Capella Lodge, Lord Howe IslandCredit: tom-archer.com
Woman relaxing by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Dreamy escapes on Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: tom-archer.com
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Switch off from the everyday with a rejuvenating escape to World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Here, you can snorkel coral reefs, hike volcanic peaks, swim with turtles, and unwind in luxury at one of five landmark stays – including Pinetrees Lodge, Capella Lodge, Arajilla Retreat, Admiralty Apartments and Island House, a Hemsworth family favourite!
Pinetrees Lodge
With its 19th-century heritage, Pinetrees is an integral part of Lord Howe Island’s identity, but this carbon-neutral lodge is not one for stuffy formalities. There’s no need to don resort wear, and the doors don’t even have locks. The pick of its relaxed ‘coastal-style’ rooms, suites and cottages is the spacious Chef’s Cottage. French doors and louvre windows summon in Pacific Ocean breezes, while blackbutt timber floors, subtropical garden-facing private decks and a 400-book library add refinement. Foodies will find happiness somewhere between baked chocolate tart and confit duck with duck fat-roasted potatoes. A signature massage at the day spa is the perfect recovery after the five-day Seven Peaks Walk, which sets out from here. At sunset, head down to Pinetrees’s wooden boathouse on Lagoon Beach to unwind with wine and canapés.
Capella Lodge
In the island’s south, Capella Lodge claims Lord Howe’s most spectacular vistas. Let majestic mountains Lidgbird and Gower duel for your attention as you float in the mesmerising infinity pool. The intimate resort has nine timber-floored suites designed to be in visual harmony with their surroundings. The modern interiors, featuring designer furnishings such as Danish ‘Prime Time’ chairs and island-themed commissioned artworks, achieve a serene beach-house ambience. Executive chef Dennis Tierney’s cuisine makes a lasting impression, with local produce reflected in his menus, including fresh seafood, foraged sea greens and kitchen garden harvests taking centre stage . And the day spa is truly decadent.
Arajilla Retreat
A subtle entrance off Old Settlement Beach sets the scene sublimely for small-footprint, laid-back Arajilla Retreat. The light-dappled boardwalk which links its 12 rooms with the spa and restaurant feels like a natural path through the kentia palm forest. All-inclusive Arajilla caters for most holiday demands, from island-fresh breakfasts to complimentary use of fishing gear and snorkelling equipment. Tropical-print rugs and cushions in natural materials such as linen help weave Arajilla’s boutique island vibe. Nooks of note include the Banyan Suites’ north-facing mezzanine Treetops Lounge. Book Blue Peter Beach House if you’re looking for a refined, self-contained space for two, just across from Lagoon Beach.
Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Pinetrees Lodge
Pinetrees Boatshed at Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island
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Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Pinetrees Lodge
Pinetrees Boatshed at Pinetrees Lodge, Lord Howe Island
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
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Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island Credit: Capella Lodge
Lidgbird Pavilion with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island.
Island House
Island House offers a contemporary island paradise, nestled in privacy amid a forest of ketia palms and centuries-old Banyan trees. Island House has two two-bedroom, two-bathroom, architect-designed spaces, the South House and the North House ,oth are elegantly curated with mid-century Danish furniture, high-end Japanese homewares and Aboriginal art. Soak in outdoor copper baths then relax by a cast-iron Cheminées Philippe fireplace, sampling a Japanese spirit or ‘new- and old-world’ wine from the well-curated bar. At Island House, every meal is also uniquely yours. Chef Kimie, your dedicated chef, crafts each dish to align with your preferences and the island’s freshest ingredients Fun fact: the first guest of Island House was Chris Hemsworth and his extended family!
Admiralty Apartments
On Lord Howe’s serene northeast sit two spacious self-contained apartments by relative newcomer Admiralty Apartments. Hand-feed fish and snorkel over the reef at Ned's Beach Sanctuary Zone, which is literally almost on your doorstep. Admiralty typifies Lord Howe’s barefoot-luxury ethos. Enjoy breezy, generous interiors full of thoughtful touches such as Haiku timber ceiling fans, then grab your complimentary bottle of wine and Rose-Marie Hillier beach umbrella when you’re ready to spend some ‘you’ time on the beach.
The Cabin
Family-owned and thoughtfully designed, The Cabin is a secluded off-grid retreat set on a small hobby farm within Lord Howe Island’s untouched bushland. Nestled on a private five-acre property, this eco-conscious escape offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and unwind while enjoying modern comforts. Enjoy an outdoor nature shower, scenic walking trails, or spend a quiet evening by the firepit under the stars. For added convenience, airport transfers, restaurant transport, and alternative transport options are available on request.
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Dine at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
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Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Dine at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
Island House, Lord Howe Island Credit: Island House
The South House at Island House, Lord Howe Island.
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Island House, Lord Howe Island Credit: Island House
The South House at Island House, Lord Howe Island.
MORE INSPIRATIONAL STORIES
More Inspirational Stories
Terania Creek, Nightcap National ParkCredit: Destination NSW
Scenic drive through the World-Heritage listed rainforest inside Nightcap National Park.
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Five refreshing rainforest retreats
Terania Creek, Nightcap National Park Credit: Destination NSW
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New South Wales is home to the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world, and one of the best ways to experience these verdant green spaces is to check into a hotel or guesthouse nestled in nature. Here are five lush rainforest retreats to add to your wish list.
Loggers Cabin, Dorroughby
On the edge of Nightcap National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, Loggers Cabin is the ultimate off-grid rainforest escape. Just 45 minutes’ drive west of Byron Bay, the cosy solar-powered studio cabin in the small hinterland community of Dorroughby makes the perfect base for exploring the national park, with the 100m-high Minyon Falls just 5km down the road. Bring your own food to cook or pre-order a hearty meal to heat over the fire pit. Travelling in a group? There’s also a two-bedroom Queenslander-style cottage on the property.
Mavis’s Cabins, Uki
Located at the gateway to Wollumbin National Park, between Murwillumbah and Uki in the Tweed hinterland, Mavis’s is a former dairy farm surrounded by rainforest, a stunning base for their eco-friendly B&B cabin accommodation. Whether you choose the tastefully furnished Farmhouse, Log Cabin, Old Dairy or Studio 34, you’re in for a treat if a getaway.
Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat, Upper Crystal Creek
Surrounded by the Numinbah Nature Reserve, just a kilometre from NSW’s northern border and a 70-minute drive west of Tweed Heads, Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat is a real find. This luxurious couples-only retreat offers a range of accommodation options, including gorgeous studio lodges with fireplaces and private plunge pools. Spend your day exploring the 8km of walking trails on the property before a cosy night in by the fireplace with a gourmet meal delivered to your bungalow (or you can cook your own). After nightfall, follow the creek to the glow worm site and marvel at this dazzling natural wonder.
Nightcap National Park, Nightcap Credit: Lismore City Council
Couple enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park, Nightcap.
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Nightcap National Park, Nightcap Credit: Lismore City Council
Couple enjoying a walk through the rainforest in Nightcap National Park, Nightcap.
Mavis's Kitchen, Mount Warning Credit: Destination NSW
Kitchen garden at Mavis's Kitchen restaurant and accommodation, Mount Warning.
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Mavis's Kitchen, Mount Warning Credit: Destination NSW
Kitchen garden at Mavis's Kitchen restaurant and accommodation, Mount Warning.
NRMA Angourie Resort, Yamba
Nestled between Yamba and Angourie in a lush rainforest setting, NRMA Angourie Resort offers a peaceful escape with spacious, self-contained villas and resort-style amenities. Guests can unwind in heated pools and a jacuzzi, enjoy drinks at the pool bar, or indulge in treatments at the day spa. With an on-site restaurant, café and easy access to nearby beaches and bushwalks, this serene retreat caters to both relaxation and adventure in one of the North Coast’s most picturesque pockets.
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island
Renowned for its warm service and laid back ambience, Arajilla Retreat encapsulates the very essence of Lord Howe Island, offering guests a haven of tranquility, peace and luxury. For a peaceful escape, check in to their spacious two-bedroom Arajilla Suite, complete with private timber decks and sunbeds for soaking up the serenity and privacy of the surrounding rainforest, making it a place to unwind, reconnect and experience the island’s beauty at your own pace.
Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Accommodation set in a sub-tropical forest at Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay.
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Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay Credit: Destination NSW
Accommodation set in a sub-tropical forest at Crystalbrook Byron, Byron Bay.
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Couple dining at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.
Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island Credit: Destination NSW
Couple dining at the luxurious Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island.