Holiday house rentals
They boast swimming pools, staff, epic views and even somewhere to park the chopper.
The house doesn’t always maketh the summer holiday.
Great company, idyllic weather and a never-ending supply of sliced watermelon are also important, but a property which whisks you away from the daily humdrums of work, school and general responsibility really does add an incomparable element to an end-of-year getaway.
The 70s beach shacks of old, while still offering plenty of charm and comfort, are no match for the new generation of ultra-luxe properties, which can cater to almost every guest’s whim.
From butler and concierge services to resort-style pools, tennis courts and even helipads, Australian holiday house rentals have set a new standard for family vacationing.
It’s not surprise given the increase in holiday-makers wanting an alternative to cramped hotel rooms and the early morning race to secure a pool chair at the communal pool.
“They’re looking for a little bit more space than they had pre-Covid and that’s largely because people are travelling in larger groups and using their annual leave time to catch up with friends and family and holiday together,” Luxico’s Alexandra Ormerod says.
They also want opulence, amenities and hotel perks.
“They’re looking for their own mini resort, so those properties which can cater for groups and has multiple break out spaces have become important,” she adds.
“A lot of the service features are coming back into play; chefs, butler services which we have available in some of our ultra-villas.”
Privacy, a great view and proximity to the coast are other important elements View Retreats’ clientele look for in a summer vacation property.
The company’s managing director Stoewie van den Bulk says places which are “away from the summer holiday crowds” are also a bonus.
“Over 80 per cent of our holiday home bookings over summer are for coastal properties,” he explains, adding that they are usually the first to be snapped up.
For those after a one-of-a-kind coastal paradise, Luxico even has an entire island on its books, for groups wanting to feel completely immersed in tropical serenity.
We’ve found the most lavish holiday homes around Australia which will take a family summer holiday to new levels of luxury.
Makepeace Island, Noosa, QLD
For those hoping to make up for the past few years of quashed vacation plans, perhaps corralling some friends or family for a week on Makepeace Island is the go. The recently refurbished property, which is owned by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Australia co-founder Brett Godfrey et al, sleeps 22 and includes personalised meals designed by Wasabi Group chef Zeb Gilbert. Add a deluxe pool, myriad relaxation spaces and 11 bedrooms it really is the ultimate group getaway.
Cost per night: From $18000
Book: Luxico
Aqua, Airlie Beach, QLD
Need somewhere to park the superyacht or helicopter? Then this architecturally designed north Queensland holiday home should suit. It’s more of a compound, actually, with space to sleep eight and all the resort-style amenities you could want, minus the crowds. There’s a swim up pool bar, where you can sip your favourite cocktails while enjoying the view of Pioneer Bay, and a secluded beach beside the property’s private marine berth.
Cost per night: From $12298
Book: Luxico
Sky High, Mount Franklin, VIC
Not everyone wants, or needs, to smell a salty sea breeze on their end of year holiday. Sometimes fresh country air, with uninterrupted views overlooking lush valleys and undulating hills, offers the perfect panacea for a busy year. Sky High retreat, a stunning four-bedroom property at Mount Franklin Victoria, includes a private plunge pool, expansive entertaining areas and striking contemporary design elements.
Cost per night: From $1350
Book: View Retreats
Crane Lodge, Palm Beach, NSW
Known for decades as the summer playground of Australia’s celebrities and billionaires, Palm Beach, or ‘palmy’ as the locals refer to it, is brimming with luxurious properties skirting the beach and perched among the lush bushland of the Barrenjoey peninsula. A magnesium pool, fire pit and spa services on request are a few of the relaxing perks which makes this four-bedroom retreat so exceptional, not to mention the only sounds you’ll hear are your fellow guests and native birdsong.
Book: View retreats
Twenty Six, Wategos, NSW
Hugging the hillside above Wategos beach is the four-level presidential property, Twenty Six. Slip into the temperature-controlled pool from one of the three surrounding day beds, before heading to one of the four spacious suites to get ready for a night out at nearby Byron Bay township. Sun decks abound, and there is plenty of space for entertaining; just keep the noise down, lest you upset the neighbours.
Cost per night: From $6500
Book: Luxico
Caves Manor, Margaret River, WA
Surrounded by the serene bushland of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, this six-bedroom home offers privacy and plenty of opportunities for family bonding. The giant outdoor chess set and outdoor movie ‘theatre’ may add a bit of novelty to a stay at this Margaret River property, but the real value is to be found in the gorgeous interiors and proximity to the region’s most stunning beaches including Redgate and Prevelley.
Cost per night: $1,074.50
Book: AirBnB
Ocean Retreat, Falmouth, TAS
The view alone is enough to draw you to Tasmania’s Ocean Retreat, a four-bedroom luxury property catering for not just summer holidays but for every season. Outdoor and indoor fireplaces, a heated infinity pool overlooking the wild coast of Eastern Tasmania and ensuites for each bedroom are some of the luxurious elements of this secluded hideaway, which is ideal for those looking for privacy and an elegant abode.
Cost per night: $800
Book: AirBnB
The River Vista, Monash, SA
Perched atop the tawny cliffs flanking the Murray River, what this ‘cottage’ lacks in over-the-top opulence it makes up for in little luxuries and an epic location. Understated luxury is key here, with refined yet relaxed interiors reflecting the historic beauty of the sandstone home. You’ll also fall in love with the Le Labo toiletries, a freestanding stone bathtub and cliffside firepit; the perfect place to watch the sun set.
Cost per night: $625
Book: AirBnB
Cumulus House, Wye River, VIC
The minimalist design of this property, which sits between Separation Creek and the Great Ocean Road, offers the ideal environment to declutter the mind after a year of work and responsibility. Clean spaces and zero clutter allow space to appreciate the striking design and coastal views of this property, designed by the award-winning architectural firm Chris Connell Design.
Cost per night: From $750
Book: AirBnB
Oceanfront Haven, Mosman, NSW
With direct access to the Mediterranean-esque promenade of Balmoral beach, this coastal property in Sydney’s North Shore is one of Sydney’s most lovely holiday rentals. Impeccably furnished, but also comfortable enough to relax in, this oceanfront five-bedroom beauty sleeps ten guests.
Cost: $4335
Book: Luxico