Luxury Lodges of Australia marks 15 years with the addition of two private island retreats, highlighting the evolving high-end travel trends in the country.
Luxury Lodges of Australia, the premier collection of upscale boutique properties, is celebrating its 15th anniversary by expanding its portfolio with the addition of Orpheus Island and Pelorus Private Island. These new members bring the total number of lodges to 20, underscoring the network’s commitment to representing Australia’s finest experiential luxury travel offerings.
“Luxury Lodges of Australia is not about growing numbers, so when we bring on a new member, it’s quite a big deal,” said Penny Rafferty, Executive Chair. “It was always about having the best of the best that demonstrated Australian experiential luxury.”
The latest additions, acquired in February, exemplify the growing trend towards ultra-private, bespoke group travel experiences. “Having private islands or multi-roomed private villas within a luxury lodge environment is fantastic for those smaller group travels, especially with the rise of intergenerational and multigenerational family travel,” Rafferty noted.
Orpheus Island offers 14 suites and rooms, while Pelorus features a five-bedroom villa, catering to families and small groups seeking privacy alongside top-tier amenities. This aligns with broader shifts in luxury travel, where wellness experiences have moved beyond spas to deeper engagements with nature, and culinary offerings have become more refined, with stronger connections to regional communities and the use of Indigenous ingredients.
“The next chapter will see an even greater emphasis on nurturing Australia’s unique environments and cultures, while ensuring we remain relevant to the changing expectations of luxury travellers worldwide,” Rafferty said.
To support travel advisors globally, Luxury Lodges of Australia has recently launched an updated trade and media portal. This one-stop shop features over 350 experiences, an extensive image and video library, sample itineraries, availability calendars, and training modules – all designed to elevate Australia’s profile in the global luxury travel market.
Luxury Lodges of Australia remains committed to its long-standing pillars of positive environmental and cultural impact, ensuring its members continue to deliver the finest experiential luxury travel in the country.
