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Capella Lodge is a luxury retreat on Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed paradise of rainforests, reefs and beaches. The lodge offers nine contemporary island-style suites with stunning views of the ocean, reef and mountains.
- Capella Lodge is the only luxury accommodation on Lord Howe Island, offering an exclusive and intimate experience for discerning travellers.
- Capella Lodge is located at the foot of the majestic Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, two of the most iconic landmarks on the island. The lodge offers guided walks to the summit of Mt Gower, rated as one of the world’s best day hikes.
- Capella Lodge features a high cantilevered roof and floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome the outside in, creating a sense of connection with the island’s pristine environment.
- Capella Lodge has a petite spa that offers island-inspired treatments using Australian-made Li’Tya spa products and local ingredients such as kelp and volcanic stone.
- Capella Lodge has a restaurant that showcases the island’s fresh seafood and produce, as well as regional wines and craft beers. The menu changes daily to reflect the seasonal availability and the chef’s inspiration.
Capella Lodge is situated on Lovers Bay, a secluded beach on the southern end of Lord Howe Island. The lodge overlooks a turquoise lagoon that is part of the world’s southernmost coral reef system. The lodge is surrounded by lush subtropical gardens and Kentia palm forests that are home to hundreds of rare and endemic species of plants and animals. The lodge is a short walk or bike ride from the island’s main settlement, where guests can find shops, cafes and a museum. Capella Lodge has a contemporary architectural design that channels the carefree spirit of the Australian beach house. The lodge has a relaxed, sophisticated and elegant vibe that blends seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty. The interiors feature timber floors, marine ply joinery and custom furniture pieces that create a beach-chic ambience. The suites are spacious, light-filled and airy, with generous decks that offer panoramic views of the ocean, reef and mountains. The suites are decorated with local artworks, books and magazines that reflect the island’s culture and history.
Sustainability
Capella Lodge is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The lodge has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and enhance its positive contribution to the island’s conservation. Some of these initiatives include:
Using solar panels to generate electricity and hot water
Harvesting rainwater for irrigation and laundry
Composting organic waste and recycling glass, plastic and metal
Using biodegradable cleaning products and toiletries
Supporting local suppliers and producers
Educating guests and staff about the island’s ecology and heritage
Participating in conservation projects such as weed eradication, bird monitoring and marine research
Capella Lodge is a proud member of the Lord Howe Island community and supports its social and economic development. The lodge employs local staff and provides them with training and career opportunities. The lodge also supports local events, charities and causes that benefit the island’s residents. Some of these include:
Sponsoring the annual Lord Howe Island Golf Open
Donating to the Lord Howe Island Historical Society
Supporting the Lord Howe Island Central School
Contributing to the Lord Howe Island Marine Park Authority
Collaborating with local artists, guides and experts
Rooms
Capella Lodge offers nine luxurious suites that cater to different needs and preferences. All suites feature king beds, ensuite bathrooms, Bose music systems, TV/DVD players, minibars, bathrobes, slippers and beach towels. The suites also have private decks with sun lounges, outdoor furniture and stunning views.
Food and drink
Dining at Capella Lodge is a celebration of superb local and regional produce, brought to the plate in a light, sophisticated style. The lodge’s restaurant offers a daily-changing menu that features fresh line-caught fish, island-grown greens, foraged coastal herbs and seasonal fruits. The dishes are influenced by the flavours of Asia, Europe and Australia, creating a fusion of tastes that complement the island’s subtropical climate. The restaurant has a relaxed and elegant atmosphere, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the spectacular views of Lovers Bay and the mountains. Guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner at the restaurant, as well as sunset apéritifs and canapés at the bar. The lodge also provides gourmet picnic baskets and barbecue hampers for guests who want to dine al fresco at one of the scenic spots on the island.
The lodge has a well-stocked bar that offers a selection of boutique Australian wines, craft beers, spirits and cocktails. The bar is open from 6pm until late, and guests can help themselves to the open bar or order from the friendly staff. The bar also has a cosy lounge area with a fireplace, where guests can relax with a drink and a book or chat with other travellers. The lodge’s flagship suite, the Lidgbird Pavilion, has its own free bar and private dining option for guests who want more privacy and exclusivity.
Things to do
Hiking: The lodge provides guided walks to the summit of Mt Gower, rated as one of the world’s best day hikes. The walk takes about eight hours and requires a good level of fitness and agility. The reward is a spectacular view of the island and its surrounding waters, as well as a chance to see some of the island’s endemic plants and animals. The lodge also offers guided walks to other scenic spots on the island, such as Malabar Hill, Transit Hill and Little Island.
Snorkelling and diving: The lodge provides snorkelling gear and kayaks for guests to explore the island’s coral reef, which is part of the world’s southernmost coral reef system. The reef hosts over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral, and offers snorkellers and divers a colourful and diverse underwater world. The lodge also arranges boat trips to some of the best snorkelling and diving sites on the island, such as the Admiralty Islands, Erscott’s Hole and Ball’s Pyramid.
Biking: The lodge provides bicycles for guests to explore the island at their own pace. Bikes are the main mode of transport on the island, as there are no public buses or taxis. The island has a network of roads and tracks that are ideal for biking, and offer scenic views of the ocean and mountains. Bikes are also a great way to visit the island’s shops, cafes and museum.
Fishing: The lodge provides fishing gear for guests who want to try their luck in catching some of the island’s fish, such as tuna, kingfish, trevally, wahoo and marlin. Fishing enthusiasts can fish from the shore or jetty, or join fishing charters that take them to some of the best fishing spots on the island. Fishing is subject to strict regulations on the island, and guests are advised to check with the lodge staff before fishing.
Golf: The lodge provides golf clubs for guests who want to play a round of golf on the island’s nine-hole golf course. The course is located on the edge of the lagoon, and offers scenic views of the ocean and mountains. The course also offers challenges such as sand traps, water hazards and wind gusts. Golfers can enjoy a drink or a snack at the golf club after their game.
Birdwatching: The lodge provides binoculars and bird books for guests who want to spot some of the island’s birds, many of which are endemic or endangered. The island is home to over 200 species of birds, including seabirds such as terns, petrels, shearwaters and boobies; land birds such as currawongs, woodhens and silvereyes; and migratory birds such as cuckoos, swifts and raptors. The lodge also organises birdwatching tours with local experts who can share their knowledge and passion for the island’s avian life.
Spa: The lodge has a petite spa that offers island-inspired treatments using Australian-made Li’Tya spa products and local ingredients such as kelp and volcanic stone. Guests can relax and rejuvenate with massages, facials, body wraps, scrubs and baths. The spa also has a Jacuzzi that overlooks Lovers Bay and Mt Lidgbird.
Wider region
Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage-listed site that lies 600km off the coast of New South Wales. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, biodiversity and tranquility. The island has a rich volcanic history that has shaped its dramatic landscape of mountains, valleys, cliffs and beaches. The island is surrounded by a coral reef that forms a protected lagoon that teems with marine life. The island has a mild subtropical climate that supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and rare. The island has a population of around 350 residents and a limit of 400 visitors at any time, ensuring a low-impact and high-quality tourism experience.
The island offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy, such as:
Hiking: The island has over 20km of walking trails that range from easy to challenging. The trails offer stunning views of the island’s scenery and wildlife, as well as access to secluded beaches and coves. One of the most popular hikes is the climb to the summit of Mt Gower, which is rated as one of the world’s best day walks.
Snorkelling and diving: The island’s coral reef is part of the world’s southernmost coral reef system and hosts over 500 species of fish and 90 species of coral. The reef is easily accessible from the shore or by boat, and offers snorkellers and divers a chance to explore an underwater wonderland of colours and shapes. Some of the highlights include the Admiralty Islands, Erscott’s Hole, Ball’s Pyramid and Ned’s Beach.
Biking: The island has a network of roads and tracks that are ideal for biking. Bikes are available for hire from the lodge or from local shops, and are a great way to explore the island at your own pace. Bikes are also the main mode of transport on the island, as there are no public buses or taxis.
Birdwatching: The island is home to over 200 species of birds, many of which are endemic or endangered. The island is a haven for birdwatchers who can spot seabirds such as terns, petrels, shearwaters and boobies; land birds such as currawongs, woodhens and silvereyes; and migratory birds such as cuckoos, swifts and raptors.
Fishing: The island’s waters are rich in fish such as tuna, kingfish, trevally, wahoo and marlin. Fishing enthusiasts can join fishing charters or fish from the shore or jetty. Fishing gear is available for hire from local shops or from the lodge.
Golf: The island has a nine-hole golf course that is located on the edge of the lagoon. The course offers scenic views of the ocean and mountains, as well as challenges such as sand traps, water hazards and wind gusts. Golf clubs are available for hire from the lodge or from the golf club.
Kids
Capella Lodge welcomes children aged 10 and over, and offers a family-friendly environment and service. The lodge has a Lagoon Loft suite that can accommodate up to three guests, with a king bed on the mezzanine level and a daybed on the lower level. The lodge also provides babysitting service on request, as well as board games, DVDs and books for children to enjoy. The lodge can also arrange special menus and dining times for children, as well as picnic baskets and barbecue hampers for family outings.
The island offers plenty of activities and attractions for families to enjoy together, such as:
Swimming and snorkelling in the lagoon or at Ned’s Beach, where fish are so tame they can be hand-fed
Kayaking or paddle boarding on the calm waters of the lagoon or around the island’s coastline
Biking around the island and visiting its shops, cafes and museum
Hiking on easy trails such as Little Island Track, Valley of the Shadows or North Bay Track
Playing golf or tennis at the island’s facilities
Birdwatching and spotting some of the island’s rare and colourful birds
Learning about the island’s history, culture and ecology at the Lord Howe Island Museum
Getting there
Capella Lodge is located on Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed site that lies 600km off the coast of New South Wales. The island can be reached by a two-hour flight from Sydney, Brisbane or Port Macquarie. Qantaslink is the exclusive carrier to the island, flying 32-seat Bombardier Dash 8 aircraft. Flights operate daily from Sydney, weekly from Brisbane and seasonally from Port Macquarie. The island has a strict limit of 400 visitors at any time, so flights are often booked well in advance. Guests are advised to check the availability and schedule of flights before booking their accommodation.
The island has a strict luggage limit of 14kg per person for checked baggage and 4kg per person for carry-on baggage. Excess baggage fees apply and are payable at the airport. Guests are advised to pack lightly and use soft bags rather than hard suitcases.
The lodge provides complimentary airport transfers for guests, which take about 10 minutes. The lodge staff will greet guests at the airport and assist them with their luggage. The lodge also provides bicycles for guests to use during their stay, as there are no public buses or taxis on the island. Alternatively, guests can hire an electric buggy from the lodge or from local shops. The island has a speed limit of 25km per hour and driving is on the left-hand side of the road.
- Actively reduces consumption
- Ecosystem preservation
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Promotes local businesses
- Funds projects
- Empowerment
- Nature
- Luxury
- Beach or coast
- Spa
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Up to 8
- Family
- Lodge
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Watersports
- Diving
- Birdwatching
