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Luxe For Less: Top Holidays Under $999

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.

Based on hotel stay only, flights priced separately.

Australia holidays under $999 

The Star Grand

The Star complex is the pulsing heart of Sydney’s entertainment district: think a casino, endless restaurants and bars, luxury shopping and a spa, all in one place. With all this on the doorstep is the onsite hotel The Star Grand, an elegant, art-lined haven surrounded by harbour and skyline views. Resort-style luxuries include a harbour-view pool and Turbines Health Club.

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.

Château Élan at The Vintage

What’s better than wine and a holiday? Experience the best of Australia’s cellar doors in the heart of the Hunter Valley. Set in NSW’s most famous wine-producing region on a 100-acre estate inspired by the rolling hills of Tuscany, this is your gateway to the area’s famed artisanal producers and winemakers.

Bali holidays under A$999 

Sanctoo Suites & Villas

Set beside Bali Zoo and close to Ubud, this peaceful retreat is ideal for a quiet family escape. The lagoon-style pool reflects the landscape’s natural curves, while Wos River views add a serene touch. Recharge with a massage at The Sanctoo Spa or enjoy wholesome dishes made with organic produce at Cassowary Restaurant. Complimentary shuttles take you into Ubud for culture, shopping and dining, or rent a bike to explore nearby villages and plantations. Spacious suites and villas make it easy to unwind after a day discovering Bali’s lush heart.

Nandini Jungle by Hanging Gardens

Tucked into the hillside of Payangan, this secluded hideaway offers striking views across jungle valleys and terraced rice fields. Designed to echo a traditional Balinese village, its 34 villas and suites spill down the slope in serene privacy. Cool off in the infinity pool, relax at Sungai Spa, or catch sunset with a cocktail above the river gorge. A complimentary shuttle brings you to Ubud for galleries, markets and local eats, while the peaceful surroundings invite slow mornings and lazy afternoons among the palms.

Blue Karma Village

In Bali’s peaceful Umalas district, Blue Karma offers an intimate retreat with just 16 villas nestled among tropical gardens. Rustic joglos and traditional design elements meet modern comforts, creating a laidback bohemian vibe. Spend your days hopping between three pools, indulging at the holistic day spa or sipping tea in the peaceful garden house. At Hiiragi Restaurant, discover a fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flair, served all day long. Blue Karma is a quiet escape that still keeps Seminyak’s buzz within easy reach.

The Royal Purnama

Hidden on Bali’s southeast coast, The Royal Purnama is a tranquil, adults-only sanctuary offering private pool villas and spa suites by the sea. Gaze out over black-sand shores from the oceanfront infinity pool, or rejuvenate with volcanic-inspired treatments at Black Sand Spa. Savour creative international dishes at Standing Stones Beach Restaurant or unwind with a cocktail by the Moonstone Beach Lounge’s showstopping pool. Complimentary shuttles to Sanur give you the chance to explore nearby boutiques, quiet beaches and waterside cafés, while the coast remains your private haven.

Ubud Mas Glamping

Unwind in Bali’s lush landscapes at this five-star glamping villa, located among Bali’s rice terraces. Enjoy a private pool, rejuvenating Soleil Spa treatments, and easy access to Ubud’s cultural gems with a private car. End your day with a sunset cocktail on the Lacoo Restaurant rooftop, soaking in the tranquil vibes.

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.

Seascape Resort Sanur by iNi Vie Hospitality

Escape to this romantic, adults-only eco-resort near Sanur Harbour. Stay in a designer suite or villa, dine at Tsune Restaurant, and unwind with a spa treatment or poolside cocktail. Explore nearby beaches, Sindhu Night Market, and Pura Blanjong temple with the resort’s convenient shuttle service.

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 

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.

The Xcape River Kwai

On the quiet banks of the Kwai Noi River, this design-forward boutique stay offers a scenic escape just 2.5 hours from Bangkok. Wake to river views, lounge by the infinity pool, or dine at The Bridge Bar & Bistro. Rooms combine simplicity and comfort, while MINE Wellness invites you to unwind with Thai-inspired treatments. Nearby, explore the historic city of Kanchanaburi and the iconic River Kwai Bridge, then return to your peaceful riverside base.

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 Kid’s 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.

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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