As 2017 draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on the incredible boutique hotels, holiday houses and unique escapes that have wowed us this year!
The annual alluxia awards celebrate the best of the best in each of our getaway inspiration collections. We hope you'll discover something new, or rediscover an old favourite and above all be inspired to travel in 2018.
Congratulations to the alluxia award winners:
Best Regional Getaway:
Winner: Terragong 1858, South Coast
Kiama is one of Australia's most picturesque coastal towns and the most luxurious accommodation to be found in these parts is the hidden gem Terragong 1858. The NSW South Coast's premier bed & breakfast features just three guest rooms with impeccable styling and a host of indulgent inclusions. Guests are treated to evening drinks and canapés in the grand library lounge and decadent daily breakfast in the farmhouse kitchen.
Runner Up: Foy's Folly, Blue Mountains
Browse our handpicked collection of rural retreats and plan your regional getaway.
Best City Break:
Winner: Magnolia on Kent, Brisbane
Live like a local in this newly renovated three-bedroom holiday house in inner city New Farm. Magnolia on Kent is breathtakingly beautiful, the owners have thought of every conceivable inclusion to make you feel at home; you won't want to leave.
Runner Up: Alex Hotel, Perth
Browse our handpicked collection of city breaks.
Best Coastal Cool Getaway:
Winner: Ayindi, Byron Bay
Coastal cool beach getaways are our most hotly contested collection, but when we saw the renovation at Ayindi Byron Bay earlier this year, we knew we had our winner. This magnificent holiday house has been architecturally designed to take full advantage of the beach views and modern sophisticated interior styling seals the deal for the ultimate beach holiday.
Runner Up: 140 Mitchell at Mollymook, South Coast
Browse our collection of coastal getaways and make your escape to luxury.
Best Winter Getaway:
Winner: The Blackwood Sassafras, Dandenong Ranges
Dandenong Ranges ticks all the boxes for a cosy winter getaway with charming villages, beautiful boutiques and romantic accommodation. The Blackwood at Sassafras raises the bar with superior interior design, open plan living, fireplace and indulgent deep soaking bath.
Runner Up: Rocky Hills Retreat, East Coast TAS
Browse our collection of winter getaways.
Best Romantic Getaway:
Winner: Hart's Farm, Mornington Peninsula
This unique getaway is the perfect couples retreat. Hart's Farm is a simple yet sophisticated hideaway overlooking an olive grove and a great base to explore the wineries of the Mornington Peninsula.
Runner Up: The Studio, Yarra Valley
Browse our full collection of romantic getaways and escape to luxury.
Best Girls' Getaway:
Winner: The Island, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is famous for fun and the newly renovated The Island Boutique Hotel offers plenty of fun with a wide range of food and entertainment options onsite including an epic rooftop bar, it's the coolest new venue on the coast!
Runner Up: Ovolo Laneways, Melbourne
Browse our full collection of girls' getaways and gather your friends!
Best Gourmet Getaway:
Winner: Royal Mail Hotel, Grampians
This year, the iconic Royal Mail Hotel added new fine dining restaurant Wickens at Royal Mail Hotel putting it firmly on the map as one of Australia's top dining destinations. Chef Robin Wickens presents five and eight course menus that reflect locality and available produce growing in the hotel's kitchen garden.
Runner Up: Spicers Clovelly Estate, Sunshine Coast
Browse our collection of gourmet getaways and start salivating.
Best Wine Weekend
Winner: Ridgemill Escape, Granite Belt
The Granite Belt is an under-rated wine region and well worth a visit for a laid-back weekend getaway. Stay on the vineyard at Ridgemill Estate in brand new cabins overlooking the vines and sip to your good fortune at having discovered this hidden gem.
Runner Up: Polperro Villas, Mornington Peninsula
Browse our collection of holiday houses and hotels that are perfect for a wine weekend.
Best Luxe for Less Escape:
Winner: Brunswick Heads Motel
Don't be fooled by the "motel" name, this boutique escape is full of surprises with quality breakfast inclusions, free wifi and Netflix and use of Bondi Cruiser bikes to roam around Bruns.
Runners Up: Little National, Canberra
Browse our luxe for less collection and save.
Best Pet Friendly Accommodation:
Winner: Alure Stanthorpe, Granite Belt
Alure Stanthorpe retains the position of top dog and best pet-friendly accommodation in Australia. The recent refurbishments are spectacular and your pampered pooch will also receive their own bathrobe, plush cocoon bed, food and water bowls, gift bag of toiletries and gourmet treats and a list of pet-friendly attractions and activities for an additional $50 per pet.
Runner Up: Larmont Sydney
View our handpicked collection of Pet Friendly Accommodation.
Best Family Fun:
Winner: East Hotel, Canberra
With a dedicated Kids Studio, this kids cubby is kitted out with bunk beds, kids' play table, play rug, bean bags, loads of fun and games and the ultimate Xbox 360. East Hotel is also a great base to explore Canberra's plethora of museums and attractions.
Runner Up: O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast
Browse our family friendly accommodation and book well in advance to secure school holiday accommodation.
Best Spa Getaway:
Winner: Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park
Just 30 minutes from Melbourne, relax and rejuvenate at Mansion Hotel & Spa. Surrounded by 10 acres of formal gardens this boutique hotel's day spa boasts eight treatment rooms, Guinot Skincare and Waterlily products and a beautifully tiled, traditional Hammam chamber. You won't want to leave.
Runner Up: Hotel Realm and Hale Spa, Canberra
Browse our collection of spa getaways and be pampered.
Best Newcomer:
Winner: Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Penninsula
Jackalope Hotel burst onto the scene this year setting a new standard of luxury in Australia. With vineyard views, onsite cellar door, destination restaurant and rooms carefully curated with bespoke designer furnishings, art commissions and installations it has to be seen to be believed.
Runner Up: Spicers Potts Point, Sydney
Read about all the Hot new Hotel Openings for 2017 here.
Check out our list of award winners for 2016 here.
