Room to Breathe: Why Winter Just Hits Different

Raelene Ohlson, General Manager at Pullman Bunker Bay Resort, reflects on what makes this Margaret River retreat so special – rain, hail or shine.

At Pullman Bunker Bay, we often say that no two seasons are quite the same. But there's something about winter in our part of the world that invites a different kind of pause.

Whether it’s crisp mornings on the boardwalk, afternoons spent fireside at Other Side of the Moon, or the stillness that follows a storm rolling in off the Indian Ocean, this season offers a kind of calm you don’t always expect. As the General Manager here, I see it every day. Guests arrive wound up by the city and leave having finally taken a full breath.

Not long ago, a traveller wrote a blog about our resort and called it “a place to breathe.” That really stuck with me. Because no matter the weather, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is the kind of place that holds space for rest, connection, and perspective.

Of course, our location helps. Nestled near Dunsborough and surrounded by the natural beauty of Cape Naturaliste, the resort gives you access to both iconic sights and hidden gems. You can visit Sugarloaf Rock, sip your way along Caves Road, or simply retreat to your villa with a bottle of Margaret River red and let the world slow down around you.

Pullman Bunker Bay Resort isn’t just Margaret River luxury accommodation. It’s a village-style resort that’s spacious, serene and quietly indulgent. Think local produce served fireside, spa treatments at Vie Spa that melt the week away, and a team who genuinely cares about making your stay memorable.

So if you’re planning a winter escape, I’d encourage you to look beyond the weather forecast. This is the time of year when the region is at its most peaceful, when the coastline shows off its drama, and when you can truly switch off.

Inspired by a beautiful piece written by Chris Parry, which perfectly captured the spirit of our resort. You can read the original story here.