Experience Australia's newest luxury itinerary

Australia is setting new benchmarks in luxury accommodation and firmly positioning itself as a leading five star destination, offering world-class resorts to attract discerning travellers who want an authentic Australian experience wrapped in the lap of luxury.

The following three resorts are all new, offering extreme luxury, cutting edge design, first class facilities, stunning locations, attention to detail and five-star service. They complement each other perfectly by offering a different facet of the Australian holiday experience.

This 14-night, three-centre luxury itinerary is priced £8,200 per person from Audley Travel (audleytravel.com). Price includes international business class flights, domestic flights, accommodation, car rental and private transfers throughout.

SOUTHERN OCEAN LODGE, KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Due to open March 2008 on Australia’s Galapagos, Kangaroo Island, this world-class wilderness lodge is situated in pristine natural habitat overlooking its own private white sandy beach and the Southern Ocean. From here, at the right time of year, it is possible to glimpse migrating southern right whales.

Southern Ocean Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the whole island in order to observe an abundance of native Australian wildlife living free in a protected natural environment. Island wildlife includes kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, echidnas, eagles, penguins, seals, sea lions, whales and dolphins.

The lodge, designed by local architect Max Pritchard who was born and raised on the island, is being created in a way that is sensitive to the location and climate with low visual impact – it appears to float on the landscape. By fusing design and nature, glamour and wilderness, impeccable service and sophisticated dining, the lodge will exceed traditional five star expectations.

Kangaroo Island, also famed for producing Australia’s best regional food, has gained recognition for its variety of locally produced organic food and its wine culture. The island is home to 30 vineyards and 18 labels and the lodge’s restaurant will showcase the island’s wines and fresh seasonal produce.

The lodge’s 21 suites will have a sunken lounge, dramatic glass walled bathroom, outdoor terrace with day beds and a lavish sleeping area. The top suite is the premium ‘Osprey Pavilion’ which will feature an open fire and private plunge spa. Facilities include a Spa Retreat with an international programme of spa treatments, steam room and spa cuisine. Southernoceanlodge.com.au

MOONLIGHT HEAD, GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA
Moonlight Head, whose second lodge opened this month (October 2007), is also an environmentally sensitive eco-lodge. Situated less than three hours from Melbourne off one of the world’s most spectacular roads, the Great Ocean Road, Moonlight Head is set within 40 acres of Australian bush and farmland. Each four-bedroomed lodge, designed to complement the environment by one of Australia’s most renowned architects, Glen Murcutt, enjoys uninterrupted, panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.

Guests benefit from personal service and discreet hospitality including a private chef per lodge who cooks with fresh organic produce, housekeepers to unpack suitcases, run baths and fix drinks, and masseurs to sooth away the stresses.

The lodges are furnished with antique Persian rugs, handmade Savoir beds, original art and a 1.7 metre Villeroy & Boch bath, whilst lodge activities include horse riding in Great Otway National Park, driving the Great Ocean Road in a classic car or Ducatti motorbike, whale watching, wreck-diving, hiking along the Great Ocean Walk and wildlife tours. There are also private lectures and tutorials by distinguished guests on a range of topics.

Moonlight Head private lodges are founding members of the Healing Hotels of the World, a collection of properties with a state-of-the-art approach to holistic health and well being. Moonlighthead.com.

QUALIA, HAMILTON ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF, QUEENSLAND
This is Australia’s newest world-class resort having opened on Hamilton Island earlier this month. qualia, the Latin for ‘a collection of sensory experiences’, reflects a visitor’s experiences - smooth stones underfoot on the pebble beach, the scent of surrounding eucalyptus trees and hoop pines; the sound of water breaking on the Coral Sea shore and the soft breeze that comes around the point, not to mention the wining and dining taste sensations on offer.

The resort, owned and developed by the Oatley family who made their name and fortune with Rosemount wines, is located at the northern-most point of the island offering space, tranquility and seclusion. qualia features 60 elegant private one-bedroom pavilions designed by Australian architect Chris Beckingham in collaboration with leading interior designer Pike Withers. qualia’s ultimate accommodation option is the ‘Beach House’ which features a spacious bedroom, extensive entertaining area, private full-size swimming pool and a separate guest pavilion.

For serious pampering, guests can indulge in Spa qualia which offers a whole mind and body experience focusing on total wellbeing with anti-stress, anti-aging, detoxifying and cleansing treatments. The signature treatment is ‘Bularri Yarrul’ hot stone massage using 300 million year old stones and aromatherapy treatments using essential Australian oils.

In addition to the superb facilities, a number of tour options are available including scuba diving or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, cruising and sailing the fabulous Whitsunday Islands or taking a helicopter to Heart Reef or Whitehaven Beach. Qualia.com.au