ttglive.com
rate, though minimum stays may apply. Activities, typically nature-based, are also key, and many offer helicopter excursions. “I think they reflect the destination and what you can do there,” says Audley Travel marketing manager Jim Millward. “They specialise in the outdoors, and some aren’t just lodges but have vineyards or sheep stations. People like them being at the luxury end, but also that they’re a bit more informal than a hotel.”
Janeczko agrees: “It’s not about gold taps, marble floors and a butler to shine your shoes – lodges are for people who want to get out and immerse themselves in a region’s landscape and culture.” As for unique selling points, Janeczko thinks Australia can boast about its range of locations – from beach-island to the Outback, desert to rainforest and the styles, which includes a cruiser and a tented camp, Longitude 101.
“In terms of differentiating, I’d say the trend for New Zealand and luxury lodges tends to be all about the scenery,” says Nicola Squire, Stella Travel Services’ product and purchasing manager for Australasia. “They tend to be homely estates with a colonial feel – and have all the luxuries you need without being flash. “In Australia a lot of them have more modern architecture, mainly because their properties have come up in the last few years, but they’re still in gorgeous areas. “Australia had stunning properties before but needed to create them more within the landscape.
“New Zealand has led the way – the marketing groups are a brilliant idea and give properties a certain integrity. People who work in that brand will have criteria they have to meet.”
Serious spenders
Operators say the price range for the lodges is broadly similar across both countries. But Squire says: “Now people are more familiar with the luxury lodge concept, new ones such as Australia’s Saffire have been able to launch at higher price points. It’s like they’re setting the standard on paper.” For those with cash to splash, full itiner- aries can be made around Australia and New Zealand by grouping lodges. But Kirra Tours, which produces a dedicated luxury collection featuring the New Zealand lodges, says it is more typical (and affordable) for clients to combine a four-star itinerary with a stay in a lodge, particularly for a special occasion.
LODGES OF AUSTRALIA
Formed in May to showcase properties “in keeping with the ethos of a luxury experience, connected to a sense of place,” the group’s 17 lodges include newcomers Saffire and True North, and a Western Australia sea and river cruiser. There are knockout spots by the sea, in the Outback and among rugged peaks. Many of the lodges are contemporary and design-led, though heritage properties include Arkaba Station – an 1850s homestead in the Flinders Ranges. Wildlife viewing, ranch experiences, 4X4 and helicopter tours are offered by members, and the website has a useful “plan your trip” tool for help forming itineraries. ■
luxurylodgesofaustralia.com.au
LODGES INCLUDE... SAFFIRE Saffire in Tasmania’s Freycinet National Park has a flowing modern design with 20 suites maximising privacy and views. Guided treks, kayaking, helicopter excursions to fly fishing and golf locations, and even crushed diamond facials are offered. Travel 2 has deluxe suites from £779 per night, with breakfast and lunch.
BAMURRU PLAINS Situated on the edge of Kakadu National Park, nature is key at Bamurru Plains. Nine rustic safari suites sit on raised platforms in the
luxury lodges knowledge
savannah. Guests can take airboat tours through bird-rich floodplains, crocodile river cruises or 4X4 wildlife safaris, and watch cattle mustering in season. Audley has prices from £650 per person per night, full-board with selected touring (minumum two-night stay).
QUALIA
Hamilton Island’s Qualia opened in 2007 to much acclaim. Rooms and suites feature glass walls and sundecks, some with private plunge pools. There’s also a secluded beach house, watersports equipment and a spa. Past events have included Australian Ballet performances. Qantas Holidays offers Qualia from £318 per person per night, including breakfast (three- night minimum).
22.10.2010 39
Bamurru Plains Qualia
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68