Lifetime Private Retreats

An indulgent escape on Kangaroo Island

These three very individual and eclectic houses enjoy splendid isolation in a beautiful bay on Kangaroo Island – just a short 30 minute flight from Adelaide. Each boasts its own unique contemporary style – and all three take full advantage of their stunning positions on private land around Snelling Beach - a glorious sheltered sweep of white sand on the island’s charming north coast.

You will enjoy exclusive use of your chosen haven, which comes complete with everything you need for an indulgent escape – including all the services you would expect of a private lodge or retreat with the added decadence of innovative cuisine and fine wine served in a variety of unusual and extraordinary locations.

‘Self-catering’ is not on the LifeTime agenda – and with the absence of local restaurants nearby, your host Rachel Hannaford, an accomplished chef (with a CV which includes a highly unusual stint catering for the Dalai Lama, not to mention a string of restaurants in London, Melbourne and Adelaide), takes as much pride in exactly where and how she serves her speciality food (which comprises seafood, cheeses and organic seasonal produce from the house garden) as she does in creating the delectable menus themselves.

Among the venues for the evening feasts is a century-old candlelit shearing shed made from iron bark trees and corrugated iron where food is cooked in a wood-fired kiln – or equally unique is the floodlit bough of an ancient fig tree flickering with fairy lights and candles. On summer days, the ‘boatshed-style’ beach taverna, just metres from the ocean, provides a magical setting for both casual lunches and intimate dinners under the stars. Breakfast is a celebration of fresh local produce, prepared in your kitchen whilst you relax and enjoy the wonderful sense of idleness which each of the houses fosters!

Guided yoga and meditation are other options available at LifeTime. Rachel is a yoga teacher, trained at the Baron Baptiste Vinyasa Yoga Institute in Hawaii – and a private class with her, amidst these wild and natural surroundings, is something to treasure. Of course, Kangaroo Island, with its wildlife wonders, its unspoiled scenery, diverse landscapes and fascinating characters, is a drawcard in itself – and a day or two’s exploration with local specialist ‘Exceptional Kangaroo Island’ is recommended (see page 71 for more details).

However, first and foremost, the LifeTime experience is all about rest, relaxation and privacy – beach equipment, board games and even telescopes all await your arrival …not to mention the series of small delights designed to catch you unawares. A minimum 3 night stay is highly recommended.

Cliff House

Gloriously positioned on the hillside overlooking Snelling Beach, the sensuous curves of the three-bedroomed Cliff House, with its stunning ocean views, inspires complete surrender to relaxation. The circular tower bedroom with its glass wall looking out to sea - and the cushioned ‘sunken pit’ (with roaring log fire in the winter) offer the ultimate in reposel. The house sleeps up to six and boasts a large terrace at the front with a private path leading directly down to the beach.

Sky House

Dangerously romantic, Sky House is a Moroccan-inspired hideaway just for two, perched on the highest hill with unsurpassed views of the coastline as far as the eye can see! It is ideal for honeymooners or those who enjoy blissful isolation and privacy. Quite distinct, it has rammed earth walls and a striking red colour scheme throughout. The vast sitting room opens on to a stone courtyard which unsurprisingly embraces the spectacular wide-angle view.

Stone House

Cloistered amongst the coastal woodland close to the beach, the three-bedroomed Australian heritage Stone House exemplifies the charm of its bush and beach setting. Like the Cliff House, it sleeps six and features an extensive verandah where you can while away the hours absorbing the island’s mesmerising solitude.

Your stay at LifeTime includes both breakfast and dinner, served in your retreat or at specific dining locations (as mentioned above), all drinks (including homemade health drinks and top shelf spirits from your private bar), yoga classes (if required) and return transfers to and from Kangaroo Island’s Kingscote Airport. Lunch is an optional extra.

PRICES Prices from £350 per person per night based on 2 people sharing Sky House. A minimum 2 night stay applies. Flights to Australia vary in price considerably depending on date of departure though there are always good deals on quality airlines. Fares on Qantas/British Airways, for example can start from as little as £699 including taxes and fuel surcharges. From April 2008, Qantas will be introducing its all-new Premium Economy cabin. With dedicated check in, 40" seat pitch, extra width and enhanced meal service, all this extra luxury comes at a suprisingly low upgrade cost. Please ask your sales consultant for more details.