'Holiday within a holiday': Good Karma comes easy on Rottnest Island

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 3 years ago

'Holiday within a holiday': Good Karma comes easy on Rottnest Island

By Tazli Bowe

Rottnest is undoubtedly one of my favourite holiday destinations, more so now that travel is restricted.

I visit our local island about four times a year, but the last time I stayed at Karma Resort was the night of my wedding back in 2000.

Staying at Karma Rottnest is like a holiday within a holiday.

Staying at Karma Rottnest is like a holiday within a holiday.Credit: Tazli Bowe

Staying at the resort is like a holiday within a holiday: No cooking, cleaning or sweeping quokkas out of the luxury villa we stayed in for two nights.

Karma, like Rottnest itself, maintains a relaxed holiday vibe, and our Lakeside view room ($300 per night) afforded uninterrupted view across the lake and native bushland, a stunning modern bathroom, reverse-cycle air-conditioning and luxurious bedding.

Cheaper accommodation options at the resort are smaller but with the same level of comfort and are better suited for couples or a group of three who need a place to re-charge before exploring the beautiful island.

My fun started straight after check-in with a visit to Karma Spa, a luxury experience I've never had time for or considered while on Rottnest.

I soon discovered I had been missing out on a lot. The choice of massages was extensive and the 'Sacred Balinese' option I went for was the most blissful massage I've ever had.

If you ever arrive on the island and face a wait to check in to your accommodation, book an appointment at the spa. I can’t recommend a better start to a holiday.

While I was in a world of calm and tranquillity, my husband had positioned himself on a stool at 'Gov’s Bar' on the western side of the Karma reception area.

Advertisement

The pub is an oasis for the quintessential Aussie bloke who wants a cold beer while watching sport with the option to have a bet and not be bothered by party people or insta-wannabees.

Gov’s hasn't changed in 20 years, and it doesn’t really need to. There's a huge selection of pub grub, enough TVs you can see one from every corner, a pool table and darts.

Although the pub down the road boasts what I believe to be the best view in the world, Gov’s is not trying to compete. It’s a genuine sports bar and nothing else.

Karma Rottnest is situated right in the heart of everything the island has to offer.

Karma Rottnest is situated right in the heart of everything the island has to offer.Credit: Tazli Bowe

Once the sun goes down and the beach view has disappeared, the pub provides a fun and friendly atmosphere. When the dinner crowd depart and the sport telecasts end, there’s usually a live band that ensures the party atmosphere steps up a notch.

Be aware of having too late a night, though. There’s too much to do during the day.

We were up early to beat the seabreeze and hired an electric bike ($60 daily from the bike shop). At first I was reluctant as it seemed like cheating. The whole point of riding around the island is for exercise and to build up a sweat to make the splash in the ocean better.

However, five seconds in to that ride I was hooked. You still pedal and can put the bike into normal mode, but when those hills hit you can zoom up them doing 20kpm without feeling like you’ll have a heart attack.

While it wasn’t quite warm enough to venture into the pool area of Karma, I could imagine on a hot summer day it is a beautiful place to perch and enjoy a cocktail, with plenty of shade to escape the heat.

The resort's general manager Glen Trebilcock sums up Karma perfectly: "Karma Resort is a perfect place to base yourself to re-charge and de-stress. A relaxing oasis to escape after exploring the natural beauty Rottnest offers."

Would I stay here with my children for an extended visit? Probably not. It wouldn’t make economic sense as we’d need two rooms and would be eating out for lunch and dinner.

But it you’re parents chasing a hassle-free getaway or with a small group of friends, it’s perfect.

The reporter was a guest of Karma Resort. For bookings, special deals and room rates, call Karma Resort on (08) 9292 5161

Most Viewed in National

Loading