The Frames Paringa review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

You know that scene from Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts is let loose in Richard Gere’s penthouse? That was me.

Sometimes, moments stand out, based entirely on wow factor.

This is two of them.

The first involved an emu taking a bath (who knew emus could swim?). The second was the moment I clapped eyes on the The Frames, a set of three luxury retreats on a clifftop overlooking the River Murray.

Both magical moments happened in the Riverland, on the maze of waterways winding their way from Paringa to Renmark, a region boasting some of the most spectacular scenery in the state.

Owners Cathy and Rick Edmonds love their citrus-packed ’hood and its native wildlife. Local pride led them to build the luxury accommodation with a river view.

There are three retreats or “frames”, to choose from; Pastiche, Montage and Collage – each unique and gobsmacking.

We choose Montage, a private hideaway for two complete with a stunning pool, jacuzzi, infra-red sauna and outdoor bath. You know that scene from Pretty Woman when Julia Roberts is let loose in Richard Gere’s penthouse? That was me.

Sheer luxury at the Frames.

Playthings like double-headed showers, spa jets and a kingsize electric bed with tilt and massage functions brought out the child inside. Oh, so extravagant.

The three retreats are in close proximity but the impressive design by architect Paul Pruszinski means seclusion is guaranteed. We tested the theory … and you can’t see into the other residences, no matter how hard you try. It was enough to give this visitor the confidence to lounge about in a bathing suit.

Attention to detail is impeccable and as the property manager showed us through mod-cons, jaws hit the ground.

Large pieces by landscape artist Garry Duncan were inspired by local sights, tastes and sounds. Immaculate linen, L’Occitane bath products, a private laundry (for longer stays) a huge plasma TV loaded with the latest movies, Nespresso machine, a cupboard full of essentials, a bottle of chilled wine from Banrock Station, a private balcony and space … so much space to relax and unwind.

The Frames is as much a work of art as accommodation.

Cathy and Rick’s aim is to set visitors up with everything they could possibly need so there’s really no need to leave. We did though, because the chance to hit the water in a lush little boat was too good to miss.

The Backwater Secrets half-day tour was a treat. As we whizzed through the arterial waterways, the wind in our hair and spoonbills, whistling kites, Arctic terns, little eagles, egrets and rainbow honey bee eaters in sight, we pinched ourselves. Bird lovers also have the chance to see the region’s rare regent parrot – if they look hard enough.

We drifted through back creeks, convinced we were the first humans ever to do so and as cliff faces caught the late morning sun, pelicans in V-formation above, kangaroos pricked their ears in bemusement and a large colony of ibis tended to their newborns among the reeds, I fought back tears.

The emu swimming was the icing on the rural cake.

A leisurely gondola cruise during a stay at the Frames luxury resort at Paringa.

This was something special. The experience included local-made sandwiches and cakes (washed down with a Woolshed Brewery beer, wine, tea and coffee) and as we shouted the praises of our own backyard we waved at houseboat owners and headed back to our pad for a hefty dose of relaxation.

Accommodation with this level of luxury is a rare thing in SA, and as our hosts told stories of romantic two-hour sunset cruises on the property’s wooden gondola ($300 a couple, including sparkling wine and a cheese platter), special anniversaries and a wave of successful marriage proposals, it was easy to see why this place has the “yes” effect.

Retreats can be booked on a self-catering basis or provisioned with locally-produced food, a gourmet barbecue pack or a three-course a la carte meal cooked by a personal chef. We opted for the ready-to-roll three-course feed and enjoyed the ensuing food coma on the couch. You pay for quality and, for special occasions, The Frames is worth the splurge. Memories are made in a setting like this.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend

This review was first published in December 2015 and had details updated in March 2021.

• Lot 7 Panorama Court, Paringa
• 0418 862 260
• theframesluxuryaccommodation.com.au
  

LOCATION On the banks of the Murray, 250km from Adelaide and 4km downstream from Renmark. Three-hour drive from Adelaide.

ACCOMMODATION Three private and secluded retreats, each with a unique style and theme (Pastiche, Montage and Collage).

FACILITIES Each retreat has a private balcony overlooking the river, an outdoor area with kitchen and barbecue, spa and private heated pool. Kingsize electric beds with tilt function and massage options, electric blinds, smart TV in the lounge room and bedrooms, full kitchen facilities with high-end appliances and laundry. Airconditioned and heated, has free broadband Wi-Fi and bathrooms have double-headed showers with spa jets (and additional features).

PRICE Pastiche $1050/night, Montage $1190/night, Collage $1150/night.