Barefoot luxury meets active adventure and education in a resort experience that almost eclipses the incredible landscape on Tasmania’s east coast.
I’m sitting on a comfortable couch, the heat from a distant fire running its warm fingers down my neck. In front of me is a large glass wall: floor to ultra-high ceiling and curving for the best part of 60-metres to the left and right. It perfectly frames the stunning view beyond, down over the frigid water of Coles Bay towards Freycinet National Park.
The famed Hazards draw the eye like ring-bearing hobbits, the mountainous terrain standing strong against the winds blowing in off the Pacific Ocean. I could look at it all day, but a voice has attracted my attention. It’s the bartender.
The staff, friendly, talented and salt of the Earth folk, know what to do at Saffire Freycinet. In his hand, a local Tasmania whiskey: top shelf. Already glowing from trying numerous rare spirits and delicious local wines throughout the afternoon, I’m in no mood to resist. He sits it down next to the remains of oysters, salmon and salad; another exquisitely prepared meal.
It’s the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury and all I can think is; “how bloody lucky am I!”
The Sparkle in Tasmania’s Eye
Saffire Freycinet is remote. Tasmania is remote in general – it’s what makes it so breathtaking. So awesome. So rejuvenating. But you’ll spend the best part of 3-hours driving from the Saffire Freycinet lounge at Hobart airport towards the Freycinet National Park. It’s a beautiful country though, which helps prevent it from being too bothersome.
The resort is hidden deep into the bushland, with beachfront access to Coles Bay for those who want to trek down to the sand and rocks. It’s not a big place, providing a sense of intimacy and isolation with only 20 opulent rooms, each gifting an unblemished outlook on the Hazards beyond.
My room comes with its own Japanese-like zen courtyard, a huge shower and bathtub that looks out over the national park. A balcony. And a massive main room with a luxurious king bed facing the floor-to-ceiling glass frontage. The minibar is stocked with top shelf local spirits, wine, champagne and beer that you’re free to tackle as you please. As well as yummy gourmet cookies, crisps, jerky and the like.
It’s fantastic; one of the finest rooms I’ve ever stayed in.
Standing above the rooms is the main complex. The entrance foyer is breathtaking, bringing the outside in like a slap across the face. There’s a library, the aforementioned inside/outside bar, a long dining hall and a host of eye-catching features – from art to antiques and water features. The bottom floor plays host to a spa, which I was unable to try, and one of the smallest gyms I’ve ever come across.
And that’s it as far as facilities go. But Saffire Freycinet has something else up its sleeve.
Exploring with the Locals
Before I arrived at Saffire Freycinet, I was aware of the activities. Like many resorts, there’s a timetable of things going on each day, which guests can sign-up for or ignore. The team had loosely put together an itinerary for me that sounded interesting, but I was worried it would ultimately prove a distraction. In my head, I wanted to lay back and relax in the room. Lounge about in the opulence, drink, eat and be warm. I didn’t think I’d want to do things.
By the end of the first day, I had signed myself up for everything I could squeeze into my short stay. I wanted to do it all. The resort is great, but it turns out the activities are what makes Saffire Freycinet a true gem. A destination.
Either at the resort itself or in the surrounding area, Saffire Freycinet has teamed up with local experts and third-party businesses to provide unique, informative and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that showcase Tasmanian culture. All small-group and sometimes one-on-one. With plenty of time afforded to get to know the host, their world and any other guests that happen to be on the ride.
Impossible to choose a favourite
On one such experience, I got into a bee suit and learned all about the honey farming business while getting hands-on with the inside of an active hive. In another, I waded out into the cold waters to harvest and shuck oysters at a nearby farm, then ate them fresh as can be with a glass of Moet.
I toured, tasted and talked about the oldest winery on the eastern coast with its owner. Spent an hour with three hungry Tasmanian Devils. Hiked up to the lookout over the stunning Wineglass Bay. Learned how to mix cocktails while chatting with the in-house Italian mixologist, and more.
My highlight, however, was two hours spent walking the nearby foreshore and forests talking with a local indigenous man in the Connection to Country experience. I learned so much I never knew about Tasmania’s First Nations people and how they thrived in this harsh environment. I felt so enriched and educated after the experience that I’ll cherish the adventure for the rest of my days.
The Ultimate in All-Inclusive Experiences
None of these amazing activities cost a cent extra. They’re on all day, and you can sign up for them at your leisure. When Saffire Freycinet says “all-inclusive” it means it. For example, at one point I decided to drive to the National Park to go for a walk. Before I got to the exit the receptionist had turned up with a water bottle, a snack and a parking permit!
The attention to detail goes well beyond the room, architecture, features and service, too. It’s almost impossible to overstate the quality of the food and alcohol. I’ve never looked forward to eating more in my life and I’m over 100 kilograms! You savour each mouthful, letting it absorb into your mouth and tongue for as long as you possibly can before you dare swallow.
It has honestly raised the bar for what I thought fine dining in a resort could be. Meal time is a highlight event you’ll yearn to do again many months later.
So, while Saffire Freycinet isn’t cheap, it still delivers value. I’ll never forget the location, room, people and experiences, and would go back there in a heartbeat. Enough said.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Chris Stead stayed for two nights as a guest of Saffire Freycinet.
To find out more or to make a booking, visit the Saffire Freycinet website here.
