Overview

Shadow Creek is a secluded, high-end retreat in the heart of McLaren Vale, offering panoramic views across vineyards, rolling hills, and the ocean. The brief was to design a website that captured the tranquillity and natural elegance of the property while providing a seamless user experience for visitors looking to book their stay.

Design Objectives

• Translate landscape into digital form: Create a visual experience that reflects the earthy, natural beauty of the property and its surroundings.
  
• Leverage existing brand identity: Use the shape and symbolism of the client’s existing logo as a creative design motif throughout the website.
  
• Prioritise usability: Ensure a smooth, responsive browsing experience across all devices, with a streamlined booking pathway.
  
• Emphasise visual storytelling: Let the imagery speak with a layout that highlights the space, views, and feeling of retreat.
  

Design Approach

• Nature-inspired colour palette: The design draws on colours found in the local landscape: olive greens, soft clays, stone, and sky to create an earthy, immersive feel.
  
• Use of brand shapes: While the logo was pre-existing, its curved creek-like form inspired the design of the page tiles and layout accents, creating a visual rhythm that ties back to the land itself.
  
• Visual hierarchy: Clean typography and intentional spacing guide the user through the content, while full-width image sections provide immersive context.
  
• Mobile-first design: The site was designed responsively from the ground up, with priority on performance, clarity, and tap-friendly interactions.
  
• Page Tile Navigation: The card navigation provides a structured and visually appealing way to present content, allowing users to quickly grasp the information presented on each card.
  
• Boost SEO: Develop content strategies to improve search engine visibility. Clients main keyword target: “Luxury Accommodations McLaren Vale Region” is Nr 5 in the Google SERP.

Enhancing Visibility with SEO & Social Integration

To support long-term visibility and engagement, I advised the client to integrate a social media feed, allowing them to showcase real-time Instagram content directly on the site. This helps keep the site dynamic and visually fresh while building social proof.

I also wrote several SEO-optimised blog posts targeting relevant keywords around luxury accommodation in McLaren Vale.

In addition to improving the site’s organic search performance and extending its digital reach, these blog posts were designed to provide valuable recommendations and local insights for guests. From wineries and scenic drives to nearby dining and nature experiences, helping them plan their stay and discover the best of the region.

Outcome

The finished website captures the calm luxury and privacy Shadow Creek offers while making it easy for guests to explore the experience and make a booking. Subtle references to the land and creek motif create a strong sense of place, and the responsive design ensures accessibility across all devices.

Visit the live site: www.shadowcreek.com.au