Enticing locations, beautiful furnishings, delightful details and a host whose hospitality makes a stay truly memorable – these are the winning attributes that distinguish Australia’s best holiday rentals.
From rural retreats to urban gems and blissful beach escapes, properties with those essential ingredients took the top prizes in this year’s HomeAway Holiday Rental Awards, which recognise the cream of properties listed on HomeAway, the new home of Stayz.
The personal touch
Those warm, individual details are the most important of all when you’re renting out a property, according to Morag Argiris, whose Newcastle HomeAway listing Flourish on Bull won bronze in the urban category. “I think the commonality in all the finalists was the care and finishes that elevate them to such a high level,” she says. “The owners all go that extra mile to ensure everything has been thought of to make their guests feel very welcome.”
While handpicked pieces and magazine-worthy furniture all help weave magic, nothing beats personalised care, she says. “I go to the flower markets every day prior to guests coming and fill the apartment with beautiful flowers. I provide in-season fruits, artisan bread. I try to think what will make their stay more pleasant and act on that.”
She adds: “If I have a family coming in, I’ll always make sure there are supplies in the apartment so parents don’t need to rush out for dinner, or even breakfast. With children I’ll put some Lego in, beautiful books, fruit, healthy snacks. If I have a group of women I might add Champagne and cheeses and if it’s artists I’ll put in some of my art books.”