Bangalay Villas

The award-winning Bangalay Luxury Villas has 16 private villas with either views of the grounds or the neighbouring golf course. The one we stayed in had a bright north-facing deck with a couple of comfortable chairs for taking in the sun and the (quiet) action of the players.

The villas are spacious – in fact they might be bigger than some Sydney homes. The one-bedroom apartments come with a king-size bed, a kitchen with oven and microwave to whip up a meal, as well as a laundry if you’re planning to stay a while. There’s wi-fi, a smart TV and a very soothing gas “log fire” to laze in front of, plus some bottles of vino for in-room imbibing. There’s a mix of one- and two-bedroom spaces, and even a four-room apartment if you’re rolling with a crew (or family).

Bangalay has a contemporary coastal luxe feel thanks in part to owner Michelle Bishop, who did the interior design. The private bungalows are all connected via timber walkways, which lead to a very good-looking swimming pool and a restaurant. Palm trees and Australian natives filter speckled sunlight over inviting recliners that could easily occupy most of your stay. Near the pool there’s some lawn for kids to muck about on, or they can break loose on the seemingly endless sand of Seven Mile Beach, which is just a minute’s walk away.

At weekend dinners the restaurant is delightfully buzzy, with guests and locals tucking into dishes of kingfish with native grains; spanner crab with apple fennel and blackened blood lime; and roast pork with pumpkin, persimmon and muntries. If you'd like to spend an afternoon exploring the area, the restaurant can also prepare a gourmet picnic for you. Culburra and Hyams Beach aren’t too far away. Not that you need to leave your serene and cosy villa at all. There’s an option to dine in, which in our books means you can also experience Bangalay in your comfy, I’m-on-a-holiday laze-around clothing.