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3-night Byron Bay Hinterland luxury escape for a group of friends

We’ve put together an easy escape for a group of 6 friends in the gorgeous Byron Bay Hinterland. Think of it as your own private luxury hotel with all meals and activities taken care of. All you need to do is turn up.

You’ll have exclusive use of your own private luxury accommodation in acres of green rain forest, with spectacular views Eastwards to Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean. Located in the Byron Hinterland, this boutique bed and breakfast has been impeccably designed to be close to nature and close to the hearts of the founders and hosts.  The interior palette includes Moroccan tiled bathrooms with naked copper fittings; super-lux King size beds with Egyptian cotton linen on burnished concrete floors; unique reclaimed timber cabinetry, and warm birch ply panelled walls. Wake up to the ultimate framed view, where the mountains meet the sea. The 10 metre mineral magnesium pool is the perfect place to sit back and enjoy a drink overlooking Cape Byron.

Inclusions:

  • 3-nights Luxury Accommodation (Exclusive use for your group of 6)
  • All meals (and some beverages ) including chef prepared dinners and breakfasts, Brunch at Beach Byron Bay, Private beach picnic
  • Welcome to Byron and Surrounds Private Guided Tour including Brookies Farm & Gin distillery
  • Bubbles on arrival at accommodation, cheese board and chocolates served to pavilions
  • Minyon Falls Rainforest Walk, Private Guided walk and lunch
  • ‘Forest to Beach’ Sunset Private Horse Ride
  • Cape Byron Sea Kayak Shared Tour
  • Airport Transfers ex Ballina Airport

 

 

ITINERARY

DAY ONE
Fly into Ballina Airport where your local host will be waiting to escort you.

Welcome to Byron and Surrounds Tour 
Meet your local host at Ballina Airport before spending an afternoon exploring Byron Bay’s hinterland. The first stop is the local Brook family’s 96-acre farm ‘Brookies’ located high on the ridgeline above Byron Bay with views to the iconic Lighthouse and along the coastline.

On arrival, meet your host and commence a journey through the story of the Brook family farm and distillery. Begin with a Brookie’s Gin & Tonic garnished with Native Finger Lime & Aniseed Myrtle. Join your host on a stroll through the subtropical rainforest – see, smell, and touch the native rainforest botanicals that are used in the award-winning Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin. Return to the distillery where you will be guided through a fun sensory tasting experience by the distillery team.

Check into your luxury accommodation late afternoon and enjoy bubbles served on arrival. An afternoon massage can be arranged at additional cost.

Dinner will be prepared this evening by the 2018 winners of My Kitchen Rules, Alex and Emily. Enjoy a casual flavour driven menu accompanied by views that stretch across the Byron coastline and Pacific Ocean.

DAY TWO
Breakfast at leisure

Minyon Falls Rainforest Walk 
This morning you will join an environmental scientist on a private 2-hour / 4-kilometre rainforest walk. Explore this amazing rainforest ecosystem, see wildlife, and experience the wonder of Minyon Falls located 100-metres above the valley floor within the World Heritage listed Nightcap National Park. Enjoy a swim at the waterfall and picnic lunch before returning to your accommodation.

‘Forest to Beach’ sunset horseback ride 
Join the Zephyr Horses team for a sunset ‘Forest to Beach’ trail ride. On arrival you will be introduced to one of their twenty horses. Spend some time getting to know your horse before riding through native Tea Tree forest trails and along Byron’s iconic Belongil Beach. Suitable for beginner riders, Zephyr offers a holistic approach where the you will not only get to ride, but also learn about equipment, grooming, technique, horse behaviour and movement, and horsemanship.

Picture yourselves feasting on the best local products sourced by renowned chefs in an unforgettable setting on Belongil Beach.
Luxury Turkish towels, picnic rugs, cushions and funky Moroccan style beach umbrellas will provide comfort while you enjoy a Champagne picnic as the sun sets.

DAY THREE
Morning Cape Byron Sea Kayak Tour 
Meet your local host then transfer to Byron where you will join a Sea Kayak tour through the surf.
Get up close to playful bottlenose dolphins and keep an eye out for sea turtles and season dependant, you may be lucky enough to come across a pod of migrating whales.

On conclusion of the tour, a short transfer will have you at the ever-popular ‘Beach Byron Bay’ for brunch overlooking Main Beach.

Following brunch, you may wish to explore Byron Bay township or perhaps walk the coastal track to the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse located at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland.

Poolside Dinner with Chef Dai Shibata
With an impressive resume in fine dining restaurants, Chef Dai will create a bespoke degustation style dinner featuring in season local produce.

DAY FOUR
Breakfast at leisure.
Transfer to Ballina Airport

Travel Dates: Now until 31 March 2021. ( Subject to availability and excluding peak period 18 December 2020 – 15 January 2021. Surcharges will apply to 10 – 14 December & 21 – 31 January 2021 )

To enquire please contact the team at info@alquemie.com.au.

Marramarra Lodge – a new luxury retreat on the Hawkesbury

Marramarra Lodge is a brand new luxury retreat on the Hawkesbury. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, yet so close to Sydney, this new luxury accommodation will be a hit with both domestic and international travellers looking for a quick and easy escape from the city – just one hour from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.

The exclusive Marramarra lodge sits high on Fishermans Point peninsula on the Hawkesbury River with just eight stylish Peninsula Tents and seven Hawkesbury Bungalows – all with water views and either sunrise or sunset options.

The all-inclusive stay includes a daily six-course degustation at Budyari Restaurant as well as daily activities. There is also a spa and pool for spending a relaxing day in the stunning surrounds.

Two night Marramarra Lodge packages include:
– Transfers via Brooklyn Wharf & Marramarra Lodge
– Accommodation in a newly restored Hawkesbury Bungalow or Luxury Tent
– Gourmet breakfast of chef’s locally sourced and house made produce, each morning
– Light lunch daily
– Exclusive selection of minibar items
– Dinner beverages and paired wines
– Chef’s degustation dinner each evening
– Luxury amenities
– Daily resort activities

From just $1,100 per person twin share.

UPGRADE
Include a scenic Seaplane transfer or a Jet Ski Safari.

To book or enquire please contact the Alquemie team at alquemie@alquemie.com.au.

Whitehaven to Wineglass Bay

Travel the Australian East Coast, cherry-pick the absolute best.

Experience a uniquely Australian luxury holiday at Hamilton Island’s award-winning qualia resort, the Henry Jones Art Hotel in Hobart and concluding at the upscale Saffire resort on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula. Enjoy the contrast between the north’s humid subtropical climate and proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and Tasmania’s temperate southern climate and dramatic coastal woodlands and mountains.

Travel arrangements and experiences are consolidated into one seamless and unique booking by Alquemie’s luxury specialists.

Days 1 & 2 – qualia

qualia (pronounced kwah-leea) is located on the northern most point of Hamilton Island and offers sixty chic guest pavilions. Visually the retreat is 100% tropical Australia – glimpses of corrugated-iron, wide eaves, ventilation slats and breeze ways shimmering through a lacework of eucalypts and flowering melaleucas. However the elegance of its interiors and fittings and the excellence of its amenities and services places it among the best international resort experiences.

Includes:

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Windward Pavilion
  • Dinner on both nights with the first night being an 8 course tasting menu with matching wines
  • Whitehaven Signature treatment at Spa qualia
  • Talk & Taste experience
  • Scenic helicopter flight over Great Barrier Reef, including Heart Reef, and a picnic on Whitehaven Beach
  • A la carte breakfast daily
  • Standard qualia inclusions

(Note: Flight TBA, Sydney to Hamilton Island – booked by Passengers)

Days 3 – Hamilton Island to Hobart

The Henry Jones Art Hotel is located on Hobart’s waterfront and sits on what was once a jam factory dating back to 1804. The hotel is furnished with over 300 artworks with a continuously changing exhibition and has been created to present itself as a fusion of art, heritage, tradition and nature. The hotel offers 56 rooms and suites all uniquely different and furnished and the hotel’s restaurants and bars feature Tasmanian fine food and beverages

Deluxe Spa Harbour View Rooms overlook harbour front of Hobart framed by the cityscape and Mount Wellington. These rooms feature original walls of stone and timber trusses with columns and beams. With stainless steel and translucent glass bathrooms these rooms include a spa bath for total relaxation.

  • Hobart Airport to City
    Private Car Transfer – approximately 30 minute’s journey time
  • The Henry Jones Art Hotel 
    Number of Nights: 1
    Number of Rooms: 1 Double
    Room Type: Deluxe Spa Harbour View
    Room Includes: Full breakfast

(Note: Flight TBA, Hamilton Island to Hobart via Sydney – booked by Passengers)

Days 4 & 5 – Hobart to Saffire

The Freycinet Peninsula extends south-eastwards from Tasmania’s coastline and is a gazetted National Park that includes the internationally acclaimed Wineglass Bay. Freycinet’s landscapes are soft and warm pink granite mountains, white sand beaches, grey-green casuarinas and seawater blue as sapphire!

Saffire is located on the inside of the gentle curve of sandy coastline that joins the peninsula to mainland Tasmania and overlooks the wide expanses of Great Oyster Bay, where migrating whales and dolphins come to play. Local farms produce fresh, succulent oysters in some of the world’s cleanest waters; and fishing boats and trawlers bring in their daily catch of crayfish, scallops and deep sea fish, dripping and salty-sweet straight from the ocean.

The Signature Suites offer an open plan living area, an outdoor relaxation area and an ensuite bathroom. They have been furnished in an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary, with locally made timber pieces alongside mid-century classics.

Includes:

  • 2 nights accommodation in a Signature Suite
  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily
  • Complimentary mini bar & selected deluxe beverages
  • A$150 total spa credit
  • Saffire activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, archery & fishing
  • Saffire experiences such as the Freycinet marine oyster farm, the Tasmanian Devil experience and the Wineglass Lookout Walk.
  • Private car transfer – approximately 3 hours’ journey time
    Option to upgrade (at additional cost) to a private helicopter transfer – approximate journey time of 40 minutes

Days 6 – Saffire to Hobart

  • Saffire to Hobart
    Private Car Transfer – approximately 2.5 hours’ journey time
    Option to upgrade (at additional cost) to a private helicopter transfer – approximate journey time of 40 minutes
  • Flight TBA, Hobart to International Airport – (Flight booked by Passengers)

Please note:

  • Block-out dates will apply for qualia, Saffire, and Henry Jones Art Hotel. These will be advised at time of enquiry and rates are subject to change.
  • Costings are per person and based on twin-share.
  • Rates and availability are subject to change at time of booking as no reservations have been made.
  • Flights can be suggested however is not included in the total cost. At time of enquiry should you wish for Alquemie to include flights these can be added at additional cost.
  • Option to upgrade to a Private Helicopter Transfer to or from Saffire is not included in the total cost. This can be added at an additional cost.
  • For a credit card payment, we reserve the right to charge a handling fee.
  • Visas may be required for entry into Australia; please check with your local Consulate or High Commission
  • Should you decide to make changes to a confirmed itinerary, amendment penalties of A$100 per change applies.
  • Unless otherwise specified all touring will be conducted in English.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Mindfulness Luxe Escapes in Noosa

Nature is such a powerful healer as well as a beautiful reminder of how we can live in more presence. Below are unique opportunities to allow you to experience Noosa’s nature with your own private mindfulness experiences with one of our favourite guides Kelly Carthy.

Morning Retreat

Included is a tailored movement session incorporating yoga, pilates, breath-work and transformational meditations with powerful tools that can be applied directly into your life.  Create more space in your life with this beautifully crafted personal retreat in one of the most uniquely spectacular nature trails of the Australian coast. 

Dusk Wellbeing

When the sun sets, so follows calm and rest. The best way to end a day in Noosa is to take in the serenity of the sunset and treat your body to a relaxing movement and meditation session.

Gain exclusive access to the best local hideaway and viewpoints and see the sun rest over inspiring Noosa backdrops.  Let go of any unresolved tension as you are guided through a tailored meditation session that will completely recharge you and drop you calmly into the present moment.

Any sunset session would not be complete without a toast to the day, so enjoy a selection of luxury seasonal produce and celebratory beverage.

Mindful dining

This personalised dining experience focuses on immersing you in the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast combined with the finest local cuisine. Your guide / chef will take time getting to know you and then tailor a menu and dining experience that will take you on a journey to awaken all senses.

Full moon skydiving

Imagine falling into a sky full of stars on the night of a full moon with the scent of the bush and infinite space of the night sky surrounding you.  Combine a beautiful evening meditation with a full moon skydive to allow you to embrace each moment of the experience and really feel the sense of time expanded. 

Sunrise SUP (Stand-up paddle board)

Whether you like to gently greet the day or start it with a high energy ‘bang’,  your guide knows the best places to see the morning sun shine upon beautiful Noosa. Experience Stand Up Paddle boarding like never before with core work, yoga, meditation and movement seamlessly woven into your paddle journey down some of Noosa’s most pristine waterways. Not only is this a beautiful sight to behold, you’ll have a complete sensory experience in feeling the natural elements on your skin, hearing the sounds of native wildlife and tasting some local delights. Leave stress and worry behind and awaken your true, passionate and positive self; explore and recharge with a Sunrise SUP experience.

Tanja Lagoon Camp – Connect with nature

Tanja Lagoon Camp is one of those beautiful conservation stories that you dream of creating in retirement. Once a dairy farm with nothing but grass and cows, this gorgeous property has been converted by labour of love into a peaceful wilderness camp with tall trees and abundant wildlife.

A chilled out mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos call Tanja Lagoon Camp home, as do Swamp Wallabies, Echidnas, White-footed dunnarts, Ring-Tail Possums and a variety of other mammals. In conjunction with funding from the Local Land Services, owners Loz and Sam are planting vegetation across the property to create a wildlife corridor for the rare and endangered Long-Nosed Potoroo.

Located on the Sapphire Coast about 6 hours drive south of Sydney, this small pocket of privately owned land sits on the edge of a coastal lagoon surrounded by National Park. The region is know as Australia’s Coastal Wilderness and blissfully remains relatively unvisited due to the distance from any capital cities or major airports. You’ll often have miles of beach entirely to yourself.

Both Loz and Sam are former outdoor education guides and have a wealth of knowledge on the natural world.

Luxurious Safari Tents

Just four large, luxurious safari tents overlook the lagoon. Inside each tent is a beautiful and comfortable handcrafted queen size bed positioned to enjoy the best of the view when the tent is fully opened. There is also a lounge area with a sofa and writing desk. During the cooler months there is a Noirot heater to take the chill out of the room.

The ensuite bathroom of a safari tent at Tanja Lagoon Camp

Off the back of each deck is an ensuite bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave and cooking equipment. There is no restaurant on property however there is a quality gas barbecue with a hotplate, grill, oven chamber and side burner for you to self cater if you choose.

The spacious front decks have views of the lagoon, a comfortable dining setting, an ethanol brazier in the cooler months and the sofa is easy to move outside to be enjoyed as a daybed.

Each tent also has it’s own fire drum with camp chairs and fire wood provided to allow guests to enjoy the pleasure of sitting around a camp fire.

Middle Beach is just a short bush walk from Tanja Lagoon Camp.

Activities at Tanja Lagoon Camp

At Tanja Lagoon Camp you can be as active or as lazy as you please. Nearby is Middle Beach where the lagoon meets the ocean. Here you can surf, swim or explore the rock pools and sand bar that divides the lagoon from the sea. To access this magical place there’s a short bush walk, or you can take a canoe and paddle your way to the ocean. There is also a walk through the Mimosa Rocks National Park forest amongst the spotted gums and cycads. No matter what you choose, you’ll be sure to see the abundant wildlife and feel at peace in this natural wonderland.

Within an hours drive of Tanja Lagoon Camp are a variety of other activities both on and off the water. Beaches abound for surfing and swimming. There are a range of mountain bike trails for the active, and art trails for the creative. You can discover the Aboriginal heritage of the area at Aragannu, a site of special cultural significance to the local indigenous people or visit nearby oyster farms. You won’t get bored!

One activity that is recommended is to enjoy the sunset over the lagoon from the deck of your safari tent with glass of cold wine in hand.

Tanja Lagoon Camp is perfect for those who are after a wilderness experience near the beach. It is set up for those who self drive and self cater as there is no restaurant on site, however it can easily accomodate those who need full service.

 

 

 

Polperro Villas at Red Hill – A boutique luxury accommodation on the Mornington Peninsula

If you’re after a peaceful weekend getaway from Melbourne then look no further than Polperro Villas at Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula.  Only 90 minutes from the city, it is simply the perfect place for romance and relaxation. Just four luxurious villas are privately located on 25 acres of working vineyards in the heart of the famous wine region Red Hill, Mornington Peninsula. Here’s why we love it….

Polperro Villas sit on 25 private acres of vineyards.
Polperro Villas
The villas have a gorgeous large spa bath.

Each luxury villa features a king size bed, designer styling, an open fire place, a central spa bath and a private deck with vineyard views.

Polperro Villas are perfect in winter or summer
Polperro Villas are perfect in winter or summer.

On the property is also an intimate cellar door showcasing the full range of wines from Polperro and Even Keel founder and winemaker, Sam Coverdale.

Polperro wines
Sample wines made onsite at the cellar door.

There’s also a delightful bistro overlooking the vineyards with dishes like ‘Glazed lamb ribs, soft pancakes, garlic labneh, tomato relish, cucumber’ or ‘Duck breast, coffee chestnut purée, black quinoa, balsamic reduction’.

Polperro Bistro with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the vineyards
Polperro Bistro with indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the vineyards

Guests can grab a picnic pack and wine and venture out to explore the grounds for a long lazy afternoon in nature.

Polperro picnic
Grab a picnic pack and spend the afternoon relaxing outside.

For visiting guests there’s plenty to do, see and taste, with over 50 boutique cellar doors to explore, many celebrated restaurants to eat at, and pristine beaches and natural surrounds to feed nature lovers.

Polperro wines
Red Hill hosts more than 50 cellar doors

Polperro also offers guests Hot Hut yoga classes 7 days a week

HotHut yoga at Polperro
HotHut yoga

The accommodation here is our pick of the Mornington Peninsula. It is simply stunning and perfect for summer or winter. While one night here would be enough, we recommend two to really absorb and relax into the environment. To include Polperro Villas on your Australian itinerary contact alquemie@alquemie.com.au.

Lake House – Luxury Lodges of Australia

Award-winning Lake House in Daylesford just 90 minutes from Melbourne is as famous for its fine dining as it is for its boutique accommodation. Set within picturesque spa country, this family-run Luxury Lodge of Australia is a foodie’s delight and offers one of the best cellars in the country. Larissa Wolf-Tasker fills us in about this magical property.

Describe Lake House  in 3 words.

Gourmet | Country-chic | Service

Tell us a little bit about Lake House and what makes it so unique beyond great food, great wine and a very comfortable place to sleep?

Lake House is family owned and operated. It began as a restaurant in 1984 when Alla & Allan, husband and wife (artist and chef) opened the doors of their Lake House which had taken four years of building, plotting and planting. More than 30 years later Lake House is still owned and operated by the family including myself, my partner and 120 industry professionals.

The property is situated on six acres of country gardens; much of it planted by the previous generation, on the edge of lake Daylesford. It’s a rambling seasonal garden with old established fruit trees, fragrant old fashioned roses, lilac, magnolia and Daphne.

Lake House is near to the village of Daylesford which is filled with quirky shops, bars, cafes and galleries. A short stroll or bike ride will get you into the heart of the village within ten minutes but guests more often than not will spend hours exploring the main street and laneways on route.

This region is a land of extinct volcanos and boasts the largest concentration of naturally occurring mineral water springs in Australia. There is now an enormous spa industry built around the health giving properties of this mineral water and you can see the evidence on the springs on site where the waters flow above ground in creeks, water features and shallow pools. A local water diviner came on site to discover the underground springs and we now have water available for people to drink on site as well as bath in. The volcanic activity millions of years ago also ensured productive volcanic soil resulting in a diverse organic and biodynamic farming industry. As a result our restaurant has a consistent supply of extraordinary produce. It’s a pretty special place.

Accommodation at Lake House, Daylesford
Accommodation at Lake House, Daylesford

How is Lake House pushing the boundaries in guest experiences?

Our purpose built Cooking School gives guests an opportunity to get their hands dirty in either an intimate class of ten or amongst a masterclass with some of Australia’s leading chefs. The full calendar for the year ahead is always released in December and spaces fill quickly.

What’s a recent (last six months) innovation at Lake House?

We are always moving forward and now in our fourth decade the Lake House continues to grow and evolve with refurbished accommodation, brand new facilities and plenty of wistful country inspiration. The Lake House Team have never been known to rest on our laurels; now launching the newly refurbished Waterfront Suites. This update comes hot on the heels of the new Waterfront Pavilion – a private dining room for up to 40 guests on the lagoon shore, The Lagoon Deck – a place to enjoy afternoon aperitivo high in the poplars overlooking lake Daylesford, and the refurbished Lodge Studios and Suites in the original homestead.

The cooking school at Lake House, Daylesford
The cooking school at Lake House, Daylesford

What activity should guests not miss during their stay at Lake House?

A Signature Salus Bliss – it’s a combination of soft body polish, rhythmic massage and hot volcanic stones

Best dining experience at Lake House ?

Our restaurant is a destination in itself. Dining in the restaurant is the signature experience of a stay at Lake House and our tasting menu that changes with the seasons is a definite must-do. The Lake House Restaurant is listed as one of Australia’s best and this year alone has been included in every major national industry and media award.

Please describe a typical guest at Lake House.

There are no typical guests. We practise a very bespoke style of hospitality. Every day and every guest is a new opportunity to create very special memories.

The Spa at Lake House, Daylesford
The Spa at Lake House, Daylesford

Is Lake House child friendly?

Yes however we are on an unfenced lake and ask parents to be mindful of the natural landscape. Onsite there are plenty of activities for kids – feeding the kookaburras, geese and ducks, fishing, flying kites, tennis, basketball, lake walks etc. Nearby there is also quad biking, clay pigeon shooting, horse riding, three golf courses and the Wildlife Park.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

We have a few more unusual parts to the property. Our own resident artist Allan Wolf-Tasker’s studio is on site. At the moment he is working on a new exhibition “Lake Daylesford” which will be shown in Melbourne in November 2016. His studio is open to hotel guests or by appointment. We also display the work of several local artists throughout the gardens, in the public space and in the hotel rooms themselves.

The Lake House is also regularly featured on shows such as Masterchef. Culinary Director Alla Wolf-Tasker AM is an icon in the hospitality industry and is often representing Australia’s food and wine in partnership with Tourism Australia overseas.

The deck at Lake House, Daylesford
The deck at Lake House, Daylesford

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Pretty Beach House

Oooo so Pretty!

It is such a joy to experience properties that make you go ‘WOW!’… and Pretty Beach House is one of them.

The Alquemie team recently visited Pretty Beach House, a 90 minute drive north of Sydney that feels worlds away. This exclusive four room luxury lodge represents so much of what we love about Australia. While its name comes from the suburb that it is located in, the property is actually in the middle of Australian bushland. Immediately you feel connected to the surrounding environment: the smell, the sounds, the view are all incredibly tranquil.

Treetops Bedroom at Pretty Beach House on the Bouddi Peninsula, New South Wales
Treetops Bedroom at Pretty Beach House on the Bouddi Peninsula, New South Wales

Then you eat… and oh my do you eat… with a highly regarded chef behind it all guests enjoy quality Australian produce prepared perfectly. Meals are served in the dining room of the main house, with an open kitchen allowing guests to learn about what they are eating from the chef. Want to get closer to the action? Then you are welcome to dine right at the kitchen bench… the choice is all yours!

Gorgeous Angophras tree at Pretty Beach House on the Bouddi Peninsula, New South Wales
Gorgeous Angophras tree at Pretty Beach House on the Bouddi Peninsula, New South Wales

Filled to the brim it’s time to retire to your room or the living area for a bit of relaxation – a good book, a luscious bath, or perhaps a dip in the main pool or your own private plunge pool (with the exception of one room).

For those more active you could opt for one of the various bush walks, and you can easily head down to some of the nearby beaches or local towns. Being such a small property the choice is all yours, and the team go out of their way personalising your stay. In saying that with a property this stunning no one could blame you for staying put and making the most of it!

Bayview Suite at Pretty Beach House on the Bouddi Peninsula, New South Wales
Bayview Suite at Pretty Beach House on the Bouddi Peninsula, New South Wales

Rooms are generously sized, and each has its own character. The design is luxurious without being over the top, and the collection of artwork by some of the Australia’s most famous artists is really impressive. All very much in keeping with the surrounds.
Just when you think things can’t get much better you are called for a traditional Aboriginal welcome ceremony. This intimate and interactive experience is extremely interesting, and you walk away with a well rounded perspective on Australia’s indigenous culture. A very touching and personal story.

It is not simply the individual elements that stand out here, but rather Pretty Beach House is the whole package!

An Elder - part of an Aboriginal cultural experience near Pretty Beach House, Bouddi Peninsula
An Elder – part of an Aboriginal Welcome to Country Ceremony near Pretty Beach House, Bouddi Peninsula

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Cape Lodge – Margaret River

Cape Lodge – Reviewed

As we turned into Cape Lodge, my travelling friend and I both felt a sense of calm, of tranquillity.  There are rows of grape vines in the distance, some grand old trees in the gardens and a scattering of elegant buildings that sit comfortably in the lovely, relaxed grounds – nothing jars!   Our two night stay was about discovering more of the Margaret River region but I was excited to be staying in the recently refurbished Lake View Suites and dining in the refurbished restaurant – such a treat!

The Cape Lodge team are always welcoming and we were shown to our rooms after a cup of tea in the lounge and a chance to pick Veronique’s brain about where we should have lunch the next day.   With beautiful views across the lake, the spacious suites are fabulous.   The décor is warm with touches of vibrant grape-green, the bathrooms are open plan and yet provide for modesty if required.  The beds are huge and comfortable, a sofa is positioned to enjoy the view and the carpet is the type that makes you wiggle your toes.   Plush, rich, relaxed, serene … these are the words that spring to mind.

We wandered over to the restaurant for dinner and gone are the dark plums of its past!  The restaurant and bar have new life, again a new colour palate, this time cool & fresh colours that allow the focus to be where it should be – on the stunning cuisine that is thoughtfully and artfully plated up.  We opted for the 5 course tasting menu and loved the delicious flavours, sensible portion sizes and impeccable wine pairing.   On our second night we enjoyed a shared platter in the bar – after a full day of wine touring and eating this was more than enough and is a really smart offering.

We can report that we would happily go back there again every weekend – Cape Lodge offers a regional experience that has just the right amount of relaxed friendly style, sophisticated cuisine and beautiful surrounds.   Well done on the refurb, Cape Lodge you’re looking great!

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

 

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is back!

We are very excited to have Lizard Island, one of our favourite tropical islands on the Great Barrier Reef is back after a full refurbishment. We absolutely love this resort as it boasts some of the most impressive coastal scenery, located right on the reef, and paired with quintessentially laid back Australian luxury – a truly magical destination!

Anchor Bay suite at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Anchor Bay suite at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

Lizard Island is located off the coast of North Queensland, accessible by charter or scheduled flights from Cairns. The resort has been closed for some time while it has undergone a full refurbishment – including all suites and public areas. We have had our first few clients stay and the feedback is as wonderful as ever. The chic new rooms are fitting with the surrounding environment, and the common areas retain their relaxed atmosphere.

Flying over to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
Flying over to Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

As lovely as the rooms are, the focus is most definitely on the reef. Lizard is quite unique in that the island has an impressive reef in a protected lagoon just around from the resort. Guests have access to reserve a motorised dinghie for the day where they can roam as they please. Swim amongst turtles, giant clams, and abundant marine life before picking a secluded private beach to settle down with a gourmet picnic lunch. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Water-based activities at Lizard Island Beach Club on the Great Barrier Reef
Water-based activities at Lizard Island Beach Club on the Great Barrier Reef

For guests that are interested in diving there are various outer reef sites within easy reach of the resort, and arguably some of the best in North Queensland. Those wanting to stay put needn’t worry – the spa, fabulous food and wine selection, and stunning accommodation will ensure guests can relax in style! Welcome back Lizard – we are excited…

A blissful sandy cove at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef
A blissful sandy cove at Lizard Island on the Great Barrier Reef

 

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie