If it's luxury you're seeking on your next weekend getaway—like hatted restaurants, tranquil day spas, countryside manors, or secluded retreats in stunning locations—look no further. NSW is dotted with beautiful resorts and hotels, most a short drive or quick flight out of Sydney.
At Urban List, we are big believers in a mini-break, a long weekend, and a quick trip to reset the senses. At these NSW hotels, you'll have everything you need at your fingertips for a beautiful local escape. Keep reading for the best regional hotels, retreats, and resorts in NSW in 2024.
Paperbark Camp
571 Woollamia Road, Woollamia (Jervis Bay)
Image credit: Paperbark Camp | Supplied
For 25 years, Paperbark Camp has been offering a unique blend of nature and luxury in the heart of the Australian bush. Nestled into the natural landscape of one of NSW's prettiest beach towns, Jervis Bay, this is a great spot to check out of the hustle and bustle.
The canvas, safari-style tents are built above the ground to be low-impact on the delicate coastal environment. Each boasts wrap-around decks, hardwood floors, and bespoke hotel amenities including handmade soaps and lotions. Take the extra step and book yourself into the King Deluxe tent with its bush-facing bath, to relax under starlit skies with nature all around you. We highly recommend dining at the camp's on-site restaurant and a spot of canoeing in the local waterways.
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Raes On Wategos
6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
Image credit: Raes | Supplied
A little like the Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard, every corner of this stunning hotel and spa could be torn from the pages of Vogue or a Sofia Coppola movie. From the sky blue loungers dotted around the pool to the wooden shutters, tropical garden, and Mediterannean-inspired restaurant—every detail at Raes has been considered.
Suites are bright and breezy, fitted with large baths, luxury linen, and Lucy Folk-designed towels. In 2024, Raes' artist in residence Eytan Messiah has installed bespoke ceramic tiles around the pool, including a "press for Champagne" button. Press the button for Perrier-Jouët to be delivered poolside. If beachside, fashionable, and exclusive is your vibe—Raes is the place for you.
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Greyleigh
165-177 Long Brush Road, Jerrara (Kiama)
Image credit: Greyleigh | Supplied
With views out across Kiama's famously beautiful rolling green hills, Greyleigh is an otherworldly getaway perfect for big groups and families. Set high up on 200 acres of pristine hinterland, the early 19th-century farmhouse has been lovingly restored, complete with whimsical and luxurious details from interior designers Dominique Brammah and Shannon Shlom of We Are Duet.
There's room for up to 18 across two private houses: The Homestead and The Guest House. As well as an enviable country-style kitchen decked out in delightful jade-coloured cabinetry, a long dining table on a terrace with a view of the Pacific, and multiple plush bedrooms, Greyleigh also features a sprawling vegetable garden, a heated pool and cabana area, wood-fired pizza ovens, and a landscaped fire pit to toast marshmallows on summer nights.
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Soma
221 Kennedys Lane, Ewingsdale (Byron Bay)
Image credit: Soma | Instagram
If it looks familiar, this stunning Byron Bay retreat was the backdrop for the Hulu series, Nine Perfect Strangers. Set on 22 hectares of rolling green hills and lush bamboo forest, Soma is a quick 10-minute drive from the centre of Byron, boasting maximum hinterland privacy.
In real life, it is a wellness retreat run by technology entrepreneur Peter Ostick and sought-after wellness and meditation practitioner Gary Gorrow. As well as its wellness facilities—the freshwater infinity pool, geodesic yoga dome, fire pit, zen garden, infrared sauna, and magnesium ice bath—there are 10 luxury guest rooms, each fitted with a king-size bed and rain shower.
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Osborn House
96 Osborn Avenue, Bundanoon
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This stunning Southern Highlands manor house features 15 unique suites and seven self-contained cabins, each looking out onto the beautiful garden and forest beyond. Design lovers will swoon over the property's magnificent details—a perfect mix of country charm and sleek luxury splashed in shades of emerald green. The interiors are the work of London-based designer Linda Boronkay (Soho House) alongside Sydney-based Mac Design Studio, led by interior architect Alan McMahon.
At Osborn House, you can also indulge in the 25m lap pool and an ultra-luxe spa with four treatment rooms, a sauna, a steam room, a cool plunge, and gym. The on-site restaurant is led by executive chef team Segundo Farrell and Luz Gimenez, with a focus on cooking over fire. Make sure you plan a stay around Osborn House's "Fire Feast", an immersive Sunday afternoon BBQ experience.
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Elements Of Byron Bay
Byron Bay
Image credit: Elements of Byron Bay | Instagram
Set on the dunes of Belongil Beach, Elements is a short drive away from the hustle and bustle of Byron Bay's main drag. As such, the stunning eco-friendly resort offers up the sort of tranquil escape you always hope to find in Byron, but rarely do—and all without being too far from the town's best restaurants.
There are over 100 private villas dotted throughout fifty acres of meticulously cared-for rainforest, though you'd hardly know it. Each is quiet, private, and secluded, complete with timber decks and adjoining bathhouses. As well as an enormous family-friendly lagoon pool, there's an adults-only swim-up bar and wellness-focused amenities and activities like daily beach yoga at sunrise, relaxation treatments at the stunning on-site Osprey Spa, and guided walks through the rainforest.
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QT Newcastle
Newcastle
Image credit: QT Newcastle | Supplied
Built into a 113-year-old heritage-listed building on Hunter Mall, QT Newcastle is a welcome addition to the "Newy" scene and the perfect excuse to visit the city. Rich jewel tones and plush designer furniture feature throughout the hotel's 104 rooms and suites, which are also filled with natural light from the sparkly Newcastle Harbour.
The ultra-cool Clock Suite has been built around the building’s dome and clock, with its plus-size bath sitting pretty directly behind the hands of the clock. During your stay, make sure your book a table at the groundfloor restaurant Jana, led by Michelin-trained executive chef Massimo Speroni. The chef wields his Michelin flair (from San Domenico and Café le Paillotes in Italy) for a fresh take on a modern Australian bar and grill.
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Tower Lodge
6 Halls Road, Pokolbin (Hunter Valley)
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Despite the Hunter Valley's popularity with Sydneysiders, luxe accommodation is pretty slim pickings in the area. Tower Lodge is the exception. Each of the Spanish-inspired hotel's 14 rooms features spacious bedrooms, lounges, dressing rooms, and new bathtubs. Some rooms come equipped with fireplaces, sunny courtyards, and outdoor hot tubs too.
Be sure to book yourself in for a meal at Sebastian Restaurant. Inspired by the Basque Country and San Sebastian, here you can work your way through a luxurious seasonal five-course menu ticking off things like Basque Pipparrak chili pepper bread and koji-aged turbot.
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Marramarra Lodge
4 Fishermans Point, Berowra Waters
Image credit: Marramarra Lodge | Instagram
Just one hour from Sydney on the peaceful Hawkesbury River, Marramarra Lodge is the kind of place where you can kick back, soak up curated wines, spend an entire day lounging at the in-house day spa, partake in sunset canapes, take a helicopter ride to the Hunter Valley, or even frolic along on an oyster expedition.
Framed by the stunning Marramarra National Park, this recently-built luxury lodge is only accessible by boat from Mooney Mooney and Brooklyn. You’ll feel like you’re on your very own private island at Marramarra—the property caters exclusively to a max of 28 guests and when you book a stay here, you can expect an all-inclusive approach so you won’t have to worry about a thing.
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Blackbird
210 Frasers Road, Mullumbimby Creek (Byron Bay)
Image credit: Blackbird | Supplied
Away from the classic beachfront location in a seaside town, this luxury retreat in the Byron Hinterland is here to show you Byron Bay is not just about the beaches. Set in a backdrop that embodies nature at every turn, Blackbird is framed by rainforest and boasts unrivalled views of Cape Byron and the Pacific Ocean.
Enjoy solitude and privacy by booking your very own detached living pavilion, which comes with complimentary bubbles on arrival, a wine and cheese board, daily turndown service and a 24-hour concierge. Enjoy immersing yourself in nature amongst natural waterfalls, native flowers and trees or lounge in the Magnesium mineral swimming pool as you enjoy the ultimate escape close to home.
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Pretty Beach House
83 High View Road, Pretty Beach (Central Coast)
Image credit: Pretty Beach House | Website
Hovering above Pretty Beach on the Central Coast, framed with panoramic views of the ocean lies Pretty Beach House. The sprawling lodge is divided into four separate pavilions, each with its own private pool, bath, and sprawling deck.
The property takes its inspiration from the coastal environment and earthy interiors and bespoke furniture pieces reflect soft, relaxing colours designed to make you feel at home. The main house has an open plan kitchen, dining area, sandstone fireplace, day spa, outdoor infinity pool, and even a pizza oven for when you want a casual poolside dinner.
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Milton Park Country House
200 Horderns Road, Bowral
Image credit: Milton Park Country House | Website
With its large estates, manicured gardens, and winding roads lined with deciduous trees, Bowral in the Southern Highlands can feel very much like the English countryside. Milton Park Country House is peak Bowral in this sense—it's a converted manor house inspired by the country hotels of Europe.
Prep your camera for the ivy-covered pool house, wisteria archways, and bluebell fields, book a garden suite to wake up to views of the courtyard and rolling green paddocks beyond, and schedule a little self-care time at the luxurious wellness spa.
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Jonah's
Whale Beach
Image credit: Jonah's | Supplied
While the Northern Beaches is still technically very much a part of Sydney, we'd argue that once you've driven around the cliff bends at Bilgola, you're officially in a different beach paradise where the pace is a little slower.
Over at Whale Beach, the quiet cove before you reach Palm Beach and the tip of the peninsula, Jonah's is one of Sydney's most revered destinations. Complete with an award-winning restaurant, infinity pool with uninterrupted views of the ocean, and just 11 ultra-exclusive suites, this is where to stay if you want to feel like a celebrity on vacation. Pro tip: skip the traffic and take the 20-minute scenic seaplane from Rose Bay.
Book with TripAdvisor
The Jackson Ranch
101 Willinga Road, Bawley Point
Image credit: The Jackson Ranch | Supplied
Hidden within 37 acres of peaceful natural forest at Bawley Point on the NSW South Coast, The Jackson Ranch's aesthetic has been inspired by Montana, meaning yes—you can live out all your best Yellowstone dreams here.
The Jackson Ranch is perfect for weddings and group getaways, with accommodation for up to 30 across five renovated cabins, as well as a 120sqm event space and two bars for pre and post-wedding celebrations. Of the cabins, The Homestead is the largest, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a fully serviced kitchen and living and dining area. It also features a fireplace, sunny deck, and—so fancy—a private dam and pontoon.
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Bangalay Luxury Villas
30 Staples Street, Shoalhaven Heads
Image credit: Bangalay Luxury Villas | Supplied
Named after the Bangalay Sand Forest, this beachside retreat is a little paradise a stone's throw from the gentle roar of Seven Mile Beach. Featuring a collection of 16 villas and an onsite restaurant and cafe, this is a place to escape the bustle of the city and settle into a slower pace.
Each villa is super spacious with everything you need at your fingertips—a full kitchen, lounge, and dining areas, laundry, enormous rain shower, your own private deck, fireplace, and (of course) Netflix for cosy nights indoors.
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For more great getaways, check out:
Image credit: Raes on Wategos | Supplied
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