Hot New Hotels- Cicada Lodge in Australia

Cicada Lodge, AustraliaThere’s an exciting new luxury lodge on our radar in Australia. Opened by the indigenous Jawoyn people in Feburary 2013, the Cicada Lodge is situated on the Katherine River in the Nitmiluk National Park, south of Darwin in the Northern Territory. The official website promises an “authentic Indigenous cultural and natural Australian wilderness experience-of-a-lifetime.” Decorated with original aboriginal art, the 18 guest rooms are done up in ochre, brown, orange, and green to reflect the color palette of the Australian bush. Large windows frame the beautiful natural landscape, and collected monsoon water cascades from the custom “raindrop showerheads.”

Recreational activities include cruises through the dramatic Nitmiluk Gorge, canoeing and hiking, and helicopter rides to exclusive rock art sites and hidden swimming holes. In an article called “Splendour by the River,” The Brisbane Times praises the Lodge as “a low-key, high-end entrée to the world of the Jawoyn.” Plus, as HotelChatter points out, the Lodge offers a champagne toast upon arrival, sunset canapés and complimentary bar service each evening by the pool. Did we mention the fresh crocodile on the restaurant menu? For more information, visit cicadalodge.com.au