As we transition from autumn to winter, slow down & find your balance between yang & yin at the magical Yarra Valley property, The Farmstead. The weekend’s menu includes gourmet meals by our private chef, hand-picked local wines, feel-good yoga, nourishing acupuncture & massage, a MasterChef worthy cooking class with Nornie Bero & fabulous company. In our opinion, it’s the perfect recipe for resetting & reconnecting to the finer things in life.
The Farmstead is just an hour from the CBD & nestled amongst the hills of the stunning Yarra Valley. The deeply peaceful 100-acre farm feels miles away from everything, but is only minutes from the region’s famous wineries & restaurants. With a billiards room, spacious dining area & multiple lounge rooms, there’s plenty of space for practicing, sharing a bottle of wine & swapping stories. Craving time for yourself? Heat up by one of the wood-burning fireplaces, visit the working farm (& four-legged farmhands), or retreat to your bedroom complete with an ensuite.
Our mornings will start with purposeful yoga, warm cuppas & a full breakfast spread. During the day, you’ll have plenty of time for resting or taking in this beautiful part of Victoria. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can visit one of the renowned wineries nearby, go for a drive along the picturesque Black Spur, or take a trip to charming Healesville. Evenings will be spent around the table together, swapping stories, passing plates & pouring local wines.
On Saturday, beloved acupuncturist & remedial massage therapist, Courtney Fisher, will join us for a 90 minute Yin & Pin session, where we’ll combine the practices of yin, yoga nidra, acupuncture, & massage to reach a deeper state of relaxation. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve just had a retreat on top of your retreat! Want a private session on top of that? Just let us know and we can arrange for it.
On Sunday, we'll dust off our own chef’s hats for a master class with charismatic Torres Strait Islander chef, Nornie Bero! You’ve likely seen Nornie as a guest on MasterChef, or heard of her popular restaurants, Big Esso and Mabu Mabu in Melbourne. Nornie will guide us through a hands on cooking class & teach us to incorporate indigenous ingredients & flavours into our own home cooking. We cannot wait.
Our private chef for the weekend is the Melbourne hospitality legend & menu curator, Tori Bicknell (click link to drool). Tori has been passionately creating delicious meals for most of her life. Born & raised in the Hawkes Bay in New Zealand, Tori Bicknell cut her hospitality teeth at the age of 12 -where food, then wine became deeply ingrained in who she is. Moving to Melbourne 10 years ago, she has fit a lot into her career in a short time. Cooking for beloved Melbourne hotspots such as The Stokehouse, Townmouse, & Stagger Lees before becoming a co-owner/Head Chef at Rustica Sourdough & then Executive Chef at St Ali. She has also studied nutritional medicine & is passionate about healthy, nutritious & delicious meals that nourish the soul.
Just bring your mat - we’ll set the table.
What's Included?
2 days & 2 nights accommodation at The Farmstead
Daily yoga practices with Sarah McGrath (Vinyasa, Slow Flow & Yin practices will be led over the weekend)
90 minute Yin + Pin session with Sarah & beloved acupuncturist, Courtney Fisher.
2 gourmet dinners prepared by our private chef, Tori, made with fresh local ingredients
2 abundant brunch spreads by Tori- full of sweet & savory options leaving you nourished and satisfied
Carefully considered local wines to pair with your dinners
Sunday Masterclass in the Kitchen with Nornie Bero
Baked goods, fresh fruit, snacks, coffee, tea, fresh juices & kombucha available at all times
Pricing:
Shared Bedroom with 4 people (with ensuite). Perfect for small groups or individual guests open to sharing a room- sold out
Shared Bedroom with 3 people (with ensuite). Perfect for small groups or individual guests open to sharing a room - sold out
Shared Bedroom with 2 people (with ensuite)- sold out
Single Room (have a room & ensuite all to yourself)- sold out
Pricing is all inclusive & includes GST. A 25% non-refundable downpayment is due with your booking.
If you would like to book a private acupuncture and/or massage with Courtney during our getaway, please let us know & we’ll send you her 1:1 offerings & pricing.
Other items you might be curious about:
Upon booking, we will ask about any dietary requirements & if you are traveling solo or with buddies so we can allocate rooms to your comfort.
I have more questions.
Check out the Mat & Table FAQs here or say hello anytime!
*Sarah McGrath is a beloved Melbourne yoga teacher. Specialising in Vinyasa, Yin & Slow Flow- she brings passion, encouragement, thoughtfulness & lots of smiles to her teaching. Her classes are fluid & supportive- linking breathe, movement & a relatable intention together.