Travelling With Friends

Travelling with friends is not only a fantastic way to explore a new destination but can also create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime. And when it comes to luxury travel, nothing beats the exclusivity and privacy of a villa or private residence. The exclusivity and privacy of a villa or private residence has high appeal for friends, offering prime ‘wow’ locations, with all the experiential offerings, hospitality excellence and personalised service, and amenities of a luxury lodge. Perfect for playing catchup on ‘celebration escapes’ and gatherings.

Capella Lodge (9 bedrooms | 18 guests)

At Capella Lodge, on World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, the intimate nine suite lodge has the feel of a private beach house. Guests can explore the island’s pristine beaches, embark on scenic hikes, and indulge in water activities like snorkelling and kayaking. Days spent exploring the island’s wonders are bookended with seafood-laden dining, devilishly good cocktails and relaxing in the easy luxury of one’s suite with lofty views of the mountains, ocean and reef.

For further information, visit.

Spicers Peak Lodge ( 10 suites | 20 guests)

Spicers Peak Lodge in Queensland’s High Country dials up the adventure with guided nature walks, bike rides and 4WD experiences all part of the daily itinerary. The rugged wilderness surrounding the lodge provides an idyllic backdrop for exploring the great outdoors on two feet, on wheels or by air. Here, creature comforts are as abundant as the wildlife. Indulge in award-winning cuisine at The Peak Restaurant, or luxuriate in the sumptuous suites, each beautifully appointed with a king-sized bed, a separate lounge area, and a private deck or balcony that offer stunning views. The lodge also features two private suites sited on the edge of the escarpment. The lodge’s location and sense of solitude makes it an idyllic destination for endless adventures and a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to catch up with friends.

For further information, visit. 

Pretty Beach House ( 4 bedrooms | 8 guests)

For an intimate escape with friends, Pretty Beach House offers four pavilions located just north of Sydney on the edge of Bouddi National Park. The main house is a collection of premium facilities including a spectacular dining room served by an open plan kitchen and warmed by an open sandstone fireplace, guest lounge and library, custom hand-forged brass bar, wine cellar, private day spa, outdoor infinity pool and poolside pizza oven for casual al fresco dining. This luxurious lodge offers a perfect balance of coastal activities, personalised service, and exceptional wining and dining experiences – everything you need for an unforgettable house party!

Enter the ‘Villa within a Luxury Lodge,’ located in prime locations with all the experiential offerings, personalised service, and amenities of a luxury lodge.

Bamurru Plains | Jabiru Retreat (2 bedrooms | 4 guests)

Australia’s Top End is the perfect place to experience this luxury, with the Jabiru Retreat at Bamurru Plains offering a private oasis ideal for friends or two couples travelling together.

Consisting of two safari bungalows linked via a walkway to a central private plunge pool and deck area, the Jabiru Retreat is built on stilts overlooking the floodplains frequented by a myriad of bird and animal life. Mesh screens serve as your walls on three sides, providing a unique experience where you can hear, see, and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness around you. The retreat offers exclusivity and privacy, while daily shared guided wilderness safaris allow you to explore the stunning floodplains and wildlife. Unplug from technology and immerse yourself in the wilderness with your closest friends.

For further information, visit.

Lizard Island | The Villa (2 bedrooms | max 5 guests) | The House (3 bedrooms | 6 guests ) + (1 bedroom cottage | 2 guests)

For those seeking a coastal getaway, Lizard Island provides privacy and stunning ocean vistas from its clifftop location. The Villa’s interior delivers on space and understated elegance, with two bedrooms accommodating up to five guests. The master bedroom features an en-suite with a free-standing bath, while the second bathroom has a cascading rain head shower. The open plan lounge and dining area is complete with a kitchenette, where guests will be served evening canapés and drinks by a dedicated food and beverage valet while the sun sets over the Coral Sea. Double doors lead to an expansive balcony with an impressive 8-metre plunge pool and outdoor dining furniture, creating an al fresco room that flows naturally as an extension of the interior.

And of course there’s The House at Lizard Island. Experience a stay on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef from this elegant three storey, three bedroom property that offers direct beach access via sandy paths and complete seclusion. This striking 2022 new-build house sleeps six guests in three king suites, plus another two guests in a separate abode “The Cottage”. Broad balconies and a stunning rooftop make for the perfect communal gathering space – the expansive views of the reef maximised from every angle. Outdoor baths, a private swimming pool, adjoining yoga deck and a rooftop spa all within complete privacy in nature. Each stay at The House is distinct, with curated menus and bespoke itineraries designed according to the preferences of each guest.

The inclusive rates include a private host to cater meals and personal requests, all delivered by the expert hospitality team at Lizard Island as well as the exclusive use of “Mojo” – a twin outboard Searanger boat ideal transportation around the private island or for reef snorkelling. Also included is an evening sunset cruise with drinks and canapés onboard “Pisces”, a 56’ Rivera motor yacht. On top of a personalised itinerary, guests are offered a guide to snorkelling the reef, walking tour guide for the National Park, full access to all Lizard Island resort facilities and 1hr per guest per stay of day-spa treatments, either in The House or at the resort’s Wellness Centre.

Return airfares by charter or private plane from Cairns to Lizard Island are included, with a flight path directly over the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, offering a unique bird’s eye view of its mesmerising, turquoise-shaded beauty. A private chauffeur-driven car meets guests at the airport for a seamless transfer to The House.

For further information, visit.

Southern Ocean Lodge | Ocean Pavilion (4 bedrooms | 8 guests ) 

Opening in December 2023, the ultra-premium Ocean Pavilion sits high on the clifftop, cleverly designed to offer a single owners’ residence or two separate suites to create the ultimate Kangaroo Island hideaway for families and friends travelling together. This luxurious villa boasts a total of four king bedrooms, two of which feature Hollywood-style twin bed options. Each of the four ensuite bathrooms is equipped with a freestanding bath and an oversized rain shower. The central lounge features a suspended feature fireplace, while the second lounge offers an EcoSmart fireplace for a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Premium in-suite bars are also available for guests to enjoy.

Outdoors, guests can bask in the spectacular 180° coastal views from the comfort of the outdoor terraces, which also feature plunge pools perfect for a refreshing dip after a long day of adventures. The east wing of the pavilion offers an entertainers’ lounge framed by floor-to-ceiling glass, warmed by another EcoSmart fireplace. Two of the bedrooms with magnificent sea views feature king Baillie Beds and adjacent ensuite bathrooms. This pavilion is truly a luxurious retreat for anyone looking for a relaxing and indulgent stay.

For further information, visit.

Lake House | Dairy Flat Farm (6 bedrooms | 12 guests)

Located a short 10-minute drive from the flagship Lake House hotel, Dairy Flat Lodge offers a private, concierge serviced getaway amongst almost 40 acres of productive farmland and gardens serviced by the team from Lake House, Daylesford. Dairy Flat Lodge is an ideal destination for guests who are looking for a breath of fresh air and are keen to experience life in the countryside, but who still want hotel-style comforts at the end of the day.

Accommodating up to 12 guests in six private King Suites, with each with private ensuite filled with individual furnishings and art. Four Suites are located in the main Lodge along with dining, lounging areas and reading room. An additional two Vineyard Suites with views across the landscape are a few steps across the garden courtyard, still with access and use of the main Lodge areas. Dairy Flat is surrounded by lush farmland and forest so resident kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and beautiful birdlife are abundant.

There are workshops and opportunities for learning on the farm, in the bake house and with selected “friends of the farm” offering local connections and the Lodge Concierge is on hand to coordinate activities, light the firepit, mix a great negroni and prepare dinner.

For further information, visit.

Cape Lodge | Owners Residence (4 bedrooms | 8 guests)

Sitting privately on its own three acres, The Residence boasts a beautiful garden and private lake. Guests can enjoy an expansive entertaining area with views across formal gardens and rolling lawns to a private putting green and tranquil water feature. Featuring an open-plan lounge, dining and entertaining area, the private house can accommodate up to eight guests, with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The Main Residence features a 40m² master-suite with ensuite, and two king size rooms and one bathroom. There is also a separate Guest House with one king size bedroom and ensuite.

The in-room amenities are hand blended by local body shop producer Vasse Virgin from organic olive oils infused with native flowers. The complimentary mini bar includes herbal tisanes especially created by Cape Lodge’s Tea Sommelier, freshly ground coffee from the local Margaret River Coffee Roasters Yahava Koffee, Bettenay’s Margaret River nougat, estate grown Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc from the Cape Lodge vineyard and single origin chocolate bars from ex Moss Wood wine maker come artisan chocolatier – Josh Bahen.

Dining at the coveted Cape Lodge restaurant is guaranteed to be a highlight of every guest’s itinerary. The innovative menu is curated daily utilising the finest local produce from the kitchen garden as well as the fruits of the Western Australian sea and local farms.

For further information, visit.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley| Wolgan Villa (3 bedrooms | 6 guests)

Nestled in a secluded corner, this one-of-a-kind residence is a completely self-contained three-bedroom lodge, accommodating up to seven guests. The master bedroom features a four-poster king-sized bed, with the other two airy bedrooms offering their own uninterrupted space, including separate bathrooms and your choice of a king-sized bed or king singles.

Surrounded by beautiful landscaping and with a private terrace, the 410m² villa provides tranquil views to the Greater blue Mountains. Guests can take an invigorating swim in the temperature-controlled pool; enjoy quiet moments by the rustic double-sided fireplace; request local ingredients for the fully equipped gourmet kitchen and leave the cooking to the expert private dining team and relax with 24 hour room service.

For further information, visit.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley | Wollemi Villa (2 bedrooms | 4 guests)

A quintessentially Australian bush experience is a stay in one of the Two-Bedroom Wollemi Villas. A private veranda, fragranced by the surrounding eucalypt forest, boasts a shaded, pristine swimming pool, seamlessly incorporated into the heritage design of the 201m² villa and its spacious porch.

Both large bedrooms in this villa feature separate dressing rooms and en suite bathrooms, complete with their own bathtubs. The elegant main bedroom boasts a king-sized four-poster bed, while the light and airy second bedroom can be configured as a king-sized bed or two twin beds. The living room features striking Wolgan Valley views framed by exposed rustic beams, and plush loungers and chairs in front of the open fireplace. Guests can dine around an eight-seater indoor table, enjoying a bounty of locally sourced ingredients. One&Only’s private dining team can tailor a banquet, barbecue or breakfast menu to suit.

For further information, visit.

Silky Oaks Lodge | Daintree Pavilion (2 bedrooms | max 5 guests)

The Daintree Pavilion is designed as the ultimate hideaway complete with two bedroom wings an open-air lounging atrium with infinity pool floating among the cool of the rainforest. The 320m² Daintree Pavilion is poised like a sophisticated version of a safari ‘hide’. Dramatic skillion ceilings held aloft by glass walls frame a central entertaining lounge with premium stocked bar. Expansive outdoor decks overlook a plunge spa and infinity edge pool.

Designed for privacy, two separate king bed sleeping areas each offer an ensuite bathroom opening to an outdoor atrium with bath under the treetops, set to the sound of the Mossman River cascading nearby. Included is a tropical breakfast, dinner with inspired daily menu matched with selected premium wines, signature evening drinks hour (including canapés), selected in-suite bar, morning yoga class, exclusive access to the Fig Tree Rapids walking trails and one return scheduled shuttle to Port Douglas per day.

For further information, visit.

Longitude 131º | Dune Pavilion (2 bedrooms | max 5 guests)

Designed as a modern interpretation of the Australian homestead, the two bedroom Pavilion is considered the star of the luxury camp offering separate living and sleeping areas and ensuites housing deep bathtubs and rain showers. Featuring custom furnishings and artworks commissioned from local artists, there’s room to roam outdoors to the deck with daybed, EcoSmart fireplaces and the ultimate in desert style: a private plunge pool overlooking the outback frontier, for a personal nature-meets-luxury experience. Designed to offer the ultimate in outback glamour, the 153m² Dune Pavilion is Australia’s only accommodation to offer views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

For further information, visit.

Mt Mulligan Lodge | Outback Pavilion (2 bedrooms | max 5 guests ) 

With views overlooking the sparkling weir and the majestic Mount Mulligan, these spacious pavilions are designed with families and groups in mind featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a communal lounge with a cosy wood-burning fireplace.  

The Outback Pavilion is contemporary and luxurious; yet retains a raw external charm with its spotted gum timber cladding, pitched cathedral ceiling and deep verandahs. Inside, the earthy-tones of the fine linen, sisal rug, and dark green wall panelling give a rich sense of place, mirroring the colours found in the outback environment outside.

The private deck with rounded outdoor dining table offers captivating views of the sparkling weir and the imposing ridges of Mount Mulligan. A corrugated iron water tank has been re-purposed as a deep outdoor bath, orientated to capture uninterrupted views of the Australian outback. Outback Pavilion #1 is wheelchair accessible with a ramp that leads into both the Outback Room or Outback Suite.

For further information, visit. 

qualia | Beach House (2 bedrooms | 4 guests)

The exclusive and private qualia Beach House in the Whitsundays offers a laidback luxury hideaway. Panoramic views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands, private lap pool and secluded location make this residence a beautifully appointed home away from home. Generously proportioned and designed in a light and airy open-plan style, the 240m² Beach House features a main bedroom and ensuite bathroom, a spacious entertaining area, 10-person dining room, 12-metre infinity edge private pool, and a separate guesthouse with a private deck and ensuite bathroom for friends or family.

Included in both the Classic Rate and the Gourmet Rate are VIP return Hamilton Island airport/Marina transfers, the use of electric golf buggy’s and 24-hour chauffeur service around Hamilton Island. There’s a fully stocked bar, including a selection of international spirits, Australian wine and other alcoholic beverages, refreshed daily and a la carte breakfast daily. Guests can enjoy water sports with included use of non-motorised watercraft, use of the qualia gym, spa, sauna and access to tennis court hire as well as 24-hour direct access to qualia’s dedicated Concierge Team.

For further information, visit.

When it comes to travelling with friends, the Luxury Lodges of Australia offer exclusive experiences and unforgettable memories. Gather your closest mates and embark on a luxurious adventure.

Discover more Luxury Lodges of Australia’s celebration experiences here.