Spicers Peak Lodge

What a wonderful retreat for couples to relax, unwind and feel like you are part of the family without the intrusions. On arrival we were welcomed by first names, nice touch and offered a glass of sparkling to begin to unwind. No formal hotel check in at the Lodge, nor any swiping of credit cards, again very different. Staff were professional, attentive, friendly in a very well furnished environment, with large sofas and big cushions to sink into. The views from the Lodge are breathtaking and we were fortunate to have beautiful blue skies in the day and the most picture perfect star studded sky at night. The food was just perfect and the staff are to be commended most highly for the degustation menu offered. Nothing is too much trouble even for the kitchen if you have particular food preferences or dietary requirements. The other different, nice touches were the inclusion of the entire mini bar in your overnight stay and also complimentary drinks during the day and pre dinner drinks with canapes each evening. I cannot recommend at stay here more highly and we will definately return. Having said all that I did have one or two minor complaints of a housekeeping nature, which meant I could not give an overall rating of excellent which I desperately wanted to do.... Firstly, one of the robes in our suite was full of holes. Secondly, none of the items in the bathroom were replenished, despite us staying for 2 nights. Thirdly, the standard of cleaning was not perfect, the basins and spa bath in the bathroom were not cleaned daily, there was considerable dust and hair on the floorboards of the room and the bins were not emptied daily. Lastly, the only umbrella in the pool area was broken. I did bring these issues to the attention of staff before leaving, hoping these matters might be addressed so that next time I visit I can give the Lodge the excellent rating it so deserves.

We have had some great Spicers vacations over the years, but sadly this was not one of them. Unfortunately it rained the whole long weekend we were there, and that probably coloured our experience. Almost every activity is for fine weather, with little to do in the rain. For example there was an evening drinks around the fire pit event cancelled due to rain. Instead it was held around the fireplace where 2-3 tiny hors d'oeuvres were served over 15 minutes. Tennis was out, as were the yoga/Pilates activities.The walks were along trails with slippery, muddy paths, and we had to turn back after half an hour in the drizzle. There was one pool table, but there were limited board games available in the lounge area. Cocktail making class was over in 20 minutes with tiny tastings of 2-3 cocktails. Staff were friendly but had limited knowledge, and the level of service and attention really did not live up to the price point.

Although I have stayed at other Australian, New Zealand, and Tasmanian all-inclusive hotels, Spicers Peak Lodge falls short for the hefty price tag. The hotel is located in a very pretty scenic large property yet one must note that there is nothing to do in the immediate area. We had light rain the entire stay so one must be prepared to do very very little. We went for self guided walks in the rain on the basic path due to slippery clay ground on the other paths making it too unsafe to walk or ride one of the four bikes. I attended the one daily activity included yet was utterly disappointed when the Cocktail Making class was a mere 10 minute session showing two stir style drinks. The pool/spa is situated in front of the common area / dining space without any shrubs, hedges nor trees therefore did not feel comfortable walking in front of everyone to get into the heated spa. That leaves you with a pool table, books and a few board games. There were no additional activities offered unless you wanted to book a spa treatment. You would think that a few other activities would be offered, not even yoga, cow feeding or a simple cooking lesson. I feel a lot of luxury details have been overlooked. We weren't called by our names despite being only 11 guests in the entire facility. No special touches such as a bed turndown service, fresh fruit and or handmade sweet in the rooms for morning or afternoon tea etc. No verbal information about the lodge itself yet I did locate a book in the common area. No staff member asked us once if the stay was going well and if we needed anything. The rooms were nice but certainly not luxurious and have shared walls between guests. The private patio was on the edge allowing the rain to come in therefore the seats were all wet so an unusable space. Menu: Breakfast was identical daily yet overall a very nice degustation dinner meal with wine pairing was delivered nightly. In relation to the beverages, it needs to be noted that the extensive wine list, most are not included in the package. There is no cocktails not even simple ones like a negroni are included. Overall disappointed

Even before arriving, in the emails and phone calls with guest experience coordinators, the service was faultless. All meals & drinks were 10/10. Service by all staff was impeccable. Massages and activities were all the best. Did not want to leave!

From the moment you arrive the staff make you feel the most important person in the resort, we recently celebrated our wedding anniversary, we arrived on the Sunday and our special day was the following Tuesday and the staff all congratulated us. Welcome drink on arrival, a bottle of sparking chilling in the room with the fire on low, just beautiful. The food was amazing, the chef even personally coming to our table to explain our evening dinner. All staff were so attentive and even down to campfire canopies catering for my dislike of oysters, over and above at every level. Shout out to Camille for a fun and informative Yoga class to then organising a spa with a bottle of champagne and cheese board and to Alec for his undenying passion and knowledge of tending a bar. Such a serene and peaceful stay, we will come back. Would be even nicer if the pool was heated:)

To celebrate any event or just to relax Spicers Peak Lodge is the place to go. The Spa lodge rooms with their open figure place, comfortable bed and a vista that induces a relaxed feeling. The food is superb and the way the menu is crafted when dietary needs are met is excellent. The “experiences” give a great introduction to the country and are recommended.

We stayed in the private lodge, which is exactly that, private and not located near the main lodge. The location and layout are excellent. Bed is comfortable and linen is very good. We enjoyed the outdoor spa which overlooks the scenic rim. Having said that, some aspects of the private lodge are tired and dated - including lighting, kitchen appliances, electronics and furniture - and overdue for a refresh. Service was excellent. Attentive and on point. Biance and Tiarna are amazing. We appreciated the high chair and cot, pickups and meal deliveries. With regard to the restaurant, the produce is excellent, however, we found the execution lacking in some dishes. The wine list is extensive, although the included beverage options are mediocre and relatively limited. Overall, Spicers Peak Lodge is a lovely place to unwind and disconnect from city life. We enjoyed our stay and would most likely return.

We travel extensively all around the globe and have stayed at many ‘luxurious’ lodges. For this price I would clearly expect more in particular on the service side. The rooms and setting is very nice but the service is not what I would expect in this price bracket and for what it is marketed. There were some very well trained service personnel (mainly for the evening service) but others simply lacked the experience to serve. Breakfast took usually very long and once we were told this is because the lodge is understaffed - honestly at this price this is not an acceptable stance. Apart from the service the rooms were vey nice and well kept and the setting is very nice but considering what it is sold for it is overrated.

This property has everything you want for a remarkable stay at a 5 star property staff all went above and beyond to make our stay that we would never forget, from check in to departure nothing was never too much to make our stay the best. thank you and look forward to our return.