We had a quiet weekend away here not long ago. Our room was lovely, and the scenery is to die for! Take a walk in the vineyards - it's well worth doing. Eating on site at Rae's is a must. Beautiful food.

All in all a lovely place to escape your busy life!

The hotel rooms are quite small but have good views and there is a small swimming pool, tennis courts and small gym next to the pool. There is a vineyard walk at the back too.

My husband and I were lucky enough to be given a gift voucher for Balgownie Estate. We recently used this for a night away (no kids) and were not disappointed. The room was nice with everything you'd need - heaps of space as the bedroom is separate from the living area. The standout was Rae's Restaurant though. We had a superb dinner here. The food was gorgeous and a very nice atmostphere. We were back the next morning for breakfast (which did as lunch as it was so much). Absolutely beautiful.
Tip - don't do the scenic walk if its been wet unless you have gumboots!

I had a Redballoon "Getaway for 2 - Ultimate package" voucher which I had received as a gift. The room was really great with lovely views and a spa bath in the middle.
The massage and dinner that was included in the package was exceptional.
However, I was surprised that when I first booked the room, I was not prompted to book the massage and dinner. In fact, I asked them if it was necessary to book in advance, as I had read quite a few reviews of people that had missed out. They said "yes, that's a good idea", and just as well that I did because there was only one slot left for the massage.
In the end, the experience was great, although I probably wouldn't have paid that much myself. I was happy to receive it as a gift though :-)

Approximate cost: $690

We dined at Raes Restaurant at Balgownie Estate. The experience was utterly disappointing. The food was terrible and so was the service. When I hadn't finished my meal the waitress (who was also the manager on duty) asked if everything was OK. I explained that my gnocci was burnt and tatsed terrible. She first tried to defend the meal and then said she would pass on the feedback to the chef. There was no apology, no offer of something else and no mention of this when we settled the account. I do not recommend Raes Restuarant.

stayed here over the long weekend. it was a gorgeous room with spa. i went to the day spa and was totally pampered with luxurious robes and lounge area, beautiful rooms and great staff. the restaurant at the estate was not as good as i had expected. it was nice food but not as good as the website made it seem.

An old favourite, I've been a customer at Natskin for 14 years now, since it began in Ringwood. And I've been loyal ever since.

Natskin at Balgownie, takes the day spa experience to a whole new level. I usually go a couple of times a year, and its always worth it.

The vichy shower is simply amazing and you come away feeling like every pore on your body has been nourished.

The geisha baths are a real treat as is the body mud that you get to pack on afterwards. Turn the shower on full and you'll know the true power of water!!!

For a pick me up, I usually get a massage and a facial. Every time I go, I feel as though I've been spoilt up to the gills. Pampered, preened and looked after. The beauticians make you feel divine.

The ambience at Natskin makes you feel like you are on some remote island paradise, hidden away from the pressures of work. You can go and just forget about everything.

The slippers and big navy robes are so comfy, however, not the same can be said for the little disposable g-strings, but that's ok.

I always like to get a big juice and have a squiz through a glossy mag before I go in for my treatment, so make sure you change quickly and go into the waiting room.

After your treatment, make sure you go and get the fish from the restaurant. Combine it with a glass of bubbles, and you'll pretty much be on a cloud for the rest of the day.

It's my favourite indulgence.

Approximate cost: $100+

My rating is for Rae's Restaurant at Balgownie Estate. The produce I believe, is sourced locally as much as possible and is of exceptional quality. Prices were a little more than we expected however, very worth it for the quality of food and the great atmosphere. A very worthy choice for a special occasion - especially a Wedding, or Wedding Anniversary. You will not be disappointed. Can cater for the needs of an intimate dinner for two to big group dinners. Overall a AAA+ dining experience! Oh, and the wines are great too! Love it, love it, love it!

Approximate cost: $29-$35

We have visited Balgownie many times and have always had a great time. You can sit and drink in the view across the Yarra Valley while you're savouring a great glass of red and a delicious meal. The staff are courteous and professional and the food is fabulous, if a little higher priced.

A great place to take someone special, or for entertaining friends from out of town.

We recently went to Balgownie Estate for a weekend and it was such a beautiful location. From our balcony we could see rolling vinyards for miles. The rooms were well appointed and quite luxurious. The natskin day spa is a must. I had a two hour treatment and i have never felt so relaxed or pampered in my life.

Approximate cost: $200 +