Monthly Hotel Feature: Capella Lodge

Things To Do on Lord Howe Island: Snorkelling, Hiking and Scenic Tours

Days follow the island’s natural rhythm, with time outside shaped by tides, light and weather.

• Swim and snorkel above shallow coral gardens in the lagoon. Conditions often suit gentle entries and clear viewing.
• Ned’s Beach for easy access to fish life. Hand-feed permitted species using the onsite dispenser, then slip into calm water for a relaxed snorkel.
• Glass-bottom boat tours for a dry way to see coral, turtles and reef fish while learning about the marine sanctuary.
• Guided walks from soft coastal tracks to serious summits. Mount Gower is a full-day, guided ascent ranked among the world’s best hikes, with extraordinary views and unique cloud-forest species.
• Birdlife and nature sightings throughout the day. Look for the endemic woodhen, seabird colonies and seasonal visitors across beaches and forest edges.
• Scenic boat runs to sheltered coves and reef edges, with time to pause, swim or photograph.
• Weather-permitting fly-over of Ball’s Pyramid for a rare aerial view of the world’s tallest sea stack before or after island time.

We match activities to the day’s conditions and to your preferred pace so the experience feels easy from start to finish.

Capella Lodge Spa and Wellness

Set among Kentia palms, Capella Spa focuses on island-appropriate restoration. Expect quiet treatment rooms, warm service and rituals that draw on Lord Howe’s salt air and botanicals, using the Australian-made alkeme range for clean, effective care.

What they do well

• Post-hike recovery: Targeted leg and back work, magnesium add-ons, and warm compresses to ease Mount Gower and coastal trail fatigue.
• Ocean-day hydration: After-sun facials and body masks to replenish moisture and calm skin after time on the reef.
• Unwind for the evening: Slow, full-body massages that reset the nervous system and prepare you for a long dinner and an early night.

Couples treatments can be arranged, and select therapies may be set up in-suite on request. Book early around peak hiking days to keep your rhythm unhurried.

Capella Lodge is perfect for:

• Couples seeking a quiet, design-led island escape.
• Travellers who value privacy, attentive hosting and nature without crowds.
• Small private groups who prefer a refined base for snorkelling, coastal walks and peaceful dining.

Capella suits guests who want barefoot luxury, considered service and time to exhale. And this can be made effortless when paired with private air access through Crooked Compass by Air.

Capella Lodge FAQs

How many nights should I stay?

Three to four nights suits most travellers who want a balance of activity and rest.

Is Lord Howe Island good for snorkelling?

Yes. Shallow coral gardens and calm coves make it accessible for most abilities.

Can you arrange private guides and discreet photography?

Yes. We brief to your preferences so the day remains focused on the moment.

Can I arrive by private charter?

Yes, subject to aircraft type, weather and availability. We will advise the best routing.

Experience Capella Lodge at Lord Howe Island with Crooked Compass by Air

Island time starts the moment you step from a private lounge toward your aircraft. With Crooked Compass by Air, you skip queues and connections and land directly into Capella’s world of reef, rainforest and calm.

Whether you are planning a quiet long weekend, a special celebration or adding Lord Howe to a wider private air journey, we hold the details so the day moves in one graceful arc.

**Enquire today** to plan your with private air, tailored dates and a paced on-island flow.