Bannisters, Mollymook review: Infinite appeal

Cocooned ... Bannisters lodge, restaurant and day spa provides luxurious time out by the sea.

Angie Schiavone spoils herself on the South Coast.

There's something about infinity pools that makes me swoon. The one at Bannisters is no exception and acts as a big drawcard when I'm planning a South Coast sojourn.

Of course, it's a little too cool for swimming when we arrive but I can't help myself.

It's fairly small and triangular, the rippling water appearing to join seamlessly with the huge Pacific Ocean beyond. The view is amazing enough on its own but the pool, framed by gums either side, makes it all the more dramatic.

Bannisters is a lodge, restaurant and day spa in sleepy beachside of Mollymook, the type of place people go to spoil themselves. Room names such as ocean deluxe, spa retreat and pinnacle penthouse are a clue this place is all about relaxation and luxury. Having said this, Bannisters does seem to pitch itself a fraction too high. Photographs on the website dazzle, showing everything polished and perfect. In reality, while still lovely, parts of Bannisters are looking slightly tired and little things (like low-quality toilet paper) seem out of place.

From the balcony of our room (an ocean deluxe, the least-expensive option), we see the ocean from a slightly different angle. A little higher up now, we watch the waves crash on the headland rocks below the noise quite loud but therapeutic and calming.

An hour before dinner, we head to the poolside bar and bistro to kill some time. There are cushion-strewn lounges and lots of private nooks, with candles and lanterns here and there. Staff are friendly and accommodating, while soft music and quietly conversing patrons allow the sound of the waves to filter through.

The restaurant soothes, too. In crisp whites, the room is divided by strips of sheer fabric. Again, service is efficient and smiling as impressive as leek and potato soup, poured from a jug at the table over a poached free-range egg. For main, jewfish fillet with saffron gnocchi is a conversation stopper (too busy eating), while green-apple sorbet served with apple parfait for dessert starts us talking again (compliments only).

Rain sets in as we leave the restaurant, so we're glad to be only a short saunter from our room and that we've kept our big red Bannisters umbrella close at hand. Earlier, we'd trawled through the massive DVD selection and selected the night's viewing. Too easy.

We wake early, hoping to catch sunrise over the Pacific. It's a little overcast but still the sky lights up, pastel pink and purple at first, with bright orange slowly taking over. Sun up and spectacle over, we head out to explore Mollymook Beach, a 10-minute walk. It's a lovely stretch of sand, marked only with a few lines of footprints and the odd bluebottle. We add our own prints up and down the shore, then head back to Bannisters for breakfast.

Included in the tariff, the breakfast buffet features pastries, good breads, juices, fresh fruit, T2 teas and coffee (you can also order a cooked breakfast but this isn't part of the tariff). We take a complimentary newspaper, load up our plates and head to a table on the veranda. The eucalypts sway as we graze and read.

By now it's almost time to check out and we haven't had a chance to put the Bannisters gym and pool table to use. We haven't visited the day spa, either, yet it doesn't seem to matter.

We check out without fuss and hit the road to explore the surrounding area: Milton's cafes and shops, the main strip of Ulladulla and up to the scenic Cupitt's Winery on Washburton Road. It's a gorgeous, chilled-out area and definitely worth a visit, come rain or shine.

Weekends Away are reviewed anonymously and paid for by Traveller.

VISITORS' BOOK

Bannisters

Address 191 Mitchell Parade, Mollymook.

The verdict Relaxation unavoidable.

Price From $290 a night, minimum two-night booking on Fridays and Saturdays.

Bookings Phone [phone] or see www.bannisters.com.au.

Getting there A three-hour drive south of Sydney.

Wheelchair access Yes.

Perfect for Romantic getaways.

While you're there Visit Mollymook beach and nearby Milton and Ulladulla, hire bikes or play golf at Mollymook.