We’re back!!!
We had such a good time at Dayelsford and it’s exactly what we needed!
Friday departure was delayed by a bit of work but we eventually made our way at 8pm. It was dark and I’ve only ever been in a car to Daylesford in the daylight so, I admit, I was a bit worried that at any stage an animal might cross the road (or in my wild imagination, a white lady or zombie appears!). The last leg along Charlie’s Road was the most exciting because it was rough road and up and down hill. Some hills you went up not seeing over it and looked like the road just dropped – like the end of the earth in the darkness!
Once we found Avalon, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful sky. So many stars!!! If it wasn’t freezing, I would have stayed outside and stared at the sky. Inside the villa, we settled in quick. Scouted the rooms and drawers and immediately drew a bath. Boy was it heaven! We must have stayed there for ages.
Waking up to the birds was a great way to start my Saturday. It was later in the morning because we let ourselves sleep in but I still made scrambled eggs and toast so we had something in our tummies before our spa appointment.
12:15 we made it to Queensberry Studio for our 2 hour Therapeutic Treatment. This kicked off with another 40 minute spa bath soak with Basil and Peppermint aromatherapy and Pine Needle foam. Then capped with an hour tailor fit relaxing massage. I asked for my therapist to focus on my shoulders because I hump over my desk all week. Oh my was it good. By the time she got to my head (to help with my migraines), I was sound asleep. She could have taken a break and I wouldn’t have known because I was knocked out! After my massage, I got myself an extra treat by getting an additional 15 minute foot massage. Glorious!
Not really sure what H got because he was in a separate massage room but what we really enjoyed was the privacy. Queensberry Studio only takes 2 customers at a time so we had the whole place to ourselves! It was definitely worth the money. Their prices were already lower that most of the bigger outfits and still they were quite generous with the time we spent there. We will definitely come back – perhaps get the 4 hour treatment next time. LOL.
After our relaxing massages, we were well and truly hungry. In fact, both our tummies were grumbling towards the end of the massages. We walked on the main street and had pizzas and coffee at Koukla (Frangos and Frangos Cafe). I preferred H’s braised goat with roquette, red pepper and sour cream pizza on home-made dough and cooked in a wood fire oven. This was tastier than my safe proscuitto, tomato and basil pizza.
Muscles loose and tummies full, we walked along the main road some more and popped into the stores. H bought more comics from Paradise Books and I bought a vanilla slice and a mars slice from Pastry King Cafe Bakery.
The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing back at the villa. It was such a beautiful drive in the daylight as we got to appreciate the spectacular views of the rolling hills and mountains around us.
Before heading to dinner, we met up with H and S to say hi over a cuppa. I haven’t seen them in over 2 years and they’re as lovely as I remember them. We got carried away and ended up almost missing our dinner reservation at Sault!
Good thing we made it because it was soooooo good. I’ve been to Sault once with T and N, and I had all fingers crossed that H would like it as much as I did. Oh boy did Sault deliver.
For starters, I had twice cooked pork with smoked eel and pea puree with apples and some fruity jam; H had scallops wrapped with proscuitto, cauliflower puree and baby herbs. For main I had crispy skinned Barra with pea puree (coincidence that I had this on both dishes), squid ink and a few pieces of squid; H had roasted duck breast and a couple of mash like things (I don’t remember!!!) with guinness sauce. Dessert I ordered spanish churros with came with chocolate dip, creme brûlée and caramel ice cream; H had granny smith apple pudding with ginger mousse and biscuit. Y-U-M.
Needless to say we woke up happy this morning. It was freezing overnight – it was minus 1 at 5:15 this morning (I know this because my stupid alarm went off!), but we woke up happy and stayed in bed until it was time to leave at noon. Yet another luxury we don’t get on a regular basis back in the city life.
On the way to brunch I found a cool glow mesh purse at the Daylesford bazaar for a bargain. We had brunch at Cliffy’s where I also stocked up on Murray River Salt, Vanilla Sugar and Olive Salt. We also ended up buying Istra Prosciutto.
After brunch, we walked towards the Daylesford market and stopped over Rubilu where I fell in love with 2 blue vinyl chairs that I really really really want to buy. H was reasonable enough to stop me from buying it and said that we should think about it this week before deciding. I know I’ll end up buying it!!!
The walk around the Daylesford market was quick because some stalls were packing up. I ended up buying a super chic Scottish Hand-woven Harris Tweed hat. It wasn’t cheap, but I’m really happy with it.
We’re back in Melbourne now and still riding the high of an awesome weekend in country Victoria. It’s left us not only feeling refreshed but also inspired to take more short trips to the idyllic country towns around us.
Until the next adventure – hopefully includes picking up my 2 blue chairs from Rubilu!
Tags: avalon, cliffys, country victoria, daylesford, frangos and frangos, hepburn springs, koukla, market, massage, paradise books, queensberry studios, restaurants, rubilu, sault, spa, spa country, vacation, villas
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