Set between rainforest-clad peaks and the turquoise lagoon, Capella Lodge is a boutique retreat offering relaxed island luxury.
Location: Capella sits at the southern tip of Lord Howe Island, framed by dramatic mountains and the blue sweep of the Pacific. The island is located a 2 hour flight from Australia's west coast cities. It feels wonderfully remote yet welcoming, with beaches, reef and rainforest all within easy reach. From here, you can slip straight into the rhythm of island life.
Rooms: The nine suites are styled like modern beach houses, light and airy with timber floors, soft textures and wide glass doors that open to sea or mountain views. Each has a private deck for quiet moments, while some include outdoor plunge pools or spacious loft-style living. They feel relaxed, personal and perfectly in tune with their surroundings.
Amenities: The heart of the lodge is the lounge and restaurant, where seasonal dishes are served with views of the ocean. The terrace is a favourite spot for sunset drinks, and the small spa offers treatments inspired by the island’s natural elements. Everything feels easy and unhurried.
Activities: You can spend your days as gently or as actively as you like. Cycle around the island, snorkel among colourful reefs, or take on the famous Mount Gower hike with a local guide. For quieter moments, wander the beaches, spot turtles in the shallows or simply sit back and take it all in.
Sustainability: Sustainability is central to life at Capella. The lodge is designed to work with the island’s climate, using natural ventilation, shaded verandas and ceiling fans instead of air conditioning. Ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible, menus are seasonal, and care is taken to tread lightly in such a delicate environment. Staying here feels like being part of the island rather than just passing through.
Best places to stay in New South Wales
New South Wales Trip Inspiration
When to visit Australia
Find out the best time to visit Australia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
A month of extremely hot weather. Celebrate summer on Sydney’s beaches, explore the Great Barrier Reef, or enjoy the Australian Open in Melbourne. Tasmania is also perfect for hiking in mild weather.
February
Very hot, but lively in the southern parts of the country. Head to South Australia for the Adelaide Fringe Festival or Western Australia for the Perth Fringe Festival. Visit Kangaroo Island for wildlife and dramatic coastlines, or dive Ningaloo Reef for manta rays. Northern end is humid and wet.
March
Things start to cool down in the Southeast: enjoy Melbourne’s food and wine scene, hike the Blue Mountains. Alternatively, head north to spot wildlife in Kakadu as the Wet Season eases.
April
Visit Uluru for clear desert skies, explore Margaret River’s wineries, or catch whale sharks at Ningaloo. Tasmania’s wilderness is beautiful in autumn colours.
May
Ideal for the Red Centre and Top End: cooler and drier. Explore Kakadu and Litchfield. Southern states are great for city breaks in Sydney or Melbourne.
June
Ski season starts in the Snowy Mountains. Queensland offers sunny escapes, from the Whitsundays to the Daintree. Western Australia’s Kimberley region is at its best.
July
Perfect time for whale watching along the east coast. Explore Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, or cruise the Kimberley’s remote gorges and waterfalls.
August
Northern Australia is dry and sunny: visit Darwin’s Mindil Markets, Kakadu, and Arnhem Land. Enjoy stargazing at Uluru or explore the Great Barrier Reef islands.
September
Spring blooms in Western Australia’s wildflower regions. Visit Perth, Rottnest Island, or Margaret River. Sydney warms up, perfect for harbour cruises and coastal walks
October
Great time for Sydney’s Sculpture by the Sea and whale watching. Visit Tasmania’s wilderness, or explore Melbourne and the nearby Yarra Valley wineries.
November
Early summer brings perfect conditions for the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Great Ocean Road or enjoy wine regions like Barossa Valley.
December
Celebrate Christmas on the beach in Sydney, Perth, or Adelaide. Watch the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. Catch the Ashes cricket tournament in either Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, or Sydney. Tasmania offers hiking, while tropical Queensland is lush and vibrant.
Speak to a Australia expert today
and start planning your tailor-made holiday

Alistair
