Macedon Ranges and Spa Country

With more Australians opting for shorter breaks, Warren Maloney, Chairman of the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country Executive Committee, says that the increase of people choosing holiday destinations close to home will continue to rise.

"People lead such hectic lifestyles nowadays that it's not realistic to spend weeks at a time away from work and other commitments. The demand for a relaxing weekend away, close to home is increasing and the constant flow of overnight visitors to the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country is a testament to this," he commented.

Research also suggests that Australians are spending more time at work, as employment demands, financial pressures and the cost of living continues to increase.

Australians are working longer hours and spending less time with their family and friends. 65 per cent of Australians work 39-49 hours per week, while 34 per cent of Australians are working over 50 hours per week.

The effect of people working longer is significant. Long hours impact on community and family life, people are missing quality time with children and partners, and are giving up hobbies and friendships.

As a result, more and more Australians are taking short breaks in place of long holidays due to busy, stressful lifestyles. While many people used to take four weeks or more of leave from work, most people now take shorter breaks and choose destinations close to home.

Australians are fortunate to be close to many natural wonders, beautiful holiday destinations and only a hop, skip and a jump or a short flight away from diverse and unique areas such as the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country region.

Renowned for its soothing spas, Maloney highlights the health benefits associated with visiting the region and putting the area's massueurs and holistic therapists' skills to the test.

"The region boasts arguably the greatest concentration of masseurs and therapists practising therapeutic and relaxation massage, Reiki, reflexology, Bowen therapy, acupuncture, traditional Chinese massage and shiatsu among many other treatments," he added.

The Spa Country's many venues offering natural spa mineral waters, alternative therapies, saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools combine to transform the mind and body of the stressed, the strained, the tired and the overworked - stimulating and relaxing the mind - preparing the workforce for a stress-free start to the working week.

Chris Malden, owner of the spectacular Springs Retreat Hotel and Spa House adds that, "contrary to what many people believe, water from natural mineral springs used in hot spas is not only beneficial for stress relief. Spas also ease the discomfort of arthritis, as well as assist with the relief of diabetes, not to mention relaxation of joints and muscles, and working miracles for a great night's sleep."

The Springs Retreat's Signature Tiger facial with its powerful detoxifying clay treatment not only wards off stress, but also the advances of other hotel guests with its striking tiger-like appearance!

Also famed for its sumptuous food, wine and wonderful local produce, the Macedon Ranges and Spa Country is sure to wash away the stress of the city. For those interested in a relaxing and decadent weekend away - rug up, fill the hip flask and experience the pure indulgence of your own backyard.

If you're interested in booking a weekend of pure indulgence, visit:www.discoverdaylesford.com.au or for more information on the region, visit:www.macedonandspa.com.au

Bed & Breakfast

Dudley House
Address: 101 Main Road, Hepburn Springs, VIC 3461
Phone: 03 5348 3033
www.dudleyhouse.com.au
A real old-fashioned B&B offering first class hospitality with the full a la carte English breakfast and home cooked afternoon tea each day. Dudley House is a beautiful Edwardian property set in delightful gardens only three minutes walk from the Hepburn Spa Complex and the Mineral Springs Reserve.

Tuki Retreat
Address: Stoney Rises, Smeaton, VIC 3364
Phone: 03 5345 6233
www.tuki.com.au
Relax, unravel, unwind. An easy 20 minutes from Daylesford, romantic stone cottages on the lake, a spa with essential oils and Tuki's unique spring water, panoramic views of the Loddon Valley and the famous Tuki breakfast of free range eggs and homemade lamb sausages. Try your hand at trout fishing, enjoy a massage in your cottage or simply sit back and do nothing!

Retreat/Hotel

Campaspe House
Address: Goldies Lane Woodend, VIC 3442
Phone: 03 5427 2273
www.campaspehouse.com.au
Perfectly located in the heart of the Macedon Ranges, an easy 50-minute drive from Melbourne, Campaspe House is a magnificent English manor set on 32 acres of Edna Walling designed gardens and natural bushland. Relax with a glass of local sparkling wine in the sitting room and enjoy dinner in the renowned in-house restaurant, featuring the best in local produce.

Cedars Indulgence Retreat
Address: Corner Old Melbourne & Daylesford Roads, Ballan, VIC 3342
Ph: 03 5368 1281
www.cedars.8m.com
Cedars Retreat offers the total indulgent retreat with luxurious, exclusive facilities for one couple offering the best in comfort and relaxation. Gourmet cooking, extensive spa and beauty treatments, set amongst gorgeous tranquil gardens conveniently located just off the Western Hwy.

The Lake House
Address: King Street Daylesford, Victoria Australia 3460
Phone: 03 5348 3329
www.lakehouse.com.au
Internationally acclaimed boutique small hotel and restaurant and winner of the 2004 Age Good Food Guide Best Country Restaurant. Lake House is perfectly located on tranquil Lake Daylesford and set in several acres of beautiful manicured gardens. Select from a range of rooms and suites many offering lake views and private balconies and have the Lake House cater for your every whim.

The Springs Retreat
Address: 124 Main Road Hepburn Springs, VIC 3461
Phone: 03 5348 2202
www.thesprings.com.au
The Springs Retreat is a spectacular 1930's Art Deco Style hotel situated in the heart of Hepburn Springs. Once you arrive at The Springs you need never leave - luxuriate in the in-house Springs Retreat Spa House and enjoy superb meals in the award winning DECO Restaurant. But if you do want to explore, the sights of Daylesford and Hepburn are right at your doorstep.

Booking Services

Daylesford Getaways
Address: 123 Vincent Street, Daylesford, VIC, 3460
Phone: 03 5348 4422
www.dayget.com.au
Daylesford Getaways believe that every aspect of your holiday should be relaxing - even organising it! With over 150 properties available in Daylesford, Hepburn Springs and surrounding areas, from a modest miners cottage in the bush to a luxurious lakeside villa, their range of accommodation options are extensive. Their website provides extensive information on all their properties and they can also assist with spa and restaurant bookings.

Daylesford Accommodation Booking Service (DABS)
Address: 94 Vincent Street, Daylesford, VIC, 3460
Phone: 03 5348 1448
www.dabs.com.au
Daylesford Accommodation Booking Service, better known as DABS, specialises in all types of holiday accommodation in Spa Country. From romantic cottages to traditional B&Bs, lake side apartments or bush land retreats, we can meet your every need. As well as outstanding accommodation options DABS is a "one stop shop" for booking your entire package including restaurants, massage, spa and pampering.