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Refreshingly off the radar, Capella is Lord Howe’s premium luxury retreat. Combining contemporary design with glorious natural surroundings, Capella’s relaxed aesthetic lets the true stars shine: views of the ocean and Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Nine suites welcome the outside in and feature custom furnishings, island-themed artworks and private decks, many with plunge spas to create a sense of barefoot luxury. Fine dining is a highlight and menus champion a bounty of local seafood and fresh regional produce. A short flight from Australia’s east coast transports visitors to a real ‘treasure island’. The World Heritage-listed site is a paradise of rainforests and beaches and recreations span mountain walks and exploration of the world’s southernmost coral reef. Nestled among swaying Kentia palms, the petite Capella Spa encourages dreamy surrender to island-inspired treatments.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Lagoon Road, Lord Howe Island 2898 Australia
Capella Lodge
363 reviews
Getting there
Car recommended
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My husband and I stayed here for 4 nights in early March. From the moment we were picked up at the airport we knew we had made the right decision. The lodge has the most breathtaking views and the rooms are beautifully appointed. We stayed in a Capella Suite which is the lowest room category and were extremely impressed. There is a floor to ceiling window that runs across the front of the room, half of which is a screen so if you leave it open you can hear the waves and the birds. There is a mini fridge in the room that is well-stocked with wine, beer and snacks (included in the room rate). Breakfast and dinner was also included in the room rate. Every meal was exceptional. We never saw the kitchen staff but certainly appreciated the amazing work they do! Plates always went back empty! The staff are all fantastic. They all make a point of introducing themselves which I think is lovely. They are all excellent LHI ambassadors and provided us with lots of good tips about what hikes to do. They set a high bar for the customer experience. We were a few minutes late for breakfast one morning because we underestimated the duration of the Goat House hike (which other than Mt Gower is the next most challenging hike). Dave was wonderfully understanding and didn’t make us feel bad about being late so we were able to enjoy our breakfast (even though we had zero expectations of doing so). This is an example of the kindness and the focus on the customer experience that sets this property apart. There is so much you can do while you are on LHI. Capella provided us with bicycles for our stay. Some of the hikes can be done off of the property while others require you to bike to the beginning of the trail. Highly recommend doing as many hikes as you can to see all of the beauty the island has to offer. We also did a 2 hour snorkelling trip which we really enjoyed, although many people were snorkelling off of many of the beaches on the island (and Capella provides you with the equipment which is great). We wanted to go to Old Settlement Beach one afternoon but didn’t want to ride our bicycles as we had already had an active day. Lucky, the Assistant Manager (who is a delightful young woman) happily drove us to the beach and then picked us up 2 hours later. We would highly recommend this property and LHI. You’ll fall in love with it!
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Date of stay: March 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Baillie-Lodges-2020, Marketing Manager at Capella Lodge
Responded 8 Mar 2020
Dear BrianandNaomi Thank you for your exceptional review! From the many highlights you've mentioned - from the cuisine to the comfort of your suite and the alluring charm of Lord Howe Island - it really does sound as though you've been captured in Capella's spell. Our people are also a big part of the experience and it's lovely of you to mention Dave and Lucky, and indeed the team in general - all of them are dedicated to taking the famous 'extra mile' in providing excellent service. We're thrilled you had such a wonderful experience and hope to welcome you back soon, just to fall in love again once more! Warm wishes | from the Capella Team
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I wish I could give 6 stars - Capella Lodge was a true tropical paradise. The island was absolutely stunning with crystal blue water, colourful corals and turtles swimming in the shallows. The staff at the lodge went above and beyond to ensure everything was wonderful including setting up a bbq on the beach and providing personalised dinner menus. The food was delicious and I especially loved the cocktails and canapés at 6pm every evening.
We stayed in two rooms: - Pavilion 1 which had two floors and a plunge pool outside. It was a bigger room with two bathrooms as well as an outdoor bath. The views from the bedroom were stunning and the quality of the room very high. - Room 6 which had two floors, one bathroom and a hot tub outside. This room was nestled into the palm trees and got a good breeze through at night. Again very high quality.
Visiting Lord Howe island and Capella Lodge has been the highlight of my trip to Australia and I look forward to coming back in the near future.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was our first visit to Lord Howe Island and our stay at Capella Lodge enhanced the beauty and magic of the island. At first I was hesitant that Capella is located on the southern end of the island, away from the shops and Neds Beach, but it turned out to be a blessing. We felt secluded and isolated from the “hustle and bustle” of town, which was what we were craving after a hectic year. Sure it took a bit more effort to travel to the attractions, but that’s the beauty of a relaxed holiday where you can hop on your bikes or hire the golf buggy or the staff will drop you or your gear off. Also it is the only accommodation on the island with views. Our flight had arrived early at 10am and we were expecting to have to kill time ourselves until we could check in. To our surprise, after Libby picked us up at the airport, she sat us down the dining room for a late welcome breakfast and had our room ready to use by 1130am. I echo the sentiments of all previous reviews – amazing views, luxurious accommodation, outstanding food and welcoming warm staff. Big shout-out to Dave, Jarrod, Jess, Jess and Bree, and the unseen kitchen and cleaning staff. They were personable, helpful and happy to give ideas and recommendations. Mark and Libby were consummate hosts and no request was too much trouble. Lucky, the assistant manager, sparks of joy and vivacity and can regale a good story. We looked forward to the drinks and canapes at sunset every evening, and it was a great opportunity to mingle with other guests and swap notes and ideas about activities and places to visit. If we had stayed at a self-catering apartment, we would have missed out on this convivial atmosphere. We would highly recommend doing a BBQ picnic at one of the beaches of your choice. The staff will take down all the food and tools and save a picnic table for you, and then come pick it all up later. It was a stay close to perfection. It is worth saving hard and splashing out on this indulgence at Capella. We’re already planning our next visit!
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Date of stay: January 2021
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:All rooms face Mount Gower and the ocean
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Capella Lodge
Responded 10 Jan 2021
Dear TravelGnomes, The best compliment we can receive is that our beloved lodge can do justice to the incredible setting of Lord Howe, and your kind words are greatly appreciated. Nestled into the hillside, footsteps away from Lovers Bay, Capella’s location is somewhat off the grid on the tiny island paradise. However, as you’ve noted the short commute is certainly worth the privacy and unrivalled views of the ocean and mountains. Capella’s style of relaxed, barefoot luxury is very special and the sum of many people and parts – some like our housekeeping ninjas are even invisible! We’ll make sure your praise is shared with our Lodge Managers and team members. Gowers Terrace is a fantastic venue to enjoy a canapé and a cocktail from the evening’s open bar. Our guests typically appreciate the opportunity to be social over a sundowner while sharing a view and stories of the day’s adventures, before moving on to the main event - dining on Chef Cooper’s incredible cuisine. We are so glad you chose to fire up the barbecue at the beach - it’s one of the many experiences not to be missed when visiting Lord Howe! Thank you again for your glowing review, and welcome to the Baillie Lodges family. Until next time, Team Capella.
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Capella Lodge belongs to the collection of " Luxury Lodges of Australia ". It's located on Lord Howe Island above Lovers Bay overlooking the ocean and Mt Gower. It offers natural luxury at its best. Unfortunately, Capella Lodge was booked out when we visited but we managed to drive past it whilst exploring the island. If looking for a luxury hideaway then Capella Lodge would certainly hit the spot. It’s perfect for honeymooners or those looking to totally relax in a gorgeous isolated setting.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My partner and I stayed here for four nights as we were eloping to Lord Howe Island. Not only did the staff here cater to our every whim, they went above and beyond to make sure we were both calm, settled, and had our plans on track for the big day. Capella Lodge is not only the most beautiful, tranquil and private lodge we have ever stayed at, but the most memorable. The view is second to none, the proximity to the beach is tremendous, but what made this experience what it was is the staff. Libby and Mark are two of the most patient, understanding people on the face of the earth. We felt very welcomed by them and they regularly checked in with us to give us updates on weather for our wedding day and suggestions for wet weather options. Mark also insisted we use the Lodge's golf buggy on our wedding day to go from place to place for photos and it made a world of difference for us! Jess, Jess and Bree were attentive and brilliant conversationalists in the restaurant and always made sure we were happy and satisfied. Dave and Jarrod were always keen to provide advice on activities for the island as well as the best spots for photos. They were also keen to share their knowledge on the island's lesser-known waterfalls and attractions. Lucky was our first tour guide from the Lodge as well as our personal cheer squad at times. Always working with a smile on her face, she kept our spirits up when it poured rain on the island in the days leading up to the wedding. However, our most fond memory of Lucky would be her impromptu song and dance as I walked out of the Lodge to do my 'first look' photos with my husband-to-be. Lucky, that will always be one of my most cherished memories of the day and I am so, so glad you were there for it. Thank you all for our amazing time here. We will be back in the very near future! Ben & Elise
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Capella Lodge
Responded 14 Dec 2020
Dear Ben and Elise, Firstly, a big congratulations to you both! We are over the moon for you that everything went smoothly on your special day and that the weather gods were shining in your favour. You certainly picked an amazing location to elope. Libby and Mark are the heartbeat of Capella! They, along with their staff, will be humbled to hear your kind words about them. They are wonderful ambassadors for their island home and bring such a warmth and humility to the lodge experience. As for the impromptu song and dance by Lucky, she brings a special energy that can’t be taught. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of such a cherished memory for you both - the Capella cheer squad will be waiting for next time! Team Capella
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While you cannot fault the location of Capella Lodge as the only accommodation south of the airport, with impressive views of Mt Gower from the dining areas and some room decks, it was the service and the food that was stand out. We were met at the airport and had a quick mini-bus tour on the 5 minute trip to Capella Lodge where we were installed on the outdoor lounge with a glass of bubbly. From that point, every staff member came to know our names and engaged us at every opportunity. We did get the sense of being watched as our complimentary mini-bar was restocked with beer, wine, snacks and cheeses seemingly every time we left the room. Cars are scarce on Lord Howe but I did notice that other guests had hired a car which was a complete waste of money. Bikes are provided to all guests and e-bikes for a fee. There is an electric golf buggy which seats 6 that you can hire; although they gave it to us for a day. Otherwise, they will ferry you around the island on request. 2 level studio room was comfortable but I would not say luxurious but even though the weather was terrible for most of our stay (roaring 60km winds and rain) we did not spend much time in the room - except to luxuriate in hot tub while wind and rain did their thing. Food and wine is fine dining every night (and breakfast is pretty good too) and food would rate with best restaurants we have attended. If you are (very) adventurous, book your Mt Gower 8hr adventure well before you arrive. Snorkeling from glass bottom boats seems to have better availability (most seem to close on Saturday) but weather put-paid to those for us. Fantastic place, fantastic lodge. Thanks to Anna, Anna, Anna, Shanna, Hanna, Hanna and Annabelle for the service!
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Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Pack light - Lodge provides day packs. Good hiking shoes and wet weather gear essential
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed at Capella for 3 nights to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. Lord Howe Island is a very special place and there is no better way to enjoy it than at Capella. From the minute we were greeted at the airport by Libby and Mark for the next 4 days were pampered by all the staff who are all absolutely delightful.
Capella is a beautiful boutique resort, thoughtfully designed, perched on a small hill providing knock out views toward Mt Gower and the ocean that are mesmerising. However it’s the staff that make it so special, all so helpful and who know you by name. They all go well out of their way to make your stay special including great tips on the numerous activities available on the island.
Worth a visit to enjoy the atmosphere, great evening cocktails and dinners, lovely rooms with everything you ever wanted, great friendly and personalised service and simply pure pampering!
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Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Baillie Lodges, Marketing at Capella Lodge
Responded 21 Dec 2020
Dear Tim Thank you for your wonderful review - you're preaching to the choir here! We're thrilled to have helped celebrate such a milestone and create a new chapter of memories for you both. We hope to welcome you back to Lord Howe and the lodge again soon. Sincerely, Team Capella
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We had an incredible holiday staying at Capella Lodge on Lord Howe Island, and everyone wants to go back as soon as we can. Lord Howe Island is a beautiful, amazing place with gentle beaches and fish you can feed, walks with wild nesting birds to challenging hikes with an untouched, unique rainforest on top of a mountain of rock from an extinct volcano. Staying at Capella meant being able to engage with and enjoy Lord Howe while having exquisite meals, friendly, helpful staff who were very knowledgeable about the Island and so many luxury touches - a real chance to relax in connection with nature while being so well cared for!
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Date of stay: January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were lucky enough to take up a last minute decision to spend 4 amazing nights at Capella Lodge. We have stayed at many lodges and Capella is on the up there list. Stunning location with so much to do. Cycling, snorkelling, hiking or simply relaxing the choice is up to you. There are only 9 suites at Capella giving you a very quiet and exclusive experience. The experience is just what you would expect from a Luxury Lodges of Australia branded location. Libby and her team are a benchmark that many similar properties could learn from. Nothing was too much and her team are always helpful, happy and……well just great. The food is very fine dining and the evening snacks are deeeeeelicious. It was a great way for us to spend our fist trip since Jan 2021 out and about and it was great. Can highly recommend. Thanks Libby, just thanks.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Baillie Lodges, Owner at Capella Lodge
Responded 22 May 2022
Dear Grant Thank you for your wonderful review of the Capella experience of Lord Howe. It sounds like the beauty of the island, as well as the relaxed luxury of the lodge and warmth of the team really captured you in their charm. We note since your Capella stay you ventured to the Red Centre and put your feet up at sister lodge Longitude 131. We're so thrilled you're exploring the Baillie Lodges collection and hope to welcome you back soon - maybe for a stay at the newly renovated Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree. Best wishes on behalf of the team Ali, Marketing Manager
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We were met by a representative of Capella Lodge at the airport who told us our luggage was already being taken to the hotel even though we didn’t know it had been taken off the plane. So, it was clear we were in for a very carefree getaway.
The boutique style place didn’t have that many rooms so it gave a very nice feeling of exclusivity. Our room was a nice size with very comfortable bed, nice linens and pillows. The bathroom was nice , water pressure and temperature were very good. The room had a large balcony/deck with panoramic view of the large mountain edging into the ocean.
All of our meals were delicious and nicely presented. Wine pairings were offered with dinner.
The hotel isn’t really walking distance to town but guests have access to bikes, e-bikes, golf cart and/or a team member can take you where you want to go.
Even though the hotel/lodge is small, the team/staff are very discreet, unobtrusive and respectful of everyone’s space. All the team/staff regardless of job function were very professional and friendly.
The setting, Lord Howe Island, was an idyllic almost like a surreal movie set. Cappella Lodge was a perfect accommodation taking in the environment.
We highly recommend Cappella Lodge.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Reserve e-bikes before you arrive; there are a limited number that get claimed quickly
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a wonderful plan to return to Lord Howe Island to celebrate your 50th wedding anniversary!
Availability for the period is currently very favourable. It's best to contact Baillie Lodges Reservations directly - call 02 9918 4355. Alternatively visit the lodge website and send a reservation enquiry which our team will respond to promptly.
We'd love to welcome you for this very special occasion!
Dear Kathy, thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately, we are unable to assist with a booking of this size or duration over your requested dates. Should they be flexible, the lodge has availability in May and June which may suit. Please let us know if we can consider a tailored booking for you. We'd love to welcome you and your family for a mid-year retreat.
Dear Kerrie
Thank you for your enquiry. Alas, Capella is fully booked over your requested dates, March 31 – April 5, 2017.
Should your dates be flexible, we can offer the Makambo Loft for five nights from April 4th, or a Lagoon Loft from April 5th for four nights.
Should either option be of interest, please contact the Baillie Lodges reservations team for further assistance. We hope to have opportunity to welcome you soon!
There are more places to choose from in the Lord Howe Island area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
capella resort all inclusive, capella hotel lord howe island
LOCATION
AustraliaLord Howe Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
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