New luxury lodge to elevate the Saddles experience

Multi millionaire advertising mogul John Singleton is splashing out on The Grand Saddles Lodge, which will open this spring on NSW’s Central Coast. 

The opening will marking a new chapter for Saddles Mount White.

The luxury retreat will bring together "20 private villas, exceptional dining, an elegant piano bar, a restorative day spa and bespoke local experiences". 

The work aims to transform the Saddles precinct into a complete luxury destination where guests can stay, dine and reconnect with nature.

Saddles is Just under an hour from Sydney, where bushland meets the waterways of the Hawkesbury and the Central Coast begins. 

Set opposite the The Homestead at Saddles restaurant, The Lodge aims to offer "thoughtful luxury". 

Designed by Michelle Leslie alongside White + Dickson Architects, The Lodge seeks to reflect Singleton's appreciation for hospitality and his connection to the region. 

Hidden among the trees, The Lodge's villas have been conceived as peaceful retreats. Each villa features separate living spaces, an open fireplace, private terrace and plunge pool, while a communal infinity pool and pool bar overlook the surrounding bushland.

Located within the main building at The Lodge, the restaurant will showcase the best of Australian produce, while evening activities will centre on Ned's, an intimate Art Deco-inspired piano bar. 

Beyond The Lodge, guests can wander walking trails through the surrounding bushland, visit nearby oyster farms, or explore the Hawkesbury River. 

Bookings for The Grand Saddles Lodge will open this spring.

Image: Ryan Linnegar

So you really want to splash out on a luxury gourmet weekend?

Luxury accommodation group Baillie Lodges has unveiled a series of high-end weekend events and short retreats for 2025 featuring wine and wellness weekends, photo safaris and culinary showcases. 

The events span properties in its Australia- and- Canada-based luxury lodges. 

Guests can meet with winemakers and culinary experts, reconnect with nature, join creative workshops and enjoy long lunches, fine wines and gourmet dinners. 

Among the gourmet highlights are: 

Henschke by the Sea at Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island,  June 27-29

A weekend hosted by star Barossa Valley vignerons Prue and Stephen Henschke featuring world-class wines and produce-led dining at Southern Ocean Lodge. Rates from $6,950 for two guests.

Slow Down in Wine Country at The Louise, Barossa Valley, July 31-August 3 

The Louise presents a luxurious three-night event celebrating wellness, creativity, and connection. Guests begin each day with yoga and gourmet breakfasts, explore art workshops and vineyard tastings (above), and unwind with elegant local dining in Appellation restaurant. Rates from $5,170 for two guests.

The Wild Table by Uchi at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Vancouver Island, June 26-29

The award-winning Uchi restaurants by Hai Hospitality bring their take on modern Japanese cuisine to Vancouver Island’s wild west coast. The Wild Table is an exclusive culinary affair featuring Uchi classics, a bespoke east-meets-west menu, and a sushi-making demonstration using fresh locally sourced seafood. Rates from CA$11,700 for two guests.

For more info email reserve@bailielodges.com.au or call +61 2 9918 4355.

See baillielodges.com.au for full details of other events.

Image: Slow Down in Wine Country at @thelouisebarossa @wondergroundbarossa

New five-star Noosa resort gets the go ahead

The team behind Brisbane's award-winning The Calile Hotel has been given the go ahead for another property - this time at Noosa on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland.

The Calile Noosa, a proposed five-star development, has been given final approval by Noosa Shire Council with work expected to begin on the 2.4-hectare site at Serenity Close, Noosa Heads, in early 2025.

Tourism Noosa CEO Sharon Raguse applauded the announcement, highlighting the significance of the development for Noosa's tourism industry.

“We are thrilled to see the approval of The Calile Noosa, as the importance of new and enhanced products, particularly accommodation, in our region is recognised and welcomed by us," she said.

"This is especially significant as it marks the first five-star hotel development in over three decades.
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“The demand for high-quality hotel offerings to attract high-yielding visitors is critical, and The Calile brand is set to become a key driver in bringing both international and interstate visitors to Noosa."

The Calile Noosa, designed by renowned architects Richards & Spence, will feature 153 rooms, 29 suites, and four villas.

The resort will offer guests spacious luxury, with facilities including a 50-metre main swimming pool, a second quiet pool set in a private garden, and a wellness centre. The project is also targeting carbon-neutral operations.

“We are especially excited that The Calile Noosa is being delivered by the Queensland-based Malouf Family, who have a strong passion for placemaking and a deep appreciation for the unique qualities of Noosa," Raguse added.

"Their understanding of what makes this region special shines through in their commitment to creating a development that not only enhances Noosa's offering but also aligns with its values of sustainability and community."

Meet Tasmania's latest luxury getaway

Located just outside one of Tasmania's loveliest villages - Evandale - Leighton House is Tasmania's latest luxury getaway.

Just down the road from Josef Chromy Wines, and a short drive from Launceston, Leighton House can cater for between two to 12 people and is a beautiful period homestead.

Potential highlights include an al fresco sauna and spa experience, or enjoying a glass of wine in front of one of the home's fireplaces.

The Georgian home, built in 1840, consists of three grand bedrooms with en suites and a study, while a new wing is home to an open-plan kitchen, living and dining and upstairs, a bunk room featuring six double bed bunks, a teen retreat and pool room.

Conceptualised by Hobart architectural firm, Core Collective, the new building is designed to complement the original home, clad with locally-sourced carbon neutral bricks made 15km away in Longford.

A protected courtyard and glass atrium connects the old and new parts of the home.

A sandstone wellness platform sits in the landscaped garden with mountain views, featuring a hot tub, sauna, yoga platform and fire pit.

The property sits on 300 acres of farmland with views of the Ben Lomond Mountain Range and Western Tiers and a position on the South Esk River.

For food and wine lovers, Leighton House is placed at the start of the Tamar Valley wine route and is a stone's throw from Launceston's food scene. It is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of only 49 around the world.

Comforts include high-speed wifi, two OLED Samsung TVs, an Audio Technica record player, Electrolux oven and cooktop, Breville Oracle Coffee Machine and a barbecue and pizza oven.

See https://leightonhouse.com.au/

Images: Adam Gibson