As we increasingly opt to holiday at home and enjoy the delights Australia has to offer, what is it we now consider luxurious? Is it only the traditional five-star hotel, or are we also feeling nurtured by more quiet or quirky experiences? Luxury, more than ever, is a feeling or a moment: a well-considered interior, a salty ocean swim or a delicious meal made with fresh regional produce. From helicopter charters and fly-fishing to glamping and decadent spa treatments, here are 50 inspired destinations from around the country, unique and enriching travel escapes that may not be so very far from your own front door…
01
MOUNTFIELD
South Coast
A Contemporary Hotels property, Mountfield is a newly renovated holiday home on the rolling slopes of Woodhill Mountain. It has elegant, wide verandahs and an alfresco pizzeria. The house offers truly spectacular views, from the escarpment right down to the sea, and for those guests who can bear to drag themselves away from the glorious pool, or the snooker room, it’s only a short drive to Drawing Room Rocks, a popular bushwalking trail. Mountfield sleeps up to 10 guests, and the open kitchen and butler’s pantry are perfect for any would-be chefs – the managers have lots of insider tips about where to buy the best local produce in nearby Berry, including sausages and craft beer.
contemporaryhotels.com.au/properties/mountfield-berry
02
BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS
Hunter Coast
This 4.5-star boutique hotel is situated on the waterfront at breathtaking Soldiers Point, with uninterrupted views across both the bay and bushland. Bannisters boasts a signature seafood restaurant by celebrated chef and TV presenter Rick Stein, featuring delectable oysters, local king prawns, yellowfin bream, flathead, calamari and school whiting. An inviting infinity pool, some fresh oysters, a chilled Hunter Valley wine, dolphins frolicking in the bay, and truly spectacular sunrises for those willing to get up before dawn: Bannisters Port Stephens hits the sweet spot between high end and coastal casual.
03
BERRIMA VAULT HOUSE
Southern Highlands
Berrima Vault House is a five-star hospitality venue and private member’s club located in a complex of three magnificent buildings that date back to the 1800s. Today, there are both public and private areas to enjoy, including Taylor’s Inn Cafe, The Lodge restaurant, the cosy Fireplace Lounge, King George’s Cell and Queen Victoria’s Cell (former jail cells for private dining) and Hank & Molly’s Bar, as well as alfresco dining in The Vinery and The Rose Garden. The gastro-pub style menu was created by executive chef Tommy Prosser for Taylor’s Inn Cafe and The Dining Room, and features quality local produce, melding traditional English fare with Australian staples in a nod to the history of the estate. There’s a substantial wine list chosen by sommelier Linda Lambrechts, which showcases Southern Highlands wineries. For members and private diners, a ‘vault’ features rare bottles of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagnes. Add very cool soundtracks by Dan Lywood (who has created playlists for the Chateau Marmont in LA) and you won’t think you’re in Berrima anymore, Toto.
04
CAPELLA LODGE
Lord Howe Island
Situated about 600 kilometres east of Port Macquarie is Lord Howe Island. A World Heritage site in its own right, it’s also home to Capella Lodge, a stunning luxury lodge in the style of a classic Australian beach house. Conceived
