Your private boutique escape
About Mt Hay Retreat
About Mt Hay Retreat, Berry, NSW
Unique, private and ultra exclusive, Mt Hay Retreat is a boutique escape in Berry on the NSW South Coast – a sanctuary that has been meticulously designed for privacy, tranquility, and connection with nature.
Created by hosts Anthony and Louise, Mt Hay Retreat is a place of rare seclusion and elegance. With only a handful of individually designed suites, each space is filled with natural light and offers panoramic views across rolling green hills to the distant ocean horizon.
Set on 360 acres of lush farmland and native bush on Dharawal land, this serene haven combines the timeless beauty of the Australian landscape with refined modern design. It’s a working farm, yet every detail – from architecture to the gardens – reflects a commitment to harmony, sustainability, and understated luxury.
A Sanctuary of Pure Indulgence
Guests are invited to unwind in privacy and enjoy a range of exclusive facilities, including:
- A 33 metre heated indoor pool and spa
- Their iconic “Cloud Swing”with views that seem to touch the sky
- Peaceful walking trails, hidden glades, tranquil dams
- Kitchen Gardens and fruit trees to embrace the seasons
- A Giant Chess set and other playful artworks and quirks that invite play and reflection.
All only moments from the beating heart of Berry Village.
Every element of Mt Hay Retreat is designed to restore balance – a place where the cares of modern life fall away, replaced by stillness, space and the serenity of nature.
Award Winning Luxury And Sustainable Excellence
Exclusively for guests aged 18 years and over, Mt Hay Retreat has been recognised for its exceptional standard of accommodation, hospitality and environmental care.
- Gold – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation NSW Tourism Awards (2025);
- Silver – Qantas Australian Awards (2024);
- Tourism Star Judges Choice Award for Sustainability, NSW Tourism Awards (2023);
- Gold Award – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation, Qantas Australian Tourism Awards (2022).
The Spirit of Berry
Just minutes from the heart of Berry Village, Mt Hay Retreat enjoys the best of both worlds – peaceful seclusion and easy access to one of the South Coast’s most loved destinations.
Berry, the earliest settlement on the NSW South Coast, is celebrated for it’s heritage architecture, artisan dining, and welcoming community. Nestled between the green hills and the ocean, it’s a place than invites slow living and heartfelt connection – perfect for couples seeking a romantic country escape.
Experience Mt Hay Retreat
Discover why Mt Hay Retreat is one of Australia’s most exclusive luxury retreats – where sustainability, privacy and elegance unite in perfect harmony.
Every stay is an invitation to reconnect with yourself, your partner, and the beauty of the natural world. Mt Hay Retreat – the essence of refined escape, re-imagined for the modern traveler.
Click Here for a little inspiration!
FROM THE BLOG
Need Walking Inspiration? The 7 Best Walks Near Berry
Looking for walking inspiration? Check out the top 7 walks to stretch your legs near Berry, NSW.
Need a Weekend Away – The Best Couples Getaway Ever!
Berry is the perfect escape from the city for couples looking for a luxe country getaway.
FAQ
Got a specific question? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions page, or just give us a call and we will do our best to help.
Our Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Broughton Head, Mt Hay lies in a protected escarpment area so nature and wildlife are a part of everyday life. At Mt Hay we have a simple and driving ethos – to look after Mt Hay for future generations by allowing others to enjoy this distinctive and extraordinary place.
We believe that we have a duty of care to maintain this special place and an obligation to do our upmost to minimise our impact on the broader environment so that it is sustained for future generations.
As a working farm, we understand the impact of humans on the environment and we are committed to sustainable and responsible habits and behaviours at all times.
From recycling initiatives to responsible and sustainable energy management, we constantly strive to reduce our potential impact on this beautiful place. Our commitment to environmental excellence extends beyond compliance, we aim for continual improvement through an environmentally aware management system with objectives and targets to minimise our environmental foot print.
Our suites were designed and built using sustainable principles that include the native landscaping and gardens that surround them – offering year-round colour and diverse habitat for the native birds and wildlife that also call Mt Hay home. These gardens help cool us in summer and protect us from bracing winds in winter.
Mt Hay Retreat is not just a retreat for our guests, it is a haven for a variety of native wildlife, including wombats, protected Brush Tailed Rock Wallabies, Echidnas, Lyre birds, Kookaburras, Wedge Tailed Eagles, Black Cockatoos and more. Our diverse animal family includes Cows, Goats, Ducks, Dougal our tickle loving Irish Setter and Griffy our very wiggly Welsh Spaniel.
We welcome any thoughts you may have on how we can further improve our impact on this special environment. Our hope is that this beautiful escape will allow you to relax, refresh and connect with the natural wonders that surround you.
In the Press
- Qantas Australian Tourism Awards 2022 – 5 Star Luxury Accommodation – Gold Award.
- Timeout Sydney – This Adults Only Retreat in Berry, is what all our romantic city-escape dreams are made of.
- Sydney Unleashed – Mt Hay Retreat, The Perfect Mid-Week Escape.
- Weekend Notes.
- Traveller.com.au Things to do in Berry: Midweek Getaway at Mt Hay adults only retreat.
- Little Grey Box” 12 Awesome things you absolutely must do in Berry
- The Contented Traveller
- Eat, Live, Escape – Escape: Spectacular Views, Luxury Accommodation and Stunning Location
- Baby Mac – Cheeky Midweek Escape to Mt Hay Retreat,
- Melissa Wilson – A solo Midweek Escape Saved me from Burnout
- Mr and Mrs Romance – How To Escape Sydney For Some Winter Romance
- Signature Luxury Travel – Mt Hay Retreat – Award Winning Luxury Accommodation
- See Taste Do – Things to See, Taste and Do at Mt Hay Retreat.
- Travel and Beyond – Unwrapping the Shoalhaven – Berry and Beyond
- Little Grey Box: My Unforgettable Escape to Mt Hay Retreat
- TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Best of the Best 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024.
- FarmStayPlanet – Mt Hay Retreat
- Town and Country Magazine – Retreat to the Country
- The Conscious Consumer – Berry: Getaway from the city and back to nature.
- Little Grey Box – Travel Awards 2016
- Style Magazine Article: Best Baths with a View
- You The World Wandering Video
- Braidwood Times – Retreat to the Countryside
- Kayak 2021 Travel Awards
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns and operates Mt Hay Retreat?
Mt Hay Retreat is family-owned and operated. Louise & Anthony, who live on the property oversee the day to day running of the retreat and it is Anthony and Louise you will see day to day.
How big is the property at Mt Hay Retreat?
Mt Hay Retreat sits on approximately 360 acres of farmland and protected native bushland, although the central heart of the retreat and gardens covers a little over 7 acres.
Is Mt Hay Retreat a working farm as well as a retreat?
Yes. Mt Hay is both a luxury retreat and a working beef farm, with conservation efforts ongoing to protect this special place for generations to come.
Is Mt Hay Retreat environmentally conscious?
Very much so. From recycling initiatives to responsible and sustainable energy management, we constantly strive to reduce our potential impact on this beautiful place. Our commitment to the environment extends beyond compliance, we aim for continual improvement through an environmentally aware management system with objectives and targets to minimise our environmental footprint. Sustainability initiatives include native landscaping, solar power, water management, weed control, recycling and protection of the remnant subtropical rainforest on the property.
How far is Mt Hay Retreat from Berry village?
Just a few minutes’ drive, 5 kms – offering both peaceful seclusion and easy access to the village.
