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Luxe For Less: Top Holidays Under $999

Dreaming of elsewhere? Here are some of our best escapes under A$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 A$999.

Based on hotel stay only, flights priced separately.

Australia holidays under A$999 

Paradox Sydney

Everything you could want from a Sydney stay is at your fingertips at Paradox Sydney, a grand hotel in a heritage-listed building between Circular Wharf and Darling Harbour. It’s just a quick walk to Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and The Rocks, with an indoor pool and afternoon tea awaiting you on return.

Pullman Melbourne City Centre

Experience five-star luxury at this Little Bourke Street hotel in Melbourne, tucked away in a tranquil laneway. Enjoy breakfast and coffee at Eva’s Restaurant & Bar, or unwind with cocktails at Blossom Rooftop Bar, the city’s highest outdoor venue with stunning skyline views. With top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you’re perfectly positioned to explore nearby landmarks like Federation Square and Parliament House, as well as the scenic Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley.

Rydges Resort Hunter Valley

New South Wales’ Hunter Valley is a three-hour drive yet a world away from Sydney. Surrounded by more than 150 cellar doors, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley – the largest resort in the region – places you right in the heart of everything the wine country has to offer, with golfing and spa facilities onsite.

Bali holidays under A$999 

Novotel Bali Nusa Dua

In one of Bali’s most sought-after spots, this tropical resort could be the ultimate flop-and-drop, with everything you could want onsite. It feels like its own little world within five hectares of palm and flower-dotted gardens, with a two-tier lagoon pool at its heart. From regular rooms to huge four-bedroom apartments, it’s perfect for families of all sizes, and there’s a kids’ club to boot.

Kappa Senses Ubud

Hidden away in Ubud’s rainforest, this serene resort embraces the region’s penchant for wellness with an impressive, Clarins-backed spa, with vitality pools, steam, sauna and Vichy showers. Further nourishment is found through yoga classes and produce grown onsite in the organic garden. Suites look out over the jungle, with two-bedroom pool villa options for larger groups.

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.

Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud 

Tucked among Ubud’s emerald rice terraces and rainforest, Arkamara Dijiwa feels like a secluded Balinese village. Suites and villas here seamlessly merge luxury with authenticity, each decorated with traditional woodwork and offering sweeping views. Packages include breakfast rooted in local flavour at Kaukau, massages and daily activities like mixology classes.

Thailand holidays under A$999 

Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach

You can’t beat Phuket for an easy beach holiday. Just 15 minutes from the buzz of Patong Beach, yet in its own little enclave, this resort spills onto powdery white sands and azure waters. Head from coconut sipping at the swim-up bar to spa treatments and rooftop cocktails. Rooms overlook the jungle or the ocean, and there are connecting family options, too.

Shangri-La Chiang Mai 

Just moments from the Mae Ping River, this five-star retreat offers sweeping mountain views and a blend of traditional Thai elegance with modern luxury. Explore Chiang Mai’s Old Town by rickshaw, then unwind with a spa treatment or a swim in the city’s largest pool. Kids will love the waterslide and activities at the Kids’ Corner, while diverse dining options range from international buffets to Michelin-praised Sichuan cuisine. 

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.

The Haven Khao Lak

Set on Khuk Khak Beach, this serene, adults-only retreat promises privacy and long, sun-drenched days. The resort’s centrepiece is a vast saltwater pool framed by swaying palms and views across the Andaman Sea. Indulge at Aqua Spa or enjoy sunset cocktails and fresh seafood at Vongole Restaurant. Wander along the quiet beach or explore local night markets and island snorkelling spots. Designed for guests 12 and up, this coastal haven makes unwinding effortless.

Featured image: The Haven Khao Lak.

Nate Robinson

Written by Nate Robinson

Mad for travel and food, Nate is as at home eating kebaps in Berlin as he is devouring sushi in Tsukiji. When he's not abroad, you can find Nate at home in Melbourne, with a book in one hand and a tiki cocktail in the other.
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