A Paradise Left Entirely Wild: Discovering Lord Howe Island
This journey is designed for travellers seeking the rare, simple luxury of total disconnection. Trading the noise of the modern world for profound silence, Lord Howe Island offers a unique ecosystem and an unhurried rhythm. With a strict cap of just 400 visitors at any given time and zero mobile reception, the island provides a pristine, intensely private environment where dramatic landscapes meet crystalline waters. The journey is defined by this exclusivity, balancing wild, prehistoric beauty with refined, intimate hospitality.
Our arrival on the island immediately shifted our sense of time. Stepping off our early flight, we were greeted directly at the airport by the lodge's General Manager. The service was beautifully invisible from the very first moment; our luggage was seamlessly whisked from the airplane straight to our suite without us ever having to touch it. Arriving well before standard check-in, we were warmly invited to sit down for a spectacular breakfast, allowing us to settle into the island's rhythm before any formalities were even mentioned.
Settling into Capella Lodge—an exceptional property recognized with Two Michelin Keys—set the tone for the weekend. With only 19 suites, the footprint is intimate and the service incredibly personalized. We stayed in a Lagoon Loft, where the true luxury of the space is found on the private deck: a hot tub offering an incredible, sweeping view of Mount Gower. The in-suite experience is further elevated by a complimentary, daily-restocked minibar featuring supreme selections like Grosset Polish Hill Riesling, allowing us to sip world-class wine while taking in the island's Jurassic-like peaks right from our room.
Taking advantage of the morning light, we grabbed complimentary bikes from the lodge and cycled the island at our own pace. With virtually no traffic, it is the most serene way to navigate between the island's secluded corners. The island boasts a diverse array of pristine beaches scattered across its coastline, meaning there is always a new, empty stretch of sand to explore. Beyond the wild landscapes, we rode into the charming little town centre—a relaxed hub dotted with casual restaurants, inviting cafes, and even a small local brewery that makes for a perfect pitstop.
The early starts allowed us to spend hours snorkeling the home reefs right off the sand, swimming alongside friendly sea turtles, graceful manta rays, and incredibly curious Galapagos sharks. Wading into the shallow waters at Ned’s Beach to hand-feed the vibrant marine life offered a surreal, hands-on connection to the island's protected ecosystem. This commitment to the environment is deeply woven into the destination; a dedicated solar farm and a large-scale electric battery system thoughtfully power the vast majority of the island.
By midday, the activities gave way to beautifully grounding lunch experiences. One afternoon, we arranged for a premium BBQ lunch to be packed and delivered by the hotel to one of the island's many hidden picnic spots, cooking it ourselves over a traditional wood-fire BBQ. For a brilliant, casual contrast on another day, the highly popular local food truck served up incredible portions of fish and chips, utilizing catches brought in from the local waters earlier that exact same morning.
Evenings at Capella Lodge are an exquisite return to refinement. Each night operated as a flawlessly executed ritual, beginning beautifully with sunset cocktails and delicate canapés as the light shifted across the mountains, before transitioning smoothly into a spectacular multi-course fine-dining experience perfectly paired with premium wines.
Need to know:
Prioritise disconnection: Embrace the absolute lack of cell reception. It is a feature, not a bug, allowing for a truly present and uninterrupted escape.
Start early: Taking full advantage of the lodge's early breakfast service is the best way to maximize your daylight hours for cycling, hiking the dramatic trails of Mount Gower, and exploring the numerous beaches.
Tread lightly: The island is a marvel of sustainability, powered largely by its own solar farm and battery network. Pack and travel with the same respect for this protected, pristine environment.
The Edit.
The Property: Capella Lodge
Seamlessly integrated into the island's dramatic landscape, Capella Lodge is a masterclass in intimate luxury. With just 19 suites and a Two Michelin Key distinction, it offers unparalleled, intuitive service, from tarmac greetings to early breakfasts, alongside sweeping views of Mount Gower and a daily-restocked minibar featuring premium Australian wines.
The Experience: The Wild Waters
To understand Lord Howe Island is to step off the sand and into its crystalline waters. Whether hand-feeding fish at Ned’s Beach or snorkeling the home reefs alongside friendly turtles and curious Galapagos sharks, the protected marine ecosystem delivers an unforgettable, immersive encounter with nature.
The Restaurant: Capella Fine Dining
An intimate, exclusive culinary sanctuary. Each evening offers a masterclass in flavour and atmosphere, beginning with sunset cocktails and canapés before moving into a spectacular multi-course dinner paired with premium wines, reflecting the absolute pinnacle of island dining.