Lockdown stifling the romance at home? Get your sexy back on track at one of the 11 most romantic stays in NSW.
Sleep under the stars
Offering safari-style accommodation at its most glamorous, Boydell’s in the Hunter Valley, a two-hour drive north of Sydney, offers an unmatched romantic retreat in the heart of the Australian bush. The beautifully appointed eco tent, imported from Africa, features a king-sized bed, deep copper bath and private veranda perfect for lazing in the afternoon sun.
Deep in Mudgee wine country, three-and-a-half hours’ drive northwest from Sydney, Sierra Escape offers an adults-only glamping experience surrounded by scenic countryside and native wildlife. There are three huts to choose from, all luxurious and spacious with wooden flooring, king or queen beds, deep freestanding bathtubs and a fire pit for toasting marshmallows.
In Capertee Valley, just two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Sydney, Bubbletent gives guests the experience of sleeping in the remote countryside in a clear, inflatable glamping tent. Its three snug spheres — Leo, Virgo and Cancer — provide luxurious touches and a dazzling vista of the starry sky. Each is totally hidden from one another to offer privacy and seclusion.
A collection of 13 safari-style tents in Jervis Bay, a three-hour drive south of Sydney, Paperbark Camp provides couples with a peaceful bush retreat surrounded by the region’s pristine beaches and walking trails. All Paperbark tents are kitted with five-star hotel-quality linen and amenities, hot showers, a wrap-around deck and full insect screening. Opt for a Deluxe tent to enjoy a candle-lit freestanding bath.
Wake up to a view
Situated on a working 2,800-hectare sheep and cattle farm outside of Gundagai, Kimo Estate is designed to give guests a unique rural experience with lashings of luxury around four hours’ drive southwest from Sydney. There are a number of accommodation options to choose from, including JR’s eco hut, perched high on the hill with 360-degree views of Murrumbidgee River Flats and Kimo Valley. Soak in the hot tub by evening and wake up to a regional produce breakfast.
Located in the serene Snowy Valleys, a six-hour drive southwest of Sydney, Nimbo Fork Lodge offers a luxury mountain escape with abundant activities to enjoy the surrounds, from bushwalking to fly-fishing, horse riding and bike riding. Choose from six riverside cottages or four suites in the main lodge, replete with cosy furnishings and lovely views. Dine on seasonal local produce sourced from the neighbouring Riverina region at its onsite restaurant, helmed by the renowned Three Blue Ducks restaurant team.
Less than an hour’s drive south of Sydney, Tumbling Waters Retreat combines natural beauty and relaxed luxury on the doorstep of the Royal National Park. The retreat features a saltwater wet edge pool with views across the ocean and onsite restaurant and day spa. Choose the Luxury Ocean Penthouse Suit and watch the sun rise over the ocean from the comfort of your bed.
Nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park, Love Cabins offers romantic seclusion within the Australian wilderness. Choose from seven distinctive cabins, including a cave, treehouse and tee pee, each self-contained with expansive views across the valley.
Get a feel for the countryside
Milton Park has that grand manor charm usually only seen in the English countryside. Nestled in the idyllic Southern Highlands, a 90-minute drive from Sydney, the elegant hotel stands serenely in grounds of cypress-lined drives, wisteria archways and bluebell fields, and boasts an ivy-covered pool house, high-end spa and fine dining at its signature restaurant Horderns.
Cedars Mount View in the Hunter Valley has just four luxury villas scattered across its 34-hectare property, each completely separated yet sharing expansive views to the mountains. The villas are individually styled and feature a spa and fireplace, perfect for getting cosy during winter. Cedar Creek meanders through the property creating scenic walking trails and picturesque picnic spots. While in Mount View, be sure to book lunch at lauded restaurantBistro Molines, where traditional Provence dishes are served overlooking the vines.
There are just six couples-only cabins at Seclusions Blue Mountains, placed 40 minutes west of Katoomba in the Blue Mountains. Each timber cabin has a generous spa, private balcony and kitchenette. Spend the day trout fishing on Lake Lyell, wandering around the pretty streets of Katoomba and Blackheath stocking up on local produce or playing tennis and swimming in the property’s pool.
