Cape Lodge

Premium wines and distinguished cuisine place Cape Lodge at the forefront of Margaret River wine country stays

No trip to Perth is complete without a sojourn to the Margaret River wine region, a pastoral Eden whose climate produces vintages often compared to those bottled in Bordeaux, France. Located amid 40 acres of manicured gardens and grapevines, Cape Lodge offers one major drawcard: the venerated Cape Lodge Restaurant, where you can taste Western Australia on a plate. Look forward to artful dishes created with organic vegetables, grain-fed beef, line-caught fish and marron from local dams. If you enjoyed the food, a cooking class with top Chef Tony Howell is an eye-opening experience. Classes are followed by a long table lunch.

Of course, the 22 opulent rooms and suites encircling two halcyon lakes also help upkeep this venerable establishment’s reputation as one of the region’s finest. Choose from the elegant Lodge Suites, which are part of the main lodge, or upgrade to a Lake View Suite, which are closer to the waterside restaurant. For maximum privacy, book The Residence, which is situated on its own 3 acres of garden. All tariffs here are on a bed and breakfast basis, and accommodations are intended for couples seeking romantic time away. The lodge does not accept children below age 8.

For exercise, hit the freeform pool or go out and explore. Around Yallingup, you’ll find world-class surf beaches with blinding white sands, the intriguing Ngilgi Caves, top notch small batch wine producers and plentiful art galleries. Make a stop in affluent Dunsborough, the region’s unofficial capital and starting point for the long-distance Cape-to-Cape walking track.