How to get full value for your $2500-a-night Tasmanian experience

When you are paying $2500 a night for a couple you expect a special experience - and that is exactly what you get at Tasmania's premier luxury lodge: Saffire Freycinet.

At first glance, Saffire might seem like an extravagance. But when you take into account everything that is on offer it is a very worthwhile experience for a special occasion; perhaps a major birthday or wedding anniversary.

The key to getting great value out this superb resort is to arrive hungry, thirsty and with a sense of adventure.

Just about everything is included in your package; from luxury accommodation with magnificent views and perhaps your own private plunge pool, to three meals a day, unlimited drinks, including wines and spirits and access to your own personal mini bar.

Throw in a range of activities and some top-notch service to boot and this is a pretty extraordinary place to stay - if you can get a reservation.

First there are the views across beautiful Great Oyster Bay to the Hazards Mountains; and access to a superb beach that is almost always deserted. You have location, location, location.

Choose from luxury suites, signature suites and private pavilions starting from $2300 a night. Even entry level accommodation includes 80m² of luxury with a king bed, LCD screen TV and complimentary movie selection, a sound system, private courtyard and outdoor deck with seating, wifi, a living area and bedroom and a double shower and bath with courtyard view. The blinds are electronically controlled.

Impressive.

All packages include breakfast in Palate restaurant, an a la carte lunch, including beverages, dinner, including beverages, complimentary minibar and Saffire lounge beverages,  complimentary experiences and a $100 property credit per suite for use on spa treatments, signature experiences or non-inclusive beverages.

Regular readers will recall me raving about the food here a few weeks ago. Chef Paddy Prenter is delivering something special.

For a start, some of the finest food and wine in Tasmania is produced right on Saffire’s doorstep.

Think cool-climate boutique wines and crayfish, scallops and deep-sea fish caught by local fishermen. Add local grass-fed beef and lamb, along with superb fresh vegetables and every meal is an experience.

Choose from sparkling wines from local stars Bellebonne, Clover Hill and Kreglinger, or maybe a glass or two of Taittinger.

Still wines range from locals Stargazer, Hughes & Hughes and Sinapius to national favourites like Rockford, Tomfoolery and Ochota Barrels.

Imports include Domaine Jean Dauvissat Chablis and Domaine Vincent Paris Crozes-Hermitage. There is also a reserve list (at extra charge) for those who really want to give the credit card a nudge.

The menu highlights dishes like white soy-braised abalone with apple and pork glaze. or perhaps seared Stanley Bay scallops with roasted capsicum, parsley and macadamia, or maybe Robbins Island wagyu beef tartare.

Your menu choices can be as serious, or as casual as you feel.

The included experiences feature donning a pair of waders for a visit to Freycinet Marine Farm; an immersive experience where you taste freshly shucked oysters straight from the lease and enjoy in situ, along with a glass of Tassie bubbles.

Or perhaps learn all about bee-keeping and honey production, meet up with some Tasmanian Devils or go kayaking and bird watching on Pelican Bay.

The informed staff are excellent at suggesting local walks (exploring Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay) and other experiences, and you can relax afterwards in the spa, or your plunge pool.

I'm sold - and saving up for my next Saffire experience (truth be told it is way outside my usual price range). But the experience here is as good as at the best New Zealand luxury lodges.

For details and bookings see https://saffire-freycinet.com.au/

# The writer was a guest of Saffire Freycinet