2020, what a rollercoaster of a year! For many, it’s been a challenging year and we’ve largely been confined close to home. As borders re-opened and we spread our wings and rediscovered our love of the nostalgic road trip.
As we look ahead to a brighter future in 2021, its likely international borders will remain closed, so there’s never been a better time to explore our own backyard and discover some regional gems.
As this year draws to a close, we reflect on all the incredible boutique hotels, holiday houses and unique escapes that have wowed us this year!
The annual alluxia awards celebrate the best of the best in each of our getaway inspiration collection categories. We hope you’ll discover something new, or rediscover an old favourite and above all be inspired to travel in 2021.
Congratulations to the alluxia award winners:
Best Regional Getaway
Winner: Bannisters Port Stephens
Bannisters Port Stephens has continued to evolve since it opened in 2018 following a sensational transformation of the old Salamander Shores. With 80 luxe rooms, destination restaurant Rick Stein and Terrace Bar with dazzling water views the property has recently added Spa Bannisters, Cheeky Dog casual pub eatery and Julio’s pop-up Margarita’s and Mexican restaurant, what more could you want from a coastal getaway?
Runner Up: Blackbird Byron Bay
Best City Break
Winner: Little Albion, Sydney
This Sydney hideaway feels more like a private guest house, than a boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Surry Hills, Little Albion blends art deco detail with contemporary style in one delightfully intimate and supremely stylish stay. Add a dedicated team of hosts on had to cater to your every whim and you have yourself the ultimate secluded city break.
Runner Up: The Calile, Brisbane
Best Coastal Cool Getaway
Winner: Liapari Luxury Beach House, Coffs Harbour
Liapari is a luxury beach house where the beach is your backyard and the rainforest is your neighbour in the dazzling location of Sapphire Beach. This secluded stay boasts a resort style wet edge pool and spa and a private lawn that leads directly to the sands of Sapphire Beach. This is an entertainers paradise on the Coffs Coast.
Runner Up: The Sands, Mollymook
Browse our collection of coastal cool getaways
Best Winter Getaway
Winner: Bendooley Estate, Southern Highlands
While regional travel remains in hot demand, we have a growing collection of hideaways that are cosy for the ultimate winter stay. Think fireplaces, deep soaking baths and cool climate destinations that are ideal for unwinding with a glass of wine. Bendooley Estate is pick of the getaways with dreamy interiors, it’s a stylish stay in the stunning Southern Highlands.
Runner Up: La Rocher, The Tweed
Browse our collection of winter getaways
Best Romantic Getaway
Winner: Mt Warning Estate, The Tweed
Newcomer Mt Warning Estate has been in hot demand since opening mid-year. Located in the Tweed hinterland near Uki, this romantic getaway features an outdoor bath with views of Wollumbin/Mt Warning, an outdoor firepit and day bed and a fireplace indoors which doubles as a pizza oven. Check in here and you won’t want to leave.
Runner Up: Blackwood Sassafras, Dandenongs
Browse our full collection of romantic getaways and escape to luxury
Best Group Getaway
Winner: Dunoon Farmhouse, South Coast
Dunoon Farmhouse is an impressive holiday house on the South Coast, ideal for family getaways. Lovingly restored, the home invites you to experience the history, stunning scenery and indulgent comfort this property now offers. Favourite features include the outdoor sandstone fireplace and swimming pool, making it a popular year round choice.
Runner Up: Caba Break, The Tweed
Best Gourmet Getaway
Winner: Port Phillip Estate, Mornington Peninsula
It’s time to support our Victorian tourism operators and plan a gourmet getaway to one of Victoria’s fine establishments. We do love a venue where you can indulge in some fine dining and then retire to your onsite accommodation and Port Phillip Estate’s offering is pure bliss.
Runner Up: Royal Mail Hotel, Grampians
Browse our collection of gourmet getaways and salivate
Best Wine Weekend
Winner: Prospect House, Hobart
We’re being asked to support the Australian wine industry and we don’t need to be told twice! Discover your next favourite winery with a wine weekend in one of Australia’s most loved wine regions. Prospect House is a grand boutique hotel in the Coal River Valley wine region, just 20 minutes from Hobart. This 12-room country hotel offers delicious dining and add-on experiences including a private tour at Pooley Estate.
Runner Up: Perry Street Hotel, Mudgee
Best Pet Friendly Accommodation
Winner: Ovolo The Valley, Brisbane
Ovolo introduced their V.I.Pooch program to welcome pampered pooches for overnight stays, providing pet-friendly luxury accommodation across their group of hotels. The VIP treatment includes a doggy bed, a doggy bag of toys and treats and more. We think Ovolo The Valley go the extra mile to welcome your four-legged friend and their location in the heart of Fortitude Valley is a winner too.
Runner Up: Bannisters, Port Stephens
View our handpicked collection of Pet Friendly Accommodation
Best Family Fun
Winner: East Hotel, Canberra
Canberra is a great family destination with lots of outdoor activities and museums, galleries and attractions to excite young minds. East Hotel offers Kids Studios aka Kids Cubby that interconnects to the East Apartment and is kitted out with a set of bunk beds, a kids’ play table, play rug, bean bags and loads of fun and games.
Runner Up: Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore
Best Spa Getaway
Winner: Halcyon House, The Tweed
Set to the backdrop of the sparking Pacific Ocean, Halcyon Spa is a divine spa sanctuary like no other. With interior design by Anna Spiro, the spa takes design cues from the main guest house, creating exquisitely appointed treatment rooms, a unique dome-shaped steam room and tranquil relaxation area.
Runner Up: Gaia Retreat, Byron Bay
Browse our collection of spa getaways and be pampered
Best Luxe for Less Escape
Winner: The Brunswick, Brunswick Heads
This hotel in the seaside town of Brunswick Heads has been a firm favourite for quite some time. Now with a coastal makeover, this unpretentious hotel really shines.
Runners Up: Atlantic Byron Bay
Browse our luxe for less collection and save.
Best Newcomer
Winner: Mt Warning Estate, The Tweed
Mt Warning Estate is one to watch. The owners have created a romantic haven in the hinterland and have plans for further cottages and a homestead on the property. Be surprised and delighted by this newcomer.
Runner Up: Zeta’s Coffee Origin House, The Tweed
