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The Enviroment:
AUSTRALIA - Tasmania - The Freycinet Peninsula
Saffire The Freycinet Peninsula extends south-eastwards from Tasmania’s coastline and is a fully protected national park, including the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay. Saffire is located on the inside of the gentle curve of sandy coastline that joins the peninsula to mainland Tasmania. Saffire overlooks the wide expanses of Great Oyster Bay, where migrating whales and dolphins come to play; calamari and squid in-season spawn in the rocky outcrops; local farms produce fresh, succulent oysters in some of the world’s cleanest waters; and fishing boats and trawlers bring in their daily catch of rock lobster, scallops and deep sea fish, dripping and salty-sweet straight from the ocean. Saffire connects with its environment to generate an authentic, enriching, rejuvenating and uplifting experience. Saffire’s approach is not constrained by traditional five-star ratings and standards, but instead sets a bold new direction for holidays and accommodation in Australia. Dedicated to providing quality, memorable service; unforgettable experiences; indulgent and self-selected dining options; inspiring accommodation spaces and an overall sense of wellbeing and relaxation, Saffire will change the way you feel about taking time out, and about day-to-day living.
Being Responsible
Saffire has been built using a framework of environmental sustainability. Core principles underlying the development are “the protection of healthy sites” and the “healing of damaged sites”. Consideration has also been given to bushfire management, collection and conservation of rain water, minimal use of night lighting of landscaped areas, construction management and the long-term maintenance of the site. The landscape design draws from the concept of a coastal sanctuary, reflecting what it might have looked like prior to Western civilization and restoring the natural ecosystems where possible.
Ongoing environmentally sustainable practices include:
Limiting further impacts on the landscape through activity; Insulation; Double grazing; Highly energy efficient hot water usage and lighting; Natural cycle air flow systems.
The roof is made from curved Tasmanian wood beams, built in a ribbed structure with ply overlay which forms a smooth underlay for the Polymea membrane. Although complex in concept, the build and look of the roof present a very simple view without dominating the entire structure. The glass used has a very low percentage of reflectivity, allowing for maximum impact when viewing the surrounding coastal beauty both during the day and at night.
How you will reside
Saffire is boutique not only in its size, with just 20 accommodation suites, but in its approach to making your well-deserved break last a lifetime. Designed by award-winning Tasmanian architects Morris Nunn and Associates, the buildings are conceptually organic, reflecting the surrounding environment. Saffire evokes a connection to the sea, through references to waves, sea creatures, sand dunes and a flowing, organic form.
The design of Saffire is distinctly unique and recognizable, just like its location. The unmistakable peaked Hazards Mountains are framed in the main building’s roof line, and the suites below present like waves peeling on the shores below. The interior design for Saffire by Chhada Siembieda is inspired by the natural environment, a pristine coastal landscape. The purity of the environment is reflected in a fresh, modern, relaxing and uncontrived design style. The colour palette is drawn from nature and the local environment – soft grey, taupe, green and blue, with punches of varying shades of orange – which pick up on the startling colours of lichen that a walker will see growing on the driftwood and rocks on the area’s beaches. The granite of the Hazards mountain range is also featured in pops of deep red in hand-woven rugs bearing designs which celebrate the rugged beauty of these dramatic rock formations.
All suites are designed for the utmost privacy while taking in the magnificent views of the Hazards Mountains, crystal-clear blue waters and white sandy beaches. The furnishings feature an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, with locally made timber pieces alongside mid-century classics such as chairs designed by Charles and Ray Eames and Herman Miller.
How you will eat
Saffire's restaurant, Palate, prides itself on showcasing the best Tasmania has to offer, and provides tailor-made experiences to suit all guests. From early morning to late evening, food innovation in the kitchen does not compromise the true flavours of home-grown produce. The Palate restaurant specialises in tailoring dining to all guests' requirements. Multi-course degustation menus matched with the outstanding local wines are a speciality, with menus designed around what is fresh out of the water or the paddock on any given day.
Head Chef, Hugh Whitehouse, has had literally a lifetime of experience with fresh, natural produce. Growing up on a farm in New South Wales, he still remembers milking the cows with his father and tasting the milk while it was still warm, and wandering the orchard pretending to make jam with his sister – or having tomato fights! Hugh’s passion for food spills over into a passion for people. He also takes great interest in tailoring menus and dining experiences for his guests. From recreating your own favourite dish, to campfire dining, to multi-course degustation menus expertly matched with wines, Hugh is committed to enhancing every dining experience. He will even pass on his culinary secrets in private cooking classes for guests.
Amenities
Guests can have a gratifying workout with the latest equipment in front of Tasmania's most spectacular gym outlook. The gymnasium facilities include: state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment; cycle machine; free weights; gym balls; running machine; universal unit. The Boardroom hosts 20 delegates. It features state-of-the-art audio visual technology and communications, including 160cm LCD screen, Video Conferencing, PolyCom, and personal Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 20 delegates. This area can even be converted into a cinema. A range of incentive activities are also available exclusively to Saffire guests (purchase on arrival). These include wildlife cruises to nearby Schouten Island and helicopter tours to secluded fly-fishing spots, or you can even play a round of golf at the internationally renowned Barnbougle Dunes Golf
Environmental activities (complimentary)
Included in your Saffire accommodation is a broad range of activities that will offer innovative options for all styles of travellers and moods. From 1 hour to 3 hours and included in your rates, these activities are your opportunity to engage and connect with this stunning location.
With a guide:
Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm - Don your waders and visit a working oyster farm located within an internationally significant wetland in this unique and educational experience. Develop an understanding for wetland and marine ecology, plus, a taste for prized Freycinet Pacific Oysters in a beautiful setting.
Wineglass Lookout Walk - The internationally renowned Freycinet National Park is a must see sight to behold during your stay at Saffire. Join one of the guides on a walk to the lookout over Wineglass Bay. Learn about the Peninsulas rich history and behold the infamous white sandy beach on this two hour walking adventure. The trip also offers an up-close opportunity to learn about the diverse flora and fauna within this magical part of Tasmania.
Wine and Vine adventures - Wine lovers will delight in this enjoyable and educational activity on offer. At the local Freycinet Winery you will learn the art of wine-making and indulge in some fine Tasmanian fare, and the obligatory wine tastings.
Pelican Bay Canoeing and Bird-watching - Unwind and absorb the breathtaking beauty of the Great Swanport estuary on this canoeing adventure, situated at the mouth of the internationally significant Moulting Lagoon Wetland. Observe the flocks of pelicans that dwell along the coastline and gaze into the crystal clear waters teeming with marine life, while our professional guides unravel the mysteries of the Freycinet Peninsula.
About People
The Freycinet Peninsula has formed over 400 million years. It is effectively two eroded blocks of granite (known as the Hazards Mountains and Mt Graham/Mt Freycinet) joined by a sand isthmus between the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay and Hazards Beach. Aboriginal people have known this area for at least 35,000 years, substantiated by the presence of middens found today around the coastline. Sadly, almost all evidence of the lives of the earliest Tasmanians was lost when the sea levels began to rise about 10,000 years ago. What remains of this dramatic period is amongst the most ancient evidence of human culture anywhere in the world. The first European to sight the Freycinet area was Dutchman Abel Tasman in 1642. He named Schouten Island and marked down the adjacent peninsula as a chain of three islands. This myth was finally dispelled 160 years later when Nicholas Baudin, the French explorer, renamed Tasman’s “Vanderlins Eylandt” as Freycinet Peninsula in 1802, after the brothers Henri and Louis de Freycinet, lieutenants on the expedition. Whaling parties, tin and coal miners and pastoralists were among those who lived and worked on the Freycinet Peninsula. Old mine shafts, abandoned farmers' huts and the remains of whalers' camps form part of the park’s rich cultural heritage. Sapphires are fairly widespread in alluvial tin areas of the North East. In fact, Coles Bay has one of the only deposits of natural sapphires in Tasmania. They vary in colour from green (oriental emerald), blue, yellow (oriental topaz) and purple (oriental amethyst). The area was reserved as a National Park in 1916, making it (along with Mt Field) the oldest national park in Tasmania.
The Wellness Choice
Saffire experience inspire to relax and to restore, both energetically and aesthetically, and to inspire a feeling of transformation. For visually transformative treatments and beauty grooming Saffire SPA team have hand-selected some of the world’s best skin and body care to ensure a luxurious experience and impeccable results. Saffire’s unique Jewel Collection of deluxe facials feature advanced technology to release the unique skin beautification qualities of sapphire, gold and diamond.
All therapists are trained in the most advanced international facial techniques by celebrity facialist Marionne De Candia. Body treatments include the famous body-shaping DL Dioriti Volcanic Magma treatment, Natura Bisse’s anti-ageing Diamond Collection with pure diamond dust and our exclusive Saffire Experience enlivening you with the radiant energy of the sapphire. Highly skilled therapists and masseurs specialize in some of the world’s leading therapeutic modalities to help clients to achieve their highest health and wellness potential. Men’s treatments are one of our specialties.
Following Spa Saffire consultation the therapist will prepare a spa program of treatments and therapies to perfectly reflect personal needs and preferences of clients.
Suitable For
Eco-friendly tourist, SPA holidays, Adventure travelers, Cooking Lessons, Environment Programs, Local people sustainability
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