If finding a park at the beach and getting sand everywhere isn’t your idea of a good time, perhaps a quiet stay with a private pool is the answer to your mid-summer dilemma. Take a dip into 14 of our loveliest Slow Stays with pools.
CRANE LODGE
Palm Beach, NSW
Surrounded by soaring boulders and protected Australian bushland, a dip at the luxurious Crane Lodge will have you feeling like you’re swimming in the wilderness, not a Sydney backyard. Tucked high on a steep block in Palm Beach and channelling “secluded rock pool” vibes, a plunge into the warm waters at this Slow Stay is a tonic for the body and mind. Climb out and onto the pool chairs for an impromptu forest bathing session, or if another float is on the cards, be sure to try out the cedar-lined stainless hot tub.
SENSOM
Sapphire Beach, NSW
Despite being minutes from the beach, you’ll have no reason to leave this slice of tropical paradise on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Wrapped in lush, landscaped gardens, Sensom invites guests to slow down and find their Zen. Book one of three suites and wake to rhythmic birdsong and a sumptuous seasonal breakfast overlooking the private lake. From there, follow the winding path between swaying palms down to the saltwater pool to combat the balmy morning air that coats summer holidays. Ah the serenity!
LON RETREAT
Point Lonsdale, VIC
Melt into a state of pure relaxation with an indulgent stay at Lon Retreat and Spa, situated on the edge of the serene Bellarine Peninsula. After a morning spent traversing across 200 acres of conservation and farmland, retire to the on-site spa. It’s here, you’ll gain access to the indoor heated mineral pool. Brimming with water sourced from the farm’s very own natural springs, you can book either a communal or solo stint in its healing waters. And, if time and the bank balance allow, a soak is made even better if it follows a decadent full-body massage.
CASTAWAYS BEACH HOUSE NOOSA
Castaways Beach, QLD
If you like your pool time with a side of tennis, beach strolls, whale-watching and siestas in a heavenly top-floor master retreat, then this Slow Stay in Noosa is for you. Part of a secluded resort-style complex just south of Noosa Heads, Castaways Beach House Noosa sits amongst coastal shrub that overlooks a stunning sandy stretch of arguably one of Queensland’s best beaches. When you’re not enjoying epic views of the sun rising over the ocean or devouring tasty local nosh on your private balconies, head to the pool with a good book and snag a deck chair for the ultimate day of chapter, then plunge, chapter, then plunge…
BLACKBIRD BYRON
Mullumbimby, NSW
Overlooking Mt. Chincogan, the Pacific Ocean and Cape Byron, this stunning magnesium salt and mineral pool provides you with a pure and natural way to relax. Bordered by Moroccan tiles and surrounded by massive day beds made from old railway sleepers, you can literally stay poolside all day with a pool house equipped with full kitchen facilities and a fridge to store your snacks and refreshments.
SUMMER HOUSE RETREAT
Jan Juc, VIC
Slowing down and relaxing is the name of the game at this fully renovated Victorian homestead on Victoria’s Surf Coast, which sleeps eight. If you should grow bored of dipping in and out of the solar-heated mineral pool, you can dial up the retreat factor and arrange in-house dining, yoga classes or a relaxing massage.
HILLVIEW DAIRY
Tallebudgera, QLD
This wine-barrel style plunge pool champions the ‘bigger is not better’ ethos that applies to most cleverly designed sustainable accomodation. With a spectacular backdrop of Mt Tallebudgera, Currumbin Creek and the landscape of the mountain range, it’s a perfect place to perch, cool off and take a moment for yourself.
MAYAN LUXE VILLAS
Kin Kin, QLD
A humble concrete water tank has found a second life in this deep plunge pool, overlooking the bucolic folds of Mayan Farm in the Noosa hinterland. The vista back across the sustainable rammed earth villas is just as appealing, with a hammock slung between two old railway sleepers, a fire pit and pizza oven completing this outdoor slow living playground.
INJIDUP SPA RETREAT
Yallingup, WA
Sorry kids, this one is for adults only. Presiding over a a secluded beach in the Margaret River wine region, Injidup Spa Retreat offers one-bedroom, honeymoon or two-bedroom villas, all fully equipped with a kitchenette, plunge pool, private patio and BBQ. You’re also on the doorstep of the renowned Cape to Cape track and the Instagrammable blues of Injidup Natural Spa.
BLOODWOOD CABIN
Rawbelle, QLD
When you need to truly get away, this handcrafted off-grid cabin is the oasis you seek. You’ll find Bloodwood Cabin around three hours from Bundaberg, ready to help you unwind with an outdoor bath and this circular concrete plunge pool, sensitively placed upon a 20,000 acre organic cattle property.
LITTLE RAILWAY COTTAGE
Palmwoods, QLD
Proving Queensland is not just about surf beaches and days on the reef, this kidney-shaped saltwater pool makes a handsome addition to its 1940s railway cottage home, 20 minutes from Mooloolaba. Beat the heat then relax afterwards on one of the two breezy decks with a good book and your tipple of choice for ultimate holiday vibes.
HEARTWOOD FARM
Federal, NSW
Photography Marnie Hawson
Drink in those magical Byron Hinterland views as you soak in the circular plunge pool on this 100-acre cattle farm. Sitting pretty on the banks of the Wilson River, a stay at this sustainably renovated farm cottage comes with ample opportunity to cool down in summer, whether it’s dipping in and out of the pool, soaking in the clawfoot bath, or venturing to the river or beach.
THE ROUND HILL RETREAT
Sunshine Coast Hinterland , QLD
Round is more than a name at Round Hill retreat – even the O-shaped plunge pool is living up to the title. Aside from its circular nature, the cool waters of the concrete tank pool beckon for a bit of vantage-point variety from which to take in the 360-degree Sunshine Coast rainforest visages. Follow it up with a spherical snack from the woodfired pizza oven before going full-circle and hopping back into the pool!
THE BARN AT NGUURRUU
Gundaroo, NSW
Photography Lean Timms
Say “yas” to taking a dip in the pool at this former horse stable turned luxurious retreat. Tucked up on a working biodynamic farm on the banks of the mighty Yass River, the Barn at Nguurruu sits just 40 minutes outside Canberra, yet feels a world away. And its heated inground pool is a good reminder that simple pleasures are sometimes the best antidote to the frenetic rhythm of daily life. Whether its poolside stargazing or meditative morning laps, its crystal-clear waters wash away the day-to-day with ease.
Like what you see? Find more slow and sustainable accommodation in our Slow Stays directory.
