Lord Howe Island, Australia
Capella Lodge
Volcanic island outpost
Volcanic island outpost
Guests gather around the lounge fireplace for evening drinks before stepping onto the timber deck under dramatic volcanic peaks.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Tarmac airport greetings, direct luggage delivery, evening open-bar rituals, and daily changing three-course dinners with regional wines.
Notable
Timber-clad pavilions frame Mount Gower through expansive glass, Kentia palms, and private outdoor plunge pools.
Notable
Island-caught kingfish and garden harvests pair with loaner mountain bikes and snorkel gear for marine park exploration.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Recommended
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in AFAR.
Just nine suites edged in timber and softened with linen, pair ocean-facing decks with porthole windows, curated art, and basalt-stone bathrooms.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Complimentary mountain bikes and snorkel gear let you explore World Heritage marine reefs, secluded beaches, and trails below Mount Gower.
1 of 4
The rooms
Timber-framed suites feature basalt-stone bathrooms and linen bedding, while the split-level Lidgbird Pavilion adds an expansive deck with a private plunge pool.
The plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The wet-edge plunge pool sits on the timber deck, looking straight out at Lovers Bay and Mount Gower.
The spa
The Capella Restaurant
Wrap-around glass opens toward the ocean, where daily changing dinners spotlight fresh island catch and regional produce.
Although luxurious Capella Lodge gives it some competition; the lodge also has an evolved sustainability policy with commitments to rewilding the area and working closely with the local community.
How it began
Opened in 2004 by James and Hayley Baillie, the secluded outpost became the founding property of the Baillie Lodges collection.
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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.