12 best boutique hotels in Australia for an enchanting getaway

Ideal for: Stylish celebrations and memorable milestones

This iconic Byron Bay retreat blends beachfront living with the comfort of a private hotel. Here, details are everything. Yes, it looks good on the ‘gram, but there is a craftsmanship and quality to Raes’ interiors that is unparalleled. Meanwhile, the hotel’s new Guesthouses – located less than 200m from the hotel and waterfront – offer an added level of privacy, shrouded by tropical gardens and private terraces, as well as the same breezy Balearic aesthetic.

Why we love it: 

• The vibe. Bright, breezy, bohemian and yet impossibly chic, Raes on Wategos is more White Lotus than anywhere actually featured in the series. 

• The spa. Tucked under the white-washed curves of the hotel staircase, entering the spa is like stepping into a hidden chapel, with Rationale products lining the altar. 

• The location. Raes overlooks the picturesque beach, where dolphins regularly frolick in the surf. Lush tropical bush separates the Wategos enclave from the rest of Byron, bringing an added sense of isolation and exclusivity. 

Ideal for: Laid-back island luxury

Capturing the slow-paced essence of a perpetual weekend, The Sundays brings a fresh boutique perspective to Catseye Beach. Nestled among tropical palms on Hamilton Island’s northern shore, this Great Barrier Reef retreat blends serene coastal design with world-class hospitality. Interiors flow seamlessly out to Coral Sea views, while flexible room configurations – including interconnected family spaces – ensure high-end style meets total practical comfort.

Why we love it: 

• The dining. Catseye Pool Club features a relaxed, sharing-style menu created by acclaimed culinary duo Josh and Julie Niland, perfect for long lunches that drift into sunset cocktails.

• Family-friendly luxury. Thoughtfully designed Family Connect rooms give larger groups ample space to spread out.

• The setting. Fronting Catseye Beach with direct flights landing daily on Hamilton Island, paradise is only a few hours away from the east coast.

Stay 4 nights or more and save up to 25%*. Offer ends 4pm AEST Thursday 13 August 2026.

Ideal for: Ultra-private, understated luxury

Set on the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is a private world of luxury surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef. Opened in 2007 and designed by Australian architect Chris Beckingham, the resort’s name nods to a collection of deeper sensory experiences – a philosophy that runs through every pavilion, each set privately in native bushland with Whitsunday and ocean views.

Why we love it: 

• The pavilions. Choose the bushland-facing Leeward Pavilions or the ocean-facing Windward Pavilions with private plunge pools, or go all-out in the Beach House with a 12-metre infinity pool.

• The dining. Executive chef Joshua Hingston sources Queensland produce for two distinct restaurants – Long Pavilion among the eucalypts, and Pebble Beach on the sand.

• The inclusions. Daily breakfast, all non-alcoholic drinks, a bottle of champagne on arrival and an electric golf buggy are all included.

Stay 4 nights or more and experience the flavours of qualia with a $500 culinary credit to enjoy throughout your stay. Offer ends 4pm AEST Thursday 27 August 2026.

Ideal for: Gastronomic getaways

It took six years to transform Paddington’s historic corner pub into The Grand National, delivering one of the most polished, considered and charming properties to open in Australia. From renowned Saint Peter chef Josh Niland and wife Julie, the hotel has the same commitment to quality and sustainability as the pair’s flagship restaurant. Hidden in the backstreets of Paddington, the boutique hotel gives guests a rare chance to indulge in a world-class experience while staying in the heart of one of Sydney’s most sought-after postcodes. 

Why we love it: 

• The design. Polish and exacting precision permeate each of the 14 individually styled guest rooms.  

• The food. World-class dining from renowned chef Josh Niland is found downstairs at Saint Peter. 

• The location. Centrally located in Sydney’s Paddington, which boasts boutique shops, buzzy restaurants, leafy backstreets and neighbourhood pubs and bars. 

Ideal for: Romantic, stylish getaways 

The offspring of one of Tasmania’s best restaurants and located in the same 1840s former flour mill on the banks of the Tamar River, Stillwater Seven is a moodily dark-hued boutique hotel jewel. Each of the seven compact but luxurious suites is unique, while the structural quirks of the old mill – hefty exposed wooden beams, paned windows with river views – seamlessly integrate with the chic décor. Of course, a meal at the onsite restaurant, Stillwater, is a must.

Why we love it: 

• The design. A brilliant, thoughtful renovation of an historic building. 

• The minibar. Packed with Tasmanian goodies, from wine and whisky to snacks and teas.

• The location. Stillwater Seven is within walking distance of Launceston and the beautiful Cataract Gorge.

Ideal for: Sophisticated city staycations

Every detail at Como The Treasury – from the fragrant bath salts provided by the onsite Shambhala Spa to the botanical watercolours by local artists – is the pinnacle of quiet luxury. As the hotel is housed in Perth’s opulent, 19th-century State Buildings, the aesthetic is timeless elegance. Each of the 48 rooms and suites is deliciously oversized with soaring high ceilings, and many have iron lace balconies and views to Cathedral Square or the city’s rooftops.

Why we love it: 

• The pool. A few lazy laps in the top-floor indoor pool – with its travertine tiling and light jazz floating through the speakers – is an invigorating way to start the day.

• The bathrooms. It’s impossible to overstate the generosity of the ensuite bathrooms in every room category.

• The floristry. The deeply considered use of Western Australian natives give the rooms, suites and common areas at Como The Treasury an eye-catching – and fragrant – sense of place. 

Ideal for: Families, weddings and closet cowboys and cowgirls

This splendid outback lodge is framed by the 18-kilometre-long escarpment of Mount Mulligan, a wall of red sandstone that’s five times larger than Uluru. It’s 160km northwest of Cairns, on land that is partly a cattle station for breeding Brahman cows. (Think Akubras and R.M. Williams boots.) The 14 spacious suites sport wide verandahs, each with a daybed and a curved, corrugated iron bathtub. Inside, expect large bathrooms, stylish sitting rooms, king-sized beds, timber floors and timber-louvered walls for air flow.

Why we love it: 

• The views. Each of the suites at this luxury retreat offers panoramic vistas of Mount Mulligan. 

• Alfresco bathing. There are corrugated iron bathtubs on suite verandahs – and curious kookaburras that come to visit.  

• The adventures. There’s a range of bush-centric experiences such as self-drive ATVs to the goldfields.

Ideal for: Romantic getaways and family gatherings 

Alla Wolf-Tasker AM’s beautiful lakeside hotel started life over 40 years ago as a small country restaurant, then expanded to luxury accommodation and a brilliant spa set among 2.5 hectares of lush gardens. The 33 spacious studios and suites and two villas, some with outdoor spas, are reached by meandering paths that wind through the gardens. Inside, the rooms exude cocoon-like comfort bolstered by excellent linen and cashmere throws. The exceptional restaurant at Lake House remains the heart and soul of the property, especially now that much of the produce being used is grown nearby on their own Dairy Flat Farm. 

Why we love it: 

• The food. The award-winning Lake House Restaurant offers beautiful, modern, seasonal food matched with local wines. 

• The spa. Salus Spa is set amongst the treetops and offers thermal body rituals and Ayurvedic facials. 

• Aperitivo by the pool. Enjoy a signature Negroni or Elderberry Spritz while admiring the views over Lake Daylesford. 

Ideal for: Those looking to soak up wine and serenity

Located in the heart of South Australia’s world-renowned wine region, Kingsford The Barossa is a sophisticated retreat for those seeking the perfect balance of relaxation and indulgence. A long, tree-lined driveway leads you to the historic homestead (which many will recognise from McLeod’s Daughters), surrounded by a contemporary complex that feels entirely in tune with its rural surroundings.

Why we love it: 

• The vaulted wine tunnel. Home to a rare museum collection of Penfolds Grange and Henschke’s Hill of Grace. Tastings can be arranged.

• In-room treatments. There are four spa treatments available which can be booked in advance. 

• The serenity. And pretending you’re a long-lost McLeod’s daughter. 

Ideal for: Laid-back luxury by the beach

Refitted retro motels are all the rage these days, but few match the acuity of Halcyon House. The reimagined 1960s surf motel meets Slim Aarons’ poolside cool to solidify it as one of Australia’s defining beachfront properties. Each of the 22 rooms — including three spacious suites — dishes up its own idiosyncratic edge thanks to resplendent bedheads pleasingly juxtaposing patterned textile wallpapers; the eclectic art hung salon-style above custom-upholstered couches; and antique treasures that add timeless allure.

Why we love it: 

• The location. Set right on Cabarita Beach with direct beach access and a salty sea breeze, Halcyon House is a slice of paradise catering to the luxury jet set.  

• The design. Move over crisp white linens and beige timbers; this bold and whimsical approach to beachside design is fun and fabulous.  

• The pool. Fringed by lush pandanus palms and plush striped daybeds, this sparkling turquoise pool is as idyllic as it gets.  

Ideal for: Loved-up couples of all ages and girls’ trips 

Southern Highlands charm is distilled into stylish, modern manor living at Osborn House. The common spaces are the work of former Soho House group design director Linda Boronkay, combining art and whimsy to create thoughtful spaces that beckon you to sink back with a magazine, book or glass of wine. With fireplaces aplenty, Osborn House is the perfect cool-climate retreat.  

Why we love it: 

• Country retreat vibes. A taste of the Cotswolds just two hours’ drive from Sydney.  

• The spa. Osborn House Spa offers excellent facials and massages in a polished, serene setting. 

• The forest bathing deck. The traditional sauna and ice bath, surrounded by tall pines and earthy aromas, gets you back to nature without roughing it. 

Ideal for: Those after a luxurious base from which to explore the Mornington Peninsula

When Jackalope Hotel opened on a Mornington Peninsula winery in 2017 it was like nothing the region had seen before with its striking charred timber-clad main building, neon-lit hallways and dark, shimmering interiors. It remains impressive; its sleek, modern geometric lines an arresting juxtaposition with its bucolic rural vineyard setting. 

Why we love it: 

• The aesthetic. Jackalope has gorgeous and quirky off-the-wall design, furnishings and art.   

• The spa. Set in the poolside geodome, it boasts a curated collection of seasonal treatments. 

• The breakfast. The seasonal brekkie menu is offered at Doot Doot Doot or as in-room service, and included in your rate.