If the smell of salt air, crash of ocean waves or the slow whooshing sound of water lapping on the shore are things that help you relax while on a getaway, then you’re going to want to keep reading. From incredible waterfront houses and private islands to retro seaside shacks, scroll down for our favourite Slow Stays with water views. It’s time to start planning your next getaway!
STILL AT FREYCINET
Coles Bay, TAS
Inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, this stunning Tasmanian retreat is all about dishing up cosy experiences that leave you feeling relaxed, recharged and content. Whilst you can hide away and devour the serene water views from the open-plan living area, we suggest venturing a few mere steps away to the glass-walled Nordic sauna on the deck. Find your perch, breathe deeply and sweat out any stress or worries, all while overlooking the dunes at Sandpiper Beach. Feeling brave? The exhilarating experience of hot and cold therapy is a Nordic ritual. Join in the fun by jumping from the sauna to an outdoor shower followed by another stint in the sauna. Bonus points for timing your steam session with sunset, when the sky burns with a kaleidoscope of orange tones.
CALABASH BAY LODGE
Berowra Creek, NSW
You won’t have to fight for a room with a view at Calabash Bay Lodge, because every bedroom and living area opens onto Sydney’s mighty Hawkesbury River below. A restorative Slow Stay that is cradled by national parks, it’s almost impossible to believe it sits less than hour from a bustling metropolis. Adding to its wow-factor is that the property can only be reached by seaplane or boat, but once you’re there all of that will be long forgotton. Drink in the water views from one of the many balconies or launch into the great outdoors with the complimentary run-around boat or double and single kayaks. There are fishing rods and crab pots for the adventurers or if you’re more of a holiday sloth, soak up some sunshine on the private pontoon. However, you choose to make memories at Calabash, it’s going to be pretty special.
CHAMBLS SHACK
Verona Sands, TAS
In a tidy 1970s shack, just a one-hour drive from Hobart, sun streams through a wall of windows overlooking the beach at Verona Sands. There’s plenty of deep couches, three beautifully styled bedrooms and a huge brick fireplace that begs to be lit and crowded around. If you’ve ever thought about visiting Tasmania, Chambls Shack is the kind of nostalgic bolthole you’d have dreamt about staying at.
THE G AT GERROA
Gerroa, NSW
Just 30 steps from the sands of Seven Mile Beach, The G at Gerroa is a recently renovated beach house on the South Coast of NSW with stunning water views to boot. Spread over two levels, you’ll find this four-bedroom, three-bathroom home has everything you could need for a beach getaway. Flaunting an interior that is spruced with local products and furnishings and an exterior that features sprawling decks and a fire pit, this Slow Stay really does capture the essence of coastal living.
CAMP ISLAND LODGE
Whitsundays, QLD
Once in a lifetime, everyone should experience sleeping on their own private island. Camp Island Lodge is on the northern-most island in the beautiful Whitsundays group on the Great Barrier Reef. Sleeping up to eight guests, the four ensuite villas are built in traditional Queenslander cottage style and look directly over the aqua blue reef. There is also a Main Lodge which encompasses a kitchen, dining, living and TV area and spacious covered verandahs.
SIMPSON COTTAGE
Bundeena, NSW
Flanked by the Royal National Park and water views of Port Hacking, Simpson Cottage will take your breath away from the moment you arrive. Dine under festoon lights on the oversized outdoor table, lounge around the meticulously restored 1860s home or head down the track at the edge of the garden to Bonnie Vale Beach below.
WHALE SONG SHACK
Falmouth, TAS
Reconnect with mother nature at this reimagined 1980’s fisherman’s shack. Situated right by the sea in Falmouth on the east coast of Tasmania, watch Pacific gulls swoop down by the waterline while the roar of the wild sea fills the salt air. Whale Song is a sanctuary of peace and calm and is perfectly suited for a couples’ getaway.
Like what you see? Find more slow and sustainable accommodation in our Slow Stays directory.
