Relaxing by the fire, we watched the river drift by and mist gather around the surrounding mountains. The view is one of the things what made the Riverside Sauna House an ideal winter escape for our group of friends.

When we arrived, we drew straws for the chance to sleep in the A-frame hut. The lucky ones spruiked about their warm night's sleep and morning wakeup to the parrots perched on the front lawn. The river was running too high for us to use the kayaks, but the sauna was the perfect substitute. It only took a few minutes for all the stress of our work week to fade away.

The surrounding Highlands area provided plenty of activities. The Mansfield Hotel was buzzing with locals for the live music on Friday nights. We would love to come back in summer to enjoy the river and outdoor activities on offer.