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If you have been dreaming of a getaway with your significant other but want something different, not the predictable mountain or winery getaway, stop scrolling.

We've found a spot about an hour and fifteen minutes from Adelaide, a beautiful drive, by the way, that has officially raised the bar.

Monarto Safari Resort only opened in 2025, and it's already the modern, bougie escape we didn't know we needed. It manages to feel incredibly high-end and adult, while still being a place you could totally bring the kids to later for the family pool and animal magic.

Watch: Travel expert Paige Carmichael reveals the health-kit items she never holidays without. Post continues below.

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The room with a (very wild) view.

Everything at Monarto Safari Resort has that new hotel glow, but the real showstoppers are the Waterhole Rooms. If you can, book one.

You have a front row seat to watching animals wander past the waterhole all day. They even provide a pair of binoculars so you can spot animals who are not as keen to come up to the hotel.

If you want to go full extra, they are opening new huts in April 2026 for a seriously luxe experience.

The incredible sights from the room balcony and from the hotel pool. Image: Supplied.

The Soak House life.

The food and wine menus are great with plenty of options, but the spa is the true heart of the resort.

They use South Australian Jurlique products, and the vibe is pure bliss.

Pro tip: Book your spa treatments the moment you arrive so you don't miss out.

And whatever you do, make sure to add a Soak House experience after your treatment. Moving between the thermal pool and the sauna is basically heaven in a robe.

Soak and watch the wildlife go by at Marula Day Spa. Image: Supplied.

The 7am wake-up call you won't regret.

I don't love setting an alarm when on holidays, but the Dawn Safari is worth the 7am pickup. It's an extra $140 per person, but you're back by 9am — exactly when the awesome breakfast spread is calling your name.

Our guide, Darrell, was excellent. You'll get up close and personal with a range of animals, and you'll leave learning something new — like how ostriches like to follow giraffes for safety… there's one in the park who we spotted a few times just chilling with tall mates.

Old mate ostrich is never far from his personal security guards. Image: Supplied.

We got incredibly close to the cheetahs; Darrell said it was one of the best experiences possible as the three ladies came right up to our truck. Seeing a cheetah that close was a majestic experience.

You can book the dawn safari when you book your accommodation.

You can't get much closer than that! Image: Supplied.

The logistics.

• The Zoo: It's a 5-minute drive away. It can be dry and parched (it was 29 degrees when we visited!), so if you want to take the walking option, just be prepared. If walking isn't your vibe, hop on and off the air-conditioned buses. Tip: Don't skip the chimps or the black rhino. Not all accommodation options include a Zoo ticket, so check that when you book or buy a ticket when you get there.

• The Staff: Honestly, some of the best I've experienced. Everyone seems to genuinely love their job and make the stay feel homely.

• The Ride: We hired a car from Ace Rentals in Adelaide, and the service was exceptional. Tip: If you are planning on driving from the airport you have to get a shuttle with Ace. But if you want to drop the car back to the city like we did, it's a great option.

• Capturing the mind-blowing moments: While a phone camera is super handy, as it's always within arms reach, I find the zoom is not great and photo quality isn't amazing for capturing the moment. I recently purchased a compact camera to capture better quality photos and go back to old school physical photo albums. After many hours researching, I settled on the Panasonic Lumix TZ99 (you can buy it at Harvey Norman here). And then I grabbed this cross body strap so it's always on hand.

Whether you're planning a babymoon, or just need a digital detox with your partner, Monarto is it. 

The author was provided two nights free accommodation and a Dawn Safari for one guest. The rest of the trip was at the author's own expense. All opinions expressed in this article are the author's own.