Mt Hay Retreat: The ultimate romantic getaway in Berry, NSW

Two hours’ drive south of the Sydney CBD and just five kilometres north of the pretty town of Berry, the exquisite family-owned and operated Mt Hay Retreat is set on a working farm in the foothills below an escarpment with panoramic views across rolling green hills all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

With six expansive suites, this luxury South Coast hideaway is made for a romantic getaway – complete with indoor pool and spa set above mature gardens, surrounded by 360 acres of farmland framed by native bush.

Enjoy night skies uninterrupted by light pollution.

Mt Hay Retreat is much more than the sum of its remarkable facilities. It also emanates an indelible sense of calm and tranquillity, making it a lifestyle destination of rare distinction – it’s a two-time Gold Award winner (2021 and 2022) at the NSW Tourism Awards for Five-Star Luxury Accommodation for a reason.

The history and design of Mt Hay Retreat

In 1987, Sydney-based Wayne and Christine bought the farm with a 1960s fibro house as a weekend and holiday retreat for themselves and their five children. Family friend and retired Sydney architect Alex Gencur designed the main house and pool, which was completed in 2008. It was always the family’s dream to build a retreat which provided a sustainable income to ensure the property would remain largely untouched.

Dive into Mt Hay Retreat’s 33-metre heated indoor pool.

After a career in finance and sales in London, Anthony (one of original owner’s children) and his partner Louise decided to make the project a reality and spent four years working with the council, the architect and local builders to complete the retreat and gardens, which opened in July 2016. Today it is home to two generations of the family, a beef cattle herd, a few pet goats, two ever-eager welcome dogs (Griffy and Dougal) and lots of native wildlife.

Romantic rooms with endless views

The six open-plan, 80 square-metre suites fan out around the top of the hill to ensure that each has spectacular views while also ensuring privacy. Each has soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto expansive decks.

No matter where you are in the room – spending a lazy day in bed, relaxing on the sofa or sitting at the glass dining table – they’ve been designed to ensure guests can enjoy remarkable views at almost all times.

Enjoy sweeping vistas, no matter where you are in your room.

The bathrooms have large rain-head showers (perfect for two people) with windows overlooking private gardens. All rooms feature decadent baths; some are located out on the deck so you can drink in the view (and maybe a wine or two) in a beautiful private alfresco setting. Other rooms keep the bath inside its own stunning bathroom so that you can soak away your cares at any time.

If you do decide to lock yourself away for an intimate weekend, the rooms have everything you need to never have to leave. Kitchenettes have kettles, toasters, microwaves, refrigerators and capsule coffee makers. Large flat-screen televisions are connected to the internet for easy streaming service.

Watch the sunset from your al fresco bath.

Each suite each has its own distinctive view and is individually designed with different colourways from sky blue, yellow and pale green accents to red, orange and mossy green tones. Two suites are wheelchair accessible with wider doorways, lower vanities, roll-in and out showers and easily moveable furniture.

Wander Mt Hay Retreat’s gardens, orchards and wildlife

Streams and dams dot the eight acres of gardens, which are planted with a fragrant mix of native and exotic flowers and bushes designed to attract the local wildlife.

Brush-tailed rock wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, and wombats are regularly sighted, as are kookaburras, king parrots, rosellas, lyrebirds, eastern spinebills, and a pair of breeding wedge-tailed eagles. Not to mention regular sightings of superb fairy wrens, skinks, frogs and blue-tongued lizards.

Look for wildlife visiting the gardens.

There are also vegetable gardens and an orchard chock-a-block with orange trees, pink grapefruit, mandarin, lemon, kaffir lime and finger lime trees, whose fruit guests are encouraged to pick.

Enjoy Mt Hay Retreat’s unique offerings

One of the most popular offerings at Mt Hay Retreat is the huge hot tub and 33-metre heated indoor pool, which are enclosed in a beautiful glass house with more exquisite views across the landscape.

Enjoy a shaded wharf deck by the dam – perfect for a romantic picnic or glass of wine – while you feed the koi with retreat-provided food.

Take a picnic under the shaded wharf by the dam.

In addition, there’s a giant chess set in the gardens to while away an afternoon on and an enormous ‘cloud swing’ that offers some of the best views on the property.

Guests can order special champagne and local cheese and fruit platters, complete with handmade chocolate-dipped strawberries, while owners Anthony and Louise can also arrange for a local masseuse to perform in-room or on-deck massages.

Swing outdoors while you soak in the views.

What to do in Berry

Anthony and Louise are the ultimate hosts living on-site. They are always around to offer advice and touring tips, as well as deliver some extra ice or anything else you might need to make your getaway complete.

If you’re looking to explore the local area, some of their top suggestions will always start in the vibrant town of Berry, a ten-minute drive down the road. There, guests will find terrific shopping and a fabulous array of restaurants and cafes.

Stop in Berry for coffee and donuts at the Famous Berry Donut Van.

They particularly recommend dining at South on Albany and Queen Street Eatery, cafes such as The Garden Berry, The Hungry Monkey, and the famous Berry Donut Van.

If you’re looking for some takeaway to enjoy back at Mt Hay, they recommend trying the prepared dishes from Pickled Ink, The Emporium and Flavours Shoalhaven (don’t worry, it’s still located in Berry).

Drive 15-minuts to spend the day at beautiful Seven Mile Beach. (Image: Destination NSW)

Seven Mile Beach, just a 15-minute drive away, is their favourite local beach while the Drawing Room Rocks bushwalk offers a fabulous hike up the escarpment where you get vistas of Kangaroo Valley to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Speaking of Kangaroo Valley, it’s well worth a drive along quaint country roads to explore it further.

Bring back your locally sourced wine and enjoy it on your deck.

What’s a romantic escape without a little wine? Luckily Anthony and Louise can suggest several of their favourite local wineries, like Mountain Ridge Wines, Silos Estate, Two Figs Winery and Cambewarra Estate.

Find a homely base right by the ocean with the most exceptional Kiama Airbnbs.

The enigmatic natural beauty of laidback Kiama attracts all kinds of travellers, desperate to refill their cups via laidback coastal ease, nature-based activities and one heck of a thriving arts scene. Offering comfortable base camps to launch your escapades are the best Kiama Airbnbs, filled with creature comforts and luxuries not even the best local accommodation can offer. Presenting your most serene Airbnb options for family getaways, romantic weekends and all-too-sacred alone time.

1. Oceanview Kiama

A modern coastal room at Oceanview Kiama.

Best for: beach proximity and stylish photo backdrops

Oceanview Kiama looks as though it’s stepped straight off your Pinterest scroll with the bonus of landing right by soothing Bombo Beach. The self-contained Kiama Airbnb overlooks the waves, and while it’s small, a queen bedroom is joined by two single sofa beds to sleep up to four guests with ease.

Instantly calm via a white-on-timber colour palette as glimpses of that shimmering blue brighten every peer beyond the balcony, the spot attracts budding photographers for its exterior, too, sitting close to Bombo Quarry, Cathedral Rocks and a myriad of natural attractions. Plus, you’re only a stroll to Kiama’s best eateries and bars.

The train goes right by, making it a smart choice if you’re keen to tackle the Kiama Coastal Walk, particularly if you’d prefer to train it back to the start, rather than looping it. A full kitchen and separate dining space ensure there’s ample room for everybody to unwind.

2. Kiama Haven

Kiama Haven overlooks the stunning Easts Beach.

Best for: families with teens or two-family escapes

An awesome Kiama Airbnb treated to ocean views, private gardens, three spacious bedrooms, and covered upper and lower decks (alfresco dining is a non-negotiable here), Kiama Haven is only 100 metres by foot to Easts Beach.

Bring your groceries because a fully loaded kitchen with a dishwasher and Nespresso coffee machine means languid brunching with your loved ones is a cinch. Keeping you inside longer are the multiple televisions, free-flowing Wi-Fi, reverse-cycle air conditioning, two luxurious bathrooms with heat lamps, laundry and crucial baby gear including a travel cot and booster seat for meals.

That fabulous Kiama Coast Walk is right at your doorstep, so venturing out is also appealing. Plus, the owners throw in a trail bike, making two-wheeling it around town also very tempting.

3. Santa Barbara on Bombo Beach

views of Bombo Beach on the balcony of Santa Barbara villa, Kiama

The Santa Barbara villa comes with jaw-dropping views of Bombo Beach.

Best for: groups and fur parents

Prefer holidaying with your four-legged pal? Santa Barbara on Bombo Beach has your name on it. An awesome villa with jaw-dropping views of Bombo Beach, the Kiama Airbnb’s outdoor hot tub sets the scene for serious holiday fun. Pets are welcome upon request, and the southern end of Bombo Beach is an off-leash dog-friendly zone, so conditions are perfect for them.

Additionally, it’s right around the corner from the Historic Terrace Houses – an area with a bunch of quaint cafes and boutique shops. The stay’s three-bedroom, two-bathroom layout hosts up to eight guests and is only a five-minute walk to central Kiama.

4. Minnamurra Beach House

two sun loungers by the river with a wine bottle on the table at Minnamurra Beach House

Relax on the Minnamurra River with a glass of wine.

Best for: nature lovers and ocean frolicking

Located at the mouth of the Minnamurra River, Minnamurra Beach House is a sublime pick on the river banks with its own private boat ramp. If it’s high tide, grab a kayak (they’re provided) and paddle up to mangroves or around Rangoon Island. If it’s low tide, shallow wading waters are naturally created, making for pure idyllic splashy play.

The house itself (originally built in the 1950s and renovated a few years back) features three bedrooms (sleeping up to four guests comfortably), two bathrooms, a laundry and a fully equipped kitchen. There are also two dining spaces to take advantage of: one atop a boat shed and another away from the water’s edge.

A large, covered deck is accessed through the living area, creating a dreamlike environment that practically sways you with the tide. Yoga equipment is also available during your stay if you’re ready to dial up the Zen even further.

5. The Werri Shack

a living room with a fireplace at The Werri Shack, Kiama

Keep cosy by the fireplace at The Werri Shack.

Best for: families with pets

Don’t let the word “shack” deter you – The Werri Shack leans more stylish than claustrophobic. The standout Kiama Airbnb is located further back from the coastline, but its elevated vantage point offers water views so you know you’re still in gorgeous Kiama country.

Pets are welcome and the yard is fully fenced, plus there’s an off-leash zone at Werri Beach so your fur baby is sorted. Inside, generous living areas and hipster furnishings across this double-storey, three-bedroom, two-bathroom abode will sort humans out, too.

Bonus inclusions span the Sonos sound system, unlimited Wi-Fi, PlayStation and table tennis.

6. Dovecote

The architectural marvel is perched on 60 hectares of farmland facing the ocean.

Best for: architecture nuts and splashing out

Two phenomenal properties set on 150 acres create Dovecote in Gerringong. A one-of-a-kind Kiama homestay that took out the Housing Industry Association’s Australian House of the Year award in 2019, the property is an architectural marvel offering guests luxury digs while immersed in nature.

Sleeping up to eight people across four generously sized bedrooms, The Headland is one of this property’s two options, offering unsurpassed ocean and rural landscape views. On the other hand, there’s The Range, a more intimate two-bedroom design that’s suited to couples and small families seeking indoor fireplace cosiness overlooking green pastures.

Features across both include private pools and decks, while the larger option throws in a gym, games room and an enclosed courtyard and the smaller provides a freestanding bath sent straight from your weekend-away dreams. Both houses are just metres from the Kiama Coast Walk and Werri Beach.

7. Dales Run

scenic hill views from the Kiama Airbnb at Dales Run

Enjoy bucolic views.

Best for: living your ultimate farm life

A staggeringly beautiful Kiama Airbnb that sweeps up mountains and rolling green hills before setting your gaze across the ocean, Dales Run is an outstanding choice for special occasion escapes. Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms (but just one bathroom, it’s worth noting), the stay features an outdoor shower and infrared sauna, while wellness warriors will similarly delight in the yoga mats and virtual classes provided.

Other features include a fireplace, laundry facilities, air conditioning, a Bose sound system, books, board games, Wi-Fi, a work-from-anywhere nook, a fully equipped kitchen and drip coffee making facilities. Plus, you’re located in Jamberoo so controlling the action at Jamberoo Action Park is just a quick zip up the road.

8. Kiama Home

the Kiama Home Airbnb opening up to scenic views

The floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out to 180-degree ocean views.

Best for: Several families and elevated views

Targeting fun-chasing kids and those who remain forever young-at-heart, this Kiama home is filled with 1980s arcade games (PacMan, anybody?) and a pinball machine. The two-level, three-bedroom property is spacious enough to house eight guests while 180-degree views across the ocean never fail to take your breath away (just add floor-to-ceiling glass doors to really highlight that dazzling scene).

Downstairs, it’s all about relaxed open-plan living as a full kitchen, lounge and dining area means there are separate zones for everyone. Upstairs contains all the bedding, including a well-considered kids’ room with a queen bottom bunk and king single top bunk, plus a kids’ single trundle bed.

When it’s time to explore beyond your stay, strolling into the centre of town takes 15 minutes tops.

9. Onyx Loft

a look inside the Onyx Loft, Kiama Airbnb

Wake up to scenic hillside views at Onyx Loft.

Best for: couples searching for romance

Escape to a private Gerringong hideaway with incredible views that stretch all the way to the ocean. The two-person-friendly Onyx Loft is perched on the side of a hill within a 60-acre farm, so your neighbours are yonks away. Cosy inclusions span a private courtyard, fire pit and barbecue, while a kitchenette with a microwave and convention oven will fix any home-prepared meal gestures. A Nespresso coffee machine means your morning must is on hand without stepping foot outside, and a TV at the foot of the bed will drag you right back in there without a second thought.

10. La Terrasse

a modern room interior with scenic views from the balcony at La Terrasse, Kiama

Sit back and take in the views from the living area.

Best for: families and groups of friends

La Terrasse is a modern split-level home, centrally located within a quick dash to Surf Beach and the Manning Street shopping and cafe precinct. The three-bedroom Kiama Airbnb accommodates up to seven guests with three bedrooms, two ensuite bathrooms and a separate one, and two car parks. The stars of the show are its full-width balcony with ocean-facing views and large entertaining patio. It’s not a party pad since it’s located in a residential area, making it a good choice for travellers in need of serious downtime with a view.

11. Tiny Kiama

The cutest home in Kiama boasts an Instagrammable interior.

Best for: couples and anybody who’s keen to escape crowded scenes

Closer to the stunning Kiama bush more so than frothy waves, Tiny Kiama can’t be ignored due to its overwhelming cuteness. While remaining close to the centre of town (it’s about a five-minute drive to Terralong Street), this two-level Kiama Airbnb is tucked up a hill, boasting an itty-bitty veranda and outdoor table, a loft bedroom fitted with a queen bed, a projector to stream app-based programs, a full bathroom and a kitchenette. While two adults will squeeze beautifully into this gem, a sofa bed can also accommodate a child if young families are keen to embark on cherished togetherness.

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Find epic views and vibrant personality at this intimate Berry retreat