I am wearing tight pants - jeggings and a floaty top that I think are country chic for my Scenic Rim sojourn. I’m concerned about this ensemble from the moment I arrive and am offered afternoon tea. Such tempting delicious morsels can't be ignored and so the weekend of indulgence begins and my clothes get tighter.
Spicers Peak Lodge is just 90 minutes from Brisbane, but feels a million miles away. Navigate the uphill, off-road track that is Peaks long driveway and be rewarded with the breathtaking sight of the luxury lodge looming before you. The retreat is the highest non alpine lodge in Australia and its high quality service match its lofty location.
With just 10 suites and 2 private lodges on the property, it’s an intimate experience and your soon on first name basis with the Spicers team. We check-in and note the room is spacious, stylish in warm muted tones, a day bed stacked with pillows under the window with wooden shutters out to the vast countryside beyond. The open fireplace is the main feature, all set up ready to go. The temperature is approximately 4 degrees cooler than Brisbane, making it the perfect choice to beat the heat in summer or embrace the romance of winter. Luxurious bathrooms offer a separate shower and bath, some with spa and Appelles amenities. For those opting for the all-inclusive package (and I recommend you do), there’s a fully stocked minibar to devour, if you can fit anything else in after the series of courses for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Despite all this luxury in the room, I chose to spend most of my time in the lounge areas throughout the retreat, where the staff generously keep you refreshed all day with coffee or champagne, depending on the time of day. In fact, the retreat feels so intimate, with only a handful of guests I feel no need to lock my suite door or hold onto a key during my stay.
The main event is surely the seven course degustation with matched wines. Each delicious course is presented and described in detail, it’s just another personal touch that has me swooning. A standout is the Darling Downs Eye Fillet, Mushrooms and Aligot Potatoes with the menu changing daily from these award winning chefs.
Breakfast is another culinary highlight. We’re first to rise and are able to admire the buffet in all its glory, displayed to perfection with a beautiful selection of cereals, fruits and a delicious crunchy granola. The selection is so good it’s hardly necessary to order a hot breakfast, somehow I push through and order the eggs Benedict and roll out of the dining room. As other guests meander in, I notice how casually everyone is dressed, some in gym gear, it’s this relaxed luxury Spicers nail so effortlessly that makes guest feel so comfortable - like you’re a guest in their home, albeit a very luxurious home.
After all this indulgence, I take a walk around the property admiring the scenery and detouring around some cattle that look curiously at me. Some guests work harder for their meals than others, with multiple bushwalking tracks, mountain biking, infinity pool and tennis court on offer for guests. However, if you just want to sit back, relax and be pampered, then Spa Anise is at your service.
All too soon, it’s time to eat again. This time we decide to take our meal on the verandah for a change of scenery. It’s a beautiful day and my arm is twisted to have Champagne with our three course lunch including mains of barramundi, celeriac, lemon & mint. The stillness and quiet of the country is interrupted by the distant sound of choppers. The sound gets louder as a convoy of helicopters arrive carrying some privileged guests to enjoy a private lunch at Spicers, as you do…it’s all quite entertaining.
A stay at Spicers Peak Lodge is the ultimate gourmet getaway, perfect for special occasions or just those that enjoy quality food & wine, just don’t forget to pack your stretchy pants.
Book your luxe escape at Spicers Peak Lodge with alluxia.
