PARADISE FOUND

SUSAN TYRRELL ENCOUNTERS UNEXPECTED LUXURY

Australia is home to many landscapes, each more stunning than the next. Within many of these lie a number of absolutely unique
and often exclusive small hotels, lodges, retreats and villas. Emerald Valley Villa, NSW Byron Bay is renowned for its eclectic mix of accommodation, from boutique hotels on the beach to five-star resorts in the hinterland and a wonderful array of bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation in between. Emerald Valley Villa, however, has long seemed an altogether mystical place, so well hidden that it is an unexpected delight to experience.

Emerald Valley Villa, NSW

Byron Bay is renowned for its eclectic mix of accommodation, from boutique hotels on the beach to five-star resorts in the hinterland and a wonderful array of bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation in between. Emerald Valley Villa, however, has long seemed an altogether mystical place, so well hidden that it is an unexpected delight to experience.Set on 80 abundant acres in its own secluded rainforest, it is a retreat like no other. The villa is perched on the edge of a ridge with panoramic views over a lush, green valley. While the setting is spectacular, the exclusivity of the property epitomises luxury, so much so that it has seen a number of celebrities reside there while on location, or on holiday, or just escaping a media frenzy. Visitors cannot book “rooms” here, they book the villa, its gardens, its caretaker – the works. It’s a relaxed, comfortable kind of luxury, from the Balinese teak doors to the lounge with enormous day beds carelessly draped with cashmere throws, flowing out to the private day pavilions by the pool. The opulent master suite has a double fireplace (through to the lounge), walk-in robes and a marble bathroom with enormous spa, offering romance, privacy and stunning views. Three further expansive bedrooms
have adjacent marble bathrooms of their own opening on to private gardens. The kitchen is state-of-the-art and there is an outdoor barbecue and daily housekeeping services plus massage and steam rooms, with expert therapists just a phone call away. The
manicured gardens have been terraced into four levels, all thoughtfully planted with fragrant flora, including gardenias, jasmine
and magnificent flowering trees. Discover the outdoor jacuzzi overlooking the deep valley.

Further exploration gives guests exclusive access to a private waterfall and lake complete with a custom-made river pavilion offering an abundance of rare wildlife, including resident platypus. In addition, the villa is climate neutral and runs on 100 per cent green power – an exemplary model of sustainable living without compromising luxury, design or technology.
Emerald Valley Villa is surprisingly affordable when you gather three or four couples together, or a family group. Stay for an extended weekend or really relax and spend a week or two. This one is difficult to leave.
www.emeraldvalleyvilla.com.au

Tarraleah Wilderness Lodge, TAS

Located in the centre of Tasmania, halfway between Strahan and Hobart, Tarraleah Lodge was originally built in the 1930s, in Art Deco style, to house the cream of Tasmania’s pioneering hydroelectricity officers and gentlemen. Comprehensively refurbished in 2006, the lodge incorporates contemporary Tasmanian design while retaining the original craftsmanship.
Guest rooms and suites have been sympathetically built within the outer building shell and offer small luxury-hotel living,
including king-size beds with silk doonas, indulgent bathrooms with spa or soaking bath, heated floors, luxury toiletries and sensually soft bathrobes. Some rooms offer fires and private balconies and original Tasmanian art.
Private gardens even hide a clifftop hot tub from which to ponder the view.

Activities abound – a couple of days would not be enough to take it all in, from fly fishing and kayaking to wombat-spotting wilderness walks or treatments in the spa. Indulgent, luxurious and just a little bit wild. The Wildside Restaurant offers a choice of over 300 cellared Tasmanian and iconic wines, or retire to the library for postdinner coffee, super-premium cognac and a selection of over 200 malt whiskies. All bookings include a butler, chef and wildlife guide. This is another property that does not
offer “rooms” – rather the whole lodge. There is a range of accommodation beyond the lodge – self-contained cottages hand-built
in the 1930s and lovingly restored to provide charming, comfortable accommodation, from one to three bedrooms. Walk to the Highland store for supplies or check out Teez Cafe just a few minutes away. There is no excuse not to visit.
www.tarraleah.com

Paradise Bay Eco Retreat, QLD

There is a plethora of accommodation options in the Whitsundays, Great Barrier Reef region, however, Paradise Bay Eco Retreat
offers a boutique experience for a maximum of 24 adults at one time, with no day visitors. The surrounding marine and national parks are an unspoilt natural wilderness with an abundance of wildlife, from dolphins, turtles and whales to birds, butterflies, tropical fish, goannas and wallabies.

This pristine wilderness is just a step away from the private and luxurious waterfront bungalows, superbly appointed from the
king-size bed and stunning bathrooms to the veranda hammock and cathedral ceilings. Watch the sun rise from the well-placed teak chairs as all have uninterrupted water views. Unobtrusive staff provide friendly service and help make every guest’s stay
a memorable one. This boutique resort is also one of Australia’s most authentic and environmentally sustainable. Reliant
on solar power, natural gas and collected rainwater, the resort is boldly green yet maintains absolute comfort for even the most discerning traveller.

Tarriffs are all-inclusive and each day the chef provides a variety of distinctive and delicious, hand-crafted gourmet meals
that reflect local produce and seasonal delicacies. At Paradise Bay it is possible to escape, if only temporarily, from crowds of people and the normal distractions of modern life, rediscovering the simple pleasures and natural rhythms of the environment.
www.paradisebay.com.au

Rae’s on Watego, NSW

Back at Byron Bay, an iconic Mediterraneanstyle villa is perched against a backdrop of breathtaking beauty and has long been one
of the world’s most desirable destinations – Rae’s on Watego. This is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel that oozes romance from
its soft Tuscan-pink walls, with views to the Byron Bay lighthouse and Mt Warning. It also boasts a stellar guest list who have sought sanctuary in the eclectic suites and exclusive private grounds. With just seven individually styled suites and penthouses, Rae’s exudes a characteristic charm that cannot be replicated.

In true Mediterranean tradition the menu includes everything from fresh local fish to lovingly hand-made gelati, while the kitchen
is well supplied with local grain-fed Angus beef and home-grown organic fruit and vegetables. No stay would be complete without trying Rae’s spa experience, a warm, nurturing space that eases the tense and stressed into a blissful state of relaxation.
Rae’s at Watego is pure, understated elegance. Big is definitely not better.
www.raes.com.au