A BOUTIQUE WITH STYLE: EMPIRE RETREAT YALLINGUP
Checking into Empire Retreat, Yallingup
Located in the beautifully kept secret of Australia's Southwest lies a boutique retreat waiting for you to escape to. You know the designers have done right when the luxury decor makes you create a mental wish list of items you dream of having in your home. Move aside wanting to steal the robe, here you will want to steal all the furnishings.
Empire Retreat in Yallingup is an Australian getaway you won't forget. Perfectly placed on farmland with a variety of local flora, kangaroos and even a gaggle of geese taking residence at the on-site ravine.
Luxury with a homely feel
The moment you walk inside you instantly feel warmth take over your cold hands (we travelled in winter) from the log fire in the adjacent room. Sometimes style takes over comfort but here is not the case.
Comfy lounges, beanbags and blankets line the retreat. So if you just want to grab a book (or a movie from their collection) don't be surprised if this leads to an afternoon nap. Thankfully there is a Nespresso coffee machine in your room if you need a wake up call.
Let's Talk About Those Furnishings: Our Studio Double Bedroom
This two level bedroom villa is split by a thin clothed curtain, contains two king beds, a self serving kitchen, lounge room and what Jess called "future bathroom goals".
We couldn't stop taking photographs of the lamps, throw rugs, the couches and even the matte kitchen sink to use as a guide when decorating our furture dream apartment. This comes of no surprise when you find out that the Empire brand is also a luxury designer homeware store, it almost feels like they are cheating due to the endless supply of new designer homewares at the ready.
I won't talk anymore about the decor, just look at these photographs.
The Spa
Adding to the already relaxed nature of our couples weekend getaway was the one hour serenity massage fusion that was booked in. Literally being years since our last massage we couldn't help but feel all the tension and stiff muscles disappear whilst we were treated with tranquil views of Australia's southwest through the window.
The couples massage was completed with our very own little sanctuary room laid out with herbal teas and fruits, just to make sure we were leaving feeling absolutely relaxed.
How to do "Down South"
We wish we could tell you that this itinerary was handcrafted by ourselves but sadly no, a close friend of ours Heidi (a fellow Douth enthusiast) showed us how to properly do "down South" and yes that's totally acceptable slang for us Aussies.
First of all, start your day with the freshly laid breakfast in what feels like a glasshouse turned restaurant. A barista is on call to make your perfect cup whilst the chef brings out more than enough choices to satisfy. As delicious as the food was, we recommend not getting completely stuffed as your day of tastings is about to begin.
As we learnt, the best way to do Down South justice is to jump in your car and drive to the multitude of wineries and dairy companies to taste test and then purchase supplies for dinner that night.
We opted in for a tapas style dinner and here is where we went to get our supplies.
> Yallingup Woodfired Bread on Biddle Rd
> Petra Olive Oil on Sheoak Drive
> Eagle Bay Brewing Co for lunch - we recommend pizza and cider
> Margaret River Dairy Company for Brie
> Last but not least the Margaret River Chocolate Factory for samples
> Back in town, head to the local grocery store to grab some last dinner supplies
Watch the sunset in the distance as you prepare your locally sourced dinner before jumping into the comfiest bed whilst dreaming of moving in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HxnqJ5t4no
You can book a studio double bedroom AUD$575 per night twin share in off peak.
Flying The Nest was welcomed as a guest of Empire Retreat and Empire Spa, however as always all opinions are our own.
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