Ultra-luxe accommodation in NSW

It’s a special thing to holiday in utter luxury. Lucky for NSW there is a swathe of new offerings. From an extravagant new hotel set in a heritage-listed building to a remote seaside offering, there’s something for all tastes.

Destination NSW

Oct 2023 -

min read

Basalt

In the know: Set on a 1970s-established cherry orchard in Orange, Basalt’s three studios offer secluded, rural getaways for groups of two. Each studio is plotted in its own patch, a comfortable distance from a neighbouring suite. Inside your own private oasis, you’ll find a king bed made with soft linen, telescope for stargazing, sleek kitchenette, a wood fire and outdoor fire pits, plus ingredients to make your own continental breakfast. While each one-bedroom set-up is cut from similar cloth, picking which studio will come down to view preference. Chaser offers the most expansive views with 180 degrees vision of Orange and the orchard; Drifter boasts views of the cherry orchard and beyond; and out of Yonder you'll feast on sights of towering eucalypts and Orange beyond.

Best bits: The pièce de résistance, without a doubt, are the body-encompassing, incredible-vantage-point-offering baths. Turn the taps, set your temperature and settle in with a cup of something and bathe in opulent glory. You can also pre-book a ready-for-arrival menu by Orange’s Racine bakery owner, Shaun Arantz, and stargazing tours with a local legend.

How much? From $550 a night.

View of the orchard from the bath at Basalt, Orange

Basalt, Orange - Credit: Basalt

Somnium at Bingie

In the know: Tranquil, rural extravagance awaits at Somnium, tucked away on a private lakeside peninsula on NSW’s South Coast. This luxurious sanctuary, sleeping 14-20, has two bespoke dwellings: a four-bedroom house and an accompanying two-storey barn. Both have oodles of space and are fit out with floor-to-ceiling windows, polished concrete, marble textures, bespoke joinery and brass finishes. The Main House features underfloor heating (all-important if you're visiting in winter), an outdoor firepit, kayaks and two living rooms. Over in The Barn (which can only be reserved with a Main House booking) find a spacious loft bedroom, Great Dividing Range views and a functional kitchenette.

Best bits: Views to the lake and expansive outdoors are captured in nearly every room at Somnium thanks to the abundance of windows. Whether you're perched on the couch in a living space, prepping a lovely meal of local seafood in the kitchen or if you managed to nab the loft room in The Barn, your relation to the natural world is right there at this premier retreat.

How much? From $2,475 a night.

Somnium at Bingie, Bingie

Capella Sydney

In the know: This is Sydney's brand-new, high-end hotel. Set in the Edwardian Baroque-style, heritage-listed former Department of Education Building on the CBD's Bridge Street, Capella Sydney sets a benchmark for luxury accommodation in Sydney and beyond. Over eight levels, find 192 guest rooms filled with lush furnishings, a curated collection of artworks (95% were locally sourced from Australian artists) and more. Take one of the Deluxe Suites, they boast high ceilings, soft textures and oodles of living space. The luxurious bathrooms have double vanities, multi-layered curtains and deep-soaking tubs. Each room is stocked with an exclusively available Young Henrys beer and batched Archie Rose bottled cocktails. Downstairs there's on-site restaurant Brasserie 1930 and McRae Bar. Plus, a guest-only dedicated wellness centre includes a swimming and vitality pool (pools with massaging jets), a yoga platform and the Auriga Spa.

Best bits: The Prestige Suites are something to behold. They range from 104 to 235 square metres and are light- and luxury-filled. Find separate living and dining areas, Italian Frette linen and walk-in robes in these rooms.

How much? From $750 a night.

Harbour view from the bathroom at Capella Sydney, Sydney CBD

Capella Sydney, Sydney CBD - Credit: Timothy Kaye

Burrawang House

In the know: Gather 13 of your favourites and settle into a weekend, week or however much time you require, at this peak-luxury Southern Highlands manor. Burrawang House is a five-bedroom, five-bathroom masterpiece set on an acre of land just 15 minutes' drive from Bowral. Open the door to discover a plethora of entertaining spaces, a nine-metre outdoor heated pool and spa and near-five-metre ceilings throughout the house. It's fitted out with the best of the best: an 18th century mantle in the living room, Australian designer homewares from Armadillo and Jardan, lush king beds, incredible views from the three main bedrooms and original artworks scattered between.

Best bits: If cooking is your preferred holiday activity, the kitchen at Burrawang House will make light work of it. The Bertazzoni oven is any cook's dream. There's a dining table-sized island bench for prep and chatting, plus Wedgewood tableware, a Rocket espresso machine and eye-catching views out to the garden.

How much? From $2,900 per night for up to 14 people and two-night minimum.