Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, Hepburn Springs

Set in Victoria’s picturesque Daylesford and Macedon Ranges, the stylish and serene Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel and Spa is a boutique luxury resort that ticks all the boxes for a stress free break, a romantic escape or indeed an adult family weekend of pure indulgence. The hotel itself started out as a guest-house and country pub in 1935 and has evolved into the charming and elegant resort it is today after a major refurbishment and interior overhaul by renowned designer, the late Stuart Rattle. Comfortable and brimming with country hospitality and charm, the resort is surrounded by stunningly manicured gardens that mimic Tuscany. An elegant oasis in the heart of the Hepburn Springs village, Peppers is close to wineries, tourist attractions including horse riding and many great walking trails and rejuvenating mineral water springs.

The Rooms

The resort offers several accommodation options ranging from traditional hotel style rooms to one, two and four bedroom self-contained villas. No matter what you choose, each is beautifully presented with timeless country grandeur. The Springs Spa rooms feature a bath style spa in the ensuite, many with balconies overlooking the front or rear gardens while the Garden rooms are sprinkled throughout the grounds intertwined with growing pencil pines, willow trees and native fauna.

As we were four people, we were treated to one of the resorts four magnificent self-contained Villas that provides added privacy and space. Our two-bedroom double story Villa Amelia was magnificent, offering luxurious comfort with an open plan lounge, deep leather sofas, a full kitchen and dining room and a gorgeous bathroom stocked full of luxury product.

If you consider visiting with friends or additional family members, Villa Parma would rank as one of the best places anywhere to stay. Built in the mid 1800s as a private home by Swiss-Italian immigrants during the days of the Victorian gold rush, the building was restored in 2006 to its original Italian Palazzo inspired state by the current owners. Featuring four charming bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room and underground cellar, it’s no wonder that many families and groups can’t wait to experience the villa's authentic rustic character when celebrating special occasions.

Other facilities

The multi award winning Mineral Spa is located behind the hotel and offers a host of luxurious treatment options ranging from facials and massage to body wraps. The spa’s signature experience is its ‘soft pack bed’ that provides the sensation of floating and total weightlessness, whilst the body, wrapped and cocooned on a floating bed of water, remains completely dry.

In keeping with the sense of absolute tranquility here, the Mineral Spa’s architectural design is intertwined with the landscape. What this means is that you are able to avail yourself of the beautiful water-based natural therapy area, known as The Retreat – bathing in mineral rich spa and plunge pools or taking a lavender infused stone sauna or steam, whilst gazing out at the gardens ahead. At sunset when animals like kangaroos wander into the gardens, this experience is simply unmatchable.

Another feature of the resort is the high-end paddock to plate dining experience at The Argus Dining Room. People come from far and wide to eat here. Awarded One Chef’s Hat in the Age Good Food Guide 2015 and included in Gourmet Traveller’s Top 100 Restaurants of 2015, The Argus services Modern Australian cuisine with a strong emphasis on regional produce.

A few kilometers away on the tranquil banks of Lake Daylesford, resort owners Chris Malden and Wayne Cross have added another feather to their caps by restoring the likes of the Boathouse Café – an iconic local institution that was burnt to the ground in 2012. We enjoyed a sumptuous breakfast here in one of the most beautiful environments possible. The granola and fruit yoghurt was delicious; the coffee excellent and the staff exceptionally friendly and attentive. If staying in house, I would definitely recommend eating breakfast at both ‘The Boathouse’ as well as at ‘The Conservatory’, situated within the hotel, where the hearty and healthy buffet is a great way to start your day.

The Verdict

Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel Hepburn Springs is a simply wonderful holiday destination to while away a day, a weekend or a week with those you love.  Whether you choose to feed yourself in a fully equipped Villa or indulge yourself in the multi-award winning Argus Dining Room, your every want, need or craving will be well taken care of here. You can potter around the resort, relax in the library, enjoy a massage or facial, bathe in the mineral pools or go for a walk in the spectacular surrounds.  Further afoot local markets beckon; there are several wineries to explore and a magnificent lake to take your breath away.