Ultra-Luxe Holiday Homes to Make you Feel Like You've Travelled Overseas

Since your annual European pilgrimage has been cancelled again this year, it’s time to start planning a different sojourn. Play it safe (but no less luxe) by booking a week in one of these stunning holiday homes. As a bonus, the reduced flight time means more time for cocktails by the pool.

The Seidler House, NSW

The Seidler House is the most iconic private home designed by the late, great Australian architect Harry Seidler. Built into a rugged sandstone escarpment in 2000, this award-winning house offers panoramic views of the Southern Highlands just a 90-minute drive from Sydney or Canberra and evokes the glamour of the Hollywood Hills.

This spectacular eight-guest home with its contrasting undulating lines and sharp angles has one master suite complete with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom, and three additional king-size bedrooms that share a bathroom with separate shower and tub.

Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, as well as large balconies and patios, offer stunning views from everywhere in the house, and the private swimming pool in its own courtyard can be reached through stone gardens.

The main cantilevered balcony projects out over 150 acres of natural bush with two kilometres of private river frontage, with wombats, kangaroos, platypus, koalas, and birdlife in the vicinity.

Paris Villa, Victoria

The Paris Villa takes inspiration from the world’s most romantic city, offering the very essence of a romantic luxury getaway for two when you can’t make it to France.

In 2019, this shipping container accommodation won Stayz Australia’s Peoples’ Choice Award, and it’s easy to see why. A sumptuous blend of rustic dark wood and stone give guests a feeling of being nestled in the surrounding rock pools, waterfalls and bush, an experience that is amplified by the floor to ceiling windows and glass floors.

While you’re there, take advantage of the Tasmanian black-wood bathtub and the high-tech massage chair, while a large-screen TV is available for a cozy Netflix-and-chill sesh. All the mod-cons are available here: Spotify, Wi-Fi, PS4 and a Tesla charging station. When you’re all worn out from such high levels of luxury, you can take a nap on the infinity day-bed in front of the fireplace or tuck yourself into the floating king bed.

To add the finishing touch to the romantic mood, set the lighting throughout to a colour of your choice or let twilight in the bush set the mood.

Dune Port Douglas, Queensland

Dune Port Douglas feels like an ultra-modern interpretation of a Bali villa, with design and materials perfectly suited to the property’s sub-tropical climate and beachfront location.

Guests are greeted at the entryway by koi carp-filled water features offering an initial hint of Asian styling. Within, three interconnecting pavilions, combining entertaining and living areas, surround a 20-metre heated salt-water swimming pool and landscaped garden beyond. An outdoor kitchen and dining space alongside the pool makes the most of this tropical holiday experience. On either side, connected wings house a study, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, laundry and theatre.

The use of timber and polished stone throughout, along with high ceilings and lush modern designs, create a strong feeling of luxury for up to 10 guests at a time.

A 50-metre walk along a private sandy path takes guests to Four Mile Beach, and a little further on is Port Douglas town for everything you need. However, for those who would rather not lift a finger, a dedicated concierge, driver and chef are available on request.

Hundred Acre Hideaway, Tasmania

Trade Norway’s Aurora Borealis for a light show a little closer to home at Hundred Acre Hideaway on remote Bruny Island, Tasmania. This luxurious, solar-powered accommodation offers two beautifully appointed hideaways both with wooden hot tubs on private decks and 180-degree views over valleys, mountains and beyond to Cloudy Bay and the Southern Ocean.

Pre-order a gourmet farmer breakfast hamper to start the day, then while away the hours enjoying pretty walks in the surrounding countryside or play a round on the four-hole golf course. At sunset, relax with a generous platter of Bruny Island wine, cheese and oysters or put in an order for a local produce dinner hamper. As night falls, potoroos, paddymelons and wallabies emerge to graze peacefully.

Open plan living spaces are sleekly designed to contain everything you need, including a well-stocked pantry and bathroom amenities. But the highlight of the property is undoubtedly the possibility of catching a glimpse of the famous Southern Light displays—a photographer's paradise.

Want a country getaway? Check out the best Australian Agritourism.

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