Words by Tash Bazika
Australia is a wild and wonderful place, with many secret gems, adorable wildlife and some of the best beaches in the world. Unlike other places, Australia’s luxury paradises are exclusive by virtue of their remoteness, special location and a limited number of guests they can accommodate at any one time, which makes travelling down under the ultimate destination for luxury romantic getaways, complete with unforgettable views, experiences, and culinary exposure. Whether you’re looking to relax by a beach, swim with a whale shark or simply want to try something new and adventurous, chances are you will find it in this sunburned country.
1 – Longitude 131
If you’re looking for a unique experience, but want the luxury and comfort of a resort, look no further than Longitude 131. Part of the Baillie Lodges collection, Longitude 131 offers an immersion in the Australian outback where you and your sweetheart will get a true sense of stillness and beauty in a desert landscape while sleeping in luxury tented pavilions—it’s the ultimate glamping experience.
Set facing the famous rust red monolith, Uluru, Longitude 131 is granted with the best views. Each luxury tent is complete with custom Australian designed furniture, décor adopting the spirit of pioneers while paying homage to the indigenous, floor to ceiling windows yielding unparalleled views, and an expansive balcony with day bed, armchairs and fireplace, for chilly nights under a clear starry sky. Unlike any other tent, this one includes a luxury ensuite bathroom, with rain shower and plush bathrobes.
For all food and beverage needs, the Dune House is stocked with the best of contemporary Australian cuisine, curated from the finest produce from all around the country. For a unique experience opt-in for Table 131, an exclusive four-course dinner under the stars, complete with resident astronomer and tales of the Southerly Constellations. Guests of Longitude 131 are treated to private experiences such as helicopter tours, walking tours, Segway tours and a private tour of Bruce Monro’s internationally acclaimed solar installation, Field of Light.
50,000 bud-like stems sway as darkness descends over Australia’s spirited heartland, bringing to life a field of light. As far as romantic getaways with a unique twist, it doesn’t get any better than glamping in the middle of Australia’s outback.
Visit longitude131.com.au for more information.
2 – Capella Lodge
In a world where technology rules, take a well-needed break on a secluded island, in almost the middle of nowhere with only a few hundred people allowed at once and no cell reception.
Celebrated as the pinnacle of luxury on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, and the first child of the Baillie Lodges collection, Capella Lodge rests atop romantic Lover’s Bay at the foot of two imperious mountains. The premium boutique accommodation commands stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and offers guests a civilized, stylish and sophisticated escape on a treasure island with unparalleled beauty.
With only nine contemporary suites, Capella Lodge is exclusive and offers the best in opulence. All suites compliment the pristine natural surroundings, with spacious light filled interiors, timber floors, custom furniture pieces, and a healthy dose of technology, not that you’re going to need it with commanding views of a jewel-toned lagoon and green pastures, all from the comfort of your private spa.
Along with breathtaking views, Capella Lodge holds a far-reaching reputation as a knockout dining destination, offering produce from the island and mainland Australia in a beach-house styled Restaurant and Bar. Born from a volcanic eruption 7 million years ago, the island is home to the southernmost coral reef in the world, which offers amazing snorkeling and boat tours, along with hiking trails and a picturesque 9-hole golf course.
If you were looking to relax and rejuvenate Capella Spa offers a signature menu of treatments embracing the island’s marine environment and endemic kentia palms. Capella Lodge is the perfect secluded romantic escape you and your sweetheart have been dreaming of.
Visit lordhowe.com for more information.
3 – Sal Salis
Escape to where the outback meets the reef, at Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, renowned for its resident whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins. Nestled on a remote stretch of Western Australia’s Indian Ocean Coast is a beach-side safari camp, with fifteen eco-luxe tents and one honeymoon tent hidden amongst the dunes overlooking Ningaloo Reef. Each tent sits on a raised platform, to offer views of the surroundings—no matter where you’re sitting— while inside is an oasis of comfort with large beds and an eco-en suite bathroom.
Take in the extraordinary environment through immersive wilderness experiences, where you will see red kangaroos, echidnas, and emus in their natural surroundings and the chance to swim the world’s largest fish, the Whale shark. Home to over 500 species of colorful fish and 250 coral species, all accessible to you in just a few steps from your luxury tent, Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s best-kept secret.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the resident chef on the deck, who loves to incorporate hints of bush food and local, fresh fish. Sal Salis brings a touch of style to a remote and spectacularly beautiful wilderness region, which should be on everyone’s bucket list.
Visit salsalis.com.au for more information.
4 – Qualia
If you haven’t heard of the Whitsundays then maybe you’ve seen the heart-shaped island pop up on your Instagram feed. That is in the Whitsundays, home to the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. There’s nothing more romantic than an island getaway surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, and world-class luxury resort, Qualia.
Meaning a collection of deeper sensory experiences in Latin, Qualia is a unique Australian expression of luxury and outstanding design. With a relaxed aspect and mesmerizing calmness, time seems to stretch forever here. Unwind in a waterfront pavilion surrounded by lush tropical bushland and postcard views.
Inside, natural tones of timber, stone, and glass reflect the serenity of Whitsundays, providing sweeping views from every room. Venture out to one of the surrounding islands with private beaches, go snorkeling, golfing or sailing, the possibilities are endless. After a long day, Executive Chef Doug Innes-Will’s cuisine reflects the island, giving you a taste of local produce, including seafood. This is a truly special place to relax the mind while being completely spoilt.
Visit qualia.com.au for more information.
5 – Elements of Byron
Discover the gem of coastal New South Wales, Byron Bay, where locals symbolize an Australian haute-boho lifestyle, which is echoed through their award-winning beachfront resort, Elements of Byron. Featuring freestanding villas submerged in bushlands and designed to delight your inner boho-chic the resort is perfect for a romantic getaway.
Getting around is easy with complimentary golf cart services to take you from villa to the beach or main house where you can revel in an adults-only heated pool, with private cabanas, poolside lounges, and a swim-up bar. If you prefer the beach, Elements is the only resort with access to Belongil Beach, a vast and secluded stretch of sand perfect spot for watching the sunrise.
As a treat, Byron Bay is home to the world’s first solar-powered train, which you can catch today and is only a minute walk from the resort. It will take you into town where you can explore boutique shops, restaurants, and hiking trails. Although, you may not need to visit the restaurants in town with all the food and beverage options at the resort.
From takeaway delivered to your villa to the Bar and Grill and poolside options, the resort boasts a diverse dining experience helmed by world-class chefs. There are many reasons to visit Byron Bay, one of them being Chris Hemsworth lives there, the other—Elements of Byron.
Visit elementsofbyron.com.au for more information.
6 – Saffire Freycinet
Feel on top of the world at Saffire Freycinet, a luxury sanctuary on Tasmania’s East Coast. Wake up overlooking the Hazards Mountains on one side and pristine waters of Oyster Bay on the other in a luxury suite featuring Tasmanian timbers and relaxing deck lounge.
During the day head outside to experience the best Tasmania has to offer including hikes to lookouts, wine adventures and for a signature experience don a pair of waders and visit a working oyster farm where you can stand knee-dip in an estuary eating fresh oysters and sipping on local sparkling.
Wineglass Bay is one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world and is only a short walk from your room. Take a boat cruise and explore the bay or head inland to explore Freycinet National Park by quad bike or foot. After a day of exploring Saffire’s restaurant, Palate, is the perfect place to unwind with a bottle of wine, dishes inspired by local produce and of course the panoramic views from every corner of the establishment.
In terms of rejuvenation, the day spa will help you achieve your health and wellness potential. They offer full body massages, facials and a hot stone massage, which is always a unique, stand-out feature. As one of Australias most spellbinding wonders, Saffire Freycinet is an unparalleled destination for couples looking to indulge and inspire their senses.
Visit saffire-freycinet.com.au for more information.
