Tassie has plenty of bragging rights.
Its culinary scene rivals the best of the major cities, its history has evolved into one of the most culturally rich Australian states and its landscape is primed for outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting and winemaking.
However, there are several luxury hotels, lodges, villas and apartments that will also vie for your attention. In such a special place, you're going to need somewhere equally impressive to lay your head. The following seven have our tick of approval.
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Pumphouse Point
1 Pumphouse Point Road, Lake St Clair
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Pumphouse Point from above (image: Stu Gibson)
Pumphouse Point is a relatively new addition to Tassie's wilderness retreat scene. Once a hydro station, today it is a private sanctuary surrounded by nature at its most wild in the heart of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. You. Your loved one. Flickering fireplaces. Communal dining. Outdoor activities on the glass-like lake. Where do we sign up?
The wow factor
Pumphouse Point has just 18 rooms; six on the water's edge in the Shorehouse, and 12 in the Pumphouse, 250 metres out on the lake. I don't know about you, but I quite fancy the thought of waking up directly over the water.
The Pumphouse lounge (image: Pumphouse Point)
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The Islington Hotel
321 Davey Street, South Hobart
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The Garden Room (image: The Islington Hotel)
We all deserve the very best in life, or at least a few little luxuries here and there, and the Islington Hotel delivers just that. This Regency-style sandstone house is nestled within a flourishing garden and offers views of Mount Wellington. The Islington has a distinct old-world charm throughout its 11 rooms, coupled with an extensive art collection and modern comforts, including the use of an iPad during your stay.
The wow factor
A contrast to the sandstone exterior and English-style rose garden is the grand glass conservatory. A seat under the glass canopy is the perfect spot to take your morning tea or aperitif. The heated wooden flooring adds a nice touch, too.
The glass conservatory (image: The Islington Hotel)
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The Henry Jones Art Hotel
25 Hunter Street, Hobart
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The Peacock Terrace Suite complete with bath (image: The Henry Jones Art Hotel)
Hobart's obsession with art extends beyond the famed MONA gallery. Standing right on Hobart's waterfront, the Henry Jones Art Hotel was Australia's first art hotel. The hotel's fabric is woven with 400 artworks and sleek design that perfectly contrasts with exposed beams and heritage features, a nod to the building's jam factory past.
The wow factor
With art at its core, it's no surprise the hotel's restaurant, Henry's, knows how to create masterpieces on your plate. Now, this is Tassie. Seasonal, local and delicious fare is pretty much a given, but Henry's Restaurant serves up the finest of the island's produce in contemporary, artistic fashion.
Edible art at Henry's Restaurant (image: The Henry Jones Art Hotel)
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Villa Howden
77 Howden Road, Howden
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France or Tasmania? (image: Villa Howden)
More of an estate than a hotel, Villa Howden brings a slice of provincial France to the quiet shores of North West Bay, 15 minutes from Hobart on the edge of the Huon Valley. Take your pick from 10 luxury suites, many with Juliet balconies and water views, and lie back in Provencal-style luxury. Magnifique!
The wow factor
You won't be hard-pressed to find things to do on the rambling grounds. Whether you're content sitting on the terrace with a cheese platter, sipping a glass of Pinot Noir while the pianist tinkles in the piano bar, challenging your significant other to a round of croquet or petanque, or making a splash in the indoor pool, you'll have plenty of pastimes to while away your days.
The chefs at Villa Howden can whip you up a picnic to enjoy on the grounds (image: Villa Howden)
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Cradle Mountain Lodge
4038 Cradle Mountain Road, Cradle Mountain
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The lodge at twilight (image: Cradle Mountain Lodge)
Cradle Mountain Lodge is a Tasmanian icon. A leader in wilderness retreats, Cradle Mountain Lodge perfectly blends into its World Heritage-listed setting and offers four accommodation options, from the comfortable Pencil Pine Cabins to King Billy Suites with their own private outdoor hot-tub.
The wow factor
The sheer amount of activities on offer will keep you occupied for days. There are more than 20 self-guided walking tracks, seasonal experiences including tobogganing in the snow, Dove Lake canoeing, animal night viewing tours and the therapeutic Waldheim Alpine Spa.
Views from the hot tub at Waldheim Alpine Spa (image: Cradle Mountain Lodge)
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MONA Pavilions
651-655 Main Rd, Berriedale
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Esmond and Walter pavilions (image: Brett Boardman courtesy of MONA)
Fancy channelling your inner Ben Stiller and spending a night at the museum? Well, you can't at MONA, but you can do the next best thing – stay in one of its eight 'dens' by the River Derwent. One for the culture cats, each pavilion is named after the Aussie architect and artist that squeezed their creative juices into its design.
The wow factor
Of course there's always the fact that the pavilions are just steps away from The Source restaurant, Moorilla cellar door and museum, but the uber-sleek apartments are also self-contained and display a piece of artwork by their namesakes. Pavilion guests also have access to a gym, sauna and indoor, heated pool – strictly no access for the common folk.
The upstairs bedroom of Walter pavilion (image: Brett Boardman courtesy of MONA)
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Saffire Freycinet
2352 Coles Bay Road, Coles Bay
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Saffire Freycinet's incredible setting (image: Saffire Frecyinet)
Now you've arrived. Saffire Freycinet would have to be the pinnacle of Apple Isle, if not Australian, indulgence. If the spellbinding location overlooking Great Oyster Bay and the fiery red Hazards doesn't seduce you, fine Tasmanian dining, signature experiences, the decadent day spa and sizeable suites with floor-to-ceiling views will. Save your pennies for this little lady; she's worth the splurge.
The wow factor
Whether you're looking to rekindle the romance, connect with nature or feed your mind, body and soul (and belly), Saffire's range of complimentary activities will add a new dimension to your stay.
Our pick: Donning a pair of waders, sliding into the crisp water and devouring freshly shucked oysters while sipping bubbly right in the bay at Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm.
Feast on oysters straight out of the bay (image: Saffire Freycinet)
