FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Tasmania, Australia, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Waldheim Alpine Spa

Nov 18, 2013
2013 / December 2013

Few places are as breathtaking as the remote island of Tasmania — Australia’s southernmost state. And owing to Tasmania’s geographic isolation, unique species are found here that exist nowhere else in the world, notorious animals like the Tasmanian devil. Even the geology and flora hark back to a time when Tasmania was part of the super-continent called Gondwana, formed by the present-day land masses of Antarctica, South America, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar and India.

Today, the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park is a relic of Tasmania’s Gondwana heritage, a part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Within the park is the spectacular alpine vista of Cradle Mountain, a haven for nature lovers and those seeking the restorative powers of the natural world. Nearby Dove Lake provides one of Tasmania’s premier walks — a three-mile jaunt that showcases the craggy peaks of Cradle Mountain. It is even possible during a walkabout to catch a glimpse of the hedgehog-like echidna (also known as a spiny anteater) or the water-loving platypus with a bill like a duck and a tail like a beaver. (Interestingly, these are the only two mammals in the world that lay eggs.) The more adventurous usually head to the world-famous Overland Track, which offers a six-day bushwalk through the very heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.

After my tiresome trans-Pacific flight across the pond, and then my puddle hop from the Australian mainland city of Melbourne to the island state of Tasmania, I landed in the state capital of Hobart. My girlfriend, Cheryl, was there to greet me with a warm “Tassie” welcome and escort me on a driving tour around her homeland. However, sensing I was in need of rest, Cheryl proclaimed that only after a night’s sleep at The Henry Jones Art Hotel on the Hobart marina would we be heading to Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge.

We left Hobart early the next morning for our half-day drive to the lodge in the Central Tasmanian Highlands. (You can also fly into Launceston, which is a 2.5-hour drive to the park). A haven of luxury, the lodge pays tribute to the famous Tasmanian food and wine trail by providing fine dining and vintage wines on site, as well as delectable tastes of local Tasmanian cheeses.

The historic Cradle Mountain Lodge offers one of Australia’s iconic wilderness experiences and the closest accommodation to the spectacular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Located on the edge of a temperate wilderness area — one of the few in the world — it focuses on the elements and “natural luxury.” Still suffering from jet lag, I was thankful our itinerary included plenty of fresh air, bushwalking, dining and, of course, pampering spa treatments at the Waldheim Alpine Spa.

Accommodations include spa cabins and suites with hot tubs that effortlessly blend in with the mountain wilderness. The 86 private timber cabins range from contemporary Pencil Pine Cabins to the princely King Billy Suites. Family cabins sleep up to five people and may include a spa. One of them has disability access.

Acclaimed as one of Australia’s best wilderness spas, The Waldheim Alpine Spa is set amid the rugged mountains and ancient forests of the Tasmanian wilderness. Though the scenery may be rustic, the spa offers unpretentious elemental luxury in tune with nature. And its spa treatments are legendary.

As I checked in for my facial, the smell of pine forest permeated the reception area. I chose a comprehensive facial treatment that uses Elemis products. Developed in the United Kingdom and perfected through extensive clinical and scientific studies, the range of skincare products is “defined by nature and led by science.” Cheryl told me my skin would feel like a baby’s bottom by the time my treatment was completed. Her words proved prophetic.

My spa therapist analyzed my skin and then determined the best treatment and combination of products to stimulate and reintroduce natural radiance to my tired skin. She said their selection of face and body treatments is suitable for both men and women. As I comfortably reclined in my chair, I was immediately lulled into a state of serene relaxation, as my senses were gently teased with subtle alpine aromas that played off the gurgling fresh mountain streams just outside the spa room.

I hardly remember the details of my facial, as I became so relaxed I found myself snoozing several times. I blame it on the long flight from the day prior, or perhaps it was the alternating use of warmth and coolness. What I do remember is that the facial consisted of a rather complex process of scrubs, exfoliates, cleansers, refreshers and moisturizers that had me vacillating from a fresh invigorating aliveness to a relaxed state of Zen calmness. Afterward, I felt rejuvenated and yet quite serene. It was addictive: I was ready to immediately sign up for another treatment.

For those with more time to devote to the art of “spa-ing,” book a full day, and do so in advance to avoid disappointment. I recommend spending some time in the dedicated therapeutic area known as The Sanctuary. Here one finds a steam room, a sauna, a large hot tub and a cool plunge pool, as well as a relaxation lounge overlooking the Pencil Pine River and the towering King Billy pines. Treatment emphasizes combining the healing elements of hot and cold hydrotherapy to invigorate the senses while stimulating blood circulation for a healthier symbiosis. Plus, the visual serenity is intoxicating.

Waldheim Alpine Spa

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge
4038 Cradle Mountain Road
Cradle Mountain
Tasmania, 7306 Australia
tel 61 3 6492 2100
cradlemountainlodge.com.au

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 23, 2023

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan Introduces Spring Experiences

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko in Japan offers travelers exciting experiences this spring. Opened in July 2020, the property overlooks Lake Chūzenji and Mount Nantai in Japan’s Northern Kanto region. With cherry blossoms (Sakura) set to bloom in April, the area is the perfect destination for a spring getaway.

Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win

Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!

Daily
Mar 23, 2023

New Limited-Time Bonus Offers from Scenic, Emerald Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises currently offer travelers savings of up to $500 per cabin and a 50 percent reduction on deposits on select 2023/2024 river and ocean itineraries. The offers are available through March 31 and can be combined with others, such as early-booking savings of up to $1,500 per couple and a Pay in Full bonus that includes free or reduced airfare options.

Daily
Mar 23, 2023

The Cape Ann Museum Announces Major Edward Hopper Exhibit

This July, The Cape Ann Museum in Gloucester, Massachusetts, hosts Edward Hopper & Cape Ann: Illuminating an American Landscape, the first major exhibition to explore Hopper’s connection to Cape Ann during his formative years as an artist. Visitors will be treated to 65 works that include paintings, prints and drawings assembled from collections housed at Whitney Museum of American Art; Brooklyn Museum; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; National Gallery of Art, Washington DC; private lenders; and other institutions.

Portuguese Pleasures

Europe is more fun with a Portugal Stopover.

March 2023
Mar 22, 2023

Global Traveler Celebrates the 2022 Winners of the GT Tested Reader Survey Awards

Travel is back and better than ever! Last year brought a big boom to our beloved industry, and we were thrilled to celebrate the best of the best in December 2022 as we honored the winners of our 19th annual GT Tested Reader Survey awards at The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles, located downtown at LA Live!

eFlyer Deals
Mar 22, 2023

Brown Hotels Celebrates Beachside Greek Resorts Reopening with New Offer

In honor of the seasonal reopening of its beachside Greek resorts, Brown Hotels offers a generous 25 percent discount on all bookings made by the end of April. This discount can apply to Brown Hotels’ beachside properties of Isla Brown Corinthia, Brown Beach Chalkida, Brown Beach Eretria and DAVE by the Beach Loutraki.

Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App

Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.

eFlyer Deals
Mar 22, 2023

Air Tahiti Nui Announces Limited-Time Sale on Flights from LAX to AKL

Through April 24, passengers booking a flight with Air Tahiti Nui from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland (AKL) enjoy round-trip fares from $974 per person in Moana economy class or $2,394 in Moana premium class.