As we head into summer and the festive season, it’s starting to feel a like life is getting back to normal and travel is well and truly back on the agenda.
While international borders have reopened, Australians are still enjoying exploring their own backyard and the peace of mind of staying close to home. As the 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 2023.
Congratulations to all the alluxia award winners!!
Best Regional Getaway Winner - The Surf Yamba
With cool coastal vibes and strolling distance to a choice of cafes and restaurants, The Surf Yamba is the perfect choice for a regional getaway. With just 12 rooms, this boutique hotel is luxuriously appointed and boasts a stunning rooftop terrace with plunge pool. The hotel has coastal-Australian-meets-Palm-Springs vibes and we’re here for it!
Best City Break Winner – A by Adina, Sydney
Perfectly positioned in the CBD and close to Sydney Harbour, A by Adina offers stylish studio and apartment style rooms with sleek city interiors and all the mod cons. The highlight has to be the much-lauded Dean & Nancy on 22 for some of the best cocktails in town by the team behind award-winning Maybe Sammy. The perfect spot to sip and watch the sun set over the harbour city.
Best Coastal Cool Getaway Winner – Halcyon House, The Tweed
Celebrating 7 years since the retro motel relaunched as the ultra-luxe Halcyon House, the boutique hotel keeps going from strength. In recent times, the hotel has launched a gin book, wine dinners and long lunches with international guest speakers that keeps guests coming back for more. Located beachside at one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches – Cabarita Beach, this seaside village is one you’ll want to linger longer in.
Browse our collection of coastal cool getaways here.
Best Wine Weekend Winner – Jackalope Mornington Peninsula
Jackalope offers the holiday trifecta of designer rooms, divine dining and fine wine in the Mornington Peninsula. Rooms and Suites (called Lairs) offer sunset views over Willow Creek Vineyard and our decked out in custom-made furnishings creating a tactile and seductive space. Be sure to dine at Doot Doot Doot and Flaggerdoot the hotel’s restaurant and bar or the more casual, all day dining and cellar door called Rare Hare.
Best Gourmet Getaway Winner – Beechmont Estate
Previously known as Hazelwood Estate, the recently renamed retreat is worth seeking out for its exceptional dining experience. Celebrating an authentic paddock-to-plate philosophy, Executive Chef Simon Furley showcases the finest ingredients sourcing sustainable product from the Scenic Rim and surrounds. Located on a working cattle farm, Paddock Restaurant highlights beef dishes to perfection. Retire to beautiful cosy rooms for a memorable country stay.
Browse our collection of gourmet getaways here and start salivating
Best Newcomer Winner – Aiden Darling Harbour
Aiden Darling Harbour has become a favourite with discerning travellers for its location, boutique style and personalised service. While rooms are compact, they are perfectly designed and executed, ideal for a corporate stay or short city break. Despite boasting 88 rooms, the hotel has an intimate boutique feel helped by the attentive and charming staff. While conveniently located in Darling Harbour, it’s worth following the hotel team’s advice and discovering the local haunts in Pyrmont. Make Aiden Darling Harbour your base to explore all Sydney has to offer.
Best Pet Friendly Accommodation Winner – Kyah Hotel, Blue Mountains
We love a motel makeover and Kyah has been beautifully reimagined with Palm Springs vibes and a spectacular destination restaurant, Blaq. That’s not all; this Blackheath newcomer also welcomes pets to enjoy a bit of Blue Mountains fresh air. We witnessed one such happy doggo on our recent visit.
View our handpicked collection of Pet Friendly Accommodation.
Best Romantic Getaway Winner – Blackbird Byron Bay
Slow down, pause and reconnect at the impossibly romantic Blackbird Byron Bay. This adults only hinterland hideaway is less ‘scene’ and more scenery so you can spend your days lazing by the magnesium pool and nights enjoying sunset cocktails followed by chef-prepared meals while taking in the most spectacular Northern Rivers vistas. You won’t want to leave.
Browse our full collection of romantic getaways and escape to luxury.
