubt be out on the deck sipping something refreshing whilst laying back on the resort-style sun lounges. Oh, and did I mention your own private beach? If there was ever a time to ‘slay all day,’ it’s now Queens!
Each bedroom features a plush king size bed and opens up to its own ocean-facing deck complete with sun-loungers and an outdoor hot water shower. You’ll want for nothing here with all the luxuries you could ever dream of included in your stay. Plush bathrobes, heated towel rails, underfloor heating and most importantly — a coffee maker for those lazy mornings chatting away in pyjamas.
Image Credit :: Seafire Beach House
To make your experience even more luxe (if that’s even possible), the team at Seafire can even arrange a chef to come and prepare you a full service brunch, lunch or dinner. I mean, how on God’s green earth do you go back to reality after this?!
Stony Rise Lodge – Robe
For the gals who really want to banish the burnout, Stony Rise Lodge offers boutique luxury accommodation that is fully serviced. What I’m saying ladies, is that the wonderful staff here will take care of the shopping, cooking, cleaning, driving (and general mental load that we all so desperately need a break from). This leaves you free to do the more important things… (i.e kicking back with your besties)!
Image Credit :: Stony Rise Lodge
If you’re the active type, the Lodge comes with access to a 4WD, a driver, surfboards, boogie boards and kayaks. If outdoorsy sports aren’t your thing, there’s still a tonne of other activities for you to get involved in. Why not make use of the Lodge’s ‘designated driver’ and arrange for them to take you for a long lunch or a bit of wine tasting at some of Robe’s boutique cellar doors?
Realistically though ladies, you won’t want to spend too much time away from the magnificence of the Lodge itself. The residence sleeps up to 10 guests and each bedroom has both an ensuite and an outdoor lounge area from which you can enjoy the beautiful bush landscape. The Lodge is modern and spacious, yet chic and welcoming and has been designed with outlooks to capture both sunrise and sunset (and every view in between). Refreshing sea breezes keep you cool in summer and underfloor heating and an open fire will keep you toasty warm in winter.
Image Credit :: Stony Rise Lodge
There’s also a 250 square metre infinity lawn for you to eat, drink, play, lay or dance on with a fantastic set of outdoor speakers and a fire pit to boot. Paaaartayyyy!
Sôlt – Glenelg
If a getaway is what the doctor’s ordered, but you don’t want travel time chewing into your precious girl time, then a stay at Sôlt inGlenelg is your answer! This stunning house offers four beautifully styled bedrooms and two modern bathrooms and will sleep up to seven of your nearest and dearest.
Image Credit :: Sôlt Glenelg
Walking through the bright aqua coloured front door will make you feel instantly cheerful and set the tone for some big chats and belly laughs with your besties. Sôlt boasts bright and breezy coastal decor… the kind you swoon over but don’t have for yourself, because #kids!
The backyard is set up perfectly for an outdoor soiree with a deck, a barbecue, outdoor furniture, a hanging swing and the coolest cactus-themed landscaping. My favourite feature would have to be the decadent outdoor bath though — don’t mind if I do!!
Image Credit :: Sôlt Glenelg
Whether you stay in or take advantage of Glenelg’s restaurants and white sandy beaches, you’ll have all the perks of the metro locale at your fingertips, but feel like you’re living it up with your girls in Palm Springs!
