For my 30th Birthday, the Mister and I escaped to Daylesford to celebrate.
FRIDAY - last day of my 20's
12:30: Bye-bye cuddles to the Cat, and then on the Road to Daylesford. 2:00: Arrive in Daylesford, hunt for a cheeky pie before check-in. 2:30: Stumble across Winespeake Cellar + Deli, end up purchasing some Wine Glasses and Salt, you know as souvenirs. 3:00: Check-in at The Lakehouse. We've had lunch there before but never stayed at their small hotel. We even got upgraded to a Waterfront Room. 4:00: Unpack and enjoy the sun on the balcony overlooking Lake Daylesford with a bottle of bubbles. 7:00: In-room dining for two, with cocktails and wine of course. It was nice to relax in our room instead of having to be in the formal dining room each night, the after-effects of lockdown no doubt. Nevertheless, the food was amazing, rustic and nourishing. 8:30: We watch the sunset over the Lake, and curl into our king bed for the night.
SATURDAY - and I'm 30
9:00: Leisurely wake up to the sound of birds chirping outside. 9:30: Off to the dining room for Breakfast, served a la carte. I have poached eggs with local tomatoes, avocado and bacon. Maybe a cheeky pastry also. 10:30: Off to wander the yonder. We head to Istra Smallgoods which is basically a little cellar door for their small goods and other European treats and staples. 10:45: Feeling parched, we head to Daylesford Cider Co for a tasting paddle before the lunch rush comes in. The paddle features 7 different ciders, I liked the Heritage Light, Brut and Wild Oaked Ciders. Safe to say we left with our arms full of cider. 11:30: Last stop is Mill Markets. I love a good flea market bazaar and this one didn't disappoint. In fact, a lot of people had the same idea so it was rather busy with tons of people trying to find something rare or fancy. A silver lining with wearing masks indoors is that you don't tend to smell that 'vintage smell' at the market. 12:30: Back to the room to relax. Phonecalls for family and friends and just lazing around on the plush furniture. Also catching up on Drag Race UK, because it is my birthday after all. 4:00: Down to The Spa at The Lakehouse for the Harmony Package. A massage and facial for the win. 7:00: Spramping myself for our fancy dinner in the dining room. 8:00: We are seated in Table 6 (my favourite number) and are treated to a Birthday Meal eleganza-extravaganza! Magically there were so many dishes I had been hankering to have for ages so I was one happy clam. Raw Kingfish, Beef Tartare, Juicy Lamb and to finish with a lush light Peach Dessert. I like fancy dining where the food and service are well balanced where I don't feel uncomfortable nor sick from eating and drinking too much. The Lakehouse has this art down to a tee. The perfect meal to welcome me into my 30's. 11:00: Back to the room, stuffed and ready for bed.
SUNDAY - I'm in my 30's
8:30: Packing up the weekend's wares before breakfast. 9:30: I have the Summer Bruschetta and a pot of Lemongrass and Ginger tea. 10:30: Checking out with a few more bags than when we checked in. 11:15: Take a cheeky detour to Castlemaine before heading home. Swinging by Johnny Baker for a Pie, Apple Shortbread and a slice of their famous Vanilla Slice. 11:30: We eat our pies in the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens surrounded by monumental trees and birds galore. 12:00: Time to drive home.