The lodge sits on a rise above Lovers Bay at the southern end of Lord Howe Island, a World Heritage-listed island about 780 km northeast of Sydney. There are only nine suites, done in a light, beach-house style with decks that face the lagoon and the two peaks. The main lodge, dining room and Capella Spa share the same view, so you spend most of the day looking at the mountains and the water.
Lord Howe is about two hours by plane from Sydney, which makes it an easy add-on before or after a city stay. Days are spent outdoors: the guided climb of Mount Gower (875 m) is a full-day effort with rope-assisted sections, while gentler options include snorkeling the world's southernmost coral reef, feeding fish at Ned's Beach, rainforest walks and cycling, which is how most people get around the island. Dinners and breakfasts are included, and the lodge can pack you a picnic for the beach.
Best for couples, honeymooners and fit travelers who like a day of walking followed by a long dinner. The caveats: there are very few rooms and flights to the island are small and limited, so book well ahead, especially for the Australian summer. Winter (June to August) is cooler and windier, and the lodge itself closed for several months in 2025 for renovation work, so check dates before you plan around it.
Capella Lodge is a small, relaxed lodge on one of the most beautiful islands in the Pacific, with views straight across the lagoon to Mount Lidgbird and Mount Gower. It suits couples and active travelers who want hiking, snorkeling and good food without crowds, since the island caps visitor numbers at around 400 at a time.
Sample itineraries that include Australia:
Every trip is tailored. Tell me what you have in mind and I will build an itinerary around this stay.
Tell me when you'd like to go and who's traveling, and I'll check availability, perks where available, and how it fits a wider trip. It starts with a 20-minute planning call; full trip planning is a $250 fee, credited in full toward your booked trip and non-refundable if you don’t book. I brief the property before you arrive — that's what the fee funds.
Plan your trip
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