Iconic Landscapes

Just because you are escaping to some of Australia’s most iconic destinations – spots like South East Queensland, the Blue Mountains and Uluru (Ayers Rock) – doesn’t mean you can’t also revel in luxury. Whether you spend your day walking breathtaking mountain trails, delighting in a 4WD wildlife safari or exploring the outback by camel, a restful retreat awaits you at these intimate resorts. Indulge in a spa treatment, savor a sumptuous gourmet meal or linger over fine wines as the sun stains rugged peaks and hidden valleys in countless shades of ochre and gold. Delight in thoughtful service. Then sink into a richly comfortable bed…before waking up to enjoy it all again the next day.

Longitude 131

Longitude 131°, the luxury desert base camp at Uluru-Kata Tjuta, offers an essential experience of Australia’s heartland The lodge fans out from the cool sanctuary of the Dune House, site of lounging, cocktails and Rock gazing. Dine overlooking the nation’s spiritual heart whilst savoring cuisine combined with native flavors for a unique taste of Australia. Central to a stay is discovery of the World Heritage-listed wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta encountered on a series of signature guided experiences and enhanced by connection with the creation stories of the traditional custodians. In the spirit of the original pioneers, relax after a day’s exploring in a canopied pavilion. Unparalleled views of Uluru’s changing lights play out from the end of the bed, or on balconies from the warmth of a luxury swag unfurled under a blanket of stars. Retreat to Spa Kinara for a healing treatment, relax poolside or drink in the sweeping desert views from the dune-top bar – best observed from the deck or submerged in the plunge pool. Camping certainly doesn’t come more glamorous nor the view from the ‘tent’ more spectacular than this.

One & Only Wolgan Valley

Combining absolute luxury with a quintessentially Australian bush experience Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is an ultra-luxury conservation-based resort, located 2.5 hours’ drive from Sydney (190 kilometers) in the World Heritage listed Greater Blue Mountains region, and set on 2,800 hectares (7,000 acres) of carbon-neutral conservation and wildlife reserve. Occupying just one per cent of the total land area, the resort features 40 elegantly appointed villas reminiscent of the Federation period, each with its own heated swimming pool, double-sided fireplace, and private verandah. The resort’s food philosophy is based on seasonal, regional and where possible, organic produce including various ingredients incorporated from the resort’s very own kitchen garden. The vast property can be explored through a range of activities, including mountain biking, 4WD tours, heritage tours, wildlife spotting and horse riding. All meals are included, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, a range of local wines and beer with lunch and dinner, and two nature-based activities per person each day from the schedule of complimentary inclusions.

SaffireFreycinet

A member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, this luxury coastal sanctuary on Tasmania’s east coast delivers inspiring experiences in intimate and sophisticated style Discreetly positioned overlooking The Hazards Mountains and the pristine waters of Great Oyster Bay, SaffireFreycinet fosters encounters between mankind and nature in an environment of breathtaking beauty. Architectural inspiration for the project was derived from the colors of the peninsula – the pink granite of the Hazards mountains, the white beaches, the sapphire waters and the grey-green of the native bushland. Inside, stone and timber reflect the landscape, as colors, hues and textures connect the interior to the great outdoors. Featuring 20 luxurious suites, an exclusive day spa, a restaurant, a guest lounge, and a bar, this property is a celebration of local culinary delights, the art of service, internal and external wellbeing, ancient landscapes and abundant wildlife. In the Palate restaurant, head chef Hugh Whitehouse has ensured innovative dishes do not compromise the true flavors of the freshest local produce. From breakfast through to a gourmet degustation or à la carte dinner, customize your dining experiences to suit your tastes and schedule. Restore your well-being at the premium spa facilities and an on-site gym, and soothe your mind and rejuvenate your soul with luxurious treatments in one of Spa Saffire’s three retreat rooms, overlooking the inspiring landscape and reflective pools. The Tasmanian Devil Experience offers guests the rare opportunity to encounter Tasmanian devils in a natural setting and to participate in the quest to save this endangered species from extinction. Select from ‘complimentary experiences’ and additional ‘signature experiences’. Explore with Saffire’s Schouten Island Signature Experience, which has been designed exclusively to deepen your east coast discovery. This unique tour will introduce you to a world of deserted islands, wild bushland and secluded beaches and is highly recommended.

Capella Lodge

Surrender to barefoot luxury at idyllic Capella, Lord Howe’s premium escape and a close-kept secret among stylish insiders Bordered by a reef-fringed lagoon, Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage-listed site boasting an abundance of rare birds, plants and marine life. Celebrated as the pinnacle of luxury on this enchanting sanctuary, Capella rests above romantic Lovers Bay and at the foot of the towering mountain twins. An inspired architectural design welcomes spectacular views of the ocean and volcanic peaks and a feeling of relaxed sophistication prevails throughout. A short flight from Australia’s east coast transports guests to a fantasy island where recreations span palm forest walks, relaxing on white-sand beaches and exploring the world’s southernmost coral reef. Capella’s nine island-style suites are contemporary and light-filled and dining showcases fresh regional produce. Inspired by the carefree spirit of the authentic Australian beach house, yet offering unforgettable ‘first-name’ service, Capella is a paradise to be treasured.

Bamurru Plains

Australia’s answer to the Okavango Delta is located just west of Kakadu National Park on the Mary River floodplains. Bamurru Plains invites you to share in one of Australia’s richest wildlife experiences. The very design of the ten Safari Bungalows allows you to watch the parade of wildlife emerge to feed on the floodplain from the comfort of your bed! The alarm clock in the morning is the call of Magpie Geese and Whistling Kites and the orange light of dawn spreading across the floodplain. An extensive experience program explores the surrounding country away from the safari lodge, with airboat trips on the wetlands, river cruises in search of crocodiles, fishing for barramundi, bird watching, astronomy evenings, bush drives, quad bike safaris and guided wilderness walks, while ancient rock art and indigenous culture are an easy optional day trip out into world heritage listed Kakadu National Park. Although accessible by road from Darwin in just three hours, Bamurru is best reached via a scenic charter flight from Darwin over the twists and turns of the Adelaide River brimming with barramundi (and crocodiles if you’re lucky)!