Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel

This sprawling property hosts 29 hotel and garden rooms, along with seven self-contained villas. Chocolate wood panelling and opulent touches in the hotel rooms transport guests back to the Art Deco era, while the private villas are designed for quiet and comfort.

Being located in spa country, each room features a roomy bath for whiling away an hour or two. Some are even located on the deck or in a private garden, so you can watch the clouds shift and autumn trees rustle while unwinding.

There’s also the on-site mineral spa, where you can sweat the week out in a lavender sauna or steam room, then cool off in the plunge pool before bobbing about in the mineral-water pool. Sound fair?

Just west of Hepburn Springs is the village of Smeaton. Peppers has its own farm there, Vale Hill, where it raises rare-breed cattle and sheep. These are showcased on the Argus Dining Room menu, supported by harvests from the kitchen garden.

The extensive wine selection features minimal intervention wines from small-scale vineyards. These also feature in each room’s mini bar, along with Spring Creek mineral water, fairtrade coffee and organic cookies.

The Conservatory is a sunny spot to start the day and serves a hearty breakfast each morning.

Explore Daylesford further using our detailed Out of Town to Daylesford guide.