10 hidden luxury retreats to avoid the crowds

In the coming months your clients may be looking for a private getaway, somewhere to avoid crowds and escape from hectic city life. Here are 10 luxury hidden gems to add to their lists.

Privacy and safety are making it to the top of every savvy travellers list – especially for those HNWI clients.  

Help them get away from the crowds and bask in privacy at these lesser-known hidden luxury spots. From the far north of Australia all the way to New Zealand we uncover some of the hidden gem vacay spots. 

Haggerstone Island (Shelburne, QLD)

Located along the Great Barrier Reef near the tip of the remote Cape York Peninsula, the farthest most northern reaches of mainland Australia, is the magical retreat that is Haggerstone Island.  

You can book the resort exclusively for clients in a group of up to 12, so they can commandeer the island for themselves staying in the beachfront villas. 

Clients can live out their own luxury Robinson and Crusoe fantasies and enjoy the fresh produce grown on the island and fish that are mere minutes from the ocean to your plate.  

Blanket Bay (Glenorchy, NZ)

Voted as one of the best luxury lodges in the world, Blanket Bay sits on the shore and is part of the Wyuna Station. Clients will get to stay on a working cattle farm and experience peace, solitude and pure indulgence. 

For clients seeking the ultimate alpine escape in New Zealand, this 10,000 acres of high country will fit the bill. For that feeling of home away from home we’d recommend getting clients into the Owners Residence. 

Saffire Freycinet (Freycinet, TAS) 

Clients looking for a chance to refresh and revive themselves will be well suited to this far removed luxury retreat in the native wilderness of Coles Bay. Previously voted World’s Best Luxury Hotel guests will have every whim catered for and every desire met. 

From the incredible spa to the fresh oysters in the water, and a never empty wine glass guests will treasure the memory of an unforgettable stay at Saffire. 

Thorngrove Manor (Stirling, SA)

Give your clients the royal treatment at this exclusive hidden castle only 20 minutes from Adelaide. Guests have the choice of one of five romantic guestrooms each with a stunning picturesque view.  

Thorngrove offers a variety of activities for guests including horseback riding and picnics for two in the garden. Owners of the manor have designed the property for complete privacy and exceptional service and no communal spaces—perfect for social distancing. 

Seascape (Annandale, NZ) 

For the client seeking a secluded and romantic getaway, Seascape is a breathtaking spot only accessible by either helicopter or 4WD on a private beach. 

Annadale is a private ultra-modern retreat with an outdoor spa overlooking the beach. The architecture and building design in mesmerising, the grand curtain wall with floor to ceiling glass takes advantage of the views of Banks Peninsula. For guests wanting to escape from it all, Seascape is the remedy. 

Sal Salis (Ningaloo Reef, WA)

For the client interested in eco-luxe, glamping at Sal Salis might be the perfect option for their next getaway. Guests will experience an exclusive, private beachfront location of 15 luxury tents, and a philosophy of sustainability and minimal impact on the fragile environment of Cape Range National Park.  

Every night a three course meal is prepared with seasonal local produce and a hint of bush food. During the day guests can snorkel Ningaloo reef, or spot humpback whales depending on the season. 

Pretty Beach House (Bouddi National Park, NSW)

This luxury lodge is only 90 minutes north of Sydney, but feels so secluded. Set amongst the trees of Bouddi National Park and high above Pretty Beach (which lives up to its name) this beach house features the exclusive Bouddi spa and with a maximum of 8 guests your clients privacy is guaranteed.  

The Lodges at Cape Kidnappers (Hawkes bay, NZ)

Rolling hills and rugged cliffs great guests at Cape Kidnappers. We’d recommend booking clients into the Owners Cottage for the ultimate private experience. 

Best suited to keen golfers as the Cape Kidnappers Golf Course is listed as one of the best, with fairways perched on 140m tall cliff tops and every hole features a winning view over the bay. For clients less interested in golf the onsite spa offers the chance to rejuvenate the body and spirit. Our pick is the Manuka Honey facial. 

Dairy Flat (Daylesford, VIC) 

Help your city-dwelling clients escape to the country out to Daylesford, where the Dairy Flat farm and lodge is set amongst 40 acres of productive farmland and garden. 

Dairy Flat is the sister farm and accommodation to the Lakehouse in Daylesford, one of Australia’s most celebrated restaurants. With delightful interiors, luxurious touches and sublime service, this one retreat that’s sure to leave clients feeling refreshed.  

You can also book the lodge exclusively for your clients, for up to 12 guests. 

 

Bay of Many Coves (Marlborough, NZ)

This luxury 5 star resort had to make it onto our list as one of the most hidden gems – in fact it’s only accessible by water taxi or helicopter, with no roads in or out. Clients can stay at one of the 11 suites, and enjoy the privacy in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.  

Foodies will be at home with two fine dining restaurants on site and a cafe, with a focus on fresh, local ‘Kai Moana’ (seafood). For clients seeking a more active holiday, the hotel connects into the Queen Charlotte Track and has multiple guided bushwalking tours. There’s also a chance to cross “swim with dolphins” off your bucket list. 

Enjoy what you’re reading? Why not continue your client’s holiday, click to view 10 skyward experiences to take them to new heights.