Get back to nature and indulge at Bangalay Luxury Villas, nestled in pristine bushland on the New South Wales South Coast. Blending authenticity, sustainability and style, this modern coastal escape will allow you to succumb to relaxation and serenity, without compromising on luxury.
The facts
Traveller: Samantha Rowntree
Room: 1 Bedroom Villa Golf View
Address: 30 Staples St, Shoalhaven Heads NSW 2535
Date: August 2022
Best for: Relaxed luxury accommodation just footsteps from the beach
The Signature factor
A sustainable oasis in the heart of the South Coast, Bangalay Luxury Villas is ideal for those looking for a private, self-contained stay with all the perks of a luxury coastal retreat.
With prime position right on the iconic Seven Mile Beach, guests can expect everything from in-room massages, five-course degustation and a stunning pool surrounded by sun loungers.
Gourmet picnic hampers, oysters and champagne, and chef-prepared meal packs to cook in your villas’ kitchen are all available to book alongside your reservation.
The concept
Bangalay is an understated luxury retreat that blends seamlessly into its surroundings along the Shoalhaven coastline. The property opened in 2018 and was built using sustainable principles including solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. These principles are evident throughout the property from the design of the villas to the locally foraged ingredients offered on its menu.
Alongside its 16 villas, Bangalay also boasts a portfolio of offsite luxury holiday homes spread throughout the Shoalhaven region. Perfect for families and friends looking to live like a local, albeit lavishly.
First impressions
Driving through the Seven Mile Beach National Park on a bushland-rimmed road at dusk was the perfect introduction to our weekend getaway. We turned into the quiet parking lot of Bangalay Luxury Villas decked out with two Tesla charging stations.
Surrounded by palms and the serene sound of the waves crashing ashore, we instantly felt like we were on holiday. The luxe villas are connected by boardwalks fringed by native shrubs and beautiful dimmed lights. We check in to room number 2, just a short walk from reception.
The room
A home away from home, the villas have everything you need for a weekend sojourn or a longer stay. As you step in, you’re greeted by a sunlit open plan living area which has a fully-equipped kitchen, laundry, gas fireplace, dining area and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the golf course.
The king-sized bed fills the bedroom with hanging space for clothes. The villa is lined with paintings from the renowned artist Julie Paterson and the neutral decor evokes a sense of calm. A north-facing deck offers sweeping views of the green, and is the perfect spot to soak up the morning sunshine.
On my plate
Bangalay Dining is located on the property and offers in-room and dine-in services. It features fresh, local, seasonal produce and products sourced from sustainable and regenerative farms. A selected wine pairing with your meal is an added bonus to your palate.
Breakfast is complimentary and includes one al-a-carte option, a side, fruit bowl, pastry and unlimited tea, coffee and juice per person. Lunch is available within your villa with a selection of burgers on the menu. The happy hour menu is also available at this time.
Bangalay Dining offers an exceptional evening dining experience which includes a stunning five-course tasting menu of modern Australian cuisine. The menu is constantly changing to reflect what is in-season and available. Some highlights I got to indulge in were the Lake Illawara Mullet crudo, raw scallops and the Southern Highlands duck glazed in plum.
Highlights from the mini-bar
Aside from a Nespresso machine with biodegradable pods, it included wine from local wineries, Banaglay Beer x Grassy Knoll Brewing beer and some essentials to make pasta. There was also a Bangalay-themed deck of cards and a home spa kit.
I wish I could take home…
The toasty gas fireplace so I could install it in my lounge room. It makes for a cosy winter’s night.
Spa life
In-room massages are available upon request. Justine was our masseuse for the day, offering a one-hour full-body organic massage using ASPAR products. The villa’s floor-to-ceiling window doors create the perfect backdrop for a relaxing massage and we spent the afternoon serenaded by bird calls.
On the green
Bangalay Luxury Villas sits next to the Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club. The reservations team at Bangalay are able to assist with any bookings for the 18-hole course.
Staying in
Banaglay is the perfect place to slow down and relax. Read a book on the light-filled deck and roll in front of the fireplace when it’s a bit cooler. Take a dip in the pool and join the other guests for happy hour at Bangalay dining to soak up your natural surrounds. We slowly stroll down to Seven Mile Beach as the sun sinks below the coastline.
The reservations team are also able to assist in organising massages, yoga sessions, picnics and more to enjoy onsite.
Bangalay Villas often hold events and experiences throughout the year. During our stay, we enjoyed the Julie Patterson “Back to Bangalay” experience where we collected native flora from the surrounding bushland to inspire our own experimental drawing piece. This included a cocktail and grazing board during happy hour as the sun turned to dusk.
Stepping out
Although feeling secluded while you’re on site, Bangalay is located close to some of the Shoalhaven and South Coast’s greatest attractions. We enjoyed a scenic drive to Berry for a sweet treat before making our way through to Kangaroo Valley where we stopped for lunch.
The region is dotted with nature walks of various difficulties and terrains. We chose the Drawing Room Rocks Bushwalking and Lookout to walk off the local produce we’d consumed.
From the starting point, the walk ascends from 250 metres to 600 metres above sea level, winding through trees and rocks, to a lookour with spectacular views of the Shoalhaven region. And, if you look closely enough, Bangalay Luxury Villas.
Insiders’ tips
Book any of the extras (like an in-villa massage) prior to arriving to get your preferred time and you don’t miss out.
Green thumbs up?
The Villas were designed and built using sustainability principles and include solar panels and energy-efficient appliances. The native landscape of Bangalay supports the local ecosystem situated right next to Seven Mile Beach National Park. Bangalay Dining also features fresh local, seasonal products and produce from sustainable and regenerative farms.
Final verdict
The luxury villas are the ultimate home away from home, and the perfect work-from-home office. With so much nature to explore in Shoalhaven Heads and the surrounding areas, there is always something new to do.
Where to find Bangalay Luxury Villas
Bangalay Luxury Villas is located in the Shoalhaven region, just over two hours’ drive from Sydney, and 20 minutes from the coastal town of Nowra.
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