The grand entrance, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia.
The grand entrance, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia.
Kim Knight checks into the Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, in Western Australia
Getting there: It's about a three-hour car-trip from Perth. From where I was sitting (in the passenger seat of a Perth Luxury Tours chauffeured BMW) the road was excellent.
First impression: Queenstown meets Pauanui. The reception is allstone walls and vaulted timber ceilings, so you think "mountains" but then you look a bit further and there's a deep blue infinity pool and then you look even further and there's an even deeper Indian Ocean and you think: "Where's my cocktail?"
Check-in experience: Comes with a golf cart ride for you and your luggage because there is no vehicle access to the rooms, which are discreetly tucked among the trees.
A lake-view one-bedroom villa right next to the access path to the stunning white-sand beach. Facilities included a full kitchen, dining table, washing machine and dryer and an outside deck that was variously occupied by a welcome swallow and a feisty Australasian swamp hen.
Lakeside villas, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia.
What's so good about this place: That beach is gorgeous, but take some time to appreciate the bush. You're right next to Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, so that means wildflowers, walking trails - and wildlife. Dial "2" if you discover an ant colony in your room and keep an eye out for kangaroos, bandicoots, snakes and possums. Sadly, I only spotted a rabbit en route to breakfast.
Super peaceful by day but the amphibious night-time symphony (courtesy of the Western Banjo or "Pobblebonk" frog) took some getting used to. In an era of sumptuous hotel breakfast buffets, this one was a bit bog-standard but then I spotted a whale from the outdoor dining balcony and stopped caring about the hash browns.
One bedroom apartment, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia.
What's in the neighbourhood: You'll need GPS to navigate the multitudinal side roads of Western Australia's south-west corner, but if you get lost, you won't go hungry. I had the best fresh sardine-on-toast breakfast ever at the laidback White Elephant Beach Cafe, and a stunning olive-and-carrot-fed lamb tartare with smoked eel and shredded potato lunch at award-winning Will's Domain. Head directly to Cullen Wines for biodynamic wines and one of the friendliest cellar doors I've experienced.
Food and drink: See above. Or just stay in. Over the Moon is the on-site restaurant serving everything from local fish and chips (Shark Bay whiting and Manjimup potatoes) to new season's asparagus.
Free Wi-Fi? Only in the common areas.
Bathroom: Low water pressure means the shower is definitely only a one-person affair, but the spa bath is deep enough for two.
Room service: Allow up to 45 minutes for delivery.
View from the pool, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, Western Australia.
Exercise facilities: Did I mention the national park right next door? Also the heated outdoor pool and the tennis court.
Perfect for: Getting away from everything except the frogs.
