Luxury Travel Issue #87 - Preview

A U T H E N T I C I T Y

D E S I G N

S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y

Ode to Paris

9 771443 307001

ISSN 1443-3079

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ISSUE 87 WINTER/SPRING 2024

A FRENCH EXPERT'S GUIDE TO THE 'CITY OF LIGHT'

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D I VI NG I NTO UN D ER-EXP LORED PALAU , C H ASING WAT ERFAL L S I N IC ELAND AND TOURING T U NISIA W I T H A F E M A L E G U I D E , P LU S T H E LAVI SH RAFFL ES LONDON AT T H E OWO , O U T B AC K A DV E N T U R E S AT BUL LO RIVER STAT ION & A P H OTO ESSAY ON CA RTAGE N A LU X U RY T R AV E L M AG . C O M . AU

07.06.24 20:56

Just 24 guests will explore Sri Lanka by air, land and rail accompanied by an expert Tour Manager and Tour Doctor from Australia. Everything has been considered and included.

COLOMBO KANDALAMA SIGIRIYA KANDY YALA NATIONAL PARK GALLE

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CONTENTS 10 12 16

Publisher’s Note Editor’s Note Contributors this Issue

18

Where in the World Spotlight on an inspiring location

20

In the Know Latest travel happenings from around the world

30

Luxury Travel Products Beautiful items to take on your travels

36

Dispatches A collection of authentic experiences, outstanding design and sustainable travel initiatives

48

54

62

Online Spotlight What’s trending on luxurytravelmag.com.au Paris for all Seasons Our cover story reveals why the French capital never goes out of style, and is more desirable than ever thanks to the 2024 Olympic Games Pause A peaceful interlude

65 explore MEMORABLE JOURNEYS FOR THE CURIOUS MODERN TRAVELLER 66

Underwater World Exploring the Micronesian archipelago of Palau on the Four Seasons Explorer

74

Southern Spell The natural drama of southern Iceland’s fairytale landscapes

82

Through Her Eyes Tunisia’s cultural history and colours star on a tour with a female guide

90

Legend of the Fall Churchill delivers Canada writ large with polar bears, whales and auroras

102

Rotterdam City Guide Where to eat, stay and play in this vibrant city in the Netherlands

108

Cartagena Grace A photo essay of this Colombian city by Assouline

ABOVE, LEFT Traditional Tunisian housing awaits © Sinoby/iStock ABOVE, RIGHT Icelandic horse © Nicole Heiling

L U X U R Y T R AV E L M A G . C O M . A U | 7

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CONTENTS 119 linger BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO DWELL FOR THE DESIGN DILETTANTE 120

A Rich Reservation Checking in to the freshly minted Raffles London at the OWO, occupying a heritage building with a rich history

128

Promised Land A stay at the Northern Territory’s remote, and conservation-driven, Bullo River Station

140

Suite Life Art rules at Bowie House in Fort Worth, Texas

146

Suite Life Kimpton Margot Sydney turns up the design stakes in its heritage home

150

Design Notes A striking example of modern hotel design

157 savour A MENU OF INDULGENT GOURMET & WELLNESS EXPERIENCES 158

The Heart of Japan Fine dining and onsen soaking unite on a nature-based hike through Japan

166

The Disconnect Effect Taking time out, with a few well-deserved treats, at Gold Coast hinterland wellness retreat Gwinganna

174

Ray of Light Vietnam’s TIA Wellness Resort is a leader in the country’s pursuit of happiness

180

Passion on a Plate The South African restaurant winning awards for its African-Japanese flavours

186

188

Rendez-vous A beautiful place to gather and dine Quiet Contemplation A Q&A with contemporary Stoic philosopher Ryan Holiday

TOP, LEFT Exploring Bullo River Station in the NT TOP, RIGHT Fine dining along a Walk Japan trail © Jocelyn Pride MIDDLE Bowie House © Noe DeWitt BOTTOM Mindfulness at TIA Wellness Resort

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE “What a pleasure it has been to work more closely with the inspiring people that make up the travel industry over the last six months.”

A Publisher Kavita Lala

nd just like that, reader voting opens for the 2024 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards! I’ve been watching from the sidelines over the last six months as our team has been busy with preparations for our second GLA program under Indesign Media, and it’s clear it’s going to be a memorable one. Be sure to cast your vote by the 29 August cut-off to ensure your say counts, and pick up a copy of our summer issue, on stands in December, to discover the winners.

Alongside all of this awards activity, our digital team has been working around the clock on the huge, 12-month-long project that is the redesign and relaunch of luxurytravelmag.com.au. If you haven’t signed up for our weekly newsletter or connected with us on social media, be sure to do so – we will be revealing our gorgeous new website on our channels very soon.

Speaking of social media, the Indesign Media team has also been working on some exciting digital projects this year

thanks to our engagement of social media agency, Character Digital. Be sure to connect with us on Instagram (@luxurytravelau), Facebook (@luxurytravelmagazine), LinkedIn (/luxury-travel-magazine) and Pinterest (@luxurytravelau) to keep up to date with our inspirational content.

Lastly, on a personal note, I want to express what a pleasure it has been to work more closely with the inspiring people that make up the travel industry over the last six months. I recently held two networking events in Melbourne and Sydney for women in travel and design – my two great passions – to connect, catch up and collaborate.

I am constantly in awe of the women I see every day doing incredible things – both personally and professionally – all amid the immense demands of modern life.

As always, I hope you enjoy this latest issue of Luxury Travel. I could be biased, but I think it’s a knockout.

KAVITA LALA PUBLISHER

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LUXURY TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL, JUST FOR YOU From the wilds of Africa and the ancient wonders of India to the cultural splendours of Europe and South America, our Luxury Tailor-Made Journeys allow you to see the world exactly how you want to see it, on an itinerary fashioned for you and your companions by the experts. For over 60 years, Abercrombie & Kent has been a pioneer in the world of luxury travel, redefining the notion of what is possible on holiday and delivering travel experiences that change the way travellers see the world, and themselves. From the kinds of luxury accommodation you’ll love to the landscapes we know you’ll treasure and the specific cultural immersions you’ll find rewarding, every moment is expertly curated to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime inspiring adventure that you’ll never forget.

Visit www.abercrombiekent.com.au, call Abercrombie & Kent on 1300 589 717 or talk to your travel advisor.

Sanctuary Baines’ Camp Okavango Delta, Botswana

EDITOR’S NOTE “This issue, I embrace the thrilling adventures of the Northern Territory courtesy of a very special luxury homestead where 4WDs and helicopters are the preferred modes of transport…”

A Editor Madelin Tomelty at Bambu Indah, Bali

lthough I try to avoid clichés at all costs, it is without apology that I make this statement: there is a certain je ne sais quoi about Paris.

Even if you’re not a Francophile like me, you can’t deny there is something special about the French capital – something that causes the city to transcend fleeting travel trends and ‘What’s Hot’ destination lists year in, year out. As Paris welcomes the 2024 Olympic Games, there is no better time for French expert and part-time French resident, Susan Gough Henly, to articulate why the ‘City of Light’ never goes out of style. “If you take the time to look around, you’ll discover a rich lode of culture and beauty – and the simple art de vivre – hiding in plain sight. This is the luxury of Paris,” Susan writes.

Just as experiencing Paris is not just about casting your eyes on the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, experiencing any destination authentically is about scratching beneath the surface and getting to know its people, lifestyle and culture. This issue, we do that as we catch a glimpse of life in the northern African country of Tunisia through the eyes of a female tour guide, try our hand at the ancient Japanese ritual of onsen bathing, and embrace the thrilling adventures of the Northern Territory courtesy of an outback homestead where 4WDs and helicopters are the preferred modes of transport.

As always, though, we prove that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury to travel authentically. From the opulent new Raffles London at The OWO and the maximalist feast for the senses that is New York City’s Warren Street Hotel, to the enviable luxury of the Four Seasons Explorer in little-explored Palau, there is a covetable collection of lodgings to be found within these pages.

Shifting gears, excitement is mounting in the Indesign Media office, with reader voting now open for the 2024 Luxury Travel Gold List Awards. This is your opportunity to have your say, so head to luxurytravelmag.com.au/the-gold-list to cast your vote from our list of jury-nominated finalists, with the esteemed winners revealed in our next issue.

Finally, I am absolutely thrilled (and relieved, for our web developers’ sake) to announce our brand-new website will soon be live and kicking on luxurytravelmag.com.au. This sleek digital destination will bring the ultra-premium feel of our print magazine to your screens, and I can’t wait to see what you all think. Hopefully, like this issue, it inspires you to explore this beautiful planet of ours, authentically and in style.

MADELIN TOMELTY EDITOR

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JOIN US ON OUR REIMAGINED SHIPS FOR A VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME DAYS ARE SPENT IMMERSED IN THE WORLD’S MOST BREATHTAKING DESTINATIONS, WHILE EVENINGS ARE ELEGANT AFFAIRS FILLED WITH FINE-DINING, ENTERTAINMENT, AND CAPTIVATING COMPANY. STEP ABOARD AND BE WARMLY WELCOMED INTO A WORLD OF COMFORT AND SOPHISTICATION. FOR RESERVATIONS OR INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR, VISIT CRYSTALCRUISES.COM OR CALL 1300-503-640. PART OF ABERCROMBIE & KENT TRAVEL GROUP.

Luxury Travel Team

Indesign Media Executive Team

Publisher Kavita Lala kavita@luxurytravelmag.com.au

CEO Raj Nandan raj@indesign.com.au

Editor Madelin Tomelty madelin@luxurytravelmag.com.au

Group Operations Manager Sheree Bryant sheree@indesign.com.au

Creative Director Sylvia Weimer sylvia@spacelabdesign.com

Online Manager Radu Enache radu@indesign.com.au

Brand + Partnerships Manager Richard Bunting richard@luxurytravelmag.com.au

Head Office 98 Holdsworth Street, Woollahra NSW 2025

General Enquiries media@luxurytravelmag.com.au

luxurytravelmag.com.au

Production + Distribution Manager Anna Carmody production@luxurytravelmag.com.au

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work and recognise their continued custodianship and connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their Elders past, present and emerging.

Assistant Editor + Sub Editor Natasha Dragun Contributors Belinda Craigie, Rajni George, Susan Gough Henly, Ute Junker, Tatyana Leonov, Jocelyn Pride, Susan Skelly, Kate Symons Events Manager Nadia Adelstein nadia@indesign.com.au Accounts Vivia Felice vivia@indesign.com.au

Acknowledgement of Country

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Yearly subscription Australia $160 International: AUD$252 Connect with us @luxurytravelau #liveluxurytravel

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Cover image

The drama of Paris’ La basilique du SacréCœur, just one of the monuments that will star in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games © Sami Sert/iStock

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Printed in Singapore. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any other means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication, the publishers assume no responsibility for errors or omissions or any consequences of reliance on this publication. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of the editor, the publisher or the publication. Contributions are submitted at the sender’s risk, and Indesign Media Asia Pacific cannot accept any loss or damage. Please retain duplicates of text and images. Luxury Travel Magazine is a wholly owned Australian publication, which is designed and published in Australia. Luxury Travel Magazine is published quarterly and is available through subscription, at major newsagencies and bookshops throughout Australia. This issue of Luxury Travel Magazine may contain offers or surveys which may require you to provide information about yourself. If you provide such information to us we may use the information to provide you with products or services we have. We may also provide this information to parties who provide the products or services on our behalf (such as fulfilment organisations). We do not sell your information to third parties under any circumstances, however, these parties may retain the information we provide for future activities of their own, including direct marketing. We may retain your information and use it to inform you of other promotions and publications from time to time. If you would like to know what information Indesign Media Asia Pacific holds about you please contact Nilesh Nandan (61 2) 9368 0150, (61 2) 9368 0289 (fax), info@indesign.com.au. Luxury Travel Magazine magazine is published under licence by Indesign Media Asia Pacific. ISSN 1836-0556

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WHERE FIVE-STAR LUXURY IS INFUSED WITH FIJIAN HOSPITALITY Discover the epitome of luxury at the Grand Pacific Hotel, a 5-star heritage haven on Suva's waterfront. With 113 exquisite rooms, opulent event spaces, and elevated dining, this iconic gem weaves history, charm, and Fijian warmth into a century-old legacy.

Embark on an inspiring escape where colonial grandeur meets modern sophistication, beckoning discerning travellers to revel in the allure of Fiji's rich heritage.

Book now on grandpacifichotel.com.fj or scan the QR code above Phone +679 331 6263 or email Enquiries.Fiji@ihg.com

CONTRIBUTORS Some of the talented writers whose inspiring stories feature in this issue

TATYANA LEONOV

JOCELYN PRIDE

SUSAN SKELLY

KATE SYMONS

From being helicoptered into an exclusive seaside resort on the Turkish coast and glamping in Greenland to the Icelandic president preparing her meals, Tatyana appreciates the term ‘true luxury’. She pens feature stories for prestigious publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Life, BBC Travel, and of course Luxury Travel, and jets off to far-flung destinations as often as she can, all in the name of research. Read her stories on Rotterdam (page 74) and southern Iceland (page 102).

Jocelyn Pride is a multiaward-winning travel writer and photographer who enjoys seeking out the paths less trodden. Travelling from Antarctica to the Arctic, and numerous places in between, Jocelyn’s insightful stories have been published across a range of Australian and international magazines and newspapers. Jocelyn is an outdoorsy type, with a passion for wildlife, history, adventure and cultural experiences. Read her story on hiking through Japan on page 158.

Sydney-based journalist and award-winning magazine editor Susan Skelly specialises in arts, science and travel.

Her fascinating website, excessallareas.com.au, is a celebration of all that’s fabulous. The former editor of the Qantas in-flight magazine, Susan is never happier than when plotting her next story and reporting on new trends that inspire the way we travel and where we go. Her resolution for 2024 is to travel light and linger longer. Read her story on Canada on page 82.

Kate Symons is a travel and lifestyle writer with a particular interest in meeting the people that make the place.

It’s about connection. In this issue of Luxury Travel, Kate’s work will take you to Vietnam and Texas, destinations with seemingly few similarities, yet both exuding a wonderfully on-brand welcome; the kind that invites you to stay a while.

Read her stories on Houston’s luxe hotel Bowie House (page 140) and Vietnam’s transformative TIA Wellness Resort (page 174).

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WHERE IN THE WORLD

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JUNGLE RHYTHMS Peeking from jewel-toned jungle where the forested mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental meet the Pacific Ocean, the One&Only Mandarina is arguably Mexico’s hottest postcode. Some say it’s North America’s – in the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels awards in 2023, it snatched the top spot on the continent, and eighth place globally. It’s not hard to see why. A stay here is like paying homage to Mother Nature, your backdrop a dreamy union of soaring mountain peaks, sandy shores, rolling green flatlands and that lush tropical rainforest. The architect-designed villas and treehouses are barefoot luxe at its finest, which means you can check in to drop-dead-gorgeous spaces (each with a private plunge pool) and sleep soundly knowing the team has worked hard to preserve the area’s rich biodiversity and Indigenous heritage (many rock carvings by the local Cora and Huichol cultures are present across the property). We wouldn’t blame you for spending days hopping between garden-to-plate restaurants, bars offering mezcal tastings and indulgent spa treatments. But if you do manage to tear yourself away, snorkelling, whalewatching and beach horse-riding await. oneandonlyresorts.com

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T R AV E L N E W S

IN THE KNOW

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© Stevie Mann

Travel happenings from about town and beyond

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T R AV E L N E W S

NEW OPENINGS S O N E VA S E C R E T

S

ome 30 years in the making, the first Soneva Secret resort has opened in the Maldives, setting a new standard in intuitive, personalised service. Each private villa (there are only 14) is surrounded by untouched nature and attended by a dedicated team of three, which includes a ‘Barefoot Guardian’ and private chef. The unique lagoon villas and the Castaway – the Maldives’ first floating villa – will also be available to reserve later in the year. The first resort in the Makunudhoo Atoll, Soneva Secret comes with nifty design features including bedrooms with retractable roofs for stargazing, a zipline to the elevated wine cellar terrace and a resident astronomer to help navigate the skies.

© Stevie Mann

soneva.com

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NEW OPENINGS

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hidden entrance leads guests up the winding driveway of Okoro Villa, which recently opened on the outskirts of Nelson on New Zealand’s South Island. The pared-back property comes with space to sleep eight across three suites and a luxury treehouse, with other niceties including bespoke meals crafted with regional produce by the resident chef, a heated infinity pool and multiple outdoor dining and relaxation spaces. Perched at the ledge of a small plateau, the villa’s design intertwines its contemporary and natural details to bring luxe modernity to the iconic landscape, offering sweeping views of Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park’s coastline. okorovilla.com

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ed Carnation Hotels has long been known for its opulent aesthetic when it comes to design. And now the brand has a new offering in its portfolio – its first in Scotland. Welcome to Edinburgh’s 100 Princes Street, inspired by the adventures of Scottish explorers who once frequented the building, formerly the headquarters of the Royal Overseas League.

Styled after a chic private members’ club, the heritage building has been remodelled with 30 rooms and suites, each kitted out in lush jewel tones and replete with custom-made furnishings, fabrics and commissioned artworks by local creatives, including five tartans by revered Scottish designer Araminta Campbell. There’s also a standout restaurant, The Wallace, which comes with Edinburgh Castle views and cuisine by South African chef, Willhelm Maree. Don’t miss the chance to try the hotel’s collection of rare Scottish whiskeys.

100princes-street.com

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T R AV E L N E W S

SIX SENSES KYOTO

J

apan’s luxury hotel scene has been given a style injection with the opening of Six Senses Kyoto, drawing design inspiration from the Heian period (794-1185), when the city was the capital of the country. Step into the lobby and you’re greeted by a jaw-dropping folding screen featuring 504 hand-crafted Rakuyaki tiles symbolising the silhouette of sacred Mount Kurama; other touches throughout the property include use of wood and natural materials and meandering paths through inner Zen gardens. Like all Six Senses hotels, wellness is a focus: there are sleep consultants on call, health screenings that analyse your biomarkers, watsu spa treatments and multi-day retreats to help you detox. We love the fact that the Six Senses Kyoto’s dedicated Sustainability Fund sees a per centage of the hotel’s revenue allotted to Biotope Network Kyoto and Council for Kyoto Traditional Forest Culture. sixsenses.com

PRECISE TALE POGGIO ALLA SALA

O

nce the cherished home of the noble Bonci-Casuccini family, this regal estate has undergone a two-year transformation that sees its grand buildings restored to their former glory, while adding everything you’d expect of a luxe Italian escape. Backdropped by vineyards outside Montepulciano, the heritage site is a beguiling union of frescoes and antiques, with carved travertine, terracotta floors, handmade brick vaults and exposed chestnut beams. Taste your way around Tuscany (with Asian overtones) at La Via Della Seta restaurant, then head to the bar to sip cocktails that pay homage to Marco Polo’s experiences along the Silk Road. You’re in the neighbourhood of Florence, the Chianti wine region and Pisa. But with grounds like this, why would you want to leave? precisehotels.com

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© Christian Drazos

ON OUR RADAR

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