A Weekend Away At Bangalay, Shoalhaven Heads

Play, Sydney, Travel / 21 June 2021

Immerse yourself in a luxury coastal experience on Sydney’s South Coast.

A positive to come from the international travel ban is that Aussies are starting to unveil the beauty that is right in our backyards. From exploring wine regions such as Canberra, Gundagai and Hunter Valley, to switching off at luxury eco huts out West, it’s becoming obvious that everything we want in a getaway is right at our fingertips across NSW. One of our favourite places to escape the hustle and bustle is the Shoalhaven. Situated on the South-Eastern coastal region of NSW, the area spans about 200km and includes towns like Berry, Kangaroo Valley, Milton and Ulladulla. The region is home to an abundance of pristine beaches, tranquil green outdoor settings and all the friendly coastal town feels. One destination that truly represents what it is to be amongst nature in the Shoalhaven is Bangalay.

Located in the coastal town of Shoalhaven Heads (2 hours from Sydney CBD), the venue is part luxury accommodation and part dining destination. Behind the concept are husband and wife duo, Tom and Michelle Bishop. When the hardworking construction builder and talented interior designer met, it was destined that they would create something as special as Bangalay. The entire venue is situated on a coastal national park which means no matter where you are, greenery views and the smell of the ocean are never too far away.

Photography: Simon Whitebread

Bangalay Villas

From the moment you step foot into the accommodation grounds, you feel relaxed and at one with nature. You are greeted by banksias and friendly ladies who escort you down the boardwalk and into your private villa. Take note of your surroundings; the sounds of the native Eastern Bristlebird singing in the trees or perhaps the sound of waves crashing in the distance. The fire is already crackling inside making the place feel warm and homely. The interiors are best described as natural and you will find monochrome floral paintings by local artists, linen couches and natural wooden furnishings. The bathroom screams luxury with underfloor heating and the bedrooms are spacious and quaint. The villas have their own private deck where you can watch local putters on the Shoalhaven Heads golf course. For warmer days, the pool is available to all guests offering a place to lounge and sip cocktails in the sun. The villas start at $490 per night, but we suggest getting a package deal so you can enjoy the best of Bangaly accommodation and dining during your stay. Find out more here 

While Greater NSW’s lockdown finally comes to an end, Bangalay Luxury Villas has announced an enticing mid-week accommodation package including dinner in critically acclaimed Bangalay Dining Restaurant, overnight accommodation in a luxury Golf-View or Garden Villa with breakfast included at a special rate from $490 per night; OR a dinner, bed and breakfast package including a multicourse tasting menu for 2 people, arrival drinks and Bangalay’s soon-to-be released be-spoke Lumira Candle from $650 per night. Bangalay’s mid-week accommodation offer is available for all bookings made before 30th November 2021 using the BACKTOBANGALAY code for available accommodation up until 30th March 2022.

Photography: Simon Whitebread

Bangalay Dining

Bangalay Dining boasts the same natural styling and interiors you’ll see in the villas. The space is bright and light during the day, however cosy and intimate by night. The restaurant is open for breakfast offering all the staples including ham and cheese croissants, local pastries, avocado toast, bacon and egg rolls, and Allpress coffee to take back to your room and enjoy by the fire. Although breakfast is delicious, dinner is an experience that you won’t soon forget.

Executive team Simon Evans and Thomas Chiumento (ex-hatted Caveau restaurant in Wollongong) are at the helm of the kitchen. They bring their knowledge of native ingredients to the table and showcase extraordinary techniques as they respect the local produce. The menu is inspired by the natural bushland and surroundings and is a true representation of the South Coast.

Photography: Anna Mul

Our menu highlights include the house-made fluffy focaccia with cultured butter ($4), Aquna Murray Cod Crudo with cod roe, persimmon, daikon and samphire ($24), their signature Moreton Bay Bug with chestnut, big head custard and wild oxalis ($32), Aylesbury Pekin Duck Breast with radicchio and Davidson Plum ($48), and the Lemon Myrtle Tart with poached desert limes ($16). The menu is subject to change each week depending on what’s available from the local growers and makers. For the ultimate experience, we suggest the Feed Me share menu for just $99pp.

The vino list boats the best winemakers in Australia including Yarra Yering, Tyrell’s and Leeuwin Estate. As for beers, you will see a bunch from local craft brewers including Cupitt’s Estate. Hospitality guru Ronnie Gorman (ex-hatted St Peters restaurant in Paddington) is able to pick the perfect tipple to suit your tastes. The cocktails follow the same ethos as the food menu highlighting native ingredients. Our highlights include the Wattleseed Espresso Martini and the Saltbush Margarita.

Chef Simon Evans partners with Australia’s most renowned winemakers every month to present one-off wine nights. He has curated a degustation menu influenced by French Cuisine with a native twist for the Burgundy Dinner on Friday, 20th of August. Paul Hervy from Brix Fines Wines has chosen wines to complement each course from Domaine des Rouges Queue. The dinner is $145pp, or you can include it in a package with bed and breakfast for $800 (2 adults). Find out more here

Ready for a holiday? Learn more and make your booking online here