5 August: Five Star Luxuries

Chateau Yering
Chateau Yering is a stunningly restored mansion in the heart of the Yarra Valley located an easy one hour drive from Melbourne. The property, set on 250 acres, was established in 1854 by Swiss immigrant Paul de Castella as a vineyard. The property boasts 32 guest rooms made up of the River Suites, the Stable Suites, the premier Yering Suite and the gorgeous Yarra Rooms. For a casual bite to eat there's the Sweetwater Café, which is great for a scrumptious morning tea. For something a little more up market, head for the sophisticated Eleonore's fine dining restaurant, which is presided over by master chef Shane Delia.
42 Melba Highway, Yarra Valley
Ph 03 9237 3333
www.chateauyering.com.au

Wye River Accommodation – The Deck House
Only 174 kilometres south west of Melbourne on the Great Ocean Road, Wye River is that sleepy hamlet town we all yearn for when city life is becoming too much. This extraordinary cliff top sanctuary is called The Deck House, and it truly is a heart stopper. Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Great Southern Ocean, it's a breath of sea air inspiration offering what could be described as your modern day blue lagoon. Here, no one could even hope to disturb your peace, with the exception of the occasional bird and maybe one or two surfers.
Ph 03 5289 0222
www.thedeckhouse.com.au

Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel learnt to sew as a child in an orphanage before opening a millinery shop in 1913. Her business grew into a fashion house in the twenties when she introduced the cardigan jacket, the little black dress and a more relaxed style of clothing for the time. The couturier retired mid-career for 15 years only to re-open her Paris salon in 1954 selling the classic Chanel suit. Chanel's General Manager for communications Susie Stenmark gave us her time for the day to show us how to get that Chanel look.
209 Collins Street, Melbourne
Ph 03 9671 3533
www.chanel.com

Vue de Monde

Vue de Monde
Restaurant of the Year by Australian Gourmet Traveller, Vue de Monde in Little Collins Street, Melbourne, is the only Melbourne restaurant to make Restaurant magazine's Top 100 in the world list and it's all due to one man, head chef and owner Shannon Bennett. The culmination of all this hard work means the food at Vue De Monde is superb, the service impeccable and the wine knowledge world-class. The room itself also deserves a mention, as it's simply stunning. Bookings at Vue De Monde are essential.
Ph 03 9691 3888
www.vuedemonde.com.au

Balinese Retreat
Located only one hours drive from Melbourne in the Dandenongs, the Balinese Retreat is not your average romantic escape. It was recently voted by Luxury Travel Magazine as one of the top 10 ultimate honeymoon retreats in the world. Inspiration for the retreat came when owner Deb Quitt decided to create THE honeymoon destination all us girls fantasise about. From luxuriant day beds to heated marble tiles and drapes of Thai silk, just about every romantic detail you can dream up is covered. Prices start from $799 per couple per night including massages, breakfast and dinner for two.
Ph 03 9737 0413
www.balineseretreat.com.au

What's On

Advance Dog Sled Challenge
Dinner Plain will once again come alive next weekend with the sounds of Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes as it hosts this years Advance Dog Sled Challenge.
Where: Dinner Plain
When: 11–12 August
More: Phone 03 5759 4444 or visit www.hotham.com.au

Melbourne International Film Festival
This week is your last chance to get a glimpse of this year's Melbourne International Arts Festival on at various venues around town.
Where: Various city venues
When: 25 July – 12 August
More: Phone 03 9417 2011 or visit www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au

Mildura Masters Games 2007
If you're into sport, then head to Mildura next week as they host this year's Mildura Masters Games, for athletes over the age of 30
Where: Mildura
When: August 18–26
More: Phone 1300 550 858 or visit www.milduramasters.com.au