Getting to Osborn House is easy – leaving is a different story. A two-hour cruise down the highway from Sydney (and a similar distance from Canberra), the Bundanoon property relaunched as Osborn House in 2022. But its heritage has long been in hospitality.

From the early 1900s, settlers George and Dinah Osborn welcomed guests into their residence at 96 Osborn Avenue. In the 1980s Sydney-based fitness centre Solar Plexus transformed the grounds into Solar Springs Health Retreat. These days the property exists as a boutique hotel, brimming with old world charm with a wellness offering that’s ideal for city dwellers seeking a rejuvenating weekend away.

This winter sees the addition of five new forest lodges added to the existing collection of rooms, suites and lodges. Alongside the new openings, there’s an all-inclusive itinerary with the option to book for two, three and five night stays. These packages include a bottle of champagne to enjoy on arrival; daily breakfast served at the onsite casual diner George’s; lunch, which is also offered at George’s or as a picnic basket packed for you to take out on an adventure or enjoy around the property); plus dinner each night at either Dinah’s (where a set menu is served Wednesday to Sunday) or George’s. Depending on the length of your stay, packages also can include excursion experiences in the Southern Highlands, treatments at the onsite spa, a full minibar and standard drinks with meals. All you need to choose is when, where and what you want to eat – perfect for brains that are a bit burned out.

For bodies that are in need of a little TLC, try the restorative Akwaterra massage on the spa menu, or visit the just-opened forest bathing deck, which plays on the Japanese idea of shinrin-yoku (which translates to forest bathing). The custom-built outdoor wellness zone features an ice bath, sauna, jacuzzi and fire pit, with a limit to two guests at a time to ensure complete serenity. There’s also a heated 25-metre lap pool, hot tub, steam room and sauna. Oh, and each of the Forest Lodges feature a private outdoor bath on the balcony.

Each of the Forest Lodges are positioned with views across the Morton National Park with maximum privacy thanks to clever design – the only neighbours you’re likely to encounter are the resident wallabies who emerge at dusk. The wooden structures were craned onto the grounds fully built and have been kitted out with luxurious amenities. The interiors, like the rest of the property, feature vintage furnishings with contemporary touches as per designer Linda Boronkay’s signature style (the award-winning designer and columnist is the former design director at Soho House in London, if the vibe feels familiarly British).

There’s a skylight with automated blinds above the king-sized bed (which are custom made for Osborn House, we asked) letting you star gaze as you fall asleep and watch the sunrise when the birds wake (although the lodges are deceptively soundproof and you really wouldn’t know there’s much life outside until you crack the balcony door open each day).

The turn-down service includes sheet masks and a sleep spray to spritz across the pillows. There’s herbal teas to brew and Ms Peacock chocolates to nibble on if you need a midnight snack. Alongside a plush towel-lined robe and slippers, you’ll find hot water bottles in knitted bags for extra cosiness. And the in-room fireplaces are set ready for lighting to keep you warm on even the chilliest winter nights. You’ll no doubt return home floating on cloud nine.

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