Three of a Kind Rooms with a view in Kokopo, Sydney and Fiji

BY BRONWEN GORA & ROBERT UPE

THREE OF A KIND: ROOMS WITH A VIEW

KOKOPO BEACH BUNGALOW RESORT, KOKOPO, PNG

Perched on the shore of Blanche Bay, this traditionally styled resort has views of the Duke of York Islands and volcanoes. Depending on the level of accommodation you choose, the bungalows include private balconies that take in the views, air conditioning, ceiling fans, bar fridge, internet and satellite TV. The Hauswin Restaurant exemplifies the traditional character of the resort, built with big poles and a sago roof. There’s an outside restaurant deck that extends into the tree canopy and makes you feel like you’re sitting in a tree house.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

So much is so special here. The resort has a private beach and a very good range of tours, whether you want to go island hopping, climb a volcano, see spinner dolphins (with a chance to jump in the water with them if conditions are right), attend a fire dance, go on a village visit, snorkel, dive or see the local war museum. The annual National Mask Festival is usually held in July and provides a spectacle of song and dance.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT

Connect from Port Moresby with an Air Niugini flight to Tokua Airport, which services Rabaul and Kokopo. It’s about 20 minutes from the airport to the resort. Airport transfers are provided by the resort.

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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Just footsteps to the harbour, the Four Seasons sits in a prime location at the junction of Circular Quay, the city’s historic district The Rocks to the north and the CBD gateway to the south. This position has made the hotel one of the most popular places for visitors to not only explore the city but also secure a guest room or suite where they can take in sweeping views of Sydney’s iconic harbour – a panorama that extends from the Sydney Harbour Bridge to the Opera House and far beyond. The entire hotel underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade a few years ago.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

The Four Seasons Sydney recently debuted its revamped a la carte offering, Mode

Kitchen & Bar, where diners can experience a taste of Italy. Mode’s chef Francesco Mannelli hails from Florence, has worked in some of Italy’s and Australia’s best restaurants, and whips up the cuisine of his home country like few others in Sydney.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT

When you book into the Four Seasons Sydney be sure to ask for a room with a view.

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SHERATON RESORT & SPA, TOKORIKI ISLAND, FIJI

There are few places more relaxing than a beachfront hotel villa. Those at Fiji’s Sheraton Resort & Spa on Tokoriki Island, however, are a cut above – each villa featuring the ultimate luxury of its own plunge pool and oversized outdoor designer lounge chair (perfect for two) on the deck. Views of the ocean and neighbouring islands in Fiji’s Mamanuca chain can be enjoyed from inside the villas too, even from the beds thanks to their position in front of sliding glass doors. Each villa’s deck is private, flanked by high walls and surrounded by manicured garden, creating the ideal place to kick back, relax and gaze across the sparkling blue water.

SOMETHING SPECIAL

At dusk, make sure you are at the Coco Palms terrace fronting the resort’s main restaurant, Waitui House and Sala Bar. This is when a highly entertaining troupe of Fijian entertainers appear nightly to sing and dance.

HOW TO EXPERIENCE IT

This resort is reached by private transfer (or helicopter if you so desire) from Fiji’s main harbour on Denarau Island.

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Air Niugini has flights from Port Moresby to Kokopo, Australia and Fiji. See airniugini.com.pg.