The winter solstice always deserves a little ceremony, and this year we went all in with a trip to the stunning Omina Retreat. The drive itself was a bit of a dirt-road odyssey, all winding dirt roads and stunning views, but nothing topped the panorama that greeted us when we finally arrived at Omina’s hilltop.

Perched perfectly to catch both sunrise and sunset, the property felt like it was designed for maximum awe. We spent the afternoon doing what one should do at a place like this - soaking up the views and soaking in the hot tub. As the sun dipped behind the hills, we lit the indoor fire, kicked off quesadilla cook-up, dealt a few hands of cards, and melted into the couch. Everyone slept like absolute royalty on beds that felt like clouds wrapped in lush linen.

The next morning eased in slow — as it should. Everyone surfaced on their own terms, coffee flowed freely, meditations and workouts happened, the hot tub and sauna fired back up. We lazed about in the winter sun, chatting, flopping about, and casually planning the day ahead.

Our daytime adventure took us to Bellbrook. We followed a track near the pub down to the river for a quick icy swim, then headed straight back up the hill for a well-earned cold one. Back at Omina, it was more cards, charcuterie board, fire pit hangs… and yes, more hot tub time. Obviously. Tonights kitchen delights were arancini, ravioli and ragu. We fought through food comas, and played charades by the fire to wrap the night up.

Leaving this majestic hilltop retreat was not easy. Omina nails that rare sweet spot between luxury and total seclusion. Worth every twist and turn on the way in. Honestly? Book at least three nights. Two just isn't enough when paradise has a hot tub and front-row seats to the sun’s full daily performance.

We wrapped up the trip with a visit to The Pub With No Beer — which, misleading name aside, was fully stocked and happily poured us a round or two to toast the perfect end to a winter escape.