Chattr’s resident Billion Dollar Playground insider is back to break down another episode of Binge’s new reality TV show. You can read about my experience being a guest on episodes 1 and 2 here. Here is my take on episode 3.
After a glamorous first two episodes set in Sydney Harbour’s picturesque backdrop, Billion Dollar Playground now takes viewers inland to Luxico’s retreat at Sweven Estate in Cattai — an ultra-secluded luxe country escape previously graced by the likes of Ed Sheeran and Julia Roberts. After being the primary guest in the first two episodes with my glamorous friends, this episode sees a fresh new group touch down (by helicopter, no less) for a wellness and spiritual-themed immersion.
With Salvatore gone, concierge Jasmin steps into the leadership role, but not without challenges. Managing a crew under pressure, this retreat proves that being a boss isn’t always bliss.
The primary guest is Curtis, a military veteran who leads his group with precision and expects the same in return. Their mornings are filled with sage smudging, juice shots, and ice baths (set up by everyone’s favourite sunshine boy, Jay). But it’s not all Zen and good vibes.
Laundry continued to cause drama between the Luxico team and the guests. While during our stay it was the amount of steaming, this time, the guests arrived with bags of washing and stained designer jackets to deal with. Elsie, who loves complaining about the laundry, is overwhelmed once again. Nicole is asked to jump in, but eventually Heaven has to get involved to meet the deadline before dinner (but this seemed to cause even more problems). Even then, Curtis and his fellow male guests end up standing around shirtless, waiting for their clothes (although it’s more eye candy for viewers). Curtis complains to Nicole, who makes things worse by getting his name wrong (something my group experienced too).
Curtis then calls the team out at dinner in true military style: direct, pointed, and low-key intimidating. “There hasn’t been a real clean line of communication,” he says, and it’s clear the pressure is mounting on the team. Elsie and Heaven have a bit of a blow-up, while the chefs are scrambling to meet increasingly lavish last-minute food demands — steaks for breakfast, and even a pig-on-a-spit barbecue that George admits he’s never cooked before. Eight hours of prep, no pressure.
After being the centre of conflict and drama in the previous episodes, Heaven shines as she leads the Cocoa ceremony with the guests.
Elsie and Nicole use their time in the laundry room to gossip about the guests and their fellow crew. This included making fun of Heaven and the Cocoa ceremony, and Jay’s struggles setting up the ice baths.
One of the main points of contention for the pair was the discussion of Jasmin’s leadership abilities — claiming she wants to be everyone’s friend, not their manager — and it’s a sentiment echoed by others. There’s definite friction brewing between staff expectations and what this high-stakes role actually requires.
Midway through the episode, the group is swept away to the Windsor Polo Club for an exclusive exhibition match. Hosted by Heaven and Jay, the polo event oozes countryside luxe — think champagne flutes, sunshine, and the royal treatment. Jasmin serves up an elevated drinks experience for the guests, which pairs perfectly with the lush polo backdrop. It’s one of the episode’s more serene moments — before the drama heats up again back at Sweven.
The biggest twist comes from JB, who’s meant to be serving drinks to the guests but instead sneaks off to call Alex, Luxico’s boss. On camera, JB reveals he’s vying for Jasmin’s job — and Jasmin catches the tail end. Cue one of the most awkward moments of the season so far.
The episode closes with a teaser of things to come: much to JB and Jasmin’s shock a new concierge Grace arrives, Nicole finds herself in hot water with Alex over guest feedback and the blossoming romance between Matt and Nicole heats up.
Billion Dollar Playground episodes drop weekly from May 13 on BINGE and Foxtel.
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