Read & Retreat: Daylesford 2027

16 May 2027

–

21 May 2027

Limited Space

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Read & Retreat Daylesford is a celebration of everything the beautiful season of autumn does best. Crisp mornings, colourful gardens, delicious slow food, cosy firea and the simple pleasure of having nowhere you need to be.

Designed for women who are ready to step away from the everyday, this six-day retreat is beautifully uncomplicated. Stay in heritage accommodation at Carrington House, enjoy your own private ensuite room, lose yourself in a good book, indulge in wonderful local food and wine, wander galleries and boutiques, visit the region’s celebrated gardens and mineral springs or simply settle into your favourite chair and savour the luxury of unhurried time.

Everything is thoughtfully taken care of. Nothing is prescriptive.

Your retreat. Your pace. Your perfect autumn escape.

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The Lake_57980065 copyright Jacqui martin

DIVA MOMENTS

Time to breathe in tranquil Hepburn Springs, celebrated for its healing mineral waters, restorative energy, and the quiet sense of calm that settles over you the moment you arrive

A truly memorable farewell dinner at the iconic Lake House, where exquisite food, beautiful wine, and the joy of new friendships come together in one final sparkling evening

A private guided walking experience through Daylesford, revealing hidden pockets, local stories, and beautiful spaces not typically open to the public

Indulging in an elegant high tea at the uniquely beautiful Convent in Daylesford, where delicate sweet and savoury treats are enjoyed within its historic surrounds before wandering through the adjoining art gallery, adding a touch of culture and creativity to this memorable experience

Your own private historic house for five glorious autumn nights — just eight beautifully appointed en-suite rooms, all on a solo basis, giving you space, privacy, and time that is entirely your own

Exquisite time that is entirely your own — no schedule, no responsibilities, just a good book and the delicious freedom to let the hours unfold.

This is a retreat for women who appreciate life’s finer pleasures.

R’n’R — Read & Retreat in Daylesford is an unhurried autumn escape designed around one simple luxury: time. Everything is taken care of, leaving you free to enjoy each day exactly as it unfolds. Time to read. Time to linger over lunch. Time to browse galleries and bookshops, wander through beautiful gardens, indulge in a spa treatment or simply settle into a comfortable chair with a novel you can’t put down.

Autumn is Daylesford at its most beautiful. Gardens glow in shades of amber and gold, fireplaces flicker into life, local restaurants celebrate the season’s finest produce, and the whole region settles into an easy rhythm that invites you to savour every moment.

Carrington House is your home for six wonderfully relaxed days. Every guest enjoys her own room, while lovely sitting rooms, cosy corners and welcoming spaces make it just as easy to enjoy your own company as it is to join lively conversation over a glass of wine.

You might choose to begin the morning with yoga, head out to explore Daylesford’s boutiques and galleries, soak in the famous mineral waters or spend the afternoon beside the fire with your latest read. There is no schedule to follow and nothing you have to do.

Everything is included. Nothing is prescriptive.

Along the way we’ll gather for exceptional local food, memorable conversations and thoughtfully curated experiences that celebrate everything this remarkable region does so well. Between those moments lies the true luxury of the retreat — generous stretches of time that belong entirely to you.

This isn’t about escaping life. It’s about enjoying it. Beautiful books. Wonderful food and wine. Country hospitality. Autumn colours, shared laughter and the simple pleasure of spending a few glorious days exactly as you choose.

Think colourful gardens, delicious dining, pages well turned and one of Australia’s most beautiful regions at its very best.

Your retreat. Your pace. Autumn in Daylesford.

GETTING THERE:

Multiple flights from capital and regional cities into Melbourne. Note that the transfer to Daylesford will have a set meeting point, which will be advised closer to the time. Arrival into Melbourne should be booked to meet a departure from Tullamarine at 1pm.

Tour Price: Private Ensuite Room AUD$5,895 per person

Tour Starts: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine -MEL)

Tour Ends: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine -MEL)

Tour Dates: 16 – 21 May 2027

PRICE INCLUDES:

Escorted from Melbourne Airport by Danielle, Travelling Divas

Return airport transfers

5 nights’ boutique heritage accommodation on a single basis, at Carrington House

Inclusive of main meals specified in itinerary:

Daily continental breakfast

3 lunches + 1 high tea

Daily dinners including selected beverages

Nightly wine, coffee/tea & chocolate

A rejuvenating wellness experience at Hepburn Springs, including mineral bathing, massage and a cheese platter

Gentle yoga/stretch session

Private guided walking tour of Daylesford

High tea experience in Daylesford which includes entry to The Convent Art gallery and Gardens

Private airport transfers in air-conditioned comfort

Your goodie bag including a silk eye mask, travel journal and water bottle…plus more

Government taxes & surcharges

NOT INCLUDED:

Airfares and departure taxes; transfers unless stated in the itinerary; items of a personal nature; phone calls; passport and visas; laundry or tips not covered in the itinerary. Personal transport; excess baggage; security and government taxes; travel insurance. Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary; additional beverages (unless specifically described). Optional excursions or activities that may be offered but are not included in the tour price. Any changes you choose to make during your holiday.

May 2027

Day 1 – Sunday 16

Arrival Ease & A Warm Welcome

Upon arrival into Melbourne, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred through the scenic countryside to the charming village of Daylesford. As the landscape shifts from city to rolling hills and leafy surrounds, you will begin to feel the gentle exhale that defines this retreat.

Our home for the coming days is the elegant Carrington House – a beautiful and inviting sanctuary where comfort, style and serenity come together effortlessly. After settling into your room, take time to unwind, unpack, and ease into the slower rhythm of retreat life.

As the afternoon softens, we gather for a pre-dinner drink – an opportunity to meet your fellow ladies and begin forming the connections that will shape this special escape.

The evening unfolds with a relaxed and elegant welcome dinner, thoughtfully curated to delight the senses and mark the beginning of our time together. Afterwards, linger over a drink, handcrafted chocolates and a comforting coffee or tea, as conversation flows and the mood settles into something warm and unhurried.

Stay: Carrington House

Meals: Welcome Dinner

Day 2 – Monday 17

Slow Mornings & Gentle Indulgence

Wake to the quiet charm of Daylesford and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, setting the tone for a day devoted to rest and relaxation. For those feeling a little energetic, enjoy a walk around the beautiful Lake – it is exquisite.

The morning is yours – perhaps a peaceful read in a sunlit corner, a quiet stroll through the gardens, or simply time to do nothing at all.

After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure, perhaps read another chapter of your book, or go for a wander to see what treats you can find in Daylesford.

As evening falls, we gather once again for a relaxed dinner in-house, where the comfort of familiar surroundings allows the day to gently unwind.

Stay: Carrington House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Tuesday 18

Wellness, Indulgence & Deep Relaxation

The day begins with an optional gentle yoga session, offering a moment to stretch, breathe and reconnect with yourself in a calm and supportive setting.

Following breakfast, we enjoy a truly indulgent experience at the renowned Hepburn Springs Bathhouse. Today is dedicated entirely to you—an invitation to slow down, soak and surrender to deep relaxation. Enjoy the healing benefits of mineral bathing, allowing the natural waters to restore and revitalise, followed by a soothing massage designed to melt away any remaining tension.

A lovely cheese platter will be served as part of your experience, offering a moment to pause, savour and simply enjoy the surroundings.

Returning to our retreat sanctuary, the evening is relaxed, with a delicious dinner shared in-house. For those in the mood, a movie could be in order to round out a beautiful day.

We close the day once again with DCC (Drink, Chocolate, Coffee), a ritual of winding down together.

Stay: Carrington House

Meals: Breakfast, Cheese Platter, Dinner

Day 4 – Wednesday 19

Stories, Strolls & Simple Pleasures

After breakfast, we step out to explore Daylesford through a private guided walking tour. Discover the charm, history and hidden corners of this much-loved spa town as we wander at an easy, unhurried pace. Lunch is at leisure today whilst out and about or there will be light options available at the house. Indulge in some retail therapy as thre are some gorgeous boutiques in the Main Street!

The afternoon invites you back into retreat mode – time to read, journal, or simply enjoy your beautiful surroundings. Perhaps a tarot reading at one of the local options or another spa session could be in order – it is up to you!

Dinner is served in-house this evening.

As always, our evening happily concludes with DCC, where the day’s moments can be shared.

Stay: Carrington House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Thursday 20

Elegant Moments & A Beautiful Farewell

Late this morning, we venture out for a truly special high tea experience at the uniquely beautiful Convent in Daylesford. Set within its historic surrounds, this is a moment to indulge in delicious treats, warm conversation and a touch of timeless charm. Described as ‘the most beautiful art gallery in Australia’, the Convent Gallery in Daylesford hosts new exhibitions every eight weeks so if you want to explore more of this beautiful gallery take time to be immersed in its gorgeous collection.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure-perhaps a final wander through the boutique streets of Daylesford, or simply time to return to our sanctuary to read, rest and savour the last gentle hours of retreat life.

As evening falls, we gather for an elegant farewell dinner at the stunning Lake House. Set beside the water and surrounded by beautiful gardens, this is a truly memorable way to celebrate the moments shared over the past few days.

A beautiful finale to our time together.

Stay: Carrington House

Meals: Breakfast, High Tea Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Friday 21

Time to say farewell.

Enjoy a final breakfast together before our departure to Melbourne Airport this morning.

We say farewell not just to Daylesford, but to a few days of connection and delightful indulgence – leaving feeling restored, inspired, and perhaps already dreaming of the next escape.

Flights should not be booked until after midday to enable us a relaxed return to the airport for onward journeys.

Bon voyage and thank you.

Meals: Breakfast

Daylesford:

Carrington House:

Built in 1890, Carrington House is an exceptional retreat in the heart of Daylesford. This stunning historic residence offers nine generous bedrooms, each with its own ensuite and luxuriously comfortable beds. Showcasing classic Victorian architecture, Carrington House provides a distinctive escape from city life while remaining perfectly positioned close to Daylesford’s shops, cafés, and local attractions.

Centrally situated, Carrington House ensures you are close to all that Daylesford has to offer. Guests can easily explore the area, making it the perfect base for your holiday or corporate gathering. With its close proximity to charming local shops, renowned restaurants and vibrant markets, your stay will be enriched with delightful experiences at every turn.

Begin your day with a cup of tea in the tranquil garden or enjoy al fresco dining on the deck, complete with a BBQ. The beautifully designed open-plan lounge and dining area welcomes natural light through large French doors, enhancing the inviting atmosphere. Each of the nine bedrooms features curated furnishings, king-sized beds and private ensuites, providing a cozy and remarkable retreat. The thoughtfully selected decor in every room adds depth and character, ensuring a warm ambience that makes you feel right at home.

A minimum of 8 guests is required for this tour to depart. The maximum number of guests is 8. If required numbers are not reached, we will discuss this with you well before departure to finalise how to proceed i.e. re-quote with less participants or cancel the departure. If we cancel the departure the tour deposit will be refunded.

Once full payment is received the price is guaranteed. Until that time, the price is subject to change.

A $2,500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your confirmation.

Deposit is by a payment link via the booking form to secure your spot. We accept American Express, Visa and MasterCard. Merchant fees of 1.5% + .30c apply to Australian based credit card payments and will be added at the time of payment. International credit cards will attract a higher merchant fee.

All payments are processed by E-way – a secure payment gateway that is certified to stringent levels of certification.

Please note interim payments may be required due to meet supplier terms and conditions.

Dietary & health information are to be provided at the time of booking.

We highly recommend travel insurance is purchased to protect your investment against unforeseen circumstances requiring cancellation.

Final payment is required by 16 February 2027.