If you want to escape to somewhere truly magical, The Little Black Shack will absolutely take you there.

Ingrid and Jamie are obviously a creative couple with the vision and ability to transform a down-at-heel seaside cottage into a very special place that, as you will read, none of their guests want to leave. If we had the opportunity, we would stay here forever.

On a grand scale it is brilliantly conceived but on a more intimate level everything has been thoughtfully considered and every need catered for. This secluded cottage nurtures you in all possible ways and if you can't relax here I doubt you would be able to anywhere.

Great Mackerel Beach is only a stone's throw from Palm Beach in Sydney but the stretch of water between the two places offers complete isolation from the hectic pace of city life. There are no cafes, restaurants or shops unless you catch a ferry and that is exactly why it appeals to us. Not that you have to go without anything at all!

This gorgeous little cottage is luxuriously appointed in a rustic, artistic, thoughtful and authentic way. You will be able to enjoy good coffee, a chef's kitchen, a wood fired pizza oven, a herb garden, a great sound system, board games, reading material and a very comfortable king-size bed with soft linen sheets that is raised high enough for you to gaze out to the water through the expansive windows when you wake. The window seat in the lounge is also thoughtfully raised to take in the views. If you visit in the winter there is an open fire to snuggle around and much appreciated by us there is a guitar for you to play. I arrived at the cottage with a sprained ankle and I was very grateful to find an ice pack in the freezer!

Positioned right above the water, with the lapping waves providing a soothing symphony, every room of the cottage, including the shower, provides a sea view.

There are many outdoor areas from where you can soak in the passing parade of yachts, fishing vessels, kayakers and, during our stay, leaping dolphins. You have access to kayaks, fishing rods, snorkelling gear, ocean swims and of course beach and bush walks. You can choose whether to be active or just chilled out and relaxed.

Relying on public transport from Sydney we caught a train to Woy Woy, shopped for supplies there and then took a taxi to Ettalong (although there are buses) from where we caught a ferry to Palm Beach and then another to Great Mackerel Beach. Once out of Sydney it was a lovely introduction to the beautiful Pittwater area.

This is not just a place to stay; this is a place to experience. It is thoughtful and generous. A stay at The Little Black Shack will touch you on every possible level, provide a feast for all your senses and completely soothe your soul.