Bangalay Villas

This beachside retreat is made up of a collection of 16 villas and an onsite restaurant and cafe—all a stone's throw from the gentle roar of Seven Mile Beach. Its name comes from the Bangalay Sand Forest that surrounds it—a unique coastal environment made up of Bangalay, Blackbutts, Lilly Pilly and Coast Banksia trees. 

The look and feel of each villa channels the muted tones and the tranquil, sandy aesthetic of Shoalhaven Heads. Here, it's all about getting back to nature. 

Designed by owner and general manager Michelle Bishop, who kicked off her career as an interior designer, Bangalay Villas is one of those rare finds that seems to be completely devoid of any hustle, bustle and stress. It's a truly peaceful spot. 

There are fourteen one-bedroom villas, and two larger, two-bedroom villas, and each is super spacious with everything you need at your fingertips—a full kitchen, lounge and dining areas, laundry, enormous rain shower, your own private deck, fireplace and (of course) Netflix, Stan and more for cosy nights indoors.

If you're bringing the whole fam or a bigger party down, there's also a full four-bedroom, pet-friendly holiday house with its own backyard firepit and wheelchair access. 

As for the onsite restaurant, Bangalay Dining—it's a destination in its own right, led by head chef Brent Strong. He's spent time in the kitchen with Jock Zonfrillo at Orana and his focus is on locally found, sustainable and native ingredients. He also trained at Michelin-starred Restaurant Relae in Copenhagen (the world’s first fully organic Michelin starred restaurant), so yes—he knows his stuff. 

Bangalay Dining is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner—and there is an in-room dining service too. 

As for what's surrounding you and what to do during your stay—we recommend starting your day with a stroll along Seven Mile Beach. It's a big, glorious bend of pristine sand that backs onto a national park, meaning it'll be a pretty quiet stroll. Then, pick up a coffee and pastry at Bangalay Dining, and relax by the turquoise-coloured pool. 

Afterwards, hit the wineries—award-winning Coolangatta Estate is a short drive away, as is Two Figs, Silos Estate and Crooked River Wines.

Further south towards Nowra you'll find Jim Wild's Oysters, a must-visit if fresh-as-anything Sydney Rock Oysters are your jam. Perch on wooden tables and watch oyster farmers sail in with their catch from the Crookhaven River, or grab some to takeaway—you will not be disappointed. 

Golf is also an option (the Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club green is right next door) and Berry and Kangaroo Valley are also very close. The Bangalay team can also create personalised itineraries for you, depending on your length of stay (horse riding on the beach, anyone?). 

Image credit: Bangalay Villas