What it’s like to stay at Lord Howe Island’s most exclusive resort

With its remote location, pristine environment, and restricted visitor numbers, UNESCO heritage listed Lord Howe Island is a dream destination for many, with Capella Lodge its most coveted resort.

Lord Howe Island is exclusive by its very nature. Positioned in the Tasman Sea, approximately 600km from the east coast of mainland Australia, the remote island paradise that’s been likened to Hawaii and labelled the ‘Galapagos of the South’ is rich with unique flora and fauna, and bountiful marine life contained within the world’s southernmost coral reef.

Caps to visitor numbers keep it this way but also ensure enough resources to sustain both island residents and holidaymakers alike. Because of this, accommodation styles are boutique and in high demand, especially Lord Howe Island’s most premium resort offering, Capella Lodge .

One of five luxurious Baillie Lodges dotted around Australia, and one of nine throughout the world, Capella Lodge aims to provide guests with a first-class connection to Lord Howe Island’s unique surrounds.

But what’s it really like to stay there? I checked into the resort’s Catalina suite to find out.

Location

an aerial view of Lord Howe Island — Be surrounded by secluded coves, beautiful peaks and beaches on Lord Howe Island.

Located at the far southwest of the island, which measures just 11km long and 2.8km at its widest point, Capella Lodge is positioned about as close to the foot of Lord Howe Island’s iconic peaks as you can get to appreciate the full majesty of Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower.

Its elevated position on the hillside above ‘Lovers Bay’, means there are spectacular views of the South Pacific Ocean as well as neighbouring green pastures below.

Upon arrival, I acquaint myself with these views further on Gower’s Terrace – the deck area of the resort’s restaurant and bar. Welcome refreshments include a cold face towel scented with essential oils and a glass of champagne, though I opt for some fresh mango juice which is brought to me with some chicken and vegetable rice paper rolls.

Afterwards, I rise from my sunlounger to take a dip in the plunge pool, where I gaze out to lush kentia palms covering the mountainsides and surf breaking over the lagoon’s coral reef. It’s a communal space on the terrace, but expansive views plus only a handful of other guests about make it feel like I have the whole place to myself. 

Style and character

the balcony on Capella Lodge overlooking the scenic views of Lord Howe Island — A stay at Capella Lodge will reward you with absolute bliss.

Inspired by the classic Aussie beach house and conceived by architect Justin Long in collaboration with interior architects Pike Withers, Capella Lodge’s design is light-filled and free flowing, with floor-to-ceiling windows, rustic timbers, and a blue and while colour scheme throughout. Inside, you’ll find works by Mambo artist Bruce Goold and handprinted fabrics and woodcuts by Julie Paterson.

It’s a theme that extends to the resort’s nine barefoot luxury suites which are separated from the main pavilion by boardwalks and tropical gardens. On the way to my suite, I spot an outdoor shower in one of these garden nooks – perfect for washing off sand after a trip to the beach.

The atmosphere here is also blissfully relaxed and without any of the stuffiness you might expect from a resort that comes with a price tag ranging from $1,900 to $4,800 a night.

The room

the Catalina Suite at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island — The beach house-style Catalina Suite opens up to a lush balcony.

Suites at Capella Lodge range from introductory Capella Suites through to the resort’s top offering, Lidgbird Pavilion.

I’m staying in the Catalina Suite, which is split over two levels. Though perfect for families or groups of friends, I enjoy the extra space as I flit between upstairs and downstairs like one of the golden whistlers in the garden.

Upstairs, the loft-style bedroom comes with a king bed and an ensuite bathroom with products including handmade local soaps and Capella Spa toiletries. But it’s the prime views of the lagoon and Mounts Lidgbird and Gower that leave me awestruck. Plush armchairs positioned by the Juliet balcony entice you to linger here longer.

a hot tub surrounded by kentia palms and daybeds at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island — Step outside for a soothing dip in a hot tub surrounded by kentia palms.

Downstairs, there’s a second bedroom, a larger basalt stone bathroom with a rain shower, and a lounge area flowing to a decked courtyard. The outdoor space comes with daybeds and a hot tub surrounded by kentia palms, and after my full-day hike up Mount Gower the day before, I happily spend a few hours here, soaking tired muscles with a glass of Tasmanian sparkling. Along with other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from my in-room bar, there are goodies like freshly baked mini lemon meringues and chocolate chip Capella Cookies. My kitchenette also comes with other complimentary inclusions like gourmet cheeses, crackers, nuts, and herbal teas.

a look inside the Capella Suite, Lord Howe Island — The Capella Suite has a private deck that serves as a stylish refuge.

Like all Capella Lodge suites, mine comes with specially designed beds by AH Beard, a TV, a music system, wi-fi, a telephone with free calls anywhere in Australia, and a nightly ‘turndown’ service. It’s a lovely touch that adds an element of surprise when I return from dinner to find my room refreshed and the wonderful aroma that wafts from an oil burner glowing beneath dimmed lights.

Facilities

a person dipping in the pool while overlooking views over Lovers Bay and the twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, at Capella Lodge — Revel in commanding views over Lovers Bay and the twin peaks.

You won’t find a gym at Capella Lodge, but I’m told you don’t need one as the whole island is a playground. You will find a plunge pool on the Gower Terrace though, and a range of relaxing and rejuvenating island-inspired treatments at Capella Spa. Following my post-hike hot tub soak, the Melody Massage using Australian-made alkeme products is heaven for shoulders and calves.

Filled with books, board games, a fireplace, and sublime views, Kentia Lounge is perfect for those wanting to relax or socialise with other guests indoors, while for those who want outdoor adventure, Capella Lodge offers complimentary mountain bikes or e-bike and e-buggy hire for exploring the island.

sunloungers by the pool at Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island — Soak up panoramic views of the island while lazing on sunloungers.

Backpacks and beach towels are also provided in suites for guest use, while beach umbrellas and chairs are available on request from reception.

With an Island Expeditions service offered at an extra charge, Capella Lodge can also provide a packed lunch to take on a hike or tour. Likewise, ready-made picnics or BBQ packs are available for those wanting to use the BBQ facilities dotted throughout the island.

I decide to go snorkelling at Ned’s Beach and opt to have my snorkel and fins delivered ahead of me, which makes my bike ride light and easy.

Complimentary airport transfers are available for guests, and there’s the option for chartered flights from the mainland at an extra cost.

Food and drink

the Capella Restaurant with views of Lord Howe Island — The restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows that deliver dramatic views of Lord Howe Island.

At sunset, I make my way to Capella Bar for the full selection of drinks and canapes included in guest rates. I choose a gin and tonic made with gin from the island’s distiller, Lord Howe Island Distilling Co. I then make my way to Gower’s Terrace to mingle with other guests before moving inside for dinner.

With a menu that changes daily, Capella Restaurant combines fresh island seafood and specialties with regional produce from the mainland. With the option to choose from an a la carte menu or four courses with matching wine, I opt for the latter and enjoy dishes curated by Capella Lodge’s executive chef, Dennis Tierney.

seafood and regional produce being served at Capella Restaurant — The menu combines fresh island seafood and specialties with regional produce.

Paired with a riesling from the Clare Valley, I start with scallop ceviche with sepia pearls, edamame and coconut, followed by a watermelon salad served with pistachio, pomegranate, rosewater, labneh and nasturtium. It’s an interesting clash of textures and flavours that somehow works just perfectly. My main is pork loin served with leek, pear, snake beans, and nasturtium. It’s paired wonderfully with an aged Tasmanian Cabernet Merlot. Finally, dessert is a mixture of chocolate, caramel and peanut, served in a shell of puffed rice. I can’t fault a thing and, feeling completely satisfied, I drift back to my suite.

I return the next morning, where breakfast consists of a choice of fresh daily juice or a specialty smoothie, lodge-baked pastries and fruits, and a choice from the a la carte selection. I go for fresh orange juice, granola with kiwi fruit yoghurt and poached eggs on sourdough with smoked bacon and slow roasted tomatoes, followed by a flat white made from coffee by Di Lorenzo.

Is Capella Lodge family-friendly?

a woman relaxing in a hammock on the balcony of Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island — The lodge boasts unbeatable views of the island. (Image: James Vodicka)

Capella Lodge doesn’t cater for families with young children, but kids over 10 are welcome. Notably, the resort’s Catalina suite is perfect for families with the second bedroom on the ground floor giving options for king or twin beds.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Not specifically designed for people with disabilities, Capella Lodge’s suites are accessed via a boardwalk with stairs along the way. Guests with mobility limitations are advised to book the single-level Capella Suite. The main lodge, restaurant and outdoor terrace are on a single level.

Details

Best for: Couples, nature enthusiasts

Address: Lagoon Rd, Lord Howe Island

Cost: From $1900 per night

With a foundation centred in craftsmanship and human experience, Island House distils a family’s connection to place into a timeless design-led stay on Lord Howe Island.

“I’ve got my grandfather’s Super 8 footage of landing on the lagoon, with the water slapping up against the windows.” Timmy Maxwell’s parents visited Lord Howe as children, when flying boats serviced the island from Sydney’s Rose Bay. Today, I skim over the same glassy lagoon to touch down beside it on the short airstrip built in 1974 – but the view must look unchanged: a crescent-shaped island of volcanic peaks fringed with golden sand and a shock of turquoise.

The story behind Island House

Timmy himself began holidaying here in 2000, after his parents jumped at the chance to buy their own parcel of paradise 600 kilometres off Australia’s east coast. Fast-forward 25 years and we meet at Island House , the meticulous result of a five-year build he completed with his father, Michael Maxwell. Opening in 2020, they transformed what was once a cluster of holiday apartments into a luxury eight-guest hideaway.

The lodge comprises two distinct properties – North House and South House – designed by the father-and-son duo in collaboration with Newcastle-based Derive Architecture & Design. Their sleek and understated exteriors are crafted from hardwood and copper, and set on elevated platforms to preserve the natural landscape.

Hidden within a grove of endemic Kentia palms and centuries-old banyan trees, the two houses are connected by an al fresco area that serves as a central gathering point and, each sleeping four, can be booked separately or together.

The design honours the landscape

True to its setting on Lord Howe Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982 where visitor numbers are capped at 400 at any one time, Island House treads lightly, capturing rainfall, drawing on solar power and treating sewage onsite to protect the island’s fragile ecosystem. It’s a place of careful consideration, where everything – from customised daily adventures to meals prepared by a private chef – feels intuitive.

coastal views from Island House, Lord Howe — Island House is a launchpad for exploring Lord Howe’s wild coastline. (Image: Jonny Fuhri)

The experience unfolds from a grounding in design, with a visual language shaped by the layering of Michael and Timmy’s shared history. “We really wanted to do something that reflected our passions and spoke to our personal experiences and inspirations,” says Timmy. Michael’s career in finance and property ran parallel to cultural pursuits such as restoring wooden boats and architectural homes and serving as chairman of Sculpture by the Sea.

While Timmy’s path blends adventure (a sense of which, from fishing to trail running, was first fostered here on the island) with hospitality; by the age of 24 in 2013 he had opened his own Sydney wine bar, Kubrick’s, before turning his sights back to Lord Howe. With touchpoints to draw on such as sound, art, sculpture, furniture, food, architecture and adventure, “this language of celebrating what’s really timeless started to come through,” Timmy tells me.

Danish design, books and First Nations art inside the South House at Island House, Lord Howe — South House, a medley of mid-century Danish design, books and First Nations art. (Image: Anson Smart)

That ethos finds form in mid-century Danish furniture, sourced in Copenhagen – with original pieces from leading proponents of the movement including Poul Kjærholm, Hans Wegner and Finn Juhl – alongside Italian marble, American oak floorboards and stainless steel. There are botanical sculptures by Alison Coates. A whole wall of books. Ceramics from Kyoto, copper bathtubs and a significant collection of Indigenous Australian art, including pieces by celebrated Ngan’gikurrungurr woman Regina Pilawuk Wilson and the late Pintupi man Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri, a founder of the Western Desert art movement.

an outdoor copper tub at Island House — An outdoor copper tub at Island House. (Image: Anson Smart)

The Maxwells’ love of music is expressed through each house’s sound system; Timmy admits to having “nerded out” over the statement Wilson Audio speakers that anchor the North House lounge. Fanta-orange sculptural forms that look not unlike robots. “They’re both high-spec and forgiving,” he says. Fuzzy round the edges – like the evenings my partner and I spend curled up here, drinking wine and listening to music in a way we haven’t for ages.

the outdoor lounge at Island House, Lord Howe — Outdoor lounging at Island House. (Image: Anson Smart)

Every design choice reflects an investment in craftsmanship and an instinct for what feels right to humans – not least the proportions, with North House seemingly hitting a golden ratio with its four-metre ceilings. Strategically placed skylights keep us connected to the outdoors; when the sun shines, shafts of light illuminate curated corners while palm shadows dance across the walls. It’s a place to cocoon in after a day spent in the elements.

The role of food and hospitality at Island House

chef Kimie Uemeto preparing Japanese dishes, Island House, Lord Howe — In-house chef Kimie Uemeto prepares fresh food, often with Japanese flavours. (Image: Anson Smart)

The human aspect is at play in every moment our hosts anticipate for us. When our snorkelling trip in the lagoon ends abruptly in a torrential downpour, general manager Anna Klein is already waiting at the shore with towels and the car to whisk us back to warmth. With our beach barbecue plans pivoted, chef Kimie Uemeto has prepared a hearty pumpkin soup to enjoy in-house – exactly what we need.

picnic on Lord Howe Island — Private picnics are par for the course while staying at Island House. (Image: Anson Smart)

The next morning, we head out on a walk, waving g’day to the omnipresent Lord Howe woodhen, the island’s endemic flightless bird, and follow a trail through bushland to 360-degree views from Transit Hill. The weather has turned fine and on our return to the house, plans for our ‘we curate, you cook’ lunch have been switched for a beach picnic. Anna has laid out a rug under the shade of two palms, and all that remains is to cycle down to Ned’s Beach and raid a hamper packed with whipped feta to slather on soft rolls, with juicy tomatoes and fresh salad greens. “Pack your snorkels,” Anna had advised – and soon enough we wade into the bath-like sea, snorkelling the coral just offshore in gin-clear water.

Chef Kimie Uemeto with a fresh catch at Island House, Lord Howe — Chef Kimie Uemeto with a fresh catch. (Image: Anson Smart)

Dinners, too, are intuitive affairs, with Kimie working with whatever produce is available on the island, from freshly caught fish to daily finds at the Nursery down the road. “It’s very different from what I used to cook in Japan, because I used to cook very traditional cuisine,” she says. Moving here from Sydney five years ago with her young family, she has learned to be flexible. “Here on the island, you don’t know what’s available tomorrow,” she says. “I like cooking with my feeling. And this place allows me to do that.”

Exploring other Lord Howe Island highlights

Timmy Maxwell and head brewer Alastair Gillespie at Lord Howe Island Brewery. (Image: Anson Smart)

We visit the Nursery the next day, a greenhouse project the Maxwells oversee that grows fresh produce as well as cultivating Kentia palms for export (a tradition that goes back to Victorian times; the world’s most popular endemic plant is native to Lord Howe). It’s on the same site as the Lord Howe Island Brewery , which father and son also founded, and which serves as a community hub. It’s open Thursday and Saturday for woodfired pizzas and drinks in the convivial beer garden and offers weekly tours for those keen to go behind the scenes of one of the world’s most remote breweries.

Our own visit in April coincides with the inaugural Dark Sky Festival and we join a Science Talk hosted at the brewery one evening. Among topics ranging from the transit of Venus to black holes and moon illusion, we learn about light pollution and the importance of dark sky conservation. How the planet would benefit if we all turned our lights down.

By design, not much has changed on Lord Howe Island since the days the flying boats splashed down on the lagoon. There’s still no mobile reception on the island, and being totally out of range as we are out and about exploring feels like a rare liberty. An apparent luxury in a too-connected world. Some guests looking forward to a digital detox, says Timmy, are disappointed to learn that Island House has Starlink and ask for it to be turned off.

Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower, Lord How Island — The island’s famed peaks, Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower. (Image: Destination NSW/Tom Archer)

Lord Howe Island is an otherworldly place. The afternoon we freewheeled down to the base of Mt Lidgbird and Mt Gower confirmed this: a fierce burst of post-rain sunshine sent rainbows shooting across the famous peaks, while providence petrels – which nest nowhere else on Earth – swirled overhead. Lord Howe evolved out of step with the rest of the planet and in its gloriously lo-fi way it retrains you to be human. True enough, when we head back to Island House after our dark sky talk, we stoke the fire, dim the lights and watch nothing but the flickering flames.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

SmartLynx Australia operates daily flights from Sydney, with a flight time of under two hours. Eastern Air Services offers weekly flights and charters from Port Macquarie, the Gold Coast and Newcastle.

Staying there

Nightly rates at Island House start from $4260 for a single house and $8660 for a full-site buyout and include: custom island adventures such as guided hikes, snorkelling and diving; dedicated equipment room for guided and self-directed exploration; in-house dining by chef Kimie Uemeto, who pairs freshly sourced local ingredients with Japanese culinary techniques; fully stocked pantry and bar; private picnics with mountain views or beach settings; complimentary hotel car transfers and airport pick-up and drop-off.

On the horizon

Lord Howe Island’s next Dark Sky Festival is planned for 16–23 May 2026. And stay tuned for news of Michael and Timmy Maxwell’s next accommodation project, set to launch in southern Tasmania.

view from the palms, Lord Howe — Peeking through the palms. (Image: Anson Smart)