The rise of Australia's '6 star' stays

In-house massages and 1200-thread-count linen? Please, that’s so five star…

Newly-opened Skylodge atop Mt Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland, delivers that and then some. Going beyond king-sized beds and expansive views of subtropical rainforest, Skylodge literally caters to your every whim from private yoga classes and serenading violinists, to a personal chef on request.

The just-built Alkira Resort House (website coming) in the Daintree is also worth a visit. You can get there via helicopter if you so wish; the house has its own helipad. This architecturally-acclaimed, carbon neutral sanctuary might look and feel futuristic, but the architect worked closely with national parks and environmental agencies to create an environmentally sensitive structure set over a regenerated lake that feeds back into the local ecosystem (which includes over a kilometre of private beach).

Other first-class features include teppanyaki grills and a rotisserie oven for budding cooks, an indoor pool, and a balcony spa bath, which overlooks the rainforest. Nice.

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