Local Escapes Near Sydney

The much-loved hospitality group is opening a new venue on a working farm in the Southern Highlands.

A new era of mountain luxury has arrived in the Blue Mountains, with the heritage-listed Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa officially re-emerging as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains, following a multimillion-dollar transformation. 

Part luxury stay, part creative residency, The Second is a design-led loft experience tucked inside a heritage warehouse in the heart of Surry Hills.

Port Stephens has scored a sleek new coastal escape, Marina Resort, just in time for summer. 

25hours Hotel The Olympia is shaking up Sydney’s stay scene with its first Australian outpost.

90 minutes south of Sydney, Hideout’s three tiny homes provide a peaceful Southern Highlands escape set on a 140-acre working farm.

Australia Street Suites is a boutique hotel and luxury foodie escape in Sydney's Inner West.

The Grand National Hotel by Saint Peter is a 14-room boutique hotel above the world-respected Saint Peter seafood restaurant.

Sea Sea Hotel is a 25-room, boutique New South Wales stay in the cute coastal town of Crescent Head.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth was Sydney's first-ever five-star hotel when it opened in 1966. In 2024, the Sydney CBD hotel underwent a $70 million makeover.

Breathtaking Northern Rivers hotel Raes on Wategos will expand its footprint to a second property in late 2024, taking over the former Victoria’s at Wategos site less than 100 metres away from the beachfront icon.

Up on the slopes of Mount Canobolas, Rowlee Dining and Bar is a new part of the vineyard and cellar door experience at Rowlee, one of the Orange region's best wineries. 

Hot on the heels of several new hotel openings in Byron Bay, Basq House is a private oasis in the heart of the village centre, complete with a temperature-controlled magnesium pool, a rooftop retreat, and stunning interiors. 

Blending style and sophistication in the middle of the Sydney CBD, The Sebel Sydney Martin Place is prime for business stays, leisure trips to take in culture and cuisine, or weekend stay-cations in the city's bustling and historic heart.

A few minutes outside of Bowral, the recently refurbished Park Proxi Gibraltar hotel overlooks a golf green and the wooded hills of Mount Gibraltar.

The stunning wave-shaped W Sydney hotel will open in October 2023.

Nestled into peaceful bushland on the slopes of Bowen Mountain, Spicers Sangoma Retreat is a certified eco-retreat that is perfect for couples looking to slip away from the hustle and bustle and step into nature.

Packed with bars, restaurants and things to see, Surry Hills is an ideal spot to base yourself, and the bold new ADGE Hotel + Residences joins the handful of eclectic Sydney boutique hotels in the area.

Set on a working cherry orchard in Orange NSW, Basalt offers up a spectacular way to experience the scenery and specialties of the region.  

Nestled into some of the Blue Mountains' most picturesque bushland, Megalong Restaurant is a paddock-to-plate dining experience in the purest form. 

For a central Sydney stay, 202 Elizabeth is a gem with style and substance. The 38-room, dog-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Surry Hills is a stone's throw from the neighbourhood’s restaurants, bars and theatres, and a short stroll from the middle of the city.

When it comes to choosing a hotel in the Sydney CBD, you really are spoilt for choice. But, if you’re seeking an ultra-luxe experience, look no further than Hyatt Regency Sydney.

Freshly unveiled following a $30 million makeover, Manly Pacific - MGallery is once again welcoming guests to soak up its elevated coastal offering, with a rooftop pool and bar, a sundeck with an infrared sauna, an eclectic new lobby bar, and a dedicated events floor.

Situated in the most sought-after location in all of the land (ahem, Sydney), the five-star Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour will capture your attention from every single angle. With the stunning Circular Quay on one side and the Royal Botanic Garden on the other, no matter which room you score, the view is guaranteed to be fab. 

Gone are the days when Sydney's hotel scene was scarce and sometimes uninspiring. Oxford House is the newest boutique hotel to join the city's growing collection of cool places to stay. 

Need an excuse for a trip to Newcastle? Built into the 113-year-old heritage-listed former Scotts Limited and David Jones building on Hunter Mall, the QT Hotel is a welcome addition to the Newy scene. 

It’s been a long time coming, but Ace Hotel is finally launching in Australia—with Sydney as its first Aussie home. 

In the heart of the Sydney CBD, Kimpton Margot is the first Kimpton property to open in Australia. 

Motel glow-ups are definitely becoming a thing in NSW, and we are all the way here for it. The latest is The Isla in Bateman's Bay on the NSW South Coast, which is a stone's throw from Corrigans Beach.

For a touch of luxury complete with manicured golfing green and day spa, Chateau Elan in Pokolbin is one of the Hunter's few resorts—and easily one of its best.

After a 13-month restoration, Sydney's most iconic floating villa is finally back. When the villa launched in December 2018, it was an ultra-exclusive member's only type affair, with a hefty monthly fee, a 12-month contract and a limited number of memberships available. However, September 2020 saw the luxury villa go up in flames which destroyed majority of its structure and now, just over a year later, Lilypad is on the return and ready to take new bookings for 2022.

If soaking your soul in a hot stone bath and exploring hidden waterfalls is high on your getaway agenda, you’ll want to make your way to The Dairy near Fernleigh in Northern NSW.

Located two-and-a-half hours south of Sydney, Paperbark Camp is the glorious, eco-friendly glamping destination in the heart of idyllic Jervis Bay.

The NSW South Coast is a sprawling goldmine of beachside cafes, iconic doughnut vans, dog-friendly breweries, and of course, wineries. For any major foodie, it’s a no-brainer when it comes to filling up your weekend with delicious local produce, which is why its latest addition—Franco Pizza Bar—has to be on your next road trip hit list.

Sustainable, private, and completely romantic—these are just some words that only begin to describe Crafter’s Cabin.

If there’s one thing that should be on your travel bucket list this year, it’s gotta be taking the rite-of-passage road trip from Sydney to Byron Bay to stay at The Sunseeker, a brand new 80s-style brick motel mixed with a whole lot of beach flair.

If heading off for a weekend getaway and staying in a 160-year-old church isn’t on your list of things to do, it should be. And top of our list of historic, chapel-like stays not too far from Sydney is St Josephs. 

It’s the trip no one you know has gone on but the trip everyone needs to tick off nonetheless. Wilga Station is a property that captures the best of country living, nestled in rolling green hills close to historic Bathurst and Orange’s glorious wine country.

Biodynamic wine, provincial-style gardens, and—roaming peacocks. Yes, Krinklewood is no ordinary cellar door, which means you need to round up your road trip crew and make for the hills.

If you’ve never been to Gundagai in rural NSW, picture this—it’s the quintessential Australian country town located on the Murrumbidgee River (between Sydney and Melbourne). The town itself plays a huge part in Australia’s pioneering past, with plenty to see and do including checking out Gundagai Railway, scoping out historic bridges, exploring old gold trails with Gundagai having served as a home for a slew of pioneers in agriculture and having witnessed all the mining booms. 

If you're after a super stylish snow-filled escape—The Eastern at Thredbo Village is your dream getaway. 

There’s something pretty magical about Port Stephens. Maybe it’s the pods of dolphins that seem to hang out all year round, maybe it’s the mysterious twin headlands that guard the entrance out to sea; it could be the tranquil coves and dusty white sand, or the unbeatable sparkle of the water as the sun hits golden hour.

This beachside retreat is made up of a collection of 16 villas and an onsite restaurant and cafe—all a stone's throw from the gentle roar of Seven Mile Beach. Its name comes from the Bangalay Sand Forest that surrounds it—a unique coastal environment made up of Bangalay, Blackbutts, Lilly Pilly and Coast Banksia trees. 

Jervis Bay Farm Stay marries up the best of the bush, the country life and the sweet sandy shores of NSW’s beautiful South Coast. 

Less than two kilometres from Byron Bay sits a little slice of paradise. Beach Box, directly across the road from beautiful Belongil Beach, has got everything you’d want from a holiday home.

This stunning four-bedroom home sits on five acres of land in the quaint Coorabell Village, a short 15-minute drive from Byron Bay.

If you thought things couldn’t get any wilder at Taronga Zoo, think again. Sydney’s legendary animal kingdom has opened its very own eco-retreat. 

 Ourmuli is a private oasis located in the Hinterland just a few kilometres from Byron Bay.

Amileka is an actual slice of paradise in Byron Bay.

While Byron Bay has exploded in recent years thanks to its gorgeous beaches and chilled out vibes, we reckon it’s time to explore the region’s stunning hinterland and to be specific, luxury hideaway Blackbird.

If crystal clear air and fireside wine with a side of fly fishing sounds like an absolute dream to you—you’ll want to plan a trip to Nimbo Fork.

What’s better than a weekend escape to the countryside? A weekend spent at a stunning farm manor that’s been carefully curated with a mind-blowing collection of sculptures and paintings.

Located in East Kangaloon on 100 acres of farmland 25 minutes from Bowral, BARN. is the wild sibling of James Viles’ two-hatted Southern Highlands icon Biota. Here, you can expect a monthly dinner series and a menu full of seasonal ingredients from local growers and farmers. 

Just a short drive from central Sydney is a mountainside escape like no other, surrounded by acres of land and farm animals. If you’re in the mood for a romantic getaway or just a break from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, then you’ll want to book this place pronto.

The legend behind Tokyo Bird and Osaka Trading Co., has brought Sydney something extra special. Banchō Bar, is the latest venture from Jason Ang, located in the lane behind Quay Street in Haymarket.

This up-and-coming boutique hotel is definitely different. Located in Sydney’s inner-city Camperdown precinct, this one has been described as a real-life ‘choose-your-own-adventure’. Basically, The Collectionist commissioned several designers from leading design studios to create 39 individually designed rooms. Read that as, no room is the same so they’re pretty much all their own piece of art. And everybody wants to stay in a piece of artwork.

There's a lot happening at Surry Hills' Paramount Building.

The latest in Sydney's stable of seriously cool boutique hotels is Little Albion Guest House from the Crystalbrook Collection. The jaw-dropping entryway to the property is hidden halfway down an unassuming alleyway in Surry Hills, and it looks more like someone’s epic architectural mansion than the 35-room guesthouse that it is.

Ever wished that skiing could be a legitimate form of transport? Good news—if you stay at Numbananga Lodge, you can actually ski from your accommodation to the slopes, and back again. It’s only 2 kilometres from Perisher Valley! Strap those skis on. Driving is so passé.

One of the oldest pubs in Sydney has reopened for the first time in 30 years and honestly, it’s never looked better. The Terminus Hotel is serving up a twenty first century menu with an Aussie wine list to match and those happen to be a few of our favourite things.

What if we told you that an airport hotel could be greatest part of your entire trip? Sounds crazy, right? Felix Hotel by 8Hotels have changed the game by bringing back the good ol’ days of air travel, channeling the 1960s golden era for your next Sydney airport layover. 

There’s a new hotel in town team and it is lush AF. This is the first in Hilton’s Curio Collection to hit Sydney and it’s bagged prime real estate in the CBD. Greenery takes centre stage at West Hotel, with an open-air garden dominating the lobby.

Sitting smack bang in the middle of the always bustling Potts Point, The Larmont is a modern boutique hotel with SoHo vibes. Oh, did we mention that it’s all about luxury here? Because it is. 

What’s better than a boutique hotel built by the water? One built on top of it, of course. We’d like to introduce you to one of our fave (and one of Sydney’s most luxe) hotels, Pier One. Located in Walsh Bay, literally under the Harbour Bridge, Pier One has views that we (and you) can only dream of. Seriously, this is PEAK Sydney. With rooms and suites of all sizes available for your choosing you have just found the spot for your next staycay, business trip or well-deserved holiday. 

Small yet effortlessly cool, Spicers Potts Point takes the best of Sydney and makes it even better. With only 20 guest rooms you’ll feel fancy AF as you stroll the halls of the three heritage listed terraces in your plush white robe and matching slippers. Or are we the only ones who do that? The completely refurbished boutique hotel sits on the oh-so-leafy Victoria Street, with the aptly named Victoria Terrace Suites making up this lush boutique hotel.

If there has ever been a hotel with a perfect location in the Sydney CBD, this is the one. Primus Hotel makes your Sydney stay easy AF with little things like Town Hall Station, Pitt Street Mall and George Street all within a minute’s walk.

Taking pole position in Darling Harbour, the brand new Sofitel Hotel oozes French luxury—all the better for pretending you’ve skipped over to Europe. With all that the harbour has to offer literally on its doorstep, you won’t have to walk far to find some seriously good eats and drinks (never forget the drinks). 

Sydney’s Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is in the heart of the city, just a short stroll from the heritage Rocks precinct. This grand sanctuary of luxury has served Sydney delicious cocktails, eats and views for years and keeps them coming back with their bespoke service. This not-so-little slice of heaven has epic panoramic views of Sydney Harbour and we’re not just saying this, but it’s literally the best view in Sydney.