Lord Howe Island holiday accommodation
| country: | Australia |
| location: | Lord Howe Island, 700 km east of the Australian mainland |
| price: | From AU $550 - AU $790 per person per night. Singles from AU $590 - AU $1230 per person per night. Extra adult/child from AU $250. Price includes breakfast, drinks, canapés, 3-course meal and airport transfers. |
description
Lord Howe Island – The world’s last paradise
With sculpted mountain peaks rising dramatically from jewel-tones waters, Lord Howe Island sits off Australia’s coast 700km north of Sydney. A two-hour flight (from either Sydney or Brisbane) transports guests to this subtropical, crescent-shaped island sanctuary. With a climate described as a ‘perpetual spring’ and its unique natural environment declared by a World Heritage Listing as precious and protected, Lord Howe Island is regarded as the world’s last paradise.
A place of extraordinary contrasts, with rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests and serene lagoons, Lord Howe Island is encircled by the southern-most coral reef in the world and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982.
As one of only four island groups in the world celebrated for its rare collection of plants, birds and marine life and exceptional natural beauty, a mere 280 people are lucky enough to call the Island home and to preserve Lord Howe’s unique and precious natural environment, visitor numbers are restricted, by law, to 400 at any one time. Lord Howe Island and its surrounding islets are the eroded remnants of a large shield volcano that erupted from the ocean floor some 7million years ago. Over time, marine erosion has reduced the main Island to approximately one fortieth of its original size. Today, the extraordinarily scenic Lord Howe Island is just 11kilometres long and approximately 3kilometres at its widest point.
One of the Island’s icons, the majestic Ball’s Pyramid – the largest monolithic sea rock in the world - is part of the same undersea ridge called the Lord Howe Rise. At its southern end, is Lord Howe Island’s signature twin peaks the astonishing Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower that rise 875 metres high.
With two-thirds of Lord Howe is covered by lush forest and spectacular bushland, the Island is ideal for nature strolls. There are a variety of walks and hikes catering for all fitness levels. Not surprisingly, the Island attracts prolific bird life with some 130 permanent and migratory species. Similarly, Lord Howe’s surrounding waters have been declared a Marine Park with almost 500 fish species and more than 80 coral species recorded – 4% of these coral types are unique to Lord Howe waters.
Located on the secluded southern end of the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, the lodge commands spectacular ocean, lagoon and mountain views. We set new standards of exclusive luxury and contemporary style. Attracting discerning guests seeking a more civilised and sophisticated escape, we offer contemporary beach-style accommodations with just nine suites; personal service; exceptional dining and the option to enjoy a range of activities from soothing spa treatments to exploring the Island’s famous twin mountains - Gower & Lidgbird - and snorkelling the world’s southern-most reef.
Our reputation as Lord Howe’s icon dining destination is also well founded, with innovative daily-changing dinner menus showcasing fresh island fish, home-made pasta, organic island greens, daily-baked breads and lodge-churned ice creams. Combining pristine natural beauty with understated luxury, the lodge delivers a unique and exclusive Lord Howe experience.
Complimentary: Adult mountain bikes, lagoon kayaks, snorkelling equipment, backpacks, and a DVD, book and game library. An electric buggy is available for hire; it’s best to pre-book.
Island activities include (charges where applicable): surfing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, canoeing, world class sport fishing, bird watching, bush walking, mountain climbing, environmental tours, cycling, golf, tennis, bowls, scenic flights, boat cruises, and glass bottom boat excursion.
With sculpted mountain peaks rising dramatically from jewel-tones waters, Lord Howe Island sits off Australia’s coast 700km north of Sydney. A two-hour flight (from either Sydney or Brisbane) transports guests to this subtropical, crescent-shaped island sanctuary. With a climate described as a ‘perpetual spring’ and its unique natural environment declared by a World Heritage Listing as precious and protected, Lord Howe Island is regarded as the world’s last paradise.
A place of extraordinary contrasts, with rugged volcanic peaks, lush forests and serene lagoons, Lord Howe Island is encircled by the southern-most coral reef in the world and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982.
As one of only four island groups in the world celebrated for its rare collection of plants, birds and marine life and exceptional natural beauty, a mere 280 people are lucky enough to call the Island home and to preserve Lord Howe’s unique and precious natural environment, visitor numbers are restricted, by law, to 400 at any one time. Lord Howe Island and its surrounding islets are the eroded remnants of a large shield volcano that erupted from the ocean floor some 7million years ago. Over time, marine erosion has reduced the main Island to approximately one fortieth of its original size. Today, the extraordinarily scenic Lord Howe Island is just 11kilometres long and approximately 3kilometres at its widest point.
One of the Island’s icons, the majestic Ball’s Pyramid – the largest monolithic sea rock in the world - is part of the same undersea ridge called the Lord Howe Rise. At its southern end, is Lord Howe Island’s signature twin peaks the astonishing Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower that rise 875 metres high.
With two-thirds of Lord Howe is covered by lush forest and spectacular bushland, the Island is ideal for nature strolls. There are a variety of walks and hikes catering for all fitness levels. Not surprisingly, the Island attracts prolific bird life with some 130 permanent and migratory species. Similarly, Lord Howe’s surrounding waters have been declared a Marine Park with almost 500 fish species and more than 80 coral species recorded – 4% of these coral types are unique to Lord Howe waters.
Located on the secluded southern end of the World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island, the lodge commands spectacular ocean, lagoon and mountain views. We set new standards of exclusive luxury and contemporary style. Attracting discerning guests seeking a more civilised and sophisticated escape, we offer contemporary beach-style accommodations with just nine suites; personal service; exceptional dining and the option to enjoy a range of activities from soothing spa treatments to exploring the Island’s famous twin mountains - Gower & Lidgbird - and snorkelling the world’s southern-most reef.
Our reputation as Lord Howe’s icon dining destination is also well founded, with innovative daily-changing dinner menus showcasing fresh island fish, home-made pasta, organic island greens, daily-baked breads and lodge-churned ice creams. Combining pristine natural beauty with understated luxury, the lodge delivers a unique and exclusive Lord Howe experience.
special things to do and see here
Complimentary: Adult mountain bikes, lagoon kayaks, snorkelling equipment, backpacks, and a DVD, book and game library. An electric buggy is available for hire; it’s best to pre-book. Island activities include (charges where applicable): surfing, swimming, scuba diving, snorkelling, canoeing, world class sport fishing, bird watching, bush walking, mountain climbing, environmental tours, cycling, golf, tennis, bowls, scenic flights, boat cruises, and glass bottom boat excursion.
rooms, food and facilities
The bar serves a superb selection of cocktails, the island’s best espresso coffee and a selection of boutique Australian and international wines. Sunset drinks and canapés are included in all rates and provide an ideal segue to an evening. Most non-alcoholic beverages are also included. Outdoor lounging areas and a wet-edge plunge pool make Gower’s terrace the place to watch the sun sink over the South Pacific. Our spacious lounge offers incredible mountain and reef break scenery and generous banquettes.
You can also read a book or challenge a friend to a board game. An open fire provides a cosy atmosphere in the cooler months.
The Spa: Our spa offers luxurious Li’tya treatments inspired by the island’s endemic kentia palms, volcanic basalt rocks and marine environment. We have two treatment areas including outdoor massage tent.
Services: At the lodge, there is a reception area and boutique, an internet kiosk, wireless internet, daily laundry service (no dry cleaning), a postal service, and newspapers. There is no mobile/cell reception on Lord Howe Island. All major credit cards are accepted at the lodge.
Family friendly: We cater for children 6 years and over.
how to find us
Access is by air only - we can supply carrier details for flights on a 32 seat Boeing Dash 8, departing Sydney most days for the two hour flight. Weekend flights are from Brisbane. how this holiday makes a difference
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In terms of social benefits, we provide donations, gift vouchers for island golf tournament, ultrasound medical equipment, prizes for community events, church functions, school fundraising raffles for the local community.
We support charities such as the Cancer Council by providing a venue for their annual fundraiser, the Yalari foundation (for indigenous Australian education) and the Opera Australia to which we donate accommodation prizes with a minimum value of AU $3500. We also book with local tour operators on check-in. Their tours are very much part of the island experience and are encouraged as an activity. Lunch is not included in the tariff, and therefore guests are encouraged to eat out at the local restaurants. Our environmental policies are important when you operate luxury lodges in remote wilderness regions. The environment is an integral part of all guest experiences. Put simply, who we are is expressed by how we interact with our natural surroundings. To help us achieve our goals, we employ a dynamic environmental management plan that steers our operations and enhances guest experiences. We have an “Environment Fund” in partnership with the South Australian Government. It is expected that the fund will raise between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, with voluntary guest contributions making up part of the funds. A Board of Directors will administer the fund and invest money in a range of local environment projects on Kangaroo Island. Revegetation of 2 acres of land surrounding the lodge is ongoing, planting endemic species affected by erosion: 175 Kentia Palms and 200 assorted shrubs and trees including Hopwood, Sallywood, Melaluca, Juniper, Bulli Bush, Tee Tree, Berry Wood and Goat Wood. Both our properties engage naturalist guides to provide expert interpretive experiences for guests, building awareness of their natural environment as well as encouraging greater sensitivity for broader ecological issues. The lodges management collaborate closely with the Lord Howe Island Board to implement management policies in keeping with the destination’s World Heritage listing. In particular, carefully controlled visitation and accommodation of no more than 400 guests at any one time on the island. We exploit low wattage, energy saver light globes in all rooms. LPG is utilised for laundry and kitchen facilities at both properties. We employ a solar power hot water system, supported by a LPG booster facility. The aspect of both properties has been designed to maximise natural weather patterns, including flow-through ventilation and glazing to capture sunlight and store natural heat. Our lodge, in particular, takes advantage of its sub tropical climate and does not require air conditioning. Both properties use eco-smart fires, fuelled by green energy such as ethanol for public areas and in-room fire places (at Southern Ocean Lodge only). Electric vehicles are used for guest needs and complemented by a “fleet” of mountain bikes which are the primary source of transport around the island. Our wastewater is currently managed by an envirocycle secondary sewage treatment plant with treated water used for irrigation purposes. Organic waste is sent to Lord Howe Island’s leading edge Vertical Compost Unit. Following the introduction of the “Biolytix” system in another lodge on the island, plans are in place to convert our lodge in 2008. Biodegradable chemicals are used for cleaning at both properties. Extensive recycling is undertaken at both properties, separating compost materials, cardboard and paper, glass, plastic, aluminium and rubbish. The lodge captures up to 50% of all its water needs in rainwater tanks, with a total storage of 180,000 litres supplied by more regular rainfall patterns. In accordance with the Commonwealth Government’s Water Efficiency & Labelling Standards Act, both properties have installed accredited bathroom and shower fittings to ensure efficient systems for guests to minimise their water usage. Guests are encouraged to opt for laundry services every third day of their stay, potentially saving 250,000 litres per annum as well as minimising detergent use for both properties. In terms of our economically beneficial policies for the locality, we employ locals as staff where possible and training is part of the experience. There is only one 'town' on this 11km long island. We buy local fish from local inhabitants; and also grow organic herbs and salad supplies on the property. We also churn our own ice-cream and make our own bread. We use a local plumber, gas fitter, electrician and tiler - all thee people live close by on the island. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |