The Balvenie has teamed up with the good folks at Osborn House to create what’s being touted as Australia’s first-ever whisky retreat. Dubbed The Balvenie Residence, this exclusive experience is set against the regal Southern Highlands backdrop and is perfect for anyone who enjoys a world-class single malt… or just needs a boujee getaway.
Running from March to May 2025, the retreat promises to bring together the best of both worlds — handcrafted whisky from one of the most revered distilleries in Scotland and a boutique stay in some of the most stunning accommodation this side of New South Wales.
Let’s be real: this isn’t your run-of-the-mill getaway. The Balvenie Residence has been curated to the nines to ensure every moment feels like a treat. Guests will get the keys to Forest Lodge, Osborn House’s most private and secluded stay — designed for peak relaxation. Think outdoor baths, cosy wood fires, and interiors that could easily belong in a Nancy Meyers flick, courtesy of former Soho House Design Director Linda Boronkay. You won’t want to leave, but when you do, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
The experience continues with an indulgent Asado feast at the Fire Kitchen, the star attraction of Osborn House’s dining offerings. This isn’t just your typical steak and chips situation either — head chef Axel will be cooking up fire-driven dishes paired with The Balvenie’s top-shelf whiskies. From the DoubleWood 12-Year-Old to the PortWood 21-Year-Old, expect a perfect harmony of flame-kissed goodness and that signature honeyed richness The Balvenie is known for.
For the whisky nerds out there, this retreat is more than fancy food and accommodations. It’s a dive into The Balvenie’s meticulous whisky-making process — something the distillery has been perfecting since 1892. Their obsession with detail is unmatched. From malting their own barley to carefully ageing their whisky in a variety of casks, every drop of The Balvenie is a masterclass in craftsmanship. Which is why this partnership makes such perfect sense. Having both been established in 1892, Osborn House and The Balvenie share the same commitment to quality and excellence in their respective fields.
“The Balvenie and Osborn House share a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, and I’m thrilled that we can bring such a special experience to Australian whisky drinkers. I was lucky enough to recently visit our distillery in Dufftown Scotland and what I took away was the truly inspiring dedication, passion and teamwork that goes into handcrafting each dram of our whisky. On my first visit to Osborn House, I felt that same energy,” said Joey Chisholm, The Balvenie Brand Ambassador.
If the whisky and food weren’t enough to sway you, the retreat package also includes access to Osborn House’s Forest Bathing Deck — complete with a sauna, jacuzzi, ice bath, and fire pit for those après-whisky moments. Here’s what else is on the table:
- Two nights in Forest Lodge: Your own slice of luxury with killer views of the Southern Highlands.
- Dinner for two at Fire Kitchen: Asado over an open flame, paired with The Balvenie’s finest whiskies.
- A take-home bottle of the brand new limited edition The Balvenie 14-Year-Old A Collection of Curious Cask that’s finished in American Bourbon Barrels: Yours to enjoy later (or now, nobody’s judging).
- Daily breakfast: Featuring the best seasonal produce the region has to offer.
- Full access to Osborn House’s wellness facilities: 25m pool, sauna, steam room, and tennis court.
- Valet parking: Because nobody should have to worry about where to leave the car when you’re living this large.
This is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it experiences. The Balvenie Residence is only available for a few short months — March to May 2025 — and bookings are seriously limited. Whether you’re in it for the whisky, the luxury, or just a damn good weekend out of the city, this is one trip you won’t forget in a hurry.
This article is sponsored by The Balvenie. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
