ADELAIDE WINTER STAYCATION GETAWAY

Do you ever feel like you just need to get away from it all? Yeah, me too. It’s been a big year with the launch of my new business Neon Cherry and Winter has been a drag, we had passed the mid year mark and I knew if i didn’t get away things would get topsy turvy real quick. While I don’t have the time for a full blown holiday I did have a free weekend up my sleeve so I booked a ‘staycation’ weekend. One night away with the girls and one night away with the huz. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you throw yourself into the ‘holiday vibes’ it works!

Most of you would know that for the last two years I hosted several Bali tours, and while I am not hosting tours this year I did make some wonderful connections on tour and have even holidayed with past attendees again. Two of my fab attendees actually live right here in South Australia so I figured it was time for a reunion…and belly laughs.

So I made the call, they said ‘heck yes’ and in a flash we were planning a getaway. And by getaway I mean twenty four hours! Yes that’s right, we had from 2pm Saturday to 4 pm Sunday (okay that’s 26 hours), not a lot of time but we were up for the challenge. Now it might seem like no planning necessary, but I really wanted this to feel like a getaway and do some things that we wouldn’t normally do. I also wanted to share some fun things to do in Adelaide during the winter months.

We are so fortunate to have the most incredible beaches with stunning sunsets here in South Australia and you all know I am a beach girl at heart but we also all know that the beach isn’t as inviting in winter, right? Ummm, nope. I absolutely love the beach in winter! Look, you won’t see me swimming in winter because that’s crazy talk, but the ocean is wild and broody, the skyline mystical and the beach side cafes and restaurants are warm and cosy. Rug up, get out and get some good ole vitamin SEA, it’s good for the soul.

WHERE WE STAYED.

If you are planning a staycation the trick is not to spend half your time travelling, so book something close by and explore where you live. I have stayed at Seawall Apartments in Glenelg before and have even done a photo shoot or three there so it was a no brainer when the lovely Rachael offered me a little stay. I took her up on the offer in a flash. I love Seawall, it oozes character, history, charm and seaside vibes. Oh, and the location is seafront. For those who are visiting Adelaide it’s located approximately seven minutes from the airport, is a stroll to Jetty Road Glenelg shopping and restaurant precinct and a short tram ride to the city. Seawall Apartments is a family owned business, which means personalised service and all the extra touches that matter. There’s a stack of room/apartment style options and the girls and I were lucky enough to snag 1 Olive Court. This apartment has three bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, 2 bathrooms, balcony and is facing the esplanade, so I could literally overlook the ocean from the bath.

SAVE TIME AND OUTSOURCE

We also had a birds eye view from our private balcony. And what better way to enjoy that view than with some bubbles and some some yummy food. Would you look at this spread!

No, I didn’t make it myself but I did make the call to Ray and Ally from Out In The Paddock for a grazing box. Yup, save time and impress your taste buds and outsource to those who do it best. Out In The Paddock do all levels of catering (remember when they did the huz’s 50th?) including pickup options. You ask and they will do, just remember to order in advance.

OUT AND ABOUT

After a catch-up on the balcony we decided to walk to the Glenelg Jetty to view/shop the Glenelg Sunset Markets. These are normally an outdoor event, but it’s winter in the South so they were set up under some massive enclosed marquees complete with eateries, live music and plenty of market stalls.

Then it was off  to the The Mosley for sunset drinks, don’t mind if I do! I have always wanted to swing in the suspended cane chairs but it’s not really the Huz’s thing, but the girls were up for it so we ordered drinks and swayed a while.

We followed this up with a pot of tea and a pastry at St Louis, because we are late night ragers and we like desserts!

This was actually a fun part of the night, we were sat next to 3 fourteen year old girls who we started chatting to. They were well mannered, delightful and funny and we all had some snort laughs. Striking up a conversation with strangers can lead to some wonderful exchanges and can be good for the soul, we actually did this a few times over the weekend. When was the last time you had a good ole chinwag with a complete stranger?

Back to our room and into our pyjamas with a gin in hand, telly on we enjoyed a few hours of catching up and girl talk. Surprisingly we didn’t eat out for dinner, the graze box and snacks along the way kept us full and we were preparing ourselves for an amazing lunch the next day!

LET’S EXPLORE

Next morning we headed out for brekky at The Organik Store And Cafe, after no actual dinner the night before we were all starving! A natter while we lingered over a pot of tea is always a good way to start the morning. Then back in the car and driving South to Port Willunga, approx forty kilometres away.

Remember when I said to include the things you had always wanted to do? Well, I have always wanted to go to ‘The Star Of Greece Reastaurant. Now the Huz and I see eating out as a form of relaxation/recreation and we are good at it but somehow we have just never made our way to this acclaimed restaurant, so I booked it in with the girls. On the way we stopped to take pics, do some shopping and find a loo, because we are all middle aged with bladders to match.

Then it was time for lunch and boy did the food live up to the good reputation this wonderful restaurant has! The service was outstanding, views were stunning and the food was incredibly good! I’m pretty sure I will be back there soon with the Huz.

Speaking of Huz, it was time for us to tumble back into the car and head back. The girls packed their bags, we said our goodbyes and I headed home to pick up the Huz ready for a night with my man.

The Huz and I are a team and he has been so supportive (and patient) as I navigate running my business, I actually couldn’t do what I do without him so It was so a no brainer to include him in my staycation plans. After a stroll around the area we headed to Sammys on the marina for dinner. Yummy food and wine, a nice way to spend a Sunday night! Even nicer was the king size bed and huge spa bath situation back at our apartment! Oh, let’s not forget the take away churros pack we picked up at St Louis ice creamery…get in my guts!

It’s amazing what you can fit into a weekend (and into my belly!), so if you are needing a break, due for a catch-up with the girls or want a romantic night away then consider holidaying where you live. If you could staycation in your area where would you go, what would you see?

Til next time,

Jen x