Swansea, Australia
Avalon Coastal Retreat
Modernist glass pavilion
Swansea, Australia
Opened
2006
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Avalon RetreatsModernist glass pavilion
The glass pavilion is booked to one party at a time, leaving you alone above the water with a stocked larder.
“Perched alone on a magnificent headland deep in Tasmania’s rugged east coast, Avalon is an essay in the excellence of total seclusion.”
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
Barely a hotel at all, Avalon Coastal Retreat is a stunning modernist three-bedroom house on the east coast of Tasmania, midway between Hobart and Launceston.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
A private path leads through the nature reserve to a secluded beach, and Swansea is a ten-minute drive north.
The rooms
Each bedroom has a custom Tasmanian oak bed, and the master bathroom holds a handcrafted Huon pine soaking tub.
At the table
A stainless steel island and timber table look past glass doors to the sea, ready for cooking breakfast at your leisure.
How it began
Developer Brett Torossi originally commissioned the house for family and friends before opening it to overnight guests in 2006.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.