The Weekend Australian highlights in Travel + Luxury magazine, their favourite residences for a multi-generation family holiday.
“The trend for family holidays that include the extended clan is fuelling growth in self-contained residences at leading resorts and lodges. Here’s our pick of the bunch, in Australia and nearby
Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA
The original lodge, all but razed by bushfires in 2020, reopened after a massive rebuild in late 2023. Located at Hanson Bay on the island’s southwest coast, this second iteration includes a 625sq m indoor/outdoor dual-winged pavilion with four bedrooms and dramatic views. Recently rebranded from Ocean Pavilion to Baillie Pavilion East and West, in honour of Baillie Lodges co-founders James and Hayley Baillie, the posh digs divide neatly into two sections or can combine as one booking. Each option feels about as big as an embassy, with all imaginable comforts and conveniences, including a jacuzzi in the east wing and a plunge pool to the west, yet the main lodge, with its restaurant, bar, convivial lounge areas and wellness spa, is but a short stroll away.
Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, Tasmania
Plans are afoot for a three-bedroom Saffire Villa to be added to this award-winning lodge’s inventory of 16 suites. Designed to book on an exclusive-use basis, the style is aimed to suit multigenerational families, corporate retreats or small groups. Expected to be online by spring 2026, Saffire Villa will stand on the property’s northwest side with uninterrupted views of Great Oyster Bay and The Hazards mountain range. The list of inclusions is slated to cover a private heated pool, al fresco spa and entertainment area with fireplace, living and dining rooms and adjacent kitchen for staff to serve meals. The award-winning lodge has commissioned furniture, fittings and soft furnishings from Tasmanian suppliers, with structural design by hospitality expert Atlis Architecture. Bookings will be taken about six months prior to the opening. Watch this space.
Silky Oaks Lodge, The Daintree, Queensland
This leading eco-retreat, founded in 1985, was reopened in late 2021 after a $20m refurb by new owner Baillie Lodges. The property sits snug above the Mossman River at the rim of the Daintree National Park, about an hour by road north of Cairns. Chalet-style bowers in rainforest, billabong and treehouse categories featuring high-spec design and luxe trimmings sit amid native plantings like the most sophisticated of cubby houses. But top of the pops is the exclusive two-bedroom Daintree Pavilion, with soaring atrium, private tiered infinity pool and a pair of accommodation wings with ensuites and entertainment areas. This private retreat is cradled by wraparound views of ancient World Heritage-listed rainforest with a soundtrack of native birds and an appropriate level of sustainable luxury. Billabong dips and guided nature walks await”.
Subscribers to The Australian can read the full list here or to view the PDF version, click here.
