Looking for a luxury Perth Hills getaway that feels a million miles from the city? Amaroo Retreat & Spa in Mount Helena might just be the hidden escape you’ve been looking for. With private luxury chalets, outdoor spa baths, an incredible pool oasis, an onsite day spa and restaurant, this is a place where switching off comes naturally.
I first discovered Amaroo Retreat & Spa quite by accident. I had been invited along to one of its feast nights to celebrate the Swan Valley with Destination Perth. I honestly had no idea this place even existed. And let me tell you, I was absolutely blown away.
After that first visit, I knew I had to come back. So when the opportunity came around for Ahmet and me to spend two nights experiencing this luxury retreat in the Perth Hills, I wasn’t about to say no.
I don’t often holiday in my own backyard, and I’m not going to lie, luxury accommodation like this comes with a price tag. But sometimes an experience is worth splashing out on, and Amaroo was one of those places.
First impressions: A hidden oasis in the Perth Hills
The moment you turn off the road and head down Amaroo’s long, tree-lined driveway, you get the feeling you’re entering another world. There’s something about the entrance that immediately makes you feel like you’re somewhere exclusive. A little bit of luxury, a little bit of wealth, and a whole lot of escapism.
But it’s when you reach the restaurant and pool area that things really start to impress.
Imagine an oasis in the middle of the Australian bushland. The bluest water, a beautiful waterfall, little cabanas surrounded by billowing sheer white curtains, artificial turf, enormous cream-coloured couches piled high with fluffy cushions and gorgeous cane furniture.
It looks like something you’d expect to find at a luxury resort in Bali, except you’re surrounded by the native bushland of the Perth Hills.
And then there’s the wildlife.
Kangaroos casually bouncing past as though they own the place. Which, let’s be honest, they probably do.
I was so excited by this first glimpse of Amaroo. I knew immediately that I wanted to spend some time here.
Inside Amaroo Retreat & Spa: A Full Property Tour
Want to see what Amaroo looks like before you book? I filmed a full walkthrough so you can explore the property, its beautiful surrounds and the little details that make this retreat so special.
Staying at Amaroo Retreat & Spa: Eight private luxury chalets
Amaroo has just eight individual luxury chalets, accommodating a maximum of 16 overnight guests. This is a small, intimate retreat rather than a sprawling hotel, and that’s very much part of its appeal.
Check-in starts with a lovely welcome. You’re greeted with a glass of bubbles, introduced to the facilities, and given the opportunity to book any spa treatments you’d like during your stay. Then you’re shown to your own private chalet tucked away among the trees.
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The chalets all have the same luxury layout, with privacy and views of the surrounding bushland. Our chalet had a beautiful patio with a lounge where you could sit back, relax and watch the world go by.
But the real highlight was sitting right there on the deck. Your very own private outdoor spa bath. And not just any spa bath. These are rainwater-fed private spa baths, maintained at around 32 degrees.
Imagine enjoying a sunrise spa while watching kangaroos bounce through the bushland. It’s the sort of experience that makes you want to put your phone down, forget about your to-do list and do absolutely nothing.
Inside, the chalet is beautifully appointed. A huge bed sits in the centre of the room, with the bathroom cleverly positioned behind it. You’ll find twin basins, a double shower and a privately enclosed toilet.
Along the wall are all the little extras you’d expect from luxury accommodation. A television, minibar, slippers, robes, safe and plenty of amenities.
One thing I particularly loved was the television’s movie channel. I know, it sounds like a small thing, but after a full day of relaxing, I was more than happy to climb into bed, pour a glass of wine, put on a movie and listen to the sounds of the Australian bush outside.
The property is also filled with artwork. From reception to the restaurant and even inside the chalets, there’s art and beautiful furniture throughout. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the interiors and overall atmosphere.
The Lounge: Dining at Amaroo Retreat
One of the great things about staying at Amaroo is that you don’t need to leave the property to enjoy a lovely dinner or breakfast.
The onsite restaurant and cocktail bar, The Lounge, is beautifully styled and has a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. You can choose to sit inside or outside overlooking the pool.
We visited in October, and although the days were lovely, the evenings were still a little chilly for us to dine outdoors. So we settled inside, which was just as lovely.
Our first evening included a three-course dinner, and we enjoyed a selection of dishes from the menu.
For starters, I opted for the carrot soup, while Ahmet went with the mushroom bruschetta.
For mains, we enjoyed beef cheeks and sirloin steak, followed by dessert.
And dessert deserves a mention.
We tried the sticky date pudding and a deconstructed apple crumble. The apple crumble was a particular highlight for me. Absolutely loved it.
The restaurant menu features dishes such as twice-baked cheese soufflรฉ, char sui pork belly, cured salmon, sirloin steak, snapper and wild mushroom risotto. There’s also a selection of sides and seasonal specials.
At the time of our visit, the listed dinner prices were $80 per person for two courses and $90 per person for three courses.
Now, I’ll be honest. Dinner was enjoyable, but I think there’s room for a little more polishing when it comes to the menu. For a property that gets so many things right, I’d love to see the dining experience lifted to the same level as the accommodation.
Breakfast at The Lounge
Breakfast, on the other hand, was a lovely way to start the morning.
The menu has a good selection, and over our two mornings we tried a few different things. I enjoyed eggs Benedict one morning, while the following morning we opted for beautiful red velvet pancakes and a shakshuka.
Juice is included with breakfast, and staying guests also receive a special discount on barista-made coffee.
And speaking of coffee, their chai latte was one of the better ones I’ve had in a while.
One morning I sat outside enjoying breakfast, and the next I asked the staff whether I could take my breakfast down to the pool.
Their response? Anything!
So down I went, settled in right in front of that beautiful blue water and enjoyed breakfast with a view. Honestly, why would you want to be anywhere else?
And because good food deserves its own spotlight, here’s a little look at what we ate during our stay at The Lounge.
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The pool: A little slice of Bali in the Perth Hills
I need to give the pool area its own mention because this was probably my favourite spot on the property.
I’ve already mentioned the waterfall, the cabanas and those enormous couches, but there’s something about the whole setting that makes you want to spend hours there.
Unfortunately, the swimming pool isn’t heated, so despite the lovely October weather, I didn’t actually make it into the water.
That didn’t stop me from enjoying the area, though.
I happily planted myself in one of the little poolside huts with my laptop, a beautiful view in front of me and absolutely no desire to go anywhere.
One thing to note – I really appreciated was the Wi-Fi. It was excellent throughout the property, which meant I could comfortably work from the chalet or take my laptop down to one of the poolside cabanas and spend the day working with that gorgeous pool view. Not a bad office for the day, is it? For anyone who likes to mix a little work with their getaway, this was a big bonus.
I worked the day away, occasionally looking up to admire the pool and reminding myself that this was technically still work.
If I could make one suggestion, it would be to offer a few more food and drink options for guests spending the day poolside. When you’ve found your little slice of paradise, the last thing you want to do is leave it.
The pool is also available to day visitors through pool passes, making it possible to enjoy this little oasis without booking an overnight stay. Check with Amaroo for current availability and conditions.
Amaroo Day Spa: One of the best massages I’ve had
Of course, you can’t visit a retreat and spa without actually experiencing the spa.
I booked the Amaroo Signature Massage, a one-hour treatment, and let me tell you, this was one of the better massages I’ve had in my life.
The therapist was an absolute professional. The massage was incredibly relaxing, and by the time it finished, I felt like I could happily do absolutely nothing for the rest of the day.
Which was pretty much exactly what I wanted.
There were a couple of little details I’d love to see improved. I wasn’t provided with slippers, and after having your feet washed, it’s a little strange having to walk across a cold floor to get to the massage bed.
It’s such a small thing, but these little touches make a difference when you’re positioning yourself as a luxury spa experience.
That said, the massage itself was fantastic. I’d happily book another one.
The day spa offers another reason to visit Amaroo, whether you’re staying overnight or simply looking for a little pampering in the Perth Hills.
My advice? Book your treatment ahead of time, particularly if you’re visiting over a weekend.
A luxury retreat that feels miles away from everything
One of the things I loved most about Amaroo was how secluded it felt.
You could easily convince yourself that you’re somewhere deep in the Australian wilderness, with no civilisation for miles.
And yet, you’re actually quite close to everything you might need.
Mundaring Weir is nearby, and Mundaring town is only around a ten-minute drive away. We headed out one evening for dinner at the Mundaring Hotel, and the town is also handy if you need to pick up groceries or a few essentials.
It’s that lovely balance of feeling completely disconnected while still being close enough to venture out if you want to.
Of course, you don’t have to go anywhere.
There are kangaroos hopping around the property, beautiful bushland views and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the surroundings. I did hear a few roosters one morning when I got up early to watch the kangaroos, which was a rather amusing reminder that you really are in the Australian countryside.
Weddings, honeymoons and romantic getaways in the Perth Hills
With only eight private chalets, an onsite restaurant, cocktail bar, day spa and beautiful bushland surrounds, it’s easy to see why Amaroo attracts couples celebrating special occasions.
During our visit, I noticed several couples who appeared to be celebrating honeymoons and anniversaries.
It’s also a wedding venue, and I had the opportunity to see the beautiful bushland setting where ceremonies are held.
Amaroo offers intimate wedding packages, micro-weddings and elopements, with capacity for weddings of up to 101 guests. There are also romantic proposal packages and personalised experiences available.
Having the accommodation, restaurant and day spa all in one location makes it a lovely option for couples who want to turn their wedding into a full weekend experience.
And if you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway in Western Australia, this is certainly one to consider.
Amaroo Retreat & Spa: At a glance
If you’re considering booking a stay, here’s what you need to know.
- Location: 1200 Alison Street, Mount Helena, Perth Hills, Western Australia.
- Accommodation: Eight private luxury chalets.
- Guest capacity: Up to 16 overnight guests.
- Starting price: From $495 per night (check current rates).
- Age policy: Accommodation and day spa are strictly 18+. The Lounge restaurant and bar welcomes guests aged 10+.
- Breakfast: Included with accommodation.
- Arrival welcome: A glass of sparkling wine for standard stays. A bottle of bubbly applies to stays of three nights or more.
- Private spa baths: Rainwater-fed outdoor spa baths in every chalet, maintained at approximately 32ยฐC.
- Swimming pool: Outdoor pool, not heated.
- Dining: The Lounge restaurant and cocktail bar.
- Day spa: Onsite treatments, including massages.
- Other facilities: Free parking and complimentary Wi-Fi up to 1GB per day.
- Weddings: Micro-weddings, elopements and weddings for up to 101 guests.
- Website: https://amarooretreat.com.au/
Is Amaroo Retreat & Spa worth visiting?
Absolutely. One hundred per cent.
I still can’t believe I hadn’t heard about Amaroo earlier. It’s one of those places that makes you wonder what other little hidden gems are sitting right on your doorstep.
The chalets are gorgeous, the private outdoor spa baths are a wonderful touch, the pool area is an absolute oasis and the day spa delivered one of the best massages I’ve experienced.
It’s the kind of place where you can spend two nights and come away feeling like you’ve had a proper holiday without ever having to leave Western Australia.
If you’re celebrating an anniversary, planning a honeymoon, looking for a romantic escape or simply need a little luxury and downtime, Amaroo Retreat & Spa is well worth adding to your Perth Hills getaway list.
And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably arrive, see that pool and immediately start planning when you can come back.
Explore With Erin Wrap Up
Sometimes the best holidays are right in your own backyard. You just have to discover them.
Disclosure: Our two-night stay at Amaroo Retreat & Spa was hosted. We were invited to experience the property and its facilities. As always, all opinions and experiences shared in this article are my own.
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