 Silky
Oaks Lodge, Daintree Rainforest
Tropical North Queensland
The most deluxe property in the Daintree Rainforest is perched on the northern
bank of the Mossman River Gorge, and the Treehouses that accommodate guests
are actually luxurious private cabins nestled amid lush gardens and the
rainforest; the premium Riverhouses are larger and feature a private spa
bath. Active guests can take a guided walk through the rainforest, canoe
and snorkel trips on the Mossman River, or use the tennis courts and a swimming
pool. The Healing Waters Spa is an on-site facility that uses Aboriginal
methods and recipes in modern spa treatments. A gourmet four-course dinner
with a nightly changing menu and a tropical buffet breakfast is included
for all guests at Silky Oaks.
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 Hayman
Island Resort
Whitsunday Islands
Hayman is perhaps Australia's most famous five star island resort. Located
in Queensland's Whitsunday Island group, the resort is within daily reach
of the Great Barrier Reef via air or boat. The resort's recently refurbished
rooms feature contemporary, luxury accommodation, with pool, beach or gardens
views. Hayman's restaurants enjoy an international reputation for superb
quality and variety. The island is easily accessible by launch transfer
from nearby Hamilton Island, which can be reached by air from most major
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Bedarra Island Resort
Bedarra Island is perhaps Australia's most exclusive tropical resort, famous for its natural beauty, seclusion, service, and renowned (and all-inclusive!) food and wine. Accommodation at the resort consists of fifteen luxurious villas hidden in the rainforest, each with ocean views and a distinctive charm of its own. Two spectacular new "Pavilions" are the talk of the luxury travel world: these graceful structures offer complete privacy yet fit seamlessly into the landscape, with glass walls, timber decks, a private plunge pool, and glorious ocean views. Large sun lounges and a daybed also grace the decks. Bedarra Island is easily accessed by air/launch from Cairns via Dunk.
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Four Seasons
Sydney
Four Seasons properties are always consistently good, but the Four Seasons
Sydney is one of our favorites. The location is ideal, rising above the
harbor and a few minutes walk to Circular Quay and the Opera House. The
Deluxe Harbour View Rooms are our favorite, where the views can't be beat.
There's a huge selection of shopping and dining options nearby, and we suggest
spending at least a few days here to fully enjoy all the city and environs
have to offer.
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Park Hyatt
Sydney
Unlike most deluxe properties in the area, Park Hyatt Sydney is the only
hotel right on the water with immediate views of the Opera House and Harbor
Bridge. It has an intimate, exclusive ambience, and is located in the heart
of the historic Rocks area. A spa, rooftop terrace, and pool take advantage
of the ideal location and view. Two sophisticated bars have become destinations
in their own right, and an award-winning restaurant -- harbourkitchen --
offers a light, airy environment in which to dine and take in the sweeping
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Observatory Hotel
Sydney
In the heart of Sydney's Rocks section, the award-winning Observatory Hotel
is perhaps the city's most sophisticated hotel. The hotel boasts that there
is no request too big (or strange) for them to fulfill, and they live up
to this promise. The spa and indoor-swimming pool are excellent and the
elegant restaurants feature some of Australia's finest wines. Luxurious
rooms are large and distinctively appointed. As the hotel is not a high-rise,
there are no harbour views, but the hotel's location in the real Rocks section
(the one with the locals, not the souvenir stores) is convenient to Circular
Quay, Darling Harbour, and the Central Business District.
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Park Hyatt
Melbourne
Conveniently located, the Park Hyatt Melbourne provides its guests with
a warm ambience and an exceptional level of personalized service. The hotel's
facilities are sophisticated yet contemporary, and designed to maintain
an elegant and intimate atmosphere. The hotel offers an excellent spa facility
and 25 meter indoor swimming pool.
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Hotel Como
Melbourne
Located in South Yarra, the heart of Melbourne's shopping and restaurant
district; the award winning Hotel Como is one of Australia's most chic hotel
properties, and truly representative of the charm and sophistication that
is Melbourne. Contemporary one and two-bedroom suites are well appointed
and spacious, and offer a great base for excursions either in or out of
the city.
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Lilianfels
Katoomba, Blue Mountains
A visit to the Blue Mountains is highly recommended as an excursion from
Sydney, and if you want to do it at a leisurely pace, spend a night or two
at luxurious Lilianfels. Known for its impeccable service, exquisite cuisine
and warm décor, this historic property perched on the edge of Jamison Valley
has the feel of a very exclusive country estate. English gardens and a billiard
room contribute to this atmosphere of refined elegance but amenities like
a sparkling health spa and an award-winning restaurant ensure that guests
don't miss more contemporary comforts. A visit to Lilianfels also offers
a wonderful opportunity for guests to experience the Australian bush --
kangaroos and other local wildlife are often spotted on nature walks.
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Lizard Island,
Great Barrier Reef
With 40 well-appointed rooms, each with its own deluxe private balcony, this beach resort hideaway is one of Australia's most unique destinations. Famous for the Blue Lagoon, home to the giant clam and coral gardens, Lizard Island boasts an endless mix of beauty and relaxing solitude. With all meals included, the Cuisine Moderne will surprise even the most critical food connoisseurs, as local seafood and garden greens are always fresh and ready to serve. The resort offers hiking, snorkeling, bushwalks, windsurfing, or just simply lounging by the pools. |
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El Questro Homestead
The Kimberley, Western Australia
To say that your stay at El Questro would be anything less than an awesome
experience and a genuine privilege would be an understatement. Located in
Western Australia's Kimberley Range, overlooking the Chamberlain River,
the homestead has only six rooms and provides exquisite cuisine to its guests.
Daily activities feature unparalleled access to the ultimate in outback
treks, cruises and scenic air trips, including one to Purnululu (Bungle
Bungle) National Park. Food, wine and daily outback excursions (except air
tours) are included in the tariff. Access the homestead by scheduled air
from Darwin or Broome to Kununurra, a ninety-minute drive from El Questro,
or by private charter.
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Seven Spirit Bay
Arnhemland
This luxury wilderness lodge is located at the Top End of the Northern Territory
in Aboriginal Arnhemland, a short flight from Darwin. Entry is by permit
only and carefully limited. Touring includes unique wildlife safaris, fishing,
coastal exploration and sunset cruises. Guests learn about traditional Aboriginal
foods and medicines, and enjoy magnificent scenery and prolific bird life.
The accommodation units are intimate and comfortable, each with their own
queen-sized bed, spacious sitting area, and unique semi-open "bathroom in
a garden." The main 'lodge' building offers a spacious restaurant, cocktail
bar, and lounge where guests can enjoy cocktails and superb cuisine.
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Tower Lodge
Pokolbin, Hunter Valley
Located two hours by car from Sydney, in the heart of the Hunter Valley
wine region, this intimate Lodge is one of Australia's most exclusive
getaways. Guests are certain to enjoy its highly acclaimed restaurant,
Robert's Restaurant, which serves the finest regional cuisine; wine tastings
are easily arranged at the property's Lodge Tower Winery. Each of the
12 rooms are unique in decor and layout, with private courtyards, balconies,
and plunge tubs.
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Moonlight Head Private Lodge
Great Ocean Road
Located on the southern tip of the Victoria coastline, this luxurious property has only four interior suites in its main lodge. It is an exclusive-use property, meaning the only guests will be you and your traveling companions. In the suites, skylights and large windows showcase the ocean views, and rooms have a minimalist style -- white walls with modern furnishings, antique Persian rugs, and deep soaking tubs. The main lounge has a wood-burning fireplace where guests can relax while their meals are prepared by expert chefs. For those eager to explore, the lodge can arrange golf, freshwater fishing, holistic treatments, or an escorted stroll along the Great Ocean Walk.
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Destinations & Tours 