Fine Dine and Unwind

Food & Drink – 1 May 2013

A fine-dining experience and a luxurious hotel suite – it’s the perfect get away. We have searched Australia to find some of the best food and accommodation packages that combine an award-winning dining experience and luxurious accommodation. Retreat to the countryside, interstate or nearby – we’ve found the ideal place.

Royal Mail Hotel – Dunkeld, Victoria

The ultimate foodies weekend away. The Royal Mail’s restaurant has been awarded three chef’s hats in the most recent Age Good Food Guide and the accommodation is contemporary and boasts views of the Grampians. Packages range from $315 to $1030 per couple per night and the Royal Mail is offering womanwithdrive readers a special price of $865.00 (usually $970) for Sunday – Thursday night stays, including the degustation menu with matching wines for two. While you’re there, don’t miss the kitchen garden tour.

Visit: http://www.royalmail.com.au

Lilianfells – Katoomba, NSW

This luxurious hotel and spa is not only a wonderfully relaxing place to stay, but also home to Darley’s restaurant, which has one chef’s hat. We recommend a two night stay to experience everything the resort has to offer. The Indulgence Package includes bed and breakfast, three-course dinner for two at Darley’s on one night, two massages, a high tea experience and more for around $1500 per couple for Friday/Saturday stays.

Visit: http://www.lilianfels.com.au/accommodation-packages

Chateau Yering – Yarra Valley, Victoria

Eleonore’s Restaurant has won six awards in the past three years from The Age Good Food Guide, including the National Restaurant of the Year award in 2012 and National Fine Dining Restaurant in the years 2011 and 2012. The accommodation is old-world heritage style. Dinner, bed and breakfast packages start from $495 and go up to $1040 per couple inclusive of one night’s luxury suite accommodation, dinner and breakfast.

Visit: http://www.chateauyering.com.au/accom.asp

Bells at Killcare – Central Coast, NSW

Manfredi at Bells restaurant (Stefano Manfredi’s onsite restaurant at Bells at Killcare Boutique Hotel) was awarded a chef’s hat in the Good Food Guide. Over the past six years it has won 16 awards and accolades such as the Good Living Sustainability Award from the 2012 Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. In 2012 the restaurant was also awarded the Best Regional Wine List for a remarkable cellar collection. Accommodation is Hamptons beach style and it also has a fabulous day spa. The Sneaky Sunday night bed and breakfast package starts from $500 and includes a VIP restaurant reservation to indulge in a four-course degustation menu and a continental breakfast.

Visit: http://www.bellsatkillcare.com.au/accommodation-packages.html

Spicer’s Cloverly Estate – Montville, Queensland

The Long Apron restaurant at Spicers Montville was awarded two chefs’ hats in The Age Good Food Guide this year. Spicers has an extended weekend experience for foodies called the Gourmet Getaway. This includes two nights accommodation in the Montville Estate with a five-course degustation dinner at Long Apron. On the second night enjoy dinner at Spicers Tamarind restaurant with a Thai Banquet. The price is $549 per couple per night and includes transfers between the two properties.

Visit: http://www.spicersgroup.com.au/property/spicers-clovelly-estate/rates-special-offers

Lake House – Daylesford, Victoria

In 2003, the head chef was awarded the “Living Legend” title from the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, along with The Age Good Food Guide award for Professional Excellence, as well as being awarded two chefs’ hats in 2012 and 2013. The Gourmet Escape starts from $686 per person in the Lodge Room, up to $1046 per person in the Waterfront Suite, and includes breakfast daily, tasting menu with wine on your first night and dinner on the second night.

Visit: http://www.lakehouse.com.au/hotel/packages

Provenance – Beechworth, Victoria

Awarded two chef’s hats in 2011, this recently renovated Beechworth property also has a qualified winemaker and was awarded the Country Wine List of the Year in 2011. The three-course dinner, bed and breakfast deals start from $415 per couple per night, on Sunday through to Monday, and $435 per couple per night on Friday and Saturdays nights.

Visit: http://theprovenance.com.au/packages.html

The Louise – Barossa Valley, SA

Renowned restaurant, Appellation, has won awards including the 2011 Australian Good Food and Travel Guide Top Restaurant in South Australia. Enjoy one night’s accommodation for two in a luxury spa suite, continental in-suite breakfast and dinner for two at Appellation with a credit of $240 towards food and beverage – weekend prices start at $900 per couple.

Visit: http://www.thelouise.com.au/stay/rates/packages/

Spicers – Hunter Valley, NSW

At the heart of the Hunter Valley is the Spicers Vineyard Resort which is also home to Restaurant Botanica. This guesthouse was ranked number two in Trip Advisor Top 25 Australia Hotels for service. The Gourmet Escape package includes three-course dinner for two and bed and breakfast for $1095 per couple over the weekend.

Visit: http://www.spicersgroup.com.au/property/spicers-vineyards-estate/rates-special-offers

Cape Lodge – Margaret River, WA

Rated among the top ten in the world for food in Conde Naste Traveller’s Gold List, this restaurant is building a name for being one of Australia’s finest dining experiences. Head chef Tony Howell is known for his love of fresh ingredients and the menu changes every day to make the most of the best fresh produce available each morning. Weekend prices start from $695 per person for the Refresher Package that includes breakfast, wine tasting, three-course dinner and one night’s accommodation.

Visit: http://www.capelodge.com.au/accommodation/offers/refresher