Cosy villas & luxury accommodation in Daylesford

From zen-like ryokans to luxury lodges and self-contained retreats hidden away in the bush, these are the best Daylesford hotels, villas and Airbnbs.

Leafy, hilly, and scattered with wineries, galleries, artists’ studios, hot springs, and spas – Daylesford and the surrounding Macedon Ranges region might just be the perfect destination for a self-indulgent break, or a romantic weekend away. And conveniently, there’s some stellar accommodation in Daylesford and surrounds to boot. Take your pick from these six options.

Lake House

One of the finest regional properties in all of Victoria – if not Australia – every last detail has been considered at this well-established retreat on the banks of Lake Daylesford.

One of the finest regional properties in all of Victoria. (Image: Visit Victoria)

From the property’s highly acclaimed farm-to-fork restaurant to its impossibly peaceful treetop spa and its immaculately designed interiors, Lake House is the kind of one-stop-shop that you could hole up in for days without feeling the slightest temptation to leave.

One of the Luxury Lodges of Australia, this upscale Daylesford hotel is also home to an infinity pool, a cooking school and a plethora of artwork from resident artist (and co-proprietor) Allan Wolf-Tasker, as well as a coterie of other Australian artists.

Take a dip in the infinity pool. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 4 King St, Daylesford, Vic, 3460

Phone number: +61 3 5348 3329

Clifftop at Hepburn

Home to a collection of seven highly rated villas, Clifftop at Hepburn has been repeatedly crowned among the best accommodation in Australia. Not only are the villas attention-grabbing architecturally, but their interiors are impeccably furnished, the perfect fusion of modern minimalism and comfort and cosiness.

The perfect fusion of modern minimalism and comfort and cosiness. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Expect freestanding wood-burning fireplaces, freestanding solid stone baths, plush linens and cosy nooks for dining or reading. The villas sleep between two and four people, and feature a riot of natural textures and materials, bringing a sense of the outdoors in. Guests can also gorge on the surrounding unspoiled pastoral landscapes, showcased through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Expect freestanding wood-burning fireplaces. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Address: 209/219 Main Rd, Hepburn, Vic, 3461

Phone number: +61 1300 112 114

Headland, Airbnb

The quaintest little country cottage, Headland is the kind of bolthole you’d expect to see lighting up the screen in a rom-com, all white linens, scatter cushions, wrought-iron bed frame and cosy porch.

Headland is the quaintest little country cottage. (Image: Airbnb)

The perfect weekend getaway for two, this Daylesford Airbnb, doesn’t skimp on modern necessities, despite its aesthetic appeal. You’ll find blockout blinds in the bedroom, a walk-in shower with the biggest rain shower head you ever did see, Smeg appliances, and more.

It’s the ideal marriage of rustic charm and a fresh, modern feel. (Image: Airbnb)

It’s the ideal marriage of rustic charm and a fresh, modern feel. Moreover, it’s an easy walk from Headland to all of Daylesford’s cafes, boutiques and spas.

Hotel Frangos

Housed in a gorgeous landmark corner block, in a building that dates back to 1888 and was once a bank, a bar and a drapery, Hotel Frangos lies in the heart of Daylesford.

Hotel Frangos lies in the heart of Daylesford. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Each and every room at this boutique property is individually designed, so you can choose your own adventure. A corner suite featuring artworks by acclaimed local artist David Bromley and a round queen bed? Check. A terrace suite with a freestanding spa bath and plush velvet floor-to-ceiling bedhead? Yes. Or perhaps a retro-chic suite with huge arched windows and a walk-in shower? Sure.

Try the artfully crafted cocktails from the bar onsite. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Guests at Frangos can also exploit the complimentary breakfast (when booking direct), at Cafe Koukla downstairs, and there’s a restaurant and bar on-site too.

Address: 82 Vincent Street, Daylesford, Vic, 3460

Phone number: +61 3 5348 2363

Kudos Villas

Tucked away in bushland where echidnas and kangaroos roam, yet still within walking distance of Hepburn Springs’ restaurants, cafes and day spas, Kudos’ nine self-contained spa villas promise the best of both worlds.

There are nine self-contained spa villas to choose from, each with their own individual character, but all boasting open wood fireplaces, L’Occitane toiletries, a king-sized bed and a generous sunken spa bath.

Stay cosy and warm thanks to open wood fireplaces in each villa.

Book a Kudos Villa and you’ll also enjoy a few thoughtful touches such as breakfast provisions for the first morning of your stay (think local farmhouse muesli, bread, orange juice and tea and coffee) plus chocolates and a welcome drink on arrival.

Phone number: +61 3 5972 1600

Shizuka Ryokan Japanese Country Spa & Wellness Retreat

Not your average retreat, this adults-only B&B in Hepburn Springs will transport you straight to the shores of Japan. Modelled on a Japanese ryokan, Shizuka is a ludicrously zen space – the word ‘shizuka’ in fact translates to ‘tranquility’.

Roam around the immaculately manicured gardens, enjoy the serenity of your room’s tsuboniwa (small, private, Japanese garden), relax with a spa treatment, soak away the day in your room’s ensuite bath, don slippers and a yukata (a simple kimono provided for guests) and explore the ryokan, and fall asleep on the traditional futon bedding, made up by staff come nightfall.

Shizuka in Daylesford reflects the traditional ryokan style in Japan.

For many travellers, breakfast is among the highlights of a stay at Shizuka. The traditional meal is an elaborate, seasonal affair that typically features glazed, baked salmon; a Japanese omelette prepared with sake, dashi stock and mirin; umeboshi, or salted pickled plums that are grown on-site; wakame and cucumber salad; white miso soup; and white rice topped with toasted seaweed.

Address: 7 Lakeside Dr, Hepburn VIC 3461

Phone number: +61 3 5348 2030