Tucked discreetly among native bushland and its own private vineyard, Empire Retreat isn’t the kind of place you stumble upon — it’s the kind of place you seek out when your soul is craving space. This adults-only hideaway in Yallingup has a stillness about it. Not silent. Not static. But deeply grounding — like the land itself is inviting you to slow down.
From the moment you pass through the limestone entry, there’s a shift. A shedding of urgency. A remembering of rhythm. And that tone carries through every part of the experience.
Suites That Cocoon, Not Just Shelter
The accommodation at Empire is intimate and elegant, without ever feeling pretentious. Earthy tones, stone walls, dark timber and layered textures create an ambience that’s moody in the best possible way.
I stayed in the open-plan luxury Farmstead. It’s styled with exquisite furnishing, a fireplace, gourmet kitchen and a private back deck overlooking ‘my’ native garden and the perfect spot to catch the morning light just right.
The pièce de résistance is the outdoor stone bathtub. Soaking under the stars, with only the breeze and birdsong for company, was pure magic. The bath becomes more than a feature — it’s a moment.
Every suite is styled with intention — furnishings are curated from around the world (the original owners also own Empire, a design and furniture brand), yet it never feels overdone. It’s like stepping into a modern, romantic, earthy cocoon.
The Spa: A Sacred Pause
Tucked away in its own sanctuary, the Empire Spa is where I experienced the transformative Vanessa Megan Metamorphosis Lift & Sculpt Facial — a treatment designed to lift, firm, and rejuvenate the skin like never before.
This advanced youth-enhancing facial stimulates collagen production, energises cells, and promotes healthy blood flow while relieving facial tension. Through a bespoke combination of fascia release, intra-oral Buccal massage, and lymphatic drainage, the treatment works to smooth fine lines, reduce wrinkles, and reveal a noticeably more sculpted and radiant complexion.
Potent active ingredients — including phytoestrogens, peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, and clinical-grade lactic acid — penetrate deep into the dermis, hydrating, plumping, and renewing the skin. The result is skin that looks lifted, luminous, and deeply revitalised.
I also indulged in their Chakra Balancing Experience — a holistic therapy designed to nurture both physical and spiritual well-being. Using sound bowls placed directly over chakra points, this treatment uses steady vibrations to clear energy blockages, encourage harmony, and restore a natural flow throughout the body. The soothing tones helped release tension, calm my mind, and left me feeling grounded, deeply aligned, and in a beautifully balanced state of being.
Should You Leave Your Suite…
Empire Retreat has a beautiful flow beyond its private suites. The main building offers a welcoming guest lounge, complete with an oversized stone fireplace that becomes the heart of the retreat on cooler days. It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a book, a glass of wine, or simply your thoughts. Step outside onto the expansive timber deck and you’ll find another highlight — panoramic views across the vineyard, the ideal setting to watch the sun slowly sink behind the trees in a wash of colour.
Mornings here are equally special. A beautiful à la carte breakfast is included in your stay, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients and served with the same relaxed elegance that defines the entire retreat. There’s also a thoughtfully stocked pantry filled with local artisanal produce — perfect for creating your own grazing platter to pair with a bottle of Margaret River wine (whether you picked it up yourself or ‘happened’ to find it at Empire’s selection).
Things to Do (or Not Do)
This is a place to go slow. But if you want to explore, you’re perfectly positioned:
- Wineries: Some of the best in the region are minutes away — Wills Domain, Arimia, Marri Wood Park.
- Beaches: A short drive takes you to Smiths Beach, Injidup Natural Spa, or Yallingup Lagoon.
- Ngilgi Cave Twilight Tour with Koomal Dreaming — a must-do cultural experience where you’ll hear the didgeridoo in the belly of an ancient cave.
Or simply walk the grounds — through the vines, into the bush, and back again, wine or tea in hand.
Empire Retreat is quiet luxury. The kind that doesn’t need to announce itself. It simply invites you to arrive — fully.
To book your stay, go HERE
Written by Kris Abbey, Founder and Editor of Spa & Wellness. Discover more about Kris HERE.
Discover more about Australia’s South West HERE
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