9 771443 307001
93 85 ISSN 1443-3079
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OUR ALL-NEW BUSINESS CLASS
THE ARIA SUITE WHERE ARTISTRY TAKES FLIGHT
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Cross idyllic Tuscan landscapes by rail before a cruise of the Italian Riviera and the Côte d'Azur. Everything has been considered and included for just 26 guests on this enchanting journey.
ROME SIENA PORTOFINO MONTE CARLO BURGUNDY PARIS
Where time slows and luxury begins.
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CONTENTS 12 14 17
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
28
Luxury Travel Products Beautiful items to take on your travels
34
Dispatches A collection of authentic experiences, outstanding design and sustainable travel initiatives
46
Online Spotlight What’s trending on luxurytravelmag.com.au
52
High Flyer A review of Cathay Pacific’s luxe Aria Suites, from Hong Kong to Sydney
54
The Last Quiet Places on Earth Our cover story transports you to the world’s quietest corners, drawing travellers who crave stillness, solitude and a meaningful shift
62
65 explore
MEMORABLE JOURNEYS FOR THE CURIOUS MODERN TRAVELLER 66
Frozen Frontier A voyage from Hobart to East Antarctica retraces Douglas Mawson’s polar legacy, where wild weather, sea ice and rare wildlife shape every mile
74
Living the Dream In New York State, the Hudson Valley offers a bucolic antidote to the relentless hustle of the Big Apple
80
The Silk Road in the Snow In winter, Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities take on a quieter magic, from the snow-dusted domes of Samarkand to the high mountain air of Amirsoy
88
Voyage of the Soul A week-long journey through Indonesia’s remote Banda Islands aboard traditional phinisi yacht, Silolona
94
City Guide: Hong Kong Where to eat, stay and play in this vibrant Chinese city
98
A Nation Forged by Nature A photo essay of Iceland by Assouline
Pause A peaceful photo interlude
ABOVE, LEFT Taking in the Banda Islands from the deck of Silolona ABOVE, RIGHT Antarctic wildlife © Bella Falk L U X U R Y T R AV E L M AG . C O M . A U | 9
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CONTENTS 109 linger
BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO DWELL FOR THE DESIGN DILETTANTE 110
A Sense of Scale Sprawling corner suites and deeply personalised service redefine luxe living in London
116
Short Stay: La Scoglio An Italian-inspired farmhouse in Byron Bay’s hinterland proves perfect for switching off
122
The King’s Coast Far from Morocco’s better-known draws, Tamuda Bay delivers a more discreet kind of luxury
130
The Hotel that Built Nashville At The Hermitage Hotel, Tennessee politics, Southern glamour and music history converge
136
All in the Family Vomo Island Fiji makes multigenerational luxury holidays effortless
142
Suite Life The Peninsula Beijing sets the bar high for upscale stays in the Chinese capital
146
Suite Life Hotel Balzac Paris comes with stories, and style, to spare
150
Suite Life In Sydney, 25hours Hotel The Olympia unites design whimsy with stellar dining
154
Design Bite Spotlight on Mexico’s One&Only Mandarina, leading the brand’s charge into private villas
157 savour
A MENU OF INDULGENT GOURMET & WELLNESS EXPERIENCES 158
The Noma Effect The restaurant that changed the face of Nordic dining, Noma is now just one part of Copenhagen’s wider gastronomic pull
166
Where Flavours Take Flight In eastern Belize, ancient cacao traditions, Garifuna cooking, and Creole and Mestizo dishes reveal a layered culinary identity
174
Go Your Own Way Cruising on Bhaya Soul showcases one of Vietnam’s busiest tourist waterways in a new light
182
Croatia Uncorked From Istria to Hvar, Croatia’s food and wine culture is finding new international recognition
ABOVE, TOP Exploring the Moroccan city of Tangier
188
Rendez-vous A beautiful place to gather and dine
ABOVE, MIDDLE Sea views from Vomo Island in Fiji © Rob Rickman
190
Natural Selection A Q&A with chef Alex Pritchard of new Sara Dining on NSW’s South Coast
ABOVE, BOTTOM Noma changed the face of dining in Copenhagen L U X U R Y T R AV E L M AG . C O M . A U | 1 1
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE “I personally love reading stories that make you think, and inspire you to visit less obvious and lesser-travelled destinations. This is at the very heart of what Luxury Travel is all about.”
s Publisher Kavita Lala
W
hile this issue celebrates the rise of slow, remote and nature-led travel, I went in a completely different direction recently and headed to one of the world’s greatest cities, and my former home: Singapore. I was there for the annual International Luxury Travel Market Asia Pacific, where I had the pleasure of connecting with industry colleagues while getting the scoop on the latest luxury travel brands directly from their representatives. What I learned only reinforced what our cover story explores so elegantly: more isn’t always better – unless, of course, you’re talking about nature or time. Increasingly, discerning travellers are seeking the opposite: less noise, lighter itineraries and fewer crowds. It’s a shift I’m wholeheartedly embracing. I personally love reading stories that make you think, and inspire you to visit less obvious and lesser-travelled
destinations. This is at the very heart of what Luxury Travel is all about, and our increasing readership and the wonderful feedback we receive tells us it’s resonating with those who matter most: you, our valued readers. Thank you for continuing to support us as Indesign Media passes the four-year mark as the stewards of this beautiful travel title. If you haven’t yet explored our digitalexclusive features, now’s the time to visit luxurytravelmag.com.au to experience the full breadth of our editorial content. To stay in the loop with destination features, hotel openings, insider tips and curated travel ideas, be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter. You’ll also find us on Instagram (@luxurytravel_mag), Facebook (@luxurytravelmagazine), LinkedIn (/luxury-travel-magazine), and Pinterest (@luxurytravelau). Yours in peace and quiet, KAVITA LALA PUBLISHER
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Where Adventure Meets Elegance A Luxury River Cruise through Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong
Ancient temples, oating villages, and UNESCO wonders await along one of the world’s great rivers. Aboard Uniworld’s boutique Mekong Jewel, exceptional cuisine, impeccable service, and expertly crafted experiences reveal the true soul of Vietnam and Cambodia.
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EDITOR’S NOTE “Well-heeled travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that are unencumbered by crowds... places where nature is the draw and peace and quiet are guaranteed.”
T Editor Madelin Tomelty in Busan, South Korea
he older I get and the busier my life becomes, the more I am drawn to quiet holidays. Remote? Tick. Surrounded by nature? Yes, please. Fewer tourists? I’m in. I will jump at the opportunity to check in to an isolated rainforest retreat in Ubud, or a lovely lonesome lodge in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. I’m certainly less motivated by big-city trips than I was a few years ago. Turns out I’m not alone. The 2026 Virtuoso Luxe Report found that wellheeled travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that are unencumbered by crowds. It highlighted increased interest in places where nature is the draw, and peace and quiet are guaranteed – like Greenland’s serene fjords, Iceland’s volcanic scenery and our own vast outback. At the same time, travellers are choosing more boutique lodgings and smaller tour groups and, once they arrive, are staying put for longer. This is the sentiment of this issue’s cover story, The Last Quiet Places on Earth, where travel writer Kate Symons asks, “In a culture defined by saturation, has silence become the greatest luxury of all?” This issue invites you to explore the idea further – in places like Indonesia’s Banda Islands, which
we navigate from aboard a traditional phinisi yacht. And Antarctica’s vast ice fields, from the new luxury expedition ship, Douglas Mawson. We discover it’s possible to experience tranquility and awe on one of the world’s busiest waterways, Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, and see another side to under-the-radar Uzbekistan, when the streets are blanketed in snow and the landscape takes on an ethereal glow. There’s also a quiet weekender in the Byron Bay hinterland, a slow-motion food-and-wine journey through Croatia, and a leisurely jaunt through New York’s bucolic Hudson Valley, with its promise of laidback, country living – eateries, galleries and all. With upscale hotel stays from Fiji to Nashville, Morocco to Beijing, as well as journeys through Copenhagen and Belize, this is an issue bursting at the seams with luxury holiday ideas from across the globe. I loved pulling it together, and hope it inspires you to pause and find your own quiet place – no matter where you are or what’s going on in your corner of the world. MADELIN TOMELTY EDITOR
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The Ultimate in Ocean Discovery
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Book now at scenic.cruises, call us on 138 128 or visit your local Travel Advisor *Terms and Conditions Apply: *Scenic Super Earlybird Savings from $4,000pp is off the full fare and is based on voyage 311M050527.2 in a category A (Verandah Suite) and priced from $21,810pp. Prices are correct as of 15/06/2026. All prices listed are in AUD, per person, twin share and include taxes and charges and offers are strictly limited, not combinable with other offers and subject to availability until sold out. Deposit is due within 7 days of booking. Full payment required 10 months prior to departure. ^Flights on board two helicopters and submersible experiences are at an additional cost. Submersible not able to operate in Europe & the Mediterranean. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board are included except for a very small number of rare fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. For the full set of terms and conditions visit scenic.cruises/terms-conditions. ABN 85 002 715 602.
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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 Dan Kinsela dan@luxurytravelmag.com.au
Head Office 98 Holdsworth Street, Woollahra NSW 2025
Assistant Editor + Sub Editor Natasha Dragun
luxurytravelmag.com.au
Head of Production Anna Carmody anna@indesign.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.
Production Coordinator Charlotte Yap production@luxurytravelmag.com.au General Enquiries media@luxurytravelmag.com.au Contributors Luke Abrahams, Natasha Bazika, Claire Boobbyer, Robin Catalano, Chris Dwyer, Bella Falk, Susan Gough Henly, Jenny Hewett, Devanshi Mody, Jocelyn Pride, Sheriden Rhodes, Rachel Shue, Susan Skelly, Kate Symons, Michelle Tchea, Sarah Vercoe, Sue Wallace, Amanda Woods Events Coordinator Roisin Fagan roisin@indesign.com.au Accounts Vivia Felice vivia@indesign.com.au
Acknowledgement of Country
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Cover image
Floating spa at Nimmo Bay Wilderness Resort, Canada © Jeremy Koreski
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 thi 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 damag . 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 provid 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). e 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 015 , (61 2) 9368 0289 (fax), info@indesign.com.au. Luxury Travel Magazine magazine is published under licence by Indesign Media Asia Pacific. ISSN 1836-055
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LU X U RY T R AV E L L E R
CONTRIBUTORS Some of the talented writers whose inspiring stories feature in this issue
NATASHA BAZIKA
ROBIN CATALANO
MICHELLE TCHEA
NATASHA DRAGUN
With a culinary resume that features over 100 Michelinstarred dining experiences, Natasha Bazika is just as at home diving into a complex chef’s table menu as she is conquering an alpine mountain. In this issue, she boards Ha Long Bay’s first dedicated wellness cruise, Bhaya Soul, and learns that true luxury is having space in one of the world’s most visited destinations (p174).
Robin Catalano is a multiaward-winning travel journalist based in the Hudson Valley of New York. A New Englander by birth and an honorary Spaniard by marriage, she specialises in conservation, soft adventure, food and beverage, human culture and hidden history. She reveals the unique – and delicious – culinary identity of Belize in this edition (p166).
Five-time bestselling author Michelle Tchea started her career as a physical chemist tinkering in R&D before diving into the world of F&B. An expert in fine-dining (someone’s got to do it), she still believes bread should be complimentary and served warm, of course. Michelle spotlights the new generation of chefs building on Noma’s legacy in Copenhagen (p159).
The former managing editor of MiNDFOOD and DestinAsian magazines, Natasha spent nine years living and working in China and Indonesia before returning to Australia. While she still has a passion for the glamorous skyrise hotels of Asia, she now feels most at home writing about properties that come with soul and plenty of stories, like Nashville’s The Hermitage Hotel (p130).
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WHERE IN THE WORLD
EDGE OF WONDER Some places silence you. Not through grandeur or spectacle, but with a quietness so complete it demands your attention. Perched on Trolltunga as the sun sinks behind western Norway’s mountains, it’s easy to understand why people undertake the demanding 20- to 27-kilometre round-trip hike to get here. Near the fjord-side town of Odda, the otherworldly rock ledge projects from the mountainside like nature’s own observation deck, suspended 700 metres above the lake below. As daylight fades, the landscape softens. Glacial valleys stretch into the distance. Dark peaks ripple across the horizon. The moon rises above the Scandinavian mountains, casting a silver glow across a region shaped by ice, water and time. From this lofty perch, the scale of the scene becomes almost impossible to comprehend. Being alone in such a vast wilderness could feel isolating. Instead, it feels oddly comforting. The silence becomes a companion. The mountains put life into perspective. In a world that rarely stops moving, Trolltunga offers something increasingly rare: space to sit, breathe and simply be present.
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© Mindro Andriani/iStock
WHERE IN THE WORLD
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T R AV E L N E W S
IN THE KNOW
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© Martin Morrell
Travel happenings from around the world
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T R AV E L N E W S
NEW OPENINGS SIX SENSES LONDON
S
ix Senses has officially arrived in the UK, opening its first British hotel inside London’s historic 1911 Whiteley department store. The Bayswater property pairs restored Edwardian architecture with the brand’s signature focus on wellness, sustainability and conscious luxury. Beyond its elegant rooms and suites, the hotel features one of London’s most comprehensive spa offerings, including the city’s first hotel magnesium pool, a longevity clinic, biohacking lounge and Alchemy Bar. It also marks the debut of Six Senses Place, the brand’s first private members’ club in the UK. The opening breathes new life into one of west London’s most iconic heritage buildings.
© Martin Morrell
sixsenses.com
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T R AV E L N E W S
NEW OPENINGS
MANTIS HIDDN IN ADDO
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outh Africa’s safari scene has a striking new addition with the opening of Mantis Hiddn in Addo, an ultraluxury, fully off-grid retreat set within an 800-hectare private reserve bordering Addo Elephant National Park. Rather than focusing solely on wildlife, the mountain sanctuary combines immersive safari experiences with a strong wellness philosophy centred on sleep, movement, mindfulness and nature. Just 12 suites and two private villas are tucked into the landscape, each with sweeping wilderness views and wood-fired outdoor tubs. Days are tailored to each guest, from Big Five game drives and guided walks to botanical therapies, sound healing and seasonal, hyper-local dining, offering a slower, more restorative take on the traditional safari.
mantiscollection.com
MONARTO SAFARI LODGE
W
hile the world’s great safari lodges are traditionally found in Africa and India, Australia is steadily building its own wildlife credentials. The latest addition is Safari Lodge at Monarto Safari Resort, an all-inclusive retreat overlooking one of the country’s largest open-range wildlife parks. Just 20 luxury tents sit beside a bustling waterhole, where giraffes, rhinos and other African species roam the Wild Africa precinct. Each stay includes a sunset game drive, gourmet dining, premium beverages and multi-day park access, while the central lodge features a restaurant, plunge pools, firepit and gym. Just an hour from Adelaide, it delivers one of Australia’s closest experiences to an African safari, without leaving the country. monartosafariresort.com
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T R AV E L N E W S
KILCHOAN ESTATE
A
s luxury travellers increasingly seek places to truly switch off, Scotland’s newest retreat takes remoteness to the next level. Freshly minted Kilchoan Estate by Dunton occupies more than 5,260 hectares of wilderness on the dramatic Knoydart Peninsula – a destination so isolated it can only be reached by boat or on foot. The fully inclusive retreat opened with five restored Highland cottages, each designed by Waldo Works using local stone, pine and slate. Days are spent hiking, kayaking, wild swimming or spotting red deer and golden eagles before returning to a spa with sauna and yoga studio, and communal dinners celebrating seasonal Scottish produce. Fossil fuel-free and conservation-led, Kilchoan is Dunton’s first European property and one of the Highlands’ most exclusive new escapes. duntondestinations.com
COMO CORDEILLAN-BAGES
O
comohotels.com
© Martin Morrell
ne of Europe’s great wine regions has a fitting new address. COMO Hotels and Resorts has opened COMO CordeillanBages, bringing its signature understated luxury to the heart of Bordeaux’s famed Médoc and marking the brand’s debut in the region. Set within a restored 19th-century château in Pauillac, the 28-room retreat has been reimagined by designer Paola Navone and sits among some of Bordeaux’s most celebrated vineyards. Guests enjoy exclusive access to nearby Château Lynch-Bages, while consultant chef Fabien Ferré – France’s youngest chef to lead a three-Michelin-starred restaurant – oversees a dining experience showcasing the region’s exceptional produce, paired with a cellar of more than 1,600 wines.
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T R AV E L N E W S
KITIRUA PLAINS LODGE
M
ore than 60 years after pioneering luxury safaris in Kenya, Abercrombie & Kent has come full circle. The company has opened Kitirua Plains Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, on a private conservancy bordering Amboseli National Park – one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Rather than traditional canvas tents, the design-led retreat features sculptural stone suites inspired by Maasai architecture, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape beneath Mount Kilimanjaro. Days are spent tracking Amboseli’s famed elephant herds, unwinding with Maasai-inspired wellness treatments or gathering around the boma beneath starfilled skies. The opening signals a bold new direction for A&K, combining contemporary design, meaningful conservation and one of the continent’s most inspiring safari settings. abercrombiekent.com
HOTEL TOK O
© Mikkel Vang
T
okyo has no shortage of luxury hotels, but its latest arrival is making a statement for more than its skyline views. 1 Hotel Tokyo marks the sustainable luxury brand’s debut in Japan, bringing its signature nature-inspired philosophy to the upper floors of Akasaka Trust Tower. The 211-room hotel blends reclaimed materials, lush greenery and sweeping city vistas with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic inspired by wabi-sabi. Guests can unwind in a holistic spa, indoor pool and wellness spaces, or dine on seasonal local produce across three restaurants and bars. As one of the world’s leading eco-conscious hotel brands, 1 Hotels proves sustainability and sophisticated design can go hand in hand in the heart of Tokyo.
1hotels.com
F
ew hotels have shaped the Blue Mountains’ luxury story quite like Lilianfels. More than 135 years after it was built as the summer residence of Sir Frederick Darley on the outskirts of Sydney, the landmark estate has entered a new era as Ardour Lilianfels Blue Mountains following a multimillion-dollar transformation. Award-winning studio Luchetti Krelle has refreshed the heritage-listed property with elegant new interiors inspired by English garden estates, while preserving its late Victorian charm. Alongside redesigned guest rooms, the hotel has introduced a new social hub, The Lounge, with elevated dining experiences including caviar service and an indulgent high tea. worldsapart.club
© Paul Bamford
ARDOUR LILIANFELS BLUE MOUNTAINS
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