The Retreat at Stirling review | SA’s Great Travel Planner

A small waterfall sets the tone for relaxation. We are surrounded by gardens and feel far, far away from the rest of civilisation – bliss.

Stirling is the kind of place you’d love to call home. Surroundings are lush and green, the climate is cool enough for a crackling fire and there’s just the right mix of delicious cafes, trendy homewares stores and weekend markets.

So when it comes to spending a night or two in Stirling, it’s nice to have a place that feels homely.

The Retreat at Stirling is part of a bigger property, where the owners also reside. A lack of signage makes it a little tricky to know where to check-in, but it doesn’t take long for us to find some help.

I was there with my sister for a girls’ weekend away and we couldn’t wait to drag up our overnight bags, pour a glass of wine and take in the fresh, Adelaide Hills air.

We’d just enjoyed a cooking class at the popular Sticky Rice Cooking School up the road so there was little more to do than kick back and laze (digest) in our front courtyard with that bottle of wine we’d picked up from Stirling Cellars on our way.

A small waterfall sets the tone for relaxation. We are surrounded by gardens and feel far, far away from the rest of civilisation – bliss.

The Retreat at Hoylake Ave, Stirling.

The apartment-style accommodation is separated from the rest of the home by a very large pool room, which guests can also enjoy right up until 11.30pm. For those keen for a dip in the 12.5m heated swimming pool, the room includes two bathrooms, one of which is wheelchair friendly.

Inside, the open-style plan feels a little more luxurious and fresh than traditional bed and breakfasts.

French provincial styling is modernised with contemporary fittings, including stainless steel appliances in the kitchen, downlights and a gas fireplace. Timber floorboards help with the clean, spacious feel as do the large french doors that open up to a second private courtyard, allowing for plenty of natural light to stream inside.

There’s also a barbecue in this second outdoor area, which would be ideal for entertaining or when staying at the Retreat with another couple.

The indoor swimming pool at The Retreat at Stirling.

There are two bedrooms, one with a kingsize bed and the other a queen. The beds are both luxuriously-appointed, with upholstered bedheads and quality sheets. They were incredibly comfortable, almost guaranteeing a good night’s sleep. Extra points for chocolates on the bedside.

The bathroom also strikes a balance between romance and modern comfort — with an open shower, overbench sink and large vanity mirror, and a contemporary corner spa bath.

No hot bubbles for us, though. The television in the living area offered the perfect excuse for a lazy night in. While we couldn’t figure out how to use the fireplace, reverse-cycle heating worked a treat.

The apartment is peaceful and quiet, and a well-appointed kitchen – including a stove, oven and utensils – makes it easy to cook up dinner.

The next morning calls for us to make the most of the great outdoors and we decide to climb Mt Lofty – although the Heysen Trail is nearby for keen bushwalkers. There’s also two acres of bushland surrounding the Retreat itself that can be explored.

But first, breakfast. In the fridge you’ll find fresh eggs, bacon and juice, and there are also cereals, jams and a big ol’ loaf of freshly baked bread that smells too good not to eat. Yep, you could certainly get used to calling this home.

Reviews are unannounced and paid for by SAWeekend.

This review was first published in February 2016 and had details updated in March 2021.

• 9 Hoylake Ave, Stirling
• 0412 127 045, 0411 416 406
• the-retreat.com.au

• LOCATION Stirling is approximately 16km southeast of Adelaide.
• ACCOMMODATION One bedroom, luxury bed and breakfast style Balcony apartment.
• FACILITIES Flat screen TV, reverse-cycle airconditioning, fully equipped kitchen with breakfast provisions, bath and separate shower, 12.5m heated indoor swimming pool.
• PRICE From $210/night.