20 May 2026
Tags: Salter Brothers Hospitality, worlds apart, Spicers Retreats, Ardour Hotels, Bannisters, winter holidays, winter escapes, coolcations, Winter Offer
Following a highly successful debut in 2025, Coolcations will return this winter with a curated collection of seasonal escapes across a portfolio of luxury boutique hotels and retreats. Bringing together properties from Ardour, Spicers Retreats and Bannisters, the campaign offers thoughtful winter packages in some of Australia's most picturesque destinations. Designed to encourage guests to 'experience winter the way it should be', the curated Coolcations are now available to book.
Coolcations taps into the growing appeal of winter travel as a time to slow down, reconnect and recharge. Each participating property offers a bespoke Coolcations experience, designed to celebrate its unique setting; from misty hinterland mornings to coastal escapes and country retreats. Guests can expect immersive, seasonally inspired inclusions that highlight the best of each destination, alongside daily breakfast for two. With a focus on indulgent dining, restorative spa treatments and outdoor experiences, Coolcations positions winter as a season of comfort, discovery and understated luxury.
Victoria Peterson, Senior Group Director of Marketing Performance for Salter Brothers Hospitality, said: “Coolcations reflects a growing desire to embrace winter rather than escape it. We are seeing guests actively seek out destinations that offer atmosphere, tranquillity and meaningful experiences during the colder season. Through these winter packages we are aiming to showcase the diversity of winter across Australia, from elevated culinary experiences to wellness-led retreats and immersive nature stays.”
Across Queensland, Coolcations celebrates the state's softer winter side, from Brisbane rooftop evenings to misty hinterland escapes and mountain retreats. Guests can expect firepit moments, mulled wine, s'mores, rainforest settings and country air across participating Spicers properties.
In New South Wales, Coolcations moves between heritage estates, mountain lookouts, vineyard stays, city boltholes and coastal escapes. Experiences include fireside drinks, stargazing, cheese and wine pairings, spa and sauna moments, and relaxed food and beverage experiences designed for slow winter travel.
In South Australia, Coolcations brings winter warmth to the Barossa, with Kingsford The Barossa offering a fireside experience that celebrates local flavour and the property's historic country setting.
Coolcations stays are available for single-night midweek stays and require a two-night minimum for Saturday nights, subject to availability. Packages can be booked from today, Tuesday 5 May, until Tuesday 7 July. Stays are available across participating properties from 1 June to 31 August. For bookings and further information, visit: https://www.worldsapart.club/offers/coolcations
Coolcations packages across Australia:
Queensland
- Spicers Balfour Hotel, New Farm: A restored Queenslander set among leafy streets, where winter feels quieter and more intimate. Evenings unfold on the rooftop with mulled wine served under open skies overlooking Brisbane. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and mulled wine with rooftop stargazing.
- Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville: Cool hinterland air settles over manicured gardens, with evenings centred around a hosted firepit experience featuring s'mores and mulled wine. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and a hosted firepit experience.
- Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester: Open countryside and crisp afternoons give way to slow evenings at the homestead, with daily mulled wine infused with orange and cloves served by the firepit. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and daily mulled wine by the firepit.
- Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale: Set high in the mountains, expansive views and cool air define the experience, with firepit gatherings centred around mulled wine and s'mores. Here, the Coolcation package includes: all-inclusive accommodation, dining and a fireside experience.
- Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny: Misty rainforest mornings and fire-lit evenings shape the stay, with a curated s'mores kit on arrival and time spent by the restaurant firepit. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast, in-room s'mores on arrival and daily firepit access.
New South Wales
- Ardour Milton Park, Bowral: Set within historic gardens, winter invites a slower pace, with heritage surrounds, fine wine and fireside moments. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, breakfast and a curated cheese plate from the estate's charcuterie room.
- The Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains: Cool mountain air and sweeping valley views set the tone, with evenings spent enjoying mulled wine and stargazing across the Megalong Valley. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, buffet breakfast, mulled wine and stargazing.
- Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges, Blue Mountains: Set across 28 acres, winter brings mist, frost and quiet garden pathways, with fireplaces and hot cocoa with s'mores at the centre of the experience. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, buffet breakfast and fireside hot cocoa with s'mores.
- Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, Blue Mountains: Perched above the escarpment, winter sharpens views across the Jamison Valley, best enjoyed with mulled wine and stargazing. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, breakfast, mulled wine and stargazing.
- Lilianfels Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains: Heritage surrounds take on a quieter rhythm in winter, with evenings shaped by mulled wine and clear mountain skies. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, breakfast, mulled wine and stargazing.
- Spicers Guest House, Hunter Valley: Cool vineyard air and open fireplaces define the season, with a signature dessert drink served fireside after dark. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and a fireside dessert drink experience.
- Spicers Vineyards Estate, Hunter Valley: Winter settles across the vines, with 'Vinedown' by the fire featuring local tawny and s'mores as the sun lowers. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and a daily fireside experience.
- The Convent Hunter Valley: Heritage surrounds feel more intimate in winter, with evenings centred around a fireside pairing of local cheeses and wine. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and a cheese and wine experience.
- Spicers Potts Point, Sydney: A quieter side of the city emerges in winter, with mulled wine served in-room or within the guest lounge. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and mulled wine.
- Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Blue Mountains: Cool bushland air and fire-lit evenings define the experience, with mulled cider and s'mores enjoyed around the firepit. Here, the Coolcation package includes: all-inclusive accommodation, dining and a fireside experience.
- Bannisters by the Sea, Mollymook: Coastal winter days unfold at a slower pace, with a choice of curated experiences including fireside drinks, rooftop antipasto or infrared sauna time. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, breakfast for two and a choice of experiences.
- Bannisters Port Stephens: Framed by bushland and bay, guests can choose from a cocktail experience, masterclass or relaxed pizza and wine pairing. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, breakfast for two and a selected experience.
South Australia
- Kingsford The Barossa, Barossa Valley: Cool mornings and long evenings set the tone, with a fireside affogato featuring local ice cream, liqueur and house-made biscuit. Here, the Coolcation package includes: accommodation, à la carte breakfast and a fireside affogato experience.