HotelChatter

Although I was looking forward to experiencing miles of isolated, talcum-sand and crystalline watered beaches, stands of majestic karri forest, and abseiling through limestone caverns— it was painful to bade farewell to my room with its deep double spa tub and selection of handmade soaps, lemon verbena-scented candles, the raft-sized bed, and front porch with chattering Port Lincoln parrots.

Most of Merribrook is untouched native forest, and there is no shortage of wildlife on the property:  wallabies, possums, bandicoots.  Bird watchers in particular will be happy, and the Firth's have a supply of wildlife identification guides available to guests.

The Firths know hospitality. After years of operating Merribrook as a training retreat for corporate and school groups, they opened the doors of the 160-acre property to the general public this past November. Private outdoor adventure trips and teambuilding events are still available.

As of this April, a full spa has also opened and features hot rocks, reflexology, aromatherapy massage, and full body treatments using the excellent Baiame skin care line. These products are made from indigenous ingredients such as lemon myrtle and quandong, which are wildcrafted by Aboriginal communities throughout Australia.

Even while "roughing it" on the Cape to Cape, the Firth's had thought of everything.  We arrived to find our tents already set up in a sandy grove of maleluca trees near the beach.  Bottles of Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc were chilling, and they served an excellent spread of local bread and cheese, olive oil, and condiments from the Firth's neighbors at Olio Bello estate. While Richard scoured the rocky coast for abalone or crayfish for our dinner, one of our group, a yoga instructor, led us in an impromptu sunset class on the beach.

When we arrived back at Merribrook the following evening, dirty, tired, and sore from all that walking, abseiling, and primarily, all that yoga— all I could think about was that tub in my room. I shuffled off to my chalet and found that Lorraine, ever the hostess, had already lit the fragrant candles and left bundles of fresh lavender and a bottle of bubble bath.  Sinking into the pillowy bubbles, I closed my eyes and vowed never to go home.

Details:
Merribrook Retreat
PO Box 27
Cowaramup, Western Australia 6284
Tel: 61-8 9755 5599
Fax: 61-8 9755 5081

Laurel Miller writes for Outside Traveler, Lonely Planet, and is a food columist for The Oakland Tribune and Diablo.Her stay at the The Merribrook Retreat was gratis.