Capella Lodge

Just got home from an incredible week at Capella Lodge. Perfect location, divine cuisine, superb staff and an overall phenomenal experience. Libby and Mark have a wonderful team around them and everyone at the lodge makes you grateful for your decision to spend your time on the island at Capella. The cuisine is top tier with the chefs treating you to a different decadent and imaginative menu each night. Truly fine dining at its best. A heartfelt thank you for the perfect week in paradise!!

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.

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!

Exceptional experience all around. Faultless and stylish accommodation with a vibrant staff to match. Our four days was nothing but the best. It was more than a holiday, rather an amazing experience. Apart from Capella Lodge itself, the island is such a picturesque location with so much raw beauty, every turn on the road or track is a delight to the eye. Capella captures the island with views of the mountains, lagoon and reef breaks that no other lodge experiences.

Thank you to the entire Capella Lodge team for a truly outstanding stay. Our time at the lodge was perfect from beginning to end, with nature and the backdrop of Mount Gower taking center stage. The service was flawless at every touchpoint, and the team were friendly and helpful without being overbearing. The lodge embraces ‘barefoot luxury’ in a premium and authentic way, which made everyone feel totally at home and relaxed. We also loved being on the quieter side of the island, as the remote swim spots offered peacefulness and beaches all to ourselves. The food was also a highlight - especially the degustation with paired wines on our second night, which was exceptional. I will be recommending it to all of my family and friends as the ideal place for a celebration or spontaneous trip. Thank you again for such a memorable and flawless stay.