Longitude 131, Uluru, NT
Imagine throwing back your crisp, white sheets to watch the sun rise over majestic Uluru from the comfort of your bed. Or dining under a wide, sparkly expanse of Southern night sky.
Check in at Longitude 131, a dusting of 15 luxury pavilions crouched in the lee of a red sand dune, and you can expect this and additional extras such as oversized rain showers with a view, and a touring program which includes sunrise walks Rates start from $1200 per person per night, and includes all dining, open bar with premium wines and spirits, in-suite bar, signature experience and transfers.
Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, WA
Camping may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but then at Sal Salis, it’s hardly your average camping experience. For a start we’re looking at nine spacious Wilderness Tents (on raised platforms no less), nestled in sand dunes just metres from breathtaking Ningaloo Reef, one of the world’s greatest fringing coastal coral reef.
Add to that a main lodge which offers lounging areas with panoramic views across the Indian Ocean and a sunken dining area featuring a self-service bar, and top it off with an activity menu which features guided walks, star-gazing, and snorkeling with the local whale sharks. Rates start from $375 per adult, per night twin-share and includes all meals, beverages and water equipment.
Balinese Retreat, Montrose, VIC
Fancy an exotic getaway but only have time for a minibreak? The Balinese Retreat is located only 45 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre, but stepping through its front doors makes you feel like you’ve somehow been magically transported to an authentic Balinese paradise.
Lantern-lit walkways light up the lush tropical greenery, leading you to your villa set on the edge of your own private lagoon (with waterfall natch), while an overwater dining pavilion adds an extra touch of romance to the occasion (you have the choice of a personal chef fine dining experience, or a private Thai banquet for two). Rates for an overnight stay start from $1199.
Saffire, Freycinet, TAS
We all want to be treated like absolute rock stars from time to time but never more so than while you’re on your honeymoon. If that’s your desire, then head straight to the Saffire, a luxurious coastal lodge set on the edge of Freycinet National Park because the celebrity experience starts the minute you get off the plane.
Who else picks you up and escorts to their own lounge at the airport for a bubbly refreshment? All 20 suites are super-chic and built for honeymooners with generous mini-bar provisions, spa credits and sweeping views of the Hazards mountain range. Priced from $1950 a night twin-share.
Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island
Set above a tiny, secret beach, Capella Lodge is considered the jewel in the Lord Howe Island’s crown – and rightly so. Built to take advantage of the stunning ocean and mountain rooms from every angle, nine contemporary suites are designed to ‘bring the outside in’ and feature every mod con you could imagine.
If possible, the Lidgbird Pavillion is the way to celebrate in style; we’re talking upper floor bedrooms with views to die for, wraparound verandah, private pool, extensive decks with daybed, rainshower and outdoor bath, plus the exclusive use of the Capella electric buggy around the resort. Rates start from $750 a night twin-share and include meals, beverages and island airport transfers.
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA
If “luxurious” and “remote” are two boxes you’re longing to tick, Kangaroo Island’s jewel, Southern Ocean Lodge has got both in spades. Set back from a cliff above pounding Southern Ocean surf, 21 suites appear to hover mid-air, bursting to greet with you every luxury you can imagine (oh, you know – heated floors, outdoor terrace, in-suite provisions heaving with spectacular local produce etc).
Regardless of which suite you stay in, all guests can enjoy the open bar, and full list of signature itinerary of guided island excursions, although private charters and bespoke experiences can also be organised. Rates start from $1100 per person per night, twin-share and include all dining, open bar, in-suite bar, activities and transfers.
Qualia, Hamilton Island, QLD
Fringed by the colourful coral of the Great Barrier Reef, it could be argued that Hamilton Island is the glittering jewel of the Whitsunday Island group. If this is so, then Qualia is definitely its star. Sure, the resort’s 60 light-filled pavilions are amazing (each one commands uninterrupted views of the azure waters, and are framed by tropical bushland), but it’s the activities they offer that really sets this place apart – we’re talking culinary classes, sunset cruises and snorkeling sessions to private beach drop-offs and even consultations with a naturopath. Rates range from $1050 to $5500 a night.
One&Only Hayman Island, Whitsundays, QLD
Recovering nicely from its recent $80 million dollar facelift and One&Only rebrand, One&Only Hayman Island has never looked better. Its iconic hexagonal pool has been redeveloped with many of its pool suites offering direct access to the pool from your own private terrace – or if you’re not as fortunate – sweeping views of the coral sea from the comfort of your four-poster bed.
Add to that, a host of dining options, countless romantic activities such as private picnics on deserted beaches and seaplane trips, couples massages in the spa and you’re in heaven? The best part? If your children have crashed your romantic holiday, it also has one of the best kids clubs around. Rates from $1189 a night.
Cable Beach Resort, Broome, WA
There are two ways to experience this classic resort nestled in the lush green alongside some of the country’s best coastline: you can check into your choice of studios, bungalows or suites and spend lazy days by the pool or getting pampered at Chahoya Spa by L’OCCITANE, or you can go one better and give yourself over to luxury by treating yourself to a Club Collection room (and experience).
The Club fun at Cable Beach Resort will begin with champagne pick-up from the airport and continue day in, day out with a range of services tailored for you personally such as daily canapé drop-off, pillow menu, in-room breakfast, bath menu and valet service. Rates start from $259 a night for a studio.
Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Wolgan Valley, NSW
It’s a big call but we’re going to make it; Wolgan Valley might just be Australia’s most romantic resort. After all, where else can you sip wine with your partner as you watch the warm glow of a fireplace from the comfort of your very own heated indoor swimming pool? Yep, encompassing 40 free-standing luxury suites, this slice of paradise deep in the Blue Mountains (particularly pretty in winter when snow has settled in the treetops) offers the honeymooner every luxury you can imagine from top of the range spa facilities at Timeless Spa (try the Timeless Signature Australian Mineral Facial) and a multitude of nature-based activities to a dramatic pool, spa and steam room.
But although the facilities are world-class, this place is all about the service – so much so that we’re convinced they have the concierge equivalent of snipers on every rooftop, because no matter where you are, they always seem to know where you so they can anticipate your every need. Feeling a little thirsty in the spa? A waiter will magically appear with a tray of sparkling. Inspired to draw the scenery from the privacy of your terrace. A set of pencils and sketchpad is automatically at the ready. Prices start from $2050 and includes all meals, drinks including regional alcoholic beverages and two on-site activities per day.
