Farewell 2021, sadly it was another year of covid, cancelled trips and uncertainty. However, while our passports may have been gathering dust, many of us snatched weekends away between lockdowns and border closures exploring and appreciating our great country.
2021 has taught us to be more flexible, adaptive and resilient. As this year 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 2022.
Congratulations to the alluxia award winners:
Best Regional Getaway
Winner: Bangalay Luxury Villas, South Coast
Bangalay ticks all the boxes for a great regional getaway. Perfectly positioned on the NSW South Coast, the retreat takes advantage of the gorgeous coastline. Guests enjoy garden or golf course views from their self-contained villa and may dine in style at onsite restaurant Bangalay Dining. Kudos to the owners for cleverly weaving sustainability and accessibility elements into every aspect of the retreat too.
Runner Up: The Surf Yamba, North Coast
Best City Break:
Winner: Quincy Hotel, Melbourne
Melbourne has long been a favourite city break destination for Australians, attracted to the city’s art, food and culture. With covid kyboshing many travel plans this year, Quincy Hotel brings the zing of Southeast Asia to Australia. Opening in 2021, the vibe is bright and lively thanks to the staff attitude as well as the interior design. Sounds like just what the doctor ordered.
Runner Up: Little National Sydney
Best Coastal Cool Getaway:
Winner: The Surf Yamba, North Coast
With a prime location on the peninsula overlooking the southern end of Main Beach, add a stay to Yamba’s first boutique hotel to your bucket list. From stunning, coastal cool interiors, first class amenities and boasting a rooftop terrace with plunge pool, it’s the perfect base for a quintessential Australian beach getaway.
Runner Up: Crystal Pacific Palm Beach, Gold Coast
Browse our collection of coastal cool getaways.
Best Winter Getaway:
Winner – La Rocher Eco Retreat, The Tweed
Winter is a beautiful time for a hinterland getaway in The Tweed with sunny days and crisp nights. La Rocher Eco Retreat boasts expansive decks to take in the panoramic views of Wollumbin Mt Warning and a two-way fireplace to enjoy either on the deck or cozing up inside seals the deal.
Runner Up: Alure Stanthorpe, Granite Belt
Browse our collection of winter getaways.
Best Romantic Getaway:
Winner: Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Sunshine Coast
The multi-award winning retreat offers a secluded and romantic getaway amongst lush rainforest. Tailored for couples, the self-contained pavilions feature deep double whirlpool spa bath, log fireplaces and a verandah to soak in the views. You’re also close to charming hinterland villages; it’s perfect for a couple of lovebirds.
Runner Up: Mt Warning Estate, The Tweed
Browse our full collection of romantic getaways and escape to luxury.
Best Group Getaway:
Winner: Chesson Lodge, The Tweed
This hinterland gem is centrally located in the village of Uki and offers four bedrooms and plenty of space to entertain. Decked out in vintage style and mid-century treasures the holiday house features a cosy fireplace as well as private swimming pool, making it the perfect group getaway in any season.
Runner Up: Greyleigh Kiama, South Coast
Best Family Fun:
Winner: Crystal Pacific Palm Beach, Gold Coast
Gold Coast is famous for fun and Crystal Pacific is the ideal base for family getaways. Each of the two bedroom apartments offers a queen bed and bunk bed configuration with downstairs dedicated to living and dining with full kitchen and BBQ to self-cater with ease. You’re also conveniently just a few sandy footsteps from the beach. Enjoy!
Runner Up: East Hotel, Canberra
Best Gourmet Getaway:
Winner: Halcyon House, The Tweed
After the first lockdown, Halcyon House reopened with an all-inclusive new look where a decadent stay includes a welcome drink on arrival featuring local Ink Gin by Husk Distillers, complimentary mini bar (refreshed daily), daily a la carte breakfast, nightly aperitif and nightly 4 course-dinner in Paper Daisy. Dine by the sea at the hatted restaurant helmed by Jason Barratt and toast to the halcyon days.
Runner Up: Jackalope Hotel, Mornington Peninsula
Browse our collection of gourmet getaways and salivate
Best Wine Weekend
Winner: Polperro Villas, Mornington Peninsula
Visiting a winery is great idea, but staying on a vineyard for the weekend is even better. Enter Polperro, where you can dine, drink and stay at this magnificent estate in Red Hill. Polperro Vineyard Dining’s ever-changing menu highlights produce from their seasonal harvest from the vineyards and farm. There are three cellar door experiences to choose from as well as simply retiring to your luxury villa with stunning vineyard views.
Runner Up: Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate, Mornington Peninsula
Best Pet Friendly Accommodation:
Winner: Zagame’s House, Melbourne
At Zagame’s House, pets are family and the last thing they’d want is for you to leave your fur-baby behind. Aside from the joy of being able to stay with your fur-baby, your pampered pooch will also receive a bag of goodies and enjoy a “furry movie of the month” as part of the free movie selection.
Runner Up: Ovolo Woolloomooloo, Sydney
View our handpicked collection of Pet Friendly Accommodation.
Best Luxe for Less Escape:
Winner: Little National Hotel, Sydney
Little National is so much more than a room to stay the night. The cleverly compact rooms are stocked with T2 tea, Appelles Apothecary amenities and relax with free wifi and movies. But bust out of your room and adjourn to the rooftop to unwind and connect with other guests at the outdoor lounge or enjoy a cocktail at the Terrace Bar. The hotel is conveniently located above Wynyard Station, to quickly whisk you away to experience the best of Sydney.
Runners Up: The Mysa Motel, Gold Coast
Browse our luxe for less collection and save.
Best Spa Getaway:
Winner: Bells at Killcare, Central Coast
Bells Day Spa delivers East Coast Hamptons elegance with a luxurious spa sanctuary to provide a true haven for guests to distress and unwind with a choice of spa treatments. Add divine dining and plush rooms and you won’t want to leave.
Runner Up: Gaia Retreat, Byron Bay
Browse our collection of spa getaways and be pampered.
Best Newcomer:
The Surf Yamba, North Coast
While covid limited our ability to travel interstate this year and experience all the new hip hotels opening across the country. We were wowed by Yamba’s first boutique hotel The Surf Yamba. Exquisite design and a stunning location, makes Surf Yamba a must-visit.
Runner Up: The Mysa Motel, Gold Coast
