Capella Lodge
Barefoot luxury meets serious natural remoteness. No flashy opulence — the aesthetic is understated, sandy-feet-welcome beach house with genuine fine dining and first-name service. Guests gather each evening at 6pm on Gowers Terrace for sunset drinks, then move together into the restaurant. There's a real campfire-club feel, but you're doing it in linen shirts.
Book the Lidgbird Pavilion for the outdoor freestanding bath under the frangipani tree and the exclusive electric buggy — it's a significant upgrade and worth every cent for special occasions
Why It Matters
Awarded Two MICHELIN Keys. Only nine suites, meaning Lord Howe's 400-visitor cap is almost the bigger constraint than room availability. Opened in 2003 as the founding property of what is now the Beckons collection. The dining reputation stretches island-wide — the Lodge Restaurant is considered the best table on Lord Howe. And Lord Howe itself is UNESCO World Heritage-listed, limited to 400 visitors at any one time.
Nine suites perched above Lovers Bay on the southern tip of Lord Howe Island — and that remoteness is the whole point. Capella Lodge sits at the foot of the volcanic twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird, looking out over the world's southernmost coral reef. The design channels an elevated Australian beach house: raw teak floors, marine-ply joinery, linen, floor-to-ceiling glass, and a high cantilevered roofline that keeps the outside firmly in view. Rates are all-inclusive — breakfast, dinner, sunset canapés, open bar from 6pm, mountain bikes, and airport transfers are all folded in.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Capella Suite
From AUD1,950 / nightThe entry-level suite, though 'entry-level' is relative at Capella. High ceilings with a genuine beach house feel, cameo views of the ocean and mountains framed by swaying Kentia palms outside. Private deck included. Compact by lodge standards but well-appointed.
King · 45 sqm
Catalina Suite
From AUD3,000 / nightDual-level suite designed for small families or friends travelling together. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, decks on both levels, and a hot tub. Open fireplace adds warmth in the cooler months. At 100m² it's a genuine two-bedroom luxury apartment.
King (dual-level with second bedroom) · 100 sqm
Lagoon Loft
From AUD2,500 / nightMezzanine-style suite with the king bedroom elevated above the living area, looking directly over the reef-fringed lagoon. Private deck with hot tub. Widely considered the fan-favourite room for its straight-on lagoon vista from the mezzanine bed.
King · 65 sqmLidgbird Pavilion
From AUD4,000 / nightThe flagship. Upper-level king bedroom opens onto wraparound verandahs with panoramic ocean and mountain views. Ground level has a spacious lounge with fireplace, kitchenette, and luxurious indoor-outdoor bathroom with basalt-clad dual stone slab vanities and a rainshower. Outside: a heated private plunge pool, an alfresco shower, a daybed, and a freestanding bathtub under the frangipani tree. Exclusive use of Capella's electric buggy. Private canapés and sunset drinks delivered to the suite. The full Lidgbird experience also includes private deck dining options.
King (upper level) · 125 sqm
Makambo Loft
From AUD3,500 / nightThe largest of the standard suites at 160m², inspired by the seafaring history of Lord Howe. Premium mezzanine layout with mesmerising straight-on views of the twin peaks, Mounts Gower and Lidgbird. Open fireplace, private plunge spa, and generous decks. Maximum four guests.
King (mezzanine) plus additional beds · 160 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
3 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Lord Howe is one of Australia's top seabird spotting sites. Providence Petrels, endemic land birds, and rare marine species. Many walks self-guided. Capella staff provide tips based on tide and weather conditions.
Expert-guided tours of Lord Howe's beaches, subtropical rainforests, and the coral reef at low tide. Capella has featured a resident naturalist who leads guests on discovery of the island's endemic birds, rare flora, and marine life.
Capella provides complimentary adult mountain bikes for all guests. Lord Howe is only 11km long with a 25kph speed limit and fewer than 6km of road — cycling is genuinely the best way to see the island. Bikes have right of way.
Electric bikes available for hire at the lodge, subject to availability. Pre-booking on-property recommended. Additional charge applies beyond the complimentary mountain bikes.
Electric buggy available for hire for island exploration. Bookings managed on-property. Lidgbird Pavilion guests have the buggy reserved for their exclusive use at no extra charge.
Tours to North Bay to discover the pristine reef system and its marine species. Often includes sightings of green sea turtles. Arranged through local operators with help from Capella Lodge staff. Additional charge applies.
Lagoon kayaks available for exploring the island's marine ecosystem. Lord Howe's crescent lagoon and calm reef waters make for exceptional flatwater paddling.
Complimentary snorkelling gear available. The world's southernmost coral reef is directly accessible from the lodge. Soft and hard corals, sea turtles, kingfish, tuna and a full marine ecosystem. Several snorkelling spots accessible self-guided; conditions vary by tide and weather.
Capella prepares gourmet barbecue and picnic packs for guests heading to Neds Beach or other scenic spots around the island. Additional charge applies.
One of the world's best rated day hikes, led by specialist local guides. Physically demanding — a full-day guided ascent to the summit. Must be arranged through lodge staff or local operators. Bookings made with Capella Lodge assistance. Not included in rates.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
A quiet reading and lounge area off the main lodge building. CD, DVD and book library, board games. From 6pm it becomes the open bar socialising space.
Wireless internet available throughout the lodge.
There is no gym at Capella Lodge. As Robb Report put it: your gym is the mountain (and your bicycle).
Full daily housekeeping plus a sensory evening turndown service.
Provided for all guests for island excursions.
All suites include a well-stocked in-suite bar with snacks and selected beverages (excludes spirits), replenished daily. The Lidgbird Pavilion includes a complimentary premium in-suite bar with French Champagne.
All suites feature a Bose music system with MP3 input, flatscreen TV, DVD player, and wireless internet.
Outdoor infinity-edge plunge pool on Gowers Terrace with views over the reef and mountains. Small but scenic — one of only a handful of pools on all of Lord Howe Island.
Complimentary shared transfers connecting with all scheduled flights to and from Lord Howe Island Airport.
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