Still on the lookout for somewhere to soak up some summer sunshine? Get ready to slip into your sarong, slap on the 30+: here’s our shortlist of 10 boutique hotels or unique escapes that still have room for last-minute sun seekers…
Thala Beach Lodge, Port Douglas
You can read here how much we love Thala Beach Lodge! Essentially, it’s absolute paradise, a unique escape in romantic bungalows, great activities like the coconut odyssey tour or dine amongst the treetops at Ospreys restaurant. For a limited time, book with alluxia this summer and receive a complimentary upgrade to a Eucalypt bungalow, bottle of sparkling on arrival, chocolates and late checkout.
Oceans Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast
Mooloolaba is a brilliant family holiday destination and at Oceans you’re a hop, skip and jump away from the beach. Your luxe apartment has stunning ocean views making it tough to drag yourself away from its beauty. Luckily, there are a choice of restaurants, bars and boutiques at your doorstep. Oceans Mooloolaba are offering Stay 4, Pay 3 when you stay in February too.
Emporium Hotel, Brisbane (above)
Emporium Hotel is a destination within itself, with gorgeous bar, shopping and dining all onsite it’s no surprise it was awarded best Luxury accommodation at the Australian Tourism Awards. Visit Brisbane this summer for blockbusters at Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art including Cai Guo-Quiang and California Design or perhaps a spot of tennis with Brisbane International 29 December – 5 January. Either way, your stay at Emporium includes deluxe accommodation in a King Suite, valet parking and late checkout from $229 or simply enter to win it here.
Sydney comes alive in summer. Sydney Festival kicks off from 9 January with music, theatre, dance, family events and more. Stay at the stylish Kirketon Hotel in Darlinghurst, surrounded by restaurants & cafes this summer and receive a “Sleep Well” pack, 10% discount and late checkout.
Shoal Bay Resort & Spa, Port Stephens
We spent every summer holiday in Port Stephens growing up, so I can absolutely recommend this destination for its tranquility, family fun and adventure. Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is on the main stretch with a choice of dining options on hand and across from the delightful Shoal Bay beach. Pure perfection.
Enjoy summertime at St Kilda beach, with great restaurants, cafes, markets and more. The good people at 8Hotels will arrange a picnic basket including picnic map, wine, selection of cheese, dips and crackers, chocolate dipped strawberries and grapes to enjoy a romantic summer sunset. The “Picnic in the Park” package, exclusive to alluxia also includes breakfast in Chalk café, parking and WiFi.
Flinders Hotel, Mornington Peninsula
One of our favourite getaways this year was to the Mornington Peninsula and you can read about our brilliant stay here. Flinders is an appealing holiday destination with its scenic coastal location and surrounded by some of Australia’s best wineries and exceptional fresh local produce. Make sure you book in for dinner at on-site restaurant Terminus for a truly memorable dining experience.
Stay at the super sleek and stylish Burbury Hotel and enjoy some extra Christmas cheer! The good folk at Burbury are offering a bonus $50 food and beverage credit to use in any of their dining outlets, plus parking, internet, access to swish EVO Health Club and late checkout from $199. Check out the latest exhibition – Gold & the Incas, Lost World of Peru at the NGA until 21 April 2014.
This delightful bed & breakfast makes the perfect base to explore Hobart & surrounds. One of the highlights this summer is the Taste of Tasmania food & wine festival and of course the Sydney to Hobart yacht race shenanigans, makes Hobart a lively choice this summer. Stay at Bellerive House from $195 including the best hotel breakfast we’ve had all year, yes we’re calling it!
Injidup Spa Retreat, Margaret River (above)
We’ve saved the best til last with blow the budget luxury at Injidup Spa Retreat. From $550 per night, you’ll be ensconsed in luxury with just 10 exclusive villas all overlooking the ocean, with private plunge pool, it’s the ultimate beach getaway.
Browse alluxia’s handpicked collection of luxury holiday houses and boutique hotels and check out their exclusive Summer Getaways Book by 16 December and write “SUMMER” in the comments to go in the draw to win a coastal cool howewares gift pack from White Coconut valued at $286.
Image: Pinterest
