“The weather in Melbourne folks is well… terrible” the pilots voice says laughing. It’s a cool seven degrees this evening in Melbourne and I’m severely under dressed. Mr NQN and I pick up our rental car and are off! To where? Well you’ve heard of cattle country right? Well we are headed off to Spa Country! Yes my dreams have come true! I’ve always said that if I weren’t a food blogger I’d be a spa blogger such is my love for facials and massages.
We take the drive to Daylesford and the Macedon ranges. “Is that snow?” I ask Mr NQN when I see the white flakes fall towards us. It’s a beautiful sight with flurries hitting the windscreen. We arrive shortly after midnight and park our car. Grabbing our bags we run towards our villa called Desire and open the door. A roaring fireplace greets us and we rush towards it. “Oooh it’s gorgeous!” I tell Mr NQN in my excitement forgetting the time and the nearby neighbors and am promptly shushed by Mr NQN.
Happiness is being greeted by snacks at midnight
The room is absolutely beautiful. A gorgeous emerald green velvet lounge sits facing the fire place. A large range of supplies sits on the kitchen bench with all sorts of local goodies including a caponata, crackers, fudge, muesli in apple pie flavor (how good does that flavor sound?), bottles of Hepburn sparkling mineral water and there are two televisions, one in the lounge room and one in the bedroom.
This is spa country so the bathroom goodies are fabulous. There is a range of MOR items as well as a cosmetics bag so that you can take them with you and gorgeously soft plush spa robes. And there’s the huge spa bath. Whenever I go somewhere and there’s a bath I must take one. I empty the fragrant bath salts provided in the bath and run a bath. It’s a tad slow to fill but Mr NQN and I gratefully hop in and relax and warm our bodies. After a relaxing bath I try the body butter-it’s perhaps a little too cold for the body butter as it has quite hard. I fall asleep straight away to the beautiful sounds of silence.
The next morning we rise and it’s spa treatment time! We head across the road to the Hepburn Spa and Bathhouse and are enveloped by warmth. Kim greets us and asks if we saw the snow this morning-so it wasn’t an illusion after all!
We take a little tour and she shows us the two sections. The first one is the sanctuary where people relax and make use of the spa where they use 50% mineral water. It is heated to 34 degrees and is said to be good for arthritis and joint pain. There are also the spa couches where we see a couple relaxing before getting married. “I hope that it warms up! ” the groom says. The spa was devised by a German doctor in the 1940s.
There is also a saltwater therapy pool which has a high salinity and is heated to 36 degrees and people can relax at night and watch the stars above through the skylight. Next to this are the monsoon showers which have three different temperatures cold, tepid and warm. We walk past the aromatherapy steam room which has three blends depending on the time of day revive, contentment and reset easy.
We then walk through to the spa area which is a historic building built over 100 years ago. There is also a chimney that was used years ago to heat the water as it comes out cold from the ground. We look up and see the vaulted ceilings-this was a practical measure of yesteryear as the spring water contains such a high amount of CO2 that they need it to ventilate the room. Apart from other treatments, there are also 100% mineral Baths where people typically relax for 30-45 minutes. There are 15 treatment rooms and some with showers so that you don’t have to leave the room. There are also three couples treatment rooms but I must bid Mr NQN adieu as his inner Finn emerges and he is off to the steam room and the pool and I am off for a treatment!
My therapist greets me wearing a one piece swimming costume. I’m having a Vichy shower treatment which involves being dry brushed, wrapped in a mud mask and then a scalp mud mask and massage. It is finished off with a Vichy shower where multi shower heads pulsate over the body and the temperature goes from warm to very warm.
And where does one eat when they’re hungry for some lunch? Daylesford has no shortage of good places to eat and we’re off to Mercato’s at Daylesford where chef Richard Mee presides over a very locally based menu. Formerly a wine bar in the 1860s when Daylesford was a wealthy gold mining town. It is country chic inside with a roaring gas fireplace to keep us warm from these unseasonably cold temperatures. On the menu is a list of a dozen local businesses and producers that Richard uses and supports.
We start off with a freshly squeezed orange juice and a look at the menu. There are a few things that are signature dishes so we order those-this includes an emu carpaccio!
Carpaccio of Romsey Emu $16.50
The paper thin slices of carpaccio of Romsey emu looks like a rosy red flower and it is topped with shaved pecorino, baby herbs, Kyneton extra virgin olive oil and thyme. The emu despite preconceptions isn’t very gamey at all, it’s rather mild tasting and the predominant flavour is the lusciously grassy olive oil, pecorino cheese shavings and thyme.
Regional Tasting Plate $26.50
The regional tasting plate had five local goodies: a Skipton silver lake smoked eel on an orange and fennel salad which is good when combined with the salad as the smoked eel is quite strongly smoked and the burst of orange goes well with it to cut the rich smokiness of the eel. There is also a duck liver and port parfait which goes well with the house made foccacia bread and is strong in port. There is also a broad bean custard which is airy like a mousse and is utterly fantastic and moreish and it is accented with a crispy slice of Istra prosciutto. There is also a slice of Holy Goat “La Luna” goats cheese, that famous and fantastic local goat’s cheese.
Rainbow trout en Papillote $36.50
I love it when fish is cooked en papillote (in paper) as it’s always moist and it’s usually very healthy too. This whole rainbow trout from the Tuki Trout Farm is gorgeous. Simply stuffed with herbs including plenty of thyme (I’m trying to get over my thyme prejudice) it sits on a bed of creamy mash which has the roasting juices poured over it. Simple but stunning.
Eye Fillet of aged Kyneton Black Angus beef on a potato roesti with bacon lardons, creamed spinach, mushrooms, shallots an cabernet jus $42.50
This was Mr NQN’s favourite (I went for the fish) and it is a medium rare tender piece of Black Angus eye fillet paired with inch long bacon lardons topped with fresh shiitakes, creamed spinach, a potato roesti and whole eschallots and a cabernet jus. I spear a bit of everything onto my fork and happily tuck in. We watch the other tables receive their mains and they are enormous: the rack of lamb has six whole cutlets!
Roasted pumpkin with Persian fetta, pine nuts and thyme $10.50
This side dish is a huge serve (well actually everything is a huge serve here!). Despite being very full I can’t help but keep going back for more and I fish out the prized pieces of persian fetta and smile contentedly only to look up and see chef richard Mee looking over at me smiling. He comes over for a little chat and we discuss how this Melbourne bred boy ended up moving to Daylesford seven years ago and opening up Mercato’s six years ago.
Chef Richard Mee
Lemongrass Creme Brulee with home made biscotti $15.50
Mr NQN was excited to try this dessert as he loves lemongrass and as it is set down in front of him Richard tells us that this is an item that along with the emu carpaccio, they are just not allowed to take off (although he switches around the flavours). Mr NQN cracks the toffee top and plunges into the sweet, smooth lemongrass flavoured custard. I get to try some too as he’s a good hubby and gives me exactly half. I enjoy dipping the nutty homemade biscotti into it.
So tell me Dear Reader, what is your favourite spa treatment? A facial? A massage? Or a manicure or pedicure?
NQN and Mr NQN travelled to Victoria as guests of Tourism Victoria and the Daylesford and Macedon Region.
Hepburn at Hepburn
2-8 Range Road, Hepburn Springs, VIC
Tel: + 61 (03) 5348 4422
Hepburn Spa and Bath house
Mineral Springs Reserve Road, Hepburn Springs, VIC
Tel: + 61 (03) 5321 6000
Mercato at Daylesford
32 Raglan Street, Daylesford, VIC
Tel: + 61 (03) 5348 4488
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62 Comments | Add your own
It sounds fantastic!
Ohhh, I think you found heaven on earth! It is absolutely beautiful and decedant and yummy! The rooms are beautiful, I love the glassed in spa in the bedroom!
The food looked completely delicious, the emu carpaccio, aged angus and pumpkin and feta would have been my pick they looked fantastic! (I love thyme btw, I have it growing, so it goes in everything!)
As for the spa treatments and hot spring soaks, its the icing on the cake. Lovely!
If you ever need someone to fill in for you, I am your girl!
Spa blogging is such a fun idea, Lorraine! And oh my goodness, spa country sounds out of this world. That place is gorgeous and with the fantastic meal, it really doesn’t get any better!
So luxurious! Good for you – nice that you had a chance to unwind and relax.
My favourite is the facial and massage. Looks very relaxing there! Lucky you!!
Your room looks like it had an interesting arrangement!!
I don’t do spas or stuff like that but I certainly go for facials. I always go for the vitamin C peel stuff.
Lorraine this looks amazing! I love Daylesford – it is just SO beautiful!
Don’t know about spa treatments, but Daylesford is one of our favourite locations ever!
We visited Melbourne & Daylesford recently & absolutely fell in love with Daylesford. It actually snowed quite heavily one day that we were there.
Did you get to visit the Lake House? Truly a wonderful dining experience.
I like a facial combined with a massage, it always makes me fall asleep on the table. The accommodation and spa look amazing.
I think I could have just eaten a plate of the pumpkin and persian fetta and been happy for dinner it sounds so good.
Daylesford is one of our favourite holiday spots and really is one of the most beautiful, relaxing places in Victoria.
It’s also home to a vast array of quality food and accommodation.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Please oh please, can I go there? Honestly, Lorraine… what a gorgeous place and the food looks breathtakingly good. I hope you had the best time there… how could you not?
This looks beautiful! I have never been to Daylesford, but I really want to go. My favourite spa treatment would be a massage – the gentle kind.
Full body massage all the way! I wish I had one lined up for this rainy day.
This just looks superb in every possible way. SO JEALOUS!
That looks like heaven! All of it.
Just the sound of this makes me feel relaxed. My best spa experience was Gilliam Adams, Sydney where I was given a Mothers Day special, 5 glorious hours of total relaxation and pampering. I just love a good massage. Might have to give this place some thought for a weekend away. Thanks.
The pumpkin looks fabulously sweet and salty. I get nervous in spas! Haven’t been enough I think! but I like a manicure for it’s fully dressedness – having said that, a massage sounds brilliant right now. I’m more relaxed just after reading your post
Words can’t describe how jealous I am right now…
Oh to die for. Lucky girl
Sigh… what a beatiful place to go spa.
SSG xxx
This place is GOOOORGEOUS!
Favourite spa treatment? Definitely the facial / massage / manicure / pedicure combo. Was that answer a cop-out?
What a gorgeous post!! Beautiful accommodation, luxurious spa and delicious food… now, what more could you ask for? And snow to top it off! Plus, midnight snacks! How wonderful that you and Mr NQN got to relax in such a lovely place.
all those spa rooms and heated pools look amazing i feel like going to a place like that this weekend now :O)
Wow, how can I get to become a guest at the spa and food. My great grandparents came from Daylesford way back, and funnily a cousin arrived from there yesterday, straight into perths 100 degrees. Talk about a culture shock and how.. Today is going to go over 40degrees.( All sound priceless and so great to know about it)
I want to go too! Lovely photos, thanks for letting us live vicariously.
Lael Hazan @educatedpalate
Ahhh Melbourne my hometown…You know what they say, if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes..it is forever changing!Lorraine, this sounded like such a great time!So glad you both enjoyed it…
Looks AMAZING. Have been eyeing off that region. Rish and I are off to Beechworth to scoff pastries, but would love to go further into the hills in winter.
Ohhh, how I love that room with the squishy couch and wonderful fire crackling away.
What a splendid retreat! 
Mercato is one of my favourite restaurants – we first went there when it had only been open for about 2 weeks and it has been great from day one!
Words can’t even express how exciting this post is. As a die-hard snacker, I know I’d be squealing like a tween at a Justin Bieber concert if I was given that muesli, fudge, chips… and lemongrass brulee? Swoon!
The Man has a severe disliking to Dayelsford- he’s a beach boy not a mountain man- but I think I’ve found my mothers day gift for the next few years! That looks divine…
the velvet sofa is from my most daydreams. love it!
i haven’t been to daylesford since i was a kid. i really need to go back now i’m all grown up
That sounds like the perfect weekend away (I could do with one to recover from my recent galluphing round, hehe!). But true happiness must definitely be the combination of that stunning couch and snacks at midnight…
I absolutely love MOR cosmetics.. and that visit looks like a wonderful time! I haven’t been to Mercato but it’s on the ever growing list!
Oh I want to go there! It looks blissful. I do spas AND food!
Eeeerrrrr, this is not fair. It seems like you are at a day spa every other day! What a life
What an utterly fantastic break for you. I would love any treatment that means I could sit down for a while and have someone wait on me for a change!
Ooh that Vichy shower treatment looks fantastic! Wouldn’t mind trying that eel either.
Love the use of the fish-eye lens too. That’s something I’m trying to master and am struggling with, but your shots look fantastic!
Looks like you both had a great time!! The creme brulee looks (and sounds) gorgeous!
You know, I’ve never been to a spa, or had any of those fancy treatments. Except a manicure for my year 12 formal, which I wasn’t too impressed with, to be honest.
OMG…., that sounds divine & so topical too. Especially wonderful considering this weekend, I’m being whisked off with my fella Mr HG, to somewhere …., (at this stage, I know not where…) and apparently there are Spa Treatments for mwaahhh. Oh yes…., I’m dying for a seriously good facial., love the facials…., but pretty excited about this mysterious weekend too.
Stay tuned…
Sounds great, ALL of it!
The best spa treatment I’ve had was at the Sheraton Grand in Bangkok, followed closely by the ones I used to get at the Le Meridien in Bangkok (it’s now called something else).
Loved this post even if you leave out the o in flavour etc.
Fabulous place! Oh, and such a gorgeous variety of scrumptious treats!
I only live about 25 minutes from the Hepurn Spa and went there for the first time on my 30th Birthday earlier this year with mu Mum and Sister, it was beautiful and relaxing. I loved the steam room, salt pool and the moonshine showers! It was so good we had another girly day out there for mum’s birthday! Need to plan another trip after reading this. Oh and the scones after the spa arn’t bad either, they make them fresh with fresh fruit jam!
Ooh this looks so divine Lorraine! Have always wanted to go to a Daylesford spa. I love the look of that tasting plate, the roast pumpkin salad (my staple Autumnal food at the moment) and the lemongrass creme brulee!
I looove spas – in fact I’ve just booked a weekend at a gorgeous English manor house spa and cannot wait. Would have to say I love a massage (Neal’s Yard treatments are my favourite) or pedicure (manicures are no good as I always end up smudging them on the way home, and can’t bear going home from a facial with a blotchy, naked face so I avoid those and DIY instead).
Briony xx
Perfect timing. I am visiting my sister at her vineyard/winery, Curly Flat, near Mt Macedon. I love Daylesford
I absolutley love Daylesford such a beautiful part of the world and so many chic places to stay and great places to eat. Next time you are in Daylesford you should try The Lake House – amazing!
What an amazing getaway!
And I have to add, if I were a spa-blogger—between the great food, mud treatments and massages—I’d be blogging a whole lot less than I do now.
Absolutely fantastic… WOW!!
That looks like one fantastic spa getaway. I love facials and massages, and wouldn’t be able to choose between them! I always fall asleep during my facials hehe.
What an amazing spa getaway!
This looks like heaven on earth. Are there any good spas in Sydney? or anything remotely similar nearby?
Wow, what a stunning place , the whole package is fantastic. How lucky is Mr.NQN having a food blogger as a wife and experiencing all these divine places!
I love massages, facials and pedicures, as they are so relaxing.
this place looks amazing! definitely going here to relax
i’ve never had a real, true massage, and buddy, i want one. my fear is that i’ll become reliant on them.
How divine! I love Daylesford – it’s not that far from where my parents live and I adore visiting! Next time you go, try eating at the Farmer’s Arms and pizza at Koukla is great.
So jealous. My jealousy knows no bounds. Gah.
I wish I had a little box of goodies awaiting me when I got home from work everyday! And you know, a masseuse and stuff.
You get to go to the most wonderful places! I love spa retreats, they are always so pristine and smell delightful.
I love massages, as long as they are not of the thai variety and I end up coming out of it in pain!
I would love a weekend like this!! I should visit Daylesford for some r&r me thinks
lol at the pilot’s introduction to melbourne weather. Happiness is indeed being greeted by snacks at midnight!
Heidi xo
All of the above. I will have one of each.
Twice.
Welcome to my area! lol How funny that you came so close to where I live. It’s a beautiful area so I’m glad you enjoyed yourself! I’ve been wanting to go to one of the spa places in Daylesford/Hepburn for a while, it looks so lovely.
There’s a few other lovely towns in the Macedon Ranges area – Kyneton, Woodend & Macedon/Mt Macedon that you should visit next time you’re down this way!
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