Luxury Australia and New Zealand

Overview

With just four luxurious pavilions, Pretty Beach House is an intimate and private sanctuary in the Bouddi National Park for a maximum of only eight guests.

The exclusive guesthouse is an epicure-enticing getaway just 90 minutes north of Sydney, or 20 minutes by seaplane. Set in a quintessential Australian bush and with access to a stunning coastline, guests can relax in the tranquil surroundings in effortless luxury with a personalised butler service, an infinity pool and a serene spa.

Designed to connect with its surroundings, local artists and cratftspeople contributed to the look and feel of Pretty Beach House to create a timeless and charming property. Each of the four lodges offers a different immersion in the environment, from the Treetops to Bayview or the Hideaway lodge. The décor is simple and sophisticated and each has a luxurious ensuite, open-plan sitting area and views through the ancient angophoras down to the enticing waters below.

Every element of the property has been thought out to ensure guests feel they are at a home away from home, from the open bar stocked with premium wines, beers and spirits to the double outdoor day bed. During their stay guests savour seasonal, modern Italian cuisine prepared by one of Australia’s most celebrated chefs – Stefano Manfredi, served in the spectacular dining room or on the property’s private boat.

Bouddi National Park is a culturally significant place to explore and guests can head out on guided bush walks or visit one of the 100 Aboriginal sites that have been recorded in the park and learn the history of the local Darkingjung culture – the traditional owners of the land.

Overview

One the edge of the spectacular Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Spicers Sangoma Retreat is a stylish eco hideaway surrounded by a forest of eucalyptus and gum trees.

There are just six unique open plan suites, all spacious with warming fireplaces, wonderful baths and fabulous views from private decks.

Inspired by organic seasonal produce sourced locally from farmers and producers within the community, the the ever changing menu champions hearty, modern cuisine. Guests are invited to dine under the stars to make the most of the locale and, in winter, you can enjoy an aperitif or roast marshmallows on the outdoor open-pit fire.

With nature on all sides, the best way to explore the area is on foot or bicycle with a range of tracks leading out from the lodge. There’s also an infinity lap pool, bar, lounge and a tented spa offering boutique treatments for those that want to relax.

Overview

The Louise is the perfect countryside retreat from where to enjoy and experience the bounties of South Australia and the Barossa Valley. As well as offering fine local wines, the region has the gourmet offerings to match.

The 15 residences are reflective of your surroundings, creating a spacious and inviting environment. Outdoor rain showers, gas log fireplaces and king size beds contribute to a collection of relaxing suites, complete with marble en suite bathrooms and some with private courtyards and terraces.

For those culinary enthusiasts, the award-winning restaurant Appellation won’t disappoint with its menu of fresh and seasonal ingredients. The kitchen pays attention to delicious food and wine pairings, making use of the bold Shiraz and aromatic Riesling.

Step inside the sauna to let off some steam after a day spent exploring the orchards, olive groves and meadows. Follow up your sessions in the fitness centre with a refreshing dip, our infinity pool ideal for escaping the warm Australian sun. For those active visitors, there is even an area for boules and a court for a lively game of grass croquet.

Overview

Get an authentic outback experience at this luxury bush retreat, sitting in 60,000 acres of private wildlife conservancy in Flinders Range and shared with only nine other guests.

Arkaba offers one of Australia’s most exclusive getaways, with uninhibited access to some of the country’s most spectacular wildlife and scenery from wandering wallabies, kangaroos and emus to ancient landscapes. The homestead is recognised as one of the country’s most beautiful outback properties, sensitively designed to pay tribute to its pioneer history as a former sheep station. And with limited to no phone access it offers a rare opportunity to truly switch-off and completely immerse in this quintessential Australian environment.

Each of the homestead’s five bedrooms capture the property’s heritage with rural décor while offering all the creature comforts, in a large and luxurious space. All have outdoor verandahs equipped with lounging chairs so you can sit and soak up the expansive vistas.

Dedicated to conservation, Arkaba gives its guests the unique opportunity to really experience the outback, with guests able to help out with the many conservation projects, go on guided walks, open-top safaris or even scenic flights.

Overview

Otahuna is a Maori word that translates as little hill among the hills. This beautifully restored Victorian house enjoys an idyllic location between the rocky outcrops of the Banks Peninsular, looking out towards the Southern Alps.

The house was built in 1895 for Sir Henry Rhodes, a long-term parliamentarian and military officer and served as his private home for many years. The lodge is influenced by English country estates, the dark wood, large fireplaces and antique furniture giving it a classical elegance.

There are seven suites, all with ornate fireplaces, and carved inglenooks and deep, oversized bath tubs. There are two master suites, one featuring  four bedrooms and the other a 14m verandah with sweeping views across the Canterbury Plains.

Dinner at Otahuna is a four-course tasting menu served in the dining room. The menu celebrates the best of seasonal New Zealand produce, some of which is grown on the estate. Dinner is a sociable affair enjoyed with other guests, but if you’re after something a little more private then there is the option to dine in the library or the drawing room. You can be sure of the perfect accompaniment to your food with fine wines from the lodge’s own cellar.

The grounds surrounding Otahuna are as beautiful as the lodge itself. Guests can wander through the daffodil field, through the woods and the Dutch garden and down to the lake, stopping off for a game of petanque or a dip in the outdoor pool.

Overview

Sitting snug in the idyllic surrounds of the Ahuriri Valley, and covering 600 acres of rugged landscape, is the unique and iconic Lindis. Here, one can experience Kiwi hospitality at its best while enjoying the serenity and stillness of nature away from the stresses of modern-day life.

Inside, timber and rock are combined with elegant and sophisticated designs, accentuating the bold beauty of the area. The lounge’s artistic ceiling evokes the sense of a chequered blanket suspended above you, adding warmth and security to the otherwise cool and spacious open-plan design. With glass-panelled walls, you are pulled into the rugged landscape that lays before you.

There are five suites located within the main lodge building, each featuring an outdoor area and fireplace. Expertly designed to blend into the landscape, the smooth curved roofline parallels the dramatic undulating mountains around it. Additionally, there are three distinctively designed pods, enclosed with mirrored glass and floor-to-ceiling windows which reflect and frame the spectacular environment. Wooden interiors encompass soft furnishings and cosy bedding while outdoor bathtubs promise toasty relief in the winter under a canopy of galaxies.

The restaurant uses ingredients sourced from their own garden and local farmers to create a menu inspired by the seasons. You can further relax knowing your pre-dinner drinks, dinner and afternoon tea are all included. Its location, far from any light pollution, makes this the ideal place for stargazing. Hiking, mountain climbing, mountain biking, gliding, horse riding and fly fishing are just a few of the wide range of activities you can immerse yourself in here.

Overview

Close to central Wanaka and a 90 minute drive (or 10 minutes by helicopter) from Queenstown, Mahu Whenua is an enormous private estate spanning some 55,000 hectares. The property consists of four adjoining high-country sheep stations, stretching from Glendhu Bay all the way through to Arrowtown, encompassing some of the most dramatic alpine scenery in New Zealand.

The land is gradually being restored to its wilder former self – the name Mahu Whenua aptly translates to ‘healing the land’ – giving the feeling of being within your own private national park. Indeed with just four suites, you almost are.

From the Homestead, relax, absorb the breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains while being looked after by the attentive team. Inside, find two of the suites and a rustic design combining locally sourced materials and modern features with plenty of spaces to unwind including a sprawling farmhouse kitchen, large open living room, dining room and library. Outside find the two cottage suites nestled privately amongst native beech forest, swimming pool, spots for some alfresco dining as well as the impressive stables.

Stays here include breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning and afternoon teas, pre-dinner canapés, refreshments and picnics. A creative and innovative chef will tailor the menu to your specific requirements and source the freshest local produce, some having been produced at Mahu Whenua itself.

Experiences here include including hiking, horse riding, biking, helicopter adventures (including heli-skiing, Milford Sound is also within range), spa treatments, yoga, nature tours and off-road excursions. The chef can also lead cooking classes and gourmet safaris.

Overview

Immerse yourself in the grandeur of a bygone era at the spectacular Wharekauhau Country Estate, an Edwardian lodge set on a hill with spectacular views of the thundering sea below and working sheep farm around. Breath-taking scenery and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere will make this a visit to remember.

Take in the dramatic vistas of Palliser Bay from the 13 cottage suites, or find the utmost privacy at either luxurious Owners Cottage or home Wharepapa Cottage, each with three bedrooms. Natural materials are used throughout the suites – clay tiles, pebble mosaics and rich New Zealand wool carpeting add to the experience.

Each room in the main lodge has its own distinct touch, complete with carefully-selected antique furniture and classic fireplaces. Unwind in airy open lounges flooded with natural light, or curl up with a book in a cosy corner. Whether relaxing in front of a crackling fire, or sharing a light-hearted moment in the sunny kitchen, at Wharekauhau you’re considered part of the family.

An elegant formal dining room flows through into a country kitchen and conservatory, making mealtimes extra special. The kitchen’s ‘farm to table’ philosophy means fresh produce from the lodge gardens and surrounding areas – so look out for the chefs roaming the grounds collecting the freshest ingredients for the evening meal.

With 5,500 acres of private land including ancient forests, peaceful lakes, rivers, and a wild and rugged coast to explore, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to a route for walking, mountain biking, horse riding or ATV quad bike adventures.