Shoalhaven Chic
It is mid-December, and we’re teetering on the edge of Christmas, of New Year and the festive interlude, that gloopy and languid time between the two in which the promise of no routine looms large, and the days melt into each other.
We are on a type of vacay we’ve dubbed the Flop and Drop, but might also be known as a rest and reset, an exhale; the type of trip where you rarely check the time, you have a toppling pile of books on your nightstand and you refuse to feel guilty for ordering that third Margarita to your sunbed. A sojourn punctuated by sumptuous breakfast spreads and marshmallow beds, which lend themselves perfectly to this leisurely pursuit.
Bangalay Villas is the perfect location to observe this sacred act; nestled on the cusp of the jaw dropping Seven Mile Beach, the 16 well-appointed villas blend seamlessly into their luscious green backdrop, while offering understated luxury and quiet relaxation. Each villa boasts plush interiors, complemented by a private wooden decking where you can watch the world go by. Pockets of soul-soothing greenery are tended to round the clock during our stay, with luxe timber walkways connecting each villa to the resort’s gold-class amenities - their award-winning restaurant, Bangalay Dining, and the jewel in the crown, a perfectly appointed pool area.
It might just be the aforementioned sumptuous breakfast spread which really made me feel I was being taken care of - guests get unlimited barista coffee and a bowl of fruit to start, before a choice of a main and a side from the menu and a pastry to finish. Or it could have been the in-room massage service, a quiet punctuation in our otherwise empty days. Private yoga classes are also available from the comfort of your own villa’s decking.
The property is tucked into a quiet residential enclave, in which you’ll not find many bells or whistles; the nearby Shoalhaven Heads Hotel is a salt-of-the-earth fishermans watering hole, with hearty meals and a strong selection on tap. As is customary in many coastal town pubs on the Eastern Seaboard, you’ll find a hall of fame for local anglers - toothless grins belying the hours spent trawling for that prize catch.
If hustle and bustle is more your thing, the Southern Highlands town of Berry is only a seven minute drive away, or Kiama and Gerroa also beckon with their many boutiques, wineries and award-winning produce.
For now though, it is my pool-side sun lounger of which an acquaintance I make; a well-thumbed book, the sounds of the cicadas and endless hours to while away. Oh, and that extra Margarita, please. Hold the salt.
