“A sensitivity to ephemera.” That is the rough translation of a concept called mono no aware that permeates Japanese culture. It’s the bittersweet awareness of impermanence, the burst of joy mixed with a gentle sadness that comes from witnessing the transience of nature. A frog breaking the stillness by jumping into a pond; sparkling dew drops dissipating into the atmosphere under the sun; the last of the momiji leaves falling from their branches ahead of winter – all things that have represented mono no aware in Japanese poetry, art and literature for centuries. It is also the most poetic way to describe what it’s like to take a day trip through bustling Tokyo to the serene foothills of Mount Fuji, in pursuit of a famous vista that may or may not show itself.

Japan, on the eve of sakura season, is in a state of suspense. For the Japanese, the short-lived blooms serve as a reminder to cherish the present, marking the arrival of spring with a romantic intensity that captures the nation as it unfolds. Tourists travel across the world to witness it; news bulletins track the blooms’ progress across the country like a weather front; and the city bursts into theme accordingly. At The Peninsula Tokyo in the heart of Marunouchi, the foyer has been transformed: fresh cherry blossom trees and artistic installations in pale pink adorn the entrance and menus reflecting springtime flavours are now being served; signals that the season, though only in its early days, is already being celebrated.

Designed by architect Kazukiyo Sato and interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, every element of The Peninsula Tokyo is sublimely Japanese, from the front façade, conceived to rise like a lantern above the street, to a lobby that emulates the torii gates of traditional shrines, and the nearly 1000 artworks that line its halls. The rooms and suites, which overlook the Imperial Palace Gardens, are among the most thoughtfully spacious and serene in the city. Traditional woodwork, red lacquered tables, sliding doors milled from single pieces of horse chestnut, washi paper details, and lovely tactile writing stationery all echo centuries of craftsmanship. And then there are the technology details – a personal fax machine, panels of millennial-era room controls that include a “spa mode” that dims the lights and pipes calming music into the bathroom, and hi-fi media access for every room – charming time capsules that affectionately reflect Japan’s relationship with its recent techno-past.

Aside from its bucket-list status, The Peninsula also has a deep appreciation of fine automobiles. Around the world, its hotels host awards for automotive luminaries and classic car specimens and in Tokyo, it’s a chosen stay for well-heeled enthusiasts to experience Japan’s thriving motorsport and car culture scene. The hotel even has a semi-annual signature Japan Driving Experience, where guests can join a regional road trip by importing their own cars or renting something special, locally.

Our chariot for the visit is a Rolls-Royce Black Badge Cullinan – the British marque’s super-luxury SUV. It’s greeted enthusiastically by the hotel staff, and turns many a head on the street, even though a Rolls-Royce in these parts is not such a rare sight. Peninsula hotels and Rolls-Royce have enjoyed a relationship for more than half a century, which endures to this day: hotel guests can experience the marque via its in-house bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms – part of the only customised hotel car fleet in Japan. In addition, the hotel’s pride and joy, a grand and immaculate 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II can be booked for weddings, and can be viewed in its garage upon request.

Compared to the elegant restraint of the hotel cars, our Cullinan is 591 horses of a different colour. The exterior is a clean, arctic white that is elegant and composed. However, open the coach doors, and you’re greeted with a shocking neon lime green and black interior, with dark metal touchpoints, carbon-fibre surfaces, and the iconic starlight headliner with shooting stars on the roof and rear boot door. The seats are embroidered with the marque’s Duality Twill, an abstract interpretation of two interlinked “R” initials. Made from bamboo-derived rayon, each piece takes 20 hours of hand-stitched embroidery work, up to 2.2 million stitches and 17.7 kilometres of thread. In this amplified and unapologetic interior spec, the car feels alive with the same energy as Tokyo after dark. That’s because this is a Black Badge, which Rolls-Royce refers to as its “alter ego” offering; a more subversive alternative to its classic line-up easily spotted by its black exterior metal details and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, elements that would usually appear in chrome. Black Badge was introduced in 2016, after Rolls-Royce noticed a more rebellious customer emerging; one that rejected the clichés of luxury-past and sought a more contemporary vision for their cars. Think: more technical materials, disruptive colourways and more interesting expressions of luxury. It is an almost absurdly apt metaphor for Japan. Not only because we are sitting within a machine made with a commitment to exquisite craftsmanship. But because on the outside it presents as one thing, though, climb inside, pay attention to the details, and it reveals something else altogether. Much like the country itself.

Our day trip will take us into the mountains on the borders of the Kanagawa prefecture and into Yamanashi. This area is known for wine and sake production and the Fujigoko, or the five lakes of Fuji, though we’re here to try our luck capturing the elusive Mount Fuji, if the famously shy mountain dares to show itself from behind the clouds. In the early morning light, we make a pilgrimage for good luck to Kanda Myojin, one of Tokyo’s oldest Shinto shrines and a hidden sanctuary near the busy tech hub of Akihabara, watching locals bow at its vermilion gate, enter to take a moment of pause, and go on with their day. A handful of cherry blossoms have already opened around the ancient courtyard – the first sakura of the journey.

The Cullinan has already made a formidable first impression, navigating the tight backstreets of Tokyo. At 5.34-metres long, a Japanese Kei car it is not., but any intimidation we had around size dissipates quickly. A combination of Rolls-Royce’s famously effortless but extremely direct steering feel, coupled with rear-wheel steering and a wide-lens camera that actually shifts its view as you drive, results in shockingly easy manoeuvrability. In any other car, rush-hour Tokyo would be painful, but the Cullinan’s luxurious genius reveals itself fast – the near-silent cabin, as an insulator from the world outside; the extremely powerful 6.75-litre V12, which barely registers above a whisper; the famous Rolls-Royce self-levelling “magic carpet ride” suspension, which feels like you’re gliding on air (technically, you are); and of course, the seats that can be individually configured to meet any comfort need. In gridlock, we test out the acoustics – an 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system with a 1400-watt amplifier. It’s so refined in its engineering that the aluminium sills within the car are actually designed to act as resonance chambers for the low-frequency speakers, meaning the entire car functions as a subwoofer. Genius.

The expressways eventually clear, and somewhere around Lake Sagami, we enter a tightly wound mountain road known as Route 413 or Dōshi Michi, a popular cycling route used for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and an incredible driving road. Dōshi village sits in the far southeastern corner of Yamanashi Prefecture, deep in the Tanzawa Mountains, and though it’s around two hours from central Tokyo, it feels much more remote. Our Cullinan, feeling very out of place in this popular camping region, passes eerie cedar forests, rushing river valleys, the odd pathway leading to a shrine and small towns that appear briefly between the trees. The landscape is shedding winter: brown, bare, with only occasional pale clusters of sakura appearing on the side of the road. The Cullinan handles the tight turns and uneven mountain roads with impressive composure – its technology has the ability to read the road ahead and adjust the chassis with each imperfection, while inside the cabin, we’re unaware any of this engineering trickery is happening.

As we descend from the mountains towards Lake Yamanakako, Fuji-san makes its first appearance, rising behind the tree line in glimpses, its upper peak hiding behind cloud. The forecast had predicted cloud and rain, and for a moment, it seemed that might be the case. Then, as the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes opens up before us, the cloud shifts. We pull off the road and onto a viewing point on the dark, sandy shore – an easy manoeuvre for our sublime off-roader – step out, and there it is: Fuji-san in full, snowcapped dress, towering above the lake in mesmerising grandeur, clouds on either side threatening to take away the view – mono no aware, in action, making it all the more arresting.

Above the lake via another short mountain climb, and where remnants of winter snow are still on the ground, is the Yamanakako Myojinyama Panorama-dai lookout. We were told it’s worth stopping to see Fuji-san in full view and we’re not disappointed. Though the mountain has become bashful again, hiding behind a stripe of cloud, the view is still magnificent, the lake, peak and sky arranged like a painting.

After stocking up our rear-seat Champagne fridge with snacks from the local Family Mart, we turn back toward Tokyo and the Cullinan settles into its long-distance rhythm again; that mighty, silent V12 pulling smoothly through the last of the mountain roads and back onto the expressway. The setting sun catches the Spirit of Ecstasy on the hood, casting her briefly in a dark-tinged rose gold and our starlight headliner sparkles as the light fades, the city rises up to greet us, and we hit the evening gridlock – again, grateful that our borrowed steed happens to be the finest way to get stuck in traffic.

A Rolls-Royce may not be the most obvious car for rural Japan, and one might argue that, like the hotel cars, few may even venture out to the roads less travelled. But then, mono no aware isn’t about the expected. It is about what arrives briefly and asks only that we notice. And in a country that treats the handmade as a form of devotion and finds meaning in the details often overlooked, on a journey that wasn’t meant to unfold as it did, a hand-built, hyper luxury SUV with a neon green interior felt, oddly, quite right.

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I’m Australian but I was born in South Africa. Before this trip, I hadn’t been back since I left when I was eight years old. My mother was born there, and educated in England. She met my father, who was Irish, at a yacht club party in Durban. My mother was very anti-apartheid, so they decided to leave South Africa. My father, who was a sailor, built a yacht in our back garden, and we planned to sail from Durban to Australia, New Zealand, and then Canada, but when we got to New Zealand, Mum said, “The kids have to go to school,” so that’s where we stayed.

As for our education, we had a lot of books in boxes on board that were meant to be read along the way, but that never happened. My mother never opened the boxes. We had a tutor who was supposed to come with us but the day before we set sail, she pulled out because her boyfriend proposed. He didn’t want her to leave.

We had a different kind of education. We learned about navigation, constellations, the stars, the weather, marine life and geography. Sailing taught us amazing discipline because you can’t not listen to the captain, even though he is your father.

A few things came flooding back from those early years when I returned for this trip. The colour of the earth. The music – there was a certain rhythm I recognised – and I can remember there always being a lot of music in my life. In parts of Joburg people were playing Miriam Makeba, who sang The Click Song, another familiar memory from my childhood. They don’t approach music in a formal way and say, “Okay,we’re going to a concert now.” There’s just always music around, even if it’s people singing to themselves in the street. What also stood out was the huge generosity of spirit.

I also remembered the food: things that are uniquely South African like putu, which is a staple made from cornmeal, like crumbly corn. Meat and fish are often cooked on a braai – what we call a barbecue – with putu alongside.

Certain things stick out in your mind from when you’re a kid. We used to cross Tugela Bridge and I can remember looking down and seeing all the hippos and crocodiles in the murky water below. I was always afraid that we would fall through the gaps.

I travelled to Cape Town and Johannesburg with photographer Earl Carter to research a book I’m writing, and it definitely reawakened my connection to South Africa. There is still high unemployment in some areas but there is creativity everywhere. There are so many incredible experiences to be had that aren’t necessarily just about seeing game.

Collette’s South Africa highlights

Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic, Chapmans Peak Drive, Hout Bay, Cape Town

This restaurant is in an amazing spot right on the water’s edge. The chef is Liam Tomlin, an Irish chef who used to have Banc in Sydney. The food was elegant, well-considered and delicious, the service was exceptional, and the setting was spectacular.

Kalky’s, Kalk Bay Harbour, Cape Town

Kalk Bay is a cute seaside town and one of Cape Town’s fishing ports. There is a restaurant dockside called Kalky’s that serves the day’s catch and it’s loved by locals. It’s very humble but has a great atmosphere and fresh seafood. I had grilled crayfish and chips for about $12. They also serve prawn fritti wrapped in newspaper, and calamari and fish. They give you salt, vinegar, lemon and piri piri, and it’s served on these colourful plastic-coated tablecloths.

Taalmonument, Paarl, Western Cape province

This Brutalist-style monument sits on top of a mountain. Up there, you get this sense of perspective, so when you go back down it takes away any complacency you might be feeling. It’s so high your voice reverberates. When I was there a gentleman was meandering through the tunnels singing opera.

Limoncello Ristorante, Noordhoek, Cape Town

I was looking for the most down-to-earth, “fish from the boat to the plate” kind of place and someone recommended Limoncello. It’s at the foot of Chapman’s Peak in this ’50s-style, pale blue and white beach shack. The owner Luca [Castiglione], who is from Naples, goes out fishing a few times a week on his boat and his daughter, the chef, cooks what he catches. I had the most incredible mussels with this great sourdough.

Victoria Yards, Lorentzville, Johannesburg

Victoria Yards is a very large old warehouse that has been restored and converted into a community space with artists, food stalls, markets and vegetable gardens. It has great cafés too – I had a cortado that was one of the best coffees I had in Joburg. It even has a gin distillery. I brought back some traditional woven baskets and some small, beaded dolls that were really unique. It’s not a particularly touristy destination, so I’d recommend engaging a guide or driver to get you there.

The Kitchen Garden, Cradle of Humankind, Magaliesberg, North West, South Africa

About a 45-minute drive from Joburg is an incredible architecturally designed residence I stayed in called The Kitchen Garden, that has an excellent kitchen to cook in. There’s a huge organic garden off the kitchen, which you just help yourself from, and an organic farmer’s market close by called Jodev. You can buy bread and produce there and they make their own biltong. The property is right next door to the Nirox Sculpture Park, on the banks of the Blaauwbankspruit River. It’s surrounded by farmland, which they’re rewilding, so all the natural grasses are growing back, and now there are giraffes, zebra and springbok roaming around. It’s magical – I was looking out of my bedroom window and a herd of springbok passed by.

The post Collette Dinnigan’s favourite places to eat, stay and explore in South Africa   appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

There are baboons on the terrace. A lot of them. Ranging in size from adorable babies to imposing adults, they’re all hanging out by my suite’s plunge pool, talking among themselves. I’m inside, lounging on my king-size bed post-early morning safari, but when I sit up for a closer look (and to make sure I’d closed the door properly), the baboons flee, shrieking, disappearing into the surrounding vegetation like they were never there. It feels like I’ve landed somewhere between a dream and a wildlife documentary, a feeling that sums up Kenya’s astonishing Suyian Lodge.

Run by &Beyond, a company seriously committed to both luxury and sustainability, Suyian Lodge is a recent addition to a 29-property portfolio across three continents. Located on a majestically beautiful 17,806-hectare, privately managed nature conservancy in the Laikipia region in Kenya’s north, Suyian is a triumph of balance. It seamlessly blends indulgent and exquisitely designed luxury with a philosophy of sitting lightly on the land (solar power, recycled water systems, zero plastic) and getting up close and personal with a dizzying variety of African wildlife.

It starts with the drive to the lodge after touching down from the 45-minute flight from Nairobi. Our guide, Denzol Nongutho, is there to greet and ferry us to Suyian along a series of dirt roads in a smart racing green, reassuringly large and sturdy safari truck. We don’t travel far before we see two types of zebras – Grevy’s and common – plus elephants and Grant’s gazelles. I begin to jot down the animals and birdlife that Denzol points out on that first drive. By the end of the stay, the list runs to more than 70 species.

The thrill of seeing these animals roaming freely across the scrubby savannah might seem like a hard act to follow. Then we arrive at the lodge. Stretching along the ridge of an escarpment that offers heart-stoppingly gorgeous views of the granite outcrop-studded wilderness, Suyian reveals itself slowly, as it is designed to do.

Clad in natural stacked stone that echoes the colour of the local rock formations, the lodge is mostly hidden from the road, making the first Tardis-like encounter with the airily spacious main building surprising and delightful. It houses the lodge’s restaurant, bar, lounge areas with large open fireplaces, gift shop, map room and library, swimming pool, fire pit and wood-fired pizza oven, wine cellar and an expansive terrace with its hypnotising vista to drink in alongside excellent Kenyan coffee and/or cocktails.

Suyian has just 14 suites, seven on either side of the main building, all with uninterrupted views and complete privacy, fortunate given the lure of the outdoor shower and plunge pool-equipped terrace. They are among the most beautiful I’ve experienced, their roofs sporting ochre-coloured domes and planted with native vegetation, the expansive interiors all about curving lines, recessed wall lights and silky smooth polished concrete floors covered in cow skin and woven rugs, lovely underfoot.

An entrance vestibule equipped with sunhats, umbrellas and walking sticks, leads to a lounge area with a fireplace and soothingly minimalist décor textured by woven wall hangings, timber joinery and lamps with raffia shades. The generously stocked minibar favours Kenyan produce and addictive house-made cheese straws and oatmeal cookies. The bedroom sits under one of the domes, the bed enclosed at night by a circular mosquito curtain and cooled by an overhead fan. A spacious dressing room area and voluminous bathroom, complete with large tub and timber-floored circular shower recess, add to the current buzzword vibe of quiet luxury. Quiet that is, except for the occasional night sounds of the neighbourhood leopards.

It’s tempting just to hang out in the suite but there’s wildlife to observe, excellent South African wine to drink, superb food to eat and a spa complex to wallow in. Perched at the end of the escarpment, the spa’s equipped with treatment rooms, steam room, cold plunge pool and, like everywhere at Suyian, unfailingly adept and friendly staff.

We go out on safari twice a day, once early in the morning and once in the late afternoon when the heat of the day has subsided and the animals are more likely to be out enjoying the cool. Denzol’s expertise is incredible, particularly in a new safari area where the animals are not used to tourists. We actually have to go searching for many creatures, which makes coming across them even more satisfying. Though we hear the leopards, we never get to see one. Turns out, the chase is just as thrilling.

Mornings, we head to the main lodge building before the sun is up, accompanied by a staff member. Given the proximity of the wildlife, we are not permitted to make the walk alone, a heartstarter as effective as the coffee and pastries set out for us before we board the safari truck. The sun rises as we snack, painting the horizon smoky orange and revealing in the distance, the peak of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest at more than 5000 metres.

We set off in the truck, warmed by blankets and hot water bottles against the morning chill. We are close to the equator here but as the Laikipia region is on an elevated plateau, around 1700 metres above sea level, the temperature fluctuates throughout the day.

I will never forget the delight of spotting giraffe heads emerging from treetops, a pod of hippos lolling about in the river, pungent lions strolling just metres away from the truck, a cheetah laying low in the grass, sprightly gerenuks springing up rock formations, startlingly large white-backed vultures, jackals and bat-eared foxes watching us suspiciously from a distance or being eyeballed by a herd of huge, menacing buffaloes. On one occasion, I ride a horse surrounded by a herd of zebras.

I’m also unlikely to forget the unfailingly delicious food, cooked skilfully and simply using largely local ingredients, including beef that’s farmed on a small section of the conservancy. Daily changing menus might include lightly charred garlic and coriander flatbread, sweetcorn fritters, roast chicken, beautifully fresh tabbouleh and panzanella salads and house-made sorbets. Often in properties of this calibre, there’s a tendency to go “fancy”, which often feels more default than thoughtful – or relevant. At Suyian, good honest hearty flavours abound, perfect when returning from safari famished and exhilarated.

The baboons never come back to the terrace but that dreamy/documentary encounter has stuck. Much like the whole experience. Suyian is one of those special and unique places where you’ll leave a piece of your heart.

The post Inside Suyian Lodge, Kenya: A luxury safari retreat in Laikipia appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

The culinary program will be led by chef Justin North (Bécasse, Plan B), with the wine direction overseen by expert Jon Osbeiston (Ultimo Wine Centre). Elsewhere, the resort will feature large-scale installations by acclaimed Sydney artists Gillie & Marc, a two-storey longevity-focused spa, a red-tiled outdoor pool overlooking Shiraz vines, and personalised butler service.

The villas

Laval’s 65 luxury villas will be scattered throughout the vineyard, including a Wabi Sabi-inspired Presidential Villa shaped by sculptural architecture and residential-style interiors.

Integrated technology will allow guests to check in from anywhere on the property and access dedicated butler service throughout their stay. Each villa will also feature curated artworks by Gillie & Marc.

The food and drink program

Led by revered chef and author, Justin North, Laval’s culinary program offers guests something new with every visit, with menus drawing influence from Provence, coastal Spain, Southern Italy and, at times, Japan. Signature restaurant Vallery will be built around an à la carte format, supported by the on-site kitchen garden supplying unique produce and local botanicals.

Poolside venue La Vida will focus on Cali-Mex flavours, while the Lobby Bar is intended as an all-day gathering space for aperitifs, nightcaps and share-style plates.

The wine program, curated by Jon Osbeiston, will include rare private collections, Coravin pours by the glass and a cellar spanning 10,000 bottles across a 1,000-label list, with a strong emphasis on Hunter Valley Shiraz and Semillon.

The spa

Set across two levels and spanning 1,000 square metres, Veraia Spa will house 15 treatment rooms dedicated to recovery and regenerative wellness. Treatments will include medical-grade therapies, salt and sauna rooms overlooking the vineyards, as well as landscaped meditation meadows, sensory gardens and outdoor yoga platforms for a holistic experience.

Laval Hunter Valley is slated to open in the second half of 2027. For more information, head to their website.

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Of all the beautiful unknowns of our world, the night sky remains one of the biggest mysteries. It has inspired poetry and mythology. Explorers have used it to guide their way home. Nations continue to vie to be the first to navigate its outer reaches.

For a few years, travel trend forecasters focused on a handful of billionaires attempting to make space flight an option for regular humans. It turns out trends don’t need to be so extreme. One estimate suggests dark sky tourism will be worth US$400 million globally by 2030, representing a 10 per cent growth each year. Closer to home, 89 per cent of visitors to Western Australia showed an interest in travelling to stargaze.

Ground zero for dark sky tourism is Tucson, Arizona. In 1972, it was the first city to adopt widespread ordinances to minimise light pollution. Two years ago, Saguaro National Park, a half-hour outside Tucson, was recognised as an Urban Night Sky Place by DarkSky International. “If you want to look up into the night sky and experience the southern Milky Way with a backdrop of mountains and saguaros – the giant cactuses – it’s great,” says Peter McMahon, visitor centre operations manager at Kitt Peak National Observatory.

“It’s amazing to look down on the lights of Tucson, then look up at the Milky Way,” McMahon continues of Kitt Peak’s offerings, where guests have access to research-quality telescopes. “A lot of times, their reaction is quieter than you would think. It’s stunned silence or a deep sense of reverence.”

Other destinations, from Chile to Abu Dhabi and New Zealand, are now catching on to what Tucson has known for years: the sky’s the limit when it comes to astrotourism. In Kenya, you can sleep beneath the stars perched atop a rocky kopje at Elewana Loisaba Star Beds. Local astronomers and high-powered telescopes help guests at Iceland’s Hotel Rangá see constellations and the northern lights. After dinner at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, guests adjourn to SKY, the overwater observatory and cocktail bar, where Ali Arushal, a Baa Atoll local, points out meteors, planets and his favourite star, Antares.

You don’t need your passport, though, to experience the overwhelm of standing beneath a blanket of stars. In Western Australia, Carol Redford has been raising awareness of the potential of dark sky tourism in small towns across the state. “In the lead-up to the 2023 eclipse we were talking in our astronomy community about how we needed astronomy-friendly towns,” says Redford, who previously ran an observatory near Perth. “I went out to the regions and said to them, ‘Do you realise you have a world-class asset above your heads every night? People would pay money to have an experience like this.”

Now there are astrotourism towns, astrophotography hotspots and specially chosen observation sites from the aptly named Darkan in the Wheatbelt region to Shark Bay, 900 kilometres north of Perth. Some have platforms with outdoor furniture; others have planispheres to help visitors locate constellations. There are even stargazing trails, with itineraries from two days to 10 days, on Redford’s Astrotourism WA website.

Western Australia’s remoteness – 80 per cent of the state’s residents live in Perth – offers remarkable night-sky tourism opportunities, but the skies are big and dark elsewhere, too. Each Luxury Lodges of Australia property has a stargazing experience, from Constellations by Campfire at Spicers Peak Lodge to Dining under the Stars on Orpheus Island.

“My approach with the luxury lodges has always been, ‘Well, you don’t need to wait to 2029 to see an asteroid fly past,’” says the company’s executive chair Penny Rafferty. “Every night in these places, the sky is phenomenal.”

Some lodges now include an Indigenous element in their stargazing programs. Pretty Beach House, north of Sydney, collaborates with Girra Girra Aboriginal Experiences for its Dark Sky Storytelling Tour, while cultural stories are shared at Longitude 131°’s outdoor dining experience.

“We talk about luxury being rarity of access, not just to place but also to the knowledge that goes with it,” Rafferty continues. “This is learning in a beautiful way, along with access to these incredible locations that offer a bird’s-eye view of the night sky.”She remembers a night at Bullo River Station in the Northern Territory, where staff member Ben Cook pointed out the Southern Cross. “The sky was just this carpet of velvet,” she says, “and there was the feeling you could reach up and almost touch the stars.” Redford recalls her own feeling of wonder, experienced one night near the town of Perenjori. “It was the first time I’d been by myself in the middle of nowhere,” she says. “There was a crescent moon, so I could see the trees and the colour of the rocks. It was, I don’t want to say spiritual, but I felt a deep connection to that country. And it was breathtaking. There are not many places where you can stand in the dark, in the silence, with that ancient landscape around you and the Milky Way above. It’s very powerful – awe-inspiring, really.”

The post From Western Australia to Arizona: the best destinations for dark sky tourism appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

Spanning the CBD including the likes of Circular Quay, The Goods Line, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, Carriageworks, The Rocks, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo, pilgrims and Sydneysiders will be treated to light transformations of the urban environment for three weeks from May 22 to June 13.

Below, we take a look at some of the best-positioned Sydney hotels with primo views of the harbour to soak up Vivid 2026.

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The best hotels with Vivid Sydney views to book in 2026

Capella Sydney

Location: Sydney CBD

The first Capella property in the land Down Under, Capella Sydney offers signature touches of the hotel group’s opulent character. Situated behind Edwardian Baroque sandstone and beyond a marble foyer lies 192 guestrooms, the private Living Room space, an indoor pool, yoga platform, Auriga spa and in-house restaurant Brasserie 1930 helmed by Brent Savage and Nick Hildebrandt of the Bentley Group.

Address: 24 Loftus St, Sydney NSW 2000

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Park Hyatt Sydney

Location: The Rocks

Just off cobblestone laneways in the Rocks and nestled in the harbour foreshore lies the sparkling Park Hyatt. Each of the 155 guestrooms, the restaurant and even the rooftop hot tub boasts front-row views of the Sydney Opera House – perfect for late afternoon ferry watching and evening Vivid wonderment.

Address: 7 Hickson Rd, The Rocks NSW 2000

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Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

Location: Taronga Zoo

An eco-hideaway within the sprawling lands of Taronga Zoo, Wildlife Retreat captures harbour views amongst animal sanctuaries and offers a seasonal menu with locally-sourced, native ingredients at the award-winning Me-Gal restaurant. An illuminated night trail depicting Australia’s flora and fauna in the zoo will inevitably be a Vivid must-see.

Address: 2a Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088

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Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour

Location: Darling Harbour

Book the Superior Darling Harbour View Room at the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour for a stunning, front-row view of the drone show over the illuminated Darling Harbour waterfront, on weekly from Sunday to Wednesday night for the duration of Vivid Sydney. As for further amenities, the outdoor infinity pool, state-of-the-art gym and five restaurants and bars ensure there’s no reason to venture far after a night among the lights.

Address: 12 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000

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Shangri-La Sydney

Location: The Rocks

Old-timey glamour and killer harbour views add to the allure of this destination hotel situated in the coveted Rocks district. Boasting 564 guest rooms and suites, award-winning dining options and Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La Sydney offers an urban oasis that’s still right in the thick of it.

Address: 176 Cumberland St, The Rocks NSW 2000

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Pier One Sydney Harbour

Location: Dawes Point

You can’t get much closer to the action than Pier One, which lies beside the southern pylon of bridge in Dawes Point. Working to a nautical theme with clean lines and enviable views, this wharf hotel is a fisherman or sightseer’s delight.

Address: 11 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point NSW 2000

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InterContinental Sydney by IHG

Location: Circular Quay

In the dress circle location of Sydney on Macquarie Street is the InterContinental within a 19th-Century building. Offering luxe vistas of the harbour, this 509-room hotel also has bars, restaurants, a pool, gym and day spa to really round out your stay.

Address: 16 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000

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The Langham Sydney

Location: Darling Harbour

Beyond the Langham’s white marble lobby with chandeliers of yesteryear is the moody Observatory Bar with an exclusive wine list and curious cocktails. Mahogany furniture charms the guestrooms and the hotel’s tennis court, day spa, pool and hot tub make for good recovery after a late night of light sightseeing.

Address: 16 Phillip St, Sydney NSW 2000

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Four Seasons Hotel Sydney

Location: Sydney Harbour

Bright and airy, the Four Seasons is thoughtfully designed with understated furnishings. Unwind with a trip to the spa and wellness centre, state-of-the-art gym or pool before heading out for the evening or dining at in-house Mode Kitchen that heroes modern Aussie dishes made with seasonal local produce.

Address: 199 George St, The Rocks NSW 2000

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W Sydney

Location: Darling Harbour

The largest of the W Hotel family (with 588 rooms, suites and an IMAX), W Sydney is sleek, bright and glamorous. From the gold honeycomb feature wall framing the escalator that escorts guests from ground to lobby, to the glistening rooftop infinity pool that seamlessly blends into harbour views, it all presents as a small slice of Las Vegas glitter brought Down Under. In-house restaurant BTWN, open from breakfast to dinner, is led by Aria and The Blue Door alum Chris Dodd, whose menu incorporates a hyper local focus. And if you fancy a change of scenery for dessert, Singaporean pastry master Janice Wong’s first Australian venture, 2am Dessertbar, is just across the floor.

Address: 31 Wheat Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

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Set on a remote hillside in the Tokamachi district, House of Light was completed in 2000 and is inspired by a traditional Japanese residence built in 1842 for the local Hoshina family, who traded in rice and sake – staples that power Niigata’s economy, as its plentiful rice paddies remind you. From the outside, House of Light doesn’t resemble a typical work by Turrell, who studied perceptual psychology and has spent more than 50 years playing with illuminations. Since achieving his pilot’s licence at 16, he’s clocked more than 12,000 hours in the skies: noticing atmospheric shifts, the dazzling palettes of sunsets and dawns and how light can both reveal and obscure. You see this in his work: some illuminated projections are featureless blocks of colour that wipe out your sense of depth perception. (A woman once mistook one of his light installations for a wall, fell down and sued New York’s Whitney Museum for injuries.)

His futuristic experimentations with light and colour likely inspired Drake’s Hotline Bling music video, and Turrell’s installations have appeared in truly diverse locations, from a Louis Vuitton store in Las Vegas to various works glowing along Australia’s east coast, from his Rubik’s Cube-like strobes over Brisbane River to the slow dance of colours emanating from Amarna Skyspace at Hobart’s Museum of Old and New Art. These ultra-contemporary works contrast greatly with the timber façade of House of Light and its Gensho-stone entrance, where you remove your shoes before padding towards the building’s tatami rooms. Downstairs is a garden room, which overlooks a path of stepping stones. But these traditional Japanese features are exactly what Turrell wanted to highlight when art director Fram Kitagawa requested he create a “meditation house” for the area. This commission came with just one stipulation: keep the building 2.7 metres above ground level, because Niigata gets overwhelmed with snow during winter. When I visit, just a few weeks before the start of summer, banks of snow are still melting down the hillside.

The climate greatly affects your House of Light encounter, as the key attraction involves retracting the roof in the main tatami room to experience the twice-daily light show. It’s like staring at Turrell’s Skyspace at Hobart’s MONA, except you’re lying on a mat, surrounded by the Japanese countryside. The first light show is programmed for sunset and the other for sunrise – hence setting my alarm for 3.53am.

In collaboration with architect Daigo Ishii, Turrell wanted to showcase the building’s Japanese features. When you open the roof for the sunset light show, you notice how the colour illuminations differ across the room: tones are brightest above the nageshi beams and mute as they fall on the shoji (sliding paper doorways). The shape of the retracted roof doesn’t change, yet it seems to shift from square to rectangle and diamond as you move and the sky graduates from pearly white to night-time black.

The light show slowly pulses and sometimes the room is bathed in two tones at once, like a gas flame’s multiple hues. The walls turn bright as grapefruit soda, then creamy white like a vintage silk blouse. The sky is shimmering baby blue, then grey like denim jeans. A slit in the tokonoma (alcove) pulses red and my hand disappears into its sci-fi brightness. Its vivid stripe becomes more prominent as the sun sets: I hold its glow for a photo, like I’m carrying a lightsaber. When a party-killing “show’s over” shade of overly bright white fills the space, the sky looks like a clean black rectangle. When I close the ceiling hatch, it takes two minutes to slowly inch back into place, its wooden slats slowly replacing the sky I’ve spent the past hour viewing.

Junichiro Tanizaki’s influential 1933 essay, In Praise of Shadows, was a major influence on House of Light. His understanding of how darkness accentuates beauty is obvious in the entrance staircase. The steps are only lit from the edges, so their glow recedes towards the middle: it has a compelling visual charm, like a paper lantern’s accordion folds. Turrell lit the downstairs bath in minimal ways: fibre-optic strips of red and green run around the pool of water. A blue glow wraps around the door. Everything else is black. Splash through and there’s a disorienting optical effect where your body turns entirely white under water, while everything above the bath is obscured by darkness.

It feels like a scene from Tron or the album cover for a future Daft Punk record. It’s visually stunning and reminds you that at House of Light, every aspect – from rooftop to bathtub – is a literal work of art.

The post James Turrell’s House of Light is a surreal art stay in Japan’s 760-square-kilometre, open-air gallery appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

Receiving a postcard feels sentimental and novel. These days, with Instagram and FaceTime, there seems to be no need to document far-flung adventures for friends and family. Who can be bothered with the painstaking quest to locate a stamp in foreign lands, anyway? And when it would arrive would be anyone’s guess. Delivery is much swifter at Lisbon’s famed Belcanto, where the postman masquerades as a white-gloved waiter.

“To start your Lisbon experience,” says my server Nelson, smiling as he places the palm-sized memento into a place card holder. Staring back at me is a watercolour illustration of the olive-green restaurant door I walked through just moments ago. More than a charming welcome, the postcards, designed by in-house sommelier Rostyslav Fedotov, are a creative way to present Belcanto’s nine-course tasting menu. “Each postcard will feature a design that complements the dish itself,” Nelson continues. “On the back are some words that help us understand what the chef had in his mind when he created these dishes.”

The chef in question is José Avillez. In 2012, Portugal’s culinary visionary transformed a former men’s club in the heart of the vibrant Chiado district, reimagining the historical space as Belcanto. The 45-seat restaurant features stone and brick vaulted ceilings, modern chandeliers, wooden floors, and windows that drench the dining room with sunlight. Its surroundings – a blend of old and new – aptly reflect Avillez’s take on contemporary Portuguese cuisine.

Belcanto is the capital’s first two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Adding to its prestige, it currently ranks 42nd on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The distinct, gastronomic journey at Belcanto is guided by Avillez’s childhood memories of family cooking traditions, seasons, Portugal’s diverse landscapes, and the Atlantic Ocean. With each course, he applies artistic techniques to locally revered ingredients.

“The idea of the chef is to take the role of the painter, and it will be displayed this afternoon through multiple designs,” Nelson monologues. “The white tablecloth will be the canvas.”

The first masterstroke, a tiered stand that looks like a spacecraft from Star Wars, lands on my table. Its delicate gold legs hold four oval plates, upon which snacks in a bold palette of black, green, red and yellow are presented. A gold sphere of partridge escabeche and foie gras mimics foil-wrapped chocolate. In one bite of crunchy seaweed, caviar and a mix of crustaceans, I voyage the Atlantic.

Also found along the Portuguese and Spanish coasts is the sought-after scarlet shrimp. An outdoor pastime is reinvented in a playful plating of the plump prawn: its grilled flesh is topped with fiery red pepper sauce and swathed in smoked rice ashes and intertwining twigs of blackened tempura to resemble a campfire.

Avillez’s innovative approach spreads like wildfire next door at sister restaurant, Encanto. Opened in 2022, this haute-vegetarian, dinner-only eatery received its first Michelin star before it had even been open a year. Chef Diogo Formiga is spearheading Avillez’s root-friendly revolution here, incorporating sustainable practices such as zero waste and supporting local farmers. Collective efforts have reaped rewards for the plant-based dining room – the restaurant has been awarded a Green Star, while Formiga has one knife from The Best Chef Awards 2025, which recognises culinary excellence.

Like its feted neighbour, Encanto guides curious herbivores through Portugal’s landscapes in 12 “moments” presented as edible art. A vibrant concoction of chestnut purée, wild mushrooms, green strawberries and ponzu sauce is served in a hollowed apple. Under the apple’s lid, a gelatine of housemade apple kombucha.

Speaking of drinks, Encanto offers biodynamic wines, handcrafted juices and infusions alongside its kombucha. Avillez and Formiga are not alone in redefining traditional Portuguese cuisine in the City of Seven Hills. In 2025, chef Marlene Vieira became the first Portuguese woman in 30 years to be awarded a Michelin star at her restaurant, Marlene, next to the Lisbon Cruise Terminal. After a decade working in London with another Portuguese chef (Nuno Mendes), António Galapito returned to his homeland to open Prado, a farm-to-table restaurant in Baixa, the city’s downtown.

A few hills away in the upmarket neighbourhood Lapa, a new era of Lisbon hospitality has been ushered in. Boutique hotel Tarabel Lisbon, a reimagined 19th-century mansion overlooking the city’s calming artery, the Tagus River, opened in September 2025. Mirroring its diplomatic neighbours, Tarabel has a discreet entrance, leading to a lavish sanctuary.

The Tarabel offers a home-away-from-home experience. French owner and interior designer Rose Fournier has styled the aspirational space with a melange of antique furniture, worldly trinkets, and charming aesthetics from her homeland (white interiors, bespoke upholstery adding pops of colour). A large birdcage – a flea-market find – greets guests in the lobby, kicking off a feathery theme that’s scattered throughout the hotel like Easter eggs.

Each of the nine distinct residences is open-plan, centred around a claw-foot bathtub. More reason to stay idle is the Deluxe Suite’s terrace, a joyous spot to soak in the sun. Similarly, the terraced gardens below are dotted with loungers and dining areas. From poolside, the hotel’s light-blue façade, hedge gardens, azulejo mural and white-and-yellow striped furnishings could be the subject of Tarabel’s own watercolour postcard.

Like many who have their favourite spot in a dining room, I quickly choose mine at Tarabel. Sitting right by the French windows, I watch life slowly unfold on the river as I tuck into a generous continental breakfast banquet: warm breads and pastries, shaved ham, local cheeses, eggs to order, housemade jams, seasonal fruits and juices. Gloriously, there’s no strict cut-off time to order, so the morning repast can bleed into lunch.

Hours later, with a returned appetite, I’m back warming my rose pink chair for dinner. Representing the new generation here is Afonso Blazquez Raposo. The young chef is at the helm of the restaurant in the hotel’s foyer, where the menu features classic Portuguese dishes given a modern twist. With dinner service only available to hotel guests, Raposo is able to thoughtfully curate each dish, complementing Tarabel’s homely ethos.

“When the people are eating, they really feel that this was made with so much care and love,” he says of his dishes.

My “modest” three-course meal includes lime-cured scallops with roasted gazpacho, beautifully topped with freeze-dried raspberries. Next, Iberian pork and Atlantic clams come served with a liberal pour of Porto wine jus, letting the Duoro Valley flow on my plate. Then a chocolate moelleux with a dollop of hazelnut ice-cream and cocoa nougatine for a nightcap. It’s something to write home about … From Portugal with love.

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The Pink City, in the north-west of India, has been the nation’s jewellery capital from almost the very moment it was founded in 1727. To create a thriving economy, the city’s original Maharaja, Jai Singh II, encouraged the country’s most skilled and specialised artisans and craftspeople to settle within Jaipur’s walls. Over time, most of those crafts have faded away but jewellery-making – particularly the delicate art of cutting and polishing precious gemstones brought in from as far away as Zambia and Brazil – flourishes to this day.

I virtually swim through the thick paan scent to my car, and we weave into the old city, dodging lumbering elephants, street vendors and motorcycles, before arriving at the entrance to the crowded laneway that leads to The Johri, the hotel for my stay. Few places embody the food/gemstone overlap like this hotel and restaurant, a former merchant’s mansion that sits in the heart of the Johri Bazaar, Jaipur’s primary jewellery market.

I pick my way along the crowded laneway, the evening air filled with the scent of aloo tikki sizzling in ghee. A 60-year-old frangipani tree stands at the entrance to The Johri’s restaurant and after my long flight I’m thrilled to sink into a saffron-striped banquette to eat.

The restaurant serves a completely vegetarian menu, every dish looking like a thousand tiny treasures assembled on pastel ceramics. A chaat of yoghurt, crisp sev noodles, ruby-red pickled onion and beetroot crisps are scattered with one of the region’s most precious ingredients: the tiny “size zero” Rajasthani peas, perhaps even sweeter than the famous Spanish teardrop pea, that gleam like miniature droplets of jade. The Piquant cocktail, a blend of Mathania chilli-infused Patron, tamarind and jaggery, arrives accompanied by a jewelled camel figurine, while a saffron and almond milk cake glistens with gold leaf.

Afterwards, I’m led to my suite. Before arriving, I was asked to name my favourite colour – green – and so I am booked into the Panna Suite, washed in shades of pale coriander, a reference to emeralds. Other suites echo the colours of sapphires, pearls and rubies and there are plans in the works to open three new suites on a separate floor (their gemstone influences are still in negotiation; but I hear golden topaz is high on the list for one of them). After a shower I pat myself dry with a cotton towel no thicker than a napkin (much better for the body, ayurvedically speaking, than a fluffy towel) and collapse into soft linen sheets.

The next morning I’m met by my guide, Madhev, to explore Jaipur’s riotously colourful flower market. Every day, vendors spill white sacks of chrysanthemums, rosebuds and lotus blossoms onto the ground, hoping theirs will appear plumper and more tempting than the same offering a few feet away. Fifty tonnes change hands daily, destined for temples, weddings and people’s homes. I buy a strand of sweet jasmine to weave into my hair.

Afterwards, we join the queues for one of Jaipur’s most famous breakfasts: creamy pats of makkhan, white butter, and kesar pista makkhan, yellow butter scattered with freckles of cardamom and crushed pistachios. The butter smudges are served on edible “plates” made from shards of dried leaves from the 75-year-old Gulab Chand Dairy. Lord Krishna himself, I’m told, was a huge butter fan, and tales of his early childhood often involve the great deity stealing butter from cowherds. We chase the butter with cups of sweet chai and squiggly amber curls of sugared jalebi, deep-fried dough spirals soaked in syrup. (“If someone is complicated, we say they are ‘straight like jalebi’,” Madhev tells me with a grin.) Butter, sugar and milk for breakfast; Jaipur isn’t shy when it comes to getting the day started with a good whack of calories.

Later, we head to one of the city’s oldest jewellery workshops and stores, Gem Palace, to learn more about the Rajasthan capital’s relationship with jewels. The Kasliwal family has owned it for nine generations, draping the likes of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Queen Camilla and Oprah Winfrey in lustrous gems. The late women’s rights activist, style icon and Rajasthani queen, Maharani Gayatri Devi, would regularly sit in the store drinking coffee and selecting armfuls of Basra pearls and diamonds. One of the store’s owners, Samir Kasliwal, tells a story from the Maharani’s later years: “I once asked, ‘Your royal highness, would you like to come through the back door where there are no stairs?’” he recalls. Her response was immediate: “A queen only enters through the front door!”

I, too, feel like a queen as Kasliwal allows me to hold an enormous, handcrafted wedding necklace, designed by his late father, Sanjay. Its six layers of raw Polki diamonds look like raindrops, set into 22-carat gold. It took over a year to make. “Each element has this wonderful feeling on the back, doesn’t it?” Kasliwal suggests, and I run my hand over delicate, textured filigree. “The inspiration comes from the architecture of Rajasthan. They call it Jali, you see it in the windows of the Amber Fort, ornamental screens surrounded by marble engraving.” As ever, jewellery and the soul of Jaipur are never far apart.

That night, the city’s cuisine combines with opulence once more over dinner at The Johri’s sister restaurant, The Sarvato, which may be the only place in the world where you can enjoy a tasting menu inside a proper working palace, in this case the 300-year-old City Palace. From my white-clothed table on the restaurant’s outdoor rooftop I can gaze directly at the personal residence of the dashing polo-playing Maharaja Padmanabh Singh. The windows from his private quarters glow a deep sapphire blue as we eat hand-pulled duck on saffron bread, and goat curry with poppyseed gravy, scattered with glassy pomegranate seeds.

At the end, a tray of petits fours is presented. One, made from sweetened goat milk, is topped with silver leaf which glimmers beneath the matching moonlight. In Jaipur, food and finery are virtually one and the same.

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Forget that. Up in the tranquil hillsides of Ánimas Bajas, only 20 minutes from town, there’s a different rhythm entirely. The pace slows. Small things are done with intent. Acre Resort (pronounced Ah-cray) unfolds over 10 hectares of orchard and sweet-sapped agave. Part working farm, part design-driven retreat, and wholly, absolutely, uninterested in the chaos down the hill, it’s like polished boho had a commitment ceremony with nature.

Cabo, in the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, isn’t always an obvious choice from Australia, but it should be. Get to LAX, and from there a direct flight has you arriving in two and a half hours. Once installed at Acre, you’re in good hands. Thirteen treehouses stalk the canopy like something dreamt up by a minimalist Tarzan, each wrapped in bark and softened by the light that slips through the leaves. Inside, it’s texture and quiet luxury, binoculars for bird watching and air conditioning for sleeping deeply amid the scent of citrus and a soundtrack provided by cicadas. There’s WiFi if you must, but this place is designed to make you forget about life oustide the perimeter.

Beyond the treehouses, a handful of private villas sit discretely among mango and papaya groves, each with a pool and outdoor shower that feels equal part indulgence and deserved invitation. Mornings start with sunlight slanting through branches and coffee taken on the deck, as you listen to the world come alive around you. The effect is quietly cinematic, a heady mix of jungle, design and calm that feels lived-in rather than staged.

Acre’s spa leans into this feeling, too. It’s not a simple white-dressing-gown-and-whale-noises affair; these are outdoor treatment rooms woven through the foliage. Intentionally immersive, guests choose to receive their treatments in a treehouse spa or in a private jungle setting. My pick is the Acre Nopal Detox, with a full-body exfoliation using a dried cactus-fibre paddle, then a moisturising wrap in organic Nopal (a local succulent), and finally a firm massage to detoxify all that ails you. Treatments use farm-grown herbs and local oils, and you’ll want to go more than once.

Guests who prefer a slightly less passive form of restorative care can join sunrise yoga on the raised wooden deck embedded into the bush. Bring your green juice and settle in for something simple and steady. The movement is nothing performative; more like a favour you feel you’ve done for yourself.

Then there’s the food. Executive chef David Fajardo has led the kitchen for three years. Originally from Mexico City, he arrived after an 18-year relationship ended. “I was sulking,” he says with a laugh. “Then a recruiter called; talk about timing.” Would he be interested in moving to paradise? He would.

Acre became a reset. “I wanted to set a mood with my cooking, to do our own thing instead of chasing.” That “thing” – a blend of environmental care, local produce and culinary innovation – earned Acre one of Mexico’s first Michelin Green Stars; a category introduced in 2020 to recognise restaurants that combine culinary excellence with exceptional environmental and social responsibility. “The star raised our profile, but we’ve been doing this since I got here,” says Fajardo, who’s quick to clarify the award. “Sometimes people mistake it for a red star – the fine-dining thing – and we aren’t that.”

Lunch and dinner are served beneath a palm-thatched roof open to the air. Fans turn lazily but competently while little chimineas filled with smoking rosemary, lavender and spent limes keep the mozzies away. Cooled by shade and oscillating mist, I ask Sandra, my server, for a bar recommendation.” Anything spicy is popular,” she says, sliding a glass my way. The drink is made with chilli bitters, spiced salt, jalapeño scrub, tomato water, green tea, clarified lime and a pickled ruby beet coin. It tastes like the garden: sunburnt, vegetal, layered. A measured contradiction of heat and restraint. There’s another with mango, a special containing mezcal and burnt brown butter – smoky and far too easy to finish. “We’re overflowing with mangos right now,” says Fajardo, gesturing out towards the trees. “We’re making tonnes of things with them, sharing them around and feeding the rest to the goats. They’re happy.” I imagine them, with saffron-coloured teeth, pulp dripping from their juicy beards, looking entirely pleased with the arrangement.

The menu shifts with the farm’s bounty. “We do food of the world, rooted in Mexican ingredients,” he explains. “Not Mexican food.” I start with a cheddar biscuit, which seems an odd inclusion, but it’s a bestseller. One bite in, I get it. Buttery and crisp-edged, it’s sharp with cheese and moringa leaf. A beet salad – earthy, sweet and finished with a faint hint of smoke – represents Acre’s style best. “Cooking with wood and fire, that feeling is what I love,” says Fajardo. Oysters, heirloom tomato caprese, a whole fish, they pick up a salty tanginess that speaks of Baja. Sometimes embers finish them off, because at Acre, even ashes do their part.

Behind the kitchen, is the farm, Fajardo’s personal Narnia, which produces much of what’s on the menu. Rows of herbs and chillis fill the air with green spice, alongside test plots of finger and zebra-skin limes, stands of Buddha’s hand citrus. “One of the gardeners is growing something we can’t even identify yet,” he says, clearly delighted. “We’ll see what happens.”

When they can’t grow what they need, they use local suppliers, and when local suppliers can’t provide, the team adapts. “There are people doing great things in small batches, but I can’t ask a purveyor for eight hundred kilos of tomatoes. They can’t do that, so we think harder.” Maybe it’s green papaya instead of tomato, or fermented chilli where acid once did the work. Acre’s circular system – composting scraps, reusing greywater, minimising packaging and creating recipes based on what’s best – has brought them close to zero-waste. “We aren’t there yet, but we aren’t far off.” For Fajardo, sustainability starts with people. “The real secret of this place is the team. Everyone contributes ideas, everyone is empowered in the garden, in the kitchen … it’s not my project, it’s our project.”

The philosophy extends beyond the property line. Acre’s on-site animal rescue rehabilitates and rescues street dogs. More than a thousand have been adopted since its launch in 2019, many by guests. The program partners with local vets and shelters in Los Cabos, creating work for handlers and carers while helping reduce the stray population.

The resort also has its own stable of happy rescued horses, too. Picture a slow ride at golden hour, hooves thudding through dust while the hills blush pink. It’s a whole mood. “It’s part of who we are,” Chef tells me. “Caring for animals, for people, for what we grow and who we feed, it’s all connected.”

That spirit of connection shows up in guests’ experiences. Visitors can join garden walks with the horticulture team, who take pride in their product like an artist does their finest work, which is an apt metaphor. There are low-key cooking classes where you learn to make tortillas the way the kitchen does, mezcal tastings, and small-format art sessions.

The coast isn’t far, if you can bring yourself to leave the property. Staff can arrange transfers to nearby swimmable beaches or link guests with trusted operators for surfing lessons or stand-up paddleboarding. Those beaches are stunning though varied; a mix of postcard-perfect calm and look-but-don’t-swim drama. Along the Pacific side, the waves hit hard with a strong undertow and steep drop offs, which is why these stretches stay free of cafés and clutter. They’re ideal for a lazy or an impromptu photo shoot. The Sea of Cortez side is a different story entirely: Medano Beach is lively with beach bars, lounges, vendors and all the conveniences you could want. Chileno and Santa Maria are gentler bays with clear water and snorkel rentals. Palmilla feels polished and peaceful with just enough services to make a day of it.

In the end, perhaps it’s this storm of synergy that makes Acre more than just a resort. It’s a self-contained ecosystem: a place where waste becomes compost, where gardeners experiment freely and where a chef recovering from heartbreak found purpose again. “You can hear yourself think here,” says Fajardo. “You see the result of what you do. There’s meaning.”

Walking back through the canopy, mangos on the ground like big orange eggs, it strikes me that Acre succeeds not because it tries to be everything, but because it trusts in the things it already is – calm, simple, human. For a place built on abundance, restraint might be its most compelling luxury.

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It comes with some typically tricksy geography. Despite its name, the Yorkshire Dales National Park’s 2180-square-kilometre boundaries extend from North Yorkshire into the neighbouring county, Cumbria; they also fail to enclose Nidderdale, a narrow southeastern valley which is very much part of the seduction and well worth a visit.

Muker lies in lush Swaledale, in the region’s northwest. Three centuries ago, Swaledale was central to the Dales’ booming lead production, the higher moorlands still pockmarked by ruined mine buildings today. One, the Old Gang Smelting Mill, with its still-standing chimney easily accessible on foot, hosts a memorable, misty scene as Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi’s star-crossed lovers reunite in Emerald Fennell’s steamy adaptation of Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights – much of which was shot in these parts.

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Fifteen kilometres west over the vertiginous Buttertubs Pass lies Hawes, a bustling market town that’s the Dales’ de-facto hub. On a fellside above, Simonstone Hall is perhaps the park’s canniest place to stay in terms of its location at the centre of everything, and certainly among its most relaxing. “We’re trying to de-hotel the hotel and to avoid anything pretentious,” says Jake Dinsdale, its 36-year-old owner. “I want this to be an authentic, laid-back country-house stay, run by a young, fun team.” A local lad, Dinsdale spent time working in London and Ghana, returning to the Dales a decade ago to snaffle this wide, caramel-stone manor house, and leaning on his design background to smarten it up.

The result fuses baronial class – stag heads; four-poster beds; free-roaming peacocks – with modern country cool, as seen in the fairy-lit terrace’s wood-fired hot tub and the navy panelling of the lounge. Jaw-dropping valley views abound, as do cosy corners. Championing seasonal produce from neighbouring farms and fields, inventive plates such as lamb rump alongside chicory marmalade or blue cheese-and-chorizo burgers are delivered by personable, pleased-to-be-there servers. A single refreshing principle anchors it all.

“Everybody’s treated similarly,” says Dinsdale. “Aristocrats and celebrities get the same service as Bob and Sue with their muddy wellies and wet dog.” Even Robbie, Fennell and co, when they stayed here during filming? “Even them.” Audible from that hot-tub terrace is Hardraw Force, a tree-hugged, 30-metre waterfall in whose cavernous hollow Kevin Costner’s outlaw skinny-dipped during Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. Further down the same valley, Wensleydale, are Aysgarth Falls’ three successive, gentler cascades and then the mostly intact remains of Bolton Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned for six months.

Up at Wensleydale’s head in Hawes, I find old-fashioned tea rooms, a century-old ropemaker’s shop and a creamery producing the valley’s namesake cheese. Happily, tastings are available, and at the café I try an unexpected Yorkshire tradition: slices of crumbly Wensleydale atop rich fruitcake.

Three of the Dales’ headline sites are a 20-minute drive to the west. First up is grand Ribblehead Viaduct, a 24-arch, 400-metre colossus on the oh-so-scenic Settle–Carlisle railway. It’s best appreciated from below, on foot, or, as I opt for, over a steak and ale pie in the popular Station Inn’s garden. Equally chockers are the paths ascending the so-called Yorkshire Three Peaks – Ingleborough (723 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Pen-y-ghent (694 metres) – whose summits hardy types attempt to collectively tick off inside 12 hours, just for fun.

One of the area’s characteristic limestone pavements – naturally formed slabs of silvery stone, fissured with greenery – crowns Malham Cove. With its startlingly sheer, 80-metre cliff, it’s attractive, yet hardly unique, leaving me puzzled as to why this pocket of the Dales is so markedly busier than almost anywhere else. Jonathan Smith, whose company Where2Walk offers guided and self-guided walks across the park, has a theory.

“Increasingly, people solemnly follow prescribed routes via apps like Strava, but this means everyone goes to the same places,” he says. “Effectively, we’re seeing a variation of the 95/5 rule, with 95 per cent of tourists in 5 per cent of the Dales. The rest is largely empty. “If you can navigate properly – read a map and use a compass – it’s easy to escape,” Smith continues. “Instead of walking to Malham Cove, go in the other direction, to Weets Top. It’s an easy hike, and even on a Saturday in August you’ll have a fantastic viewpoint all to yourself.” For a comparably quiet limestone pavement, he has me head 20 kilometres west to the Ingleborough area and aim slightly north of Long Scar. “There’s a beautiful path which cuts right through. You get this expanse of rock with some small hawthorne trees adding a nice perspective. It’s breathtaking. And quiet.”

Having unearthed the Dales’ ultimate walk, it would be rude not to follow it up with a visit to the quintessential country pub in Wharfedale, a southeastern valley whose 32-kilometre stretch encompasses chunky crags, pretty village after pretty village and Bolton Abbey’s 12th-century ruins. Close by, in a sleepy hamlet called Appletreewick, I find the Craven Arms, whose wood-beamed, flagstone-floored interior positively screams “olde England”. Gas lamps and cast-iron ovens further this snug spell; so too does a fruity pint of Old Peculier cask ale from local brewer, Theakston’s.

Taking a sip outside, I gaze hypnotised as sunlight suddenly illuminates the moody grit ridge ahead. Noticing my pleasure, a villager offers up a succinct, archetypally Yorkshire summary. “No’ bad, eh?” he suggests, with only a twinkle in his eyes revealing the understatement. “Not bad,” I agree

The post Uncovering the landscapes of Wuthering Heights on England’s Yorkshire Dales appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

From the crisp sauvignon blancs of Marlborough to the elegant pinot noirs of Central Otago, New Zealand’s cool-climate vineyards are producing some of the world’s most sought-after wines.  

No matter where you travel across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, you’ll find yourself immersed in wine country. Discover the perfect marriage of dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and outstanding food and wine with a self-drive journey along the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Ready to raise a glass? Flight Centre has crafted four wine-centric, self-drive tours designed to showcase New Zealand’s finest regions. 

Find Your Favourite New Zealand Wine Region  

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail takes you through four of New Zealand’s iconic regions. Each region brings its own charms. In New Zealand’s oldest wine region, Hawke’s Bay, you’ll experience art deco design and charming heritage. The rolling landscapes of Wairarapa sees small village charm with passionate bespoke winemakers. Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest growing region, home to impeccable sauvignon blancs. While Wellington brings everything together, with a vibrant food scene and perfectly paired wines.  

Adventure the North Island 

Explore everything the North Island has to offer with a 13-day self-driven Classic New Zealand Wine Trail adventure starting from Wellington and winding your way north to Auckland.    

The capital, Wellington, is your invitation to adventure. As an international arrivals hub, it’s also the perfect choice if you’re short on time and want to do an eight-day North Island wine tour instead. You’ll still get to experience New Zealand’s oldest wine country, with food tours and wine tasting firmly on the menu.

Wellington is also where you can board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic crossing of the Cook Strait; your gateway to the South Island’s wine country and beyond.   

Venture north to Martinborough, where free-draining gravel soils and cool, dry climates create the ideal conditions for exceptional pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. At the family-owned Ata Rangi vineyard, impeccable wines go hand-in-hand with a commitment to conservation.   

Continuing north, you’ll reach the Hawke’s Bay region, the northern tip of the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, home to Napier and Havelock North. The East Coast district is a showcase of Art Deco architecture, sunshine and most importantly, wine. As New Zealand’s oldest wine region, Hawke’s Bay is skilled at producing spicy syrah and an abundance of aromatic whites. Te Mata Estate and Craggy Range are stand-outs.

And end with a delight for your tastebuds, thanks to Auckland’s bustling food scene. Plus, it’s just a stone’s throw from the vibrant Waiheke Island and geothermal Rotorua.

Experience both Islands  

As you head south, discover why Marlborough’s sauvignon blanc has captivated wine lovers worldwide. Pair a glass with dramatic coastal scenery and the freshest seafood and you’ll understand what makes this region unforgettable.  

The Classic New Zealand Wine Trail might end in the Marlborough region, but your tour of the South Island doesn’t have to. Meander further south to the ‘garden city’ of Christchurch, enjoying the vibrant heritage the town has to offer. 

If you want to take your time traversing both islands, enjoying all the stops along the way, Flight Centre’s 14-day Classic New Zealand Wine Trail is your best bet. Aside from indulging in wine and food, this experience also includes Rotorua’s Sky Gondola and art-deco inspired gin tastings. Or for a more luxurious experience opt for Flight Centre’s indulgent 12-day tour. 

If you want to stay a little longer, add on an extra stop through Queenstown’s iconic Central Otago region, producer of acclaimed pinot noirs and home to celebrated cellar doors.  

You’ll be sure to come home with a new favourite New Zealand wine region and a cellar door membership you can’t wait to taste.  

The post Follow your nose and the full-bodied flavours across these New Zealand wineries  appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

Since 2006, Emirates has poured $150 million into the resort and will now invest a further $50 million in renovations, working with Marriott International after One&Only Resorts ceased its management contract in June 2023.

Emirates Wolgan Valley – a sprawling 7000-acre site –  will be transformed into the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge, replete with 40 individual lodges boasting private pools and bespoke amenities, as well as an on-site restaurant, lounge bar and wine room.

Guests will be able to immerse themselves in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region, surrounded by extraordinary wildlife, stunning landscapes and unique, conservation-led experiences.

Recreational spaces will be renovated with wellbeing top of mind, including the signature Ritz-Carlton spa, equestrian stables, tennis courts and outdoor pool.

While the in-road remains an issue, guests will enter the lodge via four-wheel drive or helicopter – something the team say is “part of the rural off-road experience of the resort.”

Emirates Wolgan Valley, Ritz-Carlton Lodge is set to open in mid-2026.

The post The world’s first Ritz-Carlton Lodge will open in Australia’s Wolgan Valley this year   appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

It’s hardly surprising then, that I awake in my suite at The Venice Venice Hotel in a bit of a fog. Opening the curtains, I’m treated to a slow unveiling of the Grand Canal’s morning rituals. To my left lies the Rialto Bridge; to my right, a procession of gondolas and vaporettos approaches through the haze as though emerging from a dream. Some vessels, laden with produce, stop at the Rialto market opposite, so close I can see a lady walking her dog, which promptly lifts a hind leg against a market table. Everyday life in La Serenissima: minutiae amid the majesty.

It’s a remarkable way to start a day here, framed beautifully by The Venice Venice. Opened in 2022, the project sprang from the creative vision of founders Alessandro and Francesca Gallo – husband-and-wife creators of the Golden Goose sneaker brand – who tackled the tightrope-walk of sensitively restoring one of the oldest palazzos on the Grand Canal, dilapidated and deserted for decades, from the water-soaked foundations up.

Previously known as Ca’ da Mosto, the 13th-century Byzantine palace hosted aristocrats and adventurers, and later, artists, philosophers and poets including Turner, Voltaire and Shelley. The ground floor sotoportego – a passageway from canal to courtyard formerly ferrying goods – now houses Venice M’Art, a modern, curated retail and dining space. A photographic homage to the hotel’s restaurant suppliers – the lagoon-locals bearing scampi held aloft like earrings, and enormous frilled lettuces like bouquets – overlooks guests tucking into sugar-dusted, citrus-scented Venetian fritters, spinach and burrata frittatas, and heaving pastry baskets with a side of silken pistachio cream, in the diffused morning light.

The hotel’s 43 rooms pay further homage to various movements, featuring works by artists from Christo to Yoko Ono. Functional romanticism is the name of the game; beauty and purpose entwined, materials carefully selected for a soul-settling calm. In perhaps the neatest encapsulation of the hotel’s vision, the first-floor piano nobile houses the Venice Bitter Club, with its restored coffered ceiling, walls clad in a bespoke tapestry by artist Francesco Simeti, and a central bar that “looks like a spaceship from the future”, in the words of general manager Simone Cherin. The place is abuzz during Biennale and the Film Festival, he says, with gala dinners in the grand second-floor salon and parties aplenty.

The hotel is a poetic portal for anyone curious to discover a fresh take on a city so ubiquitous in the traveller’s consciousness. “For us, this is more Venetian than other styles,” says Cherin, “because Venice at the beginning was an avant-garde city.” At some point, he explains, the local style was crystallised in a baroque freeze-frame: heavy brocades, everything gilded, unrelenting opulence. So they decided to create “a new style called post-Venetian … to emphasise the past and looking, at the same time, [at] the shape of Venice to come”.

We sit at Venice M’Art’s glorious canal-side terrace, sipping foamy Aperol Spritzes and snacking on Venetian fritters filled with whipped cod, ham and artichoke, or porchetta and mustard. By night, the space morphs into Francy’s, an atmospheric, candlelit scene by the light-mirroring waters, where a knockout duck ragù crowns golden pillows of gnocchi.

Come morning, we admire the hotel’s dreamlike water-level entryway – its seemingly floating platforms conceived as a tribute to revered Venetian architect Carlo Scarpa – before heading for St Mark’s Square. Caffè Florian is packed, white-jacketed waiters weaving through jewel-box rooms. But across the busy square, we step into the Olivetti Showroom, where Scarpa was tasked by the iconic typewriter company with showcasing their wares. Defined by light and water, concrete walkways and intricate wooden detailing, it’s a lovely pause of a place, counterpoint to the frantic grandeur outside.

Venice in late October is busy, but nothing like when I was last here, just a few months ago in hot, heady August. Then, the city had appeared through the shimmering lagoon-spray of our water-taxi as we passed a peeling parade of buildings in shades of bleached-out terracotta and burnt buttercup, with fading emerald shutters. As we’d slipped through the northernmost outer canals of Cannaregio, Venice flooded my veins like a fever dream.

I’d left the oasis-like walled garden of the bijou, beyond-the-crowds NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi and walked towards the pulsing historic centre; yielded to the cool whispers of narrow passageways, and to ogle Venetian velvet slippers, elegant leather gloves and tiny glass trinkets. Later came dinner at Ristorante da Raffaele, a canal-side gem where we ordered tagliatelle with lashings of truffle, creamy baccala, and tiny tomatoes bursting with summer.

In October, the intensity has reduced enough for my friend and I to nab a table at Da Ivo (beloved by visiting celebrities) without a booking, following some serious discussion between two handsome, gravitas-wielding waiters. We find ourselves in conversation with a major Hollywood producer and his wife. “We’ve been coming here for 30 years,” she says, reliving his iconic comedic scenes with Chianti-fuelled enthusiasm. It’s almost enough to distract from our sea-sweet, seasonal moeche fritte; the crabs lined up like tiny tango dancers, legs entangled in lightly crisp batter.

We buy last-minute tickets for an evening concert at San Vidal church, crossing an almost deserted Campo Santo Stefano to sit in creaky chairs as the musicians coax Vivaldi from their instruments, hypnotic as honey bees.

On our final day, we revisit Vino Vero, a lively little wine bar in Cannaregio that I stumbled upon in summer. It may be a little out of the main crush but, like in August, there’s a constant flow of customers. This time however, we manage to score a coveted canal-side table after the bartender guides us to glasses of Ti Voglio Bene, hinting at salt and summers past. Back amid the plastic poncho-wearing masses in rainy St Mark’s Square, we’re seeking respite by the lagoon’s edge, when a dolphin shoots skyward, spinning, out of the water, before disappearing. We turn to each other, open-mouthed: another piece of natural minutiae, amid all the majesty.

The quietest I see Venice is on my third visit in early December. After a late-night check-in at Violino d’Oro – an atmospheric gem of a hotel more akin to an impossibly stylish home, just five minutes’ walk from St Mark’s Square – I step out into the silent streets where I’m rewarded with the surreal sight of the usually sardine-packed piazza: completely empty, save a few nuzzling couples. Along one length hangs an ethereal installation, Murano Illumina il Mondo (Murano Lights Up The World); that famed Venetian glass shaped into visions of prismatic colour and captured light. For this hushed half-hour in the middle of the night, Venice feels all mine.

Opinions on when to visit are as multifaceted as the city itself. Leaving on the Belmond Venice Simplon-Orient-Express in October, our room attendant says she loves early May, with fewer crowds than summer and the blooming wisteria of the private gardens. Cherin speaks of the “vibrant” weeks when the Biennale and Film Festival roll into town, maintaining it’s always possible to find a quieter respite away from the main maelstrom, though you’ve got to be willing to wander. When I ask a store owner what it’s like during Carnivale, she rolls her eyes dramatically: “No. No, no, no.” And Sara Maestrelli, creative director of Collezione Em (Violino d’Oro), loves January, “when the fog thickens and the city becomes even more uncanny and spectacular than at any other moment of the year… there’s a natural, almost primal quality to it”. Certain restaurants, hotels and shops close at this time, she warns, “so it’s not necessarily a Venice for first-timers, but it is absolutely a Venice for lovers.”

Both Maestrelli and Cherin suggest venturing out into the lagoon to explore the islands. “It’s the quickest way to remember that Venice isn’t just a city, it’s an entire world of water, light, and silence waiting beyond the shore,” says Maestrelli.

I say go whenever you can: with vigour, verve and an openness to wonder. When is the best time to visit? Whenever you can.

The post Always Venice: Why any time is the right time to visit the Italian city appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

Additionally, wellness stays, off-peak travel, and sea-focused tourism continue to rise as overtourism and inauthentic experiences turn sojourners away from more crowded offerings.

Okinawa, Japan, for example, has been commanding global influence; its Ryukyu heritage, historic castles and shrines, and opportunities for island hopping make it one of the top trending destinations in 2026. Similarly, Sardinia, Italy, continues to enchant travellers with its crystal-clear waters and culinary delights, while Phú Quốc in Vietnam seamlessly blends luxurious hospitality with sustainable ecotourism.

For those seeking something even more off-the-beaten-path, Paro, Bhutan, is capturing the attention of luxury travellers looking for a spiritual escape, while the remote islands of Palau are emerging as a bucket-list destination for the adventurous at heart.

From European coastal paradises to Pacific island havens, 2026 is shaping up to be a year for exploration beyond the ordinary. Below are the emerging destinations in 2026 that are poised to redefine the way we travel.

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Okinawa, Japan

When you first think of Japan, you probably don’t think about sandy beaches and vibrant reefs – but Okinawa does offer both. The prefecture spans an archipelago of about 160 islands large and small, inhabited and uninhabited. Visit Okinawa’s capital city Naha, the largest city in the archipelago, where you can set your sights on castles and shrines connected to the Ryukyu Kingdom, as well as a variety of local delicacies. There are also hidden beaches, scenic cliffs, and marine life to explore around the island. And of course, island hopping is a must-do when visiting the islands.

Okinawa is recognised as one of the top trending destinations on Expedia for 2026, revealing a 71 per cent increase in global interest. According to News On Japan, visitor numbers for the 2025 financial year had reached just under 10 million by November. Though you may need to book a ticket soon, as part of efforts to support sustainable tourism, the local government plans to introduce an accommodation tax in fiscal 2026.

When to visit: April–May, or late September–October

Where to stay in Okinawa, Japan

The Ritz-Carlton Okinawa
Best for couples

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InterContinental ANA Manza Beach Resort
Best for a classic island holiday

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Grand Mercure Okinawa Resort
Best for families

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Hyatt Regency Seragaki Island Okinawa
Best for a refined stay

book now

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Sardinia, Italy

One of the world’s original and most enduring Blue Zones, this Italian coastal destination is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean, second only to Sicily. Here, you’ll find a uniquely local culture with its own language and culinary identity, all while following in the footsteps of Princess Grace, Greta Garbo and more famous faces who called on Sardinia for a holiday haven since the 1960s. Spend your days wandering along the coastline and taking in the crystal-blue waters, alongside a variety of cultural landmarks. Its authentic gastronomy is not only a reflection of rich traditions, but also of the long lives lived here.

According to Expedia, interest in Sardinia has increased by 63 per cent, making it one of the most covetable destinations to travel to in 2026. We recommend staying at least a week to see everything Sardinia has to offer.

When to visit: April–October, though it is recommended to avoid peak summer months (July–August) to avoid crowds

Where to stay in Sardinia, Italy

Aethos Sardinia
Best for couples

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Romazzino, A Belmond Hotel
Best for beachfront access

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7Pines Resort Sardinia by Hyatt
Best for family-friendly resort

book now

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Hotel Le Dune Piscinas
Best unique stay

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Phú Quốc, Vietnam

Vietnam’s largest island Phú Quốc ha been a trending destination for some time, with Expedia reporting a 53 per cent increase in searches and named as one of the Destinations of the Year for 2026. Here you’ll find over 150 km of stunning coastline an abundance of sandy beaches and coral reefs at your perusal. Spend your days island hopping, snorkeling, or taking a ride on the world’s longest over-sea cable car, which connects the main island to Hòn Thơm Island. Plus, there’s an array of UNESCO-protected ecotourism activities for the sustainable adventure seeker.

The island’s small international airport receives direct domestic flights from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hai Phong, and international flights from a variety of local destinations in Asia. Many luxury hotels offer airport transfers as well.

When to visit: October–April

Where to stay in Phú Quốc, Vietnam

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort
Best for first-time visitors

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JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort
Best for couples

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Regent Phu Quoc
Best for wellness

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Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort
Best for families

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Savoie, France

Savoie, France, is a stunning alpine destination offering world-class skiing, charming villages and breathtaking mountain views. Though an off-the-radar destination for non-European travelers, whispers of the destination at a potential filming location for The White Lotus season four turned heads. For the epicurean, Savoie’s a culinary delight with its variety of dish, desserts and superior vinos. Head over in winter to experience world-class skiing and snowboarding.

When to visit: December–March for ski season, July–August warmer weather activities, though Spring and Autumn are also excellent choices for fewer crowds

Where to stay in Savoie, France

Ecrin Blanc Resort Courchevel
Best for families

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L’Écrin de Megève
Best for couples

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Four Seasons Resort Megève
Best for wellness

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Hotel Le Fitz Roy
Best for skiing

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Madeira, Portugal

Based on more than eight million traveler reviews, Portugal’s Madeira took the crown for the world’s top trending destination for 2026 on TripAdvisor. Hailed as the ‘Hawaii of Europe,’ the Atlantic archipelago is perfect for families seeking tranquility, located just over 600 miles from mainland Portugal, and close to Morocco. Explore the traditional Santana houses, enjoy a culinary experience, and explore the islands museums, monuments and more. For the adventure seeker, enjoy sailing, windsurfing, sport fishing and more activities on and around the island.

When to visit: April–October. There’s an annual Carnival and Flower Festival that take place in spring, though September–October is best for summer sun while avoiding crowds

Where to stay in Madeira, Portugal

Quinta Jardins do Lago
Best for tranquility

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Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel
Best for families

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Yeotown Madeira Wellness Hotel & Nature Stay
Best for wellness

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Les Suites at The Cliff Bay
Best for couples

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Cotswolds, UK

The famously picturesque Cotswolds are known for their honey-coloured stone architecture, cobbled paths and thatched roofs, which together form a quintessential English countryside escape. According to Expedia, interest in the region has increased by 39 per cent, making one of the top trending destinations for 2026. The local village of Bibury was also recently named the most beautiful village in the world by Forbes.

Celebrities such as the Beckhams have called the Cotswolds home since 2016, with their converted barn featuring heavily in the Netflix documentary Beckham, further cementing the area’s prestige among locals. Its timeless rural charm makes it ideal for travellers seeking an elevated English stay, though tourism has increased rapidly in recent years.

When to visit: May–June

Where to stay in Cotswolds, UK

Wild Thyme & Honey
Best for couples

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The Lygon Arms
Best for classic English charm

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Cowley Manor Experimental
Best for wellness

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Swan Hotel
Best for families

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San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

The UNESCO-listed city has been voted the best in the world twice in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2025 World’s Best Awards. Located in Guanajuato state, in a region known as El Bajío, the city’s hospitality, cultural richness, colourful colonial architecture, gastronomy and the locals’ generosity make it one of the world’s most underrated stays.

Around 3.5 hours from the Ciudad de México, the city is incredibly walkable – coming alive early in the mornings – and it’s phenomenal hotel scene offers something for everyone.

When to visit: November–April

Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

Rosewood San Miguel De Allende
Best for couples

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Casa de Sierra Nevada
Best for culture

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NUMU Boutique Hotel
Best for interior design

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Hotel Matilda
Best for creatives

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Salamanca, Spain

One of Spain’s lesser-known cities – though just as beautiful and culturally rich – Salamanca is the perfect destination for travellers seeking fewer crowds, unique culture, and an authentic Castilian experience. According to Omio, which found that 21 per cent of holidaymakers plan to visit lesser-known destinations in 2026, Salamanca saw a 168 per cent increase in bookings, making it the top rising hotspot for travellers next year.

When to visit: April–June and September–October to avoid summer crowds

Where to stay in Salamanca, Spain

Hospes Palacio de San Esteban
Best for couples

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Hacienda Zorita Wine Hotel & Organic Farm
Best for a unique stay

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Grand Hotel Don Gregorio
Best for adults-only indulgence

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Eunice Hotel Gastronomico
Best for foodies

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Paro, Bhutan

As high-end travellers seek out serene, uncrowded locations, off-beat destinations such as Paro, Bhutan, have been growing in popularity. Located in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan is home to ancient Buddhist temples and a rich cultural heritage. Despite being severely underrated – most tourists opt for neighbouring China or India – the country is filled with mountain landscapes, traditional architecture, and Buddhist culture, making it one of the most peaceful countries in South Asia.

Visitors can attend the Paro Tshechu festival in spring at Paro Dzong, featuring vibrant masked dances, colourful costumes, and music, or trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery for stunning mountain views. Paro’s array of indulgent luxury stays further adds to its charm and character.

When to visit: March–May and September–November to avoid summer crowds

Where to stay in Paro, Bhutan

Amankora Paro
Best for luxury

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COMO Uma Paro
Best for couples

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Le Meridien Paro, Riverfront
Best for families

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Six Senses Paro
Best for wellness

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Koror, Palau

While most people have probably not heard of the splendorous Palau, a Micronesian country comprising more than 300 islands in the Pacific Ocean, it’s definitely a bucket-list destination for those seeking a culturally rich tropical escape. Despite being the 16th-smallest country in the world, Palau boasts over 400 tree-covered limestone and volcanic islets, over 1400 species of reef fish, and sediment-rich lagoons such as the Milky Way, which serves as Palau’s natural spa.

Koror is home to about two-thirds of the country’s population and boasts a variety of luxurious accommodation for an elevated tropical escape.

When to visit: December–April is the dry season, while January–February offer the least rain

Where to stay in Koror, Palau

Four Seasons Explorer Palau – Cruising Resort
Best for adventure travellers

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Palau Pacific Resort
Best for couples and families

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Palau Royal Resort
Best for island exploration

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Palau Sunrise Seaview Landison Retreat
Best for tranquillity

book now

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The post The trending destinations that will make 2026 your most memorable year of travel appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

The post On the Road: Touring the best of Tasmania appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

It’s also got a wide range of activities, so every visitor can find something to suit. There are water-based activities, like scuba diving, kayaking and jet skiing, land activities like bush walking, e-biking and spa pampering, and aerial adventures, like chopper and seaplane rides, taking you over the area’s Listerine-coloured waters, kaleidoscope reef and sugar-look beaches.

In fact, the options for activities can be overwhelming, so to help you decide what to do, we’re highlighting some of our favourites.

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Things to do in Hamilton Island

Land, water or sky — here’s how to make the most of a Hamilton Island stay from every angle.

Water-based activities

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Many come to Hamilton Island to experience the Great Barrier Reef, so there are several cruises, snorkelling or diving tours. To experience the sea around Hamo, you can kayak or stand-up paddleboard. For a bit more speed, join a jet ski tour. You’ll explore the area’s secret spots, learn about the area and may even see wildlife like turtles and whales.

GT picks: Best water-based activities

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Half-day snorkel or dive 

Jet ski tour

Kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire

Great Barrier Reef Cruises

Next

On-land activities

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Of Whitsundays’ 74 islands, Hamilton is the largest inhabited, so there’s plenty to do and see. You can book activities through many of the resorts’ concierges or directly online. A free option is a bushwalk, with trails open from sunrise to sunset and main sights including Hideaway Bay, Coral Cove and Flat Top Hill Lookout. Or hire a buggy and explore the island that way. A self-guided e-bike adventure will see you visiting secluded coves, enjoying island vistas and discovering the island’s landmarks. Or, if you’d rather just relax, you can treat yourself to a spa treatment Spa Qualia and Spa Wumurdaylin are both luxurious options.

GT picks: Best on-land activities

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Hamilton Island Golf Club

Buggy hire

Treatment at Spa Wumurdaylin

Self-guided e-bike adventure

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Scenic flights

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To truly appreciate the beauty of the Whitsundays, it’s worth booking a scenic flight. Hamilton Island Air Fly/Cruise to Reefworld drops you on a catamaran, a base for you to snorkel or dive. Hamilton Island Air Heart Reef and Whitehaven Express Scenic Flight is a one-hour scenic flight over Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. And 30-minute Hamilton Island Reef and Beach Explorer by Seaplane touches down on Whitehaven Beach where you can swim before hopping back on for a return flight.  

GT picks: Best scenic flights

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Heart Reef and Whitehaven express scenic flight

Reef and Beach Explorer by Seaplane

Flight and cruise to Reefworld

Hamilton Island scenic flight

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The post Water-based, on-land and flights: the best things to do in Hamilton Island appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

Rest assured, you’re in the right place. Consider this more than just a simple Tokyo packing list, but rather a stylish and practical guide designed to help you feel at home while exploring Japan’s capital. From useful travel tech and day-bag essentials to tips on what to wear in Tokyo for every season, this guide covers all the clothing, accessories and smart extras you need to zip up your suitcase and step into the city like a well-versed traveller. 

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TOKYO PACKING ESSENTIALS AT A GLANCE

• Style tips and etiquette

• Packing list by seasons

• Travel tech & accessories

• Luggage & Organisation

• FAQs

What to wear in Tokyo

Style tips and etiquette 

When planning what clothing to pack across all seasons, go for understated chic meets practical comfort. Locals master a style that’s clean, textural and layered with personality weaved into the details. Focus on loose silhouettes, high-quality fabrics and versatile basics for mix and match looks suitable for daytime sightseeing, tea ceremonies or a night out in Shibuya.

Footwear should be comfortable enough for long days on your feet and easy to slip on and off (some places may ask you to remove them).  

Japan embraces creativity but modesty is appreciated, especially in sacred or traditional settings, so balancing comfort and fashion with cultural respect is key. Avoid clothing that might be too revealing, such as low necklines and cropped or strapless tops. 

Note: Activewear isn’t typically worn leisurely (leggings are considered underwear in Japan), so it’s best to leave your gym gear for workouts only. 

Packing list by seasons

Spring (March–May)

Packing for spring in Tokyo calls for light, versatile pieces with unique details. Shirred, wrapped or patterned blouses are playful yet polished pieces that layer beautifully and can be dressed up or down. For something more understated, consider quality basics like a crisp white T-shirt or a striped linen button-up. A staple outerwear piece is also useful to have on hand for breezy days and cooler spring nights.

A simple cushioned sneaker, such as Onitsuka Tiger’s classic Mexico 66, delivers style without sacrificing comfort. For places that require you to slip your shoes off (or for when something a little more formal calls), ballet flats or Mary Janes make a graceful, practical alternative. 

Essentials

• Button up shirt or blouse
• Loose, clean cut shorts 
• Neutral toned sweater or jacket
• Lightweight sneakers 
• Dress shoes e.g. ballet flats or loafers
• Statement jewellery

Summer (June–August)

Tokyo’s rainy season occurs from early June to mid-July, while temperatures climb into hot, humid territory by August. In short, flowy pieces are your friend for summer in Tokyo. Bring breezy, breathable fabrics that keep you cool yet covered for additional sun protection, and loose silhouettes that can work for hot crowded trains to milder lantern-lit nights. Midi and maxi skirts or dresses in airy cottons and linens offer effortless movement, while trendy bubble and A-line shapes lend a playful edge.  

With the sharp contrast between scorching pavements and chilled interiors, a light shawl or cardigan is a savvy day bag addition. To match the brightness of the season, opt for lighter, versatile colours.

Shoes that are breathable and comfortable are a vital for long walks between shrines, stalls and firework vantage points. If sandals or slides are in the mix (Teva originals being an excellent choice), be sure to also stash a pair of socks in your day bag for sites that require shoes off – bare feet on temple floors are a no-go.  

Essentials

• Hat
• Loose, breathable clothing
• Umbrella or raincoat
• Sunscreen
• Hand-held fan (uchiwa)
• Light shawl or jumper
• Spare socks
• Sunglasses

Autumn (September–November)

Offering some of the year’s most breathtaking scenery, autumn welcomes mild days and crisp evenings. With fewer crowds than spring, it’s the perfect time to wander at your own pace (with a little more breathing space). 

To align with the season’s cooler temperatures, start with classic outerwear. A trench coat is a timeless staple that layers effortlessly over an everyday sweater or T-shirt for added warmth, while a light leather jacket or wool blazer offers a polished alternative. Knitwear in soft fabrics or cashmere provides cosy comfort without the bulk which is ideal for transitioning between daytime strolls and after-dark dining. 

Add a touch of colour and texture through accessories and footwear — a patterned scarf, your favourite bag, deep burgundy boots or a chic suede belt.  

Essentials

• Trench coat, jacket or blazer
• Everyday sweater or cardigan
• Boots or loafers
• Scarf
• Sunglasses
• Tailored trousers
• White T-shirt
• Staple accessories

Winter (December – February)

From December, Tokyo cools down completely and the air turns dry with plenty of winter sun. While it doesn’t get bitterly cold (snow isn’t guaranteed), packing heat-tech or thermal base layers is a smart move for temperature dips in shaded areas or during late-night outings. Expect brisk air outdoors but toasty interiors, so think in layers: a wool coat or padded down jacket over a soft sweater that can be easily shed once you’re inside restaurants or shops. A windproof outer layer is also worthwhile, as winter in Tokyo tends to bring occasional gusts. 

To shield from the cold, and look good doing it, pack pants with personality. Barrel jeans or wide-leg cuts provide just the right coverage for cooler evenings while still feeling light over thermals and breathable when the sun’s out.

Ensure to also bring cold-weather accessories — gloves, scarves and beanies are not only practical but stylish additions that can instantly elevate even the simplest outfit. 

Essentials

• Moisturiser
• Gloves
• Scarf
• Beanie
• Lip balm
• Wind proof jacket
• Coat
• Thermals
• Your favourite pair of jeans

Travel Tech and Accessories

Whether it’s keeping your gadgets alive or staying fresh on the move, these travel tech and small but mighty accessories have you covered for every Tokyo adventure.

• Headphones or earphones
• Portable charger
• Universal travel adapter
• E-reader
• Camera
• Charging cables
• Tile trackers / Air tag
• Small hand towel
• Reusable water bottle
• Notebook or travel journal

AMAZON
Kindle (2024)

$199$179 at AMAZON

BOSE
QuietComfort Headphones

$350 at BOSE

Cygnett
ChargePro 20K Power Bank

$99.95 at JB HI-FI

AMAZON
Universal Power Adaptor

$29.99 at AMAZON

Luggage and Organisation

Arguably the most essential part of any trip is what you’re packing everything into (and what you’ll use to cart home your Tokyo finds). From well-designed suitcases to a trusty day bag, these luggage must-haves make packing easier, keep you organised and take the stress out of travel.

• Cabin bag
• Weekender bag
• Day bag
• Packing cells
• Toiletry bag
• Foldable shopping bag
• Wallet or coin purse
• Check-in suitcase
• Passport holder
• Luggage tag

RIMOWA
Classic Cabin suitcase

$2360 at RIMOWA

ANTLER
Essential Weekender Bag in Stone

$120 at ANTLER

JULY
Packing Cells – Four Pack

$55 at JULY

DELSEY
Chatelet Air check-in suitcase

$799 at myer

FAQs

The post What to pack for Tokyo: The ultimate packing list for every season appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

This is a place where long lunches stretch on in vineyard dining rooms, where afternoons can be whiled away in antique shops, and where slow strolls through the countryside are best followed by a glass of cool-climate pinot by the fire. Whether you come for the food, the wine, the gardens or starry night skies, the Highlands always deliver.

Here, we check out the best places to eat, drink, and stay in the Southern Highlands.

You might also like From historic homesteads to romantic cottages: 7 luxury stays in Orange NSW

Best Southern Highlands breakfast spots

Moonacres Kitchen

At Moonacres Kitchen in the sleepy village of Robertson, chef Stephen Santucci (formerly of Vini, Surry Hills) brings refined flair to the Southern Highlands’ café scene. Breakfast and lunch dishes are grounded in organic produce from Moonacres Farm and other local growers, with standout plates including avocado on black beans with poached eggs and smoked chilli, slow roast pork neck with pickled peppers, and the cult-favourite charred broccoli sandwich layered with cashew butter. The menu evolves with the seasons, from house-made charcuterie to retired dairy cow brisket bruschetta. Relaxed yet ambitious, it’s the go-to spot for a produce-driven breakfast.

Plantation Café

This airy, plant-filled café, is situated next door to Harry’s on Green Lane in the Bowral dining and shopping precinct. With lofty ceilings, long trestle tables and earthy interiors, it’s a popular destination among locals and visitors alike. Stop in for an excellent Double Roasters coffee and fresh-baked treats, or for something more substantial try the house beans with chorizo, bacon and maple syrups, or eggs Benedict with house smoked salmon.

Flour Bar

Housed in a beautifully restored 1950s bank, Flour Bar in Moss Vale delivers all-day dining with small-town charm and big-city polish. A favourite with early risers, doors open at 6am to start serving some of the best coffee in the Highlands (Mecca beans) and a full breakfast menu. The bakery turns out fresh seeded sourdough, croissants and pastries daily, as well as classic café offerings including a three-cheese toastie, and crab and corn fritters. By midday the space transforms into a buzzing bar, serving cocktails, wines and relaxed sharing menus, with dinner and tasting plates into the evening.

Best Southern Highlands lunch spots

Osborn House fire feast

Enjoy a leisurely long lunch with a three-course immersive outdoor fire feast at Osborn House. Expect slow-cooked chooks, coal-kissed chorizo and grilled veggies, which emerge from a dramatic fire pit cooking set-up. Based on the asado – a traditional Argentinian barbeque – it’s as much an event as a dining experience. Bookings recommended.

Burrawang Village Hotel

The historic Burrawang Village Hotel is entering a new chapter under new local ownership. Closed temporarily for renovations, the much-loved country pub is expected to reopen in November 2025 with a state-of-the-art kitchen, refreshed interiors featuring antique furnishings, and new outdoor teak from Cotswold Furniture. Celebrated Shoalhaven local, chef Alex Prichard, is curating a seasonal comfort-food menu showcasing the best local produce, paired with an excellent wine and beverage list.

Bendooley Estate

A food and book-lovers dream, the Book Barn restaurant at Bendooley Estate comes with a backdrop of shelves lined with rare and antiquarian books. The seasonal menu showcases Southern Highlands produce, with standout dishes including beetroot and Pernod-cured ocean trout with horseradish crème fraîche, and slow-cooked pork shoulder wrapped in prosciutto with beans, cavolo nero and apple relish, paired with local wines from Berrima. Drop into the cellar door for a wine tasting, or stock up on goodies to take home at the Bendooley Estate Larder in Bowral, just 10 minutes down the road.

Best Southern Highlands dinner spots

Eschalot

Walking into this historic stone building in the Southern Highlands, past fire-place warmed rooms buzzing with locals and travellers alike, feels like stepping into the dining room in a friend’s elegant country home. The seasonal menu, complemented by a chef’s generous “feed me” option, showcases the best of the region: think whole plate fish with cherry tomato and walnut agrodolce, or spatchcock with paprika butter and buttered leeks. The cooking is precise yet soulful, with produce at its peak and service that radiates warmth.

Paste

Paste is the Australian outpost of Thai chef Bee Satongun and her husband, Mittagong local Jason Bailey. The award-winning duo reimagine centuries-old Thai recipes through a modern lens, layering Australian produce with aromatic spice pastes and unexpected textures. The light snack plates pack a serious punch, from aromatic choo chee prawns to watermelon salad with Huon river trout caviar. For mains, expect classics with a twist, such as duck salad made with roasted larb paste, crisp duck liver, banana flower and hot mint, or a fragrant Northern Thai curry of chicken, pickled garlic and ginger.

What If Society

As part of thriving food co-op What If Society, The Studio is a coffee shop by day and wine bar by night. As evening falls, the focus sharpens on snacky plates that showcase the region’s freshest produce, with a menu designed to pair perfectly with your tipple of choice. The “Trust the Chef” menu is the highlight, a spontaneous procession of courses that evolves with the week’s harvest. Dinner here is seasonal and spontaneous, a celebration of community and connection.

Coming soon: Three Blue Ducks Burradoo

As they celebrate 15 years, Three Blue Ducks are set to open a sixth venue in the Southern Highlands in the coming months. The working farm in Burradoo (owned by Annie Cannon-Brookes, a major backer of the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation) will comprise a restaurant, bakery and produce store, in the style of The Farm in Byron Bay. “This venue is an opportunity to bring together everything we love by sourcing ethically grown produce direct from the farm, baking the bread, serving it all on-site and, most importantly, sharing that experience with our guests,” says co-owner Andy Allen.

Best Southern Highlands accommodation

Osborn House

Southern Highlands charm is distilled into stylish, modern manor living at Osborn House. Leaning into its stately bones, the property invites you to settle in and soak up the intimate atmosphere. The common spaces are the work of former Soho House group design director Linda Boronkay, combining art and whimsy to create thoughtful spaces that beckon you to sink back with a magazine, book or glass of wine. With fireplaces aplenty, Osborn House is the perfect cool-climate retreat. 

Moss Manor

Statement fabrics and marble fireplaces bring a modern elegance to this grand Georgian manor in the Southern Highlands town of Moss Vale. Once home to the mayor and his council chambers, the residence now features eight character-filled suites, including the opulent Sophia suite, with its freestanding marble bath. A modern, glass-walled extension by award-winning architect Luke Moloney houses the manor’s dining room and lounge, where guests can enjoy a fireside drink or bespoke private dinner, as well as the daily artisanal breakfast.

Burrawang House

Burrawang House seamlessly blends polished modern living with warm country character to create the perfect spot for group getaways or multi-generational gatherings. Set on an acre of land, this sprawling country home can sleep up to 16 guests across its five bedrooms, including a cleverly designed bunk room that sleeps eight. With indoor and outdoor dining areas and a fully equipped farmhouse kitchen, the house is made for entertaining, with plenty to occupy guests of all ages, including a separate games room located away from the main house. And as you sip a glass of rosé and lounge poolside (fully heated with a spa) it’s easy to forget you’re still only a 90-minute drive from Sydney and not in the south of France. Sunsets are best enjoyed fireside, overlooking the pool deck, where the home’s original 19th-century fireplace completes the scene.

Getting around the Southern Highlands

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The post Where to eat and drink in the Southern Highlands appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

As industry voices observe, Australians appear to be taking fewer trips but investing more in each, prioritising quality over quantity. It’s a shift toward slower, more meaningful escapes and journeys designed with care, not compromise.

That’s where American Express’ Plan It instalments* comes in — a way to manage travel expenses more effectively and turn those dream destinations into a reality. American Express Credit Card Members can use Plan It Instalments to pay off individual purchases or a portion of their statement balance and spread the cost over time. There’s no interest, just a fixed monthly fee. That way, you can approach your next adventure with flexibility, travelling on your terms and within your means.

From the Aegean to the Arctic, these five journeys prove planning ahead doesn’t limit spontaneity, it unlocks it.

Paros Island, Greece

Known as the ‘mini-Mykonos’, it’s no surprise the Cycladic Island of Paros was named the world’s best island for 2025. Less crowded than Mykonos, yet just as charming, this luminous island offers everything from lively beach clubs and top-shelf dining to secluded coves and a slower, more sophisticated rhythm.

With neighbouring islands such as Naxos, and Anti-Paros under an hour’s boat ride away, Paros is the perfect base for island hopping. Or simply settle into the town of Naoussa where long, seaside lunches and late-night shopping are encouraged. Stay at Parīlio, a design-led haven and member of Design Hotels where you can bask in Aegean elegance without the crowds. With Plan It, American Express Credit Card Members can turn dream experiences — from flights and ferries to yacht charters — into equal monthly instalments over 3, 6, or 12 months, with no interest and only a fixed monthly fee. Plans start from $100 and can be cancelled at any time, giving you the flexibility to bring your Cycladic adventure to life.

Kyoto, Japan

Japan topped travel lists for years, and for 2026 it’s leading once again, with Tokyo and Kyoto named the top two cities in the world, just ahead of Paris.  For those drawn to thoughtful, slow luxury, Kyoto deserves a place at the top of your ‘one day’ list. There’s a meditative beauty to Kyoto — from the ritual of a tea ceremony and the precision of a multi-course kaiseki meal, to the calm within Aman Kyoto’s secret garden. Steeped in stillness, it’s the counterpoint to fast travel: considered and thoughtful, much like the way Australian’s are choosing to explore into 2026.

Antarctica

Long considered the frontier of adventurous travel, Antarctica may not be the first place that comes to mind when picturing a luxury holiday — yet its growing appeal among tourists tells a different story. Thanks to technological advances and a surge in appetite for remote destinations, you can now sail to the edge of the world aboard luxury liners such as Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. Fine dining and French design meets pure discovery aboard these boutique ships.

Whether it’s the magnetic isolation that’s nothing like your ordinary routine or the cinematic icescapes, Plan It helps you structure your travel spend — so the extraordinary feels achievable.

New York, USA

There are few cities in the world that deliver the thrill of New York. Its appeal hasn’t faded and remains a must for travellers of every persuasion. Think long lunches at hotspots such as Balthazar, mornings at the Met, shopping along Fifth Avenue, and nights under the neon glow of Times Square. For accommodation, book an icon such as The Carlyle, where Art Deco charm and Manhattan energy converge for the ultimate New York experience.

The Maldives

This magical destination, where the horizon feels infinite and time is elusive, remains the ultimate romantic escape built on exclusivity and seclusion. A place where you sleep to the sound of the waves lapping at your overwater bungalow, and shoes are optional while you dine on the sand.

The newly opened Soneva Secret in the remote Haa Dhaalu Atoll takes barefoot luxury to another level, with just 14 villas and a dedicated Barefoot Guardian to anticipate every need. It’s luxury in its purest form — personal, poetic and profoundly peaceful, yet still within reach. With Plan It, American Express Credit Card Members can spread the cost of multi-flight journeys and five-star stays into equal monthly instalments, making it easier to plan your once-in-a-lifetime overwater experience.

* A fixed monthly fee and terms and conditions apply. Read the full terms and conditions here

The post From Bucket List to Boarding Pass — on Your Terms appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

Thankfully, delicious respite is closer at hand, thanks to a handful of nearby destinations that make for tempting and doable daytrips. Of course, true beauty lays in lingering, and we strongly recommend unwinding over a two- or three-night stay, and giving yourself the opportunity to observe more by doing less.

Day trips from Tokyo: Nikko

A sense of calm washes over you, just shy of two hours from Tokyo. Approaching Tobu-Nikko station in neighbouring Tochigi Prefecture, majestic mountain ranges and lush cedar forests flood the picture windows of futuristic Spacia X – the most direct express train to the region. Stepping from the platform into the quaint village must feel similar to journeying from London to Hogwarts, but this is just the starting point for a choose your own adventure.

What to do in Nikko

Ten minutes by bus, several UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites await leisurely exploration, but there’s no rush. Instead, acclimatise gently in a classic Showa-era kissaten (coffee house), or by savouring age-yuba manju (deep-fried soy milk skin buns) laden with sweet azuki-bean paste. Nikko Tosho-gu, which enshrines Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is revered for its intricate carvings of Three Wise Monkeys, is perched within a sprawl of cultural edifices, all within dawdling distance. Not far from pretty Shoyo-en garden you’ll find the legendary Shinkyo Bridge, a brushstroke of protective vermilion and black, linking the banks of languid Daiya River.

Although Nikko National Park is a playground for all seasons, historically it served as a summer retreat for aristocratic Tokyo-ites (including foreign diplomats). Seeking cooler climes, they tucked into ichigo kakigori (shaved ice) doused in intensely aromatic puréed Tochigi strawberries, with sweet cream sourced from nearby pastures.

Breathtaking Lake Chuzenji, reclining at the foot of sacred Mount Nantai, is worth every cent of the 30-minute taxi-fare for the skyward drive along Iroha Slope’s 48 scenery-hogging, hairpin bends – it’s especially sublime in autumn. Admire the lake from the sidelines, gently paddle around its surface fishing for trout, or take to its 25-kilometre circumference by foot or bicycle. Visit picturesque Kegon Falls, forest-frolic with Bambi among spring’s alpine flowers, or plough Okunikko’s refreshingly quiet ski fields during snow-white winters.

Where to stay in Nikko

Traditional ryokan (inns) arc around the lake’s onsen-rich fringe but the jewel in the crown is The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, which is incomparable. Beautifully polished but unpretentious, every space is utterly enticing, designed for maximum relaxation. No-one will judge if you remain in your room, soaking in the panoramic vista from the bath, but it would be a shame to miss high-tea by the fire, sumptuous farm to table menus in all restaurants, or rare Japanese whisky over hand-carved ice, hauled from a natural-ice farm – true story.

Day trips from Kyoto: Ohara

Tranquil Ohara feels so very distant from Kyoto’s eternally bustling city streets, despite its location, just 50 minutes north of Kyoto station by bus, and even closer from the city’s central hotels.

What to do in Ohara

Excursionists tend to spend a tight handful of hours clambering Ohara’s spiritual temple trail, which is barely enough time to acquaint themselves with autumnal favourite Jakko-in and stupendously grounding Sanzen-in, yet no-one leaves without souvenirs. The main pathways to both properties are lined with shacks selling carefully preserved foods, grown within this important Kyoto food bowl, including seasonal pickles, dried mushrooms, candied yuzu or ginger, and red shiso-leaf cordial (which no gin bar worth its salt should be without). Opposite Sanzen-in’s entrance, several eateries serve freshly set, wobbly tofu, most commonly enjoyed as yudofu (literally, bathing tofu) which is fished from a simmering donabe (pot) and seasoned with savoury accompaniments.

Kyoto residents, meanwhile, are more concerned with meet-ups at Sunday’s Ohara Fureai Asaichi (morning farmers’ market) and discussing which downtown restaurants are showcasing Ohara-grown Kyo-yasai (premium Kyoto veg). Go early for the market, or people-free Sanzen-in but never, ever rush a meditative matcha while contemplating the temple’s bewitching Shuheki-en garden. Take your time to examine the contagiously euphoric expression on each face of the carved stone Jizo (deities) guarding the temple grounds, purpose-built for year-round wandering and reflection. It’s undeniably difficult to drag yourself away but a box of signature incense will help sustain its essence back at home.

Where to eat in Ohara

Restaurant La Bûche’s innovative cuisine is created with ingredients gathered or “trapped by chance” in surrounding pine and bamboo forests, which are subsequently flashed, simmered or smoked over its namesake firewood. A welcome tea of steeped sundried grape-leaves readies the palate for pain d’épices sandwiched with an unexpectedly silken venison-liver pâté. Lardo-like slivers of slow-cooked Anaguma (Japanese badger) dissolve on the tongue, desperately leaving you wanting more. Pistachio-hued kujo negi (a Japanese leek-like allium and Kyo-yasai) and coriander ice-cream is also curiously addictive, and foraged wild greens will have you running for the hills, in a good way. With one newly awarded Michelin star, you’ll need to book well ahead.

Where to stay in Ohara

Constructed as a wealthy merchant’s thatchedroofed villa in the late 1700s and now a ryokan, Hachikan sleeps one party at a time guaranteeing private use of the phenomenal facilities. An onsite spa (featuring indoor/outdoor onsen, steam sauna, aroma showers and massage service), peaceful garden tea-house and exquisite dining (by the former chef of Kyoto’s most exclusive kaiseki restaurant) make this a retreat for all senses.

Day trips from Osaka: Nara

What to do in Nara

This ancient city and former capital, best explored on foot, can be reached in 40 minutes by train or car from Osaka’s heart. While Nara features on informed tourist’s itineraries, few witness the joy of Shikayose, a French horn melody summoning around 1300 slumbering sacred deer to breakfast, who subsequently bounce from the woods of Nara Park like a tsunami of fur-pelted pogo sticks.

While the park itself never sleeps, key sights including Todai-ji’s Daibutsu (15-metre-tall, bronzed Buddha) and lantern-lined Kasuga Taisha (shrine), only begin to stir between 7am and 8am (season dependent) which, for those staying in-situ means hours of uninterrupted post-sunrise strolling.

Where to stay in Nara

Poised between the park’s greenery and handsome old-town of Naramachi, elegant Noborioji Hotel boasts large (for Japan), luxuriously appointed rooms and old-fashioned service. Communal areas, including formal French Restaurant Le Bois, and an intimate bar, furnished in dark timber and leather, give off exclusive club vibes

Where to shop in Nara

Nearby, Higashimuki Shotengai (adjacent to Kintetsu Nara station), is a colourful arcade dotted with antiquities and favoured foodstuffs including mellow, umami-dense Narazuke pickles, preserved in sake and mirin lees. At its southern exit, a dog leg left then right, leads you deep into Naramachi, resplendent with historic and culturally significant dwellings and structures. A clutch of former machiya (shop-houses) including the elegant Koshi-no-le (Lattice House), and artisan experiences, such as Kinkoen’s sumi ink-making workshop, offer some fascinating insight into Japan’s Edo and Meiji periods.

Evocative laneways populated with refreshment stops, handcrafted wares and a growing swathe of pocket-sized galleries and museums, fade into quiet Takabatake-cho neighbourhood, anchored by fashionable Fufu Nara Hotel; favoured for seclusion, comfort and bespoke herbal treatments.

Sipping Nara’s lauded nihonshu (sake) or umeshu (plum wine), made with the fruit of the region’s abundant plum trees is a fine way to end the day, but a meal at humble Tou No Cha-ya, specialising in cha-gayu (green tea-flavoured rice gruel), gifts the diner a lesson in the perfection of simplicity.

Day Trips from Japan FAQs

The post The best day trips from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

if you’re thinking, ‘wasn’t Wicked filmed on a sound stage?’, you’d be partly correct. Most of the Wicked franchise was filmed in Sky Studios Elstree in Hertfordshire, England. However, there are some Wicked: For Good filming locations you can visit in real life—and they’re even more breathtaking than the sets you see on screen. From picturesque tulip fields, to the desert backdrop of Oz, these places are surprisingly real, and easily accessible. So, if you’re looking for travel inspiration for 2026, allow us to indulge you in some cinematic destinations.

Discover where you can find the destinations that inspired the land of Oz, Shiz university and more with our collection of Wicked: For Good filming locations.

Wicked: For Good filming locations, 2025

White Desert National Park, Egypt

Wicked For Good filming location: Elphaba desert scene

In the Wicked: For Good trailer, we catch a glimpse of Elphaba removing her hood against a desert backdrop. The purple sunset sky and iconic dome-shaped land forms suggest this is the White Desert National Park. The Wicked: For Good IMDb page also confirms some filming took place in Cairo, Egypt. 

Where to stay near the White Desert, Egypt:

Given the desert’s remote location, safari camps are the go-to accommodation option. The luxury option is to stay in Cairo, and do a camping tour for one or two nights. Check out Cairo Airbnbs or luxury stays.

Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex

Wicked For Good filming location: Elphaba’s Flying Monkeys broom chase; ‘The Wizard and I’ scene in Wicked

The Seven Sisters Country Park served as a filming location for scenes in both Wicked and Wicked: For Good. In the Wicked: For Good trailer shows Elphaba escaping some flying monkeys just beyond the seaside cliffs. Meanwhile, the Seven Sisters Country Park was also where Cynthia Erivo finished her phenomenal rendition of ‘The Wizard And I’ in the first Wicked film. 

Where to stay near the Seven Sisters Cliffs: 

There are plenty of premium hotels in nearby Eastbourne, the larger town in the area. Try The Grand Hotel for seaside elegance. You might also find yourself settling in nicely to a cosy and picturesque Airbnb cottage in the East Sussex area.

The Seven Sisters are also a popular day trip from London, accessible via a 1.5-2 hour train, plus a bus or hike. Discover Gourmet Traveller’s picks for London hotels. 

Cuckmere River, East Sussex, UK

Wicked For Good filming location: Landscape shots of Oz, flying scenes

The unmissable bends of the Cuckmere River inspired the landscapes of Oz. In the Wicked: For Good trailer, we can see Elphaba flying over the spiralling riverbends, which have been digitally enhanced to create the fantasy of Oz. 

Where to stay near Cuckmere River: 

The Cuckmere River is only a walk from the Seven Sisters, so you can see two-in-one Wicked filming locations when you’re there. Check out accommodation in Eastborne or See our suggestions for the Seven Sisters Country Park.

Belmont Nurseries / Norfolk Tulip Fields, UK

Wicked For Good filming location: Elphaba and Glinda in the fields at Shiz,

Rows of brightly-coloured flowers can be seen in the trailer for Wicked: For Good, meaning the sequel has re-visited a filming location from the first film. Certain shots of Munchkinland, and of Elphaba and Glinda in a tulip field, were filmed at Belmont Nurseries tulip fields in the UK county of Norfolk. Located near the historic town of King’s Lynn, the nurseries, now better known as Norfolk Tulips, feature acres of flower beds in an array of colours. In 2024, Norfolk Tulips announced on Instagram that they’d been part of the filming of Wicked. “We have been keeping a very big secret for a while now… We are proud to share that we were the hosts of Munchkinland for the new Wicked film that has been released today,” they wrote on Instagram alongside shots of their picturesque fields. 

Where to stay in Norfolk, near the Wicked tulip fields:

The closest town is King’s Lynn, where you can stay at The Old Rectory or Dukes Head Hotel. There’s also the Ffolkes hotel, a three-minute drive down the road. If you have a car you can pick any number of the surrounding manor homes in Norfolk. As of 2025, you can also stay at the nearby Sandringham Estate—an official residence of the British royal family. There are also some luxe Airbnb stays, including the Treehouse in Grimston.

While Norfolk Tulips has not released any details for their 2026 season, they opened for guests in 2025 in April. Tickets were 10 each, and were in high demand—so there’s a chance these will rise in price this year. Tulips typically bloom in the UK between March and May, so you may want to keep an eye on the @norfolk_tulips social media for any news of 2026 ticket release.

Elphaba’s Retreat

Wicked For Good filming location: Inspired by Elphaba’s hideaway in the forest

In Wicked: For Good, Elphaba’s forest hideaway was actually constructed by the film’s set designers. Speaking to Variety, the production designer, Nathan Crowley, said they collected wood from local forests in the UK to weave the twisty, willow-like retreat. While you can’t visit this actual filming location, Airbnb has recreated Elphaba’s Retreat in Thousand Oaks, California. Unfortunately, bookings for this limited experience have now closed.  The overnight stay includes a visit from Erivo herself, with chats over tea, a tour of the recreated hideout in the ‘Ozian Forest’, a broom crafting session and more.

You can still check it out at Airbnb.

Where to watch Wicked For Good in Australia

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We’re in Bonifacio, an ancient fortress town on the French island of Corsica, a landmass so ravishing the ancient Greeks named it Kalliste, “the fairest one”, and countless empires battled to claim it as their own. Bonifacio is the island’s oldest and most southerly town, and, with its medieval citadel set 70 metres above the sea and a marina bobbing with yachts below, it’s widely considered the most beautiful, too. We wind up cobblestone streets and vertiginous staircases that open onto sun-bleached squares, then through bustling alleys to lookout points where we gaze back in time. “Bonifacio’s strategic location on maritime trade routes made it a prime target for pirates,” explains Lola, gesturing out at the panorama. “But it’s notoriously treacherous to navigate and the sea floor is scattered with wreckage. According to legend, pirate treasure is still buried in the caves. This place is full of secrets.”

Corsica is enigmatic in more ways than one.The fourth largest island in the Mediterranean, it combines dramatic mountains, which cover two-thirds of the terrain, with sandy shores. It’s closer to mainland Italy than its mother country, France, and just 25 minutes by boat from Sardinia. Ruled over time by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Genoese, Pisans and French, modern Corsica is a mash-up and melting pot of influences: Genoese architecture, Pisan-adjacent dialects, Italian joy and a fierce pride inherited from the French, who took control of the region in 1768.

It’s a combination that makes it distinctly its own thing, with a spirit of resistance and autonomy that’s summed up by my taxi driver as we pull out of Figari-Sud Corse, one of the island’s four international airports. “I’m Corsican, not French.”

It’s June, so the roads aren’t yet jammed, but in July and August they’ll ground to a standstill as the population swells from around 350,000 to two million. Most visitors come from mainland France for their annual summer jaunt, with travellers from further afield making up a small minority. This is curious, given the magnetic pull of the south of France – and geographically speaking, Corsica is the true south of France, with crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches and a glorious Mediterranean climate. But it’s also rugged around the edges, void of recognisable hotel chains and a little trickier to access, demanding an extra flight or boat trip, meaning it remains something of a hidden treasure. Like the buried pirate loot.

We curve up jagged peaks, through seas of shrubland known as maquis, and down rocky, rural roads. “Corsica produces one per cent of French wine,” says my driver as he tackles a gnarly bend with a rally-driver’s swerve. “Based on the roads we created, you can tell we drink a lot of it.”

The beauty of Corsica doesn’t always come easy, it would seem. Sometimes you have to take a primitive route, or trek up steep terrain, to behold the most exquisite vista. But it appears in sharp focus as we arrive at hotel U Capu Biancu, a rustically luxe retreat on the secluded bay of Sant’Amanza, 10 kilometres from Bonifacio.

Driftwood daybeds are positioned to catch the sun; an alfresco bar serves clementine and myrtle liqueurs made by the in-house sommelier, Vanessa Maloyer; a hand-scrawled sign leads down to a private beach backed by salt-baked cliffs, where boats pull up at the jetty and day-trippers disembark for lunch. You could be at a beach club in Mykonos or Ibiza, albeit without the throngs or thrumming beats.

Owned and operated for more than 30 years by the local Limongi family, the hotel has a loyal, return guest base and relies nearly entirely on word of mouth. Recently, they opened sister property U Mulinu, a private villa built on the remains of a 13th-century grain mill on a Bonifacio clifftop.

At U Capu Biancu, the 39 rooms and suites are designed like kitschy beach shacks with exposed beams, dry-stone walls and, if you’re lucky, a deck that captures the breathtaking red blaze at sunrise. Wild lavender and rosemary perfume the air, and the grounds are dotted with hammocks and cabanas framed by olive trees and flowering oleander bushes. It’s the kind of place you could fly and flop, but the pull to explore outside is strong. Renting a car is recommended; taxis are pricey and scarce here, especially in summer, and driving is the best way to discover the island if you’re game for the winding roads. For day trips, head to the blissful beaches of Palombaggia and Tamaricciu, then visit the old town of Porto-Vecchio for chic boutiques and pastel-hued gelaterias. Take a seat on a terrasse and order cannelloni stuffed with brocciu, Corsica’s creamy, ricotta-like “national” cheese, and a Capo Spritz, made from fortified local Cap Corse wine.

It was Corsica’s prodigal son Napoleon Bonaparte, born in the capital of Ajaccio in 1769, who saw the island’s potential for viticulture and encouraged the planting of grapes. At U Capu Biancu, sommelier Maloyer has a wine cave stocked with more than 6000 bottles, 85 per cent of which are Corsican. Once a week, she hosts a mystery dinner in the cellar where guests sip from black wine glasses, then are blindfolded as they’re guided through a sensory tasting menu.

The air of mystery carries through to a lazy lunch at the main restaurant, where the mood is breezy and bohemian and the blue sea shimmers from every vantage point. Chef Gadio El Hadji, who’s helmed the kitchen for three decades, serves up artfully crafted fare: a terrine of veggies plucked from the permaculture garden, velvety squid ink linguine worth the inevitable black-stained lips, and for dessert, his “secret” tarte Tatin. A disc of white chocolate appears in front of me, then thick caramel sauce is poured on top, melting the chocolate to reveal… well, it’s a secret. And Corsica is renowned for those.

But the secret of the island itself, this dazzling rough diamond in the Mediterranean Sea? That will be harder to keep.

How to spend 10 days in Corsica

Road trip from north to south, tracing the coast via these pitstops. But remember, the magic often lies in the space in between.

Bastia

A bustling, historic port town in the northeast.

Stay

At Hôtel Des Gouverneurs, a seafront property in the heart of the city.

Corte

A commune that’s a key stop along the GR20 hiking trails, once you head inland.

Stay

Make yourself at home at the tranquil Dominique Colonna, a luxury hotel nestled in the woods.

Cap Corse

A rugged peninsula with secluded beaches and sleepy villages.

Stay

A five-star stay at Misincu never goes astray — particularly with an ocean-facing room.

Ajaccio

Corsica’s capital and Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace, rich with history.

Stay

Soak up sea views at Hotel Les Mouettes, located within five minutes of Trottel Beach.

Saint-Florent

A sparkling bay on the northern coast, dubbed the St Tropez of Corsica.

Stay

At the impeccable Boutique Hôtel Responsable et Restaurant Basgi Basgi — ideal for a romantic escape.

Bonifacio

The dramatic southernmost tip of the island.

Stay

At rustically-luxe Hotel U Capu Biancu.

Calvi

A picturesque town with a medieval citadel on the northwestern coast.

Stay

At the charming Campo di Fiori – Maisons de Charme.

Porto-Vecchio

Known for its sublime beaches and stylish hilltop old town.

Stay

Enjoy uninterrupted views of Porto Vecchio at Hotel Don Cesar.

Need to know

With four airports, Corsica is well connected, with direct flights available from France and other European capitals. Ferries operate from Toulon, Nice, Marseille and Sardinia. Expect prices in line with the south of France; the island’s remote location drives up travel and food costs, and accommodation leans towards boutique rather than budget.

The road less travelled

Reach Corsica via the road less travelled. Experience all-inclusive, ultra-luxury with APT Luxury Travel and Seabourn on an exclusive small ship cruise. Discover breathtaking islands, iconic landmarks, rich history and local cuisine on APT’s fifteen-day Mediterranean Wonders.

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From guided tours and hands-on tastings to waterfront dining and cool-climate wineries, Tasmania offers some of Australia’s most immersive culinary adventures. It’s where Ashgrove Cheese lets you follow milk from pasture to plate, Willie Smith’s Apple Shed turns orchard walks into cider-making masterclasses, and The Lobster Shack plates up the day’s catch with waves as your soundtrack.

At Devil’s Corner Cellar Door, panoramic views meet world-class pinot noir, while Stillwater Restaurant in Launceston champions local farmers, fishers and makers with every dish. Together, these experiences capture the raw, generous spirit of Tasmania, a place where food miles are low and every visit lingers long after you’ve left.

Ashgrove Cheese

“Handmade” takes on a whole new meaning at this landmark family-owned northern Tasmanian dairy farm, where the original Ashgrove factory was hand-built by the Bennett family from repurposed mining equipment. Today, its award-winning cheeses draw visitors to the dairy door for generous and educational farm-fresh tasting experiences. Self-guided farm tours reveal the cheesemakers at work, stirring curds to craft their Vintage Cheddar, Smoked Red Leicester and Bushberry Lancashire. It’s an authentic glimpse into Tasmania’s artisan dairy tradition, where generations of expertise meet just-picked passion.

Willie Smith’s Apple Shed

A visit to Willie Smith’s Apple Shed sparks nostalgia for a simpler time, when new products were born from necessity and seasonal abundance. Since Willie Smith first founded the orchard in 1888 in the beautiful Huon Valley — Tasmania’s Southern fruit bowl — this family operation has been championing heritage apple varieties and pressing award-winning cider. Wander through the historic orchards, sample flights of crisp, botanical-driven ciders in the rustic tasting room, and discover how traditional cider-making methods honour both fruit and place. The Apple Shed Museum offers a fascinating window into Tasmania’s colonial orcharding history, while the on-site eatery serves seasonal, orchard-to-table fare that celebrates the region’s produce.

The Lobster Shack

There are few dining experiences as visceral and rewarding as cracking into a just-caught lobster (or crayfish, as the locals call them) while overlooking the waters it came from. The Lobster Shack, perched on Tasmania’s rugged east coast near Bicheno, delivers exactly that; an unpretentious, immersive seafood experience where the catch of the day is the star. Here, rock lobsters are pulled from the cold Southern Ocean and transformed into simple, spectacular dishes: steamed whole with garlic butter, tossed through creamy pasta, or served in generous seafood platters alongside local oysters and fish. But it’s the lobster roll that keeps the locals and visitors coming back for more. The alfresco setting is refreshingly unfussy, letting the quality of Tasmania’s pristine seafood and the coastal landscape speak for itself.

Devil’s Corner Cellar Door

Positioned on a dramatic peninsula where the Tasman Sea meets rolling vineyard hills, Devil’s Corner offers one of Tasmania’s most spectacular wine-tasting settings. At the cellar door you’ll find elegant, cool-climate wines — particularly their lauded pinot noir and crisp sparkling varieties. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame panoramic views of the Hazards mountain range. It’s a sensory experience where every pour is enhanced by the wild beauty of Freycinet Peninsula. 

Stillwater Restaurant

In a converted 1830s flourmill on the banks of Launceston’s Kanamaluka / River Tamar, Stillwater Restaurant has become synonymous with refined Tasmanian dining. The menu is a love letter to the island’s producers, featuring heritage-breed meats, day-boat seafood and heirloom vegetables sourced from trusted local farmers and fishers. Each dish is a study in restraint and precision, allowing the exceptional quality of Tasmanian ingredients to shine. The dining room — with its soaring timber beams, gallery-white walls and riverside aspect — provides an elegant backdrop for what is one of Australia’s finest regional restaurants. At Stillwater, tasting Tasmania’s seasons is an art form, where every plate tells the story of people, place and provenance.

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Rising above the banks of the Brisbane River – known to the Turrbal and Yugara peoples as Maiwar – is a city beyond the ordinary. Here, rooftop terraces capture the golden-hour light in champagne coupes, hidden Italian gems perch on the water’s edge, and the best cultural events unfold beneath a canopy of stars. From boutique hotels in Brisbane that command skyline views, to riverfront restaurants showcasing Queensland’s coastal larder, these are the experiences that define the city’s new era of subtropical sophistication.

The Terrace at Emporium Hotel – Brisbane’s sky-High sanctuary

Perched atop the Emporium Hotel in South Bank, The Terrace is where Brisbane’s architectural ambition meets its culinary coming-of-age. Beneath a retractable glass roof, this rooftop bar and restaurant unfolds like a glittering stage with panoramic views sweeping across the Brisbane River and city skyline.

The menu takes the best of Queensland produce and overlays it with Asian accents. Mooloolaba king prawn sliders are sandwiched with wasabi mayo and tobiko; and the chargrilled grain-fed OP Rib is served with a Korean yellow mustard. Signature cocktails, such as Liquid Sunshine, catch the afternoon light. This is Brisbane luxury at its most confident. It’s proof that the city’s best hotels now stand proudly on any global itinerary. Whether you’re plotting things to do in Brisbane or simply seeking the city’s finest sunset ritual, The Terrace delivers an experience that’s hard to replicate.

Brisbane Powerhouse – where culture meets the river

On the northern bank in New Farm, the Brisbane Powerhouse anchors the city’s creative pulse. This brutalist former power station now hums with contemporary theatre, visual art and dining energy that draws crowds across the water. Bar Alto brings Italian soul to the precinct, while the Dendy Outdoor Cinema transforms warm evenings into an arthouse affair under the stars.

Come summer, the Night Feast festival takes over the forecourt (you’ll catch it until 9 November so be quick). It’s where acclaimed chefs and artisans collaborate beneath string lights, reimagining local produce in dishes that blur the line between theatre and table. The New Farm Riverwalk offers the perfect pre-show meander: jacarandas overhead, skyline reflections shimmering below.

Otto Osteria – la dolce vita, Brisbane style

Back across the river at South Bank, Otto Osteria’s sunlit terrazza overlooks the Goodwill Bridge. Chef Will Cowper’s menu celebrates coastal Queensland with elegant restraint: grilled swordfish dressed simply in lemon oil.

The wine list moves effortlessly from Barolo to Barossa. The mood is intimate, refined, refreshingly unpretentious – exactly the kind of riverfront restaurant Brisbane does best. It’s a hidden gem that feels both discovered and discreet, where every table commands a view.

These experiences chart Brisbane’s evolution from easy going to extraordinary – a city that has mastered understated luxury without sacrificing its subtropical warmth. Brisbane’s moment isn’t coming. It’s already here.

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Some 30 years ago, komle – a working-class dish of potato dumplings served with salted and boiled lamb, sausages and melted butter – was standard midweek fare. This Thursday evening, I’m seated in front of a sleek open kitchen, watching a chef delicately tweeze ramson flowers onto sashimi mahogany clam. It’s one of five “raw bar” courses highlighting the freshest in Norway’s coldwater seafood. Local bivalves, fish and langoustine feature heavily elsewhere on the menu, playfully paired with more international ingredients like kombu, makrut lime and yuzu. But, the last of the 22 courses – kardemommeboller – is a straight-up ode to Norway, still warm from the oven and braided with fragrant cardamom sugar.

I keep half of the sweet bun for my early morning ferry north, day two of my bespoke culinary-themed itinerary taking me an hour and a half out of Bergen. Fedje Island, population around 500, is the kind of place Up Norway is practised in finding for its guests: off-the-radar to many international travellers but entirely deserving of the spotlight. It’s quintessential coastal Norway, with traditional timber homes teetering on the island’s rocky edge, and small fishing boats bobbing in the ferry’s wake. I disembark in the heart of town, though the term is a bit rich given it’s nothing more than a small supermarket, two eateries, a pub and a distillery.

A group of more than a thousand women owns the distillery, explains Therese Storebø, product developer and brand ambassador at Feddie Ocean Distillery, as she guides me around the barrel store. Once an old marine mechanic’s workshop, the industrial shed is now wall to wall with casks, some ex-bourbon, some chestnut, all imparting their characteristics on young whisky. “Our investors are everything from hairdressers, teachers and doctors, to some of the hardest-hitting women in finance in Norway,” says Storebø proudly. “Feddie works hard on sharing knowledge and teaching women how to invest in other areas.” It’s a big philosophy for a boutique distillery on an island barely discernible on the map.

Naturally, Feddie’s concise portfolio – a four-year-old single malt, two gins and three aquavits – lines the backbar of Pernille and Losen Pizza & Søte Saker, the island’s two restaurants run by chef Moritz Drechsel. A London dry and tonic feels a slightly more elevated beverage pairing than a lager for the crisp-based whale, artichoke and olive pizza he serves. It’s an homage to the whaling industry that once sustained the island, Drechsel reinventing it and bringing it into a more modern context.

My culinary discovery road trip, curated by Up Norway, began in Stavanger, the country’s oil and gas capital, just under an hour’s flight from Oslo. Characterised by a quaint, pub-lined harbour and cobbled streets, it has an unusually high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants. Re-Naa, the grandfather of fine-dining in Stavanger, is one of only two restaurants with three stars in all of Norway.

“We’re a very young country when it comes to Michelin stars,” says Torill Renaa who, along with her chef husband Sven Erik, has worked tirelessly over the past 15 years to transform the culinary scene in regional Norway. “When it comes to Stavanger, the first liquor license outside of the local pub came in the ’90s. This area was extremely religious, so the development that happened in that period of time is huge.”

Though the fisheries are no longer the island’s bread and butter, it’s an entirely different story in the village of Bekkjarvik. I’ve been connected with Frank Halstensen at Bekkjarvik Experience, who, in turn, has arranged for his childhood friend, Jan Otto, to take me fishing. It’s a rare, blue-sky day, the water mirroring the mountains back at themselves.

We boat between islands, passing floating salmon farms and clocking soaring sea eagles, before dropping lines to the ocean floor. Norwegians don’t use bait, and it appears it’s void anyway. Within a minute, I’m reeling in a quartet of flapping pollock. They’re not the area’s most prized catch – that’d be herring and cod, both of which are fished in commercial quantities – but they’re just the ticket for our lunch of home-style, chowder-esque fiskesuppe at Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri.

The creamy seafood soup is a Norwegian staple, almost expected on any café menu come summer. But not at Mirabelle, Beckerwyc House’s fine-dining restaurant. “I grew up in Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri,” says Ørjan Johannessen, 2015 Bocuse d’Or winner and owner of Mirabelle. It’s his parents’ historic hotel just down the hill, to which, with Johannessen’s help, they added Beckerwyc House in 2023.

“In the mornings, my brother and I would fish for crabs. We’d stand in front of the hotel and sell them for 10 kroner.” It’s the childhood memory that inspired one of the five snack courses on his 15-course menu: a delicate crab croustade topped with dill and preserved lemon. From my table, I’m able to see the white timber villa of the hotel and harbour Johannessen speaks of. The uninterrupted view of Bekkjarvik is as much a part of the dining experience as the food. 

Iris, the Michelin-starred restaurant at Salmon Eye – a futuristic art installation and aquaculture learning centre that floats on Hardangerfjord – takes this concept one step further by incorporating sound, as well as rooftop views, into its third course. Crotchets and quavers wrap around a langoustine tartare-filled shell, shaped to emulate the mountains before us. A musical rendition of the ridge plays beneath the breeze, each peak mapped out on a stave and turned into a haunting tune.

Inside, the soundtrack changes again, its cadence more reflective of the fjord backdrop. They’re equally immersive, both telling the story of threats to the current global food system and presenting chef Anika Madsen’s ideas for combating them. Colourless salmon plays with the senses while offering insight into the artificial colouring of farmed salmon through its feed. And a crisp snow crab blini arrives on the table with a crab-shell-come-lamp to highlight the discard’s battery powering potential.

After such an all-encompassing experience, it’s with full stomachs, hearts and minds that we board a tender back to shore. The setting sun blazes golden, glittering off the scaled exterior of Salmon Eye, as we circle it for one last time. Iris – the final dining experience on my trip – couldn’t be more apt. The ultimate expression of Norway’s flourishing culinary scene, dining on an innovative menu served while bobbing in the middle of a fjord.

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Where to eat and drink

Lunch at Trees and Fishes for sensational seafood

A short boat hop from Moso Island, Trees and Fishes began life as a fishing charter business, and its restaurant Hacienda has quietly become one of Vanuatu’s most memorable places to eat. “There’s no building — you’re sitting on the beach under a thatched roof,” says Slattery. “And you know the seafood’s fresh because they’re fishing every day.” Run by Angel, who grew up in Vanuatu, the open-air restaurant serves whatever the ocean provides that day, along with freshly harvested island fruit and veg, to create a standout menu of dishes inspired by global flavours and local traditions.

Sip local spirits at 83 Islands Distillery

For a taste of local craft spirits, Slattery points guests toward 83 Islands Distillery on the outskirts of Port Vila. Set in an unassuming industrial pocket, the operation transforms Vanuatu’s abundant sugarcane into small-batch rum. The bar’s polished wood and industrial feel bring a cool urban edge, where tasting flights reveal the nuanced complexity of cane spirits and the cocktail list exclusively showcases its own spirits. “Their Espresso Martinis are great,” says Slattery, “and the Negronis, dangerous,” he says with a grin. 

Grab a burger at Port Vila Burger Co.

Not every great meal in Vanuatu comes with an ocean view. Slattery swears by Port Vila Burger Co., a roadside shipping-container joint run by Danish expat Morten Gerhard, whose obsession with perfect patties has garnered quite the following. “It’s the simplest burger, but the sauce is amazing.” Gerhard’s smash burgers are made with local grassfed beef, freshly baked buns and fermented susut for a local touch, while the house-made ketchup and hot sauces add zip and zing. 

Things to do

Sail Havannah Harbour aboard a luxury yacht

Back over at Havannah Harbour, one of the most popular excursions is aboard a classic 60-foot, custom-built sailboat run by Sailing Vanuatu. Guests spend five lazy hours swimming, snorkelling, visiting idyllic beaches and sightseeing from sea, as well as indulging in a standout barbecue lunch served on deck. It’s an excellent way to cruise the harbour and explore Vanuatu with a large group of friends and family.

Visit fiery Mount Yasur on Tanna Island

For something truly spectacular, Slattery recommends a trip south to Tanna Island, home to one of the world’s most accessible active volcanoes: Mount Yasur. “You literally walk up fifty steps and you’re peering into it,” he says. Tanna is just a short 45-minute flight from Efate, rewarding travellers with a front-row seat to the volcano’s magma magnetism. After a thrill-seeking tour, retreat to one of Tanna’s luxury resorts where you can relish in the remote beauty of Vanuatu’s fiery island.

Swim at the mesmerising Blue Lagoon

Back on Efate, cool off at the famous Blue Lagoon, where fresh and saltwater mingle to create a glass-clear aquamarine pool. “It’s so cool compared to most of the water around here,” says Slattery. “The colour is just amazing.” His insider tip? Go early or avoid cruise-ship days for the quietest swim, then picnic beneath Banyan trees before the journey back to your resort.

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But now I was back: sipping Sanpellegrino under the blue-and-white umbrellas on the beach, steps from the Art Deco hotels of the Promenade des Anglais that I never dreamt of entering as a teenager. And this time, I wasn’t going to waste my second chance to eat like a local.

To do that properly, I needed to understand where I really was. The Côte d’Azur is far bigger than people realise, stretching from the citrus trees of Menton, along the neoclassical streets of Nice, and beyond the beaches of St-Tropez. It’s impossible to define a single culinary identity across that space – despite the stereotype of summertime superyachts, spooning caviar and sipping Champagne. Beneath the spectacle lies something quieter. A rhythm the whole Côte shares, of unhurried meals, easy-sipping cocktails, and cooking made to be shared, not shown off.

Perhaps the best place to begin was with the image that clings hardest to the myth: the beach club. I’m in Juan-les-Pins, staying at Villa Miraé – a Mediterranean-influenced boutique hotel with a restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, in the Cap d’Antibes. It’s here that they still shape what Côte d’Azur leisure means.

As a teenager, I imagined it was all about the ultra-rich offering each other cold stares. But for residents here, a Côte venue on the shore can be familiar and easygoing. A place that’s all about meeting friends, not impressing strangers.

“We really gravitate towards places where we can just chill out and not be in a rush,” explains Catherine St John, general manager at Villa Djunah in Juan-les-Pins.

She describes a relaxed ritual of sharing, with food as a centrepiece of social life, family and community: the joie de vivre at her summer-only club. Sitting on a wooden deck, surrounded by ferns and soft house music, a half-bottle of AOC Côtes de Provence rests between us, and we’ve just finished snacking on crudités and tzatziki. Now, thick-cut tuna brochettes arrive, glistening with lemon, alongside a charred octopus leg on chickpea purée. Other guests lounge beneath cream tasselled umbrellas or paddle in the green-blue-clear sea. It’s stylish – yes, but a world away from the Côte d’Azur’s impossibly exclusive image. And granted, that world still exists, complete with the jazz festivals, yachts and plages privées. But here, they’re just the garnish at the edge of the table.

Half an hour east, another dining mythology emerges. Rather than in Michelin restaurants or beach clubs, it’s in the home kitchens and unassuming bistros of Nice, the unofficial capital of the Côte d’Azur. Today, the city is known for well-to-do tourism, but that wasn’t always the case. Historically, it was a town that experienced more than its fair share of poverty.

“The Niçois were probably the poorest in the kingdom,” says Christine Gilli, a straight-talking chef whose family has lived in Nice – then called Nizza – for more than 300 years. “We had nothing.”

But, Gilli tells me, Nice has “a very clever cuisine” born of this scarcity. She taps her fingers emphatically on the table as she lists the staples: artichokes, potatoes, chard. It was with these and other ingredients that generations of Niçois made a hundred dishes, a hundred ways. I imagine in winter, they might become lu gnoc de tantifla nissart (chard gnocchi in the Nissart dialect).

The passionate chef now teaches these recipes as manager at L’Atelier Cuisine Niçoise, where visitors like me learn to make stuffed farcis, deep-fried zucchini flower beignets, and onion and anchovy-smeared pissaladière. All dishes that feel like a continuation of her family’s frugal traditions, which I eat as she continues to tell me about them.

While Gilli calls it “a true Mediterranean cuisine,” built on vegetables, fruit and olive oil rather than Parisian butter and cream, it’s also remarkably adaptive. Over 250 years, it’s adjusted itself to the demands of wealthy visitors, from Russian aristocrats to Queen Victoria, who wanted everything from rich meats to fine wines.

That spirit of ingenuity survives today. The Cuisine Nissarde label is part of France’s intangible cultural heritage and is awarded to restaurants that follow traditional methods. You can use it as you steer to experience the “real” food of Nice. Find it at La Table Alziari, where I devoured bowls of l’estocaficada, a garlicky tomato-and-cod stew, and the region’s small, sharp olives. Listen for the bell of the pushcart at Chez Thérésa‘s market stand for wood-fired socca (chickpea pancakes) and savoury tourte aux blettes. Or stop in at Cave Bianchi, where you’ll be offered a glass of Bellet, a uniquely Niçois wine, grown within the city limits.

For a city on the ocean, though, there’s surprisingly little fish on the plate. Gilli’s theory is that, thanks to a jagged coastline that plunges into canyon-like depths, the people here don’t necessarily have a fond relationship with the sea. So, to understand the Riviera’s cuisine fully, you have to leave the sea behind and follow the trail inland.

Before Nice was even Nizza, before the battlements of medieval border strongholds were raised, people were already living off this land. Driving into the hills, I imagine the same dry-stone terraces being worked for centuries, farmhands pressing harvested tomatoes into yesterday’s bread in a precursor to the region’s famous lou pan bagnat.

I’m headed for the town of Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Like Cannes or St-Tropez, this hilltop town hasn’t escaped the golden touch of fame. At La Colombe d’Or inn, Matisse, Braque and Chagall were frequent visitors, and their works can still be found here.

That’s not my stop today, though. Just outside the town walls, I arrive at an old watermill. Once the domain of farmers, it’s now home to Le Moulin de Saint-Paul, an understated new restaurant with a quiet Michelin connection, accessible prices, and a reverence for local ingredients.

Its owner, Alain Llorca, runs a nearby Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant, but here, he imagined something else. A democratic eatery of today that blends the foundations of the arrière-pays (hinterland) with the Riviera’s love of celebration. It’s reinvention with deep roots. And it shows. I can barely stand after a tart of local tomatoes with burrata and truffle, an Alpes-Maritimes riff on steak tartare, threaded with veins of citrus and herbs, and a wedge of sweet tourte aux blettes sucrée, made of chard (a true recurring star), folded with butter, sugar, parmesan and fruit into a crumbly slice.

It’s my final meal before I leave once again. As the night train pulls away back to Paris and the coast speeds past, I lie back on my bed, tired and finally satisfied that I understand the true taste of the Côte.

Where to eat, shop and stay in Côte d’Azur

Best Côte d’Azur accommodation

• Villa Miraé by Inwood Hotels, Cap d’Antibes: Luxury boutique hotel, a garden staircase away from the beach.
• Hôtel du Couvent, Nice: Newly opened hotel in an abandoned 17th-century convent, with sprawling kitchen gardens, apéro courtyard among the cloisters and onsite apothecary.
• La Colombe d’Or, Saint-Paul-de-Vence: Iconic hilltop hotel and restaurant with a private modern art collection and historic guest list.

Best Côte d’Azur restaurants and bars

• Villa Djunah, Juan-les-Pins: Beachfront restaurant and club offering Mediterranean sharing plates, cocktails, and DJ sets after sundown.
• Chez Thérésa, Nice: Longstanding socca stall in Cours Saleya market; chickpea pancakes arrive by pushcart from a nearby wood-fire oven.
• La Table Alziari, Nice: A traditional Niçois bistro complete with Cuisine Nissarde certification.
• Cave Bianchi 1860 – Musée du Vin, Nice: Underground wine cellar and local pourings in Old Town.
• L’Atelier Cuisine Niçoise, Nice: Cooking school with hands-on classes in traditional recipes.

Best shops and markets in Côte d’Azur

• Marché Provençal, Antibes: Covered market in the Old Town selling fresh produce, cheese, flowers, and oils. Don’t miss L’Absinthe Bar and Shop next door.
• Cours Saleya market, Nice: Open-air food and flower market near the seafront in the Old Town.
• Le Clos de Laure, Nice: Small gourmet grocer selling everything from glass-blown jam spoons to syrups made from the roses of Grasse.
• Trésors Publics, Nice: Highly curated gift shop of French-made household items, vintage-style souvenirs and artisan goods.

The writer was supported by Côte d’Azur France Tourisme, Office de Tourisme et des Congrès d’Antibes Juan-les-Pins, Office de Tourisme Métropolitan Nice Côte d’Azur, and Rail Europe.

The post Best of Côte d’Azur: Where to eat, drink and stay in the French Riviera appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.

While Byron’s boom over the last decade has been a boon for the surrounding hinterland and Northern Rivers region, it has also given rise to a robust dining scene right in the heart of it all. Indeed, the best Byron Bay restaurants blend cosmopolitan verve and laid-back polish like few other places in the country. Here’s where and how to do it right.

Best Byron Bay restaurants

Beach Byron Bay

Addresses simply don’t get much better than right here, up on the dunes of Clarkes Beach. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the menu at the only beachfront restaurant in town has a similarly coastal outlook, with a strong focus on stunningly fresh seafood and top-drawer Northern Rivers produce. The experience comes with all the polish you’d expect from the feted Fink Group and co-owners Ben and Belinda Kirkwood, right through to the more casual adjoining Kiosk, which opens daily from 7am for breakfast and lunch. Local fish and chips with sand between your toes? Have at it.

beachbyronbay.com.au

Bar Heather

Savvy natural wine importers and distributors James Audas and Tom Sheer are the brains behind this snug, shadowy 60-seater, which takes its cues from on-the-pulse bars à vin and neo-bistros the world over. In the kitchen, accomplished chef Ollie Wong-Hee takes a free-wheeling approach, melding hitherto discrete flavours and ideas with riveting results – think tare-brushed pork neck skewers with preserved tamarillo mole and hand-stretched roti. The website may call it “a place to drink wine”, but once you settle in with the 700-strong bottle list you’ll quickly realise what an understatement that is.

barheather.com

High Life

Some might deem the menu a bit woo-woo, with its pickles, ferments, medicinal mushrooms and maca-milk turmeric lattes. Deliciousness, however, is very much the byword at weekdays-only High Life, which gets the boho brief just right. The seats to beat here are the street-facing stools out on the timber-and-brick verandah, where the sun seems to shine doubly bright with a strong Allpress coffee in hand. To really kick your morning into overdrive, call for the brown rice and kimchi fritters with avocado, fresh herbs and a heady tamari-chilli jam.

Instagram.com/highlifebyronbay

Light Years

While you’ll now find playful, pastel-coloured outposts of Light Years along the east coast – from Newcastle all the way up to Burleigh Heads and Noosa – the Byron Bay branch started it all, back in 2017. Expect a roll call of modern Asian mainstays that will please all comers: coconut-fragrant kingfish ceviche, say, followed by truffled mushroom dumplings, mi goreng-spiced fried chicken and special fried rice with a signature “flavour bomb”. The well-priced banquet menus make it a shoo-in for groups – and the punchy, fruit-forward cocktails certainly don’t hurt, either.

lightyearsasiandiner.com.au/byron-bay

Masa Byron Bay

Decision-making isn’t easy at this cult-favourite bakehouse in the Arts and Industry Estate precinct on the outskirts of town. Indeed, each of the ever-changing 18 or so pastries on offer – all laid out across the concrete countertop – looks more tempting than the last, with cinnamon scrolls and almond croissants pitted against the likes of mushroom Danishes and sausage rolls. Sandwiches, sourdough pizza slices and the dynamite doughnut line-up won’t help narrow it down, so grab a little bit of everything and try your best to save some for later.

instagram.com/masabyronbay

Raes Dining Room

Have you even been to Byron Bay if you haven’t spent an afternoon at Raes? Winner of Gourmet Traveller‘s 2025 Boutique Hotel of the Year, the swish boutique hotel and restaurant fronting Wategos Beach has leapt from strength to strength in the last decade, thanks largely to a 2017 refurbishment overseen by designer Tamsin Johnson and the recruitment of gun executive chef Jason Saxby. Native ingredients inform much of the pinpoint-precise cooking on his three-course menu, which culminates in nostalgic desserts like an ode to the Iced VoVo in a vintage Arnott’s tin. More casual innings, meanwhile, can be had in the Cellar Bar downstairs.

raes.com.au/diningroom

The Smoking Camel

An unassuming shopping arcade may not be where you’d expect to find a neon-tinted, technicolour bar and diner that winks and nods to the Levant. But that’s exactly where you’ll find The Smoking Camel – smoke machine, mirror ball, and all. The charcoal-grilled meats are the stars of the show, but you’ll also want to fill the table end to end with pita and dips, smashed falafels and honey-drenched saganaki encased in brik pastry. And if you’re of the opinion that Turkish Delight and ras el hanout don’t belong in cocktails, be prepared to be proven wrong.

thesmokingcamel.com

Best Byron Bay accommodation

Byron Bay hotels

• Raes on Wategos (Gourmet Traveller 2025 Boutique Hotel of the Year)
• Basq House (Gourmet Traveller 2025 Hotel Guide)
• 28 Degrees
• Hotel Marvell
• Swell Hotel
• Elements of Byron

Byron Bay Airbnb stays

• Sway, Byron Bay
• Soma, Ewingsdale
• The Arbour, Suffolk Park

How to get around Byron Bay

The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is a fully electric vehicle that is big on adventure, compact in size, and made for modern exploration of the city and beyond. (From $69,990 before On Road Costs)

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To inspire your next adventure, we’ve gathered 9 islands that feel a world away – yet are almost on Australia’s doorstep.

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Best island holidays near Australia to visit in 2025

Bora Bora

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Best for: couples and honeymooners

Synonymous with honeymoon romance, Bora Bora is the epitome of island luxury – arguably the most postcard-perfect slice of paradise in French Polynesia. While the archipelago counts more than 100 islands and atolls, few rival the cerulean shallows that define Bora Bora. Revered as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, it offers iconic overwater bungalows (pioneered here in the ‘60s) set against volcanic backdrops, where days are spent diving with reef sharks, dolphins, and stingrays, and nights feasting on the freshest seafood. If the thought of rolling from a plush king bed straight into a private turquoise lagoon sets your pulse racing, Bora Bora is the island escape you’ve been dreaming of (and likely spotted on every travel brochure).

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Hawaiʻi

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Best for: American glamour and Polynesian culture

Speaking of White Lotus, Hawaiʻi was the series’ first-ever backdrop – an inspired choice given its alluring mix of beachfront designer shopping, volcanic drama, and sparkling bays.

The Aloha State, set around 3,200 kilometres south west from California, is made up of eight major islands – each offering a heady blend of American glamour and Polynesian culture. Framed by volcanic giants like Kilauea and wrapped in turquoise surf, this legendary archipelago delivers rugged beauty seamlessly contrasted by high-end indulgence and designer shopping.

Island-hop from Oʻahu, with its iconic Waikiki Beach, to Maui and Kauaʻi, or slow down on the Big Island. Wherever you land, embrace the Aloha spirit—learn to hula by firelight, feast on fresh poke bowls, and sip mai tais as the sun melts into the surf.

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Fiji

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Best for: a family all-rounder

Sure, many Pacific islands brim with culture, beaches, and adventure, but it’s the Fijian Bula spirit that truly sets this destination apart. Bula – meaning life, happiness, good health, and vitality – is the heartbeat of daily life here, echoed in every greeting and shared with unmistakable warmth.

On the mainland, luxury resorts hum with kids’ clubs, bustling markets, and seafood-rich dining. But it’s Fiji’s outer islands, like the Mamanucas and Yasawas, where the country really shines. Spend your days snorkelling kaleidoscopic reefs alongside hawksbill turtles, then your nights wrapped in fire dancing and traditional kava ceremonies. Just four hours from Australia’s east coast, Fiji is the ultimate all-rounder, where adventure, culture, and luxury resort living seamlessly collide.

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Bali

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Best for: affordable luxury

Whether you’re a frequent visitor or simply Bali-curious, everyone knows Indonesia’s fabled Island of the Gods. Once strained by overtourism – particularly from Australians – its beauty dimmed. But after the Covid travel pause and progressive environmental measures such as a ban on single-use plastic, the island’s natural splendour has thankfully re-emerged.

Framed by tranquil rice paddies, world-renowned surf breaks in Uluwatu, indulgent spa retreats in Ubud, and volcanic treks at sunrise, Bali is rightly hailed as a global wellness hub – where serenity and adventure meet in perfect balance. Yet beyond wellness, it’s the island’s affordable opulence that lures travellers back time and again. Think private villas in Kuta, Uluwatu, and Seminyak with on-call chefs, masseuses, and infinity pools, or five-star beachfront resorts pulsing with day clubs. In Bali, luxury doesn’t have to be rushed. The true magic lies in slowing down – to the rhythm of coconuts cracking open and turquoise waves rolling ashore.

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Lombok

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Best for: laidback tranquility

If Bali tempts you but you’re craving something more authentic, tranquil, and less crowded, then Lombok is your answer.

Often dubbed Bali’s wilder, quieter sibling – and gateway to the car-free Gili Islands – Lombok delivers the same dramatic beauty without the overtourism. It’s a paradise primed for adventure. Think soft white sands, world-class surf breaks, cascading waterfalls, mountain treks, and lush jungle trails. To visit and not dive into its outdoor treasures would be a missed opportunity. From exhilarating freedives off Kuta’s coast and the towering beauty of Mount Rinjani to laid-back paddleboarding in Senggigi Bay, Lombok is a sensory feast guaranteed to whet your appetite for adventure.

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Koh Samui

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Best for: barefoot luxury

Cementing its place as one of the world’s ultimate luxury escapes, Thailand’s second-largest island offers more than just pristine beaches and a year-round tropical climate. Its recent White Lotus fame has only heightened the appeal, but Koh Samui’s true charm lies in its slower, more balanced rhythm compared to Bali.

Rooted in welcoming Buddhist spirituality, the island blends barefoot luxury with a focus on wellness and relaxation. Yes, like many Southeast Asian oases, it boasts five-star resorts set against palm-fringed shores, but what sets Koh Samui apart is its versatility. From the lively energy of Chaweng and Lamai to Maenam’s quieter sands and Bophut’s charming fishing village, this rare gem caters effortlessly to families, groups of friends, and couples chasing romance alike.

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Cook Islands

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Best for: lagoons with less crowds

Refreshingly less commercialised than many of its southern hemisphere neighbours, the Cook Islands are steeped in rich Polynesian culture and surprisingly easy to explore, with just 15 islands woven into its tranquil tapestry.

Forget high-rise hotels, casinos, or cruise terminals, this humble Pacific archipelago favours serenity over spectacle, offering immersive, laid-back outdoor experiences at a slower pace. On Rarotonga, the lush beating heart of the islands, or on Aitutaki, where one of the world’s most beautiful lagoons glistens. As the local saying goes, “You’ll be hard-pressed to find a building taller than a coconut tree”.

And the best part? The Cook Islands’ magic runs as deep as it does high. Beneath the turquoise shallows, snorkelers drift through coral gardens alive with colour and marine life – proof that this tropical paradise is just as dazzling below the surface as it is above.

Vanuatu

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Best for: accessible aquatic adventure

If a welcoming tropical oasis close to home is calling, place Vanuatu high on your island itinerary. Often celebrated as the “happiest place on earth”, Vanuatu’s archipelago of 83 islands seamlessly blends Melanesian village life with breathtaking natural splendour.

While the Mediterranean may boast glistening grottos, Vanuatu delivers its own divine allure in the South Pacific: hike the rim of an active volcanos, like Mount Yasur on Tanna Island, snorkel among a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, plunge into luminous blue holes, like Espiritu Santo, or chase waterfalls hidden deep in the jungle. As night falls, sip kava with locals beneath a canopy of stars and discover a world away without travelling half way across the globe. 

New Caledonia

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Best for: paradise with French pastries

Blending French sophistication with Melanesian warmth, New Caledonia lies just three hours north east of Sydney yet feels worlds away. Think sugar-white sands paired with flaky Parisian pastries – a cultural cocktail that’s as unique as it is irresistible.

Its proximity to Australia makes it less crowded than many South Pacific neighbours, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. A French territory since 1853, the islands brim with both adrenaline and awe. Spot whales breaching offshore, snorkel or kayak the glassy waters of Nouméa, and uncover the Isle of Pines, an underwater treasure trove of jewel-bright coral.

The post From rice paddies to coral reefs: 9 tropical island getaways within 10 hours of Australia appeared first on Gourmet Traveller.