Switch off from the everyday with a rejuvenating escape to World Heritage-listed Lord Howe Island. Here, you can snorkel coral reefs, hike volcanic peaks, swim with turtles, and unwind in luxury at one of five landmark stays – including Pinetrees Lodge, Capella Lodge, Arajilla Retreat, Admiralty Apartments and Island House, a Hemsworth family favourite!
Pinetrees Lodge
With its 19th-century heritage, Pinetrees is an integral part of Lord Howe Island’s identity, but this carbon-neutral lodge is not one for stuffy formalities. There’s no need to don resort wear, and the doors don’t even have locks. The pick of its relaxed ‘coastal-style’ rooms, suites and cottages is the spacious Chef’s Cottage. French doors and louvre windows summon in Pacific Ocean breezes, while blackbutt timber floors, subtropical garden-facing private decks and a 400-book library add refinement. Foodies will find happiness somewhere between baked chocolate tart and confit duck with duck fat-roasted potatoes. A signature massage at the day spa is the perfect recovery after the five-day Seven Peaks Walk, which sets out from here. At sunset, head down to Pinetrees’s wooden boathouse on Lagoon Beach to unwind with wine and canapés.
Capella Lodge
In the island’s south, Capella Lodge claims Lord Howe’s most spectacular vistas. Let majestic mountains Lidgbird and Gower duel for your attention as you float in the mesmerising infinity pool. The intimate resort has nine timber-floored suites designed to be in visual harmony with their surroundings. The modern interiors, featuring designer furnishings such as Danish ‘Prime Time’ chairs and island-themed commissioned artworks, achieve a serene beach-house ambience. Executive chef Dennis Tierney’s cuisine makes a lasting impression, with local produce reflected in his menus, including fresh seafood, foraged sea greens and kitchen garden harvests taking centre stage . And the day spa is truly decadent.
Arajilla Retreat
A subtle entrance off Old Settlement Beach sets the scene sublimely for small-footprint, laid-back Arajilla Retreat. The light-dappled boardwalk which links its 12 rooms with the spa and restaurant feels like a natural path through the kentia palm forest. All-inclusive Arajilla caters for most holiday demands, from island-fresh breakfasts to complimentary use of fishing gear and snorkelling equipment. Tropical-print rugs and cushions in natural materials such as linen help weave Arajilla’s boutique island vibe. Nooks of note include the Banyan Suites’ north-facing mezzanine Treetops Lounge. Book Blue Peter Beach House if you’re looking for a refined, self-contained space for two, just across from Lagoon Beach.
Island House
Island House offers a contemporary island paradise, nestled in privacy amid a forest of ketia palms and centuries-old Banyan trees. Island House has two two-bedroom, two-bathroom, architect-designed spaces, the South House and the North House ,oth are elegantly curated with mid-century Danish furniture, high-end Japanese homewares and Aboriginal art. Soak in outdoor copper baths then relax by a cast-iron Cheminées Philippe fireplace, sampling a Japanese spirit or ‘new- and old-world’ wine from the well-curated bar. At Island House, every meal is also uniquely yours. Chef Kimie, your dedicated chef, crafts each dish to align with your preferences and the island’s freshest ingredients Fun fact: the first guest of Island House was Chris Hemsworth and his extended family!
Admiralty Apartments
On Lord Howe’s serene northeast sit two spacious self-contained apartments by relative newcomer Admiralty Apartments. Hand-feed fish and snorkel over the reef at Ned’s Beach Sanctuary Zone, which is literally almost on your doorstep. Admiralty typifies Lord Howe’s barefoot-luxury ethos. Enjoy breezy, generous interiors full of thoughtful touches such as Haiku timber ceiling fans, then grab your complimentary bottle of wine and Rose-Marie Hillier beach umbrella when you’re ready to spend some ‘you’ time on the beach.
The Cabin
Family-owned and thoughtfully designed, The Cabin is a secluded off-grid retreat set on a small hobby farm within Lord Howe Island’s untouched bushland. Nestled on a private five-acre property, this eco-conscious escape offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and unwind while enjoying modern comforts. Enjoy an outdoor nature shower, scenic walking trails, or spend a quiet evening by the firepit under the stars. For added convenience, airport transfers, restaurant transport, and alternative transport options are available on request.
