There’s nothing quite like taking a soak to ease all the tensions right away, Victoria’s out-of-summer months lend themselves quite well to escaping the city for an outside spa and a crackling fireplace.
The cooler weather calls for cosy cabins, eco retreats, and coastal homes out into the country to escape to, so if you're looking for a spot to stay and spend time in the tub then check out some of our favourites:
Mansfield House
MANSFIELD
Resting atop an exposed hilltop in the heights of Mansfield, this visually stunning stay designed by architect, Robbie Walker has harnessed the incredible nature that surrounds it. The floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a panoramic view of the sprawling mountain ranges of Mt Buller, the inside has a tidy minimalist feel with polished concrete floors, accented by sleek wood furnishings and a large fireplace that anchors the open-living dining room. Perhaps the biggest drawcard however is the outdoor spa— which rests over the valley providing breathtaking vistas. Book it here.
The Potting Shed
TRENTHAM
Just over an hour out of town, this stay in Trentham is absolutely brimming with quaintness. An ideal getaway due to its rustic yet immaculate curation, The Potting Shed was a finalist in the 2022 Airbnb awards, so it's an absolute no-brainer. The farm chic house is flanked by serene nature and greenery, but the big draw is the tranquillity of the outdoor bath tucked between the trees on the back deck. Inside is a motley collection of cottagecore furnishings, from rusted copper tap wear to recycled timber benchtops and even a fully restored Pot Belly fireplace for keeping things toasty. Book it here.
Sea Sanctuary
MOUNT MARTHA
Perched up on the cliffs of Mount Martha overlooking the sprawling Mornington Peninsula coastline, Sea Sanctuary is all about taking five. Perfect as an intimate sojourn for two, the quaint beach-chic stay has an in-ground outdoor hot tub with vistas of the water below, as well as a hot/dry sauna room, in-wall fireplace and large open kitchen and lounge area. If you prefer the comfort of the indoors, there's also a bathtub surrounded by views of the nearby bush and beach.
Steam: Train Carriage
FORREST
One for the true railfans, (Francis Borgeouis looking at you) the absolutely picturesque Steam is a charming getaway in Forrest, housed completely in a decommissioned steam engine carriage. The nearly 100-year-old relic has been lovingly restored and is now fitted out with impeccably aesthetic period-style furniture, a fireplace and even a sizable outdoor tub with polished brass tapware surrounded by vistas of the lush bushlands of the Otways. Soak it all up. 
Fellcroft Farmstay
MACEDON RANGES
The Macedon Ranges sits just about an hour away from the big smoke up in the northern regions of Victoria, it boasts some of the lushest and natural bushland in the state and is famously home to Hanging Rock. The Fellcroft Farmstay is tucked away at the entrance of the Cobaw State Forest, the cosy barn-style house is the perfect getaway for two. Take in the expansive green ranges from the comfort of the tub or park up on the wooden verandah with a coffee or wine in hand.
Sol Yarra Valley
YARRA GLEN
One for the whole crew, Sol is the breezy open-planned living stay out in the Yarra Glen, comfortably sleeping 15—it's a no-brainer for a wholesome recharging weekend away. Not only is it loaded with a 6-seat outdoor spa but it also boasts its very own barrel sauna made of cedar wood a double-header of relaxation. The picturesque white weatherboard house has been immaculately curated and inside is a clean minimal Scandi aesthetic with soft wood furnishings, pillow-stacked couches and a large covered dining area on the deck.
Unique Riverside High Country Escape
MERRIJIG
You’ve seen the bumper stickers ‘Where the frig is Merrijig?’ Well it’s about a three-hour car ride from Melbourne’s CBD. The Unique Riverside High Country Escape is the definition of a cosy winter cabin, is made up of recycled material and is nestled right in the snow region nearby Mount Buller. This eco-retreat is decked out with all the comforts including a wood-fired hot tub that looks out onto the natural serenity, and an indoor fireplace.
Yarra Valley Homestead
HODDLES CREEK
Nestled among the bushland reserve of Hoddles Creek lies this dreamy hidden cabin. Secluded, serene and an outdoor spa; it definitely ticks all the boxes. The a-framed house is lined with ceiling-to-floor windows, making the most of the scenic Yarra Valley views. For an even better glimpse, step outside onto the outstretched timber deck and spend a night curled up by the fire pit. Dip your toes in the spa built into the deck and relax to the sound of the native Australian bush that surrounds the property.
Yarra Valley Vineyard Cottage
GRUYERE
This Yarra Valley Cottage in the town of Gruyere (yes just like the cheese) is a ripper getaway for those looking for some R&R as well as a little grapevine action. The perfect retreat after a hard day of wine tastings this rustic farmhouse with weathered timber is ideal for taking things slow. A big outdoor antique tub with copper taps sits on the wooden deck and looks out onto green hills in the distance.
The Wensley
WENSLEYDALE
If there were awards for Airbnb’s The Wensley would have an absolute bag by this point. The architectural wonder that sits on 80 rolling acres on the Surf Coast hinterland is made up of recycled timber and raw concrete and has been curated head to toe to keep you comfy. With a living room straight out of Grand Designs with an island fireplace, wrapped windows that look out onto the ranges, and a rustic tub on the back porch you'll want for nothing. If style is your vibe then you’ve got it in spades right here. 
Liptrap Loft
WALKERVILLE
Liptrap Loft is the quintessential Victorian getaway, set amongst the leafy surroundings of South Gippsland just thirty minutes from the stunning Wilsons Promontory, this house has been crafted with recycled tin and timber, and keeps you comfy and cosy against those wintery elements. It has retro features like a 1960’s style oven and stove but its crown jewel is the outdoor Japanese bathhouse with a tiled tub with exposed pipes and views of the surrounding valley. The entire house has an elevated sense of design, with second-hand materials and furniture it’s a place to escape with plenty of soul.
Beach House Getaway
BARWON HEADS
Just over an hour from town, this Barwon Heads seaside getaway is prime for a winter escape. Enjoy a stay at Seaview Beach house, decked out with wooden floorboards, concrete panelling and wall-to-wall windows. Eat alfresco, with an outdoor pizza oven and fire pit or spend a chillaxed evening lazing on deck chairs by the pool. On a brisk night, warm up in the heated outdoor mirror spa with a glass red in tow. 
Y Vue Apartment
WYE RIVER
Down on the Great Ocean Road, the Y Vue apartment is nestled on the point of Wye River.This exquisite little spot is snug but has everything you’d want in a wintery escape, with a cosy apartment that feels more like a wood cabin, nestled right into the hill just metres from the water. With a stunning balcony that looks out onto the entire miniature bay and an incredible spa that is jetting right out you can sit and soak while taking in the endless waves that roll into the sleepy little surf town.
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Image credit: Airbnb, Urban List
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