Location: Melbourne | Victoria | Australia
Accommodation Type: Heritage
If a luxurious secluded resort with the feel of a magical fairy tale sounds appealing to you, you’ll love the boutique Aquila Nova Retreat. This enchanting rainforest retreat is nestled right in the heart of the Dandenong Ranges National Park, surrounded by lush ferns, flowering gardens and cheeky native birds.
Best for: 5 Star Boutique Hotel, Tudor Style ’Castle’ Stay, Suites for Two with Four-Poster Beds, Spa Bath, Romantic
Located only 30km from the centre of Melbourne, you’ll feel a world away soaking in your spa suite by the open fire, taking in soothing views of nature as you sip on a complimentary glass of wine.
Nearby attractions include beautiful hiking trails and wildlife spotting, fine dining restaurants, world class wineries, historical and cultural sites as well as village shopping opportunities. The Dandenongs accommodation is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway, or just anyone in the mood for some real self-indulgence!
The Space
Each suite at Aquila Nova Retreat is a delicate work of art. No detail has been overlooked, from the hand-painted wall murals to the sumptuous sofa fabrics, individually designed to complement the cosy ambience of the spa and fireplace.
Suites: Two uniquely created suites are available, named Luna and Sol, both bringing the same level of luxury with their own character and charm.
- Sol has it’s very own drawbridge entrance, built in the style of a chalet with stylish blends of deep wood and castle-esque stone.
- Luna boasts French doors opening to it’s garden-view balcony, black leather furniture and a touch of old-world glamour.
Things to Do:
The grounds feature beautiful flowering gardens, a bright glass covered conservatory, BBQ facilities and serene walking trails. Tree lined picnic areas nearby provide a great place to enjoy the cheese platter and champagne found in your fridge.
Nearby is the Puffing Billy Railway, a beloved historic train built in pre-war years to carry tourists through the rainforest for weekend escapes. For the more adventurous, Trees Adventure claims to be Australia’s #1 ropes and ziplining experience, offering 360-degree views of bushland and forest as you climb and zip your way through the park.
After a day of sightseeing the nearby attractions, you can relax on your private balcony and take in the view, or have a nice long soak in your spa.
Good to Know at Aquila Nova Retreat:
- Free WIFI in all areas
- Air-conditioning
- Fantastic online ratings
- Home-made breakfast is included
- All rooms have a spa and fireplace
- Rooms have a queen-size bed or a king-size bed, kitchenette and balcony
- Linen and towels included
- Bathrobes and slippers provided
- BBQ on site
- Free parking
- Massages are available for additional charge
- Tea/coffee machine provided
- Romantic packages can be selected, incorporating silk rose petals and candles
Conclusion
A stay at Aquila Nova Retreat can make you feel like a king or queen (or fairy tale princess, whatever you prefer!) The Dandenongs accommodation is a perfect base to explore the beautiful area of the surrounding national park, or to simply stay in your gorgeous suite and soak up the sweet luxury.
Extra thoughtful touches add to the experience of pampering, like the freshly baked home-made bread, premium bath salts for soaking, chocolates and wine on arrival, and intricately designed four-poster beds.
The online ratings for this place are off the charts, scoring 5 stars on TripAdvisor and 9.6/10 on Booking.com. We can see why people keep coming back to this unique resort in the Dandenong Ranges!
Location:
I hope you enjoyed this article about Aquila Nova Retreat. Feel free to comment below and share your experiences, impressions and thoughts about this beautiful hotel. I look forward to reading them.