One of Australia’s most spectacular wilderness stays just went next level

November 4, 2026 — 5:00amIt’s hard to believe that Tasmania was ever anything other than appealing to travellers, but the state’s metamorphosis from homely Apple Isle to high-end international holiday destination over the past few decades has been nothing short of extraordinary.It’s a journey that can be mapped out alongside the opening of boutique hotels such as Hobart’s Henry Jones Art Hotel in 2004, which transformed Hobart’s industrial heritage into sophisticated accommodation and earnt a place on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Gold List in 2009 and 2010.Other properties, including Cradle Mountain Lodge, have done their bit to establish a market for high-end stays. In addition to lodgings, there was the arrival of MONA and the blossoming of the state’s food and wine industry.An artist’s impression of the Jewel Private Villa at Saffire Freycinet.In 2010, Saffire Freycinet, which overlooks remote Great Oyster Bay on the east coast, made its dazzling debut. When the luxury wilderness lodge opened, it changed the game again and introduced a new level of sophistication to Tasmania’s tourism landscape. Its nightly suite rates of $1000 to $3000 a night reflected an ambition to establish a new level of luxury in Tasmania.And with the Jewel Private Villa, a three-bedroom accommodation option that leans into international ultra-luxury, Saffire goes next level. Its first $25,000-a-night villa welcomes guests from December 1.Sign up for the Traveller newsletterThe latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.Saffire general manager Dylan Counsel says that since reservations opened in March, 20 bookings have been secured, and that international travellers account for about 80 per cent of those bookings.Artist’s impression of the new Jewel Private Villa deck, complete with an 18-metre infinity pool and jacuzzi.“We’re pleased with the response so far and are on track to achieve our goals,” Counsel says. “It’s a strong indication that there is an appetite for this level of luxury accommodation in Tasmania, and that both the concept and timing is right.”The Jewel Private Villa bolsters not just Tasmania’s luxury stakes, but Australia’s.Super luxe isn’t really a space the country has laid claim to, except for the exclusive four-bedroom Baillie Pavilion at Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge, Longitude 131° at Uluru, and the three-bedroom private villa at Queensland’s Lizard Island.There are other contenders, particularly private islands and exclusive-use estates, but it remains a relatively small field.Like Lizard Island’s villa, Jewel Private Villa is separated but connected to the original property, where 20 suites, including the 140-square-metre Private Pavilions, have largely appealed to couples seeking an intimate escape.It gives Saffire a new option for families and groups of up to eight people wanting to travel together without sacrificing privacy, service or a high standard of amenity.Occupying 800 square metres of indoor and outdoor space adjacent to Saffire’s main lodge, the villa overlooks Great Oyster Bay and the pink granite peaks of The Hazards.Its three master suites each have a private lounge and en suite, while shared spaces include a generous living room with fireplace, dining room, fully equipped kitchen, butler’s pantry and curated wine cellar.Outside, there’s an 18-metre infinity pool, accompanied by a jacuzzi, barbecue terrace and fire pit.Designed by Sydney-based architect Andrew O’Connell of Altis Architecture, Jewel makes extensive use of natural materials, including charred timber, local stone, smoked gum veneer, aged bronze and Verde Alpi marble. Bespoke Tasmanian artworks reinforce the connection to place.Guests have access to a dedicated villa host, concierge and private guide, with experiences tailored to individual interests.Private dining, including breakfasts prepared by a chef, is part of the offering, alongside access to Saffire’s existing facilities and experiences.See saffire-freycinet.com.auJulietta Jameson is a freelance travel writer who would rather be in Rome, but her hometown Melbourne is a happy compromise.Connect via email.From our partners