- Couples seeking a romantic adults-only escape
- City dwellers craving genuine rural quiet within two hours of Sydney
- Eco-conscious travellers who value sustainability with substance
Mt Hay Retreat
A private hilltop sanctuary with panoramic views over the Berry valley to the sea
Pastoral stillness with refined comfort
- Panoramic escarpment views stretching from rolling green hills to the ocean horizon
- 33-metre heated indoor pool and spa set among landscaped gardens
- The iconic Cloud Swing, a sky-high swing suspended above the valley
Boutique Hotel · Berry
The luxury case for Mt Hay Retreat.
Set on 360 acres of rolling farmland and native bushland above Berry on the NSW South Coast, Mt Hay Retreat is a family-owned, adults-only haven with just a handful of individually designed suites. Award-winning sustainability credentials, a 33-metre heated indoor pool, and sweeping views from every room make this one of the most serene escapes within two hours of Sydney.
Pastoral stillness with refined comfort
2 to 3 nights
It is one of the few retreats on the South Coast that combines genuine farm-stay privacy with award-winning luxury, where the owners live on the property and the sustainability programme is a lifestyle, not a marketing exercise.
Mt Hay Retreat sits proudly atop the rolling green pastures surrounding Berry, a 360-acre working farm that doubles as one of the South Coast's most refined escapes. Hosts Anthony and Louise have built something quietly remarkable here: a small collection of individually designed suites perched on the hillside, each with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame uninterrupted views from the manicured gardens across the countryside to the sparkling ocean on the horizon.
The property has been in Anthony's family since 1987, and the love and attention invested over decades is evident in every detail. From the established fruit trees and kitchen gardens to the hidden glades and tranquil dams dotted across the grounds, Mt Hay feels like a place that has evolved organically rather than been assembled for guests.
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The suites at Mt Hay are spacious, light-filled, and designed around the view. King beds, soaring ceilings, and an intuitive indoor-outdoor flow define each room, with generous private decks that make the most of the property's elevated position. Every suite includes a feature bath, whether positioned on the deck for open-air soaking or inside with a panoramic outlook.
The Escarpment Suite is the most requested, and for good reason. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the escarpment in a way that makes the landscape feel like a living painting. The spa bath with its sweeping valley views is a consistent highlight in guest reviews, and the open-plan layout creates a sense of calm spaciousness.
All suites come with a kitchenette equipped with a capsule coffee maker, kettle, microwave, toaster, and bar fridge. Fresh fruit and milk are provided on arrival, along with bathrobes, slippers, and quality amenities.
The centrepiece facility is the 33-metre heated indoor pool and spa, exclusively for in-house guests and open from 7am to 8pm. It is one of the most impressive private pools you will find at a boutique retreat of this size.
Beyond the pool, the grounds invite gentle exploration. A giant chess set sits near the pool pavilion, while walking paths wind through landscaped gardens, past established fruit trees, hidden glades, and tranquil dams. The koi pond at the wharf is a quietly meditative spot.
Then there is the Cloud Swing: Mt Hay's signature experience, a sky-high swing suspended above the valley that delivers an exhilarating rush and an unforgettable view. It has become an icon of the property, and rightly so.
In-suite massage treatments are available from qualified therapists, ranging from one-hour sessions to indulgent two-hour packages. Couples massages with two therapists can be arranged with advance booking.
Mt Hay Retreat occupies a rare position in the Australian luxury landscape. It is not a large resort or a polished corporate hotel. It is a deeply personal property run by owners who live on the land and care about every aspect of the guest experience. The Gold Award for 5-Star Luxury Accommodation at the NSW Tourism Awards in 2024 and 2025 confirms what returning guests already know: this is a place of genuine quality.
The sustainability credentials are earned, not performative. Solar power, water management, native landscaping, and protection of the remnant subtropical rainforest on the property reflect a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
For couples seeking a romantic escape with space, privacy, and views that genuinely stop you in your tracks, Mt Hay delivers. Pair it with Berry's excellent dining scene just five minutes away, and you have one of the South Coast's most compelling weekend retreats.
Is It For You?
Is Mt Hay Retreat right for you?
- Families or guests under 18 (strictly adults only)
- Those wanting on-site dining or a full-service resort experience
Atmosphere
Intimate, pastoral, and genuinely peaceful. The kind of place where your biggest decision is whether to swim first or swing first.
Ideal stay
Weekend (2-3 nights)
Why splurge
It is one of the few retreats on the South Coast that combines genuine farm-stay privacy with award-winning luxury, where the owners live on the property and the sustainability programme is a lifestyle, not a marketing exercise.
Rooms
Rooms & suites
Editorial pickThe Escarpment Suite, with its floor-to-ceiling windows framing the escarpment, open-plan layout, feature spa bath, and expansive private deck. Guests consistently single it out as a standout.
Luxury Suite
Each suite is individually designed with soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious en-suite with walk-in rain shower, and a feature bath. A generous private deck extends the living space outdoors. The kitchenette includes a capsule coffee maker, kettle, microwave, toaster, and bar fridge.
- View
- Landscaped gardens and countryside
- Sleeps
- 2 adults (king bed)
- Best for
- Couples wanting privacy and valley views
- King bed with high-quality cotton linen
- Feature bath on private deck or in suite
- Kitchenette with capsule coffee maker and bar fridge
- Reverse cycle air conditioning and ceiling fans
- Complimentary Wi-Fi, HD TV, in-room safe
- Bathrobes, slippers, and premium amenities
Signature Suite (Escarpment Suite)
The most sought-after room at Mt Hay, with the best vantage point on the property. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the escarpment, and the spa bath with a view is a consistent highlight in guest reviews. The open-plan layout feels expansive and calm.
- View
- Escarpment and panoramic valley views to ocean
- Sleeps
- 2 adults (king bed)
- Best for
- Couples celebrating a special occasion
- Floor-to-ceiling escarpment views
- Spa bath with valley panorama
- Rain shower in oversized bathroom
- Private deck overlooking the landscape
- Kitchenette with capsule coffee maker
Reset
Wellness
The parts of the property that slow the pace, restore energy, or justify spending more time on-site.
For recovery
In-Suite Massage
Qualified massage therapists visit your suite for treatments ranging from one-hour sessions to indulgent two-hour packages. Couples massages with two therapists are available.
- Best for
- No need to leave the privacy of your suite
For recovery
33-Metre Heated Indoor Pool and Spa
A generously sized indoor pool heated year-round, accompanied by a spa. Open 7am to 8pm, exclusively for in-house guests.
- Best for
- One of the largest private heated pools on the South Coast
What to Do
Signature Experiences
The on-property or destination moments that justify choosing this hotel over a generic luxury base.
The Cloud Swing
Mt Hay's iconic sky-high swing suspended above the valley, offering a thrilling perspective across the rolling countryside. A signature photo opportunity and a genuine highlight of every stay.
Berry Village Exploration
Just five minutes' drive away, Berry Village offers a vibrant cafe scene, boutique shopping, exceptional restaurants including South on Albany, and a warm community atmosphere.
Drawing Room Rocks Walk
A spectacular bushwalk from the top of Woodhill Mountain Road leading to magnificent panoramic views across the escarpment and coastline.
South Coast Beaches
Seven Mile Beach National Park is under 15 minutes away, with sweeping sands, rock pools, and native bushland. The coastal hamlets of Gerringong and Kiama offer further seaside escapes.
Location
Getting to Mt Hay Retreat
Drive up Woodhill Mountain Road to the property entrance. Louise and Anthony will meet you on arrival and show you to your suite. Free on-site parking with EV charging available upon request.
Sydney CBD
2 hours
carSydney Airport (SYD)
1 hour 45 minutes
carBerry Village
5 minutes
carSeven Mile Beach
15 minutes
carKangaroo Valley
30 minutes
carBerry Village
diningOne of the South Coast's most charming towns, celebrated for heritage architecture, artisan cafes, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants.
5-minute driveSouth on Albany
diningBerry's standout restaurant, consistently recommended by the Mt Hay hosts for an exceptional dining experience.
5-minute driveSeven Mile Beach National Park
natureGrand sweeping sands, rock pools, and coastal bushland. One of the South Coast's most beautiful stretches of beach.
15-minute driveKangaroo Valley
natureA scenic drive through rugged escarpments leads to this picturesque valley with waterfalls, cosy villages, and the Southern Highlands beyond.
30-minute driveLocal Wineries
diningSeveral excellent wineries within a short drive, including Coolangatta Estate, Crooked River, Silos Estate, Mountain Ridge, and Two Figs.
10 to 20-minute driveBerry Country Fair
activityA popular monthly market at the Berry Showground featuring local produce, crafts, plants, and collectibles. First Sunday of each month.
5-minute driveWhat to Know
Before you book
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in from 3:00 PM, check-out by 10:00 AM. Late checkout (noon) may be available by prior arrangement for $45.
Is this property adults only?
Yes. Mt Hay Retreat is exclusively for guests aged 18 years and over.
Are pets allowed?
No. However, accredited assistance dogs are welcome with prior notice.
Is there a minimum stay?
Usually two nights, with three nights required during long weekends and peak periods.
Is there parking and EV charging?
Free on-site parking. EV charging is available via external power points for a nominal fee. Guests must bring their own cable.
Editorial Verdict
The verdict on Mt Hay Retreat
Why book it
- Genuinely private hilltop setting on 360 acres with panoramic views
- Award-winning sustainability credentials backed by real practice
- Owners live on-site and provide warm, personal hospitality
- 33-metre heated indoor pool is a standout facility for a boutique retreat
- Only minutes from Berry's excellent dining and village charm
Know the trade-offs
- No on-site restaurant or breakfast service, self-catering via kitchenette only
- Intimate scale with only a handful of suites, so it lacks the facilities of a larger resort
- Remote hilltop location requires a car for all dining and activities
- Limited room count means peak-season availability books out quickly
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