13 boutique stays in NSW

Romantic escapes 

Cupitt’s Estate Luxury Pods, Ulladulla 

If you’re craving a weekend away to reconnect with your partner, an outdoor bath with countryside views and a glass of wine in hand will have you feeling loved up pretty quick. The latest addition to Cupitt’s Estate includes 10 freestanding pods perched atop a hill with views of the rolling green landscape and some with a bath on the deck. If you can drag yourself away, just steps from your luxury accommodation is a cellar door, brewery, fromagerie and restaurant. Bliss.   

The Oaks Ranch, Mossy Point 

From dude ranch to lovers’ retreat, this chic stay is a hidden gem on the South Coast. Located on a 300-acre property, The Oaks Ranch is surrounded by tranquil views of the Deua Mountain Range with direct access to the Tomaga River. Days can be filled with kayaking on the calm, clear river, teeing off at the nine-hole golf course or basking in the sun around the magnesium pool and ordering cocktails from the bar. The 14 guest suites are refined yet relaxed, with an earthy colour palette and premium furnishings. 

Spicers Tower Lodge, Pokolbin  

After a recent six-million-dollar-renovation by Spicers Retreats, the iconic Tower Lodge is a little piece of Europe in the Hunter Valley. The luxury property retains its unique Spanish design, with high-end furnishings such as handmade terracotta tiles, a hacienda-style courtyard and outdoor hot tubs in some rooms. Try first-class cuisine in the new Basque-inspired restaurant, Sebastian, serving wild and foraged local ingredients with dishes such as grilled oysters, Idiazabal cheese and finger limes.  

Chalets at Blackheath, Blue Mountains 

Disconnect from day-to-day life at Chalets at Blackheath, perched high up in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains. These spacious chalets feature a king-sized bed, limestone bathroom with twin showers and deep soaking tub, a fireplace to cosy up in front of on cool nights, and a daybed outside for R&R with your significant other. The concierge can help plan the ideal adventure, whether it’s a gentle trek to discover pounding waterfalls or trying your hand at canyoning or rock climbing off the sandstone escarpment. 

Group getaways 

Kokomo, Whale Beach 

Offering luxe tropical vibes in a classic Australian beach-and-bush setting, you’ll be dreaming of an endless summer at Kokomo. This four-bedroom cliffside home overlooks the ocean in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, with a deck on every floor to enjoy the sunshine and views over sunset drinks with friends. Whale Beach is a short 200-metre walk away for quick dips in the ocean.  

Crane Lodge, Palm Beach 

Immersed in lush bushland on the Barrenjoey Peninsula, Crane Lodge is an architectural wonder that completely immerses guests in nature. With five bedrooms, a year-round heated magnesium swimming pool, cedar hot tub and a fire pit, you can take advantage of the rejuvenating effect of being outdoors any time of the year. The owner’s personal speedboat is available for hire for cruising about on sparkling Pittwater and curated experiences, such as yoga and a private chef, can also be arranged.  

Galong Cabins, Blue Mountains 

Grab your adventurous mates for an authentic off-grid getaway that will leave you feeling exhilarated at the two newly renovated Galong Cabins in the Blue Mountain’s Megalong Valley. With access to scenic day walks along the Coxs River and the exhilarating Six Foot walking track, each of the refurbished cabins can sleep four people and feature a full kitchen, hot water showers, air conditioning, a slow combustion fire and a veranda with spectacular views across to Jenolan. The only other company you’ll have are the local wallabies, kangaroos and wombats.  

Family fun

Linnaeus Farm, Berry 

Located between the charming rural town of Berry and the sugar-white sands of Seven Mile Beach, Linnaeus Farm is a grand country stay set on an 8.4-acre property with sweeping vistas of the surrounding hinterland. The accommodation can sleep 14 and has plenty of character with Herringbone timber floors, vaulted ceilings and exposed timber beams. The meticulous grounds comprise an edible garden and orchards, swimming pool, and a super cool cubby house with winding slide.  

Hedgerow Farm, Armidale 

Farm stays are always a winner with families: memories of country air, horses grazing, firepits and star gazing at night are the kind that stay with you forever. A former 19th-century sheep farm and working property just outside of Armidale, Hedgerow Farm has an historic four-bedroom homestead, sprawling gardens, and a billiards room and tennis court for friendly family comps.   

The Lodge Jamberoo Resort and Spa, Jamberoo 

Welcoming guests since the 1960s, The Lodge Jamberoo Resort and Spa has been given a modern makeover by its new owners that parents and kids will both adore. An easy drive from Jamberoo’s popular water park, the 43-room resort sits on a 3.6-hectare property with rainforest and riverfront views and features new dining spaces, a pool, spa and sauna, playground, tennis court and games room to keep the kids occupied.  

Solo adventures 

Oxford House, Sydney 

Find a sanctuary among the revelry of Oxford Street at this über cool new stay. Each guest room at Oxford House has a serene colour palette, curated artwork, luxury linens and Grown Alchemist body products. The heated pool terrace and bar is the place to chill on summer afternoons or kick-start the party as day turns to night (DJs play every Friday, Saturday and Sunday), while back in-suite, the custom Double Rainbouu bathrobes, slippers and Nespresso coffee machines make mornings-after more pleasurable.  

The Bridge at Bundanon, Illaroo 

The former home and studio of inimitable painter Arthur Boyd is now a one-of-a-kind art destination that takes your breath away when you first lay eyes on it. Located on a 1000-hectare site, it features a subterranean art museum, café and luxury accommodation. The eco-friendly rooms at The Bridge at Bundanon offer a sustainable stay for art and design lovers to come together; native animal sightings are common. While not functioning like a hotel exactly, visitors can book packages – such as wellness retreats or cultural experiences – and enjoy single-traveller prices with dinner and drinks included. 

The Porter House Hotel, Sydney  

Housed in an historic building that was once a tobacco factory, The Porter House Hotel is Sydney’s newest five-star hotel. A stone’s throw from Hyde Park and Pitt Street Mall, it’s a convenient and charismatic stay in the CBD – a decadent level-up for business and solo travellers that appreciate character and history. Luxuriate in the elegant guest rooms which feature pink marble vanities, dove grey walls and pale timber floors, take a work break in the modern fitness centre and indulge in the three on-site dining destinations – a Euro-style deli, a contemporary brasserie and exotic cocktail bar.