Luxury Destination: Lord Howe Island

Do you really want to go back to quieter, slower time? Want to go somewhere with no cellphones, no ATM’s. A place where people still leave their doors unlocked and where bicycles and golf buggies outnumber the cars?

Lord Howe, Aerial

Well there are not too many places left that fits this description. Even fewer which aren’t a private island but are World Heritage listed. We’ve covered a few of these exclusive “turn back time” islands at Luxury Destinations such as the Caribbean’s Mustique Island and today we have a slightly different one: Lord Howe Island and Capella Lodge. We have already reviewed two other properties owned by the same family, the Southern Ocean’s Kangaroo Island and Bedarra Island in northern Queensland. Lord Howe is their original property and has just undergone a major refurbishment. This is special place, here’s why.

Lord Howe Lagoon

Only 280 people call Lord Howe home, and a maximum of 400 visitors are allowed at any time. Lord Howe isn’t that remote though only 750km northeast of Sydney and a couple of hours flight from either Sydney or Brisbane. It really is a step back in time when you discover that the speed limit is 25km, passengers can ride in the back of utes and you can drive a golf buggy on the roads but not the golf course! Suffice is to say if your idea of a good time is a great nightlife – leave Lord Howe off your wish list. If bird watching is your thing though – the feathered variety I mean – then you will have a ball. There are no ATM’s so bring cash and credit cards.

Lord Howe is all about the unique natural environment and the limited number of visitors ensure that the environment will survive for a long time to come. Lord Howe Island is an isolated island which is a remnanent of a long-extinct volcano. The impressive Ball’s Pyramid is the world’s largest monolithic sea rock.

The island is only 10km by 3km but boasts a list of species which includes 11 orchid species, 56 different ferns, more than 100 mosses, 183 spiders, and 130 species of land snails (no I don’t think they are on the menu). The lowland forests include the banyan tree and the pandanus palms as well as the kentia palm – the one loved by Victorians by its ability to be grown in doors.

Then there are the birds. Close to 200 bird species have been recorded on the island and 18 land birds and 14 sea birds breed there including 100,000 pairs of sooty terns. Its this amazing collection of species that saw Lord Howe become one of Australia’s first World Heritage areas in 1982.

Then of course is the fringing coral reef and mild climate which allows for swimming for over 6 months of the year. The erroded volcanic peaks also offer some invigorating walking and views which you will have earned by the time you get to the top. Pack your walking shoes.

Capella Lodge, Lord Howe

You’ll have earned your luxury lodgings when you return to the Baillie Lodges Capella Lodge at the end of the day. Perched at the southern end of the island the property has spectacular views which are a featured in each of the nine individual villas and the main pavilion.

Capella describes the property as having:

“contemporary style and streamlined luxury – interiors awash with muted colours with hints of modern tropical and mariner chic – is beautifully matched with exceptional dining and first name service”

The over-night tariff includes all meals in the restaurant which has spectacular views of the Lagoon and Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop for dining on local fresh seafood and other delicacies. Also included are selected drinks, wines and canapes. Also equipment such as snorkeling gear, canoes and mountain bikes are including or for the less energetic a library with movies, games, books and an internet kiosk.

Restaraunt, Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island