The ‘Ultimate’ all-inclusive experience

The Ultimate (in undiluted pleasure) is a new exclusive ‘all-inclusive’ experience just introduced by Moonlight Head Private Lodges, luxury eco-retreats located at the midpoint of the Great Ocean Road in coastal Victoria, Australia.

Priced from £3116 per person per night and including Louis Roederer Cristal champagne on tap, the Ultimate has to be one of the most decadent Australian holiday experiences available for 2008, the only limitation being how long guests have to stay! A seven night holiday is priced from £30,900 per couple.

From transfers by private plane from Melbourne, a personal butler to draw your bath, your own chef preparing organic meals including delicious daily fresh seafood and a masseuse and yoga teacher on stand-by – the Ultimate offers guests the highest level of service and style, all in the stunning surroundings of these unique lodges designed by Pritzker prize winning Glenn Murcutt.

The Moonlight concierge will tailor the Ultimate experiences for guests to ensure that the very most is made of each stay. Moonlight’s own ecologists are on hand to escort you through the bush or out onto the Great Oceanwalk introducing you to the unique Australian wildlife, from Koalas to Kangaroos.

Private guides can take you horse back riding out across the coastal dunes and down to the beaches to picnic at the Twelve Apostles, or venture higher up into the Cape Otway National Park following tracks originally cut by Aborigines centuries ago.

Alternatively spend the day with one of Australia’s leading wildlife photographers, sharing their extensive knowledge and photographic tips with you, or the evening with a wine connoisseur for a tasting.

If you are looking for an intellectual stimulus then how about spending the day with one of Australia’s leading Architectural Historians and critics, Philip Drew, reviewing the work of Moonlight’s designer Pritzker Prize recipient Glenn Murcutt? Or, Donald Walker, a local heritage expert, who is on hand to talk about the rites of passage endured by Europeans seeking to settle early Australia. Alternatively explore the 300 or so shipwrecks that litter the sea floor of the ‘Ship Wreck coast’.

Interested in playing golf? Games for any stroke can be arranged at one of the ten local courses. Wish to fish? Then choose between lake or ocean. Or, take a spin out on the Great Ocean Road in a classic car (with the all important gourmet hamper packed in the boot) for a day’s motoring in style. For an exhilarating experience ride the road on a pair of Duccattis or BMW motorbikes.

The Ultimate starts with a private plane transfer from Melbourne’s Tullamarine, or Geelong Airports. You will be greeted by Moonlight’s Rick Warneke, from the airstrip and taken by limousine to the lodge. Your private butler is available to unpack your bags, draw you a bath, fix your favourite drink and generally be at your beck and call. Two masseuses with specialties of your choosing, and a yoga or meditation tutor are available throughout your stay. Moonlight will also transfer any other specialists, such as a spa or beauty therapist to the lodges at half a day’s notice.

Basically, anything is possible with the Ultimate. The experience is only limited by the time guests have to stay. The enjoyment of the lodges themselves must not be overlooked, set in over forty hectares of Australian bush and farmland with uninterrupted and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.

They are furnished with modern pieces individually selected from B&B Italia, Cassina, Phillippe Starck, and Peltrona Frau, not forgetting the handmade Savoir beds and a swimming pool sized bath from Villeroy and Boch.

Each detail of the lodge is geared towards slowing down the pace of living, including the absence of a microwave (all food is freshly prepared for guests each day) and there is no air-conditioning, ensuring that guests open doors and windows and breathe in the fresh air all around.

The Ultimate is an all-inclusive stay which focuses on the individual interests of the guests and includes:

- Exclusive use of Moonlight Head Private Lodge. There are two lodges which each can accommodate up to eight guests in four double/twin rooms.

- Private air transfer from Melbourne by fixed wing airplane.

- All transfers to and from the Lodge.

- Personal Professional Butler for the duration of your stay.

- Personal local guide/chauffer for the duration of your stay to plan all your local travel on the Great Ocean Road, in a upscale car or four wheel drive vehicle.

- Dedicated housekeeping team.

- Personal chef preparing your selection of meals, with an organic food bias.

- A choice of activities that range from a full days horse riding, hiking, touring, guided walks with a leading ecologist or wildlife photographer, or a day with Philip Drew, leading Australian Architectural historian and critic who specializes in the work of Glenn Murcutt.

- Massage and/or yoga sessions with professional instructors.

- Families are most welcome to experience the Ultimate in undiluted pleasure. Moonlight will design a programme for your children they will never forget.

- All beverages and meals that cater to a range of dietary needs. The complimentary wine selection includes Louis Roederer Cristal and Penfolds Grange.

- In addition guests have access to mountain bikes, an extensive range of children’s toys and complimentary laundry service, internet connectivity and international telephone calls to the value of AU$50 a day.

There is no minimum stay requirement for the Ultimate – all-inclusive prices start from £3116 per person based on a couple staying one night and £12,465 for a four night stay. Bookings can be made through Moonlighthead.com.

Alternatively book the ‘Ultimate’ experience through Turquoise Holidays. Visit Turquoiseholidays.co.uk for details of packages available.