When the itinerary rolled in for our latest adventure with Montblanc, the team at Man of Style were stoked. A three-day luxury adventure retreat held at Spicers Peak Lodge in Queensland, Australia. Aptly titled ‘Crafted for New Heights’ this getaway really did go over, and above our lofty expectations.

Just getting to the retreat was an adventure in of itself. After a flight from Melbourne to the Gold coast. Ushered into a luxury van, we then proceeded to drive to an undisclosed location atop a nearby mountain. Like something out of a Jurassic Park movie, we took to the skies in helicopters After half an hour of flying over the top of thousands of acres of remote Queensland countryside; we finally made it to our destination–Spicers Peak Lodge.

Situated on an 8,000-acre working cattle farm, surrounded by a heritage listed national park. Located 1,100 meters above sea level, it officially takes the title for the highest non-alpine retreat in Australia. A claim that can be confirmed the minute you step outside and are welcomed by a strong winters breeze that felt like it came from somewhere north of the wall.

After champagne on arrival, we were whisked away after what felt like a mere moment to the Northern Reaches of Spicers Peak Lodge, where we sat with wine and cheese to watch the stunning sunset over the Great Dividing Range–a truly sublime experience captured perfectly by Max.

With the sun well and truly set, we made our way back to home base for a delectable dinner at The Peak Restaurant. Using the finest local and national produce; Head Chef Minh Le took us on two outstanding journeys at dinner during our stay. Using only the finest of foods, Le expertly tailored the menu to be reflective of Montblanc’s passion for quality, the pursuit of perfection, and the spirit of adventure. Beautifully showcasing why The Peak Restaurant is well worthy of its One Chef Hat status.

The following morning there was no time to waste! After an early breakfast, we were ready for adventure. One group took to the surrounding mountainside by bike (they must have traversed some treacherous terrain judging by the battle scars that resulted). Whilst the rest of us went by foot for a leisurely hike around the grounds of the lodge and the mountain precipice.

Although we didn’t stumble across any wildlife; the native landscape and flora were breathtakingly beautiful (or perhaps it was just the hiking that left me short of breath). It wasn’t all fun and games though; the pristine native forest was home to some particularly prickly plants, namely the ‘stinging nettle’ and the ‘gympie’. The latter of which our guide informed us had small poisoned spikes on the undersides of its leaves. If touched, this potent neurotoxin could leave you with a nasty and agonisingly painful rash, lasting up to 6 months. Death and disaster aside, us urban nomads managed to make it out of the Australian bush unscathed. As a reward for all of our hard adventuring; we were treated to a day spa session at the aptly named Spa Anise.

Wherever you look, you can find immersive art installations scattered throughout the grounds and inside the lodge itself. Whether it was the giant eight ball nestled into a tree next to the day spa; a London Phone Booth that you could order cheese and wine from; or the beautifully carved wooden sculptures adorning the entrance–Spicers Peak Lodge was a feast for the eyes. Drawing inspiration from the most beautiful mountain lodges in New Zealand, Africa and Europe; the owners Jude and Skroo placed a strong emphasis on utilising natural materials in a way that seemed to bring the beautiful Australian outdoors inside.

This stunning location was the perfect backdrop to showcase Montblanc’s luxury travel collection. It almost seemed like a literal embodiment of the Montblanc 1926 Heritage collection. Both stylish and durable, the Tuscan-made heritage backpack has proven to be a versatile everyday companion, suited to both the city and the great outdoors.

I wonder where the spirit of exploration will take us next?