Tasmania, Australia
Tasmania, Australia
Wilderness, wine, design.
The Tasmanian toggle between untamed wilderness and supremely cultivated eco-retreats is unlike any other in the world. The singular mash upâwhere preservation efforts meet leading-edge, sustainable hotel designâmakes for an escape of extremes: By day, explore densely wooded rainforests and totally remote waterfalls, along with mind-boggling wildlife. Après adventure, embed yourself inside a series of luxury lodges where food, award-winning wines and amazing design take center stage.
Sweat Equity
Take a breathtaking 28-mile, five-day bushwalking hike with the Three Capes Lodge Walk. The guided walking experience along the dramatic and remote southern coast of Tasmania takes the intrepid through soaring cliffs, woodland, rainforest and more. By night, private eco-lodges designed by architect Andrew Burns include well-earned spa treatments.
Launch Pad
Eco-lodges have come a long way from their humble beginnings as proven by the 16 new curvaceous Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge, recently named a finalist in the World Architecture Festival awards. Perched within Freycinet National Park, the glass-and-timber suites mirror the undulating granite rock formations that unfurl toward the forests and Great Oyster Bayâa bushwalkersâ delight. Designed with the lightest of footprints by Tasmanian architecture firm Liminal Studio, the glass pods are custom-curved to forest topography. Wrap-around decks and al fresco soaking tubs make for the ideal spot to recap the day.
"By day, explore densely wooded rainforests and totally remote waterfalls, along with mind-boggling wildlife. Après adventure, embed yourself inside a series of luxury lodges where food, award-winning wines and amazing design take center stage."
The Brag
Adventure doesnât stop at the table: Tasmanian native and chef Sarah Glover, author of Wild: Adventure Cookbook, shares her favorite culinary undertakings: Head for Faro at Mona, a new bar and restaurant located within the Museum of Old and New Art that pairs inventive plates with an art-filled visual feast. Tip: Make a $25 reservation to experience Unseen Seen, two installations by light artist James Turrell. Want to up the rugged factor? Cook your own meal on one of Tasmaniaâs most magical spots.
Inn Crowd
Transformed from a forgotten hydroelectric plant located at the tip of a pier on Australiaâs deepest lake, Pumphouse Point nestles deep within World Heritage wilderness. With water on all sidesâand next to nothing to distract from hiking, boating and fishingâthe hotel gives a clever riff to its past via exposed copper piping and industrial looking lighting that complement warm, pared down interiors. Want to get even more remote? Book The Retreat, a standalone cabin tucked deep into the woods, completely invisible from the Pumphouse. Tip: Leave the littles at home. The hotel has a strict no-kid policy. All guests must be older than 18.
HERO: @Three Capes Track
SWEAT EQUITY: @Tasmanian Walking Co.
LAUNCH PAD: @Freycinet Lodge
THE BRAG: @Museum of Old and New Art
INN CROWD: @Pumphouse Point
INSPIRE: @Hamanasi Resort
