Top hotels for a winter escape

Top hotels for a winter escape

With open fireplaces, stellar views, A-grade spa facilities and even heated bathroom floors, these are the best lodges and resorts in our 2016 Australian Hotel Guide to escape to this winter. Food is no afterthought either, these hotels house some of Australia’s (and the world’s) best restaurants. 

The 2016 Australian Hotel Guide is on sale now.

Pumphouse Point, TAS

Nature is the ultimate luxury at Pumphouse Point. Hovering atop Australia’s deepest lake and surrounded by World Heritage wilderness, you can watch a platypus surfacing outside your window, or the sunset flaring over the lake as you savour a Tasmanian pinot by a log fire. Room fridges are stocked with local produce, such as seafood chowder and fine cheeses, and fresh-baked bread is only a call-to-reception away.

Pumphouse Point, 1 Lake St Clair Rd, Lake St Clair, TAS, pumphousepoint.com.au

MONA Pavilions, TAS

The rooms of David Walsh’s MONA Pavilions all feature comfortable beds, large granite baths and balconies, contemporary art, antiquities and all the trimmings of a home away from home (full kitchen, wine cellar, laundry). It’s also a (very) short stroll away from The Source restaurant, a winery, cellar door, cocktail bar and the spectacular subterranean museum that sparked Hobart’s revival: MONA.

Mona Pavilions, 655 Main Rd, Berriedale, Hobart, TAS, mona.net.au

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, NSW

A carbon-neutral resort located on 2,800 hectares of wildlife reserve. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is ringed by ochre-coloured peaks, plateaus, crags and cliffs. Accommodation takes form in 40 freestanding bungalows, with the majority housing double-sided sandstone fireplaces and luxurious slate ensuite bathrooms. Food is strictly local, for instance, Mandagery Creek venison or Blue Mountains chestnuts, and a respectable list of complimentary wines is on offer.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, 2600 Wolgan Rd, Wolgan Valley, NSW, oneandonlyresorts.com/one-and-only-wolgan-valley-australia

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, NSW

Lake House, VIC

It’s tempting to hunker down in-room at the Lake House. There are private verandas, upholstered window seats, throw rugs and piles of scatter cushions, The Retreat (a two-bedroom villa) also comes complete with a sunken tub, firepit and private bar. But the lure of a lake walk, a picnic (hampers arranged, blankets provided) or dinner at one of the country’s pioneering regional restaurants, may tempt you out of the room.

Lake House, 4 King St, Daylesford, VIC, lakehouse.com.au

Biota Dining, NSW

Biota became a dining destination when it added accommodation alongside its highly-regarded regional restaurant. Guests can settle in to the degustation menu, paired with organic and regional wine, then retreat to their calm, refurnished rooms. The rooms are situated in 1960s-era motel beside the restaurant and are complete with wall-mounted willow branches and mid-century Parker furniture. Make the drive midweek for a well-priced stay and dine package. 

Biota Dining, 18 Kangaloon Rd, Bowral, NSW, biotadining.com

Saffire, TAS

The architecture of the Saffire hotel takes inspiration from its surroundings. There’s timber, pink blushes and sapphire that reflect the stunning views across Coles Bay to the pink granite peaks of the Hazards. If you decide to skip the local wine tours and cooking demonstrations, the spa has you covered. Pick from one of their many treatments and take a long, therapeutic soak in the giant marble tub.

Saffire, 2352 Coles Bay Rd, Coles Bay, TAS, saffire-freycinet.com.au

Spicers Clovelly Estate, QLD

Surrounded by the rolling green hills and remnant rainforest, this French Provincial-inspired property is perfect for those craving a country getaway without forgoing the five-star comforts of heated bathroom floors and Bemboka blankets. Some of the suits feature big spa baths in which you can sprinkle “bath caviar” and soak until your fingers crinkle, or head to the main building and perch yourself in front of the freestanding fireplace.

Spicers Clovelly Estate, 68 Balmoral Rd, Montville, QLD, spicersretreats.com

Satellite Island, TAS

Ever wanted your own private island? When you stay at Satellite Island, it’s exclusively yours. Packages at the private island resort come inclusive with boat transfer, a fully stocked pantry and gourmet breakfast ingredients; this is if you’re not already full from the endless supply of wild oysters on offer. Accommodation is a choice between the Summer House, Boathouse or the luxury bell tent. Then explore the island’s 32 hectares of cliffs, beaches and hilltops at your whim.

Satellite Island, Satellite Island, TAS, satelliteisland.com.au

The Australasian Circa 1858, SA

Climb the floating staircase of The Australasian Circa 1858 to find walls adorned with precious kimonos and rear decks for drinks, with glimpses of the river, distant hills and the odd steam train. Or retreat to your room; recline in the bath and pick from the luxe breakfast trolley. The daily-changing breakfast menu features strictly local produce, with, say, a breakfast bento box or bacon with eggs and sides. Dinner in the hotel’s dining room features Japanese and modern Australian fare, as well as fine local drops from McLaren Vale and the Barossa.

The Australasian Circa 1858, 1 Porter Street, Goolwa, SA. australiasian1858.com

Brae, VIC

After launching a new accommodation offering earlier this year, Brae jumped 22 spots on The World’s Best Restaurant list to 65. If you haven’t already made the trip out to this regional restaurant and hotel, now is the time. The hotel is composed of six rooms, created by a team of designers and artists who contribute a unique personality to each space. There are customised cocktails in the minibar, an eclectic record collection and a Thorens turntable and a bedroom with organic cotton bedding and expansive pastoral views.  

Click here to view a complete gallery of Brae’s hotel.

Brae, 4285 Cape Otway Rd, Birregurra, VIC, braerestaurant.com

Hotel Hotel, ACT

Hotel Hotel is a consistently great hotel with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The ground floor hums from dawn until 1am with Monster Kitchen and Bar serving up delicious eats (cue the yabby jaffle) all day long. Guestrooms upstairs are cocooned in clay-rendered walls and wool carpet, complete with alpaca blankets and heated bathroom floors.

Hotel Hotel, NewActon Nishi, 25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra, ACT, hotel-hotel.com.au