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Spicers Retreat network of luxury accommodation dotted around the country has a very telling message; that food is equally significant as lodging, hence the catch phrase “Restaurants with rooms”.  The Spicers group has teamed with the lavish Sanchaya Resort in Bintan, Indonesia to promote their joint interests in culinary art and to create a Guest Chef Series with accommodation.

A small group of Food and Travel media recently gathered at Spicers’ Potts Point property for a stand up breakfast prepared by Cameron Matthews, the groups executive chef who will venture to the Sanchaya in September to collaborate on everything culinary. During his time at the estate, Matthews will work alongside The Sanchaya Director Giacomo Turzo to select the freshest local produce from the sea, land and gardens for a gastronomy inspired weekend kicking off with a Friday evening 3 course a la carte style dinner inspired by some of Matthews classic signature dishes including scallop crudo, grilled seasonal greens, salsa verde, egg yolk purée and dried kale and Aged Hunter Valley beef tartare, porcini caramel, beetroot butter, garden leaves, white vinegar. This will be followed by a Saturday dinner from Chef Matthews featuring some of Spicers and The Sanchaya’s most iconic dishes including Honey glazed and roasted Kingfish, cauliflower, dried milk and lemon jam and Estate herbs Jack fish fillet, marinated anchovies with goat cheese and spaghetti cucumber.

Perfecting the offering on each evening, The Sanchaya’s Sommelier, Jeroen L’abée will showcase a selection of Australian and French wines to accompany each course.

The weekend will culminate in a Sunday Brunch on Sunday 13th September, whereby Chef Giacomo and Chef Matthews will recreate the quintessential Aussie BBQ, with a decidedly international twist. Taking place on the lawn area at the heart of the estate, the Spicers’ BBQ will be a casual affair with beanbag seating areas and an optional free-flow beverage, featuring Sommelier selected rosés and Australian beers.

Chef Matthews is a leading Australian industry figure who is an ardent supporter of local products and producers and as Group Executive Chef for legendary Spicers Retreats Hunter Valley- Eremo Restaurant, Guesthouse and Restaurant Botanica and Vineyards Estate in New South Wales. Matthews is excited to be heading to The Sanchaya as Chef in Residence from Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September 2020. Situated on the shores of Indonesia’s Bintan Island just 50 minutes from Singapore, The Sanchaya is a luxurious boutique estate, offering world-class cuisine, a carefully handpicked selection of wines, and exceptional guest service. Nestled amidst luscious tropical gardens and the sparkling Indian Ocean the resort has an Indonesian-inspired spa, ocean-side croquet lawn, endless white beach, and several world-class dining options, The Sanchaya is one of the most convenient and exclusive, yet inspiring, short or long stay offerings in South East Asia.

For a limited time Guest Chef Series accommodation experience includes:

  • 2-night accommodation in either a Lawan Thai Villa or Sanchaya Suite (additional nights will be charged at best available rate)
  • Two places at Chef Matthews’ dinner on either Friday, 11 or Saturday, 12th September
  • Sunday BBQ Brunch by Chef Cameron on Sunday, 13th September
  • Daily pre-dinner cocktails at The Bar throughout the weekend
  • Daily à la carte breakfast
  • Express clearance upon arrival and prior to departure at The Sanchaya Lounge in Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal
  • Shared chauffeured return transfers between Bintan Resort Ferry Terminal and the estate

This experience is available on Friday, 11th September to Sunday 13th September, 2020 with rates starting at AUD$ 2680 per couple inclusive of tax and service charge). For further information, please visit www.thesanchaya.com.

Spicers properties are privately owned by the Turner family of Flight Centre fame and driven by Matriarch Jude Turner. She and husband Graham originally purchased land known as Spicers Peak station for a family farmhouse, from there the idea of a collection of unique destinations showcasing some of Australia’s magnificent countryside was born.

Retreats combine the individuality and privacy of a bed and breakfast with the style quality and service of the world’s finest hotels in some of Australia’s most picturesque locations.

The collection is made up of six stunning destinations in south east Queensland, two in the Hunter Valley one each in the Blue Mountains and Sydney’s Kings Cross.

reservations@spicersretreats.com

Written by John Savage