International Traveller December 2024 - February 2025

If you can believe it, I've just returned from my first ever visit to Bali. After a decade of living in Australia, can I officially call myself an Aussie now? While I was there, I got a glimpse into some of the pioneering initiatives happening on the island to combat its waste problem, as Fleur Bainger writes about on page 36. Yes, there are trailblazing travel experiences to be had everywhere, even in places we think we know well. Interestingly, Bali is the place that Lonely Planet is often accused of ‘ruining’, according to co-founder Tony Wheeler, who speaks to Megan Arkinstall on page 106, alongside a cohort of other Aussie trailblazers who have had an impact on the global travel landscape. Wheeler adds that Afghanistan, where he visited in…

Fiji's conservation-led reef In the waters off Malolo Lailai, BULA Reef is part of Reefs of Hope, run by NGO Corals for Conservation. The structure is home to thousands of rescued corals and managed by staff at Plantation Island Resort, and your tourism dollars can help. Châteaux in Bordeaux Skip the hotels and Airbnbs – when you're in Bordeaux, a stay in a château is a must. The grand country estates are sprinkled generously across the famed French wine region, boasting luxurious amenities, access to local vineyards and centuries-old charm. MADEIRA, THE HAWAI‘I OF EUROPE As soon as you set foot on the stunning Portuguese island of Madeira, you'll understand why it's been hailed the Hawai‘i of Europe. From picturesque beaches perfect for surfing to hiking trails, waterfalls, street food…

DON'T GET WASTED It's no secret that Bali has a problem with rubbish, much of which is produced by tourism and hospitality businesses. For the past seven years, the island's iconic beach club and resort Desa Potato Head has been busy tackling the waste issue. And it has made major strides with an innovative community project that turns trash into designled treasure. Turn to page 36 to find out more.…

Everything from the earthy textured exterior to the selection of sculptural plants dotted around the new Desert Pool Villas at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa is designed to harmonise with the surrounding environment. The new ‘Sands of Serenity’ collection includes eight villas with expansive windows that frame the distant horizon, fostering a sense of calm and space for contemplative stillness. The Desert Pool villas are also designed to honour the rich heritage of the nomadic Bedouin tribes, who have roamed the Middle Eastern deserts for thousands of years. The luxe villas are just 45 minutes from downtown Dubai, yet feel a world away. Here, guests can reconnect with nature through a blend of luxury, adventure and wellness that the Bab Al Shams brand is known for. babalshams.com…

FLYING THE FLAG FOR TIBET Pack your windbreaker: World Expeditions has announced its much-anticipated return to Tibet with three classic adventures. Travellers keen to visit Tibet, north of the Himalayas, can trek Lhasa to Kathmandu via Tibet's Everest Base Camp, take on the Everest Kangshung Face, or journey to Mt Kailash, the most sacred peak in the Himalayas for Hindus and Buddhists. worldexpeditions.com Tauck it up Tauck has launched a nine-day itinerary designed to celebrate America's rich musical heritage. The New Music of America: Nashville to New Orleans tour traces the roots of a diverse range of genres – from country to rock ‘n’ roll – from Nashville to New Orleans. Tauck's new tour, part of filmmaker Ken Burns’ American Journeys, includes an evening at Nashville's Grand Ole Oprey and…

THE INTREPID LIST (HARDIE GRANT, $45) Featuring 100 uncommon experiences to change the way you travel, this beautiful new hardback is definitely not a bucket list. True to Intrepid's ethos, it's for curious travellers looking to discover new destinations or see the classics from a different perspective. THE CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN KITCHEN (PHAIDON, $69.95) Alexander Smalls is a big deal in food: the New York-based James Beard Award-winning chef and author picked the brains of leading chefs in Africa to provide recipes that showcase the continent's cuisine and culture. KYOTO SERENITY (ASSOULINE, $105) Add this book to your coffee table collection so you can escape to the historical capital of Japan. The beauty of Kyoto is showcased everywhere from its gardens to its temples and cherry blossom trees. DESIGN: THE LEADING…