Luxury Honeymoons to Australasia made for you

A charming old-fashioned villa lost amongst the beautiful hills, trees and freshwater springs Rotorua, Hamurana Lodge is a boutique haven of luxury in the Maori heartland. Ten rooms are found in two buildings found upon the hillside. Living quarters are spacious and interiors enjoy plenty of air and natural light, boasting views of the valley, surrounding mountains, Lake Rotorua and the sacred Mokoia Island. Décor is bright, stylish and contemporary, complemented well by stone and wood finishes. Elegant yet casual in style, the kitchen at Hamurana Lodge is one committed to the tastes and flavours of local produce. Ingredients and dishes are sourced from organic farmers and regional producers to come together in delicious dinner platters and there are some excellent fine dining establishments nearby in the City of Rotorua. Indulge at the Sanctuary Spa which focuses on traditional Maori healing techniques. Drawing on sacred knowledge and principles that date back some 4000 years, the therapists specialise in a combination of Romiromi and Mirimiri. In essence, these consist of deep massages, body alignment and pressure on key body points. All bodywork is meant to reinvigorate the body and the soul, bringing it closer to a natural balance.

Flinders Lane was once the heart of Melbourne’s thriving rag trade. The skinny, 1930s concrete building that now houses the Adelphi was once a soft goods warehouse but in the hands of a team of architects who bought it in the late 80s, it was turned into a wonderfully unique boutique hotel. The redesign is the brainchild of Melbourne-based design studio, Hachem, and as soon as you enter, you immediately know you are somewhere special. A large horse and carriage sculpture doubles up as the reception desk, ceilings are dotted with mirrored tiles and bold modern art pieces adorn the walls. The colours and textures of the hotel are inspired by sweets and desserts, and rich chocolate tones abound alongside stools in the shape of liquorice allsorts and cherry-shaped light installations. Rooms are characterised by geometric carpets, bold prints and colourful fabrics but the cream-coloured walls and sophisticated design touches ensure rooms remain elegant and on the right side of quirky. Flinders King rooms occupy the corners of the buildings, large windows flooding them with natural light and offering views out over Flinders Lane. The Palatial Suite features a separate bedroom and living area separated by a central hallway and with space for extra beds, it is a great option for families. As its name suggests, the cuisine at Om Nom tantaslises the taste buds, its meticulous presentation a real feast for the eyes. In this intimate setting, treat yourself to carefully crafted dishes and signature desserts enjoyed alongside fine wine, craft beer and expertly mixed cocktails. Located beneath the hotel is Ezard, where east meets west in a wonderful fusion menu.

Azur Lodge consists of nine private villas set on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding mountain ranges and Lake Wakatipu. The open-plan villas feature a lounge, dining room and a bath tub which has been set into a bay window so you can enjoy the scenic views as you soak. There is also a private sun deck from which to gaze out across the wilderness. Breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapes are included, and there is the option to dine in the main lodge or in the privacy of your villa. You are conveniently located just 20 minutes from the airport and five minutes from downtown Queenstown, so exploring this wonderful part of New Zealand couldn’t be easier.

A luxury bush camp on the vast floodplains of the Northern Territory, Bamurra Plains is a wonderful way to experience this unique and beautiful landscape. Set within 300km2 of private land to the west of Kakudu National Park, guests will enjoy access to miles of undisturbed coastal floodplains, savannah woodland and paperbark swamps. Reconnecting with nature needn’t mean going back to basics, and ten safari-style bungalows ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Each bungalow overlooks the floodplains and features mesh walls so you can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness that surrounds you. Décor reflects the region’s indigenous, hunting and pastoral history with buffalo horns, explorer maps, Aboriginal art and old photographs adorning the walls. Each bungalow comes with a species list so you can identify the animals that wander past. The largest Kingfisher suite features a generous living space and enough room for extra beds, making it a great option for adventurous families. With no internet access, TV or mobile signal, switching off has never been easier and you’ll soon find yourself tuning in to the sounds of the bush as you drift off to sleep. Dining at Bamurru Plains is a real treat, with locally sourced produce used to create a menu that is authentic yet contemporary. Meals are served in the wildlife observation deck and there is a self-service bar which guests are welcome to use. In this sanctuary of flora and fauna lives a vast, thriving eco system which includes many species of bird hiding in the swamps and savannah woodlands. Enjoy the heights amongst the tree tops when you settle down to an evening in The Hide while those who love to fish are encouraged to embark on a river fishing or airboat fishing excursion.

The work of a family of architects and builders, Hapuku Lodge is an extraordinary ecolodge perfectly placed between the white peaks of the Kaikoura Mountain Range and waves of Mangamaunu Bay. With an environmentally-friendly focus, this lodge was carefully constructed from salvaged timber and seeks to be sustainable in every area. There are four ultra-spacious rooms in the main lodge with wonderful mountain views, Japanese soaking tubs with room for two and immense custom beds – said to be the best on the island. The two suites also have their own fireplaces and a living area. However, the real stars of the show are the luxurious treehouses, standing 10m (30 feet) above the ground in the canopy of a native Manuka grove, each with a wood-burning fireplace, spa bath, open rain showers and large glass windows with a birds-eye view to the coast. There are two storey options for families, and the standalone Olive House Suite has room for two adults and up to three children. Dining at Hapuku means an organic and locally-sourced menu, with produce collected from the hotel’s own herb and vegetable gardens, free-range chicken populations and meat from nearby hunters and fishermen. Constantly changing and evolving offerings may include venison, wild blackberries, a variety of cheese, crayfish and even homemade plum ice cream. A comprehensive wine list makes sure to incorporate vintages from all over New Zealand, the ideal accompaniment to a wonderful meal. There are adventures to be had in every corner of Kaikoura’s coast, dubbed the ‘Maritime Serengeti’ by the local National Geographic. Head out on the waves in a sea kayak, swim with dolphins and seals or go whale watching to spot the gentle grey giants in the ocean blue. Mountain bikes can be borrowed from the lodge to traverse the surrounding trails while there are also Maori cultural tours, horse riding and the acclaimed surfing of Mangamaunu Bay a short walk away.

Silky Oaks is one of Australia’s most stunning riverside lodges, nestled in tropical North Queensland rainforest with a collection of treehouse suites immersing guests in the lush surroundings.