10 of the best luxury stays in NSW

There’s nothing quite like escaping into the lap of luxury to feel rejuvenated. We think these 10 indulgent hotel stays will have you feeling like a brand-new you.

Destination NSW

Destination NSW

Jan 2022 -
4
min read
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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.

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, Country NSW

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 restaurant with scenic ocean views of Mount Gower, Lord Howe Island

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island -  Credit: Capella Lodge

Crown Towers Sydney, Barangaroo

Towering above Barangaroo, Crown Towers Sydney is the city’s tallest hotel, standing at 275 metres tall. It has a sprawling rooftop pool deck, spa, 14 bars and restaurants, and 349 guest rooms including 22 ultra-luxe private villas – each designed so that the floor-to-ceiling windows are the central focus. But the opulence doesn't end there: 24-hour in-room dining and concierge services are available, an impressive eight-metre chandelier adorns the foyer, and the property is home to a string of high-end retailers, a state-of-the-art gymnasium and an open-air tennis court.

Don’t miss: a swim in the infinity pool, before relaxing in a private cabana with harbour vistas.

Resort pool at Crown Towers Sydney

Resort pool at Crown Towers Sydney - Credit: Crown Hotels

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

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

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. Image credit: Blue Sydney A Taj Hotel

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. Image Credit: David Mitchener

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. Image Credit Anson Smart

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

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. Five-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers 590 luxurious rooms and suites (with luxurious soaking tubs), wraparound harbour views, a Champagne bar and an 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.

 

Discover more luxury stays in Sydney

N'gurra Lounge - Wildlife Retreat at Taronga. Image credit: Taronga Zoo Sydney

Wildlife Retreat Taronga

The Wildlife Retreat at Taronga on Cammeraigal country is an elegant Australian eco-retreat nestled within Taronga Zoo, overlooking magnificent Sydney Harbour.

Image credit: QT Sydney

QT Sydney

Layers of time make QT Sydney a one of a kind experience. Reinvention. Exploration, the wild geography of a colourful life.

Shangri-La Sydney

Shangri-La Sydney

The unparalleled views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House enhance the glamour of this destination hotel.

A by Adina Sydney

Adina Sydney

Welcoming guests in the sky lobby and reception located on level 21, A by Adina Sydney’s newest bar experience comes alive from sunset with cool tunes and colourful cocktails.

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour. Image credit: Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour

Enviably located on the corner of Sussex and Bathurst Streets, the newly built Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour is your sanctuary away from home.

SKYE Suites Sydney. Image credit SKYE Hotel Suites Parramatta

SKYE Suites Sydney

With its eye-catching brickwork and two glass and steel towers soaring dramatically into the city skyline, SKYE Suites Sydney is a graceful expression of imagination, innovation and integrity.

The William Inglis Hotel

The William Inglis Hotel

The William Inglis Hotel is a luxury five star boutique equine themed hotel located in South West Sydney. This MGallery by Sofitel property is the ultimate getaway destination with all brand new facilities and excellent service.

Crystalbrook Albion

Crystalbrook Albion

Situated in the heart of Surry Hills, Sydney, Crystalbrook Albion is an eclectic mix of heritage and contemporary detail true to its own DNA and that of Surry Hills.

Little National Hotel Sydney

Little National Hotel Sydney

Little National Hotel rises above Wynyard Walk, moments from everything that defines this city. For business or leisure, Little National has it all in a heartbeat.

Paramount House Hotel. Image credit: Tom Ross - Paramount House Hotel Pty Ltd

Paramount House Hotel

Paramount House Hotel is located in the former headquarters of Paramount Picture Studios in Surry Hills, Sydney. Their 29 rooms are a mix of heritage brightened by new and include details such as terrazzo-tiled bathrooms, French linen sheets and curated artwork.

The Old Clare Hotel. Image credit Sonrac Services Pty Ltd

The Old Clare Hotel

Savvy travellers can expect exceptional hospitality and personalised service in an unpretentious setting - complete with rooftop pool, meeting room, gym, day spa, and plethora of dining experiences.

Spicers Potts Point. Image credit Spicers Retreats

Spicers Potts Point

Just a short walk to trendy cafes, Sydney city and harbour and set amongst a mix of historic art deco and modern architecture, Spicers Potts Point exudes an effortless blend of classic Sydney heritage character with a fresh contemporary feel.

Discover more luxury stays in NSW

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