It has taken five years to restore this 19th century, Southern Highlands guesthouse and you can see why. The attention to detail at Osborn House is immaculate. There are 15 suites and seven luxury cabins, each with its own flavour. Enjoy the 25m lap pool and spa complete with sauna, steam room, and cool plunge. Dinah’s is the restaurant, George’s is the bar, there’s a kitchen garden and a cooking school is in the works. (Image: Alan Jensen Photography.)

Set amongst the natural beauty of the south coast, Bangalay Luxury Villas makes the most of its idyllic location. The 16 architecturally designed, private villas are positioned so that each has a sunny, north-facing deck as well as a fireplace. The self-contained accommodation comes with a full kitchen, but you want to take a night off cooking to eat at Bangalay Dining, which has a strong focus on local produce and native ingredients. (Image: Deana Gerlach.)

If you build it, they will come. The Surf Yamba has helped put this sleepy NSW north coast town on the map. It’s easy to see why, with its beachside location, rooftop deck and plunge pool this is the kind of place you want to chill out awhile. The interiors are slick, with Italian terrazzo tiles, bespoke handmade sofas and Australian made outdoor furniture by Tait. You get to enjoy the natural beauty of the north coast, without the hullabaloo you’d expect from nearby Byron. (Image: Elise Hassey.)

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in the Hunter Valley, but the new Spicers Tower Lodge has taken it up a notch. There are just five suites, one of which is accessible, and the vibe is distinctly Spanish. The hacienda-style building has a central courtyard, the floor tiles are terracotta and the rendered, textured walls hark to a time gone-by. In keeping with the theme, its restaurant Sebastian showcases the flavours and techniques of the Basque region. Related story: Why you shouldn’t book a hotel room above the 4th floor, and other surprising travel advice

Orange’s newest stay consists of three architecturally designed one-bed studios perched atop the Rollin-family cherry orchard. At an elevation of 1100m, Basalt takes in views of the entire region. Each self-contained studio is equipped with a king size bed, kitchenette, stone bathtub, internal wood fire plus private outside fire pit. Bookings open mid-late August for spring stays from mid-September.

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a little country cottage, but a) can’t afford it or b) couldn’t keep up with the upkeep, then this is for you. Jenny has lovingly restored The Old School House, including the orchard. There are two self-contained accommodation options, so you can collect the fresh eggs the hens laid for your breakfast and team it with fruit straight from the tree. It’s peak country charm while being only a 0-minute drive from Mollymook beach. (Image: Claudine Thornton.)

The road between Kangaroo Valley and the Southern Highlands was closed in the March floods, it’s just reopened and is a great reminder to check out what’s new in the Valley – like Wildes Boutique Hotel. This former motel boasts a charming sandstone frontage, welcoming central courtyard and inviting pool. The spacious studios and suites come with kitchenettes and living areas. Related story: 12 best regional hotels in Queensland for your next Sunshine State escape

There’s a trend for motels to get the renovation treatment and Kyah Boutique Hotel is a prime example of how a 70s building can move into the modern world when it gets a little Palm Springs-inspired love. The resident restaurant, Blaq, dishes up hyper-local, seasonal and sustainable produce while drinks are also local, there’s Karu Distillery, Blue Mountains Gin, Mountain Culture Beer Co. And wines are from NSW. (Image: Steve Woodburn.)

Technically, Jonah’s is in Sydney but when you look out of the window onto the coastline that stretches the tip of the Northern Beaches, you could be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere on the Amalfi Coast. The 11 rooms were refurbished pre-Covid, with a décor inspired by Hamptons meets French Riviera and each room has a private balcony with 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Then there’s the award-winning fine dining restaurant just next door. (Image: Destination NSW)

If you’re heading to Byron and aren’t worried about your credit card limit, you can’t go past Raes. With a spectacular setting just steps away from Wategos Beach, this is a chance to see just how lavishly the other half live. There are just five spacious suites and two penthouses. You could easily spend a few days without leaving the vicinity, the restaurant is fantastic, there’s a stellar bar downstairs and the beach is just over the road. There are also ten new luxurious suites coming to the property end of 2024. 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay; raes.com.au