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Luxe For Less: Top Holidays Under $999
Written by Nate Robinson
Dreaming of elsewhere? Here are some of our best escapes under $999 – the ultimate excuse for a trip away.
If you’ve found yourself with a little extra cash this year – or you’re simply ready for a well-deserved break – this is the perfect opportunity to book your next escape away. These retreats are all A$999 (or less), and with many offering inclusions like daily dining, massages and nightly cocktails, they make the perfect reason to splash out. Read more to discover our top holidays under $999.
After more savings? Luxury gets a whole lot more affordable with LuxPlus+ – for an annual membership of A$249 (plus a one-off joining fee of A$500, waived upon making your first LuxPlus+ eligible booking with membership added at checkout) you can save hundreds every year with exclusive additional discounts, hidden escapes and bonus inclusions.
Bali holidays under A$999
Montigo Resorts, Seminyak
Treat yourself to the escape you deserve with this recently renovated tropical oasis in the heart of one of Bali’s most loved areas. Find your slice of paradise just steps from Seminyak’s must-visit spots, including Petitenget Beach, the legendary Potato Head and Mrs Sippy Bali beach club. With two serene pools, a Balinese Spa and multiple dining options, you may not even want to leave the comfort of the resort.
Novotel Bali Nusa Dua
Wrapped in tropical gardens and anchored by a two-tier lagoon pool, this five-hectare resort is as Bali as it comes. A short shuttle ride will take you to its private beach club, with front-row access to golden sands and an unforgettable sunrise. Dining options cover everything from Balinese favourites at The Square to French pastries at Pause Café and poolside drinks at Gourmet Bar. Plus, you’ll get the full Bali experience with spa treatments and daily activities like Balinese dancing.
Rumah Luwih Bali, an IHG Hotel
This elegant colonial-style hotel combines traditional Balinese touches with Dutch-inspired architecture, all set against the black sand beaches of Gianyar. With a uniquely tiled infinity pool that seemingly melts into a lotus pond and a view of Mount Agung on clear days it’s a striking place to settle in. Enjoy breakfast and chandelier-lit lunch and dinner at Adrawina Restaurant, daily free-flow drinks and massages.
Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud
Tucked among Ubud’s emerald rice terraces and rainforest, Arkamara Dijiwa feels like a secluded Balinese village. Suites and villas here merge luxury with authenticity, each decorated with traditional woodwork and opening to sweeping views. Packages include breakfast rooted in local flavour at Kaukau, massages and daily activities like mixology classes.
Thailand holidays under A$999
Natai Beach Resort
Secluded golden sands, a dazzling lagoon pool and the eternally shimmering blues of the Andaman Sea beyond: discover Thailand as it once was at this exceptional resort, perfectly positioned just 30 minutes north of Phuket Airport. One of the region’s finest sheltered beaches is just steps away. Laze the afternoon away by the resort’s Pool Bar or on a seaside hammock and return for dinner at Natai Restaurant, greeted warmly by the resort’s excellent staff and the spectacular setting of the sun.
Dusit Thani Pattaya
Authentic Thai hospitality and cosmopolitan opulence converge at this beachside resort in serene Pattaya. Delight in quiet moments by the pool with a fresh juice in hand or savour a fragrant array of seafood, premium meats, and Asian delicacies at The Bay, all while overlooking the glistening Gulf of Thailand. Dining experiences also include an all day eatery, gourmet bakery and an elegant Lobby Lounge with nightly live music. If you want to leave feeling better than when you arrived, the resort’s extensive wellness solutions are at your fingertips – find balance during a Tai Chi class, build emotional resilience, be revived with a glow-enhancing facial or make connections during local experiences in Pattaya.
ANANA Ecological Resort Krabi
Find the epitome of relaxation among southern Thailand’s striking limestone cliffs and peaceful forested valleys with a luxurious five-star Krabi escape. Just a 30-minute stroll from Ao Nang’s breathtaking stretch of beach, this sustainable oasis invites you to get back to nature and embrace green living through enriching amenities that focus on health and wellbeing. Restore mind, body and soul with an exclusive spa treatment in the Asana Spa and a soothing dip in the natural volcanic-stone-tiled pools, or indulge in delicious food from the permaculture farm at Botanica Restaurant.
The Riverie by Katathani
Consistently ranking highly in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, The Riverie by Katathani brings Chiang Rai’s enchanting heritage to life on the banks of the Kok River. Explore nearby temples, splash in the mini waterpark, and as a bonus, upgrade to a Riverie Suite for plenty of space and gorgeous river views – still less than A$999 for a three-night stay.
Australia holidays under $999
QT Gold Coast
Experience the magic of sun-drenched Surfers Paradise firsthand with an oceanfront designer hotel stay packed with all kinds of excitement and intrigue. From the luminous pool and the myriad of sophisticated restaurants to the indulgent spaQ day spa, there is no shortage of wondrous experiences to be found within the hotel. When the time comes to venture further, Cavill Avenue is just a 10-minute walk away, while bustling Broadbeach and the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks are all within a 30-minute drive.
voco Kirkton Park Hunter Valley, an IHG Hotel
What’s better than wine and a holiday? Experience the best of Australia’s cellar doors in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Set on 70 acres with panoramic views of the Broken Back Ranges, this is your gateway to Pokolbin’s famed artisanal producers and winemakers. You’ll be a Hunter Valley expert in no time with a Tulloch Wines wine flight, a kombucha and cheese tasting experience and the region’s wineries minutes away.
RACV Noosa Resort
Find serenity on the Sunshine Coast and embrace the laid-back lifestyle of Noosa at this modern, award-winning resort. Surrounded by lush bushland, this is the perfect private escape mere moments from Noosa’s best – with spacious apartments offering the ideal space to stretch out after a day of exploration. Begin your day with a bountiful breakfast at Arcuri, sip on a refreshing drink at Dazza’s Bar or indulge in a signature treatment at One Spa, where relaxation is redefined. For families, the splash park, water slides and games room keep everyone entertained, while the lagoon pool and infinity-edge heated pool are ideal for a touch of zen.
Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
Hailed as one of Australia’s finest casinos and Far North Queensland’s number one entertainment destination, this Cairns stay offers the ultimate five-star escape. With views over Trinity Inlet and the magic of the Great Barrier Reef easily accessible just offshore, this seaside haven invites you to experience one of the East Coast’s most sought-after destinations. Here, you can embrace breezy tropical vibes, effortlessly combined with Pullman’s signature luxury style in a setting of spectacular natural beauty.
Pullman Melbourne City Centre
Embrace five-star sophistication in the heart of Melbourne at this swanky Little Bourke Street hotel. Perfectly positioned off one of the city’s main thoroughfares, Pullman Melbourne City Centre beckons you through a hidden laneway entrance and into an urban retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the CBD. Treat yourself to breakfast and great coffee at Eva’s Restaurant & Bar, or head to Blossom Rooftop Bar – Melbourne’s highest rooftop bar – for laidback cocktails and dazzling views over Melbourne’s skyline.
Elysia Wellness Retreat
Experience laidback luxury at one of Australia’s leading wellness sanctuaries in the heart of the Hunter Valley’s acclaimed wine country. Take a moment for yourself, far from the distractions of daily life, and become completely immersed in nature, among the vines. Stretch out, relax and take a deep breath with daily wellness classes, soothe your soul with guided tai chi lessons at sunrise and take advantage of pristine Hunter Valley vistas. Whether you are seeking a self-guided adventure or a wellness retreat tailored for one or two guests, Elysia Wellness Retreat has unique experiences suited to your needs.
QT Sydney
A rare niche, part Art Deco masterpiece, part theatre, all Sydney. This hotel is set within the walls of the old State Theatre and Gowings department store in the heart of the vibrant Harbour City. Currently the #1 hotel in Sydney on TripAdvisor, this sleek and sophisticated spot is ready to sweep you off your feet with its unique charm. Rendezvous in eclectic French bistro, Parlour, or wine and dine at Gowings for a taste of New York’s Little Italy, where succulent steaks are perfectly paired with bold Australian wines. When it’s time to decompress, head to spaQ for euphoria-inducing treatments and massages.
After more inspiration? Check out How to Holiday Like a VIP (For Less).
Featured image: Natai Beach Resort, Thailand.
