Saffire Freycinet Marks 15 Years of Quiet Luxury and Deep Connection to Place
Fifteen years ago, in 2010, Saffire Freycinet reimagined what luxury could mean in Tasmania – quiet, immersive, and deeply connected to place. In 2025, the award-winning lodge marks its milestone anniversary with an invitation to experience its signature warmth and wonder. With more than 82,000 room nights booked to date and the majority of its suppliers Tasmanian-owned, Saffire’s legacy is one of meaningful impact: on guests, on community, and on the evolving story of Australian luxury.
Federal Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Greg Farrell said that when the company opened Saffire in 2010 Tasmania’s tourism offering was still finding its voice.
“We saw an opportunity to create something that didn’t yet exist here, an experience that would honour the raw beauty of this place while offering the kind of personal, immersive luxury that speaks to the soul,” Mr Farrell said.
“From the beginning, Saffire was never just a place to stay, it was a place to feel, to connect,” he said. .
Over time, Saffire’s Signature Experiences have become a collection of unforgettable moments: stepping into the shallows to harvest oysters straight from the sea, served with local sparkling wine against the backdrop of the Hazards; walking through Freycinet National Park with a guide who knows every curve of the land; meeting endangered Tasmanian devils in their sanctuary; learning the quiet art of beekeeping and the vital role of pollinators in the local ecosystem; or sitting with a First Nations guide as he shares the ancient rhythms of Country, its plants, its animals, and its stories.
“These experiences are not staged, they’re felt. They’re designed to bring guests closer to the land, its people…and to themselves,” Mr Farrell said.
That same philosophy is reflected in Saffire’s design. Conceived by Circa Morris-Nunn Architects, the lodge’s sweeping form, reminiscent of a manta ray, was crafted to blend seamlessly with the contours of the Freycinet coastline. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the pink granite of the Hazards Mountains, while every suite offers a front-row seat to nature’s quiet theatre.
“From the beginning, our vision was to present the very best of Tasmania to the world’s most discerning travellers. Over the years, Saffire has become more than a destination. It’s a place where people come to pause, to reconnect, and to feel something real. We’ve welcomed royalty, artists, leaders, and everyday Australians alike, and the common thread is always the same: they leave with a deeper connection to this place and are changed irrevocably having experienced Tasmania’s raw beauty in this way.’ Mr Farrell said.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved over the past 15 years. Their commitment to excellence, to care, and to place is what makes Saffire truly special,” he said.
Looking ahead, Saffire continues to evolve. In 2024, plans were unveiled for the Saffire Villa, an ultra-premium, private retreat set above the main lodge and designed for families, small groups, or corporate escapes. Opening in late 2026, the Villa will offer all the hallmarks of the Saffire experience: thoughtful design; immersive experiences; and exceptional service; alongside added space; privacy; and bespoke inclusions tailored for intimate group travel.
Sustainability remains at the heart of everything Saffire does. From its architecture and daily operations to its supply chain and guest experiences, every detail is considered to ensure a positive impact on the region and its community. Around 85% of ingredients served at Saffire are sourced locally, offering guests a true taste of Tasmania while supporting local producers and reducing its environmental footprint.
Saffire Freycinet General Manager Dylan Counsel said he had been pleased to return to his home state of Tasmania at the end of 2024 to lead the luxury lodge into its next phase of the journey.
“Saffire is about more than luxury, it’s about creating space for stillness, for connection, and for moments that feel deeply personal,” said Mr Counsel. “We draw guests into an intimate exchange with the essence of Tasmania, its landscapes, its stories, and its people. But it’s our team who make that connection real. Their warmth, intuition and genuine care are what turn a beautiful setting into something unforgettable. It’s the people behind the experience who make Saffire feel like home,” he said.
Luxury Lodges of Australia Executive Chair Penny Rafferty said Saffire Freycinet was a valued founding member of the collective, which was also established in 2010.
“When Saffire Freycinet opened in 2010 it was a milestone moment for Tasmania and the emerging category of Australian experiential luxury travel. It has continued to grow and evolve over time, both leading and responding to global luxury travel trends. Federal Hospitality has continued to innovate and invest in the Saffire experience over the years, ensuring it is always a compelling choice for new and returning guests,” said Mrs Rafferty.
Freycinet Marine Farm owner Giles Fisher said Saffire was a highly valued partner in the community.
“There’s something about this part of Tasmania that gets under your skin, the light, the air, the way the land meets the sea,” said Mr Fisher.
“Saffire understands that. They don’t just operate here, they belong here. Their experiences reflect what makes this place special, and they’ve helped more people connect with it in a meaningful way. That kind of respect for place, and for community, is rare, and it’s why they’ve become such an important part of the region,” said Mr Fisher.
