After my recent stay at The Astra Lodge it was easy to see why it has won 'Australia's best ski boutique hotel' at the World Ski Awards for the past two years and has been nominated again for 2018.
Located in the heart of the Falls Creek Village, in Australia's Victorian Ski Alps, the recently revamped ski-in ski-out lodge delivers the full package! When I arrived at the bottom of the village, I knew I was on to something special with my own exclusive snow transfer waiting to take us to the lodge. This private return service is available for all guests staying at the Astra lodge, without it you'd need to lug your ski's and luggage up the snow clad mountain or pay for the public shuttle.
At check in you're given a rubber wristband which doubles as your room key and access to all the lodge's facilities. The lodge is ski-in-ski-out from the convenient ski & boot room which provides immediate access to your snow gear.
After an exhausting day on the slopes, you can retreat to the cozy library or rejuvenate at their full service day spa. To warm up, I headed to the ambiently lit full-size heated magnesium pool and jacuzzi, which is perfect for your aching body, along with the steam and sauna facilities - a welcome escape from the frosty outdoors.
In the afternoon enjoy the views of a snow capped gum-tree Australian alpine village at the bar. Setting the scene, similar to a north American wood cabin with leather sofas, animal-skin rugs on oak floors and a warm fire. You can indulge in the Après menu featuring their famous swiss fondue and pair it with one of their delicious cocktails - I recommend the caesar, made with clamato juice (if you've been to Canada you know I'm talking about) or choose from their extensive list of wines, ciders and beer.
The restaurant serves complimentary à la carte breakfast in the mornings whilst watching children build snowmen. In the evenings experience a fine dining Italian inspired menu featuring home-made pasta dishes.
They haven't forgotten about the little ones 'rest zone' either - offering a well thought out kids entertainment sanctuary, conveniently located across the lobby from the bar area, making it easy for parents to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine. If you prefer them closer, the bar will also offer complimentary marshmallows for them to brown over the open fire.
The four-story boutique lodge has 20 deluxe rooms (some interconnecting), six studios and a two-bedroom suite. I was upgraded to the studio which is perfect for families or a couple looking for extra room. The studio features a plush king bed and a mounted retractable bunk bed system as well as a comfortable lounge area with an apple TV, a full kitchen, built-in storage (perfect for longer stays), and a separate luxurious bath & shower.
The live-in managers Tom and Sally Simpson and the team at the Astra have set a new standard in the Australian luxury ski industry, thinking of every small touch to make your stay a memorable one - such as a bottle of wine on arrival, nightly chocolates on the pillows, aromatherapy bath salts and my favourite - Coco Betty make up remover wipes!
Getting there: Albury Airport offers four airlines and 180 flights a week to and from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Connection choices are by car, bus or helicopter. There's also a heli-shuttle between Falls Creek and Mount Hotham to combine the best of both resorts.
Get in touch with me if your keen to discover the beauty of the Astra Lodge, Falls Creek.
