A girls weekend down south. Is there anything better? We’re not travelling far anytime soon are we? So where better to head off with the ladies than the Margaret River Region. Heading down south with the girls is a rite of passage. For the last couple of years I’ve been trying to prioritise an annual girls trip, as without selfcare this women does not function properly. As we book so many girls weekends at Bina Maya I thought I’d share my ideal escape down south.
My group of girls (and I) are all mums. Hardworking, overachieving mums whose day to day life is beyond busy. Schedules, places to be, cooking dinner every single night until we die…a break is more than necessary. My first rule? Minimal to no cooking (so little cleaning up) as that’s all we do! Arriving down south on a Friday afternoon, the absolute best welcome is to have a massage booked close to check in time . You’ve worked all week, you’ve done the big drive, do yourself a favour and leave Perth early so you can check in, robe up and await your massage therapist. If it’s a sunny day I love to have the option of enjoying my massage out on the balcony. Bliss. Then, gather the girls, crank the tunes, pop the Veuve and dig into an epic cheese grazing. Don’t make one yourself…have it waiting in your fridge.
A few bottles have been popped by now, so everyone is feeling nice and relaxed. Time to light the fire and think about dinner. Or not…The legends from Goanna Cafe have made some seriously delicious dishes and all that is necessary is to reheat. Happy days. Jammies, wine, laughing, dancing, dessert. Soul food. In typical tired mum form, we’re all usually in bed by 10 on the first night…but Saturday awaits.
Some stay in bed, some wake up early, there are no rules. For me, a bit of yoga on the balcony first thing is my idea of heaven. For some of the others, it’s an early morning jog or coffee and a book uninterrupted. Then breakfast is just a knock on the door and the fabulous Olivia has our order, fresh croissant for some, vege fritters for others, lots of fresh fruit, granola/yogurt and lots more coffee.
For those who aren’t regulars to the region a wine tour with lunch should be a priority. Us mums live and travel to the region multiple times a year so we’re more about a long lunch and maybe one wine stop on way home. It’s so hard to pick but at a push my top two choices are Amelia Park Restaurant and Wills Domain. After tasting all the wine at the cellar door, there’s nothing we love more than spending a good 3-4 hours drinking, eating and chatting. Chardy chardy and more chardy. Happiness.
Back at the digs and in winter months lighting the outdoor firepit, playing some tunes and opening the reds is on the cards. Dinner? If we have any room after lunch, it’s a cheese board dinner, but if sheer indulgence is on the cards it’s got to be a private chef. If you’re really feeling game, you can match wines too. Now this is living Barry!
Lazy Sunday. Now this is where we separate the women from the girls. If you’re clever, book 3 nights people. Two is not enough. Sunday morning, dustiness is easily fixed by Goanna Cafe’s Bloody Marys and Indonesian breakfast. Then back to your accommodation for naps, reading, facials; whatever your heart desires. And top the weekend off with a sunny afternoon of Rose and tapas at Lady Lola Bar. Then home for a restful sleep, and a drive back on Monday with a full heart (and belly).
Need to book your next girls weekend? The Residence sleeps up to 8 in four rooms, or Luxury Villa sleeps up to 4 and don’t forget to book all the treats.!
