Lord Howe Island , Australia
Inspired by the carefree spirit of the Australian beach house, Capella welcomes views over the Pacific Ocean and the world’s southernmost coral reef. Capella rests above Lord Howe Island’s tiny, secret beach at Lovers Bay and at the foot of its towering twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Guests are captivated by mesmerising views of the mountains and turquoise sea stretching to the horizon from the lodge’s indoor and outdoor lounging areas, its restaurant and suites.
Capella Lodge is celebrated as the most glamorous hideaway on Lord Howe Island. Its light filled restaurant, bar and lounge feature floor to ceiling windows and offer mesmerising views of the mountains and ocean. The Kentia Lounge is a quiet space for reading, while outside Gowers Terrace invites a swim or a laze in the afternoon sun. Nine island-style guest suites offer a relaxed, barefoot luxury vibe designed to reflect Lord Howe’s pristine natural environment.
Lord Howe Island is situated in the Tasman Sea, 600km east of the Australian mainland and 780 kilometres north-east of Sydney in New South Wales. Just 11 kilometres long and 2.8 kilometres at its widest point, Lord Howe has around 350 permanent residents, with visitors limited to 400 at any one time. You can get to Lord Howe Island from Sydney Airport (SYD) or from Brisbane Airport (BNY).
Relaxing into its lofty setting among the swaying Kentia palms, the Capella Spa encourages dreamy surrender to island-inspired treatments. Featuring the Australian-made alkeme spa care range, a menu of rejuvenating treatments also embraces Lord Howe’s natural environment.
A signature menu of rejuvenating and relaxation treatments embrace the island’s endemic Kentia palms and marine environment. The ultimate indulgence is the three-hour ‘Dreaming’, a complete face and body treatment, or for a local touch, the ‘Sacred Stone Therapy’ draws upon the power of heated basalt stones collected from the island’s windward beaches.
Lord Howe Island is a sub-tropical ‘treasure island’ preserved in time. An intoxicating blend of pristine beaches, rich pastures, lush rainforests and sheer volcanic peaks rising from the reef, Lord Howe is a sanctuary for rare plants, sea birds and marine life.
Mount Gower and her ‘twin peak’ Mount Lidgbird preside over the Lord Howe Island landscape like caretakers, rising out of the ocean to 875 metres and 777 metres above sea level respectively. With dark basalt cliffs, improbable forests and birds flying in and out of hidden crannies the mountains are a source of mystery and intrigue and appear to constantly shift with the changing weather and the light.
The walk to Kim's Lookout along the Malabar track opens up a number of longer walk options and offers classic views of the island looking towards the crescent shaped lagoon and Mounts Gower and Lidgbird.
Footsteps from Capella, this little patch of golden sand is a private slice of paradise. Following a little track off the road leads down to the grassy picnic area beneath two pine trees and then on to the sand. Absolute secluded bliss it’s a perfect spot for sunset drinks.
Blinky’s offers crystal clear water, views of the mountains and arguably one of the best surf breaks in Australia. For an amazing sunrise spot, there’s a sea cave hidden down the southern end of the beach which can be accessed at low tide for one of the coolest views on the island.
Lord Howe Island Brewing Co was created to celebrate the unique fauna of Lord Howe through beer. The range includes the Phasmid Pale Ale, Double Header IPA, Pyramid Mid Ale and the Golden Whistler Lager. Available in the bar at Capella or for purchase at the local store.
For a taste of the island, try Lord Howe Island Distilling Co’s Wild Lemon and Hibiscus Gin. The wild lemons used in the gin were first planted by the early settlers to help sustain them during the long periods between passing ships. Infused with locally-foraged botanicals, it’s one spirited drop!
Barbecuing is a ‘thing’ on Lord Howe and there are grills scattered all over the island in pristine locations. Capella offers ready-made picnics with all the essentials. Tip: ask the team for the best sites for the day, depending on the weather and the wind. They’ll deliver the pack in time for lunch!
Lord Howe’s picturesque jetty is the place to embark on fishing and dive charters exploring the world’s southernmost coral reef and a great spot to cast off a line. It’s also where the Island Trader docks to deliver the island’s freight.
Lord Howe picks up powerful groundswell from the Southern and Pacific oceans throughout the year. Combined with a shallow coral reef, it means one thing – waves. The island also boasts some of the least crowded beaches in Australia!
Lord Howe Island’s World Heritage-listed marine park environment, abundant marine life and crystal-clear waters attract divers from around the world to explore its diverse range of dive sites.
Dining at Capella Lodge is a celebration of superb local and regional produce, brought to the plate in a light, sophisticated style. A surprising harvest springs from this tiny, pristine island endowed with rich soils and bountiful waters and from Capella’s own kitchen garden. An abundance of fresh line-caught fish graces the daily-changing menu most evenings alongside island-grown greens and foraged coastal herbs.
During the day there’s espresso coffee and artisan teas, maybe an icy cold beer or glass of sparkling! In the evening, a generous selection of premium wines and spirits complement deftly mixed concoctions that taste of summer (or at the least never-ending spring).
A luxury stay at Capella Lodge is perfect for couples seeking an exclusive romantic escape, connoisseurs of privacy and natural beauty, as well as water sports enthusiasts looking for top-tier service and comfort as well as families with children.