Luxury accommodation: four delightfully different digs

In the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, 10 permanent eco-tents are arrayed in a line, all comfortably kitted with king-sized beds, khaki blankets and fine Italian linen. It could be an African safari setup were it not for the distinctive calls of kookaburras and butcher birds and the deep green prospect of Aussie fields and forests. This Canopy Eco Lodge (with a spacious communal main house close to the tents) is an adjunct to Southeast Queensland’s Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge, a luxurious bolthole atop a lofty plateau. Those who camp, however, are more active types about to head off on a four-day guided Scenic Rim Trails walk that traverses 33km and ends up at Peppers Spicers Peak Lodge on the final night with the palpable rewards of hot baths, degustation menus and cooled Granite Belt wines. Let’s call it soft adventure with a safety net. More: www.scenicrimtrail.com. SK

Halcyon House, NSW

At Cabarita Beach, near the NSW-Queensland border, this three-storey 1960s surfer motel has had an Italian coast-inspired makeover into a 21-room boutique bolthole. It feels closer to the Isle of Capri than the Gold Coast, thanks to inspired decor by Anna Spiro. Blues and whites dominate, from bathroom tiles (from Byron Bay’s Jatana Interiors), wall coverings and padded bedheads in the bespoke guestrooms to woven cafe-style chairs at Paper Daisy, the in-house diner and domain of talented Brisbane chef Ben Devlin, whose credentials include the feted Noma in Copenhagen. There are chic aquamarine and white bicycles lined up for guests’ use, the surf beach is at the sandy doorstep, and don’t miss a walk up to Norrie’s Headland. Breakfast delights include wholewheat crumpets with ricotta, roast fruit and honeycomb; watch the sunset while sipping a like-coloured Aperol spritz. More:www.halcyonhouse.com.au. SK

Larwill Studio, Melbourne

Celebrating the work of artist David Larwill, this development from the Art Series Hotel Group is in a commercial precinct attached to the Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville, just north of the CBD. All is light, bright and immensely comfortable, from the soaring lobby overlooking a courtyard garden and displaying original Larwill works to the 96 cosy guestrooms (book a corner configuration). Supremely comfy king beds are designed by Australian sleep specialists AH Beard and dressed in crisp white linen. And there are so many “get your act together’’ cues in the room — protein bars in the fridge, yoga mats, an invitation to take an early-morning run with the general manager — it’s like having a personal trainer hiding behind the door. Or you may prefer to dash off a quick canvas (paints provided) or grab a bike at the porte-cochere. More: www.thelarwillstudio.com.au. CMcC

Ikara Safari Camp, South Australia

An indigenous-owned gem in the Flinders region, on the outskirts of Wilpena Pound Resort, 400km from Adelaide, the upscale Ikara Safari Camp, which opened last year, features 15 glamping-savvy tents among red gums and native pines. These abodes are far enough away from the resort’s main buildings, pool and other campsites to afford privacy. At times the silence is so profound it fairly echoes. Snug inside are a comfy king bed, plunger coffee and a tiled ensuite with soft towels and fragrant native lime toiletries. There’s even a canvas wardrobe equipped with iron and ironing board (so there’s no excuse for scruffy moleskins) and the tents are serviced daily. Camp activities include off-road tours, mountain bike hire and scenic flights. More: www.ikarasafaricamp.com.au. CMcC

Source: The Australian, Susan Kurosawa, 8^th August 2015
Originally published as: Luxury accommodation: four delightfully different digs