Pinetrees Lodge in Lord Howe Island

Want to be somewhere were time stands still? At Pinetrees Lodge on Lord Howe Island, about 200 km flight in pretty much a straight line out over the ocean from Sydney, Australia, they’ll tell you they painted the ceiling “recently enough” which could mean ten years ago, or thirty. Who cares for such detail in a gloriously friendly place where the “swimming pool” is the sea, the food is fresh, there’s fantastic, rare birds and a mountain to climb, if you can be bothered. Or you could just paddle into the water and swim with turtles. Balls Pyramid is a boat ride away and, on a clear day, certainly worth the sail.

Pinetrees Lodge, Lagoon Road, Lord Howe Island NSW 2898, Australia. +(02) 9262 6585; www.pinetrees.com.au