Best for
- Couples seeking a romantic riverside escape
- Food lovers who appreciate chef-prepared dining
- Travellers wanting a quiet adults-only retreat
Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat
A haven of serenity and seclusion on the Hastings River
Intimate riverside tranquillity with gourmet indulgence
- Three-course gourmet breakfast by resident chef Leo, served overlooking the river
- Heated swim jacuzzi on the terrace with sunset river views
- Two acres of waterfront gardens on the Hastings River
Boutique Hotel · Port Macquarie
The luxury case for Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat.
Award-winning adults-only boutique retreat perched on the Hastings River in Port Macquarie. With just four luxurious king rooms, a heated swim jacuzzi overlooking the water, and a resident chef serving three-course gourmet breakfasts daily, Ana Mandara delivers an intimate waterfront escape on the Mid North Coast.
The mood
Intimate riverside tranquillity with gourmet indulgence
Ideal stay
Two to three nights to fully unwind and explore the Mid North Coast beaches and hinterland
Why it earns the rate
Book the Romantic Riverside Escape package for Veuve Clicquot, a three-course dinner, rose petals, and chocolates
Ana Mandara keeps things deliberately small, with just four king-bedded rooms spread across the waterfront property. Three Superior King Spa rooms face the Hastings River, each with a private balcony, personal spa bath, and floor-to-ceiling views of the water. The fourth room offers a garden outlook and full wheelchair accessibility, complete with elevator access, wide shower, and handrails.
Every room comes fitted with plush bathrobes and slippers, Nespresso machine, complimentary spring water, Netflix on a flatscreen TV, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Egyptian cotton sheets and premium bedding round out the picture. It is a small property that feels more like a beautifully appointed private home than a hotel.
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Breakfast at Ana Mandara is not a buffet affair. Resident chef and host Leo prepares a different three-course gourmet meal each morning, sourcing ingredients from the on-site garden and local producers. Served on the riverside terrace when the weather cooperates, or in the guest dining room when it does not, it is the kind of breakfast worth setting an alarm for.
For special occasions, the Romantic Riverside Escape package adds a three-course dinner by Leo, paired with Veuve Clicquot, a cheese platter, chocolates, and rose petals in your room. Beyond the property, Port Macquarie's CBD is a two-minute drive and packed with restaurants and wine bars.
Ana Mandara earns its TripAdvisor crown through relentless personal attention. With only four rooms and a host who genuinely loves what he does, this is the antithesis of a cookie-cutter hotel stay. The waterfront setting on the Hastings River provides a constantly shifting backdrop of paddleboarders, fishing boats, and dolphins, while the heated swim jacuzzi on the terrace is the kind of spot where hours disappear without notice.
It is ideal for couples seeking a quiet, romantic escape without the formality of a large resort. The Mid North Coast location puts eighteen beaches, river activities, and a growing food-and-wine scene within easy reach, but the temptation to simply stay put and let Leo cook is strong.
Is It For You?
Is Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat right for you?
Less ideal if
- Families with children (strictly adults only)
- Guests seeking resort-scale amenities and facilities
Atmosphere
Relaxed, romantic, and deeply personal. With only four rooms and a hands-on host-chef, it feels like staying at a generous friend's waterfront estate rather than a commercial property.
Ideal stay
Two to three nights to fully unwind and explore the Mid North Coast beaches and hinterland
Why splurge
Book the Romantic Riverside Escape package for Veuve Clicquot, a three-course dinner, rose petals, and chocolates
Rooms
Rooms & suites
Editorial pickSuperior King Spa with River View for the private balcony, spa bath, and uninterrupted water panorama
Superior King Spa with River View
Three rooms share this layout, each with a private balcony, personal spa bath, and king bed facing the water.
- View
- Hastings River
- Sleeps
- 2
- Best for
- Couples wanting the full river panorama
- Private balcony
- Spa bath
- River views
- King bed
Deluxe King Room with Garden View
Fully wheelchair accessible with wide shower, handrails, and elevator access. Private balcony with garden outlook.
- View
- Gardens
- Sleeps
- 2
- Best for
- Accessibility needs or garden-facing quiet
- Wheelchair accessible
- Private balcony
- Elevator access
- Accessible shower
Eat and Drink
Dining
The restaurants, bars, and rituals that shape how the hotel feels after the room itself.
Start here
Chef Leo's Breakfast
Resident chef Leo prepares a different three-course gourmet breakfast each morning, using produce from the on-site garden and local suppliers. Served on the riverside terrace or in the guest dining room.
- Go here for
- The menu changes daily, so no two mornings taste the same
For staying in
Private Dinner (Package)
Available as part of the Romantic Riverside Escape package, Leo prepares a three-course dinner paired with the region's finest produce.
- Book ahead
- Must be booked as part of an escape package in advance
Reset
Wellness
The parts of the property that slow the pace, restore energy, or justify spending more time on-site.
For reset
Heated Swim Jacuzzi
A nine-person heated swim jacuzzi on the terrace overlooking the Hastings River, perfect for sunset champagne.
- Best for
- Uninterrupted river views while you soak
What to Do
Signature Experiences
The on-property or destination moments that justify choosing this hotel over a generic luxury base.
Late afternoon
Sunset Champagne on the Jacuzzi Terrace
Watch the sun set over the Hastings River from the heated jacuzzi with a glass of champagne in hand.
Morning
Paddleboarding at Settlement Reserve
A short stroll from the property leads to calm river waters ideal for stand-up paddleboarding.
Afternoon
Dolphin Watching from the Deck
Dolphins regularly pass by the property's waterfront, visible from the terrace and balconies.
Location
Getting to Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat
Port Macquarie Airport
10 min
carSydney
4 hours
carNewcastle
3 hours
carBrisbane
6 hours
carPort Macquarie Beaches
beachEighteen beaches within easy reach, from popular surf breaks to secluded coves
5 min drivePort Macquarie CBD
diningVibrant bars, restaurants, and boutique shopping
2 min driveHastings River Wine Trail
wineLocal wineries and cellar doors in the hinterland
What to Know
Before you book
Is Ana Mandara adults only?
Yes, strictly adults only.
What time is check-in and check-out?
Check-in from 2:00 pm, check-out by 10:00 am.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a three-course gourmet breakfast prepared by Chef Leo is included daily.
Is the property wheelchair accessible?
Yes, one guest room is fully wheelchair accessible with elevator access, wide shower, and handrails.
Editorial Verdict
The verdict on Ana Mandara Luxury Retreat
Why book it
- Voted Australia's #1 B&B on TripAdvisor
- Included gourmet three-course breakfast changes daily
- Stunning waterfront position on the Hastings River
- Only four rooms ensures genuine intimacy and personal service
Know the trade-offs
- No pool, only a heated jacuzzi
- Limited on-site dining beyond breakfast (dinner by package only)
- Small property may not suit those wanting resort-scale facilities
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