2023 saw our destinations welcome some spectacular hot new hotels and experiences including:
The chic and boutique Capella Sydney; a fabulous new addition to Sydney’s suite of luxury accommodation, seamlessly combing heritage architecture with sophisticated contemporary design to deliver a warm welcome and true sense of place.
Clifftops at Anderson’s Cove – a beautiful new New Zealand ‘bach’ experience. Inspired by the African safari-style ‘tented’ lodges, yet unmistakably New Zealand through the views it boasts from almost every angle, this coastal retreat provides a secluded hideaway approximately 1.5 hours north of Auckland.
Odalisque III – a purpose-built luxury expedition cruising vessel to explore some of Tasmania’s most spectacular and otherwise inaccessible wilderness areas. Accommodating a maximum of just 12 guests in six ensuite cabins for shared or private-charter cruising itineraries designed to introduce visitors to Tasmania’s breathtaking wilderness regions.
The Lindis’ Black Diamond private dining experience – an off-grid and off-the-beaten track purpose-built dining room available for exclusive-use, boasting spectacular mountain views and delicious chef-prepared meals in New Zealand’s spectacular Southern Alps.
Bamurru Plains’ new Jabiru Retreat – Australia’s Top End wilderness lodge has introduced a new two-bedroom retreat. Ideal for families or couples travelling together, two safari-style ‘tented’ bungalows are connected with a shared private sundeck and plunge pool overlooking the Mary River floodplains.
The Brooklet – a collective of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas resting gently in the Byron Bay Hinterland; each of which can be booked individually or together for exclusive of the estate including 25m mineral pool, hot tub and ice bath, tennis court and a collection of venues for shared dining and experiences curated to suit specific needs and interests.
Te Arai Links’ South Course and luxury accommodation – New Zealand’s newest luxury golf destination, Te Arai links added a second world-class 18-hole ocean links course and a collection of new two-bedroom, two-bathroom Ocean Cottages to its offering in 2023.
Pelorus Private Island – an exclusive-use island surrounded by the tropical wonders of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, accommodating up to eight indulged guests in complete privacy and contemporary comfort.
Some spectacular new private villas across the region, including Hawks Nest; a breathtaking five-bedroom villa (complete with its own ‘wellness centre’) overlooking Lake Wakatipu that provides a private oasis just moments from Queenstown.
The all-new Southern Ocean Lodge – arguably Australia’s most spectacular of luxury lodges clinging to the Kangaroo Island clifftops looking out over the dramatic Southern Ocean and providing access to some of Australia’s most iconic wildlife encounters.
Meanwhile, Kangaroo Island has also welcomed a new multi-day hiking experience. The 3-day / 4-night fully-guided, accommodated and catered Lightkeeper’s Walk is a small-group (maximum 12 people) exploration of the Flinders Chase National Park, taking in towering sea cliffs and iconic rock formations, beautiful beaches and wonderful wildlife.
MORE TO COME IN 2024
2024 promises even more exciting news with a collection of new city hotels to look forward to (including StandardX’s Australian debut in Melbourne – alongside a new 1Hotel in Melbourne and the reopening of the lovely Lyall boutique hotel, the Star Grand opening in Brisbane’s new Queen’s Wharf precinct, and an InterContinental for Auckland all opening in the coming months), as well as:
A fabulous new private overnight expedition cruising experience on New Zealand’s breathtakingly beautiful Sounds that can be enjoyed from Minaret Station.
New Gold Premium contemporary cabins and suites on Australia’s iconic Ghan rail journey.
The addition of four new spacious two-bedroom lodges at Bells at Killcare on the scenic Central Coast just an hour north of Sydney (opening February 2024)
A new accommodation concept in New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay – ideal for family groups or friends travelling together, Te Mania will (from March 2024) be able to accommodate up to eight guests,
A collection of new boutique stays in coastal Australia’s celebrity capital, Byron Bay,
A new ‘Great Walk’ 3-day hiking experience in New Zealand’s fabulous Fiordland with the anticipated October 2024 opening of the Hump Ridge Track,
A collection of ‘Reveal’ packages that offer personalised island adventures on a private island off the coast of South Australia’s Port Lincoln and a sneak peek of a new luxury eco resort to come in 2025
The addition of 14 luxury villas and a destination dining restaurant at Flockhill Station, anticipated to welcome guests from December 2024.
A revitalised Huka Lodge (New Zealand’s iconic lodge will close from April 2024 for a major refresh to reopen in time for the 2024 festive season with a stunning new look and spectacular new facilities).
and still so much more to look forward to!
We look forward to weaving these new experiences in to your next Australia and New Zealand adventures. Follow us on Instagram and Like us on Facebook to stay abreast of all the latest luxury travel news and openings across our region.
