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Soldiers Point, Australia
Where better to relax than a spot surrounded by water on one side, bush on the other and a koala habitat on your doorstep? The whiter than white rooms, with just an occasional splash of muted colour, shout, or rather whisper, tranquillity, while the Sixties ambience of this former motel ensures the chilling begins from the moment you set eyes on Bannisters Port Stephens, four hours north of Sydney. You’re here for the infinity pool, organic Australian beauty treatments, and, of course, Rick Stein. He’s got the best seafood to play with on his doorstep: yellowfin tuna, blue swimmer crab, king prawns, oysters, snapper, the lot. And he keeps it simple to get the best out of the fresh fish. When you set off to explore – perhaps a boat trip to spot local sealife or a hike through sand dunes – you know you’ll be returning to the food you fancy. It’s all here – Rick’s fish, cocktails and Mediterranean on the terrace, or burgers, pizza or chicken schnitzel with slaw, gravy and chips in the Cheeky Dog pub.
Doubles from £183. 00 61 2 4919 3800, bannisters.com.au
Words by Alex Mead
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