Fodor's Expert Review Lake House

Featuring one of Victoria's best restaurants, this rambling lakeside hotel adds a distinct glamor to spa country. The restaurant's seasonal menu ($$$), which promotes the region's bountiful produce, lists such delicacies as Flinders Island rump of saltgrass lamb, roasted with Moroccan flavours; and twice-cooked goat cheese soufflé. The restaurant has two (or more) course lunches and dinners (from A$80). Choose the elegant dining room or the deck overlooking the beautiful lake.

The accommodation, set in 6 acres of gardens, comprise standard rooms in the original homestead, plush waterfront rooms and suites, all of which have balconies, and the fully inclusive and luxurious two-villa retreat.

A day spa administers some treatments specifically for men and expectant mothers, as well as those for couples, along with the more-traditional pampering. A soak in one of the hot tubs housed in its own little cedar "tree house" with views across the lagoon (A$105) is a heavenly treat not to be missed.