Sunday, December 20, 2015

There is something better than five star hotels and that is a five star B&B

There is something better than five star hotels


Who are your HideAway Haven Hostesses?
She is the one who pampers you, getting up early, goes to the markets and prepares a big breakfast in the morning, advising on the best local restaurants or where to find a beautiful beach or suggesting places to hike.
She is proud of her region and has extensive knowledge of the culture and attractions of her local community.  She is happy to promote and to use locally grown foods in her home-made recipes, such as jams, honey, milk, eggs, cheese, and all kinds of food from our local organic farmers.
As you can imagine guests really appreciate the thoughtful touches she provides, such as home-made afternoon treats left in the fridge and local port and chocolates in your room.
She is welcoming, inviting and with personal attention always ready to ensure you enjoy an amazing time with great hospitality.
With fewer guests and one on one contact, you can expect to be spoiled during your stay. Having her own unique perspective, she will make you feel special with the care and attention you deserve without having to ask.
She ensures everything is spotless – the kinda clean where you feel you can go barefoot.  She is the one who stays up late to ensure you are all tucked up safely for the night and turns out the lights and locks the door.  She is there to welcome you when you arrive and really appreciates a call if you are going to be early or late, so you are not inconvenienced during your check in. 
She is a gracious and hospitable hostess and it is evident that she loves what she does.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Some Entries from Sammie Jo's Diary


02/12/2015
December 2, 2015


Yay summer is here, no more muddy feet and tail for me. I have been staying away again, this wild thing keeps calling me. I think I heard Mummy calling me yesterday afternoon, but I was too tired to get up as I had been up for the last 2 nights.

I came home this morning and woke everyone up at 5am by bouncing on the deck. The noise carries all the way around the house. I was rewarded with 2 bottles of milk and I looked after Josie for a couple of hours so Mummy could do some gardening.

Mummy was sitting out the back with Josie and me at about 7:15 and she heard footsteps on the deck outside the front door. She went to check it out and there was a huge male kangaroo standing there. I did tell him that if wanted to date me, he needed to ask Mummy first if it was OK. So proud of him that he came to the front door. He saw Mummy and took off down the driveway, slipping and then falling on the loose gravel. That was not the plan. He raced down the hill and flew over the fence and Joslyn saw him take off into the distance.

Auntie Pauline did try to warn Mummy that a male kangaroo would find me and he has. Stay tuned for more adventures.



29/11/2015
November 29, 2015


The call of the wild called me again and I left home to answer it. It was my third morning in the wild when I hear my Mummy calling me. She had come looking for me, climbing over electric fences and gates, walking through creeks and past some rather friendly cows. So I answered my Mummy with my call. She sounded so excited to hear me. We couldn't see each other yet, but we kept calling to each other. Finally Mummy saw me and climbed over a fence through a creek bed and over another fence. 'Sammie Jo' she said 'how am I going to get you home?' I didn't go straight to her for cuddles coz I needed to show her the way home. I led the way and showed how to get over a fence (non electric) and through the paddocks till we were close to home. Then we had our cuddles and I held Mummy's hand till we got home. I had a yummy bottle of warm milk and Joslyn removed all my ticks. I have stayed close to home and am getting lots of night time cuddles now. Not sure what I was thinking!! I am helping out by taking care of Josie when she is outside, enjoying my bottles and snacks and of course lots of attention.

Auntie Pauline from Dreamers Dream Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is always a such a huge support and comfort to my Mummies when they worry about me. Mummy knows I might find a mob I will want to stay with one day and I know she understands that. I know she will always be there when I need her. Auntie Pauline tells Mummy she has done a fantastic job of raising me but now I need to decide now where I want to live.




21/11/2015
November 21, 2015


I gave my Mummy's quite a scare during the last week. Last week I stayed out for 2 nights and a whole day and this week I stayed away for 3 nights and 2 days. The call of the wild was calling and I went off to do what big kangaroos do. I know Mummy understands, but she loves me and worries about me. So I came back to reassure her that I am fine. It was nice to get a few bottles again, some cuddles and hugs and a nice long undisturbed sleep. Josie was really happy to see me again as well. I know Mummy will worry tonight as I head off answering the call of the wild, but I am a wild animal and need to do what wild animals do.


 


03/11/2015
November 2, 2015


This being a big sister is work!! Yesterday Mummy took me and Josie down the hill for about an hour. It was beautiful and peaceful, with just the sounds of the birds. We spent time grazing and resting in the filtered sunlight. When it was time to go back up the top, Josie took off. Mummy hoped she would follow, but she didn't and raced into the bush. Mummy couldn't find her anywhere. She looked over the fence and saw me in the distance, she didn't realise that I was keeping an eye on Josie. The undergrowth is quite high and Josie is just a little girl. After about 15 mins of joey sitting, Mummy came walking towards me. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw Josie. Josie got ready to run away again, so I pushed my nose into her backside and pushed her towards home, but she raced off again. She flew up and down the track having great fun. I kept an eye on her to make sure she stayed safe. Then she raced off and came back on a different track and Mummy scooped her up in the bag. I didn't see her come back and when I couldn't see her anymore I thundered up the track ready to bring her home. But I couldn't see her anywhere, I looked and stretched out my neck as far as I could, standing on my tip toes. (I'm pretty big when I do that) but couldn't see her. Then Mummy walked towards me to show me that Josie was safely in her bag. Then it was my turn, I danced and flew up and down the track, I love those times.

Mummy was so happy and proud of me that I got some extra special treats and a huge long cuddle on her lap.

Dining out in Albany



So you can plan your stay with us, here are some of our favourites. It is always recommended that you make a booking. Restaurants not listed in any particular order, it all depends on what you are looking for. From a fine dining experience to our favourite Steakhouse, Albany has something for everyone.

Pepper and Salt Restaurant - our favourite restaurant in Denmark. If you are in Denmark, do yourself a favour and have lunch here.

Dining Out in Albany


Hybla

Bar & Grill - 11 Flinders Parade, Middleton Beach,
Ph: (08) 9841 1120

Hybla uses their own beef, lamb and seafood along with other quality produce to provide a high standard of food and beverage. Simple but interesting and well executed dishes complemented by a beverage list unique to the region showcasing local, interstate and international wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Our liquor license allows beverages to be enjoyed without purchasing a meal. We are open seven days with beverage, coffee and cake available all day.
Kitchen service times are: Breakfast 6:30 am to 9:00 am Lunch 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Dinner 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Share food 11:00 am to Late Download Menu HERE
Garrison



Restaurant, Bar, Cafe 7 Forts Road, Albany, Western Australia, (08) 9842 6654

Garrison brings you a group of passionate people who have come together because of their love of food. The way it looks on the plate, the taste, and the ability to give you exceptional service.

Coffee and Cake Monday - Sunday 10am - 3pm
Lunch Monday to Saturday 12pm - 2.30pm
A La Carte Wednesday - Saturday 6pm - 9pm (Bookings essential)
Sunday Roast 12pm - 3pm

Click HERE for menu


Joop Thai

130 Lockyer Avenue, Albany, Western Australia. Ph 98415377

Joop Thai do a good range of different meals, with something to suit everyone. The food is always fresh, using fresh herbs and spices

Hours Tues to Sun 5pm - 9pm

Mean Fiddler CafĂ© – Bar – Restaurant



132 York Street, Albany Ph 9841 1852

Mean Fiddler Restaurant is situated in the historic city of Albany on the main street in the heart of the restaurant and bar area, close to local shopping and just minutes away from the Entertainment Centre.



Mean Fiddler Restaurant serves modern Australian cuisine with an emphasis on premium produce and a wide variety of fare including fresh seafood, premium beef and succulent duck.

Lunch: Monday – Saturday from 12 noon
Dinner: Monday – Saturday from 6pm

Click HERE for their dinner menu
Curry Leaf Indian Restaurant



234 Albany Hwy, Albany Ph 98421213

This restaurant is hidden away behind the Amity Motel on the main Southern Highway out of town, but it is really worth the effort to find it. Fine Indian Cuisine restaurant, bringing new spices and flavours to Albany from the chef who cooked for the Queen. Authentic flavours, beautiful presentation, and friendly service are what the Curry Leaf prides itself on. A huge variety of dishes with your choice of Mild, medium and hot. Awesome service and Take Away available.

Open 7 days a week 5pm - 9pm. Bookings preferred.

Three Anchors



2 Flinders Parade, Albany, Western Australia, Ph 98411600

With a focus on local produce and people, they strive to deliver delicious food, an exciting bar menu and good times, which can be found in the picturesque location of Middleton Beach, Albany. Three Anchors is open Seven Days a week for Breakfast, Lunch + Dinner.

Click HERE for their menu

Three Anchors, open 7 days a week 7am-10pm. Open Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Live Music from 4-7 every Sunday.
Due South



Toll Place - On the Jetty (In front of Albany Entertainment Centre)

Due South maintains the simple focus of showcasing the best of the Great Southern,through supporting local suppliers, building a strong selection of local wines and using fresh produce, giving customers the best opportunity to experience what this great region has to offer.

Due South was included in Gourmet Traveller's Hot 100 for 2015

Click HERE for menu

Mon-Sat: 07:00-00:00 Sun: 07:00-22:00

Liberte - Bar - Vietnamese and French Restaurant



162 Stirling Tce, Albany, Western Australia. (08) 9847 4797



Liberte at the London Hotel is a Parisian inspired wine and cocktail bar inside the historic London Hotel.
Alongside an amazing wine, beer, spirit & cocktail list they also offer a dynamic lunch and dinner menu that draws its influence from both Vietnam and France. Committed to providing customers with a satisfying and enjoyable experience through an ongoing dedication to sourcing the best produce both locally and abroad all in a unique and ambient environment.

Liberte impressed WA food reviewer Rob Broadfield with the headline “My new food heroes!”

Mon-Wed: 11:00-23:00 Thurs-Sat: 11:00-23:45
Rustlers Steakhouse



Next to Police Station, on Stirling Terrace, Albany, Western Australia 6330 Ph 98422454

Offering a wide range of meals from Fish, Chicken, Pork, Lamb and vegetarian meals. They work very closely with Dardenup Butchering Company known as DBC, to offer the finest Tender Ridge wet aged beef in the region.

Click HERE to see menu

Mon-Sun 5pm - Till Late.

"Bookings highly recommended"
Oranje Tractor Winery and Enoteca 513R Restaurant



198 Link Road, Albany Ph 9842 5175

Even Prince Charles and Camilla are visited here during their trip to Albany in November 2015.

A small, unique winery producing delicious, award winning organically grown wine. Enjoy wandering through the extensive organic garden before finding the Enoteca 513R Cellar Door and enjoy one of the delicious platters of local seasonal produce, prepared freshly for you. Open Fri, Sat and Sunday 10am to 4pm. Longer trading hours during school holidays.

Click HERE to see their menu

Albany Region for the Aspirational Achievers - Munda Biddi Trail

Albany Region for the Aspirational Achievers - Munda Biddi Trail

The Munda Biddi Trail is a world-class, nature-based, off-road cycling experience. A unique trail where a 1000km track has been built through an undeveloped natural corridor from Mundaring to Albany.  This trail is for cyclists only, no need to share.

The Munda Biddi Trail  means path through the forest in the Nyoongar Aboriginal language.
Enjoy a meandering pace with plenty of opportunities to stop and look at the cattle, goats, horses and other farm animals along the trail. In the quiet of the trail keep your eyes and ears alert for the many different of bird calls from the native birds, enjoy watching small animals such as bandicoots and rabbits running across or beside the trail.  
During the wild-flower season enjoy the beauty of as the forest floors come to life with amazing colours.  Surrounded by nature, relax and enjoy as the trail unfolds through majestic trees, such as the Karri that are the third largest in the whole of Australia.
Cross the suspension bridge at picturesque One Tree Bridge, experience  the splendour of the Walpole Wilderness and beautiful coastal landscapes.
Finish at Albany and enjoy the comfort of a pillow top bed and a Jacuzzi to soothe those muscles.  As a cycle accredited business HideAway Haven offers you the basic repair equipment and air pumps to pump up the tires.  While you are here, Albany is a cycle friendly town with many cycle friendly businesses.

HideAway Haven on 2015 Star Ratings Australia GOLD List - Regional & State

NEW GOLD LIST OF ACCOMMODATION SHOWCASES BEST OF THE BEST
HideAway Haven wins 2 more GOLD Stars - :-)  
Powered by millions of past guest reviews from hundreds of websites around the world, the inaugural Star Ratings Gold List of Australian accommodation is the ultimate holiday form guide.
Today, we celebrate only those properties who continue to voluntarily hold themselves to independent quality standards and who almost always exceed guest expectations.
We know that travellers visit many websites and read plenty of online reviews before they book. That's why our Gold List is unique. It is powered by ReviewPro and independently qualified by the William Angliss Institute here in Melbourne. Each list represents the consumer 'voice' found on multiple websites, not just one.
The inaugural Star Ratings Gold List of Australian accommodation showcases the premier hotels, motels, serviced apartments, self catering, hosted accommodation and caravan-holiday parks.
We have produced a Gold List for the best properties nationally, in each State or Territory, in each capital city, and in each of the recognised tourism regions around Australia.
From the opinions of those who have actually stayed at the property to our own independent Star Rating quality standards; Australian travellers can trust these properties to exceed their expectations.
For more information, click here.

Kite Surfing in the Albany Region for the Experience Seeker


'it’s just you, the water and the wind'


Just imagine the excitement of surfing and the tranquil sensation of kite flying; the thrill of giant waves and white foaming waters fused together with the caressing wind against your face. This is a different aero-water sport with double the excitement and double the fun.

Kite surfing is a surface water sport that uses the wind to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. A kite surfer uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.


Book yourself a luxury vacation and enjoy the wonders of the outdoors.  HideAway Haven has a Jacuzzi on the open deck under a trillion stars just waiting for you at the end of the day.

Albany Region for the Aspirational Achievers - Sail the Southern Ocean

Albany Region for the Aspirational Achievers - Sail the Southern Ocean

Sailing the open ocean challenges your reality like no other venture. ... by joining Southern Ocean Sailing as one of their passages, you too can feel the thrill of the wind in your sails.  Come along to gain experience and those just looking for adventure will get more than they imagined possible. 
Southern Ocean Sailing has a beautiful 40' yacht 'Panacea' berthed at the Albany marina available for half day cruises, whole day charters, overnight stays at anchor, or just learning how to sail from our very experienced and patient skipper Mark.  Mark's passion is sailing but more importantly introducing you to the wonders of the ocean wilderness.
Why not book yourself into HideAway Haven  and spend a few leisurely days sailing on our beautiful oceans.  Mark has plenty of options to suit you or will tailor make a tour just for you.

Saturday, November 21, 2015

HideAway Haven wins GOLD at the WA Tourism Awards




HideAway Haven wins GOLD at the WA Tourism Awards
November 21, 2015


We are so excited to announce that we won GOLD for the second year at this years Perth airport WA Tourism Awards in the Hosted Accommodation category. This means we get to represent WA at the National Awards in Melbourne in February next year. Air flights and hotel already booked.

Unfortunately we were unable to attend the gala event and we heartily thank Graham Harvey on attending and accepting the award on our behalf.

Other winners in our region were




GOLD – New Tourism Business to the NATIONAL ANZAC CENTRE Albany

SILVER – Tourism Restaurants & Catering Services to THE LAKE HOUSE DENMARK

BRONZE – Festivals & Events to ANZAC ALBANY

BRONZE - Caravan & Holiday Parks to DENMARK OCEAN BEACH HOLIDAY PARK

GOLD – Excellence in Food Tourism to VINO FOODS – THE LAKE HOUSE DENMARK

GOLD – Local Government Award for Tourism to CITY OF ALBANY











Albany Region for the Experience Seekers

 - Kite Surfing


Are you adventurous and do you enjoy a variety of experiences in one location? -

We are exploring the endless opportunities available in the Albany Region. So why not book your stay with us and enjoy some unique experiences. 
 

'it’s just you, the water and the wind'


Imagine the excitement of Surfing and the tranquil sensation of kite flying; the thrill of giant waves and white foaming waves fused together with the wind caressing your face. This is a different aero-water sport with double the excitement and fun.

Kite surfing is a surface water sport that uses the wind to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. A kite surfer uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.


Monday, November 2, 2015

The best way to appreciate nature’s beauty is to sit and meditate with nature

The purity, beauty, vastness and harmony in these spectacular beaches around Albany, with miles of secluded beaches looking out into the ocean you can find your perfect place to sit, calm your body and clear your mind.
Have your most relaxing, meditative, nature-appreciating holiday ever in the Albany Region.while staying with us at HideAway Haven

Imagine pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water

Tourist in our Town - Little Beach

Imagine pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. It’s no wonder visitors come from all around the world to sink their toes into the pure white sand of Little Beach. Voted as #5 of AUSTRALIA`S TOP SECRET SPOTS, you’ll find the very definition of paradise here, as you stroll along the beach. It is so beautiful, that most of the time pictures don’t do it any justice. You have to visit to witness just how stunning it actually is.


Start planning your summer vacation now—this is one of the world's most beautiful and scenic beaches.



Saturday, October 24, 2015

'Life is Precious' - Vegetarian Lifestyle

On September 1, Maggie decided she would follow a vegetarian lifestyle.  She often get asked why and the short answer is that after being blessed with Sammie Jo and having the privilege of raising her she felt a deep sense of how very precious each and every life is.  
During this time she was following the story of 'Miracle' a calf that was rescued by Free Hearts Animal Sanctuary,  Miracle was born prematurely and the farmer was going to let her die as he did not want to be responsible for the cost of her care.  The tears, heartbreak and joy of her carers again brought an awareness to me how precious life is.
For many years she would only eat 'Happy Meat' from organic farmers who treated their animals with respect and from farms who were RSPCA approved..  But even these animals are transported to abattoirs and have a couple of very stressful last days. The reasoning  'it's just one bad day in the animals life'  doesn't sit well with her any more. 
She has been having fun experimenting with vegetarian dishes, enjoying the amazing fresh produce of the Great Southern and feeling so much better knowing that she is not responsible for the death of an animal.

Being a vegetarian is not for everyone and as hostess at HideAway Haven, she will still cook bacon and sausages for our guests and non vegetarian dishes for the family.  Happy to report though that her vegetarian dishes are so good everyone wants to eat them.

#Life is Precious

Monday, October 19, 2015

A Misty Morning for a Hike

We got up very early one misty morning and headed to the Porongurups. Hiking up the misty mountain towards the Castle Rock Skywalk, amongst the stunning scenery and breathtaking beauty of the Porongurups, was a perfect way to enjoy an early morning . 
You see things in the mist you never see in the light of the sun. Mist can make familiar landscapes seem strange and unreal. 
 When we arrived at the top everything was enveloped in cloud, but as the sun came up and the mist lifted the views are amazing. 
 This is a hike well worth the effort with stunning views of the landscape, especially from the Granite Skywalk which is suspended from Castle Rock at the very top.


Balancing Rock

A balancing rock is a naturally occurring geological formation featuring a large rock or boulder, sometimes of substantial size, resting on other rocks that often look precariously balanced. In reality, these rocks only appear to be balancing but are in fact firmly connected to a base rock by a pedestal or stem.
The balancing Rock in the Porongurups may not have made the top 10 balancing rocks in the world, some of them are pretty impressive, but never the less is pretty amazing.  Our balancing rock is a six metre high granite boulder which reportedly weighs around 186 tonnes yet rests on a base just 1.21 square metres.

Why not visit the balancing rock when you are staying at HideAway Haven.  It is an easy 30 minute drive and along the hike that takes you to Castle Rock.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

September in Albany at HideAway Haven Luxury 5* Accommodation

September may be almost over, but love this poem, so thought I would share it anyway




September in Australia

by Henry Kendall
Grey Winter hath gone like a wearisome guest,
And, behold, for repayment,
September comes in with the wind from the west
And the spring in her raiment!
The ways of the frost have been filled of the flowers,
While the forest discovers
Wild wings, with the halo of hyaline hours,
And the music of lovers.
September, the maid with the swift silver feet!
She glides and she graces
The valleys of coolness, the slopes of the heat,
With her blossomy traces;
Sweet month, with a mouth that is made of a rose,
She lightens and lingers
In spots where the harp of the evening glows,
Attuned by her fingers.
We, having a secret to others unknown,
In the cool mountain mosses,
May whisper together, September alone
Of our loves and our losses.
One word for her beauty, and one for the grace
She gave to the hours;
And then we may kiss her, and suffer her face
To sleep with the flowers.

Yoga and flying come together at HideAway Haven

Yoga and flying come together at HideAway Haven




In addition to receiving a total body workout, Aerial Yoga (also known as Anti Gravity Yoga or Inversion Therapy) emphasises having fun while learning new skills, such as safe inversion therapy, which has been deemed one of the most beneficial practices for the body.

The complex movements force you to focus your attention on breathing and rebalancing the body and mind. Every time you breathe and move with purpose, you reconnect.

Aerial yoga builds strength. Moves and poses recruit both the arms and legs, plus a constantly engaged core is required to perform most of the balances. It’s the best way to get an ab workout without even noticing how hard you’re working. 


Why try aerial yoga?

Swinging and turning upside down is just plain fun.

Decompress Your Spine & Improve Spinal Health

Cross Train to Improve Your Pole Fitness Practice

Promote a Healthier Cardiovascular System

Enjoy an Exhilarating Workout

Restore Your Youthful Appearance

Increase Brain Activity Allowing You to Think & Function Better

Bring Peace to Your Mind, Body and Soul

Aerial Yoga Fusion poses release oxygen and nutrients to the brain that penetrate through the skin, and scalp. It is a natural cleanser that enhances skin elasticity and hair growth.

Why not book an Aerial Yoga Retreat at HideAway Haven with Hayley from Radiant Being

Call us and reserve your weekend now. Why not combine aerial yoga with some SUP Yoga for a weekend of fun and relaxation.

Monday, September 28, 2015


Looking for a new challenge? Try SUP Yoga


What is SUP Yoga?



SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard)Yoga is traditional Yoga taught on the water on floating boards. Your mat is a stand up paddle board; the world is your studio and all the elements have been invited – sun, wind, water and maybe the whales … Enjoy learning while adapting to the motion of the board, the continuous challenge to balance, the instant instability created by minor energy and weight shifts, and the focus required to ground while afloat. Change is the only constant in life. On the water learn to flow and enjoy the ride!

At HideAway Haven we offer SUP Yoga Weekend Retreats with experienced trainer Hayley from Radiant Being. why not book a weekend now.

Here are some reasons to try SUP Yoga

It's a better workout.

Since the platform is unstable, you have to engage your core more for better balance

It's more calming.


The sensation of floating helps to alleviate the heaviness that life sometimes throws on our shoulders.

It will help you focus on your breath.

Ujjayi Pranayama, or Ocean Breath, is a popular yoga method for breathing because the "ocean" sound is believed to soothe your mind

It's empowering.

Standing up on a paddle board gives you a unique perspective of both the water and the horizon. It's as close as you can get to walking on water,

It's fun.

It's well-known that novelty is important in exercise regimens in order to stay motivated and happy.

It's beautiful.


Between breathing fresh air, soaking up vitamin D and enjoying the natural landscape, it beats just about any gym or studio out there.

Credit  Huffington Post

Spring time in our award winning garden

Spring in HideAway Haven's Award Winning Garden



It's Spring again and with it comes the warmer weather. It's time for nurturing new growth and life that is starting to show its face in our award winning garden.

We love tending to our garden this time of year, watching the baby birds leave their nests and trying to fly, the butterflies flying around and watching Sammie Jo and our resident skinks enjoy the warmth of the sunshine.







Coffee Pod vs Freshly Brewed Coffee



Are Coffee Pods an Environmental Risk?


Many of our younger guests comment that they would have loved the use of a coffee pod machine during their stay with us. We provide an unlimited supply of Naked Bean Coffee with plungers, espresso machine and a drip filter machine.

As an environmentally sustainable accommodation, HideAway Haven does not offer a coffee pod machine for our guests. Coffee pods, made from plastic and foil, do not degrade and cannot be recycled, clogging landfill sites instead.

The inventor of the American version of the coffee capsule has admitted he “sometimes feels bad” about what he did – and fears for what his creation is doing to the environment.

There is little to no transparency as to where beans are sourced, so we can not be assured that the coffee is sustainably produced.

Pod coffee is not fresh. Fresh coffee is ground right before brewing. Not ground and then nitrogen-flushed in plastic containers.

Though some pods (5%) are partly recyclable we would need to take the time to separate the lid, remove the paper filter, and compost the grounds. Recycling facilities are struggling with the cups falling through sorting grates as they are so small, and still end up as land fill.

As the pod is “cooked” along with the coffee, there are potential health concerns.

A great cup of coffee has approx 20gms of coffee, coffee pods have around 5gm. Pod coffee is twice as expensive as Naked Bean Coffee.

Based on our research HideAway Haven will not offer a coffee pod machine.  If you are not sure on how to use our plungers please ask and we will happily make the coffee for you.

Italian Feast

Supporting Nicola's Dream




At HideAway Haven we love being able to support and encourage others to follow their dreams. Nicola at iSail360 is going to sail around the world as part of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. We are cooked up a storm in the kitchen for our 8 guests and raised more than $1,000 to support Nicola.

This menu is also available for our guests if pre ordered.  $200 per couple and includes a glass of local red wine.

Menu


Entree - Vegetable Strudle with Gorgonzola Sauce

Main - Pasta alle Felice or Black Rice with baked fish

Dessert - Tiramasu with Strawberries from Freshpict Strawberry Farm

Side Salad with Over the Moon Organics Feta Cheese and HL & BJ Shapland greens

Wine has kindly been donated by GALAFREY WINES and Cameron Bergsma 

Home Made pasta donated by Nilla's Italian Kitchen

HideAway Hostesses are bringing a little part of Northern Italy to the Albany Region







The Clipper Race is one of the biggest challenges in the world and an endurance test like no other. With no previous sailing experience necessary, it’s a record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world on a 70-foot ocean racing yacht, starting London in August 2015. Participants do not need any sailing experience, they must have a good level of fitness, be over 18 - and have a thirst for adventure into the unknown. The race is divided into eight legs and participants can choose to complete the full circumnavigation or select individual legs. We look forward to seeing them in Albany. It is the only race in the world where the organisers supply a fleet of twelve identical racing yachts, each with a fully qualified skipper to safely guide the crew. Nicola is in Team Max. We wish you safe travels, loads of adventures and precious memories. Go Nicola!! we at HideAway Haven are so proud of you!!

Sunday, September 27, 2015

HideAway Haven's Values


HideAway Haven's Business Values

OUR CORE VALUES ARE:



To give personalised, warm and consistently exceptional service-

We appreciate there are numerous choices and alternatives our guests have to choose from, and so we set the bar high for ourselves, to provide the highest quality services and products. We constantly challenge ourselves to update and improve. We create an environment where our guests feel this is their home away from home.



To value, respect and support each other-

We firmly believe that care comes from caring and so as hostesses we provide a level of care for our staff and business partners that inspires by example, generates trust, respect, confidence, with open and honest communication and appreciation. We are flexible, helping staff strike a healthy work and life balance.
We treat our staff, customers, partners and suppliers with mutual respect and sensitivity, recognising the importance of diversity. We respect all individuals and value their contributions

To create positive, memorable experiences for every guest-

We meet or exceed our customers' expectations before and during their stay with us. By delighting and satisfying our guests, we ensure the success of HideAway Haven and our team. By serving our customers with a highly personable, proficient, friendly, competent service, and listening to their needs we create special memories and experiences.

To care about and give back to our local community-

We recognise and appreciate our responsibility to be active participants in our local community. We believe in giving our time to community and service organisations. We believe that it is important to give something back and make a difference.
- We participate in ‘Relay for Life’ by walking in the early hours of the morning (only time the guests don’t need us as they are sleeping) and raising funds through donations from businesses we support during the year.
- Our social conscience package is ‘The Ultimate Remedy Is A Safe Haven - Pay it Forward’. We firmly believe in undertaking and giving to people who simply do not take time out for themselves because personal circumstances may prevent it. We desire to provide them with a safe haven; a moment in time for those experiencing life’s most difficult times to rest, to lift up, to reinvigorate and to provide much needed relief. HideAway Haven gifts a two night stay, working with other local businesses in our community who share our values of peace and harmony we organise an experience for these guests which create lifetime memories.
- We support the local economy by spending the majority of our annual purchasing locally such as; labour, goods and services. We source the best quality goods from local business-people who share our environmental focus - this helps keep the environmental footprint low

To implement and demonstrate environmental sustainability-

As luxury accommodation providers in Albany, HideAway Haven is in a unique position to influence our guests on energy efficiency and water use. By taking our own action to improve efficiency in these areas, HideAway Haven can demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and reduce our impact on the environment.
- Modelling best practice in environmental management.
- Ensuring our activities comply with relevant environmental laws and policies.
- Minimising our environmental foot print through sustainable management of resources including land, water, energy, materials, cultural heritage and biodiversity.




Saturday, September 26, 2015

Sammie Jo

Sammie Jo is our rescued orphaned joey.  She came to live with us 12 months ago.  She is such a sweetheart.  Raising a joey is a lot of work, but so rewarding.  She is a big girl now and able to survive on her own if that is what she wants, but she still loves her 3 bottles a day and is home right on time for her feeds.  She still sleeps indoors most nights, but that way we can ensure she is safe.  She loves hanging in the office with us and sleeps on the floor while we are working.  She is such good company and makes us laugh.

Guests love feeding her and enjoy spending time with her.  She has the free run of the property and we have never kept her fenced in or tied up.  She has her own diary on our website.  http://www.hideaway-haven.com.au/sammie-jos-diary/