SUSAN TYRRELL EXPLORES A SIGNIFICANT COLLECTION OF INNOVATIVE LUXURY LODGES IN EXTRAORDINARY LOCATIONS

When I commenced researching this piece, I discovered a number of exceptionally luxurious lodges attesting to membership of an association called Luxury Lodges of Australia. Upon investigation I discovered this association was only formed in May 2010 by a group of 15 independent properties offering unforgettable experiences in some of Australia’s most inspiring locations. They have joined forces to showcase Australia’s unique style of sophisticated, carefree, barefoot, experiential luxury, from wilderness lodges to vineyard retreats, most certainly raising Australia’s profile as a luxury destination. Come with me on a tour of discovery...

Arkaba Station, Flinders Ranges, SA

Dating from the 1950s, Arkaba Homestead is the focal point of the 60,000-acre outback sheep and cattle station set in the Flinders Ranges, its own landscape moulded by millions of years of geological activity and offering some of Australia’s most spectacular scenery. With just five rooms, the homestead is an oasis of comfort and style. Designed with the station’s early settler history in mind, the rooms more closely resemble a country home than a luxury hotel, with each guest room opening to the quietly cool and inviting veranda. Arkaba’s head chef uses the best produce South Australia has to offer, complemented by a purely South Australian wine cellar.

Bamurru Plains, Kakadu, NT

An ecologically sensitive luxury camp on the edge of Kakadu National Park,home to prolific bird and wildlife and the heartland of Indigenous culture, Bamurru Plains consists of nine rooms. Guests are introduced to the sights and sounds of this spectacular environment in style and exclusivity, with understated luxury in tune with the environment. Activities from the camp focus on exploring the region, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, open 4WD tours and expertly guided walks. Kakadu’s rich Indigenous culture is a rewarding day trip, as is chilling out in camp by the wet-edge pool and deck where the wildlife may come to you. A mouth-watering selection of dishes blending local produce and native herbs are offered with a range of premium Australian wines.

Bedarra, Great Barrier Reef, QLD

This island hideaway, covered in lush, tropical rainforest and surrounded by private beaches, offers the best in “barefoot” luxury. Bedarra invokes guilt-free, quiet indulgence and provides an atmosphere conducive to relaxation, tranquillity, romance and seclusion. Guests may explore the pristine rainforest and secluded beaches and dive, snorkel, kayak and fish. The 16 villas are extremely private with expansive living spaces and all have breathtaking views of the ocean and rainforest. The island atmosphere is open and friendly and guests can enjoy as much privacy as they desire or mingle with fellow guests in the famous Bedarra Bar. Combine all this with the finest Australian food and wine. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW Setting world-class standards of exclusive luxury on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, Capella Lodge exudes relaxed sophistication. Guests may take mountain walks, relax on white-sanded beaches and explore the riot of marine life in the world’s southern most coral reef. Nine contemporary island-style suites complement the pristine natural environment, featuring lavish king beds, beach-chic furnishings and generous decks. This is “barefoot” luxury at its best! The Lodge Restaurant showcases a bounty of local seafood and fresh regional produce and offers “first-name” service creating an outstanding lodging experience.

Cape Lodge, Margaret River Wine Region, WA

Located in the heart of the magnificent Margaret River wine region, Cape Lodge is a private, stylish and sophisticated retreat with all the trappings of a world-class private boutique hotel. With 22 romantically secluded rooms, a quaint two-bedroom cottage and a magnificent five-bedroom private luxury residence, Cape Lodge sits on 40 acres of manicured parkland and lakes and has its own eight-acre vineyard, producing fine sauvignon blanc and shiraz exclusively for guests of the lodge. The Cape Lodge Restaurant has been internationally acclaimed, with the a la carte menu changing daily and finely crafted dishes matched with premium wines from the extensive cellar.

Lake House, Daylesford, VIC

Lake House lies on the shores of idyllic Lake Daylesford in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country, just 90 minutes from Melbourne. This beautiful region boasts more mineral-water springs than anywhere else in the Southern Hemisphere and exudes a sophisticated bohemian feel. A popular haunt for seasoned travellers and culinary nomads, Lake House boasts one of Australia’s top restaurants with the menu paying homage to the region’s excellent seasonal produce. With six acres of manicured gardens extending down to the waters of Lake Daylesford, tranquil Lake House has 33 rooms, suites and luxury retreat accommodation individually furnished with original artworks. The property’s Salus Day Spa is an oasis of serenity, offering guests an indulgent way to “take the waters” with a range of hydrotherapy on offer.

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD

Lizard Island is Australia’s northern most island beach resort, truly secluded, and has 24 powdery white beaches, over 1000 acres of national park and clear-blue ocean views from every angle. The beaches are largely undisturbed and coral reef gardens fringe the island, shimmering in brilliant colour beneath clear turquoise water. The marine life here is world-renowned. Diving opportunities abound and the nearby Ribbon Reefs entertain excellent big game fishing experiences. The island offers a stunning choice of 40 private villas, suites or a pavilion, each with an understated elegance that invites relaxation and romance. Guests may also enjoy treatments at Azure Spa and will delight in the offerings from Ospreys restaurant, whether it is superb dining in the expansive main lodge or picnics on secluded beaches.

Longitude 131º, Uluru, NT

Luxurious, eco-sensitive and romantic, Longitude 131º lies at the gateway of the dual World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Facing the magnificent Uluru, it offers a uniquely personal experience, complete with sophisticated accommodation in 15 luxury tents with private views of the changing colours of Uluru as the sun sets and rises. Guest may explore Uluru and Kata Tjuta and discover first-hand an expansive living cultural landscape steeped in history. Explore the stunning flora and fauna with expert guides or spend some time learning of the ancient cultures of the traditional owners. Enjoy contemporary cuisine within the main Longitude 131º Dune House or under the spectacular desert night sky at Table 131º,
where dinner is served with the finest wines under a glittering canopy of stars.

qualia, Great Barrier Reef, QLD

Situated on the secluded northern most tip of Hamilton Island and surrounded by the incomparable beauty of the Great Barrier
Reef, qualia is an outstanding example of meticulous design and innovative luxury. The 60 extremely private individual
pavilions, some with private plunge pool, is the ideal location to be pampered in style. The facilities encompass two swimming
pools, a library, private dining room, two bars and restaurants exclusive to in-house guests, and a stunning Spa offering
thoughtful treatments designed to rebalance mind and body. Guests also have access to the Hamilton Island Golf Club, with stunning 360-degree views of the Whitsunday islands from every hole.

Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, WA

Where the outback meets the reef ... with just nine luxury wilderness tents hidden amongthe dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef, Sal
Salis provides the perfect place from which to explore Western Australia’s Coral Coast. Ningaloo is acknowledged as the best place to swim with the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, as these gentle giants migrate north each year along with large numbers of humpback whales. Sal Salis brings style and luxury to the remote and spectacularly beautiful wilderness region of the Cape Range National Park, with safari guides on hand to provide immersive wildlife experiences. The resident chef ensures guests enjoy the very best of Australian bush cuisine and a great selection of Western Australian wines.

Southern Ocean Lodge,Kangaroo Island, SA

Sensitively designed to blend with Kangaroo Island’s south-west coast, Southern Ocean Lodge commands spectacular ocean, beach and wilderness views offering a stunning fusion of nature and luxury. The Great Room is the centre of activity where guests may relax, plan their day, enjoy exceptional island-inspired dining and choose from the exclusively South Australian wine selection. Designer furnishings are featured in the 21 organic luxury suites, all with lavish sleeping areas, sunken lounge, glass-walled ensuite, outdoor terrace and breathtaking views of the Southern Ocean. Exceptional guided adventures invite guests to experience the pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife, with opportunities for a close encounter with a kangaroo or a walk among the sea lions. In addition the secluded Southern Spa features signature treatments with Kangaroo Island botanicals to relax and rejuvenate.

Spicers Clovelly Estate, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, QLD

Just 90 minutes from Brisbane and only 30 minutes from Noosa, Spicers Clovelly Estate is an intimate manor house that is part retreat and part European-style estate. With only 10 private suites, it is situated on 22 acres of immaculate grounds containing ancient figs, jacarandas and groves of magnolia and gardenia. The style is French-provincial and the plush furnishings and architecture are inviting and romantic. The region’s abundance of superb product provides a feast for the palate, with dedicated staff providing a very high level of professional, yet personal, service. Experience the bliss of a treatment at Spa Anise, curl up with a book in the library or lounge or wander to the terrace for a high tea of Parisian pastries.

Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim, QLD

Located on 8000 acres at the peak of the ridge, with breathtaking views of the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park and Scenic Rim, Spicers Peak Lodge is Queensland’s highest mountain-lodge retreat. Architecturally stunning with 10 luxurious suites and two private lodges, guests are immersed in a relaxing experience in a most beautiful wilderness area. Lodge facilities include an infinity edge swimming pool, library with billiard table, massage room and an extensive lounge and dining area. Guests may take rainforest walks, enjoy mountain-biking adventures, wine tasting at the nearby Granite Belt wine region or even embark on a four-day trek. This is an intimate destination offering a distinctive blend of fine dining and luxury accommodation.

The Louise, Barossa Valley, SA

The Louise is an idyllic retreat, encompassing acclaimed restaurant Appellation, situated on a gentle hill surrounded by the worldrenowned vineyards of the Barossa Valley, just over an hour from Adelaide. Fifteen luxuriously appointed suites, each with its own terrace, provide guests with complete privacy. Understated professional service and an intimate ambience complement a
menu rich in locally sourced produce and an outstanding award-winning wine list. The seasonally changing signature ten course Wine Flight Tasting Menu has received wide acclaim. Centrally located in the Barossa, guests may choose to relax, or enjoy a range of activities from private and exclusive food and wine tastings to hot air ballooning, visit cellar doors and heritage sites in Australia’s most famous wine region.

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Blue Mountains, NSW

Located between two national parks andspread out at the foot of towering cliffs,Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa is set withinits own private conservation and wildlife reserve. The resort itself occupies just 2 per cent of the total land area of 4000 acres and features 40 individual suites, each with its own indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The main homestead offers distinctive dining, luxury facilities and stand-alone Timeless Spa. The property borders the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage region, just three hours from Sydney. Heralding a new era of conservationbased luxury, the carbon-neutral resort actively
protects its surrounding habitat and wildlife species while delivering first-class standards. Guests may experience a haven of wildlife, breathtaking natural beauty and soak up the rich heritage of the region.