Arajilla
Lord Howe Island (New South Wales)
Reopening - 30th August 2020
Why we love it
Nestled under a canopy of Kentia Palms and Banyan Trees just behind Old Settlement Beach, Arajilla Retreat offers a lucky few guests a haven of tranquillity and relaxation.
Arajilla's spacious suites, renowned restaurant and sublime day spa form the perfect base to discover the extraordinary scenery and wildlife of World Heritage listed Lord Howe Island.
With visitor numbers restricted on Lord Howe Island, life is relaxed. You can be as active or as passive as you like. Bushwalk, swim, dive, fish, cycle around the island, play golf, lie on a deserted beach, enjoy a massage, savour fine food and wine, sleep in or simply take an afternoon nap - its up to you! And it is all less than a two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane.
Food
‘Fresh produce, cooked well with a flair of creativity’ is the mantra of Arajilla’s Head Chef, Ben Crompton.
During your stay you’ll be treated to food that excites your tastebuds, with an ever changing menu designed to take in what’s in season and where possible incorporates the best of the local produce too.
It’s this lifetime of passion that comes through in the food served at Arajilla. From in-house baked bread through to the locally supplied line- caught fish, the culinary brigade supported by the experience baking of owner Janne, go all out to impress. The chefs even take a hand in growing their own greens and micro-herbs.
Destination
Born from a volcanic eruption some seven million years ago, Lord Howe Island boasts the southern-most coral reef in the world. The Island is just 11 kms long and barely 2 kms at its widest point and two-thirds of it is covered in natural forests, Banyan trees and Kentia palms. The waters are crystal clear, the beaches are pristine, there is no pollution and birds and marine life abound.
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, 700km NE of Sydney, Australia, Lord Howe Island is a small, breathtakingly beautiful island, just 11km long and 2.8km at its widest point. Included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982, the island is surrounded by a reef-fringed lagoon, rolling surf and the world’s southern-most coral reef.
The subtropical maritime climate produces warm summers and mild winters. Daytime temperatures range from 25-28°C in summer and 18-22°C in winter. Generally, conditions are appropriate for swimming between September and May. Walking, hiking and many other activities are enjoyed year-round. The climate is often likened to perpetual spring.
Experiences
Island - Rare birds, plants, geology and marine life; explore the most remote rocky coves, undertake a journey of discovery with world renowned naturalist Ian Hutton, spend a day walking to the summit of Mt Gower rated as one of Australia’s best day walks or “bus it” around the Island to get your bearings. Play 9 holes on the most picturesque course in Australia, swing a tennis racket or bowl with the locals. Visit the Lord Howe Island museum and visitor centre for more information on this unique Island. Lord Howe Island has a myriad of land based activities for you to enjoy.
Ocean - Take a glass bottom boat tour to view coral holes where stunningly beautiful reef fish and delicate coral formations abound. Head down to Lovers Bay to explore the lagoon, snorkel and mask in-hand, and experience first hand the wonders of the world’s southern-most coral reef. You never know what the reef depths might reveal!
Submerged - Snorkel and dive on the most southern coral reef in the World. With a mixture of temperate and tropical marine life Lord Howe has a unique under water world to explore.
Getting there
Apart from sailing your own yacht (for the lucky ones), the only feasible way to reach Lord Howe is by air. QantasLink offers year-round scheduled services to Lord Howe Island. Flight time is under two hours, with flights departing from Sydney on most days, and from Brisbane on weekends.
There are connecting services with Qantas from all Australian capital cities and with QantasLink from many regional centres.
A 14kg luggage limit per person applies on all Lord Howe Island flights.
Accommodation
Immersed in the privacy of the rainforest, the boutique accommodation consists of 12 luxuriously appointed suites.
The stunning Blue Peter Beach House is the best private Lord Howe Island accommodation.
New on the Island and closest to the beach, Blue Peter beach house accommodates two guests in self-contained luxury and privacy. It is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Lord Howe Island with only a short walk to Lagoon Beach.
It’s the perfect location for a relaxing holiday or romantic getaway.
