Livingin LUXE
Aworldofglamorous experiences
YOUR5NIGHTHOLIDAYPACKAGE
5NightsinanOceanViewKingRoom
Returnflightsincludingcheckedluggage
Returnairportandresorttransfers
VIPPERK MyFijiVIPAirportFastTrack,ConciergeServices andwelcomebeachbag
Kidsstay,playandeatfree
BONUS Buffetbreakfastdaily
VIPPERK MyFijiMalamalaBeachClubExperience
BONUS FJD$500(NZD$368#)Wine,DineandSpacredit
BONUS ChoiceofFJD$200(NZD$147#)BebeSpa OR2DayMeimeiNannyService
BONUS OutriggerLimitlessAdventurePass
VIPPERK MyFijiOutriggerExclusivePass
YOUR5NIGHTHOLIDAYPACKAGE
5NightsinaGardenViewGuestRoomwithlounge
Returnflightsincludingcheckedluggage
Returnairportandresorttransfers
VIPPERK MyFijiVIPAirportFastTrack,ConciergeServices andwelcomebeachbag
Breakfastdaily
Kidsstayandplayfree
VIPPERK MyFijiMalamalaBeachClubExperience
BONUS FJD$500(NZD$368#)WineandDinecredit
BONUS 15%Offselectedspatreatments
BONUS 20%OffBuildaBearproducts
YOUR5NIGHTHOLIDAYPACKAGE
5NightsinaguaranteedupgradedOceanViewRoom
Returnflightsincludingcheckedluggage
Returnairportandresorttransfers
VIPPERK MyFijiVIPAirportFastTrack,ConciergeServices andwelcomebeachbag
Kidsstay,playandeatfree
BONUS All-inclusivemealsanddrinks
BONUS 2xMealsatTheGrillandbottleofwineonarrival
BONUS 2xDailycocktailvouchers
BONUS Coralviewingcruiseandguidedsnorkellingtrip
BONUS Baycruiseincludingwineandsavouries
BONUS Guidedsnorkellingtour
VIPPERK MyFijiExclusiveVIPResortCheck-in
8DAYS|AMSTERDAMTOBASEL
•SeeAmsterdamonaguidedcanalcruise
•ExploretheruinsofHeidelbergCastle
•JoinahikethroughRüdesheim’svineyards
•StrollthroughFrance’slovelyStrasbourg
$4,657
$7,056
•EnjoycitysightseeinginBudapest
•TakeaguidedhiketoBratislavaCastle
•ExploretheiconicsitesofVienna
•SampleAustrianpastriesinDürnstein
•CruiseonboardtheAvalonSaigon,witha maximumof36guests
•VisitalocalriceworkshopinVinhLong
•TourPhnomPenh’smarketsbytuktuk
•SeethehilltoptempleofWatHanchey
•VisitalocalschoolinAngkorBan
Ruapehu’snewgardensuites
MarkMatarikiwithastayunderthestarsinthe Ruapehuarea,whereTongariroCrossingLodge debutsitsnewGardenSuites.Thelodge’s Matarikispecialoffersa10%discountonstays throughoutJuneandincludesafreeupgrade toacookedbreakfast.Guestscanenjoynearby winteractivitiessuchastheSkyWakagondola, snowplayatWhakapapa,thenewTeHanga¯ruru cycletrail,shortwalksinthenationalparkand stargazingundercleardarkskies.Usepromo codeMatariki25whenbookingdirect.Offerends June30.
Bookattongarirocrossinglodge.co.nz/ Promotions/garden-suites-matarikispecial.html
CruiseEuropeinasmallship
SetsailaboardLeBougainvilleforanine-night luxurycruisethroughCroatia,Montenegro, Greece,ItalyandMalta,withafreeSolo Supplementonselectedcabins.Departingfrom Dubrovnik,thisjourneyincludesanexcursionat everyport,fromtheBayofKotorandKorcula toPargaandValletta.Ponant’sall-inclusivesmall shipcruisehascuratedculturalexperiences,fine dining,andstunningcoastalviews.From $8950pptwin-share.Saveafurther$500per
SkiptheDrakeandseeAntarctica IfcrossingtheDrakePassagehaskeptAntarcticaoffyour travellist,thisisyourchance.FlytoKingGeorgeIsland andspendsixdaysexploringtheAntarcticPeninsula, SouthShetlandsandAntarcticSoundaboardaluxury Silverseaexpeditionvessel.EnjoyZodiacexcursions, glacierhikes,penguincoloniesandexpert-ledwildlife encountersbyday,andreturneacheveningtofinedining andbutlerservice.From$26,069ppport-to-port,this UltimateCruisingofferincludesa$2500ppflightcredit, twonightspre-cruiseinSantiago,and$1000percabin savingswithcodeNZH.ValidonJanuary26andFebruary 13,2026departures.
BookbyJune30,2025atultimatecruising.co.nz.
cabinusingthecodeNZH.Soloofferandsavings arelimited. Visitultimatecruising.co.nzforbookings anddetails.
HamiltonIslandescape
StaythreenightsatqualiaonHamiltonIsland andexplorethebestoftheWhitsundays.This five-starresortsitsontheisland’snortherntip, givingyouaccesstooceanviews,private beachesandnearbyreefadventures.The packageincludesathree-nightstayattheresort, alacartebreakfastdaily,VIPreturntransfersfrom
themarinaorairport,useofagolfbuggy,nonmotorisedwatercraft,achauffeurservicearound theisland,non-alcoholicdrinks,Wi-Fiand24-hour accesstotheconciergeteam.Pricedfrom $2910pptwin-share,validfortravelfromJune 13toAugust15,August18toSeptember18, September22toDecember19,2025,andJanuary 11toMarch31,2026.Bookingsmustbemade atleast60daysinadvance. BookbyOctober30,2025athelloworld. co.nz/deal/30668/hamilton-islandalluring-escape-qualia-hamilton-island.
Scenicwinterrailjourney
ExperiencethemagicofwinterinCanadawith ascenicrailjourneythroughBritishColumbia andtheCanadianRockies.This10-dayitinerary
startsinVancouverbeforeboardingVIARail’s CanadianTrainforaridetoJasper,surrounded bysnow-cappedpeaks.DiscoverJasper’swinter wonderlandwithanicewalkthroughMaligne Canyonandindulgeinlocalflavoursonthe DowntownFoodieTour.ContinuetoLakeLouise andBanfftoenjoypicturesquedrives,iceskating andimmersiveexperiencessuchasNightriseat theBanffGondola.Endyouradventurewitha captivatingtourofCalgary.From$5165pp,this dealisonsaleuntilJuly31.Validforselected traveldatesbetweenNovember2025andApril 2026.Airfaresareadditional. Bookviatravel-associates.co.nz/ accommodation/canada/snow-train-tothe-rockies-21114608orcall0800951655.
CONTENTS 8 12 16 20 26 28
FLIGHTCHECK
Anovice’sguideto flyingBusiness
JOINTHECLUB
Agame-changerat InterContinentalFiji
HEIGHTOFLUXURY
Howthewell-heeled traveltheworld
SPLENDID SECLUSION
India’squieter,more indulgentside
FROMTOPTO BOTTOM
Eightcruise itinerariesthat promisetheworld
AFRICA’SGOLDEN TICKET
Dreamjourneyon RovosRail
ScanthisQRcodewith yourmobilephoneto findmoregreattravel tips,adviceand inspirationfrom nzherald.co.nz/travel
Resene
EmbracethetimelesseleganceofJapanonthispremium small-groupjourneythroughTokyo,Hakone,Kyoto, Takayama,HiroshimaandOsaka.Travelincomfortand sophisticationwithnomorethan16guests,indulgingin exclusiveexperiencesdesignedtoinspire.
ExploreKyoto’siconicshrinesandNara’sancientdeer parkwithexpertlocalguides,discoverHiroshima’s peacelegacyandMiyajima’sfloatingtorii,andwander Takayama’senchantingoldtown.TasteJapan’sfinest withcuratedgourmetexperiences—fromomakasesushi andkaisekitoprivatesaketastings.
Witnessthefleetingbeautyofcherryblossomsin tranquiltemplegardens,cruisesereneLakeAshi withstunningMtFujiviews,andridethelegendary Shinkanseninfirst-classcomfortbetweencultural capitals.
Stayinpremiumaccommodationthroughout,including aboutiqueryokanwithprivateonsenandaluxury urbanhaveninTokyo.Withexpertlycuratedinclusions, elevatedtransportandimmersiveexperiences,this Platinumsmall-grouptourpromisesInspiringSights, InspiringTastesandInspiringStayseverystepoftheway.
Scanhere Scanhere
FLIGHT CHECK
FlyingBusinessClasscanbe intimidatingwhenit'syour firsttimebutsomeexpert advicewillhelpyoufeel rightathome;below, StephanieHolmes' #humblebragwhileflying BusinessClassfrom AucklandtoLondon.
Photos/GettyImages, StephanieHolmes
StephanieHolmes hasyourultimateguidetoflyingBusinessClassforthefirsttime
Travellingfor30-plushourstogettothe UKorEuropeisalwaysgoingtobe taxing,nomatterwhichpartoftheplane you’rein.
Butperhapsyou’vedecidedyou’re goingtotravelinstyleonyournexttrip andmakeitawish-listworthyholidayfromstarttofinish.
BusinessClassiscertainlyworththesplurgeforlonghauljourneys,butdoingitforthefirsttimecanfeela littleintimidating,especiallyifyou’reusuallyattheback oftheplane.
Herearesomeexperttipstomakethemostofyour journey,soyoucanarriveatyourdestinationfeeling revived,notdeprived.
Theholidaystartsattheairport...orathome BusinessClasstravelisn’tonlyaboutyourflight.Premium ticketscomewithluxuriousaddedextras,including dedicatedcheck-inareasattheairport,expresslanes throughpassportcontrolandsecurity,priorityluggage service,andaccesstoexclusiveloungesonceyou’re airside.
Someevenallowyourholidaytobegintheminute youleavehome:Auckland-basedpassengerscanopt foracomplimentarychauffeurserviceformostEmirates flights.Adriverinaluxurycarwillpickyouupfrom home(within80kmofAucklandInternationalAirport), soyouarriveinstyle.Ifyouliveoutsidethe80kmzone, youcanpayafeetocovertheadditionalmileage.
Whenyouarriveatyourdestination,achauffeurwill bewaitingforyouinthearrivalshall,whichisagodsend torelieveyourtired,jetlaggedbrainofhavingtonavigate publictransportorunfamiliartaxiservices.
Don’tleavetheloungetooearly Soyou’vemadeitbehindthefrostedglassdoorsof thepremiumpassengerlounges.Whatnow?Find yourselfaseatthenheadtothebarandgetaglass ofchampagne.Yes,it’sfree,andyoucanpouryourown. Youcanevenmixyourselfacocktailifyousodesire.
Thestandardoffoodinpremiumloungesisoften extraordinary,andisagreathackaheadoflate-night flights—eatdinnerintheloungesoyoucansleepon
theplaneassoonastheseatbeltlightisturnedoff.
Youcanalsouseapremiumloungeduringtransit, andthathotshowerinbetweenflightswillbeoneof thebestyou’veeverhad.
Mybiggesttipwhenitcomestothelounge experience:don’tbethepersontalkingloudlyonthe phone,showingofftoyourfriendsandfamilythatyou’re “INTHELOUNGE”.Becool.Actlikeyou’rethereallthe time,sitbackandrelaxbeforeyourjourney.
Don’timmediatelyleavetheloungeassoonasthe screensshowyourflightisboarding.Loungestaffusually makeaPAannouncementwhenit’sactuallytimeto board(butdouble-checktheywill,assomelounges don’t).I’vemadethemistakeofleavingaccordingto thescreensonlytowaitatthegateforanother15minutes ...timeIcouldhavespentenjoyingalastglassof champagne.
Enjoypersonalisedservice
Premiumcabinshaveahigherstaff-to-passengerratio thaninEconomy,socrewhavemoretimetodedicate toyou.They’llgreetyoubyname,hangupyourjacket, rememberyourdrinkpreferences,helpwithany requests,andspendmoretimechatting.Hitthemup fortheirtipsonwhattoseeanddoinyourfinal destination—theyvisitregularly,andwillhaveinsider tipsyoumightnotfindinatravelguide.
Makethemostofthespace
Whenyou’repayingforapremiumcabin,you’repaying forasenseofprivacy,extralegroom,biggerandmore windows,additionalstoragespace,and—bestofall(on mostairlines)—alie-flatbed.
Differentairlineshavedifferentmechanismstoturn theirseatsfromuprighttolie-flat.Sometimesit’seasy toworkoutforyourself,butdon’tbeafraidtoaskthe crewtohelp.Theywillhappilyconvertyourseatfor you,addonapaddedmattress,tuckinaduvetand plumpupyourfeather-filledpillows. Thereisamagicalnoveltytobeingabletoliedown onaplane...andifthatnoveltyhasstartedtowear
TheEmiratesbar,situatedatthebackoftheairline’sA380 upperdeck;below,manyairlinescollaboratewithcelebrity chefstocreatetheirpremiumcabinmenus,suchasSid Sahrawat’spartnershipwithSingaporeAirlines;yourfood willbeservedonrealplates,withpropercutlery,saltand peppershakers,specialitybreadsandlinentableclothsand napkins. Photos/GrantBradley,StephanieHolmes,supplied
Fromp8
offbecauseyoutravelinBusinessClassregularly,maybe flyEconomyonyournextflight,justtoappreciatehow wonderfulyourBizbedreallyis.
Specialmenus
Manyairlinesnowcollaboratewithcelebritychefsto createtheirpremiumcabinmenus,suchasSid Sahrawat’srecentpartnershipwithSingaporeAirlines, PeterGordon’smenusforAirNewZealand,NeilPerry’s long-standingcollaborationwithQantas,TomKerridge withBritishAirways,Duangporn(Bo)Songvisavawith ThaiAirways,andCathayPacific’spartnershipswith HongKongMichelin-starredrestaurantssuchas Duddell’s.
Yourfoodwillalsobeservedonrealplates,with propercutlery,saltandpeppershakers,specialitybreads andlinentableclothsandnapkins.Yourdrinksservice willalsoofferawiderchoice,andyou’llusuallybeserved eachcourseindividually.
Indulge,butdon’toverdoit
Aswellaschampagneonarrival,andwinewithmeals, onmanyairlinesyoucanalsoenjoyexpertlymixed cocktailsandtop-shelfspirits.Ifyouliketocelebrateyour holidayswithatippleortwo,therecanbenobetter placethantheEmiratesbar,situatedatthebackofthe airline’sA380upperdeck.
Butjustlikeanylicensedestablishment,don’tbe that personanddrinktothepointofexcess.Thehangover willbemuchworse,andyou’llbecutoffifyoustart beinganuisance.Ialsodon’twanttobeapartypooper, butsomemedicalresearchstatesyoushouldn’tdrink alcoholatallonalong-haulflight,especiallyifyouhave pre-existingheartandlungconditions. Consideryourselfwarned.
Askfortheaddedextras
Thecostofyourpremiumplaneticketalsoincludes additionalbenefits,likeamenitykitswithluxurybrand toiletries,forexample,AirNZpartnerswithAotea,Fiji AirwayswithPureFiji,HawaiianAirlineswithLoli’i,United AirlineswithSundayRiley,andEmirateswithBulgari. Thebagsthemselvesareonesyou’llwanttokeepand useagain—myBulgarikitnowdoublesasmymakeupbag.
Someairlinesalsooffercomplimentarypyjamas,and yes,youcantakethemawaywithyou.
Expandedentertainment
Yourentertainmentexperienceislevelledupinpremium cabins,withbigger,higher-defmainscreens,sometimes complementedbyhandsetscreensandtablets.Watch theairshowononetokeepaneyeontheroutemap, whilewatchingmoviesandTVshowsonthebigscreen. OnboardWi-FioftencomesatachargeinEconomy, butisprovidedfreeforthoseinpremiumcabins— essentialifyou’retravellingforwork(orsimplywant toposta#humblebragphotoonyoursocialmedia).
Signupfortheloyaltyprogramme
Don’tforgettosignupfortheairline’sloyaltyprogramme beforeyoutravel.You’llearnpointsthatcanbeused foronlineshopping,ortowardsyournextflightor upgrade.Becauseonething’sforsurewithBusiness Classtravel...onceyouturnleft,you’llneverwantto goback.
Silversearedefinessailingandexplorationwithintimateshipsthataccesshard-to-reachports,takingyouintothe heartoficoniccitiesandtoremotedestinationsacrossallsevencontinents.
Foralimitedtime, saveupto40%onover700voyages acrossselectsuitecategories.Takeadvantageofthis exclusiveoffertoexploreextraordinarycornersoftheglobe,combinablewithourall-inclusivefares. Reserveyour suitebyJuly13,2025 withjusta15%deposittosecurethisindulgentoffer.
TERMS&CONDITIONS:Offervalidonnew,individualbookingsmadebetweenJune2,2025andJuly13,2025onselectvoyages,limitedtotwoguestspersuite.Offerapplicabletoguests1and2insuite.Guestsbooking withthisofferwillreceiveasavingsof10%,20%,30%or40%perpersononselectcruisesandselectcategories.Offervalidinthefollowingcategories:VistaSuite,PanoramaSuite,VerandaSuite,ClassicVerandaSuite, SuperiorVerandaSuite,DeluxeVerandaSuite,PremiumVerandaSuite.OffervalidonDoor-to-DoorandPort-to-Portfaresonly.OffernotvalidonEssentialfares.OffernotvalidonWorldCruisesandGrandVoyages. OffervalidonselectSpecialCombinationCruises.OffernotcombinablewithPromotionalGroups.OffercombinablewithVenetianSocietySavings,EventCertificates,NationalAccountNon-HostedSailings,Referral Savings,OnboardSavings,CombinationSavingsandKidsSavings.Exclusionsapply.Thepromotioniscapacitycontrolledandcanberemovedatanytimewithoutpriornotice.Singlesupplementsapplyandvaryby voyage.PricingforDoor-to-Door&Port-to-PortbookingsaresecuredunderSilversea’sFareGuarantee.Cancelandre-booksdonotqualify.Otherrestrictionsmayapply.Ships’registry:BahamasandEcuador. VisitSilversea.com,call0800701427orseeyourTravelProfessional.
Join
theClub
Incredibleoceanviews, privateplungepoolsand nightlycanapes— Jenni Mortimer discoverswhythe InterContinentalFiji’sClub isagame-changerforparents andkidsalike
Overlookingthewhitesand beachesofNatadolaBeachand nestledamong14haoftropical gardensliesthe InterContinentalFijiGolf Resort&Spa.
It’safavouriteoffamiliesandthosewanting anelevatedholidayforgoodreason—beachfront location,multipleswimmingpools,alarge selectionofdiningexperiences,an18-hole championshipgolfcourse,aluxuryspa,an amazingkids’clubandfriendlystaff.
Thiswasthesecondtimevisitingthe InterContinentalFijiformysonandme,butour firstintheInterContinentalClub,whichis locatedatthetopoftheresortwithsomeofFiji’s mostepicviews. Basically,theClubissomewhatlikeanairport
loungewithintheresortwhereyougetaccess toaprivateclubcompletewithspecialprivileges. There’saClublounge,restaurantandClub infinitypool,complimentaryalacartebreakfast, sunsetcocktails,highteaandcanapes,awelcome drink,all-dayrefreshmentsandacomplimentary
Thecalmbeachfront locationofInterContinental Fijiisperfectforfamilies. Photo/Supplied
minibarofdrinksandin-roomsnackstoppedup daily. Asaparenttravellingwithasnack-mad growingboy,thelatterprovedthemostvaluable partofthisupgradedexperience. WewereshuttleduptotheClubforprivate
check-inandcheck-outandgivenaClub InterContinentalsuite,onlyavailabletothose whobooktheClubexperience,whichcamewith aprivateplungepool.
Thepoolprovedanabsolutedream whenmyoverstimulatedsonneeded somedowntime,andourprivate backyardmadearelaxingbackdrop forusbothashestackedrocksand exploredwhileIenjoyeda moment’speacepoolside.
Itsabilitytosatisfy holidaymakersofeveryageand stageisexactlywhy InterContinentalFijihasreturn holidaymakers.
Thosewantingakid-free experiencecanrelaxattheadultsonlyinfinitypool,kidscanfreely bekidsintheirpoolsandthose wantinganelevatedandprivate experiencecanenjoytheClublounge, poolanddiningareaastheyplease.
Theresortgiveseveryonetheirspaces whilefeelingwarm,welcomingandluxuriousin allparts.
confidence,anditresultedinthemostmindblowingexperience.
MysonandImadethemostoftheactivities thistime,bookingasnorkelsafari,whichIhighly recommend.Ourguidetookthetimetomake suremysonwascomfortableashegainedhis
Iwatchedhistiny5-year-oldframemaster snorkellinginthemiddleoftheopenocean andgaspashesawschoolsoffishbuzzing towardshimforcloserinspection. Anabsolutemust-doexperiencefor allages.
It’swellworthbooking experienceshereandenjoying activitieswithyourkids, includingthefamouscrabrace, tomakememoriesforalifetime. Wealsolovedthecocktail hour,whichfamiliescanenjoy intheKamaLounge—those travellingwithoutkidshaveitin theClub.Ihadacocktailandhe enjoyedalemonadewitha culinaryjourneyofcanapeseach nightduringsunsetandatorch lightingceremony.You’venot experiencedasunsetuntilyou’ve experiencedoneonNatadolaBeach. ButwhatmadeourClubexperiencesospecial andsomemorablewastheelevatedlevelof service.Onenight,aftermysonhadabittoo muchfun,abittoomuchsunandmaybeafew toomanyicecreams,hehadaprettyroughnight ofsickness.Yet,whenIcalledhousekeepingin
Checklist FIJI
GETTINGTHERE FlyfromAucklandtoFiji withFijianAirlinesorAir NewZealanddaily.
DETAILS
Formoredetails,visitthe InterContinentalFiji website.
Farleft,thepoolattheClub InterContinentalFijilounge; above,aClubsuitewithit's ownprivatepooland outdoorarea;left,theresort giveseveryonetheirspaces whilefeelingwarm, welcomingandluxuriousin allparts. Photos/Hamilton Lund,DavidKirkland, supplied
tears,unsurehowtodealwiththesituationas ItriedwashinghisPJsinthesink,Iwasmet withgraceandunderstanding.Theymademe feellikeitwasnoproblematalland,indoing so,turnedadisastroussituationintosomething bearableand,later,afunnyholidayanecdote. Mysonleftthehousekeepingstaffanoteof thanks,andtheyrepliedwithoneinreturn, hopinghewasfeelingbetterandenjoyedtherest ofhisholiday.
Outofallthespotswe’vestayedinFiji,10and counting,IhavetosaythattheInterContinental haswellandtrulysolidifieditselfasourfirm favourite.
SoistheClubworththeupgrade?
HavingnowexperiencedboththeClubandnonClubexperiences,Ifirmlybelievebothareworth everycent.Yes,theClubcomesatanupgraded price,about$300moreanight,butyoudoget everydollarinvalueaccountedforinextras. Thestandardnon-Clubroomsarestillbeautiful,luxuriousandgreatvalue,andyoustillget toexperienceallthefacilities,minustheClub lounge.
Thebestchoicejustdependsonwhatlevelof perksyouareafterandwhatyourbudgetis. Butforournexttrip,IwillbebookingtheClub again,enjoyinganothermargaritaatthatincredibleclifftopinfinitypoolandbringingmyson morethanonepairofpyjamas.
Asnorkelsafariiswell worthbooking. Photo/Supplied
INDONESIA
BayofIslands Sydney Townsville Cairns Darwin Komodo Beli(Benoa) Auckland
22NIGHTFLY,STAY&CRUISEHOLIDAY WITH$4000BONUSVALUE
21NightluxuryAustraliaandAsiacruiseonboardOceaniaRiviera EnjoyovernightstaysonboardinSydney,Darwin,Baliand Singapore
IndulgeonboardinTheFinestCuisineatSea™acrossarangeof includedcomplimentarygourmetspecialtydiningrestaurants ComplimentaryHouseBeveragePackageincludingwine,beer, andcocktailsduringlunchanddinnerdaily Complimentaryspecialtycoffees,sodas,cold-pressedjuices,and stillandsparklingVeroWater®areservedthroughouttheship Fruitsmoothies,milkshakes,gelatoandgourmeticecreamare alwaysincluded
UnlimitedStarlinkwifi,pre-paidgratuitiesandguestselfservice laundretteincluded
BONUS 1NightluxuryhotelstaytoexploreSingapore withbreakfast Internationalfull-serviceflightfromSingaporetoAuckland
22NIGHTFLY,STAY&LUXURYCRUISEHOLIDAY WITHUPTO$4000BONUSVALUE
InternationalflightstoVancouver,returningfromHonolulu
BONUS 2NightluxuryhotelstayinVancouverwithbreakfastdaily 16NightluxuryVancouvertoHawaiivoyageonboardOceaniaRiviera
ComplimentaryHouseBeveragePackageincludingwine,beer, andcocktailsduringlunchanddinnerdaily
IndulgeonboardintheTheFinestCuisineatSea™acrossarange ofincludedcomplimentarygourmetspecialtydiningrestaurants
Complimentaryspecialtycoffees,sodas,cold-pressedjuices,and stillandsparklingVeroWater®areservedthroughouttheship
Fruitsmoothies,milkshakes,gelatoandgourmeticecreamare alwaysincluded
UnlimitedStarlinkwifi,pre-paidgratuitiesandguestselfservice laundretteincluded
BONUS 4NightluxuryhotelstayinWaikikiwithbreakfastdaily
15NIGHTFLY,STAY&LUXURYCRUISEHOLIDAY WITH$4000BONUSVALUE
InternationalflightstoLisbonreturningfromBarcelona
BONUS 2NightluxuryhotelstayinLisbonwithbreakfastdaily 11NightluxuryLisbontoBarcelonacruiseonboardOceaniaSirena ComplimentaryHouseBeveragePackageincludingwine,beer, andcocktailsduringlunchanddinnerdaily
IndulgeonboardintheTheFinestCuisineatSea™acrossarange ofincludedcomplimentarygourmetspecialtydiningrestaurants Complimentaryspecialtycoffees,sodas,cold-pressedjuices,and stillandsparklingVeroWater®areservedthroughouttheship
Fruitsmoothies,milkshakes,gelatoandgourmeticecreamare alwaysincluded
UnlimitedStarlinkwifi,pre-paidgratuitiesandguestselfservice laundretteincluded
BONUS 2NightluxuryhotelstayinBarcelonawithbreakfastdaily
heightofluxury The
FromprivatevisitstoItaly’sFerrarifactorytomountaintopspadaysinNewZealand,luxuryconcierge companiescreateout-of-this-worldexperiencesforwell-heeledtravellers,writes
Whenyouarealuxury traveller,theworldisyour oyster—buthavingsomany optionscanfeel overwhelming,andit’sbest toprizepearlsofwisdom. Luxuryconciergecompaniesofferexclusive opportunities—fromprivateaccesstosomeof theworld’swonderstomeetandgreetswith nationaltreasures—withdedicatedmanagers whoknoweachmember’spreferencesandwhat willbemostworththeirtime.
BasedinEnglandandEurope,S2Lifestyle Managementoffersafullrangeofluxury services,andwhenitcomestotravel,itfocuses onwhatispriceless,atleast,directlyso.
“Ifyouareworkingwithultra-highnetworth individualsandfamilyoffices,thesepeoplehave prettymuchaccesstoeverything,”sayscofounderAliSamli.“Whattheyneedismoneycan’t-buyexperiences.”
Foramemberwhowantedtobookthe notoriouslybusyOsteriaFrancescanain Modena,Italy,theynotonlysecuredatablebut permissionfromtheFerrarifamilyfortheir client(acarcollector)tovisitthefamedcar factory,aswellasVIPaccesstotheFerrari MaranelloMuseum,whileintownfortheirmeal.
Ellidore'sdirectoroftravelEdFarrelly;left, KnightsbridgeCircleclientsareassigneda personalmanagerwhohelpsmanagetheir trip;top,manyluxuryconciergecompany memberswanttodosomethingreallyspecial.
Seeminglyactiverelaxers,theirmembers wanttoexploreallsidesoftheirholiday destinations.OnarecenttriptoColombia,a membershareddinnerwiththefamilyofthelate artistFernandoBotero,aswellasanaudience withPabloEscobar’sfavouritenieceandnephew athisformerprivateestate.
It’snotalwaysthebig-nameplacesthatattract travelspecialists’attention.NotaBeneGlobal looksafter“quietmoney”membersand,sayscofounderAnthonyLassman,“theywanttogoto thoselittlesecretplacesthatyouonlyknowabout bybeingexceedinglywell-travelled”.
TheNotaBeneGlobalteampersonallyvisit eachspotand,unbotheredbyothermarkersof success,wantstoknowiftheywillmaketheir guestsfeelspecial.“We’renotinterestedin whetheryourhotelisoneoftheLeadingHotels oftheWorld,orwhetheryou’reapartofRelais &Chateaux,whetheryou’reaMichelinstar,” saysLassman.“Ithinkthisdoescomedownto trust.Trust,discernment,taste,allofthose thingsthatreally,reallymatter.”
Lassmanandhiswifeandco-founder,Elaine, arebasedinLisbon,Portugal,andrecently arrangedbespokeitinerariesattheArco contemporaryartfair.Thisincludedaccessto
privategalleries,collectionsandartist studios,aswellasVIPaccesstothe publicgalleries.Inbetweenvisits, mealswerebookednearby, includingataclubonthebeach,so theirmemberscouldeatwiththeir feetinthesand.
Organisingprivatecars, helicopters,andplanesmakestightlypackeditinerariesfeellikeabreeze, too.“Wecanmakethreedaysfeellike aweek,”saysLassman.
KnightsbridgeCirclehasnoticedthatmany ofitsmembersarenotwaitingtotakeoncein-a-lifetimetripswiththeirfamilies anymore.“Withallthisotherstuffthat’s goingintheworld,it’showdowedo somethingreallyspecial?”saysmanaging directorHannahWestaway.
“It’sneveracomplacentdecision.”
OnabirthdaytriptoBangkok,one familyhadapoliceescorttotheMandarin Oriental(wheretheyhadbookedanentire wing),tookprivaterocketboatsthroughthe oldcanalcommunitiesandhadatraditional Chineseteaataprivateresidence.Lunchwas ataroyalThairiversidevilla,beforetheytoured thecity’slandmarksoncustomisedtuk-tuks. Nineseniormonksgaveaspecialblessing,and “side-door”accesstotheRecliningBuddha temple,closedofftoothertourists.Thefestivities
Photos/Supplied
endedwithapartyatahistorical100-year-old villawithtropicalgardensincentralBangkok, withdinnerbyrenownedThaichefIan Kittichai.“Theywantculturalexperiencesas wellastheluxuryelement,”saysWestaway. “Theywanttolearnmoreabouttheworld.”
Throughouttheseadventures,a KnightsbridgeCirclepersonalmanager(who onlylooksafterfourmemberseach)isonspeed dial.“Youhavesomeoneontheendofthephone, whohastheknowledge,knowswhatyoulike, andtheycanjustmakeithappen,”says Westaway.“Gettingwhatyouwant,whenyou needit,Ithink,istheheightofluxury.”
AtEllidore,directoroftravelEd Farrellyisinterestedintakingmembers outoftheircomfortzone,inthemost comfortablewaypossible.
“Areallygoodtraveladviserwilltry togetanunderstandingofwhotheclient isandwhatyoucanpress(andwhatyou needtonotpress)tobeabletotakethem somewherethattheyneverthoughtwould bepossible,”hesays.
“Youreallyhavetobuildupthattrustand beonthatjourneywiththemtogether.”
Onamember’supcomingtriptoSvalbard,a NorwegianarchipelagointheArcticOcean, Ellidoreisorganising,amongotherthings,a
BeneGlobalco-founder AnthonyLassman. Photos/Supplied
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chancetoseepolarbearsinthewild,withateam thatusessmallicebreakerboats,equippedwith snowmobiles,togetclosertothewildlife.
Ellidorehas“afew”NewZealandand Australianmembersandisespeciallygoodat showingofftheirownhometownofLondon.At theTowerofLondon,theyhavearrangedfor memberstobeinvitedbytheBeefeaterstotheir privatepub,TheKeys,aftertheCeremonyofthe Keys.“Therichnessisnotjustinthecostofa trip,it’sintheexperience,it’sinthepersonal touches,”saysFarrelly.
NewZealandtravelcompanyTouchofSpice’s bespokeitinerarieshaveincludedtakinga helicoptertoaChampagnebreakfastatthetop oftheMtEarnslawglacier,withtables,chairs andachillersculptedfromice,anexhilarating snowmobilejourneyupGarviePlateau,which wasmetbyapop-upspacompletewithheated massagebedsandpersonaltherapists,andlunch behindawaterfallfoundinEarnslawBurnwith white-glovedservice.
TouchofSpicealsohasanexclusivecollection ofpremiumpropertiestorent.Whenguests arrive,thefridgeandwinecellarwillbe stockedtotheirrequirementsandaprivate chefbriefedontheirmealpreferences.
AtavillainQueenstown,Fergburger wasinvitedtomakethefamedburgers in-house.
MarketingmanagerNoraZenasni believesNewZealandis“upthere”in offeringworld-classexperienceswith breathtakingsceneryandcultural connections.“We’reveryproudofNew Zealandandwewanttoshowcaseitto thebestofourability,”shesays.
“Realconnectionandauthentic experiencesarereallyimportant.”
Likeallthoseinterviewedforthisstory, Zenasninotesthattimeisthemostprecious
commoditywhenitcomesto luxurytravel.“It’sabout makingsurethatthattimeis spentatthehighestquality possibleforthemwiththeir lovedones.”
Again,anultimateluxury duringaTouchofSpicetripis anticipatingneedsbeforetheyarise. “Itgivesthemthereassurancethatthey
TouchofSpice’sQueenstownresidence,below, TouchofSpicemarketingmanagerNora Zenasni. Photos/GrahamWarman,supplied
canjustsitback,relax,andknowthatthey’re goingtogetthisabsolutely‘wow’experience.”
Likeanymemorabletravelexperience,itcan takealotofplanningtogetthere,butthebest momentsarespontaneous.
“Thoseunforgettablemomentscanbecreated uptoapoint,andthentheresthavetosortof happen,”saysLassman.
“It’sthatveryspecialmomentintimethatyou carrywithyouthroughyourlifetime.”
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TajLakePalace,awhitemarblevisionfloating onLakePicholainUdaipur. Photo/Supplied
SPLENDID SECLUSION
Left,UmaidBhawan PalaceinJodhpurisa museum,residenceand hotel;right,top,Umaid BhawanPalaceguests aretreatedtodomed ceilingsandArt-Deco interiors;right,bottom, TajLakePalacehosts guestsinantique-filled roomswithlakeviews andbutlerservice; Photos/PrateekSwadesh Photography,Jaideep Oberoi,supplied
Below,fromleft,Sujan TheSerai,ahavenof peaceandtranquillity; SujanSherBagh’s colonial-styletentssitjust minutesfromoneof India’sbesttigerhabitats; atSujanJawaiguests sleepintentedsuiteswith marbleshowersand privatesit-outs. Photos/ HajraAhmad,supplied
SPLENDID SECLUSION
Fromtentedcampsinbigcat territoriestopalacehotelsand privaterivercruises,Indiahas aquieter,moreindulgentside ifyouknowwheretolook, writes PoonamBinayak
Livelikeamaharaja(ormaharani) BeforeIndiabecamearepublic,itwasmadeup ofprincelystatesthateachruledadynasty.Many oftheirpalaceshavebeenconvertedintoheritage hotels—somerunbythedescendantsoftheroyal families,othersleasedtohotelgroups—offering travellersararechancetolivelikeamaharaja. AmongthemostregalistheTajLakePalacein Udaipur,awhitemarblevisionfloatingonLake Pichola.Builtinthe18thcenturyforMewar royalty,itnowhostsguestsinantique-filledrooms withlakeviewsandpersonalisedbutlerservice. InJodhpur,UmaidBhawanPalaceservesasa museum,residenceandhotelmanagedbytheTaj group.Stillhometotheroyalfamily,thewingopen toguestsfeaturesdomedceilings,Art-Deco interiors,andsweepingviewsoverthecity’sblue houses.
Pricesvarybyseasonandroomcategory,but expectratesfromaround$930pernight. Unsurprisingly,thisspotbooksoutinpeakseason (OctobertoMarch)sobookearly.
Retreatandrelaxinthehomecountryof Ayurveda
Foratransformativeescape,fewplacesrival India’sluxurywellnessretreats.TheAnandain theHimalayasisa40.5haestatenearRishikesh, wherepersonalisedprogrammestargeteverything fromstresstohormonehealth.Aseven-nightstay includingagarden-orriver-viewroom,Ayurvedic therapies,dailyyogaandallmealsstartsataround $9725.Atwo-hourdriveawayinDehradun,Six SensesVanaisasereneretreattuckedintoaforest ofsaltrees.ItoffersTibetanhealing,acupuncture, soundtherapyandmovementclassesina minimalist,design-forwardspace,withprices startingfrom$3122perperson(twin-share)fora three-nightstayinagardenroom.
FarSouthinKerala,thebirthplaceof Ayurveda,riversideretreatslike Mekoshaofferspasuitesthatinclude doctor-leddetoxprogrammes,yoga, meditationandorganicmeals. Packagesrangefrom$1803to $3270perperson.Slightlynorth, SoukyainBengaluruisaleafy 25-roomsanctuarythat combinesAyurveda, naturopathyandyogafor physicalandmentalwellbeing. Guestsenjoyagardendeluxe roomwithfullboard,yoga,and aninitialdoctorconsultation from$432pernightwith customisedtreatmentpackages available.Ifit’sgoodenoughfor KingCharlesandQueenCamilla,who visitedin2024,it’sgoodenoughforus.
Ridetherails,royal-style
Ifyouwanttocoveralotofgroundinstyle, luxurytrainsarethewaytogo.The 23-carriageMaharajas’Expressand 21-carriageDeccanOdysseyevokethe goldenageofrailwithcarved-wood interiors,vintagelightingand white-glovedstaff.Bothfeature elegantdiningcarsservingIndian andinternationaldishes,barsand curatedexcursions.
TheMaharajas’Expressruns fourroutes(three-to-sixnights) fromDelhiandMumbai,withstops aticonicspotssuchastheTajMahal andVaranasi.TheDeccanOdyssey offerssix-week-longjourneysacross westernandcentralIndia,including templevisits,winetastingsandtiger safaris.
Faresstartfrom$8141perperson(twinshare)ontheMaharajas’Express,and$13,868for singleoccupancyontheDeccanOdyssey.
Glampamongwildlife
Chateauxproperty)nearJaisalmeroffers tentedsuiteswithprivategardensand heatedplungepools,whileroyalsuites addbutlerservice,amassagetent, andalfrescodining.Staysinclude camelrides,folkmusic,and sundownersontheduneswith pricesfrom$1575pernight.In Gujarat,theTentCitypopsup duringRannUtsav(November toFebruary),whenthewhite saltdesertshimmersunder moonlight—air-conditioned tentsstartat$234perpersonper night. Furthernorth,inLadakh’s high-altitudecolddesert,Chamba CampThikseyrunsfromMayto earlyOctoberandoffersen-suitetents withfour-posterbeds,privatesit-outs andbutlerservice—idealfortravellers seekingluxurywithadventureat11,000feet. Multi-nightpackagesincludecultural performances,raftingontheriver Indus,andvillagewalks,andstartat $4082.
CruiseIndia’sgreatriversin comfort IfyouwanttoexploreIndiaat aslowerpace—albeitin comfort—considerariver cruise.Inthenortheast, AdventureRiverCruises’MV Mahabaahusailsalongthe mightyBrahmaputraRiverin Assam,driftingpasttea plantations,islandmonasteries, andrhino-filledgrasslands.The vesselhasriver-viewcabins,apool, spaandbarfordowntimebetweenshore excursions.Faresstartfrom$12,388per cabinforan11-nightcruise.
Forafront-rowseattoIndia’swildlife, withallcreaturecomforts,booka staywithSujan,aluxuryhospitality brandknownforitsconservationfocusedsafaris.AtSujanJawai,a Relais&Chateauxproperty betweenUdaipurandJodhpur, guestssleepintentedsuiteswith marbleshowersandprivatesitouts,surroundedbywildleopard territory.AtSujanSherBagh, anotherRelais&Chateauxproperty inRanthambore,colonial-styletents sitjustminutesfromoneofIndia’sbest tigerhabitats.Bothofferexpert-ledgame drives,candlelitdinnersunderthestars, andspatreatmentswithaview.Ratesfrom $4090(Jawai)and$2432(SherBagh)per night.
CruiseKeralaonaprivate houseboat
Foraslower,moreindulgentway toexploreKerala’sfamed backwaters(avastnetworkof village-dottedlakes,canals,and lagoons),charteraprivate,airconditionedhouseboatwitha rooftopsundeckandpersonal chefwhocanwhipuptasty Keralandelights.SustainabilityfocusedoperatorsschasSpice CoastCruises,partoftheCGH Earthgroup,runwell-appointed vesselsonVembanadLakenear Kumarakom,withsinglecabinsfrom $546anddoublesfrom$845pernight.In northernKerala,wellnessretreatNeeleshwar Hermitageoffersexclusivecruisesaboarditssleek houseboat,TheLotus,onthequieter Valiyaparambabackwaters,startingfrom$505per night.
OverontheGanges,India’sholiest river,thedouble-deckerRVKalaw Pandawruns14-nightcruisesfrom KolkatatoPatna,withstopsat wildlife-richnationalparks, traditionalsilk-weavingvillages, andtempletowns.Thetripends withalandtransferto Varanasi,oneoftheworld’s oldestlivingcities—afitting finaletoajourneydownriver. Onboard,expectwood-panelled cabinswithFrenchwindows, anopen-airbarandasmall library,withfaresstartingfrom $15,302perperson.
SleepunderthestarsinIndia’sdesert CampinginIndiadoesn’tmeanroughingit.In Rajasthan’sTharDesert,TheSerai(aRelais&
SeeIndiafromabove Indiaisbestknownforitscolourand chaosatgroundlevel,buttheaerialviews arejustasstriking.Oneofthemost memorablewaystoexperiencethemisby hot-airballoon.InRajasthan,SkyWaltz offers60-minuteflightsoverJaipur’s historicfortsandpalaces,aswellas Hampi’ssurrealboulder-strewn ruinsandwindingrivers—twoof India’smostcinematiclandscapes. Pricesstartataround$541per personinJaipurand$482per personinHampi. Onthesouthwestcoast,Goa offersamoretropicaltwist,with thestatetourismboardrunning balloonflightsoverpaddyfields, coconutgrovesandbeachesnear ChandorinSouthGoa.Astandard flightcostsabout$251perperson. Balloonridesusuallyrunbetween SeptemberandApril,whentheskiesareclear andwindsarefavourable.
Fromtop,DeccanOdysseyofferssix-week-longjourneys acrosswesternandcentralIndia;theelegantdiningcarserves Indianandinternationaldishes;theAnandaintheHimalayas preparespersonalisedwellnessprogrammes;astayatthespa includesAyurvedictherapies,dailyyogaandallmeals. Photos/KaranGohil,supplied
Noosahasbeennamed aUnescoBiosphere Reserve;below,Noosa ishometofinedining aplenty;Seabourne Distillerycreateseasydrinkingspirits.
Livinginharmony
Lookingforaluxurygetaway justacrosstheDitch?Jetstar hasmadetravellingtothe beautifulNoosashoreson Australia’seastcoastthat mucheasierwithdirect flightsfromAuckland,writes RachelMaher
InadditiontobeingnamedaUnesco BiosphereReserve,whichrecognisesthe town’sharmoniousco-existenceof humansandnature,Noosaishometo finediningaplentyandrelaxing activities,makingittheperfectsliceof luxuryforagroup,aromanticgetawayorsome solosoulsearching.
TheNoosaregionisapopulardestinationfor leisureandadventurebecauseofitsmanygems, whichincludeapristineriversystemthat meandersupstreamtooneoftheworld’sonly twoEvergladessystems,serenehinterland villages,boutiqueshopping,world-classevents, athrivingartsandculturescene,andmore.
WHERETOSTAY
TheopulentNetanyaNoosaisnestledintoone ofAustralia’smostbreathtakingbeaches,with suitesofone,two,orthreebedroomsproviding viewsofNoosaMainBeachandbustling HastingsSt.
TheNoosaSurfClublooksoverDoubleIsland PointandNoosaNationalParkisonlyashort
strollaway.
TheroomsatNetanyaNoosaarespacious, light,andsoclosetothebeachthesoundof crashingwaveswilllullyoutosleep.Ifyoudon’t wanttodineoutatthefantasticrestaurants nearbyonHastingsSt,akitchenettemakes diningineasy,whilethelargebathroomboasts aspabathbigenoughfortwo.
IfthepoolatNetanyaNoosathatlooksoutto thebeachistoocrowdedforyou,youcaneasily openthegateandstepoutontothebeachfor anoceanswim.
NetanyaNoosaistheidealdestinationfor mindfultouristslookingforaromanticbreak, alongvacation,orafunweekend.
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WHATTOEAT
BistroC SavouramealatBistroCwhileadmiringthe sceneryofLagunaBayinNoosa. EachdishwasdevelopedbychefDayleMerlo usingthelocalproducetheareaoffersas inspiration.
Theaward-winningcuisinereflectshisteam’s loveoffood.Thelaid-back,light-filledareais idealforalonglunch,afternooncocktail,moonlit dinner,orleisurelybrunch.
Peli’s Peli’s,whichisideallysituatedinTewantinat
Turntop24
Photos/TourismNoosa
SUN-SEEKER ESCAPES
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thewaterfrontNoosaMarina,offerselegant bistro-styleeatingwithaMediterraneanflair. ReflectingPeli’scoastallocation,thevibrant diningexperiencefeaturesshare-stylemeals withanemphasisonseafoodandcreative vegetarianoptions.Thecuisinepaystributeto theabundanceoffreshfruitandseafoodonthe SunshineCoast.Highlightsincludesmaller dishes,suchasscallops,orthelargerones,such assucculent,fall-off-the-bonelambshoulder. LocaleNoosa
CravingalittleItalianwhileinNoosa?Locale Noosausesahostoffreshlocalingredientsto bringtogetherunforgettabledishes.
Themoodyatmosphereisnoreflectionofthe brightflavoursinmust-trydishessuchasthe fioridizuccaandcrudo.
Otherhighlightsincludethesaltimboccaand thearrayofcocktailsmadebyfriendly bartenders.
Gusto AclassicNoosavilleeatingexperiencethathas growntobepopularamonglocalsandtourists, Gustoperfectlyreflectsthelaid-backatmosphere oftheNoosaRiver.
Togetherwithathoughtfullychosenwinelist, itsmenuofferscontemporaryAustralianfare withaFrenchtwist.
WHATTODO
Joel’sJourneys
TheeasiestwaytogetthemostoutofyourNoosa tripistobookatouraroundthearea,andJoel’s Journeysisthebestofthem.
Joel’sJourneys’knowledgeableguidestake youthroughvalleys,peaksandundiscovered gems,suchastheGlassHouseMountains,the NoosaHinterland,RainbowBeachandMary Valley.
Thecompanyoffersprivatetours,group bookingsandtransfersthatcovereveryaspect ofNoosayoumightwanttoexperience.
InNoosaforashortstay?Takethe “Hinterland”tour,whichshowsoffthebestof thearea’slandscape,food,drinksandart.
First,unwindwithacupofteaorcoffeebeside thesereneLakeCootharaba,thebiggestlakein theNoosaEverglades,beforeenjoyingthelocal handicraftsandfreshproduceatKinKin,a quaintcommunitytuckedawayinthe countrysideafterthepicturesquedrive.
HavelunchinPomona,thenspendyourspare timeexploringPomona’sartgalleryorsampling ginatthenearbydistillery.
Afteramead-tastingatahistoricestateinthe afternoon,there’sahiddenoverlookwith expansiveviewsofNoosaHeadsandthe hinterland.Enjoyacheeseplatterandafinewine tastingatanearbywinerytoroundoffyourday. EnjoyatastingatSeabourneDistillery ThebeautyandflowingcurrentofNoosaare capturedbySeabourne.TheteamatSeabourne Distillerycreateseasy-drinkingspiritsusingthe purestflavoursofthelandandthesea.Theyare tobesavouredinthelastraysofthesun.
Whileyouareinthearea,checkouttheNoosa ChocolateCompanyforasweettreat,orNoosa’s otherfinealcoholicofferingssuchastheLand andSeaBreweryandNoosaHeads. Takeawalk
Alongwithahugenetworkofforesttrailsthat serveasanaturalhabitatforsomeofAustralia’s mostprizedplantsandanimals,NoosaNational Parkboastsoneofthemostbreathtakingcoastal scenicwalks.
BetweenJulyandOctober,it’scommontosee whalesbreachingwiththeircalvesasyougaze outintotheexpansiveocean.
ExperiencetheNoosasurf first-handbytakingaGo RideaWavelesson;top, addsomethrillstoyour holidayandrentajetski. Photo/TourismNoosa
Beachfrontmassage
Thesoundsofwavescrashingagainsttheshore arerenownedfortheirabilitytocalmpeople,so itmakestheperfectbackdropforarelaxing massage,andMassageandWellbeingoffer exactlythatonNoosa’sMainBeach.
Whiletheseabreezetransportsyouaway,get awonderfulmassageonthebeachwhilelistening tothesoundofbreakingwaves.Selectfroma varietyofmassagestyles,includingdeeptissue, relaxation,andremedial,allofwhichare customisedandprovidedbyskilledtherapists. Iwouldrecommendshowinguptothe beachfrontlocationwithsandyfeet,buttheyalso offertocometoyourhotelroomifyouprefer —justswipeyourthumbtoorderontheir website.
Takearideonthewildside
LookingforathrillingwaytoexperienceNoosa? Trytheexcitementofjet-skiingwithNoosa Watersports.
AsyoutravelacrossLagunaBayandpast NoosaHeadland,thefriendlystaffareavailable tohelpyouateveryturn.JetskirentalinNoosa mayaddsomethingfresh,enjoyableandthrilling toyourholiday,regardlessofyourlevelof experience.
OrmaybeyouwanttoexperiencetheworldfamousNoosasurffirst-hand.
GoRideaWaveteachersarecommittedto makingsureyourtimeonthewavesis memorableandinformative,whetheryou’re searchingforgrouporone-on-onesurflessons.
AnEscortedTourisn’taboutbeing“lookedafter”—it’saboutfinallylettinggo Fromthemomentyoubooktoyourreturnhome,wetakecareofallthelogistics.
African Golden dream ticket toan
Whenitdebutedinthelate1980s,RovosRailwasthefirsttraincompanytooutfititscarriageswithposh amenities.Almost40yearslater, BonniePop jumpsaboardtoexperiencethebucket-listjourney
Nothingquitepreparesyoufor yourfirstluxurytrain experience.It’sascloseasone mightevercometosteppingback intime.
MyhusbandandIarrivedatthe RovosRailtrainstationinPretoria,SouthAfrica, afteraweek-longcross-countrydrivefromCape Town,andtheredcarpetthatwelcomedour arrivalservedasabridgefrommodern-day motortransporttothegilded-ageglorydaysof traintravel.
Aswesippedourcomplimentarychampagne andgazedaroundRovos’opulentstationlounge, itquicklybecameclearhowSouthernAfrica’s swankiestrailcompanymightsingle-handedly beresponsibleforrevivingtheluxurytrain industrywhenitlaunchedbackinthelate80s. Nowinits36thyear,Rovoshasachieveda certain,well-deservedconfidencethatanyonein theirthirddecadeoflifemightrecognise.
theirsumptuousloungetoawaitthe train’sarrival.
Havingsuccessfullynavigatedthrough turbulentSouthAfricanpolitics,multiple economicdownturns,andarecentglobal pandemic(duringwhichtheycontinuedtopay everyemployee),thecompanyhasmanagednot onlytomaintainitshighstandardof sophistication,buthasdonesowhileholdingfast toitsoriginalcommitment:deliveringa culturallyimmersivesafari-by-railexperience that’sasgoodforitsguestsasitisforits community.
WejoinedRovosforwhatisperhapsitsmost famousroute,departingfromPretoriatowind ourwaynorthacrosssomeofZimbabwe’smost storiedlandscapesbeforelandingatthejawdroppingVictoriaFalls.
Theroyal,red-carpetgreetingbyRovos’fleet offriendlystaffisjustthebeginning.Smiling attendantsbearingtraysofbubblesushereach guestpastaswirlofpeacocksstruttingbeneath gracefulcanopiesofjacarandatreesandinto
Here,myhusbandandIdiscreetly eyedtheotherpassengers,inevitably inventingbackstoriesbefittingthe glamourofoursurroundings.We didn’texpecthowquicklywewould findrealconnectionwithone another,facilitatedbyashared scheduleofleisurelylunches,back-oftrainbird-watching,andmulti-course dinnerspairedwithplentyoflocalwine. Ofcourse,theintentionallackofWi-Fion boardalsoensuredweactuallyspokewith oneanotheralongtheway.
“Whenmyfolksfirststartedthebusinessall thoseyearsago,therewasnoWi-Fiorinternet,” explainsTiffanyVos-Thane,chiefoperating officerandyoungestdaughterofRovosfounder andnamesakeRohanVos.“Soitwasn’tahard decisiontosimplykeepitthatway.
“Weareveryeagertocreateanenvironment whereguestsarefreefromdistractions.”
It’sadecisionIfoundmyselfsupremely gratefulfor,astherearesofewtravelexperiences
Fromtop,oneofRovos’ mostpopularroutes departsPretoriaandwinds itswaynorthacross Zimbabwe’sbeforelanding atVictoriaFalls;aredcarpet greetstravellersatthe RovosRailtrainstationin Pretoria,SouthAfrica; TiffanyVos-Thane, Photos/RovosRail
todaythatactuallyenforcethistypeofdigital disconnection.Thosethatdo,likeRovos,gift theirguestswithrareandmemorable momentsofcross-culturalconnectionthat onewouldotherwisehavetotrulytravel backintimetoenjoy.
Thetrainitselfisamasterpieceof restoration,proofofitsnostalgicethos. Localartisanspainstakinglyrevive historiccoachesandinfusethemwithan elegancethatisuniquetothecontinent. “Everydetailyousee,fromtheupholstery tothewoodworktothetoiletries,iscreatedright hereinSouthAfrica,”Tiffanysharedwithpride, explaininghowcarryingonthetraditionsof SouthAfricanartisansandcraftsmanallows RovosRailtohaveacontinuous,positiveimpact ontheeconomywhilealsopreservingthelocal culture.
Intheirsuites,guestsreceivecomplimentary toiletriesandsoapscraftedlocally,dineonmeals thatshowcaseregionalculinarytraditions,and savourthefinestSouthAfricanwines.
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GoNZ: Campervanning »
Forgetcrampedcampervans andsoggytents, SarahPollok hasahotelexperienceon wheelsinahigh-spec motorhome
“Youknow,thinkingabout it,thisisthemost expensivevehicleI’ve everdriven,”my husbandmusesaswe zoomupStateHighway 1onFridayafternoon.
Despiteskipperingyachtsandtest-driving racecars,Idon’tdoubthe’sright;startingat $306,000,thisTrailLite300Serieswinsbyalong shot.
It’snosurprisetheNewZealand-madevehicle coststhesameamountasahouseinSouth Taranaki’sPa¯tea.
Allowmetoshareanon-exhaustivelistof featuresthatmaketheTrailLitesuperiortomy house:double-glazedwindowswiththreeshade types(mosquito,blackout,Romanblinds),two televisionswithSkyandasoundbar,andbedside tableswithbuilt-inwirelesscharging.Lights withdimmersanda“moodlighting”setting, keylessentryandaFusionBluetoothstereo system.Thereisasmartfridgethatseemsmore intelligentthanmostanimals,athree-gas burner,anovenandgrill,abuilt-in4mcanvas shadeandsoft-closekitchendrawers.Thanksto thewheels,you’vealsogotanever-changingview ofAotearoa’smostincredibleviews.
Despitetheriskofsoundinglikeabrochure, Ilistthesethingsbecauseyoumustunderstand thatIwentcampinginaconvertedNissanSerena oversummer,anditwascamping.Thebootlid wasoursunshade,the“coffeetable”wasaslab ofwoodonametalpipeandeverythingwas alwaysslightlygrimy,includingmyself.Thisis notthat,notwhentheshowerwaterpressureis betterthanminebackhome.No,thisisglamping inanever-movinghotelroom.
Unsurprisingly,ittakes45minutesforDoug togiveusabreathlessversionofthefour-hour handovercustomerstypicallygetwhenthey collecttheirmotorhome.Whileyoucandrive certainstylesonaclass1licence,there’sstill muchmoretoitthanjusttwistingthekeyand driving.
Achecklistsheetremindsusofeverythingto checkwhenwedepart,yetwefailtoremember thecardinalruleoftravel:nevergettoohungry, tootiredandnever,evermakeimportant decisionswheninboththosestates.
Alas,wefindourselvesapproaching Whanga¯reiat9pmafterspontaneouslydeciding topasstheplannedcampsiteandfreedomcamp aroundtheHeads.Exhaustedandstarving,we parkupatthespotmarkedonacampervanapp andhopintotheplushqueenbed,onlytorealise theactualfreedomcampingspotis150moverand alreadyfull.Cutpast20minutesofbouncing alongdarkcoastlineroadsinfurioussilence,and we’resettledinanotherspotbetweenthecoast roadandthewater.
Sleepisatouchfitful(nofaultofthe motorhome’scomfybeddingorinternalheating), yetanystressiserasedthenextmorningwhen Isleepilypulluptheblindtorevealapeachy goldsunrisepouringoutacrossTamaterauBay besideus.
Snugglingbackintobed,wedrinkinthe privatemillion-dollarview,whichweshareonly withthebirdsandboatssittingontheglassy water.Dippingoutofbedonlytoprocurecoffee andbreakfast,welazeaboutuntil10am— somethingthatfeelsimpossiblewhenin Auckland.
Packingup,wedrivejustfiveminutesbefore spottingadelightful,petitecoffeecaravanparked onebayover.Sagegreenontheoutsideandlight pinkwithin,we’rewelcomedtoPaBootsCoffee withabig,warmgrinfromHarrietDaniells. Withnowheretohurryto,wechataboutthe caravan(oftenparkedonWhanga¯reiHeadsRd) sherunswithherhusband,“Pa”(Bernard),and howit’shelpedthemcultivatefriendshipswith
Wheelinthe
luxury
locals.Twoflatwhiteslater,wemoseytoabench despitethechillywindasabarefoottradiestrolls tothecaravanforako¯rerowithasideofcoffee; anunhurriedinteractionthatfeelssodeeply Whanga¯rei.
Then,becausemyhusbandis,well,my husband,weheadtoNorthlandGolfClubfora roundoffourholes(allIcanmanage)amongst thegangsofregularswhoprobablyattendeda SaturdaysessionasreligiouslyasaSunday service.Nonetheless,Imustadmitit’spositively leisurely,strollingamongstthelushgrounds withoutasingletelephonepoleorskyscraperin sight.
Lunchinvolvesasupermarkettripand sandwichesassembledatascenicpicnicstopen routetoWaipu¯Cove.Heedingtheadviceof TrailLitestaff,I’vedownloadedtheCamperMate andRankersapps,whichareindeedlike miniature Bibles,withreviews,ratingsand informationonvariouscampingspotsaround thecountry.Withinfiveminutes,we’vereviewed spotsandbookedCampWaipu¯Coveforjust$40. Rollingontospot15,aminute’swalkfromthe beach,wehavegrandplansofreturningtoWaipu¯ PizzaBarn,butareswiftlyhitwiththe exhaustiononeonlyfeelsonceyourbodyhas trulyrelaxed.Sleepyandcontent,weamblealong thebeach,watchingpodsofsurfersbobalongon idealbeginnerwavesandsearchfortheperfect “shellrings”inthesand.Thelastsliversofsun
arespentreadingbooksincampingchairs, turninglunchintoalazydinnerandspending anhourplayingBananagramsbeforeflopping intobedforamovie.
Wewakeuptoanotherjuicyorangesunrise, andwithinsecondsI’monthenear-emptybeach, enjoyingthequietmorning.Ashortwalkfrom CoveCafe,westrollalongthebeachandfinda groupofpeoplemillingaboutoutside,waiting fortheleisurely9amopentime.
Grabbingapatiotable,I’mpleasedtodiscover Covehasthequintessential“coastalcafe”vibe, withflawlesscoffee,beachviews,goodmusic quietlyplayingandacheerfulyoungbandof whatmustbeBritsontheir“gapyah”staffing thecounter.Witha10amcheckout,we’resoon backtothecampsitetogatherourthingsand hittheroad,thistimefora200mtripbackto thecarparkbesideCoveCafebecauseat18 degreesandcloudless,it’scriminaltodo anythingbutparkupatthebeach.Whilemost beachtripsinvolveabigbagofbelongings,we takenothingbutourcampingchairsandbooks andlazelikelizardsforfourhours,takingturns tonipbacktothe“house”foranice-colddrink orminicheeseboard,enjoyingtheconvenience ofwhatfeelslikeabeachfrontbach.
Pinkandsleepyfromthesun,weeventually gatherourthingsandhittheroadtoWaipu¯Pizza Barnforalong,lazylunch.
Sunpoursthroughthelargewindowsandon
TheTrailLite300Series motorhomefeelslikea hotelonwheels. Photos/Supplied
tothelongwoodentablesfullof localsandtravellers.Whilethe $31kahawaisaladand$37 lambkoftapizzaweren’t cheap,mygoodness,they weredelicious,madewith superfresh,local ingredientspackedwith flavour.
“Thisfeelslikethemost relaxedwe’vebothbeenfor thelast,Idon’tknow,year,” myhusbandsaysaswedigin. Iraiseaneyebrow,thinkingofthe recentlongweekendswe’dspentin theCoromandel,yethisopinionhad merit.We’dplayedsillycardgamesandhad
meanderingchatswithstrangers.Combed beachessearchingforperfectshellsandlazed inbed(intheafternoon!)simplybecausethere wasnothingtodootherthanenjoywherewe were.We’devengolfed,apositivelyglacial activityIdon’thavethepatienceforwhen operatingatcitypace.
WhileI’dassumedamotorhometrip wouldbeallaboutzippingfromplaceto placeandcoveringasmuchgroundas possible,itencouragedtheopposite;slowing allthewaydowntoenjoythesimplestof pleasuresthatwerethereallalong.
Details Formoreinformation,visittraillite.co.nz ThewritertrialledaTrailLitecourtesyofthecompany.
Setsailonanunforgettablelate-summeradventurewithHXExpeditionstotheawe-inspiringwhitewildernessofAntarctica. Spotwhalesandpenguins,kayakpastglaciers,hikeicytrails,andmaybeevencampovernightonthesnow.Discoverthewild beautyoftheFalklandIslands,wheregreenhillsmeetwhite-sandshores.
YOUREXPEDITIONHOLIDAYINCLUDES:
•ReturnEconomyclassfarefromAucklandto BuenosAires
•2nightsBuenosAiresincludingbreakfast*
•Transferfromthehoteltotheairport
•EconomyclassflightfromBuenosAiresto Ushuaia
•TransferfromUshuaiaairporttotheport
•18nightcruiseonboardMSFridtjofNansen
•Gratuities&porttaxes
•1nightsBuenosAireshotelincluding Breakfast*
*ExcludesdailyhotelchargeofUSD$75perroompernight
✓ Wine,beerandspiritsavailable (excludes premiumdrinks)
✓ Apolarexpeditionjacket,abackpack,or anotherpieceofHXkit
✓ Professionalphotosfromyourtriptakenby theonboardphotographer
✓ Acomplimentarywaterbottle
✓ FREE Wi-Fi#
✓ Useofsauna,hottubs,pool,fitnessroom, loungesandmore
✓ Alldaycoffee,teaandsoftdrinks
✓ Rangeofactivitiesincludingin-depthlectures anddiscussionshostedbyexperts,fullaccess toshipScienceCentre,escortedlandingswith smallexpeditionboatsandmore!
Comfortinthewildestplaces
AnHXAntarcticvoyageblendspurposefulluxurywithconnection andtrueexploration
Antarcticastirstheimaginationlikefewplaces onEarth–anotherworldlyterrainthatinspires aweandhumilityinequalmeasure.Thisis acontinentthathasnopermanenthuman population,nocities,noborders–onlyshiftingice, toweringsilenceandcreaturesthatseemimpossibly adaptedtoitsextremes.Itisraw,wild,exhilaratingand, forthosewhotravelwithHX,expertlyelevated.
Withrootsstretchingbackto1896,HXhaslongbeen apioneerofpolartravel.Todayitistheworld’smost experiencedexpeditioncompany,havingtakenmore travellerstoAntarcticathananyother.Itsapproachis rootedinexpertiseandexploration,offeringtravellers anelevatedsuiteexperiencethatletsthemwitnessthe wildinunparalleledcomfort.
EveninthemostremoteenvironmentsonEarth,HX Suitesofferacalm,consideredsanctuary.Afteradayof Zodiaclandings,boatsafarisorglaciercrossings,guests returntospaciousen-suites(somewithbathtubs),walkinwardrobesandelegantlyfurnishedloungeareasthat feelmorelikeaprivateapartmentthanacabin.Select suitesincludeprivatebalconies,smokelessfireplacesor evenopen-airhottubs–idealforwatchingtheicedriftby inwarmthandquiet.TheAntarcticstorycontinueseven asyoupausetorest.
Withineachsuite,thoughtfulluxuriescomeas standard:welcomechampagne,anin-suiteespresso machine,premiumteas,awell-stockedminibarand dailyturndownservice.Suiteguestsalsoenjoypriority boarding,expeditedembarkationandexclusiveaccess toLindstrøm,thefine-diningrestaurantinspiredby Norwegianpolarheritage.Here,Scandinaviantraditions meetglobalinfluencesinarefined,intimatesetting–with personalisedserviceandpanoramicviewsthatremind youexactlywhereyouare.
AndonanAntarcticexpedition,whereyouare isnothingshortofextraordinary.HXoffersarange ofitineraries,butforthoseventuringtotheSeventh Continent,highlightsmayincludecrossingtheDrake Passagewithexpertnavigators,orvisitingSouth Georgia–oftendubbedthe‘SerengetioftheSouthern Ocean’–andtheFalklands,awindsweptarchipelagoof
turquoisebaysandgrassyheadlandswherealbatrosses nestandpenguinswaddle.Attheheartofthejourney liestheAntarcticcontinentitself–aplaceofsublime scale.There’stheshimmeringGerlacheStrait,where humpbacksfeedindeepglacialwaters;theremote researchoutpostsoftheSouthShetlandIslands;andthe vasticeshelvesoftheWeddellSea,whichgiveriseto mile-longtabularicebergscarriedonpowerfulcurrents.
Everylandingbringssomethingrare–asilenthour amongsealsorthelowthunderoficecalvinginto thesea.Theseareplacesuntouchedbymodernlife, accessibleonlytoaveryfew.HX’sshipsarepurposebuiltforsuchenvironments,offeringboththecapability togetthereandthesensitivitytotreadlightlyonce arrived.Buttreadinglightlyisjustthebeginning.HX alsoinvitesitsgueststoengagedeeply–tonotsimply observetheseextraordinaryplaces,buttocontributeto theirunderstanding.
Thatphilosophyiswoventhroughtheentire voyage,andismostevidentinthecompany’sonboard Science&EducationProgram,ledbyChiefScientistDr VerenaMeraldi.Guestsareinvitedtoparticipateinreal scientificresearch,contributingtoprojectsdeveloped inpartnershipwithinstitutionssuchasNASAand theUniversityofTasmania.Naturalistsandwildlife
expertsgivetalksandleadshoreexcursions,whilethe onboardScienceCentreoffershands-onopportunities toenhanceunderstandingofthefragileecosystems unfoldingoutside.Theseexperiencesarenotadd-ons–theyarepartofwhatitmeanstotravelwellwithHX.
FromthedramaticcoastlinesofAntarctica,tothe fjordsofGreenlandandtheequatorialbiodiversityof theGalápagos,HXleadsexpeditionstosomeofthe world’smostfragile,beautifulandremotedestinations –alwayswithanemphasisonsustainability,science anddeepengagementwithplace.Itsfiveships–two withhybridpropulsion–havebannedheavyfueloils andunnecessarysingle-useplastics,andin2024alone thecompanydonatedmorethan1,900cruisenightsto workingscientists.
Thisiselevatedcomfortwithintegrity.Andforthose lookingtoexperienceAntarcticainawaythatfeelsboth intimateandextraordinary,HXSuitesmightjustofferthe bestseatonEarth.
Photo:TedGatlin
Houseswap ingrandstyle
ThirdHomeisbrandedasan ‘Airbnbformillionaires’— SarahPollok checksitout withastayata$10million propertyonWaiheke
Standingonthegiantpatiowrapped aroundtheequallylargehilltop estate,it’schallengingtoimagine howonecouldtireofthis,howone couldeverwanttotradetheir cinematicspotonWaiheke’sOneroa ridgelineforanythingelse.
Floppingontothelongoutdoordaybed,Idrink inthequiltofvividbluesthatstretchesoutto thehorizonontheleftandmeetstherocky coastlineandsandyshoretotheright,where severalpristinewhiteyachtsbobjustbeyondthe shallows.Oneoceanviewwouldbeenough— yetjusttotherightisHuririBay,andbehind theproperty,OwhanakeBayedgesintoview.
However,we’reherebecauseofnoveltyand familiarityandexcitement,andhowthey alchemise.Becauseeventhemostbreathtaking placescanlosealittleshineovertime,andwe starttohungerforsomethingdifferent.Thisis oneoftravel’sgreatestappeals:thechanceto substitutethefamiliardelightsfor,not somethingnecessarilybetter,butnovelandthus delightfulinauniqueway.
It’salso,inmyeyes,oneofthegreatestappeals ofacompanylikeThirdHome,whichbrands itselfasAirbnbformillionaires.Recently launchedinAotearoa,theconceptissimple:list yourluxuryholidayhome(ifitmeetsthehighclassstandards)andearnpointsyouusetostay inoneofthe19,000otherluxuryhomes worldwide.
So,whileIcanstandonthepatioandenjoy themillion-dollarview($10milliontobeprecise), andthinkownersinsaneforeverleavingthis Edenictwo-wingedmansion,thesofteningof familiarityandsparkleofnoveltywillalways haveuseventuallylooktoshakethingsup elsewhere.
I’vehaditmyself,assomeonefortunate enoughtospendchildhoodsummersatabach intheCoromandel.It’ssimplythebeachorthe bachortheoceansunsetuntilanewcomer arrivesandIcanpiggybackontheirawe,seeing itallforthefirsttime.Today,myhusbandand Iarethenewcomersstayingonenightatthis OneroaThirdHomeproperty,andwe’reaptly giddyatthenovelty.
That’snottosaythatthisplaceissimplynice
Thispage,OneroaEstate,apropertyonThirdHome,wherethe roomsaretheperfectblendofopulenceandfunctionalcomfort, anditfeelslikeeverydesirehasbeenconsidered.
Photo/PeterRees
becauseit’sdifferent.It’svaluedaround$10m, andyoucanfeeleverycent,fromthepatiohot tubandlappooltothetelevisionroomdraped withsumptuousthrows,surround-sound systemormarbleslabkitchenseeminglytorn fromapageof ArchitecturalDigest,equipped witheverythingfromNespressopodstocastironpans.Sleeping14,theplaceseems designedforlargefamilygatheringswithtwo distinctwings,oneeithersideofthekitchen andlivingroom,eachwithafour-bedbunk roomandamastersuperkingbedroomwith anensuite.
Thestyleleanshardintoclassycoastalwith anabundanceofskyblue,tanandwhite,among woodenfurnitureandshells.
Likethekitchen,theroomsaretheperfect blendofopulenceandfunctionalcomfort, anditfeelslikeeverydesirehasbeen considered.Therearemultipleplaces tonestleupwithabookplucked fromthelargebookcase,andthe outward-facingkitchenmakes themostoftheview,whilemy motherwoulddelightatthe numberofbathrooms (three)andgiantlinen closet.Spacesarepristine butfeelused,becausethey are,likelybythebig, smilingfamilyframedon thewall.Alltosay,you don’tfeelnervousabout sittingonacouchorusinga towel.
Arrivingattheendofan incredibly,butnotunusually, busyweek,westepthroughthe conservatoryentranceandIam instantlyvalidatedinmydecisiontonot plananyactivitiesandinsteadenjoythe
property.It’sa placewhereyou wanttodo nothingbut lazearound andwedo exactlythat aftera comprehensive butbriefwalk aroundbythe propertymanager, whogivesafew recommendations,then promptlyleavesustoit. Giventhebeautiful interiors,wewould’vebeen perfectlycontenthadAuckland doneitsclassicthingand torrentiallypoured. Fortunately,wearetreatedto blueskies,fluffycloudsand 17Cheat,atruegiftthislate intheyear.Booksinhand, wesettleonthedeckfor hours,risingonlytofetch ice-colddrinksandgourmet bitesprovidedbylocal organicdeliIslandGrocer. By4pm,it’stimetoexplore andwedrivedownthrough thepropertyvineyardsto Oneroa,alittletownshipseven minutesaway.Inproperholiday fashion,welazilybrowsethe boutiquesandlittlegalleries.Of course,noWaiheketripiscomplete withoutseeingatleastonevineyard,and
afterswappingdenimshortsforproperpants,we hightailittoTantalus.Betweenthevineyardcoatedhills,villa-inspiredstonebuilding,and final,richraysofsunshine,theplacefeelslike aEuropeandream. Eagertomakethemostofthefinalsunny moments,wegrabatableoutsideandmeetLinda Jones,thecellardoormanagerwhotakesus throughatasting.Deeplypassionate,Jonestalks affectionatelyabouteachwineonofferandwe happilytakeherleadasshepoursusaline-up ofourfavourites.There’saperfectlybalanced methodetraditionnelleandsweetchardonnay,a lusciousEcluseReserve2014andamerlotdominantEvoqueReserve2015.Eachvisit,she depositsalittlemoreofherwisdomaboutthe soilsandtastingprofiles,Tantalus’historyand thevalueofFrenchoak.
Atsomepoint,aplateoffreshlybakedfocaccia andwhippedbutterarrives,andwetellLinda oursillyfantasyofstartingarestaurantthat servesonlybutterandbread.“Don’tmove,”she grins,dashingtothekitchentogetasliceof honeycombmadeofbutter,thetinyhexagons filledwithblackgarlicsauceandfermented honey.It’sasgoodasitsounds.
Unwillingtoletthenightend,weletourselves betempteddownstairstotheAlibiBrewingfor atastingpaddle.Theindustriallittleroom,lined withclaybrickandcandle-lit,feelslikethe perfectwinternooktoenjoyadrinkandnibble. Andofcourse,whiledozensofequallycharming barsawaitbackhome,nonecomewithquitethe samesparkleofsomewherenew.
Details
ThirdHome,exchange.thirdhome.com TantalusEstate,tantalus.co.nz
Aboveandinset,TantalusEstateVineyardandRestaurantonWaihekeIsland;top,Alibi Brewingistheperfectwinternooktoenjoyadrinkandnibble. Photos/Supplied
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Luxurioushotelsuites »
Swankysuites
EmpathySuite(designedbyartistDamien Hirst),PalmsCasinoResort/LasVegas,US Celebritiesloveasuitewithafamousname behindit—evenifit’sanartistfamousfor suspendingadeadsheepinformaldehyde.The PalmsCasinoResort’smostexpensivecrashpad istheEmpathySuite,a9156sqmspacedesigned byartistDamienHirst.Andwhileitsnightlyrate ofaround$165,500mightonlygetyoutwo bedrooms,theentiresuiteisstuffedwithoriginal piecesbytheartist,andyou’llalsogetaprivate pool,a13-seatbar,twomassageroomsand 24-hourbutlerservice.Oh,andastate-of-the-art saltsauna,whichmightcomeinhandyshould youneedrevivingafterseeingyourcreditcard bill.palms.com
CabrioletSuite,L’Albereta/LakeIseo,Italy
We’resuckersforthehigh-techsliceofbrilliance atthisItalianhotel,aRelais&Chateaux property.Atthetouchofabutton,thesuite’s entireceilingretractstorevealthenightsky(it willretractduringthedaytimetoo,butaeroplane contrailsandcloudsdon’thavequitethesame visualappeal).It’snobiggieiftheweathertakes aturnfortheworse,either—simplyclosethe ceilingandenjoythesuite’sbaroqueinterior, highlightsofwhichincludeanenormousfourposterbed,aprivateterraceandamarble bathroomsohugethatItaly’sJuventusfootball teamcouldsqueezeinside.Thebestbit?The nightlyratestartsfromjust$1118.albereta.it
RonnieWoodSuite,ElPalaceSuite,HotelEl Palace/Barcelona,Spain
AsuitecreatedincollaborationwiththeRolling Stones’guitaristRonnieWoodistheplacetolive likearockstar,ifyoucanaffordthe$12,000 nightlyrate.RonnieWoodchosethesuite’s1956 Wurlitzerjukebox(stockedwithclassicvinyl records)andthe50piecesofartwork,aswellas thedeskfromRocheBobois(aseriously luxuriousFrenchfurniturecompany)andthe bathtub,carvedfromItalianmarbleand surroundedbymosaicsbyCesarRitz.Additional perksincludetheChopardtoiletries,theservices ofapersonalshopperandaccesstotheMoco Museum,thecity’stopspotformodernart. hotelpalacebarcelona.com
CastlePenthouseSuite,GlenappCastle/ Ayrshire,Scotland
Therearejust21bedroomsandsuitesatGlenapp Castle,soit’shardlysurprisingthejewelinthe crown—itsCastlePenthouseSuite—canbe prettytrickytobook.Unveiledin2021and covering418sqm,it’sthelargestsuiteinScotland andtakesoverthecastle’sentiretopfloor.So whatdoyougetfor$10,000(anight,tobeclear)? Fourenormousbedrooms,asauna,gamesroom,
privatekitchen,library,drawingroomand diningroom.You’llalsoenjoytheservicesofa privatechefandbutler,and accessviaaprivatelift.Venture beyondyoursuitetosignupfor activitiesperfectforarightroyal escape—theseinclude masterclassesinarchery,clay pigeonshooting,beekeeping andfalconry.glenappcastle. com
SultanSuite,CıraganPalace KempinskiIstanbul/ Istanbul,Turkey
IftheOttomanEmpire’s sultanswerestilldoingtheir thinginTurkey,it’shighly likelythey’dbasethemselves atthisglorioushotel, morespecificallythe 458sqmSultanSuite, anexplosionofmarble columns,ornate fireplacesandpriceless oilpaintings.Once ensconcedinyour $95,000-a-nightsuite, you’llbewelcomedbya personalbutlerwhowill performthehotel’s famousfragranceand soapritual,which involvesguidingyou throughaselectionoffragranthandmadesoaps beforeheorshewillsliceoffachunkofyour chosenoneusingasilversword.Ifyoucandrag yourselfaway,allguestsgettheuseofa chauffeur-driven1974Rolls-RoyceSilver Shadow.kempinski.com
TamaraHinson takesapeekatsomeof theworld’smostexpensivehotelstays
TheHimilSuite,Eriro/Tyrol,Austria Perfectforanyonecravinganalpineescape, Eriro,aTyroleanhotelthatisonlyaccessiblevia cablecar,sitsatthefootoftheZugspitze mountains.Therearejustnine bedroomsandsuites,andalmost allofthesecondflooristakenup bytheHimilsuite,whichcovers 186sqm.Welovetheuseofpolished wood—eventheenormousbathis carvedfromahugepieceoftimber. Thistwo-bedroomsuitecomeswith itsownsauna,andthehugebedsare positionedtomakethemostofthe viewsthroughfloor-to-ceiling windows.Expecttopayanightly rateofaround$8967—andbearin mindthat,somewhat disappointingly,thisdoesn’tinclude thelocaltouristtaxof ¤3($5.72)a night.eriro.at
PenthouseSuite,BroadwickSoho/London, UK
TheBroadwickSoho’sPenthouseSuite,which costsasurprisinglyaffordable(sortof)$3736a night,isperfectforanyonewhofanciesawalk onthewildsidewithouttheriskofbeingeaten alive.ItwascreatedbyinteriorarchitectMartin Brudnizki,whosebriefwastocreatesomething inspiredbyaneccentricEnglishtownhouse. Expectmarbledwallpaperdepictingflying tigers,abrassminibarshapedlikeanelephant, andacollectionofpricelessartworksthat includeFrancisBacon’s SecondVersionof Triptych1944 and StudyforPortraitofPope InnocentX.There’smoreanimal-printwallpaper inthemasterbedroom,althoughthehighlight hereistheburgundysilkceilingandthe adjoiningbathroom,madewithrareGiallo marblefromItaly.broadwicksoho.com
You’llgettheuseofan AzimutFlybridge66yacht whenstayingatJohnJacob AstorEstateintheMaldives; top,atthetouchorabutton, theentireceilingofthe CabrioletSuiteatL’Albereta hotelinItalyretracts. Photos /RalfTooten,StefanoScata
JohnJacobAstorsuite,StRegis Maldives/TheMaldives Thisisn’ttechnicallyasuite—it’sa 1725sqm,three-bedroomvilla,the largestover-wateroneintheMaldives. Butifastandardhotelroomsimply won’tcutit(andyou’vegot$33,000— thenightlyrate—lyingaround)this mightjustbethegetawayofyour dreams.Thebutler,complimentary garmentpressingandunpacking serviceismerelytheicingonthecake—you’ll alsogettheuseofanAzimutFlybridge66yacht whenyou’renotfrolickinginoneofyourtwo pools,hangingoutinthecinemaorgettinghot stonemassagesinoneofthevilla’sthree treatmentrooms.Therearethreeadditional rooms,althoughthey’remuchsmallerthanthe mainonesanddesignedforguests’chefs,nannies andbodyguards.marriott.com
PavarottiSuite,PangkorLautResort/ Perak,Malaysia
ThePavarottiSuiteisintheheartofanancient rainforestbelovedbythelatetenor.Ratesstart ataround$1628pernight,whichcouldbe describedasastealgivenitsprimelocation, perchedatopaforestedhill.Thepiecede resistanceistheopen-roofedbathroom,although it’shardnottobewowedbytheenormous balcony,withitsfantasticviewsoverthe rainforest.WhenPavarottivisitedtheresortin 1984,hesangforsomeimportantguests, includingthePrimeMinisterofMalaysia. Recreatethemomentbybeltingout Nessun Dorma fromthebalcony—justdon’tbetoo disappointediftheonlookersarethelocal primatesratherthanpoliticians. pangkorlautresort.com
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