Fancy a little holiday home vacay? Need to offer your client some advice?
Well you’re in luck, because Stayz has gone ahead and officially awarded the winners of its 2015 Holiday Rental Awards.
The annual celebration highlights the crème de la crème of holiday properties across a portfolio of more than 45,000 rentals listed on the website – and that’s over 2000 locations too.
This year, Stayz even introduced two new categories – ‘Best for Gourmet Getaways’ and ‘Best Unique Property’ – to acknowledge the growing demand for fun new experiences coupled with foodie hotspots.
Stayz had a top notch panel of expert judges to determine the winners of the eight categories.
And your winners are…
National Winners
Best for Gourmet Getaways: Bonnay, Hunter Valley, NSW
This charming cottage, sleeping six, is a delightful haven in the Hunter Wine region. Just a short drive from some of the best cellar doors and hatted restaurants in the area, guests can head out to taste the local gourmet produce or just relax and enjoy the ambience this property offers.
Guests can cook up a storm with the BBQ, large country kitchen and generous dining area, which is ideal for hosting a dinner party or long lunch.
Best Unique Property: Casa Albero Via Roma, Isle of Capri, QLD
Known as “The Flintstones House”, this mansion sleeps 12 and boasts a solar heated pool with coral, a private jetty, eight-person spa, multiple sun lounges, private beach, and all things family focused like fishing and entertainment.
Best for Indulgence: The Ocean Retreat, Falmouth, TAS
The Ocean Retreat is a contemporary property with 180-degree waterfront views, decked out with luxe furnishings, heated bathroom floors, and even a plunge pool that overlooks the ocean.
The place sleeps 10, and also features an outdoor open fireplace on its large deck, and a spa bath.
Best Property for Outdoor Lovers: Deep Creek Retreat, Delamere, SA
No TV here. Instead, in this two bedroom property, which also placed in the finals for best eco house in 2013, there are solar and wind powered house features, and an open plan living area with views of Kangaroo Valley.
Guests can enjoy nature at its best by strolling through a secret garden, taking an outdoor shower or checking out the starry sky on the outdoor decking at night.
Best Pet–Friendly Property: Culburra House, Culburra, NSW
Located on the beach and featuring an open plan living space, Culburra House is ideal for any travellers with pets. The property has a fully enclosed and secure garden so your furry friends will be safely contained.
In addition to this, a selection of dog bowls and tags with the property’s address are available for use during your stay, with the great outdoors and dog friendly beaches just steps away.
Best Property for Romance: Thalia Haven, Little Swanport, TAS
Four separate pavillions sleep eight in this spot, with plenty of space to relax. There’s a sauna, outdoor bath and shower overlooking Great Oyster Bay, and bedrooms that are equipped with king-sized beds and custom made doonas – did we mention ocean views?
Candelit dinners and baths also with sweeping blue vistas make this property a romantic must.
Best Property for Families: Play Shack 2 River Front, Sawmill Settlement/Merrijig, VIC
This rustic log cabin comes with modern architecture, sleeps up to 16, and has two distinct wings to keep the playing (upstairs) away from the relaxing space (downstairs).
The property features include a pool, a variety of games and entertainment for the kids like ping pong and air hockey, plus direct river access that is perfect for afternoon drinks or a spot of fishing.
People’s Choice: Tyntynder Lodge, Bright, VIC
Set amongst a peaceful haven for nature lovers, this property sleeps up to eight and houses everything a guests could want. From providing guests with gift bags on arrival, to lighting up an open fire and kicking back with a DVD, the Tyntynder Lodge won the People’s Choice for a reason.
There’s also a BBQ, a playground for the ankle biters, a beautiful deck and a garden. Located close to town and 100 metres from the river, guests have plenty of options to take up during their stay.
