Mt Hay Retreat Berry

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Berry in the Southern Highlands is a popular place for families, couples and friends to retreat from the chaos of everyday life. This historical and charming village has a range of enticing restaurants, chic shops and superior accommodations. After a recommendation from a friend, we chose Mt Hay Retreat, a seven-minute drive from Berry, for a two-day stay for our wedding anniversary. A tranquil haven, it offers spectacular views across the valley to the coastline, beautiful, manicured gardens and inviting suites to chill out.


With only a few luxury suites on this expansive property, each with its own unique features, the elegantly designed adults-only sanctuary offers the perfect escape. There are also two suites that have accessibility options with no steps internally or externally.


The Big Blue is a popular suite with a giant round bath outdoors on the front deck, perfect to catch the dramatic sunset. This suite has a separate walk-in shower in the bathroom.

The Berry Spa Suite has a luxurious spa bath for two in the airy, sunlit bathroom as well as a separate walk-in shower.


We chose The Escarpment Suite, which exceeded our expectations. I was captivated by the large bath in the marble bathroom with views over the treetops. It was an oasis of serenity and indulgence. Two people can comfortably enjoy the spaciousness of a warm refreshing bath. Pure luxury.


Step out of the bath and enter the alluring walk-in shower with three dreamy shower options. The rain shower, a wall-mounted version and a handheld device, each for the ultimate relaxation, with floor-to-ceiling windows displaying lush greenery outdoors, creating a calm haven in peaceful seclusion.


The private deck for each suite provided a seamless connection to the natural beauty outside. The first morning of our stay, there was mist on the mountain. It was magical to watch it transform from a misty ribbon, initially seen across the escarpment, as it gradually spread and engulfed the entire valley. The visual impact of witnessing this mist rolling to the furthest reaches of the valley was remarkable. It left me breathless with wonder and amazement.




Each suite has a plush king-size bed with luxurious bed linen and a choice of medium or firm pillows. There is a well-equipped kitchenette with an espresso machine, plates, glassware, cutlery, a mini fridge and microwave, as well as complimentary high-speed wifi.


Revive your senses in the 33-metre heated indoor pool with an adjoining luxurious hot spa. Bliss. We used the pool three times during our stay and though there were guests in the other suites, we were the only ones in the pool and spa. A feature of the pool which guests may be unaware of is the Rain Curtain resembling a gentle rainfall over the pool surface. It was a treat. There is also a giant chess set outside the pool area, with a sloping pathway to access the pool, spa and chess area.




As Mt Hay Retreat is out of town and some of the roads is unpaved, I would suggest buying food for dinner in Berry to bring for the evening and for breakfast the following day. We created our own charcuterie board for dinner on the first night with cheeses, meats, crackers, and crusty bread. Pastries from the local bakery in Berry, Milkwood Bakery, were a treat for breakfast. The following day, we had a delicious lunch at The Queen St Café Berry in the Stan Burt Arcade, so only a small evening meal was necessary that night.

Our hosts, Louise and Anthony, were welcoming, friendly and informative. When we first checked in, we were handed a map showing us the trail around the gorgeous gardens with well-trimmed hedges and bushes. Seats were strategically placed overlooking the pretty landscape and a pond with koi who surfaced to see if the ‘sticky beak’ looking back at them will throw them a feed.


Nestled in the midst of this breathtaking natural surroundings was the enjoyable sky-scraping ‘cloud’ swing, most definitely a feature of this garden oasis.


Mt Hay Retreat is the place to bask in the lap of luxury, which offers an idyllic escape that will leave you rejuvenated and inspired.

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