Sacred Mountain Retreat

ENJOY THE OCEAN VISTAS from one of just three secluded cottages set high above the coast amid lush tropical gardens. Midway between Sydney and Byron Bay, Sacred Mountain Retreat overlooks the Pacific Ocean, with unforgettable sunrises and clear night skies. Stay between May and October and from your private deck you’ll probably spot a whale breaking the surface of the sea.

Start the day at Sacred Mountain with a lavish breakfast of tropical fruits, book a yoga session or wander down to those uncrowded beaches for some swimming and surfing. Explore the rainforest and return for another next-to-nature experience at Sea Scape Cottage – one of three in the grounds – set among the gum trees and with unbeatable views over mountains, bushlands and coastline.

Attractively decorated with hand-made furniture and vibrant fabrics, it has a living area and bedroom which open onto shaded decking. Views are dreamy from the bathroom, too, with its extra deep tub. Exotic flowers and chocolates are a nice welcoming touch from owners Penn and Toni, and you can even pick your own veggies from the organic gardens.

Clubs, pubs and oysters

Tuck into a fresh Sacred Mountain seafood platter before retiring to your cottage – fresh Nambucca oysters are plentiful here. Clubs, pubs and restaurants are within easy reach at Coffs Harbour, the August jazz festival town of Bellingen, and lively Nambucca Heads.

© Room for Romance