In terms of romantic getaways, Perth offers the gateway to Western Australia’s abundance of natural wonders. Drift through enchanting forests, dine by candlelit lakes and sample the outback while glamping under the stars.
At these top 10 couples retreats, love is, most certainly ‘in the air’.
Cape Lodge
A country estate in the heart of wine country, Cape Lodge is one of Margaret River’s award-winning boutique hotels. Here, you’ll discover if food really does make the heart grow fonder, with the Cape Lodge Restaurant’s menu of seasonal, local produce matched with vintage wines and an onsite cooking school.
Within 40 acres of exquisitely manicured parkland and lakes, the adult-only lodge offers secluded rooms with king-sized beds and luxurious bathrooms. When it’s time to work off the succulent cuisine, tennis courts and an elegant, freeform swimming pool await.
Where: 3341 Caves Road, Yallingup
Cost: Overnight rates from $399
Website: Cape Lodge
Forest Rise Chalets and Lodge
Imagine strolling through woodlands at sunset, sipping wine in a romantic, lakeside pavilion and even spotting a kangaroo or two? With luxury spa chalets and a 5-star lodge, Forest Rise offers romance within the secluded surrounds of whispering forest.
Crackling log fires, king-sized beds and candle-lit spas with open views adorn 10 private chalets. For added luxury, there’s an onsite personal chef, gourmet hampers and massages available upon request.
Where: 231 Yelverton Road
Cost: Overnight rates from $259
Website: Forest Rise
La Forêt Enchantée
True luxury resides within 10 acres of waterfront forest, at La Forêt Enchantée. The award-winning resort enchants with fountains, terraces and Renaissance décor. Packages named ‘Kissed by Candlelight’ and ‘Sunset Serenade’, offer sumptuous gourmet cuisine, music and spa treatments, to set the mood.
As for the rooms, think marble bathrooms, cut glass chandeliers, gilded mirrors and French daybeds and you’ll come close to picturing the decadence. You can even book a helicopter package from Perth airports or Fremantle helipad, to take you to the resort, see the sights and indulge in all the lavish extras.
Where: Margaret River
Cost: Overnight rates from $550
Website: La Forêt Enchantée
Kalamunda Carriages and 3 Gums Cottage
Nothing says romance more than a 100 year-old railway carriage, surrounded by the blooms of a country cottage garden. Kalamunda Carriages and 3 Gums Cottage is only a 20 minute drive from Perth airport, surrounded by wineries, cafes, golf courses and walking trails.
Relax in an outdoor rock bath, read among rambling flower beds and book a spa treatment onsite. In the morning, look forward to a delightful English breakfast in your charming, private garden.
Where: Mundaring Weir Rd, Kalamunda
Cost: Overnight rates from $180
Website: Kalamunda Carriages and 3 Gums Cottage
Joondalup Resort
For a couple’s retreat Perth country club style, Joondalup Resort offers everything from a championship, 27-hole golf course to a British pub for afternoon drinks. Then, there’s tennis courts, a mini gymnasium, a swimming pool, a heated spa and massages upon request.
Light-filled rooms provide a tranquil haven after a day of activities, with views of the gardens, lake or pool and everything you need to ensure you don’t have to leave, if you don’t want to.
Where: Country Club Blvd, Connolly
Cost: Overnight rates from $120
Website: Joondalup Resort
Nomadika Perth
Choose your favourite location and have your very own luxury camp set up, in true glamping style. Nomadika create romance with spacious bell tents assembled throughout Western Australia, including the Swan Valley, Margaret River, Lake Brockman and even your own backyard.
The Romantic Bells Package puts you in glamping heaven, with a double bed, floor rugs, cushioned lounge area and sparkling lights for magical nights. Opt for the gourmet version Glamper Hamper and nibble on cheese and salami with a glass of wine.
Where: Western Australia
Cost: Overnight rates from $125 plus delivery fee
Website: Nomadika Perth
Berkeley River Lodge
A place you can only reach by river cruise or helicopter flight is the definition of seclusion for couples. Berkeley River Lodge resides atop rolling sand dunes, overlooking the Timor Sea of the Kimberley Coast.
With ocean views to die for, villas come complete with open-air showers and free standing bath tubs. When you’re not lounging on your deck, you can take a river cruise, a 4WD tour, a fishing trip or a guided hike through the remote wilderness. All that fresh, salty air is sure to increase your appetite and onsite restaurant, Dunes, satiates the tastebuds with gourmet menus and Australian fine wines.
Where: Kimberley Coast
Cost: Overnight rates from $1590
Website: Berkeley River Lodge
Chandeliers on Abbey
At Chandeliers on Abbey, your chalet sits against a backdrop of rolling hills and National Forest, accessed via a private road. There’s the Plunge Retreat, with a king sized bed, home theatre and outdoor heated pool. Or, perhaps you’d like views of the forest from your sunken spa, in the marble bathroom of the Spa Retreat?
If you manage to leave the chalet, you’ll find stunning beaches, the pastures of Yallingup Siding and acclaimed wineries, including Aravina, Wills Domain and Abbey Vale.
Where: Abbeys Farm Road, Yallingup
Cost: Two night minimum rate from $750
Website: Chandeliers on Abbey
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef
No visit to Western Australia is complete without exploring Ningaloo Reef and you can do so from Sal Salis. With the Cape Range National Park on one side and the reef on the other, a stay in an eco-luxe safari tent means complete immersion in nature.
While tents are designed to blend into the environment, they don’t compromise on style and facilities. The Honeymoon Tent even has a four poster bed and shower with ocean views. After a day sea kayaking, snorkelling and discovering wildlife, look forward to dining on fresh seafood by the Indian Ocean.
Where: Yardie Creek Road, Exmouth
Cost: Overnight rates from $1500
Website: Sal Salis
Hidden Valley Forest Retreat
With your own self-contained cottage in the heart of the Margaret River wine region, you’ll be hidden indeed, at Hidden Valley Forest Retreat. Set within three private vineyards on 110 acres, a full kitchen, log fire, barbeque and sun loungers mean the outside world can disappear when you stay in one of the four individually designed accommodation options.
However, if you do want to venture out, there’s a day spa and restaurants close by. Or, opt to have your own personal chef serve gourmet meals straight to your lodge.
Where: Haag Road, Carbunup River
Cost: Overnight rates from $346
Website: Hidden Valley Forest Retreat
Find a room at Hidden Valley
Hotel prices may vary according to seasonality and room selection, so please check websites for updates.
