It's the most wonderful time of the year, but also one of the busiest: balance out the frenetic festive season with a new-year stay in one of these serene boltholes.
The festive season and its swirl of traditions may be 'the most wonderful time of year' for some, but the holiday mood isn't for everyone. If you’re thinking about avoiding the hubbub altogether, or looking for a relaxing post-host escape, it could be time to direct your attention to a secluded adults-only villa by the beach or remote lodge deep in lush hinterland. No tinsel required.
Read on to discover our pick of the best places to retreat from the hectic holidays this year.
Ready to escape? Discover our Australia collection.
The Oak & Anchor Hotel, VIC
Venture to the end of the scenic Great Ocean Road to meet the sleepy beachside town of Port Fairy, where a stay at adults-only The Oak & Anchor Hotel promises relaxation. Find summertime serenity at this heritage-listed property, where the coastal-cool accents, timber panelling and whitewashed walls have featured in the town since the mid-1800s. Leave the city (and the Christmas chaos) behind while browsing antique stores, splashing in the glass-like waters and spotting native wildlife.
Book your escape here.
Mount Mulligan Lodge, QLD
Immerse yourself in the untamed natural scenery of North Queensland’s outback at this five-star stay. Once you land on the exclusive airstrip – 150km west of Cairns – you’ll be chauffeured to the working cattle station by 4WD, where accommodation for 28 guests stands proud. At the heart of this remarkable lodge lies the main pavilion, a warm and inviting space with a double-sided fireplace, a 'help yourself' bar brimming with treats, and an inviting infinity pool. The lodge's natural timber exterior blends into a eucalyptus-fringed weir, providing the perfect vantage point to bask in the grandeur of the spectacular Mount Mulligan – known to the Indigenous custodians of the land as Ngarrabullgan.
Book your escape here.
Ratho Farm, TAS
Ratho Farm is redefining remote luxury. This secluded boutique retreat lies in Tasmania's central highlands, just an hour's drive from Hobart, and features restored cottages, barns, stables and a historic homestead set amid Australia's oldest golf course. With refreshed interiors, heated flooring and plush bedding, you’ll be well-rested ahead of days on the green. Swaddled by highland plains, Ratho Farm encourages a connection with nature. Spend days exploring nearby attractions, including distilleries and Lake St Clair, simply drinking in the serenity.
Book your escape here.
Marramarra Lodge, NSW
Just a stone’s throw from bustling Sydney, Marramarra Lodge boasts a feeling of solitude akin to a much more remote retreat. The definition of luxurious back-to-nature escapism, only accessible by boat or helicopter, this exclusive adults-only escape caters to just 28 guests at a time. The safari-style tents and rustic chic bungalows that line the banks of the Hawkesbury River couldn’t be further from the typical Christmas escape. Relax by the swimming pool, pamper yourself at the day spa and sample local delicacies at Budyari restaurant before luxuriating in a champagne-infused sunset cruise with freshly shucked oysters.
Book your escape here.
Seashells Broome, WA
Just steps from the white powdery sands of Cable Beach and the glistening Indian Ocean, this self-contained resort allows you to experience the vibrancy of the outback while still immersed in Broome’s heat-beating bars, world-class restaurants, magnificent nature and beloved sights. Bring the family with two- and three-bedroom apartments available, or escape the crowds in a modern one-bedroom apartment with a romantic bathtub.
Book your escape here.
Bullo River Station, NT
An escape to Bullo River Station in the Kimberley is the gift that keeps on giving. Extending more than 395,000 acres through cascading waterfalls and towering gorges, this once-in-a-lifetime escape will stay with you long after you’ve left. Swap the talk of reindeer and sleigh rides for horseback and helicopters as you spend your day cruising the Bullo River and soaring above this working station. Plunge into billabongs, picnic by waterfalls and immerse yourself in ancient Miriuwung-Gajerrong culture before retreating to this all-inclusive homestead nestled among the palm trees.
Book your escape here.
The Frames, SA
The tranquil beauty of the Riverland region provides the breathtaking backdrop to one of South Australia's most luxurious stays, The Frames - an intimate five-star collection of ultra-modern, adults-only villas perched on the ochre clifftops by the Murray River. Luxuriate in the warmth of a private outdoor plunge pool, thoughtfully heated for year-round pleasure, or detox in the soothing infrared sauna. While the retreat offers seclusion and serenity, there's a wealth of discoveries in the Riverland region, from the historic township of Renmark to vineyards, breweries and gourmet purveyors nestled amid national parks. For a deeper immersion, paddle through Woolenook Wetlands by canoe or embark on an enlightening cultural journey led by an Indigenous ranger, unravelling the mysteries of the Riverland's ecosystem.
Book your escape here.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out Seven Festive Reasons to Spend Christmas in Europe.
