Luxury Lodges of Australia is a group of Safari lodge and luxury lodges spread around Australia. The group has 18 properties right now. They are all very different from each other but are able to leverage their strengths as a group for a joint marketing effort and are all linked to their guests. The inspiration to form such a group cane from New Zealand where a range of high end lodges were linking lodge to lodge to tap the upscale market. The group has certain quality standards and only the properties that qualify can become part of the group. The 18 properties that form the portfolio now have only one thing in common and that is their high standards.
The Park Hyatt is the Best Hotel in Sydney
The Park Hyatt in Sydney is a member of the group. The property has reopened recently after an 11 month renovation. The property that boasts of stunning views of harbor and the iconic Opera House, now has earth toned décor. The furnishing is very sleek and contemporary. Limestone wall decorated with original artwork complements the décor beautifully. The roof top pool and Jacuzzi is just below the Sydney Harbor Bridge. The Dining Room, the new restaurant is a big draw for the locals. The Park Hyatt can safely be called the best hotel in Sydney.
Watch Mock Fights of Kangaroos at Wolgan Valley Resort
Three hours away from Sydney is the Wolgan Valley Resort in the Blue Mountains. The accommodation on the 4,000 acre estate is in cottages. The cottages are spacious and have a rustic but handsome décor. There are kangaroos on the grounds and you can watch them mock fight and dance around. The food is the other highlight of the luxury lodge. Anston Fivaz is the executive chef who believes making things in house including yogurt. Lowe Wines’ vineyard in Mudgee is nearby and you can sign on for a grapes crushing session.
The Louise is a Gourmet Restaurant with Rooms
If you are in Adelaide, just an hour away in the Barossa Valley is The Louise which is basically a gourmet restaurant with rooms. Fouded and operated by Jim and Helen Carreker, an American couple who dropped out of their Silicon Valley careers. They had taken over a motel and have upgraded the rooms but the main draw is the restaurant with a new concept. The wines are chosen first and then Chef Ryan Edwards concocts the dishes to go with them. Naturally the menu is quite flexible and can quite easily accommodate your specific preferences.
Southern Ocean Lodge Offers Mesmerizing Ocean Views
Kangaroo Island which is just twenty minutes away from Adelaide by air has the Southern Ocean Lodge which was opened four years ago by resort pioneer James Baillie. All rooms in the lodge offer ocean views that are mesmerizing especially in winter. The area is known for its wildlife. There are 200,000 kangaroos, a million wallabies, koalas and seals clustered on the rocks or sleeping on the beach. Hotel’s deft chef Tim Bourke creates incredible dishes with exceptional ingredients. And all you want to do while staying at the Southern Ocean Lodge is watch the waves through the wall of windows and eat.
The Lizard is Designated a National Park
On the contrary, you spend most of your time outdoors if you are staying at Lizard Island in north Queensland. Located on an isolated stretch of the Great Barrier Reef, the property has been there since 1976 but a recent renovation has made it more sophisticated and sharp. Its location allows the guests to snorkel right off one of the island’s 24 private white sand beaches. The outer reef which features more vividly colored coral and larger fish is a short boat ride away. Lizard is designated as a national park and exemplifies luxury in Australia.
