The Alluxia Awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on some of the most incredible escapes and celebrate the unique, special and most stylish places to stay in Australia.
We've personally inspected hundreds of holiday houses and boutique hotels this year, verifying for quality to ensure the alluxia collection includes Australia's best.
Best Regional Getaway:
Winner: Yarra Valley - Wingspread
Yarra Valley is such a winner of a destination, just one hour from Melbourne you can be immersed in wine country enjoying cellar door experiences, incredible dining and picturesque surrounds. We loved staying at Wingspread earlier this year, a brilliant two bedroom cottage, perfect in summer or winter with charming hosts and plenty of quality inclusions it's a great base to explore the Yarra Valley region.
Runner Up: Berry – Mount Hay Retreat
Browse our handpicked collection of rural retreats and plan your regional getaway.
Best City Break:
Winner: Ovolo Woolloomooloo
This boutique hotel in Sydney continues to impress us every time we stay. Sure it has a funky fit out, generously includes the minibar and a host of extras but the real winner is the service. Exceptional staff make for a truly memorable stay at Ovolo Woolloomooloo.
Runner Up: The New Inchcolm Hotel & Suites
Browse our handpicked collection of city breaks.
Best Coastal Cool Getaway:
Winner: Bujerum Apartments, Burleigh Heads
Holidaying in Burleigh offers the quintessential Aussie beach holiday experience. Burleigh is so hot right now with great restaurants, cafes and boutiques springing up, yet retaining an endless summer vibe. Bujerum Apartments offer breezy coastal cool style right opposite the beach.
Runner Up: at Marina Shores Airlie Beach
Browse our collection of coastal getaways and make your escape to luxury.
Best Winter Getaway:
Winner: Twilight Cottage, Dandenong Ranges
Twilight Cottage ticks all the boxes for a cosy winter getaway. Real wood burning fireplace, cosy cottage with comfortable and stylish décor, spa bath, gourmet breakfast hamper, homemade goodies and even gourmet frozen meals if you can't tear yourself away. What more could you want?
Runner Up: Glass on Glasshouse, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Browse our collection of winter getaways.
Best Romantic Getaway:
Winner: Pumphouse Point, Lake St Clair
This unique boutique hotel needs to be top of your bucket list for next year! The location is awe-inspiring, the rooms magnificent, the scenery breathtaking – just go.
Runner Up: Rocky Hills Retreat
Browse our full collection of romantic getaways and escape to luxury.
Best Girls' Getaway:
Winner: Newrybar Downs, Byron Bay
This hidden gem in the Byron Bay hinterland has room for everyone. Lounge by the pool by day and cook up a feast in the designer kitchen by night for a memorable and luxurious girl's getaway.
Runner Up: Noosa Residences, Sunshine Coast
Browse our full collection of girls' getaways and gather your friends!
Best Luxe for Less Escape:
Winner: 57 Hotel, Sydney
Sydney accommodation for under $200 can still be found at 57 Hotel Sydney. Sure the rooms may be compact, but you have the whole, amazing city out there to explore! Great rates don't end there; your rate includes free WiFi, express breakfast and free local phone calls.
Runner Up: Ridgemill Escape Stanthorpe
Browse our luxe for less collection and save.
Best Newcomer:
Winner: Elements of Byron
Elements of Byron have made an impressive splash onto the Australia hotel scene, already becoming a firm favourite with alluxia guests. Luxurious villas, morning yoga, complimentary breakfast and that incredible pool with overhanging swing chairs make it the perfect choice for a beach getaway. The good news is the resort will launch more luxurious villas in 2017, watch this space!
Runner Up: Heart Hotel & Gallery, Whitsundays
Best Gourmet Getaway:
Winner: Bells at Killcare, Central Coast
There is some stiff competition in this category, with many of our favourite boutique hotels and retreats offering some impressive destination restaurants. However, the gong goes to Bells at Killcare with their destination restaurant for consistently offering a high quality dining experience with a contemporary coastal setting.
Runner Up: Spicers Peak Lodge, Scenic Rim
Best Wine Weekend
Winner: Polperro Villas, Mornington Peninsula
There's nothing better than staying at a vineyard, surrounded by rolling hills of vines and strolling back from the restaurant to your luxurious villa for a nightcap.
Runner Up: Sellicks Chills, Fleurieu Peninsula
Browse our collection of holiday houses and hotels that are perfect for a wine weekend.
Best Pet Friendly Accommodation:
Winner: Alure Stanthorpe, Granite Belt
Alure Stanthorpe aren't just pet friendly; they go the extra mile to spoil your pampered pooch. For an additional $50 per pet they'll 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.
Runner Up: Thalia Haven, East Coast
Browse our handpicked collection of Pet-Friendly Accommodation.
Best Family Fun Holiday:
Winner: Rumba Resort, Caloundra
Caloundra is a great destination for families and Rumba has room for the whole family with spacious apartments and outdoor pools to keep the kids entertained.
Runner Up: A Summer Cottage, Byron Bay
Browse our family friendly accommodation options and book well in advance to secure school holiday accommodation.
Best Spa Getaway:
Winner: Gaia Retreat & Spa
Rejuvenate mind, body and soul at Gaia Retreat in the Byron Bay Hinterland. The incredible day spa boasts 14 treatment rooms with over 35 expert healers and therapists you'll feel Zen in no time.
Runner Up: Saltus Luxury Retreat, Hepburn Springs
Do you agree? Has your favourite getaway made the list? We'd love to hear from you!
You Might Also Like: Best of Travel 2015
Alluxia visits and inspects properties throughout the year and in some cases are hosted by the operator. Awards have been independently determined by alluxia based on stays, site inspections and experience in 2016.