Arajilla Retreat

Absolutely incredible experience from start to Finnish, stayed 6 nights and didn't want to leave. Magical Lord Howe topped off with incredible hospitality from James, Grace and his staff. Food was amazing, cocktails and drinks. Particularly loved the fresh BBQ Lunch dropped off to your secret spot enjoying an old school BBQ fire on the beach front. Many thanks again, hope to be back one day soon.

Luxury, excellent accomodation, wonderful staff, gourmet meals by very imaginative chef which are varied and experimenting with new tastes. Laundry, bikes, beach towels, snorkelling gear all provided. Canapés and pre dinner cocktails, good choice of wines with meals. Set in private Kentish palm “forest” gardens and well maintained.

What an incredible week spent at Arajilla with a bush walking group. James and his staff were outstanding and the most hospitable hosts imaginable. The food was a constant treat every day, as were the daily cocktails! Nothing seemed too much trouble. The staff greeted you like long lost friends. Rides to various spots were never a problem. Housekeeping was meticulous. Arajilla exceeded all expectations. What a treat!

From the moment you land on the island you are stepping into a family (Hotel)and a community that wants you to experience their island. On our arrival we were picked up by Ben (Exec Chef) and then met by James (Manager) and had the island explained to us…. No mobile phones, limited Wi-Fi, excellent food, BBQ anywhere on the island (almost), excellent wines, bikes,snorkelling, walking and chatting with the locals and other guests at the hotel. Imagine Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs…. That’s the only way that you can summarise the islands landscape, add in a great hotel and you have the perfect recipe for a truly spectacular holiday. James said on our arrival that before dinner we have cocktails at 17:30 and dinner from 18:30 and most guests have gone to bed by 21:00 as they are exhausted….he was right…. If you don’t like Fresh Air, Walks, Bikes, Swimming, Diving, Snorkelling and don’t mention the climbs and steps all over the island LHI isn’t for you….. if you do…. LHI is the gift that keeps on giving. To James and the whole team…. I can see why the Hotel and Island is so low key…. Please keep it that way.

We were 6 friends who had waited 4 years to walk and snorkel on Lord Howe Island. Arajilla Retreat was certainly worth the wait. Enveloped by Kentia forest, the accommodation was first class. Clean comfortable and classy. The staff were cheerful and helpful and all necessary equipment ( bikes, snorkeling gear) were included. The food was outstanding, in presentation , taste and variety. No faults here- just a great resort on a beautiful island.

We stayed in a Kentia Suite for a week at Arajilla. Such a beautiful room with a delightful verandah attached. The nightly turndown service was a treat and so welcoming upon returning from a delicious dinner at the restaurant. Singing the same song as other 5 star reviews - exceptional staff (James, Hope, Flo, Victoria, Benjamin 'Mr Cocktails', Diesel and housekeeping); delicious meals including the seafood BBQ lunches (thank you chefs); and the nightly cocktail hour which was fun. So glad we chose to stay at Arajilla whilst discovering beautiful Lord Howe Island. Thank you all so much for making our stay so memorable.