Luxury Riverland for the Travel Trade

Luxury in the Riverland

A tailor-made luxury escape through South Australia’s Riverland region – combining Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, and the Barossa with the award-winning 6-star Frames Retreats on the banks of the Murray River. Built for travel agents packaging ultra-premium Australian experiences, romantic getaways, and Fully Independent Traveller (FIT) itineraries where privacy and indulgence are the whole point.

About This Experience

The Riverland, South Australia

South Australia’s Riverland sits about three hours north-east of Adelaide, where the Murray River winds through a landscape of red earth, ancient river red gums, and some of the most productive food and wine country in the state. It’s often called the food bowl of South Australia, and for good reason. But it’s also quietly home to one of Australia’s most remarkable luxury accommodation properties.

The Frames is a collection of three award-winning 6-star retreats set on the peaceful banks of the Murray River near Renmark. Each retreat is designed specifically for couples – private, secluded, and appointed to a standard that genuinely surprises people who weren’t expecting this level of luxury in regional Australia. Heated pools, hydrotherapy spas, infrared saunas, in-villa gourmet dining. It’s a destination in its own right. Our most popular itineraries weave The Frames into a broader South Australian journey – Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, the Barossa, and possibly a paddle steamer experience on the Murray before arriving in the Riverland.

  • 6-star award-winning retreats designed exclusively for couples
  • Three distinct retreat options – Pastiche, Montage, and Collage
  • Private heated pools, hydrotherapy spas, and infrared saunas at each retreat
  • In-villa gourmet dining with personal chef options
  • Ideal for luxury FIT, honeymoons, romantic getaways, and incentive rewards
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THE THREE RETREATS

The Frames – Accommodation & Experiences

Pastiche Retreat – Private Luxury for Two

Contemporary and light-filled, the Pastiche is designed with one couple in mind. A king-size tilting bed overlooks the tranquil Murray River, and views extend from the bedroom through the bathroom and out to the private outdoor heated pool. The word that keeps coming up is privacy. It’s total.

The bathroom is something else entirely. A sunken spa with an in-built waterfall feature, an infrared sauna, and a large shower for two – all overlooking the river. There’s a state-of-the-art BBQ for outdoor cooking, and if the idea of not leaving the retreat for an entire weekend appeals, that’s entirely the point. Gourmet meals can be delivered directly to the villa.

Trade tip: The Pastiche is the go-to for honeymoon clients and romantic getaways. The private pool and complete seclusion make it an easy sell for couples who want absolute privacy. It’s three hours from Adelaide, which positions it well as a mid-itinerary retreat between city and coast experiences.

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Montage Retreat – A Heightened Luxury Experience

The Montage redefines what you’d expect from a couples retreat in regional Australia. Outside, there’s a circular hydrotherapy spa, an outdoor heated pool, an infrared sauna, and a bathtub for two. Inside, it’s large and spacious at 300 square metres, appointed with the finest linen, appliances, and furnishings throughout.

What sets the Montage apart is the sense of immersion. The Murray River surrounds you. Bathing in the outdoor spa at night, looking up at stars you simply don’t see from the city – that’s the experience in a sentence. It’s sophistication without pretence.

Trade tip: The Montage appeals to clients who want that extra layer of indulgence beyond what the Pastiche offers. The hydrotherapy spa under the stars is a standout feature that international travellers find genuinely memorable. Works exceptionally well for milestone anniversaries and incentive reward stays.

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Collage Retreat – Shared Luxury for Two Couples

The Collage sets new standards in shared luxury accommodation. Designed for two couples, both bedrooms and ensuites are equal in size, amenities, furnishings, and views – no one gets the lesser room. They’re separated by a large indoor wet area featuring a 6-person indoor hydrotherapy spa with a Smart TV.

Outside, there’s a heated lap pool with a rain-shower waterfall and state-of-the-art BBQ facilities overlooking the river. The combination of shared entertaining spaces and genuinely private sleeping quarters makes this work for friends travelling together without compromising on the luxury experience.

Trade tip: The Collage is the only option at The Frames that accommodates more than one couple, which makes it useful for small incentive groups or couples travelling together. Both rooms are identical in quality, so there’s no awkward conversation about who gets what. It’s a smart product to have in your toolkit when you have a party of four.

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World-Class Gourmet Dining at Your Retreat

Dining at The Frames combines the best of what the Riverland has to offer – fresh local produce and gourmet chefs creating dishes that do justice to the setting. In-villa dining is part of the experience here, not an afterthought.

There are several options. A personal chef can cook a three-course meal in the privacy of the villa. Alternatively, pre-prepared meals can be delivered and served at leisure. For something more relaxed, Gourmet BBQ and Supreme BBQ provisions come ready to cook on the outdoor kitchen. Orders need to be placed two weeks prior to arrival, and a seasonal menu is available on request.

Trade tip: The personal chef option is the premium upsell and it genuinely delivers. For clients celebrating something, it transforms the evening. The pre-prepared meal option is popular with couples who want the gourmet experience without the formality. Make sure your clients know about the two-week lead time for dining orders – build it into your pre-arrival communications.

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Romantic Sunset Cruise on the Murray River

A beautifully restored 100-year-old classic wooden boat cruises along the Murray River at sunset, with sparkling wine and a cheese platter. It’s the kind of experience that sounds almost too good to be real, but the setting delivers – abundant wildlife and birds against spectacular sunsets with the lights of Renmark as night falls.

All guests need to do is sit back. The tranquillity and diversity of the Murray River do the rest.

Trade tip: The gondola cruise is an easy add-on that elevates the overall stay. It’s romantic without being contrived. Minimum two guests, which suits the couples-only nature of The Frames perfectly. Package it as a first-evening experience to set the tone for the stay.

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The Flavour Safari – From Dirt to Dish

The Riverland is labelled the food bowl of South Australia, and the Flavour Safari takes that seriously. It’s a chauffeur-driven tour that visits the growers, the brewers, the winemakers, and the producers behind the region’s food story. Think behind-the-scenes access, local pride, and genuine hospitality.

Guests taste, smell, and learn about the many different products grown and produced in the Riverland. Lunch is included at a local venue. The air-conditioned vehicle and knowledgeable guides make it a comfortable full-day experience.

Trade tip: This is a strong experience for food and wine-focused clients. The Riverland isn’t on most international travellers’ radar for gourmet experiences, which is exactly what makes it work – it feels like a discovery. Pairs well with Barossa Valley touring earlier in the itinerary for a comprehensive South Australian food and wine narrative.

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Calperum Station Eco-Cultural Experience

Guided by Indigenous rangers and ecologists from Calperum Station, this five-hour experience offers something most luxury itineraries can’t match. Guests are welcomed to Calperum and visit Lake Woolpolool, Lake Merreti, and the surrounding area, which holds significant Aboriginal cultural values. Canoe trees, ring trees, ancient ovens, and an abundance of fauna and bird species – some threatened – can be observed and studied.

Morning tea is homemade saltbush damper with quandong jam. Lunch and drinks are served by Ral Ral Creek. The ecologies and ecosystems here have been around for millennia, and the pace of the tour reflects that.

Trade tip: This is a genuinely authentic Indigenous cultural experience – not a performance, but an invitation onto country with people who know it intimately. For international clients seeking meaningful cultural encounters, this is a standout. Minimum two guests. It complements The Frames beautifully because it offers a complete change of pace from the retreat’s luxury focus.

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Additional Experiences in the Riverland

23rd Street Distillery – Housed in the historic Renmano Winery of Renmark, the 23rd Street Distillery blends century-old heritage with contemporary distilling. Guests of The Frames receive a complimentary tour and tasting. Century-old copper stills, a barrel hall ageing Black Bottle Brandy, and a range of gin, brandy, whiskey, and vodka made with local ingredients. Worth building into a half-day out.

Canoe the Riverland – Guided canoe tours or self-guided hire through the Woolenook Wetlands, an intricate creek system within the internationally recognised Riverland Ramsar Site. Options range from sunrise and sunset paddles to moonlight tours and overnight camping expeditions. High-quality touring kayaks with rudders, life jackets, and paddles included.

The Woolshed Brewery – A craft brewery in a 100-year-old shearing shed at Wilkadene Station, about 20 kilometres north of The Frames. Guided tours by appointment, locally made craft brews and ciders, and BYO barbecue facilities or Riverland produce picnic packs. A relaxed afternoon destination.

Massage Therapy – In-retreat therapeutic massage overlooking the Murray River. One-hour sessions or 90-minute full body treatments, personalised to individual needs. Book before arrival so clients can begin their Frames experience feeling restored.

Trade tip: The Riverland offers enough activities to fill three to four days comfortably, but the beauty of The Frames is that doing nothing at all is equally valid. Build itineraries with one curated experience per day and leave the rest open – clients appreciate the flexibility.

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WHAT’S INCLUDED

Inclusions & The Frames

Standard Retreat Inclusions

  • 6-star luxury retreat accommodation on the Murray River
  • Private heated pool at each retreat
  • Infrared sauna and hydrotherapy spa (varies by retreat)
  • State-of-the-art outdoor BBQ kitchen
  • Premium linen, appliances, and furnishings throughout
  • Complimentary 23rd Street Distillery tour and tasting
  • Complete privacy – no shared facilities with other guests

About The Frames

The Frames is set on the banks of the Murray River near Renmark, about three hours from Adelaide. Three distinct retreats – Pastiche, Montage, and Collage – offer different configurations, but all share the same commitment to privacy, quality, and an immersive river setting. This is accommodation that was designed from the ground up for couples seeking seclusion.

The property has earned award-winning 6-star status, and the experience reflects it. From the heated pools and spa facilities to the gourmet dining options and the unhurried pace of life on the river, every detail has been considered. It’s the kind of place that makes people rethink what regional Australia can offer.

  • Three retreats – Pastiche (1 couple), Montage (1 couple), Collage (2 couples)
  • In-villa gourmet dining with personal chef or delivered meals
  • Sunset gondola cruises on a restored 100-year-old wooden boat
  • Massage therapy available in the privacy of each retreat

Ready to Book a Luxury Riverland Itinerary?

Get in touch with our team for trade rates, availability across all three retreats, and help packaging the Riverland into your clients’ South Australian itineraries. We handle the complete journey – Adelaide, Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, Murray River paddle steamers, and onward connections across our full range of Australian and New Zealand touring product.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Frames is located near Renmark in South Australia’s Riverland, approximately three hours by road from Adelaide. Most itineraries include a self-drive component or private transfer from Adelaide, often via the Barossa Valley. There’s also a regional airport at Renmark for charter flights. We can arrange transfers, car hire, or chauffeur services as part of the overall itinerary. For international clients, the drive through the Barossa and into the Riverland is part of the experience – the landscape shifts noticeably as you move from vineyards into the red earth of the river country.
The Frames is designed specifically for couples. The Pastiche and Montage retreats each accommodate one couple, while the Collage accommodates two couples with equal bedrooms and ensuites. Children are not catered for, and there are no shared common areas between the retreats. This is intentional – the entire product is built around privacy and intimacy. For clients travelling as a group of four, the Collage is the right option. For larger groups, we’d recommend alternative luxury accommodation in the region and can build bespoke itineraries accordingly.
In-villa dining is central to The Frames experience. Three main options are available: a personal chef cooking a three-course meal in the retreat; pre-prepared gourmet meals delivered to heat and serve at leisure; or Gourmet and Supreme BBQ provisions ready to cook on the outdoor kitchen. All dining orders must be placed at least two weeks before arrival, and a seasonal menu is provided in advance. This is important to communicate to clients early in the booking process. The quality of the food is outstanding – local Riverland produce prepared to a very high standard.
Absolutely – and that’s how we recommend selling it. Our most popular itineraries combine Adelaide (city touring, food and wine), Kangaroo Island (wildlife, coastal scenery), the Barossa Valley (premium wine country), and then the Riverland as the relaxation component. Some clients also add a Murray River paddle steamer experience before arriving at The Frames. We build complete itineraries including flights, accommodation, transfers, touring, and all experiences. The Riverland works as a mid-itinerary retreat or as a finishing point before clients fly home from Adelaide.
The Riverland is a year-round destination, though spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are particularly pleasant with mild temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Summer can be warm, but the private pools and river setting make it comfortable. Winter evenings are cool and atmospheric – perfect for the hydrotherapy spas and infrared saunas. The Flavour Safari and food experiences are strongest during harvest season in late summer and autumn. We can advise on the best timing for your clients based on their broader Australian itinerary and preferences.
A modern, elegantly appointed queen suite aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring a spacious bed with white striped linens, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the river landscape, contemporary wood cabinetry with decorative panels, ambient lighting, and a comfortable seating area. The suite exemplifies contemporary cruise accommodation design with natural light and sophisticated furnishings.
A contemporary residential property featuring a rectangular swimming pool, expansive outdoor entertaining areas with loungers and umbrellas, modern brick and timber architecture, and manicured gardens set within natural bushland. The multi-level home showcases floor-to-ceiling windows, covered deck spaces, and seamless indoor-outdoor living design.
A picturesque waterfront community in Paynesville, Victoria, featuring modern holiday apartments and residential units lining the dock alongside moored fishing and leisure boats. The calm blue waters reflect the white buildings and clear Australian sky, showcasing a quintessential lakeside holiday destination.
A frontal view of The Ghan, Australia's iconic luxury passenger train, stopped at Alice Springs railway station along its Adelaide-Darwin route. The distinctive red locomotive displays the train's branding and operational number 75, with passengers visible nearby on the platform.
An overhead architectural rendering of a modern cruise ship cabin featuring two single beds positioned side-by-side on a green carpeted floor, dark wood furnishings with decorative blue-patterned upholstery, and an ensuite bathroom visible through an open doorway. The compact cabin design demonstrates efficient use of space typical of contemporary river cruise accommodations.
An overhead view of a luxurious king suite cabin aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring a bed with white linens, dark carpet flooring, integrated storage and lighting, and an ensuite bathroom visible on the right. The modern design combines wood accents with contemporary furnishings and natural light from large windows.
A modern, elegantly designed queen cabin aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring warm wood cabinetry, a botanical-patterned headboard panel, neutral bedding with decorative pillows, and a private balcony with river views. The cabin showcases contemporary hospitality design with integrated storage, soft lighting, and a sophisticated color palette of creams, greens, and warm wood tones.
A luxurious modern king suite aboard a Murray River cruise vessel, featuring a spacious bed with white striped bedding, floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a private balcony overlooking the river and eucalyptus trees, contemporary furnishings including a cream accent chair, wall-mounted flat-screen TV, and elegant neutral décor throughout.
An overhead view of a contemporary cruise ship cabin featuring a queen-sized bed with white linens, sage green accent wall, dark wood cabinetry with decorative botanical artwork, and an ensuite bathroom visible on the right. The compact but well-appointed space exemplifies modern cruise ship interior design with neutral tones and efficient use of space.
A beautifully illuminated multi-level houseboat named Emmylou glows warmly against the twilight sky, its reflection perfectly mirrored in the still, dark waters below. Surrounded by eucalyptus trees along a serene riverbank, the vessel showcases modern architecture with multiple decks, large windows, and outdoor living spaces.
A historic Victorian-era hotel with distinctive red brick architecture, ornate green timber verandahs, and a prominent clock tower in the heart of Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The building showcases classic Australian colonial design established during the 1893 Western Australian gold rush era.
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An aerial drone perspective of the Murray River winding through dense eucalyptus forests at dusk, with expansive agricultural plains visible in the distance under a dramatic golden sunset sky. The river's reflective surface creates a striking contrast against the rich green forest canopy.
A classic multi-deck paddlewheel riverboat with cream and black livery cruises along the Murray River in Australia, surrounded by eucalyptus forests and calm green waters under clear skies.
A beautifully illuminated Victorian-era shopping arcade in Adelaide, South Australia, featuring ornate red brick architecture with decorative spires and arches. The ground level is lined with shop fronts including Haigh's Chocolate, while pedestrians browse the bustling street-level retail area at night.
A picturesque coastal landscape featuring pristine turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush green vegetation on the headlands of West Bay. The scene captures dramatic cliff formations and native coastal scrubland under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
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A stunning panoramic view of the Murray River in South Australia, featuring dramatic golden-orange limestone cliffs on the left side overlooking the calm, mirror-like river waters. Lush green vegetation lines both banks of the river as it meanders through the landscape, with a beautiful blue sky and white clouds reflected perfectly in the water.
A stunning twilight view of Brisbane's modern city skyline reflecting in the Brisbane River, featuring the iconic Story Bridge, contemporary high-rise buildings illuminated against a vibrant purple and blue sky, with historic riverside landmarks in the foreground including a lighthouse and heritage structures.

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