Australasia, which consists of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands, conjures up images of pristine landscapes, endless beaches, turquoise water and a vibrant Polynesian culture. There is a limited supply of high-end loyalty brand hotels, even in Sydney, Melbourne or Auckland, so Small Luxury Hotels’ 15 properties are a welcome addition to the luxury hotel sector.
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Small Luxury Hotels in Australia and New Zealand
Hyatt announced a partnership with Small Luxury Hotels this summer. While we won’t know until fall how many properties will be available for World of Hyatt reward nights, it’s reasonable to believe these popular, luxurious hotels have a shot at making the list. There are 15 Australasia properties in the SLH portfolio. 12 of these are between New Zealand and Australia.
New Zealand’s South Island boasts four of the Small Luxury Hotels properties.
Whether you want to relax in the heart of Sydney or Perth, or get away from it all in the remote Margaret River wine region, Australia’s six properties offer exquisite service and exceptional luxury.
Of New Zealand’s six Small Luxury Hotels properties, four are located on the South Island. Three are in Queenstown and the lakes region alone. This makes sense, given that the influx of tourism in Queenstown has increased tenfold over the last decade.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel
SLH Member Hotel Eichardt’s Private Hotel. Image by Eichardt’s Private Hotel.
Eichardt’s Private Hotel sits on Marine Parade, along Central Otago’s Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, New Zealand. One of the 30 Luxury Lodges of New Zealand as well as a Virtuoso property, Eichardt’s Private Hotel is no stranger to luxury and prestige. It’s an exclusive retreat in one of the country’s busiest tourist destinations, favored by jetsetters and celebrities alike.
Queenstown, which began its rise to popularity thanks to backpackers and snowboarders, now has quite a few luxury properties. None, however, come close to matching the attention to detail and luxurious touches of Eichardt’s Private Hotel.
The Penthouse, a recent addition on the top floor of the hotel, is the ultimate in luxury. The experience begins at Queenstown airport, where a chauffeur picks guests up in a Land Rover, which is then available for private use at all times during the stay. A butler is on hand at all times to ensure nothing is overlooked. The refrigerator comes pre-stocked with all of the essentials, including Krug champagne.
Rates for a lakefront apartment, located in a separate building, begin at $1,100 per night. Suites in the main building start at $1,200.
Como The Treasury Perth
SLH Member Hotel Como The Treasury. Image by Qantas.
Perth, the capital of Western Australia, is often overlooked when planning an Australian itinerary. Perth recently made CNN Travel’s Top 2018 Destinations list, and was dubbed Australia’s “capital of cool.” It is, admittedly, a five hour flight from Sydney and four hours from Melbourne, but thanks to Qantas Airways new London-Perth flight, it is easier than ever to get to, even for us here in the eastern US.
Thanks to the FIFO (fly in, fly out) workers who live in Perth but work in the oil and minefields of north Western Australia, Perth happens to be one of the most expensive cities in Australia. Those prices extend into the tourism sector, creating attractive conditions to book accommodation with points.
Margaret River, one of the world’s most pristine wine regions, is a short three-hour drive from Perth, Australia. It is home to some of the best wineries in Australia.
This, and the fact that there’s a limited supply of luxury hotels in Perth, were compelling reasons for adding Como The Treasury to our list. The Treasury is located in a gorgeous 19th century state building at Cathedral Square. Its city center location is ideal for exploring Perth’s burgeoning food and drink scene, taking in the surrounding wine regions or relaxing at one of the many city beaches.
Como The Treasury has just 48 sleek rooms and suites, a complementary juxtaposition to the ornate red brick exterior. The spa features Shambhala wellness treatments and the pool offers expansive views of the city.
Room rates begin at $450 in low season and can get as high as $950 in the summer. As a member of Virtuoso, Como The Treasury offers Virtuoso clients amenities such as complimentary breakfast for two, $100 food and beverage credit to be used in one of their exceptional restaurants and an upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
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Sarah is a luxury travel advisor and avid traveller. When she isn’t writing for Point Me To The Plane you can find her crafting custom itineraries for clients or exploring the far reaches of our wonderful planet. Read more about her adventures at The Girl With the Map Tattoo.
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