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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » La Rochér Eco Retreat in NSW, The Perfect Place To Escape in Luxury
The Tweed Valley is a beautiful part of Northern New South Whales and at La Rochér Eco Retreat I discovered pure luxury! This NSW Eco retreat is the perfect place to unwind & enjoy a little escape from the busyness of life. Keep reading for all the details.
[La Rochér Eco Retreat hosted me & my husband for two nights and I’m pleased to be able to share my honest review of this experience with you.]
In Australia, the good news came recently that travel restrictions are beginning to ease and this also includes the International borders. And, as we recover from covid, I’ve found a wonderful accommodation option for those seeking an escape, that’ll not only offer beauty but also space. This NSW eco-retreat is perfect for couples, or anyone who feels the need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
About La Rochér Eco Retreat
When I first arrived at La Rochér Eco Retreat the sun was shining and straight away the view grabbed my attention.
The property has been open since December 2019 & there’re 4 villas, all are spread out to give privacy. Each villa is perched on top of a hill and facing west out towards the border rangers and Wollumbin/Mt Warning. Whether you’re laying in bed, lounging on the balcony, or soaking in the tub, you’ll always have uninterrupted views of the forest & mountains.
During check-in, we met the owner Graham and while showing us around he explained that the name “Rochér” is not only his family name but in French means ‘rock’. So this acts as a connection to Wollumbin/Mt Warning, the large rock that is the centerpiece of the property’s viewpoint. Then, “La” is the initials of this wife Lauren who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
La Rochér has a very warm & loving atmosphere. Lauren & Graham had dreamt of building a retreat that offers guests tranquility and a place they can truly unwind. And this is exactly what they have done! I truly felt calm & relaxed from the moment I stepped out go my car.
Whenever I travel the one thing that’s most important to me about my room is cleanliness! I can’t stand mess or a dirty bathroom. So it’s something I always look out for after I first check-in.
I’m very happy to say our villa was sparkling clean, I’m sure you can see how neat the villa was presented by my photos but also everything was very clean, it all felt brand-new.
Location & How To Get There
La Rochér Eco Retreat is in the Tweed Vally, Northern NSW, and is very close to a small village called Uki.
La Rochér is perfectly positioned between the ocean, the mountains, and two airports. Surrounding the property are rolling green hills and mountains in the distance. But in just under 30 minutes you could be at one of the many beaches along the Tweed Coast.
The two airports that are closest to Uki are Ballina Byron Airport, in NSW, which is 55 minutes south. And, Gold Coast airport, in QLD is 40 minutes north.
As La Rochér is in a reasonably remote area, hiring a car is definitely your best option and there’s parking available on the property.
Best Restaurants Near By
If you wanted to leave La Rochèr for a feed and explore more of the local area. There are definitely great restaurants nearby, these are a few of my favorites;
Mavis’s Kitchen
The Uki Cafe
Mount Warning Hotel Uki
And, then to explore more of the Tweed I have written an article on all the best-hidden gems along the Tweed Coast, click here.
Facilities & Services
The Villa
The villas have a studio-style layout, with everything you will need without feeling cramped. So much attention to detail has been put into the design of the villas. They have positioned the furniture in a way that no matter where you are, you’ll always have a view. I appreciated the quality & comfort of the furniture and even the little Forero “Rochér” chocolates waiting for us on the bed.
In the main area of the villa, there’s a king bed (I’ve never slept in sheets so soft), decent-sized lounge suits and T.V. The kitchen is well equipped with quality appliances such as 5 burner gas stove, dishwasher & espresso machine.
Included in the room’s rate is a very generous breakfast hamper, filled with fruits, vegetables, fresh juice, milk, eggs, bacon, cereals, plus a loaf of sourdough & spreads. The perfect place to enjoy your delicious brekky is sitting at the breakfast bar. Open the windows right up, and enjoy the fresh country air.
If you do have any dietary requirements, just let Graham know before you arrive and they’ll be happy to accommodate.
The villa also had a large balcony with a BBQ and three comfortable seating options. I loved sitting outside & having my own private view of Mount Warning, especially as the sun was setting.
There’s also a two-sided fireplace for those visiting during the cooler months.
Now, to the best part of the villa! The bath, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, and because of the position of the villa, you’re still given privacy. Not forgetting the finer details, they’ll be a bamboo bath caddy stocked up for you with aromatherapy candles, bath salts & a small bottle of Prosecco.
There’s no better way to unwind than enjoying a drink in the tub with these amazing mountain views.
Not Forgetting This Is An Eco Retreat
An effort has been made in the villa to ensure all guests can be easily environmentally friendly. There aren’t any single-use plastics provided in the kitchen. All the spreads, cereals, juice, etc are in refillable glass containers. And, in the bathroom, there are large bottles of beauty products provided, instead of the small plastic bottles hotels generally offer.
Also, the type of dishwasher in the kitchen was specifically purchased as it uses less than the average water per wash. And, there’s air conditioning in the villa but it’s encouraged to only use when necessary.
I have stayed in Eco Retreats before in Thailand & Bali, and they were both amazing. But the difference here is there was nothing basic about La Rochér. Graham has spent the time and extra money to make the property eco-friendly but also extremely comfortable & luxurious.
Being surrounded by such natural beauty it’s obvious why these little efforts are so important for helping the environment. The fact that La Rochér made it easy for me to care for the environment during my stay was much appreciated.
Pool & Spa
Northern NSW has pretty good weather all year round, so the pool at La Rochér Eco Retreat is very popular with guests. And, on the cooler days, there is a heated spa. But keep in mind that the maximum amount of guests is 8 people so the area will never be too busy.
The pool area in a hotel is always one of my favorite facilities. The space is a refuge where I can sit and do nothing, and never feel guilty about it. And I found the pool area at La Rochér was such a peaceful space. There’re a few different areas to lay, in the shade or the sun. Plus the landscape surrounding the pool, particularly the tropical plants made me feel like I was relaxing in a secrete garden.
During our first night we wandered up to the pool area for sunset and I’m so glad we did! The pool sits higher on the hill compared with most of the Villas so there is an even clearer view of the mountains. Then as the sun was falling all the soft colors and the clouds were creating the most beautiful reflections on the pool.
Walking Trails
When I hear the phrase eco-retreat my thoughts go to being in nature and exploring the natural environment. So I was so happy to discover that La Rochér has three walking trails on the property. The longest is 1.4km, so not overly difficult, but it’s beautiful to see the forest. And keep your eyes peeled for Australian wildlife. Especially Koalas as a section of the property is a part of a Koala conservation zone. – Which is fantastic to hear.
In the villas compendium, there are maps and further details on each trail.
Why Choose This Particular Eco Retreat in NSW
I’d recommend choosing this particular eco-retreat because you’re provided with pure luxury and not just any basic style of country accommodation. Throughout my stay, I loved noticing small touches that added extra comfort like the cozy dressing gown or the branded tote bag I could use by the pool.
Also, the villas amenities offered me the comforts of home. Then I had the beautiful view which made me feel like I was worlds away!
And of course, the location really is perfect. As I mentioned above two airports are within an hour’s drive. Plus some of the most amazing beaches along the Tweed Coast are only 30 minutes away. All that but you’re still surrounded by some pristine Australian countryside.
When you arrive Graham, the owner, will most likely greet you so I recommend being reasonably accurate when advising your arrival time so he or another staff members are available to meet you.
Would I Stay There Again?
Yes! 100% yes, I really did have a relaxing & comfortable stay and if you have a car the location is very easy to get to. And as it’s such a nice retreat I would particularly recommend it if you’re celebrating an anniversary or significant birthday.
Also if you’re looking to book I wouldn’t be too concerned about the weather forecast. During our few days at La Rochér, we experience different weather patterns. From hot sunny days by the pools to sitting on the balcony admiring the pouring rain. Graham has designed this space to ensure comfort in any condition.
Booking La Rocher Eco Retreat, NSW
I understand some people are hesitant about traveling after covid. But I really believe La Rochér is the perfect way to ease back into travel. This area of Northern NSW is very quiet and being in an eco-retreat that is specifically designed for enjoying the peace & quiet (and well, social distancing) – La Rochér is just what you may be looking for.
Graham was also saying how flexible he has been with bookings in regards to Covid restrictions & border closures. He understands this isn’t the guest’s fault, so in the past, for some guests, he’s been able to offer a full refund or the option to change dates. Obviously, these conditions will change over time, so if it’s something you’re concerned about, maybe call or email Graham and see what the current cancellation/change policy is.
Combine your eco-friendly values with your next holiday & book your stay at La Rochér Eco Retreat
I wanted to again thank Graham and all the staff at La Rochér Eco Retreat for an amazing stay, I won’t forget your exceptional hospitality.
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
Love this villa and the views! La Rochér Eco Retreat in NSW Australia looks like the perfect place to rest and recharge in luxury.
this sounds, and looks, like a stunning place for peace and quiet and reflection
Thanks Jenn, it sure is 🙂
My issue with resorts has always been the lack of sustainability. Well, that and the plethora of people. This eco retreat seems like the perfect answer for me!
Oh it definitely does then! Thanks, Nina
You sold me on that pool! Looks amazing!
This looks to be a perfect escape to be pampered and rejuvenated! Loved the place through your photos. Very tempted to be there!