Australia is increasingly presenting itself as the ideal destination for luxury travel in 2023: indeed, in recent months it has witnessed the opening of numerous high-end and ultra-luxury properties scattered across various regions of the country, with many more to follow before the year ends. Here are the ones to note.
Capella Sydney, luxury in the iconic city
The luxury news for 2023 in Australia began in March with the opening in Sidney, the symbolic Australian city, of the eagerly awaited Capella Sydney, housed in the former Department of Education building on Bridge Street, which had stood silent for years.
It boasts 192 rooms and suites spread across eight levels, refined interiors, artworks, exclusive restaurants, six meeting and event spaces suitable for groups of 10 to 80 guests, and world-class spa facilities.
Jabiru Retreat, the luxury safari camp
In May, it was the turn of the Jaburu Retreat, located in The Top End, North Territory, a luxurious safari-style tented camp with pools and safari-style bungalows. In particular, the bungalows feature a private bathroom, an outdoor living area, king-size beds, and are linked by an elevated walkway that leads to the guests’ private pool.
But that’s not all: the fabulous retreat offers open-top safaris, daily nature safaris, airboat experiences, as well as guided tours, including a highlight through the heart of Kakadu National Park, land of Aboriginal people for more than 65,000 years.
The Brooklet, exclusive wellness
In Byron Bay, New South Wales, in June, The Brooklet opened—a magnificent resort with six luxury villas, elegant spaces for wellbeing, and “The Bar,” capable of delivering a refined and intimate culinary experience within the evocative setting of a large wine cellar with a wood-burning fireplace.
It is the perfect mix between countryside living and coastal ambiance, with elegant spaces in a breathtaking frame, where luxury meets nature, a “home away from home.”
Soggiornare in un ex carcere riconvertito
Additionally, starting in July, guests can savor the thrill of staying in a converted former prison into a luxury hotel: here is The Interlude, the first urban retreat located in what was the Pentridge prison, in the Melbourne/Narrm area. The 19 suites were carved out by breaking through the thick blue stone walls to merge four or five cells: each features vaulted ceilings, stone walls and all the contemporary finishes and fittings one would expect of a modern hotel.
The Sun Ranch, nostalgia of California
Also in the Byron Bay area of New South Wales, The Sun Ranch makes a striking appearance, blending Spanish influences with the nostalgia of 1970s California.
It is tailor-made to inspire and surprise fans of music and cuisine, creatives, wellness lovers, and anyone looking to spend unique moments in a relaxed yet cutting-edge charm that pays homage to the iconic California ranch houses.
The return of the Southern Ocean Lodge and a gem
Three years after the devastating fires that ravaged Kangaroo Island in South Australia, Baillie Lodges’ Southern Ocean Lodge returns. Once again, 25 ultra-luxury suites line the coast along with a novelty: the ultra-premium Ocean Pavilion suite of 640 square meters, featuring a private pool and four bedrooms.
Finally, planned for November is Pelorus Private Island, part of the Northern Escape Collection: this is an eight-guest private island reachable by a journey aboard a private superyacht from Townsville or via a half-hour helicopter flight.
