The basics
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Peppers Ruffles Lodge and Spa
P: 07 5546 7411
Cost: Rooms on the Peppers website start at 429 and a Treehouse pool villa will set you back $599. Last minute deals can, however, be found for as low as $299, or $429 for a mid-week two-night stay in the treehouse.
This resort is exclusively for adults (14 and over). There are three treehouse pool villas, garden and spa villas, an executive suite and an owner's villa.
The room
In the treehouse pool villa, a sunken lounge with fireplace opens to one deck on the left and another to the right. Both have views over the suburbs, farms and theme parks of Coomera and Oxenford below.
Up two stairs is a king bed; beyond that a bathroom with a spa which overlooks the second private deck, and adjoining solar-heated plunge pool.
These particular villas were designed by the same architect who shared Bob Oatley's vision at the popular and rather expensive Hamilton Island resort Qualia. On this occasion Chris Beckingham brought his resort talents to the side of a mountain.
Throw in comfortable chairs, fine finishings, a welcome fruit platter for all guests, and a golf cart for each villa, and this is one of the finest retreats around - hidden just 40 minutes from the city.
The Food
The expansive views from Vue 175, the on-site restaurant at Ruffles, are second to none, whether it be the coastline during the day, or lights of suburbia at night.
But the food hasn't always been first-rate, something which new executive chef Francesco Trucco has worked hard to address, drawing from a hospitality background to now be in control of his own menu. The best resorts pride themselves on providing guests with the best food, and Ruffles can now add itself to the list.
Many ingredients are sourced from the herb garden just outside the kitchen's side door. Others come from around the coast. This means the menu is seasonal, but the bush dukkah-crusted lamb loin, and Manuka honey and yoghurt pannacotta come highly recommended.
There's also a freshly cooked breakfast here in the morning.
The Activities
Be warned. Once you've discovered the lay of the resort in your personal golf buggy, seen the spa and checked out the restaurant and infinity pool, any plans to explore outside Ruffles might be put on hold.
That's not a bad thing. Those who don't have their own plunge pool will find comfort by the main pool which overlooks the vast and distant coastline. There's a resort-style bar which serves cocktails through the day. And the water is heated year-round.
If you must be more active than that, it might be worth throwing the sticks in the boot. There's an 85m practice hole. If golf's not enticing, there are some nice areas to walk around.
The private decks of each villa are built to take advantage of the surrounding environment which means bird watching is a worthwhile pastime. The on-site spa might also prove a distraction.
The Weekend
This resort is a hidden gem - up with the best in Queensland.
Although in the vicinity of theme parks, the resort is a destination within itself. Laze in some of the best-designed holiday rooms available. Laze by the infinity pool overlooking some of the best views around. And eat in 5-star surrounds.
One word of warning: This reort is a popular wedding venue which means those looking for a secluded romantic weekend might find Saturday evening rather busy.
This place was a family vision. And it shows. It hasn't long been under the Peppers brand, and doesn't get the exposure of larger properties. Advice would be to discover it while you can - before it goes the same way as Qualia, booked up to eight months in advance at top-shelf prices.
- Simon Holt was a guest of Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa.
- Read about more great Queensland Escapes.
