The only luxury option on the tiny Pacific island of Lord Howe, a two-hour flight from Sydney, Capella Lodge resembles a simple California beach house with a wing of understated guest rooms. The windows, though, offer fantasy tropical island views with volcanic peaks, brilliant blue seas and palm trees.

The nine contemporary suites echo the island’s natural environment, with spacious interiors featuring timber floors and custom furniture pieces, creating a genuine beachside living experience. Larger rooms offer outdoor terraces and the largest, the Lidgbird Pavilion, also has a plunge pool.

Meals are served in the beach-house styled Restaurant and Bar, which offers views of the lagoon and mountains, providing a perfect backdrop for dining, chatting with other guests or just relaxing and enjoying the view.

Activities include hikes, golf on a nine-hole course, tennis, fishing, surfing, diving and snorkeling. The atmosphere here could be described as Bora Bora meets Nantucket for its South Pacific splendor and low-key atmosphere. Children 10 years old and up are welcome at Capella Lodge (the age requirement for the Lidgbird Pavilion is 12), but visitors may apply for exceptions, which are dependent on age, season and booking requests.

Nestled on the northernmost (and most distant) tip of Hamilton Island, Qualia offers world-class pampering amidst a lavish tropical hideaway.