Spicers Hidden Vale

Wow wow wow what a place 5 star all the way from arrival to departure the lodge was excellent with all that you need for a stay bed was so comfy all staff went above and beyond to make our stay memorable, the food was above standard and location was impeccable thank you for such a memorable stay

We booked the 2 bedroom suite for our stay, being three friends we found the suite to be nicely decorated and cosy. We had a small sitting area included in the suite with two arm chairs and a window seat, this was lovely but it would have been nice to have a TV included in this area or a small fireplace as I know the 2 bedroom cottages have this. Upon arrival we were greeted warmly and given complementary Prosecco in the bar area. One of the team members - Sebastian was our favourite host for our 2 night stay & ensured we were well looked after. We especially enjoyed the Garden Market tour where the Chef took us around the produce being grown for their paddock to plate experience. Plus the cheese and wine experience where Sebastian showcased three local wines with matched cheese was fun and light hearted. We loved to sit around the outdoor fire pit wrapped in warm fluffy blankets in the early evening before dinner, we were very well taken care of and all the staff were very attentive. The breakfast was offered via menu, not a buffet style and took a little while, so be prepared to sit leisurely and look out to the beautiful scenery. We spent the day reading books by the pool and in the hot spa, you can order drinks to be delivered to you or to your room. Dinner was included in our package and we enjoyed the three-courses, knowing most of the ingredients had been handpicked form their garden was a great touch. I will definitely return, perhaps trying another Spicer’s Retreat now knowing how the service and quality is.

We had an excellent dinner on Thursday at the Supper Club. Loved cozy setting and really enjoyed the friendly service and great food. Will definitely be visiting this hidden gem again for the next one!

We had the misfortune of dining at The Supper Club last Thursday evening. On our arrival our party of three was kept waiting for a good five minutes before being acknowledged by staff who were moving quickly through the dining area or standing on the sidelines and appearing to be discussing the layout of the restaurant. When we were approached, we were told we could sit at any of the tables set for three. We were not escorted to our table. It was a cold evening and we noticed some two setting tables had blankets on the chairs. We asked if we could each have a blanket and were told one would be provided. They weren’t, so we took them from the chairs next to us. We were one of the first to be seated in a setting of about a dozen tables, mostly set for two. We noticed the table was laid for three courses, entrée and main cutlery with a soup spoon. We were asked if we would like water and wine. We asked for a cocktail but told cocktails were not available in this dining area. Yet your advertising states “Our friendly front-of-house team has also carefully selected optional pairings to complement your meal including classic cocktails, selected wines, as well as sides and desserts.” The wines on offer did not appeal to us so we asked to see the wine list. Another extended wait and asking again, a wine list was delivered. And we still waited for water. Two of our three entrées arrived, and we were surprised it was simply, soup. We then watched as other tables were served theirs before eventually receiving our third bowl. About 100ml in two bowls, and significantly less in the third. Three pieces of corn bread was placed in the center of the table some time prior to the soup arriving. We asked our server for side plates and saw her ask the? Maître De, Josh, who ran to the main restaurant returning with an armful of side plates, placing them in the barn. Some five minutes later, after our soup had arrived, Josh came to ask how everything was going. We said we were still waiting for the side plates. He said “oh, they were for your” and again ran to retrieve them from the barn. During this time other guests began to arrive, and we watched as they too were simply left standing with no acknowledgement from the staff. Again, Josh and the team stood to the side of the dining area appearing to survey but not responding to any assumed observations. As more guests arrived and all tables were occupied the stress levels of the floor staff was palpable. It was like we were taking part in a Faulty Towers episode with Josh running to and from the main restaurant on multiple occasions. This was quite stressful to observe. Our server arrived at one point with a bottle of wine under one armpit and a pitcher of water in the other, reaching over to fill each glass. It took over an hour from the clearing of our soup bowls for us to receive our main course. During this time we observed most tables that were seated well after us, receive their main course before us. Our

I have been staying a Spicers Hiddenvale once per month over the last year for the purposes business, i have seen the inside running of this special place and have never been disappointed with the service received, the staff are very friendly to all visitors and treat everyone as part of the extended family, accomodation is as you would expect from the level of business and the housekeeping staff are a credit to Spicers with nothing it seems to hard to handle. Bar and service staff are always happy to enquire how things are going and service is nothing but a experience with the fine dining and exceptional creative menu’s, i highly recommend this very relaxing venue and exceptional property.

A lovely weekend at Spicers. We stayed in a Luxury Cabin which had a lovely view over the mountains, especially at sunset. The patio could be more private if a privacy screen was added, but didn't really bother us. Super comfy bed, and the outdoor bath was a nice touch. Room service is exorbitant for a bottle of bubbly, so byo wine if you'd want to spend less than $160 enjoying a bottle in your room! The definite highlight was Sebastien in Homage, who was the most helpful and friendly staff member - always spot on with his recommendations and super knowledgeable in the best wine to suit our palate! He even surprised us on a few occasions, we now have some new favourites. There isn't a great deal to do here if you aren't happy to partake in the adventure activities, or eat your way through the restaurant. We were happy with the latter, so thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Although 2 nights was definitely enough. The pool was generally quiet, could do with the addition of some ambience (light music), or service offering beverages and/ or light snacks. But it has a beautiful view and was very peaceful.

We took our management team and partners for the night as a thank you, we hired the barn restaurant area for our predinner drinks and a seated dinner. What a night !!! The staff everywhere where awesome from the initial booking, ongoing communication, front desk check in, afternoon drinks by the pool, evening dinner and breakfast, they couldn't have done enough for us. Thanks team we had an amazing time (late night drinks by the fire pit was definitely a highlight!) and the rooms were very comfortable and well maintained.

If you have a special diet do not eat here. The low salt meal came with chunks of salt on the food, even after they were told low salt on medical grounds. The staff were asked at every meal and at every meal there was salt added to the food. They do not listen I expect more from a place like this.

We stayed in a deluxe cabin which had an amazing open fireplace where we spent a lot of time relaxing looking out at the countryside. The food was incredible and the staff were so friendly. I'll be back again as it was one of the most restful and quiet places I've ever stayed at.