Mr & Mrs Smith

Empire Retreat and Spa

Margaret River, Australia

Like all great empires, this one grew from solid foundations. The old stone and timber farmhouse at the heart of Empire Retreat and Spa, a boutique hideaway in Margaret River, was once the owner's family home. Today, the Empire has expanded to include a handful of modern-rustic rooms and a signature day spa. If you'd prefer wine to mud wraps, an onsite vineyard showcases the region's stars, chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon. There's a subtle eastern flavour throughout, with water features, artfully placed Buddha statues, ramrod-straight bamboo groves and antique Asian furniture.

Need to know

• Rooms 10 suites (including two villas).
• Rates Double rooms from $193.22 (AU$198), excluding tax at 10 per cent.
  Prices have been converted from the hotel's local currency (AU$198), via XE.com, using today's exchange rate.
• More details Rates include breakfast.
• Facilities A stellar day spa, games room and a communal kitchen for guests to cook up a storm. In rooms: TV, DVD player, WiFi, iPod dock, Elissa Coleman robes and Sodashi bath products.
• Poolside There's no pool, but there is secluded Jacuzzi, sauna and outdoor shower set among landscaped gardens are there for all to enjoy.
• Check-out 11am, but may be flexible, subject to availability. Check-in, 2pm.
• Children This hotel is better suited to couples - leave the children at home!
• Hotel closed From now until August 2012, the hotel will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
• Also Two-night minimum stay on weekends; three-night minimum stay during peak seasons; four-night minimum stay over Easter. All rooms are non-smoking. The hotel doesn't cater to children under the age of 15.

Food and drink at Empire Retreat and Spa

• Hotel restaurant

  There's no restaurant as such, however there is a communal kitchen at the heart of the property that's open to guests, so stock up on supplies while you're in town. A gourmet cooked breakfast is served each morning in the dining room, where you can gaze out over an olive grove. Lunch hampers and dinner platters can be arranged on request.

• Dress code Things may be relaxed, but you'll have to slip out of that gorgeous Elissa Coleman robe eventually… Mrs Smith, mirror the hotel's Asian aesthetic with something fabulous and floaty from Akira Isogawa; Mr Smith, keep it smart and simple.

Also worth knowing

• Weddings This property is suitable for weddings. More...

Empire Retreat and Spa 1958 Caves Road, Yallingup, Margaret River, Western Australia, 6282