WINTER HIDEAWAYS IN THE
SOUTH WEST
by Graeme Olsen
As I sit down to write this article
it is pouring with rain, and has been for several
hours. Everything outside is green and wet. And
it reminds me of one of the joys of living in the
south west during winter.
| Now I admit that what I'm about
to suggest to you isn't possible for all of
us all the time, because it can be a little
expensive. But if you find yourself blessed
with the circumstances to do it, then don't
delay - arrange it today because it is a most
beautiful, relaxing, and enjoyable experience.
I'm talking about going away for a quiet,
secluded getaway in the heart of the south
west for a couple of days - or longer if
you want. But even just a weekend away in
one of these places is enough, because you
can't do anything else but relax.
|
|
 |
Here's how you do it.
Find an accommodation provider in
the south west that has nice, secluded, cottage-type
accommodation deep within a forest. Now I know of
plenty myself, but I'm not going to mention them
here because not only are there too many, but I
don't want to show favourtism. From time to time
you'll see some advertised throughout this website
(perhaps even on this page). Or perhaps for a completely
independent view you can browse through the listings
at the WA Tourism Commision website at www.westernaustralia.com.
It's of course up to you where you
choose to go, but for this particular type of holiday,
consider finding accommodation that has a wood fire,
a spa, is self-contained, and is secluded by forest
from all the other cottages.
Once you've found the right place,
book a weekend away for yourself and your husband/wife.
Whether you tell your husband/wife is up you - maybe
you want to leave it a surprise. Organise for someone
to watch the kids for the weekend, and also arrange
for both of you to be able to leave work/home early
on the Friday of that weekend.
Then when it comes to it, you head
off late Friday and arrive at your destination for
two nights and two days in your own secluded getaway
in the forest. If you're lucky it will be raining
a bit, so that everything is cool and wet, and after
you've been out bushwalking in the forest you'll
get to spend time in front of the cozy wood fire,
or in a hot spa, with your choice of a glass of
champaigne or mug of hot chocolate. Not only that,
but you'll feel like you're in your own little private
part of the forest.
Some accommodation places like this
will have a restaurant nearby, so you can head out
for a nice meal, or you can choose to take your
own food and cook in your own kitchen.
There's simply nothing quite like
being in that kind of environment for a few days
with no phone, no TV, no noise, and amongst the
beauty of the forest at it's very best. In most
cases you'll also be quite close to a river or waterfall,
meaning that bushwalking is a must.
So what are you waiting for? If you're
in doubt, just remember: you only live once, and
next year who knows what might be happening in your
life. Take the opportunity now to have a break.
Have a good one.
June 2004
