Travel

We all love our kids, but if you and your significant other are in need of a proper grown-up break then look no further than these purely adultonly escapes around the country.

Take a trip to the Red Centre and explore the beauty of Uluru and its surrounds. In five-star luxury of course. Longitude 131, Uluru is one of Australia’s most luxurious glamping lodges (so luxurious, that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge chose to enjoy some ‘couple time’ here). A short three hour flight from most Australian capital cities, you’ll have uninterrupted views of the sandstone monolith from your luxury tent or room. Decorated with modern and classic furnishings, which blend seamlessly with Aboriginal art, it’s the perfect place to wind down, with front-row seats to the Red Centre’s incredible sunrises and sunsets. Top off some child-free meals and dine under the desert stars at the resort’s acclaimed restaurant, Table 131, or opt for a facial massage at their flagship sanctuary, Spa Kinara. Visit longitude131.com.au

ECO- AND ADULT-FRIENDLY

Banubanu Beach Retreat in East Arnhem Land is an eco-sensitive beach retreat, built in partnership with the Yolgnu people to celebrate the pristine natural wonders and culture of East Arnhem Land. Located on Bremer Island, Banubanu Beach Retreat accommodates up to twelve guests at a time and offers little phone or internet reception, so there’s little risk of pesky calls or text messages from your teenagers. Guests can choose between eco-friendly glamping tents, the Deluxe Beachfront Bungalow or Penthouse Bungalow. All you have to do is relax on the beach, connect with Yolngu culture or head out on a prized fishing charter to catch dinner. Visit banubanu.com

VIEWS FOR TWO

When you’re able to cross the border, we highly recommend you take your loved one to Sundowner, a Hamptons-style home with sweeping ocean views from soughtafter Yallingup hill. A short walk down to the picturesque swimming beach and surf breaks, you truly feel as though you’re on the edge of the world, especially from your balcony, where you can wine and dine overlooking the Indian Ocean. The master bedroom has a private, ocean-facing balcony, the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of tea and a good book and revel in the experience of solitude. It’s walking distance to the historic Caves House Hotel and the stylish new Lagoon Yallingup restaurant, if you do decide to venture out. Or, if you have a special birthday or anniversary to celebrate, then La Cabine or Il Palazzo may be the perfect present, sans kids. Il Palazzo will indulge all your romantic urges, and is the perfect, luxurious haven for couples. If rustic charm is more to your taste, La Cabine may be the ideal backdrop for your time out. Sit by the wood stove and sip your wine, while letting the hours slip away. Visit www.privateproperties.com.au

Image credit: Luana

CASTAWAY FOR COUPLES

Now that international travel is back on the agenda, why not take a hop, skip and jump to Fiji and enjoy some adult-time. The Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji is an adults-only hotel perfectly suited for those who need a break from the day-to-day grind. Gaze over the aquamarine waters, mesmerising coral reefs and pure white sand of Fiji, and stroll hand-in-hand and barefoot along the shores. Winner of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards 2021, the recently refurbished Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji is the perfect oasis for those

wishing to escape the rest of the world and soak up the serenity. Visit Luxury Escapes for offers at the Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji. luxuryescapes.com Queensland

ROMANCE IN MALENY

Head north to Maleny for a quick weekend away. Renew your love for each other and for nature at Scandi at Maleny, an adult-only, eco-minded, luxury cabin accommodation just 100km from Brisbane on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland. Take the time to talk to each other free of interruption and distraction while you drink in the views of the Blackall Range, or enjoy a glass of the local wine beside your indoor fire. You’ll be seduced by the silence and the feeling that nothing else in the world matters. Scandi at Maleny offers breathtaking surroundings, both with its location and its accommodation. The architecturally designed, airy, lightfilled modular cabins provide a hint of Scandinavian design mixed with Australian nature. Perched approximately 450m above sea level on 300 pristine acres just outside of Maleny, you’ll feel as though you’re on top of the world. Enjoy the locallysourced produce at nearby restaurants or in your self-contained kitchen. Visit scandiatmaleny.com Victoria

VIEWS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH

Fulfil your yearning for Tuscan living while gaining some well-earned breathing space at Villa Di Lusso, in Shoreham on the Mornington Peninsula. From majestic fireplaces, arched cabinetry, exposed ceiling trusses and generous glazing, there truly is no shortage of striking features. While sumptuous seating, exquisite fabrics, bespoke timber furniture and eye-catching chandeliers complement the architectural features, creating warm and inviting spaces. That includes the formal dining room and three living areas, which enjoy peaceful views of the garden and countryside. For an indulgent and very private escape, the majestic master retreat delivers. Visit luxico.com.au

BYRON BEAUTY

If you’ve only got time for a short getaway, head over the border to Luana Estates, a boutique resort-style escape nestled in the Byron Bay hinterland. Situated close to beaches and offering vast spaces indoors and out, Luana Estates is the perfect excuse for a luxurious getaway. Push the boat out and arrive by helicopter before whiling away the hours in the breathtaking outdoors where you have various seating and dining zones, a swimming pool, tennis court and lush gardens. Visit luxico.com.au

Image credit: Villa Di Lusso

Image credit: Sundowner

Dr Hade

Cosmetic and anti-aging medicine has come a long way in recent times. There are so many products and treatments available these days it can be difficult to know where to start and what the best option for you is. Anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers, threads, light therapy, laser, IPL, creams and serums, the list is ever growing. So what can be done to help with skin lifting, tightening and rejuvenation at a deeper level? Fractional radio frequency (RF) micro-needling is a treatment that can be performed on all skin types to stimulate and remodel collagen. It helps to reduce the signs of aging, producing skin lifting and tightening, improving fine lines, wrinkles and scars with little to no downtime. It is also incredibly effective as a treatment for acne scarring. The combination of RF technology with micro-needles is able to stimulate new collagen and is highly effective in remodeling the structure of the skin at multiple levels. What can RF be used for?

Face - non-surgical face lifting, wrinkle reduction, skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, pore reduction, improvement of acne and other scars.

Body - scars, stretch marks, excessive underarm sweating. How is RF micro-needling performed? Numbing cream is applied to the area to be treated approximately 45 minutes prior. During the treatment, the hand piece is progressively moved over the skin, stamping the area with the fine micro-needles and delivering the RF frequency. What does RF feel like?

A brief prickling sensation and warmth lasting a fraction of a second is generally felt each time the skin is stamped. Some areas, for example around the jawline, eyes and mouth, may be a little more sensitive, however even here the discomfort is brief and usually well tolerated. What to expect after the treatment? The treated skin is usually red, warm and tingling immediately post treatment. Redness generally settles within 24 hours. Most patients will return to work the next day without any obvious effects. As the micro-needles do break the skin surface minor pinpoint bleeding is common. Very occasionally a fine crust of scab may develop in some areas. How many RF treatments are required? Generally at least 3 treatments spaced around 1 month apart are recommended to see significant results. The more treatments, the better the results.

How long does it take to see results? Results are seen after 4-6 weeks but will continue to develop for up to 4 months after each treatment.

Are there any side effects? RF is a very safe cosmetic procedure with minimal down time and very few side effects. Prolonged redness and minor swelling for up to 3 days, temporary patterning of treated skin, minor bruising, skin colour changes (most common in darker skin patients), and infection are potential but rare side effects. Article written by Dr. Paula Hade RF Microneedling will be available at her medical, Southport very soon. For further details check out the website: hermedical.com.au

Image taken at Vision Southport Studio

As we age, we see an increase in the number of chronic diseases and conditions, including stroke, osteoporosis, poor balance, diabetes, dementia, and high blood pressure, to name a few.

These diseases and conditions don’t discriminate either, with both males and females suffering as they age, particularly above 55 years. The questions often asked are, why this is the case and what can be done to slow the process? The good news is that the answer to both of these questions can help keep us healthy and reap the most out of life while we age. In a 2009 study, the two factors found most important in determining mortality, functional independence and quality of life included:

• One’s fitness levels, and • An individual’s muscle mass and strength. It showed that across multiple countries of the world, the promotion of regular physical activity was the main non-pharmaceutical measure associated with a reduction in mortality for older populations. Two key focuses of the study were falls and mental health. Increased fall incidences in the elderly is often caused by a combination of weaker lower limbs, impaired reaction time, general loss of muscle mass and multiple medications, which in combination can lead to compromised balance. Depression, anxiety and stress can also lead to psychosocial issues often due to social isolation.

So why has exercise been so helpful at preventing and reversing such states? The benefits of structured, regular exercise programs using resistance, aerobic and balance training for this population has seen significant benefits across falls risk, mental health, cardiovascular disease and comorbidities.

There are a number of components of exercise, each of which play a specific role in bettering health. These include: • Aerobic exercise: This is exercise specifically targeting the cardiovascular system (the heart muscle). Examples may include walking, stationary bike or anything that gets the heart rate up. Benefits of this exercise include improved fitness, cardiovascular health, weight management and prevention of chronic disease.

• Resistance training: This is exercise targeting our muscles, with examples including weights machines, bands and body weight exercises. Specific benefits include increased strength and muscle mass, improved bone health, reduced falls risk as well as improved mobility. • Balance training: This, as the name states, looks at tailored exercises to challenge our proprioception and balance. Benefits of this include improved balance, heightened proprioception and a decrease in the number and severity of falls. • Flexibility: Here we use stretches and gentle movements to improve the elasticity of muscles and joint range movement. Benefits of improved flexibility include better pain management, improved range of motion and reduced falls risk!

• Supervised group training: Here we focus on the social aspect. Not only does this help increase adherence to programs and keep us moving, it also provides the social aspect and makes exercise fun!

So, if you’re looking to fight the ageing process it can be as simple as moving more and implementing exercise into our lifestyles. And the best news, it’s never too late to start! Be sure to speak to one of our experts to develop a program appropriate for your health needs.

In addition to group training and at home exercise, supervised training 2-3 times a week is critical to ensure you are doing the right exercise for your needs, measuring your health outcomes, and ultimately keeping you safe every step of the way. If you’re looking to improve your health and fight the ageing process, be sure to get in contact with us today to find the best program for you.

Bundall Studio ph: 5538 4788 Southport Studio ph: 5679 2235 visionpersonaltraining.com