Reclining in the warm embrace of a scented alfresco bath, glass of local Zinfandel in hand, watching the sun set lazily over the spectacular bushland of country New South Wales, it’s hard to believe the seed of this idea was planted while I was watching the survivalist TV hit Alone with my wife.

The benefits of taking time away from our busy lives are well known: Australian research found that short breaks (around three-to-four days) can measurably improve focus and wellbeing – and the results linger for up to a week afterwards.

Meanwhile, a study published in the International Journal of Environment Research and Public Health found that spending solo time in nature can lead to a range of wellbeing wins, from relaxation to inspiration.

The inner growth the Alone contestants seemed to find in the wilderness certainly appealed to me, although the cold, hard graft and hunger did not. Which brings me here – my kind of base camp – the glorious surrounds of Sierra Escape, a multi-award-winning glamping experience where the only hunting and foraging I’ll be doing will be in the vineyards and eateries of Mudgee wine country.

Next-level camping

With kids, pets and work duties left behind after a four-hour drive, I immediately discovered the level of decadence awaiting me when I entered my sizable accommodation. A friendly automated welcome greeting, accompanied by piano music, guided me through the various voice commands I could utilize during my stay. I quickly realized this was going to be unlike any camping experience I’d had before.

This was no ordinary tent – with its automated voice commands, I didn’t even have to move a muscle to switch off the lights

My tent came with not one, but two free-standing baths (indoor and outdoor). Both had hot running water, but sustainability is key, and the property strikes a careful balance between comfort and conservation, encouraging guests to be mindful with water and electricity.

Sierra Escape is completely off-grid, using tank water and solar power. There is wi-fi and limited mobile coverage, but my inbox was the last thing on my mind as I took in the sweeping 360-degree views of rolling hills and rugged farmland.

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That night, enjoying the rare opportunity to sleep solo in a supersized bed, I let out a satisfied, “Alexa, turn off all the lights,” and drifted off listening to the final crackles of the fireplace and the wind gently flapping the canvas, as if to remind me I was, in fact, in a tent.

Waking to unfamiliar birdsong and remembering it was an out-of-office Monday, I felt the benefits of being off-grid and free from my usual responsibilities. With my day a blank canvas, I could set the pace entirely on my own terms.

My tent was called Alkira, which means ‘the sun’ in the local Wiradjuri language, and after a week of Sydney rain, it had lived up to its name gloriously.

I started the day with a round at Mudgee Golf Course, home to the famous par-three 17th hole, which features in the coffee-table book Favourite Holes by Design: The Architect’s Choice as the top pick of renowned course architect James Wilcher.

Get a dose of rustic charm in the hidden courtyard at the Alby & Esthers cafe

For lunch, I wandered down Market Street in Mudgee and discovered a vine-covered courtyard tucked away in an alley. This was Alby & Esthers – exactly the kind of country-core cafe I had in mind. I ordered the hearty all-day breakfast bowl and what turned out to be one of the best coffees of my life.

Of course, no visit to the region would be complete without a winery stop. One of the best by both reputation and setting is Lowe, a family-run winery famous for its reds.

Enjoying a delicious glass of Zinfandel from Lowe’s organic and biodynamic winery

The friendly cellar-door host poured me a glass of their flagship Zinfandel, which I enjoyed while exploring the property’s beautiful grounds, complete with emus and donkeys. As the weak winter sun began to fade, I purchased a bottle to take back to Sierra Escape, determined to enjoy the sunset from the alfresco bathtub.

Small wonder

Alkira is one of five glamping tents on the property, along with an architecturally remarkable tiny house crafted from a shipping container. All of the accommodation is spread acres apart, giving you a true sense of solitude, with only the sounds of galahs, currawongs and kookaburras for company.

On request, you can have breakfast delivered to your deck, book a private massage or even a yoga session. Everything here is carefully considered for guests’ comfort. A colder-than-usual night was no issue thanks to an electric blanket, and a little satin sleep kit – complete with branded mask and earplugs – was thoughtfully left by the bed.

On my final morning, kangaroos seemed to line up along the stony path to bid me farewell. I realized how this short solo escape, free from any responsibility other than my own wellbeing, had completely rejuvenated me.

I returned to Sydney with stress levels significantly lower than before, which isn’t just a gift to me – my family, pets and colleagues will all benefit from a better version of me in the days ahead.