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CRYSTAL CREEK MEADOWS

Reporter: FELICITY URQUHART

"Congratulations to Crystal Creek Meadows for taking out the Highly Commended award at the recent 2007 Australian Tourism Awards in the "Winner for Excellence" category."

Felicity is escaping to Kangaroo Valley for a bit of r&r and a bit of rpm! Crystal Creek Meadows is in Kangaroo Valley near Berry about a 2 hour drive from Sydney in between the South Coast and the Southern Highlands.

Crystal Creek Meadows is the first and only inland South Coast NSW tourism operator to have achieved Nature Tourism certification by Ecotourism Australia.

It’s a private four and a half star rural retreat with 4 self-catered luxurious spa cottages set on 16 acres.
 
Each cottage includes:

  • Air-conditioning & romantic slow burning wood fire 
  • Washing machine, Iron & Ironing Board 
  • Fully equipped kitchen with microwave & fridge (with freezer compartment so you can    stock up) 
  •  The latest entertainment equipment includes TV, DVD / VCR player, CD / cassette player and a clock radio 
  •  Family friendly accommodation with cot, high chair & nappy change kit provided free of charge OR exclusive couples only accommodation

There are two new romantic spa cottages designed exclusively for couples:

  • Jolly Jumbuck Honeymoon Cottage 
  • Billabong Spa Cottage

But they cater for families too with a couple of 2 bedroom cottages:

  • Rose Garden Cottage
  • Fleur Farm Cottage

For The Kids
Besides the fact that there’s a bedroom for the kids, a toy chest in each of the 2 bedder cottages as well as bubble bath and bath toys, Crystal Creek Meadows is ideal for families.

The gardens are all level and easy to walk around, and there is plenty of space for the children to expend excess energy.
 
Nature walks:
The objective of this activity is to encourage young children (and their parents) to learn about the surrounding nature by:

  • following a map of the grounds and seeking out examples for a little chocolate reward
  • feeding the chickens (they are very much free range and wander the gardens)
  • noticing a wombat burrow
  • looking at native plants and learning the aboriginal or early settler use of these fauna
  • smelling the exotic scents from our essential oil native plants
  • noticing the habitats of native animals
  • listen to the dwarf green tree frogs
  • counting games
  • draw a picture of your favourite place at Crystal Creek Meadows
  • by removing the livestock and commencing regeneration we have encouraged a whole variety of animals back onto our property - goanna, wombats, to name but a few.

The nature walk the kiddies will love but what the parents will adore about this place – babysitting. An experienced babysitter can be arranged so that Mum & Dad can get away. One week's prior notification is required to organise babysitting & child minding services.

Activities
Over the 16 acres there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained like croquet, badminton, boules and outdoor chess.

Kids will be fascinated by the bird life, the resident tortoise in the dam and rabbits hopping across the lawns. Under supervision, they can feed the chickens and help collect the eggs or maybe go on a fruit picking expedition.

A jaunt along the "Crooked Mile Walk" will help them expend some energy! Crooked Mile Walk is a gentle and casual wander across the property. Walk by the creek, dam and meadows with the surrounding pastures and the escarpments in the distance.

Tall She-Oak trees offer a generous shady spot by the creek - just the place to enjoy a romantic picnic with gourmet picnic pack arranged by your hosts. In the summer months the cool mountain flow will tempt you to dangle your feet.

Car
Something that’s a bit different and super cool - these guys hire out a MGB convertibles to guests.

“Flash” is a 1969 MGB built in England and shipped to Australia. This is a model 2 (B) designed by Morris Garages in the early 60’s.  It has been changed to unleaded fuel. It’s a two seater roadster convertible sprayed silver and re upholstered with leather and wool carpet and Australian hard wood dash board making it unique

Guests can borrow the car and pay for a scenic drive travel service which includes itinerary and nature tourism information for their trip. There are five to choose from. Guests are given a speed, driving info and advice before they leave.

Drivers must be over 25 years, hold a current driving license and pay a refunded accident damage insurance excess deposit.

The MGB $250 1/2 day or $500 full day

Picnic Hamper - $50
They provide:

  • Hamper Basket
  • Complimentary maps, fly spray and can provide Sothys Sun Shield (though this item would be at an extra cost
  • Blanket
  • Two bottles of Yarrawa Estate wine (Chambourcin is a triple award winning wine) which is located in Kangaroo Valley and is one of the leading wineries in the South Coast NSW a fast growing region. These two bottles will be complimentary.
    The freshly prepared picnic dishes are prepared in the village. They fax guests the menu and they select their choices. Then they forward the details and basket to the restaurant and the guests pick up the basket on the day of their trip. There are many excellent locations to enjoy a picnic in the area and if you are driving the MGB they also lend you bird guides and binoculars, hats and jackets if required.

Day Spa
They have day spa treatments on-site combining Sothys Paris Eau Thermale Spa Treatments and Crystal Creek Meadows Aromatherapy to indulge your senses and rejuvenate your body and mind.

Within their own cottage, guests can have treatments done or Chris & Sophie have just built a summer house by the pond.

They use Sothys' exclusive Eau Thermale Spa Range, a professional spa treatment that has been devised by "Thermes de Spa" – Belgium, using their pure thermal water, rich in minerals and Sothys' world renowned research to offer a beautifully seductive range in both aroma and texture.

And their own dedicated beauty therapist at Crystal Creek was trained by Sothys. They combine Sothys treatments with their own aromatherapy products which they make on site. Sophie and Chris have completed a course of Aromatherapy massages and essential oils.

There are a series of packages you can choose from to really indulge or you can go a la carte and choose a treatment, or two, that’s right for you.

A couple you may find there are:

Sothys Eau Thermale Body Treatment - 40 min: $ 75
Commencing with a warm mist of Instant Radiance Spray, your Sothys therapist will then exfoliate your entire body. This is followed by a pure moment of relaxation as you are enveloped in warm thermal gel. A soothing massage takes you to another dimension and skin is left velvety-soft and radiant.

Crystal Creek Aromatherapy Massage - 60 min: $85
This soothing massage improves your energy levels and helps restore physical health. The oils are absorbed through the skin to the blood stream and enhance your well being. The blend of oils will be individually tailored to your needs and applied through the massage which includes acupressure, lymphatic drainage, reflexology and Swedish massage techniques. Aromatherapy is a holistic treatment which affects the whole person physically and emotionally. They choose only authentic pure and natural 100% essential oils with sweet almond or jojoba natural carrier oils.

Complimentary luxury toiletries by Crystal Creek Meadows, include shampoo conditioner, body lotion and bubble bath made using 100% pure and natural essential oil blends plus conditioner, tissues, soap and cotton pad are provided in the spa bathroom of your cottage accommodation.

More Information
Crystal Creek Meadows
1655 Kangaroo Valley Road, Kangaroo Valley
Telephone: (02) 4465 1406
Accommodation: Weekend prices start from $310 per couple. 
Car: The MGB is $250 for 1/2 day or $500 for full day (conditions apply)
Treatments from $60 (min 2 treatments per session)
www.country-accommodation.com.au

Prices correct as at 10/03/07