A Guide To 7 Of Australia’s Most Luxury Escapes

Hot days turned balmy evenings are finally on the horizon in the Southern Hemisphere. After making it through winter enduring countless Instagram content from our European counterparts enjoying the sunshine and sparkling coastlines of the Mediterranean, it’s finally time for vacation planning down under. After dipping our toes into the first days of spring, we’re already looking to private island accommodation and sun-soaked destinations to experience this summer in Australia.

 

These are the luxury Australian holiday destinations at the top of our must-stay list, offering dreamlike seclusion you’ll never want to leave.

 

BEDARRA ISLAND RESORT, QLD

Bedarra is Australia's most unique resort, and the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Comprising just ten private villas hidden amongst 45 hectares of tropical rainforest, offering solitude, privacy and sublime views over the Great Barrier Reef. Accommodating a maximum of 20 other guests, you are guaranteed a sanctuary of seclusion and solace and a personalized island escape like no other.

Boasting clear turquoise waters, coconut palm trees, and granite boulders scattered along the island’s white sands, Bedarra Island is reminiscent of the Seychelles.

WHAT TO PACK: Tanning essentials UMA bralette top & JANE thong bottom. The SALINAS mini wrap skirt to throw over your bikini as you sashay from your sun lounger to private plunge pool.

Bedarra Island Resort with turquoise blue water and coconut palm trees image credit bedarra.com.au

Image credit bedarra.com.au  

SAL SALIS, NINGALOO REEF, WA

An exclusive beach safari retreat nestled in the dunes of the Cape Range National Park in Western Australia. Each of the fifteen eco-luxe wilderness tents offer views of the surrounding bush and over the Indian Ocean and the fringing Ningaloo Reef.

If you’re wondering, yes, this is the same luxury outback camp Pippa Middleton stayed at on her honeymoon. Slip into slumber under a blanket of stars and the ocean’s crashing waves, then wake to unique sounds of outback Australia, within the comfort of your luxury safari style tent.

WHAT TO PACK: The lightweight CALVI lounge pant to pair with your favourite Sommer Swim bikini top and a breezy white linen shirt.

 Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef beach safari retreat at dusk image credit vogue.com.au Image credit vogue.com.au 

EMIRATES ONE & ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY, NSW

Escape and explore. Discover the sheer splendour of Australia when you stay at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, a luxury resort in the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains.

Approx 2.5 hours by car from Sydney, this luxury NSW retreat will have you feeling world’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by unique natural beauty and wildlife, it’s no wonder A-listers are known to frequent One&Only’s Wolgan Valley Resort for much-needed R&R.

WHAT TO PACK: The lightweight CALVI lounge pant in ‘Cinnamon’ to compliment your surroundings, pair with a vibrant Missoni poncho and wide brim felt hat.

Emirates one and only Wolgan Valley in New South Wales surrounded by greater blue mountains image credit oneandonlyresorts.comImage credit oneandonlyresorts.com 

 

LIZARD ISLAND RESORT, QLD

Like nowhere else. The only resort located on a 1,013-hectare National Park and literally on the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island offers seclusion and natural privacy.

With only 40 rooms and villas, plus your choice of private beaches, the exclusivity of Lizard island is bar none.

WHAT TO PACK: The MADEIRA wrap dress is a vacation wardrobe staple. We love this wrap style dress thrown over a bikini during the day when you’re not tanning, then styled effortlessly with sandals and a sun kissed tan for cocktails come evening.

Bright blue waters of Lizard Island Resort in Queensland image credit lizardisland.com.au

Image credit lizardisland.com.au 

QUALIA, HAMILTON ISLAND, QLD

A world class luxury resort in the Whitsundays. Qualia is a private world of sensory perfection on Hamilton island. From its distinctive style to sun-drenched location, everything has been meticulously considered to relax the mind and completely spoil the senses.

Balmy crystal waters, vibrant coral reefs and amazing wildlife await you at this paradisiacal luxury destination. Embrace postcard views of the Whitsundays or tropical flora from your private pavilion.

WHAT TO PACK: The XENA halter neck top & NAOMI brazilian tie side bottom. With the option of tying multiple ways this bikini set is perfect for tanning, leisurely activities, or floating around the resort. Style with a pair of wide leg pants, or your SALINAS mini wrap skirt.

Beautiful day bed and private pool at Quaila resort on Hamilton Island image credit qualia.com.au Image credit qualia.com.au 

CAPELLA LODGE, LORD HOWE ISLAND, NSW

Refreshingly off the radar, Capella Lodge is Lord Howe Island’s premium luxury retreat, offering the ultimate island castaway escape. Nestled at the foot of the towering Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, Capella welcomes spectacular views of the ocean, subtropical reef and rolling green pastures.

Between mountain, lush rainforest, and breathtaking ocean views, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to views. Spend your days exploring vibrant marine life, hiking the surrounding mountains, or indulging in sun-soaked splendour at the resort’s infinity pool.

WHAT TO PACK: The JOURDAN bralette top. This supportive bikini top is perfect for doubling as an exercise crop in warm weather, simply pair with bike shorts for those long walks before diving into the pool or ocean to cool off.

Image credit capellalodge.com.au 

ORPHEUS ISLAND, QLD

A jewel in the ocean, the beautiful Orpheus Island Lodge offers exclusive private island luxury in the midst of one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomenon: the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef.  

Board your helicopter or private seaplane en route to remote Orpheus Island. The ultimate in barefoot luxury, the island is comprised of only 14-bungalows stretched across bone white sand and an azure blue coastline. Welcome to island life.

WHAT TO PACK: The MAXIM high cut one piece. We love this swimsuit styled underneath a Missoni robe. Don’t forget to pack your CECE bandeau top & DULCE brazilian tie side bottom for (no tan line) tanning.
Views from the Orpheus Island Lodge in Queensland image credit @jamesvodicka
Image credit @jamesvodicka