There's no need to leave Australia for an indulgent escape in an expertly designed space. We have chosen some of the nation's best designed hotels that encourage you to embrace rather than escape the cold this winter. Just turn up the fire, pour a glass of wine and relax in your stylish surrounds.Here's our pick:TASMANIA: If you want to get well, well away from the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat from other people too, The Pumphouse at Lake St Clair is your place. Positioned at the end of a 250m jetty, this three-level boutique accommodation won this year's Regional Hotel of the Year gong at the Gourmet Traveller awards.They say: Enter the Pumphouse and you’ll know you have arrived. Through generous bay windows, the ancient mountains are your welcome party. Help yourself to our bar while Mother Nature’s theatrics unfold. There’s a flickering fire, deep seats, and a mezzanine level where the show continues.
A.C.T: Winning this week's Gourmet Traveller 'Best Bar and Boutique Hotel of the Year', Canberra's Hotel Hotel overlooks Lake Burley Griffin. During winter the courtyard cinema is closed, but not to worry: just downstairs is the arthouse cinema Palace Electric.They say: Our rooms have taken inspiration from the Australian shack. Clay rendered walls, salvaged oak beds, overhead rain showers, and (oh my) windows that open. Each room has been dressed with carefully chosen artworks, objects and restored furniture. They reflect our love for the well made, the curious and the comfortable.
N.S.W: Retreat in nature at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley in the Greater Blue Mountains. Nestled between two of Australia's most prominent national parks, the resort is run with an environmental ethos and has been carbon-neutral for five years.
They say: A central focus of the resort’s heritage is the original farmhouse that stands on the property – 1832 Heritage Homestead & Kitchen Garden is the heart of the resort and centre of activity. Whilst the 40 elegantly appointed, free-standing suites offer a sense of place, embracing the local surrounds, each with its own swimming pool, double-sided fireplace and private verandah with stunning views of the Wolgan Valley and rugged sandstone escarpments.
TASMANIA: For the ultimate in luxury, how about a private pavilion at Saffire Freycinet? In 2014, the resort was named the world's best boutique hotel accolade at the World Boutique Hotel Awards ceremony in London. The building overlooks Great Oyster Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula.They say: The Private Pavilions offer the highest standard of luxury accommodation of all the suites at Saffire in Australia. It features a separate bedroom and dining area with a kitchen, allowing you to choose a dinner-in-suite option with your chef. A plunge pool takes centre stage in the extended private courtyard. The premium mini bar comes complete with French champagne and, as in all suites at our luxury accommodation, it is complimentary during your stay.
SYDNEY: Last but certainly not least on the list is The Langham Sydney, which has won multiple awards after a 98-room renovation last year. The Langham Sydney was the only Australian hotel to be named in the top 100 hotels in the world by the Robb Report, whilst this week it won the prestigious Gourmet Traveller 'Best Hotel of the Year' award.They say: Every room is a haven of plush, bespoke furnishings amidst soft panelled walls and a high ceiling, each accented by views of the iconic Sydney cityscape or bustling Western Harbour.
