A little piece of heaven is in reach for people craving the comfort and tranquillity only a boutique hotel can offer.
After 14 months spent fostering a stunning revamp to the tune of more than $6 million, one of the region’s premier accommodation venues has been rejuvenated to become Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard.
Nestled amongst 20 hectares of native bush land at Clear Mountain, just 30 minutes drive from Brisbane City, the lodge is set to reaffirm its reputation as one of the most luxurious venues in the Moreton Bay region.
Manager Brett Gorman said the renovations to the venue, established as a health retreat 20 years ago, included revamped dining and accommodation facilities and new additions such as a day spa and vineyard.
“We’ve spent about $6.5 million on the place over the last 12 months and have just refurbished the whole lot, from the accommodation right through to the restaurant and new kitchens, so it’s been a big job,” Mr Gorman said.
“We’re just about finished, the only thing we’ve got to complete is the day spa.”
One of the showpieces of the facility, Mandy’s on the Mountain a la carte restaurant, is serving up modern Australian cuisine from renowned executive chef Shannon Batten, formerly of Armstrong’s Restaurant in Brisbane City.
While enjoying the mouth-watering food and wine, diners can take in jaw dropping views with the venue offering a 360-degree vantage – endless views by day, by night a landscape illuminated by the lights of Brisbane City and Redcliffe Peninsula.
“From the restaurant and the verandas at the main complex you can see everywhere from the Glass House Mountains and the Sunshine Coast, to Redcliffe, Moreton Bay and Moreton Island and all the way back around to the CBD,” Mr Gorman said.
“On the veranda you can sit out there on a Sunday afternoon, overlook the lake and you can see the sailing boats from the sailing club on Lake Samsonvale.
“It’s spectacular – on top of the world, a little piece of heaven.”
Currently offering dinner seven days a week and lunch by appointment, Mandy’s on the Mountain’s bistro operates daily with buffet breakfasts also on the menu.
The revamped restaurant will have its official unveiling on the day of love on 14 February.
“On Valentine’s Day we’re actually opening the restaurant with our regular Sunday Seafood and Jazz event, so you’ll be able to get a seafood buffet between 12pm and 3pm, and sit out on the deck listening to the jazz band,” Mr Gorman said.
“It’s a nice place to have a glass of wine and some seafood.”
Mr Gorman said Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard, operating under the Mercure banner, also catered to weddings, business conferences and functions as well as naming ceremonies and vow renewals held in the venue’s full ceremony garden.
Visitors can choose one of 53 accommodation rooms, set on multi levels and each with private balcony and spectacular mountain views, while wine lovers should be licking their lips with an on-site vineyard to open atop the mountain.
“We’re expecting a crop next year and that’s when we’ll introduce an open house cellar door,” Mr Gorman said.
Clear Mountain Lodge, Spa and Vineyard is located at Clear Mountain Road, Clear Mountain.
Phone 3298 5100 or visit http://www.clearmountainlodge.com.au/