Lisson Grove, Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast Hinterland, Australia

When looking for a romantic getaway, the Gold Coast’s stunning hinterland isn’t short of options, however, the family owned Lisson Grove is a little bit different from most we’ve encountered. Here’s why.

• Location: Mount Tamborine, Gold Coast Hinterland.
• Accommodations: A small collection of fully self-contained cottages and the uber-luxurious The Castle, all of which are nestled in beautifully kept country gardens.
• Dining options: All accommodation packages include a hamper filled with delicious breakfast supplies, and each morning freshly squeezed orange juice and hot baked bread is delivered to your door. You can also customise your stay to have champagne and chocolates waiting for you on arrival, or a piping hot, gourmet breakfast delivered at a time of your choice (should you not wish to cook yourself). 
• What else is there: Reception has a library of DVDs to enjoy in your accommodation, and if you fancy indulging in a hot stone massage, facial or reflexology, a menu of treatments can be arranged in the onsite day spa.
• What’s nearby: If you can tear yourself away from your cottage, North Tamborine is just a few minutes away by car, with an impressive lineup of places to eat. The Tamborine area offers plenty for visitors to see and do, including lovely bush walking tracks, and attractions including Tamborine Mountain Distillery, the famous Glow Worm Caves, and the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk Experience. 
• Why go: If you’re looking for a romantic, luxury escape which is truly aimed at grownups, Lisson Grove ticks all the right boxes and more.

The Space

Located high on the edge of Mount Tamborine opposite Witches Falls, this is a boutique resort dedicated to couples, with a handful of luxury cottages, and for anyone who really wants to splash out and indulge, The Castle. Besides an idyllic location, Lisson Grove has it all for romantics at heart, from magnificent log fires and spa baths, to gardens filled with birds in the morning. And although it’s just a 40-50 minute drive from Surfers Paradise, once you are there sipping a coffee on the porch or snuggling with your beloved in front of the log fire, you could literally be a world away. The Abbey has architecture similar to a country church, with unique features including beautiful high peaked ceilings painted to resemble clouds and a fabulous loft bedroom, making it ideal for honeymooners. Meanwhile the other cottages are either premium or luxury. Premium cottages have the feel of “Old England” and come a fireplace, a large spa bath, an antique queen-sized bed and a kitchen, while luxury cottages have the additional bonus of a front porch or courtyard, a king-sized bed, and your very own Weber BBQ. And at the ultra luxury end of the scale, The Castle is an ultimate escape fit for a King and Queen, complete with its own indoor plunge pool, private cinema and much more.

Where We Stayed

Our home for one night was the Gamekeepers Cottage, tucked away in a secluded corner of the leafy property, and featuring a front porch, a living area and kitchenette, a bedroom, and a spacious spa bathroom. After a friendly welcome on arrival, we parked out car away from the cottages near reception. After a walk through the gardens, on  entering the cottage the warm welcome continued; the lights were on low, soft music was playing, and firewood was piled next to the fireplace ready for later - a nice touch. The decor was old English-style rustic, with the cottage enjoying a high gabled ceiling, a stone floor, and an assortment of lovely antique furniture, with the couch nicely positioned in front of the fire. There was also a cozy dining table for two by the window with a view of the gardens, and unique artworks distributed throughout the cottage, including a carved wood camel and a replica stag head. The kitchen was well-equipped with a bar fridge, a stove top and microwave, and the usual appliances including a toaster and kettle, along with a coffee plunger. The bedroom was fully carpeted, with luxury his and her bathrobes hanging in a large antique wardrobe, and the bed was huge and extremely comfortable, complete with a large padded headboard, crisp linens, and plump pillows. From the bedroom, the large open-plan spa bathroom was a major draw card, a highlight of which was a large raised double spa bath perched in front of a large frosted window, perfect for a relaxing wallow with a glass of bubbly after a long bush walk - bliss!

UltimateTravelMagazine.com Loves 

• The tranquil gardens and seclusion.
• The large spa bath.
• The options for a hearty breakfast.

Insider Tips  

• If you want to self-cater you will need to bring your own supplies, but there are plenty of shops including a supermarket in North Tamborine.

The Details

Lisson Grove is located at 274-280 Main Western Road, North Tamborine, 07 5545 1488, www.lissongrove.com.au, www.thecastleontamborine.com.au.