Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate, Swan Valley
Monica Tindall
Considering the beauty of the Swan Valley and its proximity to both the airport and Perth, it’s surprising just how little luxurious accommodation is found in the area. The region is teaming with beautiful vineyards, the oldest in Western Australia and the second oldest in the entire country. There’s a serious gourmet food scene and an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy. It’s an excellent location for international visitors (just 20 minutes from the airport) and an easy weekend getaway from Perth (less than a 30-minute drive). Yet, the only property we found worthy of our time is the lovely Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate.
Fortunately, Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate does not rest on its laurels. It may be the most luxurious due to being the only first-rate property in the region, but it would still stand tall even if amongst an abundance of options.
Not only do we wake up in the vineyards here, but we have dual views. One side of our digs are rows and rows of some of the oldest grape vines in Australia, and the other is the Swan River, mottled by mature eucalyptus trees. There is something about the air in Australia that is both healing and exciting. The smell of native bush; it’s cleansing, invigorating and life-giving. Western Australia has some of the cleanest air on the planet (there are only seven countries across the globe that have consistently safe levels of air to breathe!); we literally breathe easier here.
Winery & Vineyards Swan Valley
Mandoon Estate is a family-owned operation dating back to the 1800s. It encompasses expansive vineyards, producing a range of entry-level to premium wines, including the iconic Verdelho planted in 1895. But it’s more than vineyards alone. The property is also home to Wild Swan, an award-winning contemporary Australian restaurant, Homestead Brewery, Cellar Door, The Surveyor’s Rooms function centre, The Llawn beer garden, and Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery. Furthermore, Sandalford Wines, another iconic estate with a restaurant and cellar door, is Mandoon’s next-door neighbour, reached through a side gate less than a five-minute stroll away. The boundary slopes down to the river, where there’s a dock and the occasional tin boat drifting by. It’s beautiful!
Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate
After checking in at the main reception next to the cellar door, you can either proceed with your car to a private car park area or walk down a vineyard-bordered path to the rooms.
All of the 32 deluxe and superior rooms (28 sqm) and executive suites (42 sqm) have balconies, which get a lot of use in this gorgeous location. Morning coffee as the sun rises over the river or a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards – it’s a pleasant place to be any time of year. Watching the odd kayaker glide down the river is like the “slow TV” trend, without the TV, featuring calming visuals and activities like watching trains, planes, or people in peaceful daily routines, reminding us to be mindful of these precious moments.
We’re in an executive suite that makes excellent use of space with high ceilings accommodating a mezzanine king bedroom (which can also be made up as a twin), lounge room, desk, mini-bar and bathroom. Pinewood, white walls, and soft greys are calming, neutral tones. The lounge is comfy, and there’s a roll-out bed for a third occupant if needed. A concealed wardrobe keeps bags tucked away tidily alongside an ironing board and iron, and the safe is big enough for several laptops and devices. Internet is high-speed, and large TVs are in the sitting area and bedroom.
The compact bathroom manages to fit in a tub (bath salts provided), and the wonderfully scented Appelles Apothecary add a touch of luxury. The shower takes no time to heat up, and frosted glass and white tiles keep the bathroom light and bright.
The bar fridge is stocked with Mandoon Estate wine and several soft drinks. Rooms have an espresso machine, kettle, and milk frother. The mini-bar includes fresh milk, too, a welcome upgrade from creamer. Pods for the espresso machine and tea are included. Two plastic bottles of water are also given, but you can drink the water from the tap here without a problem.
Individually controlled heating/air conditioning and fly screens mean we can adjust the temperature as needed. Still, most often, we let the natural breeze flow through, with the insect screens keeping creatures out while allowing fresh air in. Sheer and blackout curtains keep the space as dark or as light as we please, and the chorus of birds in the morning acts a natural alarm. Rooms are clean and contemporary with a focus on functionality and simplicity. We’re very happy spending time here.
Breakfast
You can choose to include brekkie in your room package at Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate – it’s always a wise idea to start the day with a full stomach if you’re going to hit the winery trail! Breakfast is a buffet overlooking the manicured gardens and lawn. It’s a compact selection of quality products such as scrambled eggs, field mushrooms, house-made baked beans, bacon, fresh fruit, cheese, cold cuts, freshly baked pastries, yoghurt and cereal. Tea and coffee come in big urns, but you can pay extra if you’d like a little more love in your cup with a barista brew.
Restaurants & Bars
As mentioned earlier, a brewery, cellar door, and gourmet restaurant are on site. All are packed on the weekends! It’s a vibrant spot with an upbeat vibe. We highly recommend saving time for at least one meal here. We dined on the contemporary Australian tasting menu with wine pairing at Wild Swan. It’s fantastic. Find more details about Wild Swan here.
If you don’t have time for a full degustation, the cellar door offers several options, such as cheese and wine flights or an indigenous tasting platter.
The Indigenous Tasting Platter at Mandoon Estate (AUD 180 for four people) begins with a glass of sparkling wine. We had the 2022 Vintage Sparkling Semillon at lunch, so try the more complex 2016 Reserve Sparkling during this tasting. This age-worthy bubbly is crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in Margaret River’s cooler climate. Hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed, the wine undergoes the traditional Champagne method and spends seven years on the lees, resulting in a depth and richness that belies its elegance.
We move to the seating area for the tasting platter, and boy, is it a beauty! It holds generous portions of smoked crocodile and kangaroo, emu and kangaroo sausages, and unique additions like green karkalla (a salty coastal plant) and stracciatella cheese with rivermint (a native mint). Accompaniments include black barley sourdough, mushroom pesto dip with mountain pepperleaf oil, pickled quandong, and cultured butter with sea salt
Three award-winning Mandoon Estate wines are matched with the platter. The 2024 Verdelho, crafted from the estate’s oldest vines, offers vibrant notes of passionfruit, citrus, and lime with a balanced texture and long acidity (decidedly one of our faves here). The 2024 Rosé, with its off-dry style and darker hue, showcases a delicate balance of fruit and acidity. Finally, the 2022 Old Vine Grenache, sourced from 1955-planted vines, delivers a rich, elegant profile with cherry, raspberry, and spice notes.
Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate Review
Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate is currently the only place we’d consider staying in the Swan Valley. Whether an international tourist exploring the region or taking a weekend getaway from Perth, the experience of waking up in the vineyards is exquisite. Comfortable rooms, plenty of space, on-site parking, gorgeous views and all rooms with balconies are enhanced by the serene ambience of the surrounding vineyards. The tranquillity of the natural landscape and the excellent food and beverage options on our doorstep make it an ideal retreat.
Reasons to stay at Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate: comfortable, modern rooms with private balconies and beautiful views over the Australian bush; you can walk to both Mandoon Estate and Sandalford Wine’s cellar doors; you’re also walking distance to Wild Swan, Homestead Brewery, The Llawn, Maalinup Aboriginal Gallery, and Sandalford Restaurant.
Maya Maya at Mandoon Estate
10 Harris Rd, Caversham, WA 6055, Australia
Link to Maya Maya on Google Maps
+61 8 6279 0555
mandoonestate.com.au
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