Arajilla Retreat

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.

The food was incredible! James picked us up from the airport and showed us around the island which was really lovely and great to get an overview of what’s where.

The first time that our family stayed at Arajilla in 2022, we re-booked to come back in 2023 before we had even left! The same thing happened in 2023 - we have rebooked again for 2024, that is how much we all truly love this special resort. From the personalised service, relaxing atmosphere from the second we are picked up by friendly faces at the airport, beautiful rooms and shared spaces, the incredible food with a varied and delicious menu that we were so lucky to enjoy three times a day (do yourself a favour and do the BBQ option for lunch at one of the many gorgeous BBQ spots around the island), and the best local tips from the 5-star staff to help us feel at home (where to find the waterfalls when it’s rained, and when the cocktail bar down the road has music trivia on - such a fun afternoon!) - we have had 2 holidays of a lifetime here, and can’t wait to return later this year! Thank you so much to each of the fantastic staff, who make all the magic happen.

We spent a week at Arajilla in a Banyan Suite and did not want to leave! A week was not long enough. The small, quiet resort is nestled in beautiful rainforest just a short walk from Old Settlement Beach. The location is near to everything, the service is efficient, professional and friendly; the accommodation is tastefully decorated, comfortable and spacious; the lounge/restaurant area elegantly designed to maximise the rainforest setting. The rooms come equipped with beach chairs, a sun umbrella and beach bags, although we spent so much time out exploring the island and snorkelling/diving, that we hardly used them. We did use the complimentary bikes everyday though which was lots of fun. The cocktails, canapés and food were delicious. Being vegetarian often means we get very little choice. But at Arajilla we looked forward to every meal. A big thanks to the chef and kitchen team! A special thanks also to Hope, Victoria, Flo and General Manager James, who made us feel so welcome. Gina’s housekeeping team also deserves a mention for keeping the rooms spotless. And lastly to Diesel for the drop offs/pick ups. If I have to give any feedback on what I would change, it’s just one minor thing, some full length hanging space for dresses in the wardrobe would be awesome.

Absolutely everything we expected, peaceful with the ambience of a beautiful rain forest. Congratulations to James on running a fantastic place with a team of fantastic friendly staff. The meals were delivered with what you would receive in a five star restaurant!!!

Luxurious stay amongst the palm trees. James and his team are very welcoming. The restaurant food is excellent. We did a package where we got a picnic hamper which you can have pretty much anywhere with road access. We were suggested Lovers Bay, and it was wonderful. James dropped us off and picked us up afterwards. Our package included breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a range of excellent wines from around Australia. The West Cape Howe Riesling from Margaret River was a standout. Our room was split level, and the bed possibly the comfiest we have ever slept in anywhere. Arajilla is literally next to Old Settlement Beach, so we snorkelled and swam every day. You can easily walk or cycle into town. We managed to complete all the walks/hikes in the northern part of the island from Arajilla. A word on the staff: nothing is too much trouble. The service is professional but personable. The other guests are friendly, and we enjoyed chatting with people during pre-dinner drinks and canapes. There is chess and backgammon too. We liked the relaxed vibe of Arajilla. Having also stayed at Capella Lodge on this trip, we found the service and atmosphere of Arajilla to be superior.

Arajilla Retreat on Lord Howe Island is a hidden gem that truly exceeds all expectations when it comes to luxurious, eco-friendly accommodation and exceptional hospitality. From the moment I set foot on this beautiful island paradise, I was treated to an unforgettable experience, thanks in no small part to the incredible staff who go above and beyond to make your stay absolutely magical. The heart and soul of Arajilla Retreat, Manager James, is the epitome of a gracious and attentive host. From the moment I arrived until the time I sadly had to depart, James made me feel incredibly welcome. His passion for the retreat and his genuine interest in ensuring that every guest has a memorable stay is palpable. He not only manages the retreat seamlessly but also takes the time to interact with guests personally, offering valuable insights into the island's unique attractions and arranging unforgettable experiences. Executive Chef Ben is a culinary wizard who works his magic in the kitchen, crafting some of the most delectable dishes I've ever had the pleasure of savoring. The food at Arajilla Retreat is a highlight in itself. The restaurant's menu is a gastronomic journey that showcases the island's freshest ingredients and creative flair. Each meal was a delightful surprise, and Chef Ben's dedication to providing top-notch culinary experiences is evident in every bite. His personalised attention to dietary preferences and restrictions also makes dining a seamless, enjoyable experience. The maintenance team led by Diesel ensures that the retreat remains a pristine and welcoming environment. Any issues or concerns I had were promptly addressed, and his dedication to maintaining the retreat's lush surroundings and cozy accommodations is evident. It's reassuring to know that every aspect of Arajilla Retreat is given the care it deserves. In addition to James, Ben, and Diesel, the entire food and beverage team, as well as the housekeeping staff, deserve special mention. Their attentiveness, professionalism, and warm hospitality made my stay truly special. They anticipated my needs and went out of their way to ensure my comfort and satisfaction. It's the little things, like the immaculate state of my room that truly sets Arajilla Retreat apart. Arajilla Retreat's charm extends well beyond the incredible team of staff. The retreat's secluded setting on Lord Howe Island provides a serene and idyllic backdrop for relaxation and adventure. From the pristine beaches to the lush forests, this retreat is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking to disconnect from the everyday hustle and bustle. My stay at Arajilla Retreat was an experience that will stay with me for a long time. My heartfelt thanks to Manager James, Chef Ben, Diesel, and the entire staff for making my stay truly exceptional.