Australia’s Saffire Resort: The Jewel of Tasmania

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This is the occasional part of my job that I’m kind of embarrassed to talk about. You see, the whole purpose for the jaunt to Tasmania—and as quickly as we were in and out, it was just that: a jaunt—was for the opening of this uber-swank resort. A place that in my wildest dreams, I would never be able to afford. And yet, I get to stay there all the same and call it “work.”

Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort
Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort

I’d been hearing whispers about Saffire since its early days of production, so I was stoked to be among the few who got to check it out right when it first opened. One of the big benefits of what I do ($1500-a-night rooms aside) is getting to be the first on the scene.

Saffire, resort, Australia, Tasmania, freycinet peninsula, travel, photography

I know very little about architecture, but it doesn’t take a design guru to figure out that this establishment is a marvel of art. The undulating pattern of the stone-and-timber edifice is meant to mimic the pattern of the waves lapping up on the shore.

saffire, tasmania

There are 20 stand-alone suites, so the resort never has more than 40 guests at one time. (Though kids are welcome, this is more of a couples retreat than a family getaway.) Bedrooms channel the overall effect of the resort, with floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the natural light. And if you’re worried about not being able to sleep, have no fear: Of course, the designers thought of everything. Every possible panel is covered by a shade that comes down with the easy push of a button right beside your bed.

Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort
Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort

If I were a writer (oh wait…), this is where I’d want to sit and ponder life, while penning my next bestseller.

Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort
Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort

The food was divine and is the sole reason I gained five pounds in that one week (I only wish I were kidding). After a few days, we collectively began referring to our new bellies as “the Tasmanian Tube.” The chef Hugh Whitehouse enjoys celebrity status on the mainland—he’s like Australia’s answer to Tyler Florence—and is about as down to Earth and likable as they get. Each meal is a journey for the senses—gah, how cliche does that sound? But totally true. Even breakfast arrived in multiple courses.

Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort
Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort
Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort

All that while, you enjoy views such as these.

Saffire, resort, Australia, Tasmania, freycinet peninsula, travel, photography

There’s a full-stocked bar and lounge area just across the way, where you can serve your own libations when the mood strikes. And if ever there were a time when I wanted to be a cigar smoker, it was then, as they also had a fine selection of Cubans. (Don’t worry, I maintained my “never smoked a cigarette or cigar” MO anyway.)

 Saffire, resort, Australia, Tasmania, freycinet peninsula, travel, photography

But that’s not even the best part. Saffire is the only resort situated on the southern part of the Freycinet Peninsula, among protected park with a front-row view of the Hazard Mountains. Meaning you get this beach—ironically called Muirs Beach (SVV and I married on California’s Muir Beach)—and little stretch of heaven all to yourself.

Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort
Saffire in Tasmania: Australia's Most Stunning Resort

All outdoor activities (aside from boat rides) around the resort are included in the price, as is a spa treatment for each guest. Don’t worry: I took advantage of that (duh), as I was rubbed down and scrubbed thoroughly with real bits of sapphire dust. And ladies, while I have no photographic evidence to prove such, I should add that the (predominantly male) suit-clad staff is quite easy on the eyes. You’re just going to have to trust me on this one.

And then I returned to Earth, and reality isn’t quite as sweet. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.

COMMENTS
  • September 8, 2010

    Thank you so much for sharing! Gorgeous!

  • September 8, 2010

    Oh wow. I am in lust with that ceiling and pool area. Lust I tell you! That is beyond gorgeous.

  • September 8, 2010

    What a beautiful resort!

  • September 8, 2010

    Wow, stunning.

  • September 8, 2010

    Absolutely gorgeous pics! I would die to stay there. So modern and chic.

  • September 8, 2010

    Nice perks. Although it’s certainly out of my budget I’m sure glad you got to go and share this with us. Sapphire dust, really?

  • September 8, 2010

    That place looks amazing!!! I love the rooms!!!

  • September 8, 2010

    Wow, Jealous that looks amazing!

  • September 8, 2010

    awesome photos…that hotel looks incredible. I love the orange on the bed, but am particularly in love with the rug underneath the bed. So great!

  • September 8, 2010

    Freakin’. Gorgeous.

    In other news, I just thought I’d mention, if you ever need someone to travel with you to carry your suitcases, check into your flights for you, test your food for poison, etc, I’m available for the position…

  • September 9, 2010

    This is an architectual bomb! fantastic!
    Your job is really far off being boring and usual 🙂
    Viele Gruesse Kristina

  • September 9, 2010

    Wa-wa-wee-wow!

  • September 9, 2010
    Briel K.

    Incredible! If only it were within reach financially! haha

  • September 9, 2010

    A-ma-zing. What a photos and what a hotel! The design, the view and the hotel room are all equally stunning, but probably even more unaffordable 🙂

  • September 9, 2010

    My next project is to convince the sky to drop large amounts of money on my head so I can go stay in this place. Those views. My god.

  • September 16, 2010

    Where is it, exactly? I hope it’s not inside a national park.

  • September 20, 2010

    Holy guacamole! That place is amazing!!

  • October 24, 2010

    Wow! what an idea ! What a concept ! Beautiful .. Amazing ? I usually don?t post in Blogs but your blog forced me to, amazing work.. beautiful ?

  • January 12, 2011

    Great article. Waiting for more.

  • January 16, 2011

    Thanks for the info – nice post.

  • July 28, 2011

    I found your blog website on google and examine a couple of of your early posts. Proceed to keep up the very good operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Searching for ahead to studying extra from you in a while!…

  • August 26, 2011

    Hi .The ultimate way for sharing success means with others is to build up loyal readers. That’s exactly what you are doing using this type of useful post.Kind regards from Switzerland.

  • January 15, 2012

    I actually think it doesn’t look that attractive from the outside. But the interior is absolutely gorgeous. Whoever designed the lighting is a genius.

    Daisy

    • October 7, 2013

      I agree with You! The outside of the building is ugly, bit the interior is great!

  • July 28, 2012
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  • November 18, 2017

    Nice post, Thank you for sharing this information, This place really amazing.

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