Nestled within dense Karri bushland on 265 acres of private property Empire Retreat certainly paints a picture of total relaxation and opulence. With its twisting driveway bordered by wild lilies this luxury spa getaway is sure to have you feeling invigorated from the moment you arrive.

Reception is housed in a renovated 25-year-old character farm-house also encompassing a large communal kitchen, billiards room, den, and a glass enclosed dining area which sits high above leafy views of the rolling vineyards below. The furniture that invades this spa retreat has all been hand-crafted from the best local timber and made right here in Western Australia.

There are ten extravagant suites in total at Empire each with a private parking space and many distinctive features. The two lofts suites which are positioned above the main farm-house have a remarkable view of the native gardens below. The courtyard suite is situated on the lower level of the farm house and has its own exclusive walled garden and courtyard. There are four deluxe suites in total, all joined together by a maze of timber-decked pathways enveloped with Asian inspired Bamboo jungles. The suites each have their own terrace which opens out into the natural bushland beyond which also camouflages your very own heated outdoor shower. The remaining 3 suites at Empire are lavish private villas. Each villa has been scattered throughout the forest like a hidden jungle bungalow and each with open plan living areas, sunken dens, open fire places timber-decked balconies and private courtyards complete with the trademark, heated outdoor showers.

To get a sense of the retreat's opulence, the owners have certainly paid attention to each minute detail. Ensuites are walled from floor to ceiling with tumbled marble mosaics, the two person spa bath has been well situated in front of a large picture window looking out into the fresh forrest, the king sized beds are covered in the finest of crisp white cottons, the towels are fluffy and splendidly soft and the outside greenery manages to sneak its way inside via the large french doors by the bedside.

If that's not enough to tempt you for a tranquil weekend away, the retreat also has its very own Sodashi Spa offering guests a large selection of pampering treatments. For something more romantic try one of the couples' packages most of which include an indulgent hydro-therapy session in the quaint free-standing tub.

For a quick weekend getaway, Empire Retreat is truly romantic and eternally relaxing. Within easy reach from Perth, deluxe suites start from AUD$356 per night during low season and AUD$380 per night during high season.

We honeymooned at the Empire Retreat and Spa for 4 nights in March of 2007. We had an amazing time. We were upgraded to the best room upon arrival and 'best' was a great way to describe it. Clean, beautifully designed with a fabulous private outdoor shower and a delightful view. The staff were so helpful and friendly. Breakfast is not to be missed - Some really tasty and different items on the menu. We really looked forward to it every morning. Look out for the geese - They are a little angry but beautiful never the less. If you take them bread, they will charge at you - I tested it!

Once you come back to Perth - If you have withdrawls, you can always visit Empire Homewares on Scarborough Beach Road. You'll be instantly taken back.

I have stayed at my fair share of hotels - I have (over)paid for luxurious minimalism in Barcelona, revelled in brothel-style decor in Singapore and kitsh-chic in Brussels - but the Empire comes very close
to being the nicest place I have ever stayed.

After driving down from Perth (and following what was (in retrospect) an amusing but extended interlude involving a tremendously long line at the hire car desk, screaming children, mistaken luggage, a Judge, german spies, and a two hour drive before we worked out we had the wrong suitcase) we arrived at the Empire. I may have made up the bit about the German spies.

What a pleasure to arrive at such a beautiful resort.

Everything about this small hotel/retreat has been thought through carefully - from the stunning grounds, filled with fish ponds, secluded corners, roaming geese and tame lizards, to the wildly comfortable king size bed.

The common areas are furnished beautifully. The decor of the enormous rooms is understated, yet very elegant. Our room opened onto a small ground level balcony, which was very private, and with its own outdoor
shower, and which overlooked stunning bushland. Plants and wildflowers
nestled right up to the shower and the chairs positioned for lounging and looking at the view.

The Retreat serves breakfast only (although huge dinner platters can be ordered with 48 hours notice) - but what a breakfast! A selection of beautifully home cooked fruit, pancakes and muffins, good tea and coffee and a selection of hot dishes cooked to order. The food was wonderful, as was the dinner platter.

Ths staff were friendly, and made our entire stay a pleasure. Everything was sparklingly clean and well maintained.

I imagine that some of the cheaper rooms could be a little noisy (as they are in the main building) but ours was secluded and very quiet.

Everything about Empire was perfect - which made it all the more enjoyable lying back on the balcony, watching wrens and honey eaters flying from tree to tree, sipping wine from a winery just down the road, and thinking about doing absolutely nothing for another day.

Thoroughly recommended.

Stayed for 1 night in July07. We stayed in a deluxe room with a spa and balcony. Room was lovely, spacious, with an outside decking area and an outdoor shower. Property had a rural, quiet and relaxing feel to it. Staff were really friendly when checking in.
The comunal lounge area had complimentary cake in the afternoon which was a really nice touch. It also had foxtel and lounges etc to watch tv on the big screen. Breakfast the next morning was beautiful. All home made muesli, pancakes, cereals, plus a choice of a cooked breakfast. The service was great, ambience beautiful and all in all a very nice place to relax and unwind. Would definetely go back again!!