Mt Hay Retreat has been awarded Gold in the 5-Star Luxury Accommodation category at the NSW Tourism Awards, recognising excellence in hospitality, guest experience and service standards.
For a small, family-owned retreat in Berry on the NSW South Coast, this recognition is both meaningful and humbling.
It reinforces something we have always believed:
You don’t have to be a large hotel to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
What Are the NSW Tourism Awards?
The NSW Tourism Awards are the state’s longest-running tourism industry awards, with a history spanning more than 30 years.
They recognise excellence across more than 30 categories in tourism and hospitality, including accommodation, experiences, events and attractions.
The awards are also:
- The only pathway from NSW to the Australian Tourism Awards
- Judged against nationally consistent tourism standards
- Assessed through a detailed submission and evaluation process
- Supported by real guest feedback and performance evidence
Because of this, they are widely regarded as one of the most credible benchmarks of quality in the Australian tourism industry.
There is a strong emphasis on consistency, authenticity and guest experience—meaning operators are assessed on what they genuinely deliver.
What This Award Means for Mt Hay Retreat
Winning Gold in the 5-Star Luxury Accommodation category reflects the experience we strive to offer every day.
At Mt Hay Retreat, luxury is defined by:
- Privacy and space
- Thoughtful, considered design
- Calm and peaceful surroundings
- Genuine hospitality
- Attention to detail
- A sense of rest and escape from everyday life
Rather than large-scale facilities or formality, our focus has always been on creating a place where guests can slow down, reconnect and feel completely at ease.
This award recognises that approach.
Representing NSW on the National Stage
As a result of this win, Mt Hay Retreat will now progress to the Australian Tourism Awards, representing New South Wales alongside leading tourism businesses from across the country.
It is an honour to be included at this level and to stand alongside some of Australia’s most respected accommodation providers and tourism operators.
For a small property in Berry, this moment feels especially significant.
A Family-Owned Business Behind the Scenes
Mt Hay Retreat is a family-owned and operated business run by Louise and Anthony, together with a dedicated local team.
Louise represented Mt Hay Retreat at the NSW Tourism Awards in Sydney, while Anthony—who prefers to remain behind the scenes—continues to support the day-to-day running of the retreat.
As Louise shared:
“We’re incredibly proud of our family-owned business. To be recognised at this level, alongside such exceptional properties, means a great deal to us.”
“Most importantly, we’re grateful to our team and the many local businesses who contribute to the guest experience—from cleaners and therapists to Berry’s cafés, restaurants and retailers. Their care and attention to detail make a real difference.”
Recognising the Local Community Behind the Experience
While awards often focus on individual properties, hospitality is always a shared effort.
Mt Hay Retreat is supported by a network of local businesses across Berry and the South Coast, including:
- Cafés and restaurants
- Wellness and massage therapists
- Cleaning and maintenance teams
- Local producers and retailers
Their contribution plays an important role in shaping the experience guests enjoy during their stay.
This recognition is as much about them as it is about us.
A Quiet Achievement, Not a Finish Line
For us, this award is not an endpoint.
It is a milestone that reflects where we are today, while reminding us to continue focusing on what matters most: delivering a calm, thoughtful and restorative experience for every guest who stays with us.
We are grateful to everyone who has supported Mt Hay Retreat along the way, especially the guests who return year after year and share their experiences with others.
Why Awards Like This Matter for Guests
For travellers looking for luxury accommodation in Berry or the NSW South Coast, independent recognition can help provide confidence in what to expect.
Awards such as the NSW Tourism Awards indicate:
- Consistent guest satisfaction
- High service standards
- Industry-recognised quality
- Verified operational excellence
Ultimately, they help travellers choose accommodation with greater confidence.
Plan Your Stay at Mt Hay Retreat
Mt Hay Retreat is a 5-star luxury retreat located just outside Berry, NSW, offering panoramic views, private suites and a peaceful country setting on the South Coast.
Guests stay for:
- Romantic getaways
- Anniversary celebrations
- Relaxation and wellness escapes
- Weekend breaks from Sydney and Canberra
If you’re planning a visit, we’d love to welcome you.
Louise at the NSW Tourism Awards 2025
Louise, Mt Hay Retreat
