Ten of the best luxury stays in NSW

Stunning locations. Tick. World-class service. Tick. Every creature comfort you could wish for. Tick. These 10 luxury hotels – located everywhere from World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island to the edge of Sydney Harbour – are guaranteed to make the world slow down, your relaxation quotient go up, and leave you with that oh-what-a-feeling feeling for weeks afterwards.

Bannisters, Port Stephens

On the NSW North Coast is boutique Bannisters Port Stephens, a retro motel that’s been reimagined as a luxury retreat for foodies. The 78-room property includes four Hamptons-inspired suites, a penthouse and 50 rooms with dreamy sea vistas. A highlight is the Rick Stein restaurant, where the renowned British chef dishes up his signature seafood deliciousness.

Don’t miss: that seafood deliciousness.

Interior of Rick Stein at Bannisters Port Stephens

Byng Street Boutique Hotel, Orange

The burgeoning food and wine town of Orange in the state’s central west is home to the Byng Street Boutique Hotel where old is cleverly interlaced with new. The traditional façade of the 1896 Yallungah homestead sits proudly out front, but at the rear is a striking modern addition which melds sympathetically with the hotel’s historic roots. The supremely comfortable and stylish three suites in the heritage wing are the stand-outs.

Don’t miss: local produce is featured in the two-course breakfast served in the very pretty Yallungah dining room.

Yallungah Room at the Byng Street Boutique Hotel, Orange

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island

Slip into island mode at the ultra-chic Capella Lodge on World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island, 600km off the NSW coast. With just nine superlative suites, it’s the island’s most exclusive address but still retains a barefoot beachy vibe. With views over dramatic Gower and Lidgbird mountains, tranquil Lovers Bay and the picturesque coast-scape, you might find it difficult to drag yourself away to discover Lord Howe’s other otherworldly beauty.

Don’t miss: the three-hour Dreaming signature treatment at Capella Spa.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island -  Credit: Capella Lodge

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains

Set on 1,600 jaw-dropping hectares of wilderness within the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area (about 2.5 hours west of Sydney), Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley offers the eco adventure of a lifetime – and a luxury lodge experience to boot. There’s a host of outdoor activities – from horse-riding to nocturnal wildlife spotting – and indoor “activities” such as a world-class spa and fabulous restaurant.

Don’t miss: the around-the-campfire stargazing experience.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Blue Mountains

Jonah’s, Sydney

From humble beginnings as a roadhouse, Jonah’s multiple incarnations have seen it evolve into the much-lauded retreat it is today. A fine dining restaurant, infinity pool and 11 elegant rooms with spa baths, private balconies, Frette robes and high-pressure walk-in showers offer sensational views over Whale Beach on the tip of Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Don’t miss: for the ultimate A-list arrival, splurge on a seaplane flight from Rose Bay in Sydney’s east.

Jonah's infinity pool on Sydney's Northern Beaches

The Langham, Sydney

In Sydney’s historic Rocks precinct, The Langham, Sydney is the epitome of timeless elegance. Ninety-eight luxurious rooms and suites are housed in this low-rise boutique property which includes a health club, day spa, art collection curated by Sotheby’s and indoor pool with star-studded ceiling. Pampered pooches welcome.  

Don’t miss: the afternoon tea here is legendary.

Junior Suite at The Langham, Sydney - Credit: The Langham, Sydney

Ovolo, Sydney

The multi-award-winning Ovolo Woolloomooloo fuses cutting-edge interiors with a plum waterfront locale on the Finger Wharf on the city’s eastern edge. The hotel has brought this historic wharf precinct to life, with 100 guest rooms and the chic Alibi Bar and Kitchen, the country’s first 100 per cent plant-based hotel restaurant. Stroll across to the Royal Botanic Garden for a meditation session and swim laps at the legendary Andrew Boy Charlton Pool.

Don’t miss: the eight-course vegetarian chef’s tasting menu in Alibi.

Ovolo Woolloomooloo - Credit: Blue Sydney A Taj Hotel

Park Hyatt Sydney

The Park Hyatt Sydney boasts arguably Sydney’s most coveted address, perched on the edge of the harbour opposite the Opera House. All 155 guestrooms and suites offer contemporary luxury with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to private balconies. Three elegantly designed rooftop suites take in an almost-360-degree panorama of the harbour, Opera House and Harbour Bridge. There’s an elegant spa, beauty and fitness centre with rooftop pool and terrace, 24/7 butler service and private wharf.

Don’t miss: cocktails by the striking rooftop pool.

Park Hyatt Sydney - Credit: David Mitchener

Pretty Beach House, Central Coast

Perched high on an escarpment among ancient angophoras and native eucalypts overlooking Bouddi National Park on the NSW Central Coast, Pretty Beach House embodies understated luxury. Sleeping just eight guests in elegant pavilions, expect plush interiors, bespoke pieces and artwork, private plunge pools, impeccable service and modern Italian cuisine by renowned chef Dean Jones.

Don’t miss: the Indigenous smoking ceremony at dusk (additional cost) is one of the best welcomes you’ll experience.

Pretty Beach House, Pretty Beach, Central Coast - Credit: Anson Smart

Raes on Wategos, Byron Bay

As one of the country’s most exclusive and bohemian coastal enclaves, Byron Bay has fabulous accommodation on every corner, but it’s hard to go past one of the area’s true legends – Raes on Wategos. Raes offers discreet service, an award-winning restaurant and seven luxurious suites in a dreamy Spanish Mission-style villa that overlooks sheltered Wategos Beach. Little wonder it’s been voted one of the world’s top 25 hotels by Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

Don’t miss: the tasting menu by chef Jason Saxby at Raes Dining Room.

Rae's on Wategos, Byron Bay

And a special mention…

Darling Harbour, Sydney

This popular precinct on the edge of the city is home to a clutch of luxe accommodation options. Towering above Barangaroo, the Crown Sydney is the city’s tallest hotel. It has a sprawling rooftop pool deck, spa, 14 bars and restaurants, and 349 guest rooms including 22 ultra-luxe private villas. Five-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers 590 luxurious rooms and suites (with luxurious soaking tubs), wraparound harbour views, a Champagne bar and alfresco pool. Justin Bieber and George Clooney are among the celebrities who have stayed at The Darling, which offers 171 luxurious rooms and suites. This boutique hotel at The Star Sydney casino also has a world-class day spa and 25m lap pool.

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour