MY ISLAND HOME

With a permanent population of around 350 people and visitor numbers capped at 400, Lord Howe Island off the coast of New South Wales is exclusive by nature. When you touch down in the twin-propeller plane (or your private jet), follow the lead of the Hemsworth family toward new Island House, which is actually two pavilions with space to sleep just eight guests, each building ringed by Jurassic kentia palms and ancient banyan trees. The island has no mobile phone reception and limited Wi-Fi, which means guests are ‘forced’ to switch off and reconnect with nature, whether that’s snorkelling with green turtles, hiking to the jagged peak of Mount Gower, cycling to deserted beaches for a seafood barbecue, or touring the waters by boat. Afterwards, return to your lodge and lie back on the deck, listen to birdsong and forget the rest of the world exists. islandhouse.com.au

01 Exploring by horseback at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley 02 Aerial view of El Questro © Timothy Burgess 03 Back to nature at Island House 04 Balcony views at Longitude 131° 05 A room with a view at Bamurru Plains © Archie Sartracom 03