Arrive to an award winning architecturally designed home in the dunes. Wake up to the sounds of the waves lapping on the shore with a myriad of dune birds feeding in the natural grasses and step straight off the deck onto the sand and wander down to the beach (in your pjs if you want it's so private!). Fabulous chefs' kitchen, but if relaxing is your main goal, there are some great local restaurants and cafés. All rooms open to balconies and have private bathrooms.
This impressive beach abode is the ultimate spot to seek seaside solitude – with panoramic ocean views, the ideal place to escape and unwind, while still enjoying the finer things in life. You will absolutely love Cowrie Retreat and return again & again.
The Bedrooms The Master King bedroom has an ensuite and unbeatable ocean views with total privacy. The second bedroom has a Super King bed with its own bathroom across the hall. The third, very private King bedroom has an ensuite. Both of these large, comfortable bedrooms look across the inner deck into the dunes. The Little Retreat is self-contained, with 2 king single beds, bathroom, and a comfortable sofa making it an ideal spot for those in your group who may want some peace and a quiet. The Little Retreat overlooks the dunes, inner deck and out to the sea. Luxury bedding, linen and towels are included for your stay.
Kitchen & Living The main living area has a large dining table seating 10, comfortable sofas & chairs and a wood-burning fire. The kitchen is every cook’s dream, the huge kitchen bench lending itself to become the centre of culinary creativity and gatherings.
If you want to keep cooking to a minimum then there are also several restaurants and cafés just a few minutes' drive away and if that sounds too hard, get in touch with local Thai chef, Thanaporn Zarins on 0407 392 108 to arrange delivery of delicious Thai banquet.
Outdoor Areas There are multiple outdoor living areas. The western & inner decks have large tables for dining. The northern deck has 4 lounges looking out to sea, north along the coast and into the dunes. There is a ‘Taverna’ on the front dune with a table and benches - ideal for a coffee, breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks or dinner. Weather permitting, it is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down and, so often, the sunset lights up the sky.
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Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Normanville
Located in Normanville, this holiday home is on the beach. Lady Bay Vineyard and Links Lady Bay Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Springs Road Forest Reserve and Kalumunda Forest Reserve. Kayaking and snorkelling offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain climbing and rock climbing nearby.
Is Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation on 17 May 2026 start from NZ$2,433, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cowrie Retreat | Fleurieu Coast Luxury Beachfront Accommodation located?
Nestled on the beach, this Normanville holiday home is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lady Bay Vineyard, Normanville Beach and Links Lady Bay Golf Course. Banksia Park and High Country Trails are also within 3 miles (5 km).
About the host
Hosted by Sue Sweeney
Located on the coastline of South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula you will find and fall in love with Cowrie Retreat. The owners have an enduring connection to the Cowrie shell, having spent many days walking nearby Shelley Beach searching for the treasured Cowries. "Cowrie" means valuable and special, apt words to describe this idyllic location.
The vital statistics are impressive. Cowrie Retreat sits in privately owned sand dunes and comfortably sleeps 8, making it prefect for groups of friends and families. The single-level building design boasts 3 king bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A separate Little Retreat with king single beds and own bathroom, looks back to the hills behind and across the middle deck out to sea. The master king bedroom with ensuite, has ocean views with total privacy. The second Super King bedroom has its own bathroom across the hall. The third, very private king bedroom has an ensuite. Both these large, comfortable bedrooms look across the inner deck into the dunes and out to sea.
All bedrooms open directly onto the dunes.
All bathrooms are supplied with Luxury Australian made Appelles products.
The main living area has a large dining table seating 8, comfortable sofas and chairs and a wood-burning fire.
The kitchen is every cook's dream, the huge kitchen bench lending itself to become the centre of culinary creativity and gatherings.
All rooms have reverse cycle heating & cooling.
There are multiple undercover outdoor areas.
The western and inner decks have large tables for dining.
The northern deck has 4 lounges looking out to sea, north along the beach and into the dunes.
There is a "Taverna" on the front dune with a table and benches - ideal for a coffee, breakfast, lunch, pre-dinner drinks or dinner. Weather permitting, it is the perfect spot to watch the sun go down and, so often, the sunset lights up the sky.
Why they chose this property
The list of features doesn't do justice to Cowrie Retreat. The luxuries abound, with everything working together to create a sense of unfused relaxation - from the sensational sea views, painted shiplap timber walls, contemporary furniture to carefully created artwork.
You will sense this as soon as you step inside. True luxury isn't showy, it feels like this.
The owners love everything about their award-winning retreat. They were intimately involved in the build and interior design work. This has resulted in an unbeatable combination of practicality and style. It is as good for a Winter getaway as a Summer holiday.
Cowrie Retreat offers a private and exclusive getaway destination only and hour and 20 minutes' drive from Adelaide.
This impressive beach above is the ultimate spot to seek seaside solitude - with panoramic ocean views (even if you are at the stove). The ideal place to escape and unwind, while still enjoying the finer things in life. You will absolutely love Cowrie Retreat and return again and again.
What makes this property unique
Absolute beach front, Stunning private location Award winning architecturally designed Step straight off your deck onto the sand and down the track to the beach Luxury linens Luxury bathroom soaps Fabulous kitchen, stocked pantry items available for your use Private massage and yoga available Heysen Trail just 32 minutes away 4 Golf courses within 35 minutes Beach/ Reef combing