Airbnb private apartment Willunga review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

Nestled in two acres of vines near the Shiraz Trail just outside Willunga, this little beauty is what dreams are made of.

McLaren Vale holds a special place in my heart. The laid-back nature, glorious scenery and its proximity to beautiful beaches make it my go-to wine region.

I almost always choose to drive there via the Hills, relishing my former stomping grounds, which are filled with gorgeous vistas and pretty ponies.

So when I saw that there was a dance music festival being held down there featuring one of our favourite music acts (The Presets, if anyone is interested) on the weekend of my boyfriend’s birthday, I jumped at the chance for a getaway.

Having exhausted the traditional options of accommodation (it turned out there were in fact two music festivals and a car rally all on the same day and everything was fully booked), I decided that the time had come to investigate the Airbnb places in the area.

Our experience at the festival turned out to be something of a disaster (think very drunk, extremely high and somewhat aggressive 20-somethings en masse – I really am getting old!) but, thankfully, our choice of accommodation was anything but.

Nestled in two acres of vines near the Shiraz Trail just outside Willunga, this little beauty is what dreams are made of.

Our positive experience started even before our trip. When asked by our host Jane for any breakfast requests, I replied that no meat was required and some soy milk would be much appreciated. On arrival, I was delighted to discover that they had supplied not only soy milk but non-dairy spread and coconut yoghurt, along with lots of fresh bread, fruit and eggs from their chickens.

There were even snacks, including chocolate and chips, and a Nespresso pod machine for coffee.

The stylish interior of this Willunga Airbnb apartment. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Jane came over after giving us a little time to settle in to kindly ask if we’d like a lift in to the festival.

We found the north-facing, detached studio to be modern, light-filled and airy with impeccable attention to detail and top-quality fittings and amenities. There were nice personal touches but nothing to suggest you were staying in someone’s home.

Linen is how I ultimately judge any place that I stay in and I was pleased to discover that it was of the highest quality with a bed that was more comfortable than our own.

It is very private and quiet, with just the occasional “broooook broook broook broook” of the contended chooks as they scratch around happily nearby.

The outlook from the large deck is what the Vale is all about, with views of rolling rows of vineyards headed for the hills, best enjoyed from the comfort of the big double spa.

The sun did shine through the window above the bed waking me a little on the early side come Sunday morning, but hey, the sun was shining – it was time to get up and enjoy the day! A blind may have been of use for those who would prefer to sleep in.

I usually like to have at least the option of an alarm clock on hand and maybe an iPod dock, neither of which were on offer but that certainly didn’t dampen our enthusiasm for the place.

As we are both keen cyclists, the proximity to the great bike track makes it a perfect base to explore the region. It is a short walk away from Battle of Bosworth, a quaint cellar door off the beaten track with delicious wines, very close to Willunga Golf Course if you fancy ruining a good walk with a game. It’s also a quick drive to beautiful Aldinga Beach, which we made the most of, having been blessed with heavenly weather. There’s even a tennis court on site if you are that way inclined; alas, after six months of tennis lessons a few years back with the quintessential uber-attractive tennis coach, I discovered that tennis is definitely NOT my forte so decided to give it a miss this time round.

Having previously steered clear of traditional BnBs due to visions of overbearing hosts, frilly doilies and full English breakfasts, the new age of accommodation in the brave new world of online convenience has certainly changed my tune. I can’t wait to get back to this little slice of heaven; it certainly has set the bar extremely high.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend

This review was first published in January 2018 and had details updated in March 2021

• 47 Gaffney Rd, Willunga
• airbnb.com.au/rooms/20288030

• LOCATION 45km south of Adelaide CBD
• ACCOMMODATION One-bedroom detached studio apartment
• FACILITIES Queensize bed, fully equipped kitchen with breakfast provisions provided, breakfast bar nook, TV, separate bathroom, outdoor double spa bath on deck, reverse-cycle airconditioner, ceiling fan and private entrance
• PRICE $200 a night (two night minimum stay)