Luxury indulgence - From the ranges to the reef

Two of Australia’s most exclusive luxury retreats have joined forces to offer food and travel lovers a gourmet blend of majestic mountain country and tropical indulgence on the Great Barrier Reef.

Multi-award winning properties Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge and Orpheus Island Resort have come to the table for discerning guests with a five night package combining luxury accommodation, serene seclusion, breathtaking natural environments and acclaimed dining experiences.

Taking guests on a stunning journey of contrasts from the ranges to the reef, the dream escape starts at Queensland’s highest mountain retreat Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge surrounded by World Heritage listed national parks 90 minutes south west of Brisbane.

Situated 1,130m above sea level atop a 9,000 acre working cattle property, the lodge exudes an intimate and relaxing ambience, ideal for escaping the pressures of modern life and experiencing one of South East Queensland's most naturally breathtaking environments.

The personalised nature of Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge flows through to the world-class dining facilities where the menus reflect the modern diversity of Australian culture supported by an extensive wine list.

Guests have the choice of an array of fine dining options, from gourmet picnic hampers to special degustation menus with an emphasis on fresh and simple cuisine prepared by award winning master chef Chris Jones.

Intimacy and outstanding service are hallmarks of Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge, which features only 10 exclusive suites.

Guests can rejuvenate at the lodge’s stunning infinity edge swimming pool, take in the breathtaking surrounds at their leisure or escape to sensory heaven with a blissful Elemis body treatment. Evening brings a new mood, with award winning cuisine and the dazzling brilliance of the star-studded, clear mountain skies something to behold.

Down at sea level, the seduction of the senses takes on a different dimension when guests escape to the sophisticated seclusion of Orpheus Island Resort on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, regarded as one of the most exclusive island holiday destinations in the world.

Surrounded by 1,300 hectares of pristine national park, Orpheus is an exclusive hideaway for those seeking a natural, relaxing and rejuvenating environment of palm fringed bays and enticing translucent waters.

The waters of the Island are home to a vast array of vibrant, coloured marine life and have been declared part of The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The crystal blue waters off Orpheus showcase 1100 species of fish, and 340 of the 350 known species of reef coral. Orpheus’s “Coral Gardens” contain a spectacular mass of coral and marine life and are widely recognised as one of the best snorkelling spots on the reef.

One of the last privately owned island retreats in the world, Orpheus is strictly limited to 42 pampered guests in 21 rooms. Offering premium services and total seclusion, the island is an idyllic haven for escaping the frenzied pace of modern life with no telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under 15 years to distract.

All luxuriously appointed guest accommodation is located on the beachfront surrounded by lush, tropical gardens. Top quality furnishings, extra large spa baths, CD players, robes and delicious chocolates are standard in each room with some featuring a private courtyard where guests can shower under the stars.

The island’s award winning restaurant caters to the gourmet lover, offering an a la carte breakfast, alfresco courtyard lunches, gourmet picnic hampers, and on most evenings, an exquisite seven-course degustation-style menu. Other dining experiences include the ultimate “Dining with the Tides – Seafood Experience” and the newly introduced “Wine & Cheese Tasting & Interactive Wok Experience” hosted by the Executive Chef.

The relaxed, open-air restaurant has spectacular views across the ocean where the executive chef prepares a new menu daily with the emphasis on local produce, seafood and exotic delicacies. Each menu is tailored to suit the guest’s dietary requirements.

Access to the island is via seaplane with a small group of dedicated and talented pilots ensuring the ‘Orpheus experience begins as soon as guests are airborne.

Priced from US$2190* per person, the package includes:

• Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge – Two nights accommodation in a lounge suite; welcome gift on arrival, all meals; a la carte breakfast; alfresco or gourmet picnic hamper lunch; gourmet morning or afternoon teas; seven course degustation dinner; evening cocktails and chef’s selection of canapés, cheeses, ports and liqueurs; 24 hour beverage service including cocktails, wines, champagne and spirits, complimentary in-room bar, luxury L’Occitane amenities; nightly turndown service, complimentary 4WD tour of the 9,000 acre cattle station and farewell gift on departure.

• Orpheus Island Resort: Three nights beachfront accommodation in an Orpheus Retreat Room; meet and greet with fresh fruit cocktail; all meals including a la carte breakfast, alfresco dining, picnic and seven course degustation-style menu each evening; complimentary Dining with the Tides Seafood Experience on one evening; a Canapé Class hosted by the executive chef; use of luxury Molton Brown amenities; nightly turndown service and unlimited use of motorized dinghies, paddle skis, catamarans, canoes, snorkelling equipment, local snorkel trips, light fishing gear, pools, gymnasium, recreation room, tennis court, bushwalking and selective interpretive activities.

For further information log onto orpheus.com.au or spicerspeaklodge.com.au.

* Conversion based on 1USD = 1.44952AUD. Seaplane costs and transfers between two
properties not included.