Kalakau House, Forresters Beach
The views don’t get any better than from this cliff-top holiday rental at the southern end of Forresters Beach. Add a stunning infinity style mineral pool from which
you can watch the surf, a heated spa, large timber deck, an outdoor fire pit, and
an infrared sauna and it’s the perfect romantic escape. Inside, snuggle beside a fireplace (wood supplied) with book or wine in hand, and watch black cockatoos and kookaburras play in the pines outside. You’ll then want to follow the private path to the beach below for a post-dinner stroll or swim at one of the region’s lesser-known beaches. When it’s time to sleep, drift off to the roar of the ocean. Located in a quiet Central Coast suburb, Kalakau House is a luxurious stay for mindful travellers.
Other features: Three bedrooms, full kitchen, two bathrooms, plus
a studio with bedroom.
What we love: Local couple Nicholette and Dane Wise have poured their hearts and souls into creating this beautiful abode, and you’ll be happy they’ve chosen to share it.
Book: airbnb.com.au
Deck & Spa Tiny House, Matcham
Relax to the call of whipbirds at this tiny home on acreage in Matcham. Encouraging cosiness with its fire pit, outdoor spa, queen bed and rural outlook, this stay regularly attracts guests celebrating anniversaries and birthdays, and it’s even been the location for several proposals. Sit on the deck with a book and glass of bubbles, beside the fire (wood provided) on a cool autumn night, or in the spa – a guest favourite. Or you can curl up on the lounge inside for a game of UNO or Scrabble before retiring to the bedroom loft accessed via a ladder and with a pretty picture window. With wallabies, brush turkeys, ducks and even tawny frogmouths visiting often, a weekend in this tiny house is a bite-sized taste of the wilderness only 10 minutes’ drive from the hubbub of Terrigal.
Other features: Ensuite, kitchen with coffee-maker, air-conditioning, gas barbecue, and a picnic basket and blanket.
What we love: There is no TV, prompting you to have a digital detox, however if you’d like to connect, Wi-Fi is available.
Book: tinyhousensw.com.au
Glenworth Valley Eco Villas, Glenworth Valley
A world away from the popular suburbs of the Central Coast, this is the staycation we all need. The interior design of these villas is contemporary and paired back – much like a premium holiday park cabin – but the selling point here is the woodfired barrel hot tub next to the Deluxe Hot Tub Eco-Villa. There are three types of villas for various budgets, and all have private rural views. They’re also part of Glenworth Valley Wilderness Adventures, so you can spend your days horse riding (check out the Gourmet Picnic Horse Ride) before retiring to your secluded cabin. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by work and routine already this year but can’t take a holiday, think of a weekend stay here as bush therapy.
Other features: All villas have two bedrooms, a modern kitchen, lounge, laundry, air-conditioning, deck and barbecue.
What we love: The outdoor hot tubs are a special feature and you can soak while looking through gum trees to nearby hills.
Book: glenworth.com.au
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach
Inject a little romance back into your relationship with a night in a cool ‘glamtainer’ – an innovatively converted shipping container – at NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach. Sure, there will likely be plenty of kids running about during the day but that’s the price to pay to stay alongside one of the Coast’s most popular family surf beaches. Join the grommets surfing at Kiddies’ Corner in the morning, before ducking over the hill into the secluded community of Pearl Beach, and then retiring to your glamtainer before dusk. You can cook a barbecue on the spacious veranda or order-in and enjoy the plush lounge and bedding inside.
Other features: Ensuite, kitchenette, air-conditioning, and a second kids’ room (great for parents seeking to reconnect after welcoming a baby).
What we love: These glamtainers put a fresh spin on glamping and they’re affordable.
Book: nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort, Umina Beach
Main image: Glenworth Valley Eco Villas
