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 8 of our loveliest Slow Stays with pools.
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.
HILLVIEW DAIRY
Tallebudgera, QLD
This recently installed 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.
CALLIGNEE II ECO RETREAT
Callignee, VIC
Wrapping boldly around this Grand Designs house, Callignee II’s 19-metre lap pool can be viewed through a massive lounge window that also forms part of the pool wall. Sit by the concrete island bench with your favourite cocktail and bask in the artistry of this holiday home in an Australian bush backdrop.
BEDARRA ISLAND RESORT
Mission Beach, QLD
Private infinity-edge plunge pools with expansive views onto the shores of the Great Barrier Reef are a feature of several of the sustainable villas dotted around Bedarra Island, while the main resort pool is a social hub for guests. Lounge on your sundeck and daybeds and drink in the sea breeze and tranquility of this special place.
BELLINGEN FARM HOUSE
Bellingen, NSW
Made out of a concrete tank perched out from the edge of the barn house, this sublime elevated round pool is 50% magnesium and 50% salt offering a healthier alternative to swim in during the warmer months. Small enough to run economically yet large enough to hold the whole family, the tiled tank pool looks over the edge of a steep hillside, giving you a birds eye view of the native forest below.
LITTLE RED BARN
Doonan, QLD
Proving Queensland is not just about surf beaches and days on the reef, this tank pool of spa-sized proportions makes a handsome addition to its red barn home just 15 minutes from the hubbub of Noosa. Beat the heat and catch up in the cool water instead of battling crowds for a table at one of the nearby restaurants.
THE COOK’S BOROUGH
Cooroy, QLD
If swimming and pizza are two of your favourite things, you’ll be well served at this property in the Noosa Hinterland. Yet another magnesium pool built with health benefits in mind, the family-sized swimming spot boasts a terracotta Jatana Interiors tile border and landscaped gardens connecting it to the home’s outdoor pizza oven and seating nook.
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.
Like what you see? Find more slow and sustainable accommodation in our Slow Stays directory.
