The Art of Getting Away

At The Royal Hotel, that begins with a glass of Hinterland sparkling wine at check-in. The grand nineteenth-century Picton landmark has had quite a second act, its historic bones now dressed in beautifully considered contemporary design. The result is a hotel with metropolitan sophistication and a distinctly County soul.

Settle in, admire the small, thoughtful details around you, then consider the possibilities for your evening. Picton's Main Street is just outside the door, with dining options to suit all tastes—from tacos to tteokbokki to tapas. 

And with three nights ahead, there’s absolutely no hurry.

First stop, County Creative, where a pottery-painting session invites you to put your own stamp on a piece of ceramic art. No skills required, just some inspiration and the pleasure of the process itself.

Next, follow your nose to Savon du Bois, where perfumery and aromatherapy meet. In a guided blending workshop, you'll experiment with aromatic notes to create a signature scent of your own—perhaps bottling a little of the County to take home.

By afternoon, it's time to indulge the rest of you. Retreat to The Royal's spa for a Royal Recovery Facial for one guest and a Magnesium Body Ritual for the other. Both promising bliss.

As evening falls, it's a short stroll to Hartleys Tavern, tucked away on Elizabeth Street in Picton. Family-owned and operated, this intimate restaurant combines the warmth of a neighbourhood favourite with beautifully executed, locally inspired cuisine. It's fine dining without the fuss, and a pretty lovely way to end the day.

Saturday begins at Heal with Horses, with a two-hour encounter exploring the remarkable sensitivity of horses to human emotion. Over warm tea or apple cider, you'll learn how these animals respond to the people around them before participating in a guided exercise designed to deepen your connection—with each other and with the horses.

Next, head to Wellington and Midtown Brewing Company, a lively local gathering place where you can debrief over house-brewed beer and wood-fired pizza. Explore Wellington's bustling Main Street before heading into the Milford countryside for another unusual pairing.

At Lighthall Vineyards, the experience doesn't end with the wine. This independent winery also produces artisan sheep's-milk cheeses, crafted to complement its vintner’s lineup. A private tasting offers a delicious glimpse into the ingenuity, experimentation and agricultural traditions that make the County's food and wine culture so compelling.

After a little time back at The Royal, it's off to Bloomfield for dinner at Flame + Smith.

At Flame + Smith, chef Hidde Zomer brings an almost theatrical sensibility to cooking over open flames and embers, transforming seasonal ingredients through the elemental alchemy of fire.

Wake up slowly and linger over one last breakfast at The Royal, perhaps followed by a stroll along Main Street, where independent boutiques, galleries and cafés offer excuses to postpone your departure. Pick up something locally made, order another coffee, or simply enjoy a Sunday morning that's all yours.

Eventually, of course, you'll have to leave. But there's something about The County in winter that stays with you: the astonishing beauty of the landscape, the locals who wave when you pass, and the unexpected pleasures of a place that never really goes quiet. Perhaps you've discovered that winter isn't a season to escape after all—it's one worth escaping to.

And there's always next weekend.