Wow! This might have been a church once, but look at it now!
St. Martin’s – way down on the peninsula of Tasmania lies a blissful retreat just waiting to serve.
I interviewed Simon Holloway a while ago about his Vegepod business – providing well designed home gardening pods for people with a yearning for fresh, organic food. And yes, there’s a big market there. Always the entrepreneur, Simon has moved on, sold up, and his latest baby is an old church down in Dunalley where land meets sea every day.
From what I gather, the renovation was a huge undertaking (and expensive of course), but for a retreat from the usual hustle and bustle, it stands out. Proud and in a way, soothing. The atmosphere just hums luxury and indulgence. The little extras that Simon has added show his attention to detail, and knowledge of the importance of the entire guest experience.
Surprisingly, there’s also a lot to do in the area, so several days allocated to this gorgeous nest, would be a minimum I would suggest. From vineyards, restaurants, farms and local hang outs, there’s so much choice, it was hard to decide where to go. And the church was warm, with a gorgeous fire pit outside as well, so it was hard to move! But, we followed Simon’s very well thought through advice, and I post it here for you to see just what a first class experience can be.
Surprised at the wealth of experiences waiting for you in this incredibly lush area? I was, and I thought I knew Tassie fairly well. So much to see, and so little time! 🙂
From Simon’s welcome email:
“One of the beauties of St Martin’s of Tasmania is its location. It conveniently appears just 30 mins south of Hobart airport and is the gateway to the entire Tasman Peninsula. “The ‘Ninch” as we affectionately call it has quickly become one of the hottest foodie and nature-lovers’ trails, all encapsulated conveniently on the one peninsula. But if at any point you wish to go to Hobart for an event or market for example, then it’s also quick and easy to duck back up to town.
If you’d like a Deluxe Welcome Pack, please advise. It includes a selection of top-shelf local produce, ready upon arrival:- A dozen Blue Lagoon oysters, one bottle of Bangor champagne, a loaf of fresh Dunalley bread, oranges for the press, South Roast coffee, WildCraft Cacao, milk and butter. The cost is $150.
There are extra bottles of Bangor champagne, pinot noir and rose available for purchase in the fridge and on the bench too if you wish to partake without having to go to the vineyards or Dunalley Hotel or if too late at night.
Here are suggested activities in the immediate locale. The advantage of Dunalley is that most of the following are located in the same bay or stretch of coast.
· Bangor Vineyard (it just won Tourism Australia’s “Best Vineyard”). Great for not just wines but lunch too. You can see St Martin’s across the bay if you look closely.
· Van Bone restaurant in Marion Bay. A wonderful set menu with carefully selected ingredients from the onsite veggie patches and locally caught fish etc. It is only open Sat-Mon. Bookings essential.
· Bream Creek Vineyard – cracking wines and stunning views to Marion Bay.
· Cape Bernier Vineyard – more superb wines, cheeses and ocean views.
· Hellfire Bluff Distillery – on the Daly family’s operating potato farm in Dunalley. Amazing gins and limoncello.
· The Cannery on Dunalley wharf – An old cannery converted to a pub style establishment. Great drinks, seafood and hot chips.
· Phoenix Farm in Dunalley – all farmyard and patch to plate (It often closes in Winter so you check timing)
· Cubed Espresso – stunning views of Pirate Bay and EagleHawk Neck with proper coffee and home-made treats.
· Blue Lagoon Oysters in Dunalley – fresh from the farm which is literally behind the little store front.
· If you’re a hiker, then any of the Three Capes walks, Fortescue Bay, Marion Beach Bay – all just a bit down the ‘ninch.
· Lanterns in Dunalley, great coffee and picnic provisions from Tassie produce.
· The Chocolate Foundry if you’re a chocaholic, fruit picking at the pear, apple, berry farms etc – all a bit down the ‘ninch.
· Scuba dive with the seals, weedy sea dragons, lobsters etc with EagleHawk Neck boat tours
· Watch insane surf at Shipstern’s Bluff (Note this includes a decent bush walk-in to get to the vantage point)
· Duck up to Hobart for the Farm Gate markets on Sundays for produce and food (not in winter). Note this is not the Salamanca arts/craft/food markets which are also good.
- Do nothing but stay inside to rest or write or paint or play period games or read or drink whiskey and wines, all before the fire, all in-house, or even cook!
· There is more to do and see. We can give further hot tips based on your specific likes and timings once booked in if you like. Just ask!
Thanks,
Simon Holloway”
www.stmartinsoftasmania.com.au
CMG 🙂
