Having never visited the Southern Highlands, we loaded the wolfpack into the car and headed for The Studio @ The Vale in Penrose. It was the perfect Riparide base to explore, and didn't disappoint!

The studio itself is connected to the main house but is spacious, open-plan, luxe, and super private. The hosts have thought of every detail to make the space feel luxe, from robes, to chocolates on the pillow, to complimentary wine and brownies. There is also a plethora of goodies to make breakfasts - halloumi, fresh bread, eggs, yogurt, fruit, milk, juice, cereals, porridge, and an array of herbal teas!

After a quick explore when we arrived, we hit the hot tub. Oh boy was it delightful - steaming hot and set amongst the trees. The dogs sniffed around happily, enjoying the space to roam free. We soaked in the hot tub until after sundown, and the sound of chirping birds was replaced by a serenade of frogs. The hosts have lit the surrounding garden, creating a magical space after dark. Back inside, Locky lit the fireplace, and we settled in for the coziest of nights.

After a sleep-in, we roused with some coffee and had a wander through the gardens. The Vale is a five-acre property with manicured gardens and an array of gorgeous farm animals. We picked mandarins, said hello to the chickens & lamas, fed the sheep, sat by the dam, and soaked in the beauty.

Now it was time for some exploring. Frederick the host had recommended a dog-friendly cafe in Bowral for breakfast, so we be-lined there for a feast in the sun-filled courtyard. After a jaunt through the pretty town, we drove to the neighboring town Berrima for a picturesque walk along the river. The drive back home can take you straight through the Penrose State Forest, with 8km of dirt road to get you to The Vale. We took our time, exploring some off-roads, and admiring the endless lines of pine trees and natives.

Back at our little home away from home, we lit the fire and were straight into the hot tub again. The rest of the day was spent flopping around in robes on a rotation of soak, snack, fire lounge, and repeat. I don't toot my own horn very often but must say that I made some pumpkin gnocchi with burnt sage butter for dinner that night, which was scrumptious.

On our final morning, we cooked up a feast with the complimentary breakfast goodies and sat enjoying the fresh sun-filled garden for the last moments. On the way home, we decided a serious leg stretch was in order, so we did the Kiama to Gerringong and back coastal hike - 12km of breathtaking views and some heart-pumping hills. It was the perfect way to finish our few days of indulgence.