When you imagined your wedding day as a child, did you paint a picture-perfect setting in your mind? I bet the sun was shining, there were manicured gardens and a lake with a water feature.
Am I right? How romantic!
Well, your seven year old self will be pleased to know that such a magical setting exists 50 minutes outside of Sydney. That’s right, the enchanted Sebel Resort & Spa Hawkesbury Valley is exactly what dreams are made of.
Starry-Eyed Stays
Meanwhile in a not so far away land (Sydney), a lady (me) grew tired of the city noise. Short of a fairy godmother’s timely rescue, a refreshing getaway is surely the key to rejuvenation. So I packed my belongings (including Mr LML) and set off for the Hawkesbury Valley.
We pull up at the resort and spend a considerable time gawking at its tranquil beauty, our worries disappearing with every minute that passes. In a renewed state of calm, we check-in and float past more dreamy gardens until we arrive at our, anything but, humble abode. The work of a true romantic, the room is equipped with a fireplace, a spa bath and an oversized bed. I know what you’re thinking, where’s the string quartet to serenade me, right? Well, 3 out of 4 dreams come true ain’t bad.
A Royal Splash
We reluctantly leave the romance infused room to explore the rest of the resort. We soon discover an inviting heated pool, spa and sauna. If you’re not one to make a splash, grab a refreshing drink, a good book (or a trashy mag) and enjoy the serenity from a comfy banana lounge.
The rest of the resort is eight acres of delightful. It’s no wonder many brides choose the resort’s green landscape as the backdrop for their fairy tale wedding.
Pamper Passion
A relaxing getaway without a pamper sesh, is like Champagne without the bubbles-it’s just not right. And at the Sebel Resort, a Villa Thalgo Spa treatment is a must. More like an oversized mansion, this day spa oozes opulence at every corner. The grand entrance, the relaxation lounge, the private courtyard and of course, the soothing treatment rooms.
After browsing the spa menu for about 10 hours, I opt for a decadent facial. With 12 years of experience behind her, my therapist Angela, gives me an express pass to bliss town. Angela also adds in a relaxing neck, scalp and lymphatic massage which is the icing on this already scrumptious cake.
A Mighty Seafood Tower
A seafood platter is for the meek. A seafood tower is for real, self-respecting holiday makers. All things fresh and delicious are served up at the Sebel’s Harvest Restaurant. There’s Blue swimmer crab, gigantic garlic prawns, Balmain bugs, chilli salt squid, Boston Bay mussels, scallops, Sydney rock oysters, juicy flathead fillets and lots more.
If you don’t have the ferocious appetite of a shark, go for other enticing options on the a la carte menu. How does Sous Vide chicken supreme with chorizo chips, zucchini flowers and white wine foam sound? How about a juicy grass fed beef tenderloin with roasted beetroot, carrots, potatoes and smoked eggplant puree?
We devour our seafood tower in no time and start on the dessert menu. The caramelised figs with a roquefort fondue is a close second to the tantalising peanut butter mousse with caramelised banana and raspberries. We lick the last skerrick off the plate before collapsing into a food coma.
Happily Ever After
I can truly say that relaxation, pampering and indulgence was achieved in just a weekend at the Sebel. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or a city escapee, this resort choice will give you the happily ever after you are seeking…at least for the weekend anyway.