Margaret River Mini-Break

If you’re dying for a little rest and relaxation, a weekend away is all you need, if you do it right that is!

Margaret River is the ultimate getaway but time is tight and often we hear a weekend away "just isn't long enough." If you're dying for a little rest and relaxation, a weekend away is all you need, if you do it right that is! With a luxury spa retreat, beautiful beaches, and fine food and wine, your next weekend away will feel like a real vacation.

If you like the idea of a luxury villa on 27 hectares of stunning landscaped grounds, hot spas, no phone-reception and freshly picked avocados and figs left at your doorstep every day then welcome to Losari Retreat. The owners, Deb and Ben from Zimbabwe, consistently go that extra mile to maintain Losari's reputation as one of Margaret River's best boutique spa retreats. What we love about the retreat is the feeling of being completely cut off from the world but conveniently located just an 8-minute drive from the centre of town.

If you're chasing a beautiful view, fine dining and outstanding service, Voyager Estate is your first stop. Whether you're feeling a 6-course degustation or a cheese platter to accompany the wine, the Voyager chefs always deliver. Book in advance because the award-winning kitchen's degustation, pairing six wines to specific food courses, has raving reviews. The wine lists are extensive but the informative staff will be more than happy to assess your taste and make recommendations. Our waitress Jan suggested three of her top picks rose', cabernet and champagne and we left with a bottle of each.

If you're looking for a child friendly winery, Laurance Wines has a great playground to keep the kids occupied while you enjoy a tasting of wine overlooking the lake. The gardens and lake are impeccably groomed all year round making the perfect location for a wedding. If you're not much of wine drinker, the stunning wine bottles are great for table water, you can even purchase a case of empty bottles.

There are plenty of restaurants in Margaret River, but for one night we suggest, picking up some wine, cheese and meats from visits during the day and making the most of the retreat's fully equipped kitchen. Taxi services are limited in the area so if you enjoy a few drinks with dinner, this would be your best option. Stop by MR Venison on Caves road for high quality meats ranging from juicy kangaroo steaks to crocodile salami. If you're curious to try first, ask for a taste, the staff will often cook you samples on the hotplate. If you would rather kick back and stay out of the kitchen, have Losari's in-house chef cook up a 3-course meal in the privacy of your villa.

To make the trip extra special, Scenic Helicopters is just around the corner from Losari Retreat. Have a chat with the pilot about all the key spots to arrange the perfect personalised tour from above. If arriving in style is your thing, ask to stop by a winery for lunch. We took the coastal ride from Margaret River to Hamelin Bay to get a birds-eye-view of the coast. The pilot pointed out historic sites and interesting locations including the places we visited on foot. If a chopper ride isn't for you, maybe hitting the 4wd track along Contos beach and watching the sunset over the ocean will be.

So, while a long exotic holiday does sound exciting, it costs more time and money than most can spare with. Sometimes, a weekend trip is all you need to fit in a little luxury and adventure to refresh the mind body and soul.