As the decade draws to a close, we reflect on all 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 collection categories. We hope you’ll discover something new, or rediscover an old favourite and above all be inspired to travel in 2020.
Congratulations to the alluxia award winners!
Best Regional Getaway
Winner: Blackbird Byron Bay
Escape the everyday at hinterland hideaway Blackbird Byron Bay. This luxury accommodation in the Byron Bay Hinterland is more than a boutique bed and breakfast but an adult’s only retreat that feels more Palm Springs than Byron Bay. With a rock star pool and panoramic view of the valley and Byron Bay beyond. Fix yourself a cocktail and relax in style at Blackbird Byron Bay.
Runner Up: Truffle Lodge, Derwent Valley near Hobart
Best City Break
Winner: The Calile, Brisbane
Brisbane is emerging as a city break of choice with a host of stunning new boutique hotels, bars and eateries. Chief amongst them is The Calile in the chic shopping precinct of James Street, surrounded by divine dining such as Hellenika, Same Same, Beaux Rumble, you’ll find it hard to go past the perfectly petite Lobby Bar, dreamy day spa and stunning pool. You won’t want to leave.
Runner Up: Little Albion, Sydney
Best Coastal Cool Getaway
Winner: Bannisters Port Stephens
Bannisters has been synonymous with luxury coastal getaways on the South Coast for years, but the addition of a northern outpost has been a game changer. After an incredible transformation, the dazzling refurbished hotel is bright and beautiful with fine dining at Rick Stein at Bannisters at its core.
Runner Up: Smiths Beach Resort, Margaret River
Browse our collection of coastal cool getaways.
Best Winter Getaway
Winner: La Rocher Eco Retreat, The Tweed
This new hinterland haven is a hidden gem in the glorious Tweed region in Northern NSW. With four luxurious villas all facing Mount Warning/Wollumbin you’ll instantly feel relaxed and rejuvenated in the tranquil surrounds. Our favourite feature is the double-sided log fire so you can sit fireside either inside the villa or outside on the spacious balcony.
Runner Up: Free Spirit Pods, Bruny Island
Browse our collection of winter getaways.
Best Romantic Getaway
Winner: Halcyon House, The Tweed
Halcyon House lives up to the hype as an indulgent couples retreat at beautiful Cabarita Beach, recently awarded best beach in Australia by Tourism Australia’s beach expert. With just 19 rooms and 2 luxury two-bedroom suites, be amongst the fortunate few to experience this beachside paradise.
Runner Up: Thorngrove Manor, Adelaide Hills
Browse our full collection of romantic getaways and escape to luxury - http://www.alluxia.com/romantic-getaways
Best Group Getaway
Winner: Rosby Guesthouse, Mudgee
Gather your tribe and head to Rosby Guesthouse in the Mudgee wine region of NSW. This stylish four-bedroom four-bathroom holiday house allows you to entertain a large group in style, whether for a girls’ getaway or family gathering.
Runner Up: Rivermead Estate, Gold Coast
Browse our full collection of girls’ getaways and gather your friends!
Best Gourmet Getaway
Winner: Stillwater Seven, Launceston
Opened in 2019, this newcomer features seven sexy rooms above the iconic, award-winning Stillwater Restaurant. Featuring bespoke furniture made by local craftsman and an impressive pantry and bar stocked with Tasmanian produce.
Runner Up: Little Cooking School Mudgee
Browse our collection of gourmet getaways and salivate.
Best Wine Weekend
Winner: Prospect House, Hobart
Prospect House is a grand boutique hotel in the historic town of Richmond in the Coal River Valley wine region, just 20 minutes from Hobart. This 12-room country hotel offers delicious dining and add-on experiences including a private tour at Pooley Estate.
Runner Up: Perry Street Hotel, Mudgee
Best Pet Friendly Accommodation
Winner: Zagame’s House, Melbourne
Another newcomer, Zagame’s House opened in 2019 and quickly became a favourite with its modern interior design, luxurious amenities and exceptional customer service. This high level of hospitality is extended to accept pampered pooches at this luxe city stay.
Runner Up: Ovolo The Valley, Brisbane
View our handpicked collection of Pet Friendly Accommodation.
Best Family Fun
Winner: The Hamptons Beach House, Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a great destination for families with calm waters and tours and attractions to entertain the whole family. This stylish four-bedroom holiday house is a short stroll to Dutchies Beach, a beautiful swimming beach with free BBQ and children’s play equipment.
Runner Up: Rhapsody Resort, Gold Coast
Best Spa Getaway
Winner: Gaia Retreat, Byron Bay
There’s a reason we keep going back to Gaia Retreat time and time again. There is something special about this hinterland retreat, from its tranquil location, luxurious accommodation, attentive service, divine day spa and the most nourishing food to satisfy mind, body and soul.
Runner Up: Halcyon House, The Tweed
Browse our collection of spa getaways and be pampered.
Best Luxe for Less Escape
Winner: Ridgemill Escape, Granite Belt
Stay in the bush and support our friends in drought stricken regions with a stay at the deluxe Ridgemill Escape. Enjoy sunset drinks sipping Ridgemill Estate wine . These impressive cabins include a host of inclusions such as breakfast provisions and wine & cheese platter.
Runners Up: Little National Hotel, Canberra
Browse our luxe for less collection and save.
Best Newcomer
Winner: Zagame’s House, Melbourne
This boutique hotel on Lygon Street is a real surprise package and deliciously exceeds your expectations. The former hotel site has undergone an incredible transformation to reveal contemporary rooms filled with luxe furnishings and one of the most inviting minibars we’ve seen. It’s all in the finer details at Zagame’s House that creates memorable moments.
Runner Up: Stillwater Seven, Launceston
