Top five solo stays
Road trips with friends and romantic mini breaks are great, but there’s no rule against flying solo on holiday. Nola James rounds up five great getaways that are just the ticket for a little ‘me time’.
The Ship Inn, Stanley
On the doorstep of Stanley’s The Nut reserve, this historic hotel stands out for its mustard-yellow exterior and pitched tin roofs. Inside are elegant individual suites with king beds, full ensuites with Salus amenities and windows overlooking the bay. No kids allowed here, either – just windswept nautical vibes and reliable wi-fi.
Credit: Marnie Hawson
The Tasman, Hobart
This luxury waterfront hotel is one of only two Australian stays recognised in the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024. Pavilion rooms have floor-to-ceiling water views, but our pick is the St David’s Park Suite, with its fireplace and soaking tub. Hotel restaurant Peppina, a destination in its own right, has a sensational Italian-inspired breakfast buffet.
Cambridge House, Geeveston
An 1870s Victorian home turned ryokan-style retreat, Cambridge House is so much more than a bed and breakfast. At restaurant Shio, meaning ‘salt’ in Japanese, chef Kazumasa Yazawa’s degustation features 14 carefully crafted courses, each highlighting local produce such as hand-dived abalone, bluefin tuna and freshwater eel. Brekky is a must, too.
Wahroonga on Bourke, Launceston
This self-contained studio apartment on the bottom level of a Federation home has city views. The space has been lovingly restored by Anthony and Leeroy, who live upstairs with their two charming springer spaniels. The kitchenette is kitted out with locally sourced breakfast supplies, including Bread + Butter croissants. Yum.
The Cove, Devonport
The Cove is an adults-only escape in the state’s far north. Think luxury hostel by the sea with a communal lounge with big-screen TV, a full kitchen, a 16-seat dining table, plus a sunny courtyard with day beds and loungers, and a day spa for massages and facials. When it’s time to retreat, private Cliffside chalets offer unobstructed Bass Strait views, while Cheviot A-frame cabins have skylights for stargazing.