Review: Stay at Spicers Peak Lodge
It’s been a long time since I felt such a discovery. Travel is now such a huge part of our lives, and with so many people booking trips on a whim based on the photos they see on their Instagram feeds, it’s not often that you feel like you’re the first in the travel field these days. But when my partner and I moved to Queensland earlier this year, we promised each other we’d make more time for adventure. And from beach adventures everywhere along the coast from Coolangatta to Noosa, we’ve experienced the best that Queensland has to offer. But when I checked into Spicers Peak Lodge in rural south-east Queensland, I realized there was more to this sunny state than surf and sand.
Spicers Peak Lodge
Spicers Peak Lodge is a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, but there are traffic jams. The lodge is perched on top of a hill in Maryvale and the location feels a world away from anywhere else I’ve stayed in Queensland.
After checking into some of Queensland’s most famous hotels, including Qualia Resort, Lizard Island and The Calil Brisbane, we were excited to discover that there was one name that deserved to be featured in our round-up of Queensland’s best hotels. Spicers Peak Lodge.
For a little background, this lodge is part of the Spicers Retreat Collection. Fully hosted (room, meals, drinks and minibar all included) and welcoming guests, it is considered a crown jewel in Queensland’s collection of lodges. If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion or a romantic city escape, look no further.
The lodge is perched on a mountaintop overlooking the countryside below. And believe me when I say that once you get there, it feels like time has stopped. As far as the eye can see, you’ll see rolling hills, cows on pastures, endless shades of green, and dramatic mountains in the distance. The best time to enter the grounds is at sunset. You’ll notice that not only the entire lodge, but also the entire background, comes to life like a painting, with shades of pink and orange spreading across the sky.
Spicers Peak Bush Picnic
There are many activities on offer during your stay, but if there’s one activity you can’t miss, it’s a bush picnic. This experience is included in your stay and you only need to eat lunch elsewhere. It’s on the edge of a vast valley with bean bags, blankets, picnic tables, and even a swing if that’s not fairy tale enough. Our lunch was a selection of fruit, cheese, sandwiches, and drinks (I’m still a G+T girl before the sun goes down, and a Pinot Noir after it goes down).
Around the lodge
You’ll need at least two nights to enjoy everything the lodge has to offer, but preferably three if slots are available. Lodges are often booked months in advance, but you may find an opportunity or be added to the cancellation list at any time.
This lodge has an oversized Jacuzzi (heated, of course), a swimming pool (not heated!), a full-sized tennis court, ample hiking trails, a sunset spot, an all-day spa, and a game room area on the second floor. We mostly took walks around the lodge in between meals or went on planned adventures (like 4WD tours of the property), but if we weren’t, we were making the most of the heated Jacuzzi and taking in the views just before sunset.
In-room at Spicers Peak Lodge
The lodge is very small, with only 12 rooms on site. This makes it the perfect oasis to escape the city and spend some private time in a secluded lodge. Did I mention that the lodge is incredibly romantic?
The rooms at Spicers Peak Lodge are all different, but all have similar characteristics. We checked into a spa suite overlooking a cow pasture, right next to the dining area. This made it easy to be close to the bar and snacks at all times, but if you prefer more privacy, we recommend requesting a room further away.
The rooms have a TV, desk area for working, sitting area for reading (including a wide selection of Australian books), a large bathroom and an all-inclusive minibar. Enjoy your breakfast outside on your private veranda or in the restaurant.
Meals at Spicers Peak Lodge
This is an all-inclusive lodge, so food and wine are given special emphasis in the overall experience. On our second night, we tasted a delicious 6-course chef’s tasting menu. This was a journey of flavors and local ingredients. There is a chef’s garden on site where fresh produce is grown, providing a wonderful farm-to-table experience.
Wine and most drinks are all included in the price of your stay, so stop by and enjoy. It’s rare to truly relax or hang up, but with limited cell phone service at this altitude, it’s easy to do (there’s Wi-Fi, of course, but no one needs to know!).
Book your stay Spicers Peak Lodge.
