Photography – Bobby Bense

Model/Styling/Editing – Helen Janneson Bense

Location – Smiths beach resort | Indijup | Yallingup – Western Australia

To do – Book a bespoke trip with Experience Smith | Picnic + Surf Gallery at Aravina Estate | Snorkel at the Aquarium | Day trip to Injidup Natural Spa

Eat – Lamonts at Smiths Beach | Aravina Estate | Wise Wines | Acai Bowls at Yallingup beach | Wild and Woods cafe | Eagle Bay Olives

We had the lovely pleasure of spending a few incredible days down at Smiths Beach earlier this year and it is by far one of our favourite WA beaches. We fell in love with Smiths Beach resort which was perfectly located just a few hours drive from Perth and is hands down the best place we have stayed in this region. It’s luxurious, peaceful and located right on this amazing beach. It’s a fantastic surf spot and has some of my favourite wineries just minutes away. It also has some of best sunsets I’ve seen all year! The sky lights up in the most beautiful candy coloured shades of pink and purple, and the ocean sparkles like turquoise diamonds.

Our family stayed in the 3 bedroom villa which was simply stunning. So luxuriously appointed, neutral and light, with beautiful Indian ocean views. I loved starting each day cosy in my robe, a cup of tea in hand, watching the surf. We had everything we needed right there, and when we felt like eating out, Lamonts was just a few steps away and served up one delicious feast for our family. After each salty ocean adventure we enjoyed the beautiful sparkling pool and soaked all our worries away in the villa’s amazing bathtub.

We packed in a few days of adventure and fun while we were here and headed out with Mr Chauffeurs and Experience Smith. We started our day on route to the Aquarium, a super secret lagoon spot that I’ll probably never be able to find again. We were lucky to have our guide show us the way for our gourmet picnic and snorkel. We were so grateful for the help as it’s about a 20 minute walk down the cliff with all your gear. Once we arrived it was complete magic. The snorkelling was phenomenal and the entire lagoon is protected from the ocean, so no need to be worried about sharks here. It has the most gentle current that you can float along with, and it’s filled with vibrant marine life.  Our kids loved it and we all felt so safe snorkelling for hours.

After a wonderful snorkel and picnic we headed to Aravina Estate. I had no idea what heaven we were in store for here. The most picturesque winery on the lake’s edge with blooming gardens in all shades of the rainbow. They served up the most delicious feast. Vegan for me of course and catered for so wonderfully. We stayed to share some champagne by the lake, and relax in the peaceful vibes of this place.

The biggest highlight of this trip was our visit to Injidup Natural Spa. An absolute natural wonder of the world here. Nature has basically carved out an ocean spa equipped with multiple massaging waterfalls as each wave crashes over the rocks and spills into the lagoon. It can get pretty wild during high tide and wild weather so definitely be mindful visiting this spot. On a calm, hot summer’s day it’s pure magic.

Each day we ended up on the beach, tuning into the magical Smith’s beach sunset. When I think of my busy year, it was here on the beach each day that left me feeling the most relaxed I have felt. It’s a truly special place that I can’t quite put into words. You will just have to visit and experience it for yourself.

With love and gratitude,

Helen xx

All text and images copyright © Helen Janneson Bense 2022