Windmills Break
Margaret River, Western Australia
A wonderfully welcoming boutique hotel with elegant rooms and landscaped grounds in the Margaret River wine region
We arrived at Windmills Break close to midnight, several hours
later than anticipated after a slow, harrowing drive through a
storm. We must have looked hungry, tired and a tad stressed, for
just after showing us our elegant suite, the same staff who’d
whisked away our bags reappeared with an ice bucket and chilled
wine. Ten minutes later, while I was snooping around our spacious
split-level suite, he returned with a colossal tray of food: fresh
oysters, delicious antipasti composed from regional produce,
succulent spare ribs, and sweets for dessert!
Add to this accommodating attitude a relaxing lounge with
double-sided stone fireplace, spa baths in the larger rooms, and a
superb breakfast with some of the best Eggs Benedict around, and
you've got all the ingredients for a relaxing stay. Windmills Break
(named for a stunning local surf beach) also has 10 acres of
gorgeous gardens, and an infinity-edged swimming pool with loungers
and a hot tub, which is so inviting it's hard to leave! And given
its handy location close to beaches (Yallingup, Eagle Bay and
Bunker Bay), wineries and galleries, in rural splendour yet just 5
minutes from town, you'd be pushed to find a better place from
which to explore the lovely Margaret River wine region.
Reviewed by Lara Dunston
Last updated 12 December 2011
Highs
- Hospitable, affable and efficient young management and staff dedicated to making your stay as restful as possible
- Contemporary, understated rooms and suites with chocolate, cream and leather interiors and local photography; all have a private courtyard or garden
- Excellent leisure facilities, including a good gym, big swimming pool, jacuzzi and tennis courts, plus a range of pampering on offer, including facials, reflexology and Hawaiian massage
- Inviting bar and cosy lounge with an open fireplace - ideal for curling up with a warming glass of something in winter
- Superb location between Dunsborough and Yallingup that’s ideally situated for swimming, surfing, wine-touring, and gallery-hopping
Lows
- No other meals served (although snacks are available) and the nearest restaurant is a short drive away
- Some find the rooms' clean lines and contemporary style a bit business hotel-like
- Pricey, but the facilities, service, setting and ambiance provide value for money
- Full pre-payment required at the time of booking (though you do get most of it back if you cancel in good time)
