7 Romantic getaways in Tasmania for a glorious stay in nature

For couples seeking a tranquil escape without having to leave the city, the Islington Hotel may just be the answer. Situated in a private enclave of South Hobart, this adults-only, boutique hotel exudes contemporary luxury in every detail.

The hotel has been built around an elegant 150-year old manor house and has eleven unique rooms on offer. Wake up every morning to magnificent views over Mount Wellington and the smell of freshly-baked pastries and barista-made coffee wafting through the air. Share a sumptuous breakfast in the sunny dining room which overlooks a herb and vegetable garden that contains many of the ingredients the kitchen uses for its dishes.

When you aren’t busy exploring Hobart, take a romantic stroll through the property’s charming gardens or lounge around with a book in one of the opulent common rooms. As night falls, share a candlelit dinner at the exclusive, guest-only on-site restaurant. Here, the kitchen serves up modern cuisine focusing on organic and seasonal produce such as the signature blue eye trevalla, which is one of Tasmania’s finest fish.

Designed as a place to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature, Hotel Piermont Retreat is truly a secluded paradise. Set on 230 acres of land, this retreat offers luxury ecologically-sustainable cottages and suites bordering on two private beaches.

The self-contained stone cottages are the perfect hideaway for couples. Cosy up by the log fire with a homemade meal or sit out with a glass of wine on your private balcony overlooking the ocean. Once dusk falls, head a few metres down to the beach and stare up at a glimmering sky full of stars.

Beyond its cosy accommodation, Hotel Piermont Retreat offers a full recuperative experience, includes the free use of kayaks, mountain bikes, a swimming pool and a tennis court on the property. If you don’t want to cook, there is also a restaurant where you can have breakfast or a fine-dining dinner. In other words, you can stay here without needing to leave the premises. Having said this, the retreat is at the doorstep of the famous Freycinet National Park, so there is a wealth of stunning places to explore nearby!

Considered to be one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness experiences, Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is an absolute must for all the nature-loving couples out there. Set on a boundless expanse of hinterland, overlooking a glistening lake and at the doorstep of the famous Cradle-Lake-Claire National Park, the lodge truly is an idyllic nature-based escape.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge offers a range of room types, from snug log cabins that each feature a fireplace and views over the woods, to indulgent spa suites, which feature a more spacious layout and spa bath in the bathroom.

The Highland Restaurant is considered to be one of Tasmania’s premier dining experiences, offering fabulous paddock-to-plate food. You’ll find everything from Tasmanian Oak smoked salmon to locally-sourced beef on the menu, all served alongside some of Tasmania’s finest wines.

If you’re feeling active, take a shuttle from the lodge and be at the start of some of the most incredible hikes in Tasmania. In fact, one of Tasmania’s best short walks is literally at the doorstep of the lodge. Aptly named the “Enchanted” walk, this stroll through a magical old-growth rainforest next to a cascading river seriously feels like a fairy tale.

If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, the Waldheim Alpine Spa offers many pamper packages for two. Enjoy a couples massage or book a private spa sanctuary overlooking the pristine Pencil Pine River, complete with Tasmanian sparkling wine and a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries. If you’re simply in need of quality time, retreat to the main lodge, grab a glass of local wine from the bar and play a game of Scrabble by the fireplace.

You’d be pressed to find anywhere in Tasmania that exudes the same level of sophisticated luxury as Saffire Freycinet. This coastal sanctuary is located on Tasmania’s East Coast and peers out over the breathtaking Freycinet peninsula, the dramatic Hazard Mountains and the tranquil waters of Great Oyster Bay.

Saffire Freycinet features 20 ultra-private suites, each including a bespoke king-size bed, exclusive courtyard and outdoor deck, and double shower and bath with a view. The Private Pavilions offer the highest standard of luxury, each featuring a separate bedroom, dining and kitchen area, allowing guests to choose a dinner-in-suite option with a chef.

For couples wishing to restore their wellbeing, the premium spa facilities on-site offer unique and luxurious treatments in three treatment rooms overlooking sweeping views. Opt for the Spa Saffire Dual Renewal, where together you can take a therapeutic soak in a marble bath, followed by a full body aromatherapy massage and rejuvenating facial. For those feeling a little more active, take on one of the many iconic walks near the property just begging to be explored and admire the striking landscape that is filled with an abundance of wildlife.

Dining at Saffire is bound to be a memorable part of your romantic getaway. At Palate restaurant, executive chef Iain Todd focuses on innovative fine-dining utilising the freshest local produce. All meals are included with your stay, and couples can personalize their dining experience to suit their tastes and schedules, whether with the a la carte meal or the full gourmet degustation.

For art-lovers and style fiends, no accommodation in Hobart could be more fitting than the MONA Pavilions. Located in a serene riverside setting next to the famous MONA gallery, these ultra-contemporary pavilions offer all the high-end amenities you could ask for. There’s a winery, a swanky restaurant, a gym, a sauna, and an infinity pool at your fingertips.

Each pavilion has a unique layout and is designed by a different Australian artist, however, you’ll find the same luxury features in each – Aesop amenities, temperature-controlled wine storage and minibar, and original art in every room. If you want to a really special stay, opt for the Roy Room; this three-story penthouse is the most spectacular of the pickings as it comes complete with a romantic spa bath out on the deck alfresco.

After spending the day exploring MONA’s incredible modern art collection, take a dip together in the heated infinity pool, where you can stare out at the glistening river through endless glass windows. If you make it to the Cellar Door bar by 5 p.m., you can get free tastings of some of the region’s top wines.

For dinner, head to the chic, glass-encased Source restaurant for modern, French-inspired dishes using fresh local ingredients such as oysters, scallops, lobster and trevalla. For you night owls, grab a drink from the restaurant’s sleek adjoining bar, which always stays open late on weekends.

If you want a romantic getaway where nature meets history, head to Stewarts Bay Lodge. Nestled between the ocean, a white-sand beach, woodlands and a world-heritage listed national park, the lodge’s surroundings are a prime display of the diversity of nature. Located on 22 acres of property, the lodge is just a short seaside stroll away from Australia’s historic Port Arthur Site.

On offer are a selection of self-contained log cabins or chalets, each featuring views of either the open forest or the ocean. For couples, the one-bedroom deluxe spa fits the bill, complete with king-sized bed, spa bath and a private balcony. On-site, you’ll find a restaurant, function rooms and recreation facilities, and the reception is able to help with booking activities in the surrounding areas.

One highlight is a Tasman Island Cruise, where you cruise along the stunning coastline of the National Park, past dramatic cliffs and through deep seas caves, with the chance to spot seals, whales and an abundance of bird species. If you really want to splash out, take your loved one on a heli tour to see the rugged and dramatic Tasman peninsula from a whole new angle.

An iconic heritage building from the 1960s turned into a distinctive hotel, Peppers Silo offers a unique stay in the heart of Launceston. Located on the banks of the idyllic Tamar river, the hotel is has been fitted with modern interiors and all the plush amenities you could ask for.

Stay in a Gorge River room or premier suite so you and your loved one can sit out on your private balcony and enjoy sweeping views over the river with a glass of vino in your hand.

For a romantic activity for two, book yourselves in for a wine tour so you can experience the beautiful vineyards and top-quality wines that are produced in the region. If you want to explore the city itself, stroll hand-in-hand to the city centre, which is in within easy walking distance of the hotel. Visit the history museum, art gallery or the city park, or dive into the culinary scene at one of the city’s many cafes and restaurants.

Novaro’s Restaurant is a real stand-out, offering modern Italian cuisine crafted from local produce. On the menu, you’ll find fabulous signature dishes like Flinders Island green-lipped abalone sauteed in white truffle oil. If you’d rather just relax, head to the Silo Day Spa and have some couples bonding time over one of the luxurious spa treatments on offer, all of which use natural botanical products made from locally-produced Tasmanian essential oils.