Holiday the cooler way with a Spicers Retreats Coolcation.
Holiday the cooler way with a Spicers Retreats Coolcation.
The Gold Coast is known for its endless summer, but for those of us who live here, we sometimes find ourselves dreaming of misty mountain mornings, curling up beside a crackling fire and wrapping our fingers around a mug of something mulled.
Turns out, we’re not the only ones. A growing number of travellers are swapping beach breaks for brisk escapes, trading sunburn for stargazing and chasing the chill instead of running from it.
Enter the Coolcation – the latest travel trend that’s all about leaning into winter’s cosier side. And the best part? For us Queenslanders, a perfectly chilled escape is closer than you think. Spicers has wrapped up a luxe lineup of five-star frost-fests at their retreats around the country for an indulgent winter getaway.
Spicers Retreats Coolcation packages are tailor-made for those who love their holidays with a side of snuggly robes and soul-warming scenery. Whether you’re after forest bathing, gourmet grazing or just an excuse to wear that chunky knit jumper, the Spicers Retreats destinations are bringing the chill without the chill factor.
Let’s start at the peak of cool, quite literally, with Spicers Peak Lodge in Maryvale. From just $1,799 per night (all-inclusive), it’s a luxe escape perched atop the Scenic Rim, where the air is crisp, the views are sweeping and the mulled wine is served piping hot. Think mountain lodge meets high-end indulgence, with no need to lift a finger (except to toast a marshmallow or two).
Just down the range, Spicers Hidden Vale offers rustic charm with all the mod-cons, and, from $449 per night for two, it’s a more accessible slice of country calm. Picture vintage Queenslander cottages, hot toddies by the fire, and maybe even a wombat sighting.
In the heart of Brisbane, Spicers Balfour Hotel brings a cool city stay to the table from $419 per night, perfect for urbanites who like their winter nights with a rooftop cocktail and a side of skyline.
Up in the hinterland, Spicers Clovelly Estate in Montville and Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny deliver on the rainforest romance. We’re talking outdoor hot tubs, misty bushwalks and Asian-fusion feasts that make the chill downright delicious from a cool $499 and $569 respectively.
Each Coolcation package includes overnight accommodation for two, breakfast, a fireside or in-room beverage experience and a stargazing guide.
Further afield, Spicers Retreats chilly line-up continues with stunning stays in the Hunter Valley, Blue Mountains, Bowral and even South Australia’s Barossa Valley, where the wine tastes even better directly from the cellar.
But for Queenslanders looking to escape without the interstate schlep, the five Spicers spots close to home are a brrr-illiant place to start.
So this winter, skip the tropics and embrace the chill. Your scarf’s been waiting all year for this.
Click here to book your coolcation now.
Where: Spicers Retreats can be found in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia.
When: Bookings from May 2nd, 2025, to June 30th, 2025, for stays up to August 30th, 2025. Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability.
Words by Lisette Drew
STORY SPONSORED BY SPICERS RETREATS
