Innholdsfortegnelse for Nr. 115- Winter 2021 i Vacations & Travel

ANIMAL INSTINCTS Not just for gentlemen, The Imitable William Penhaligon is earthy, warm and sophisticated. RRP $399, 75ml libertineparfumerie.com.au NEW OUTLOOK Fall in love with Valley Eyewear’s ’60-inspired ‘Amour’ in butterscotch tort with brown lens. RRP $240 valleyeyewear.com.au STEPPING UP Put your best foot forward with Australian brand Camilla and Marc’s ‘Isa’ Mule. RRP $580 camillaandmarc.com NUTS FOR SPF We Are Feelgood Inc’s Coconut Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ for the face delivers high protection, and smells divine. RRP $27.95, 200ml wearefeelgoodinc.com.au NATURAL SELECTION Australian brand Tiger Lily’s floaty new vintage-inspired range, ‘Into the Mystic’, includes the Soraya ‘Gabriella’ Maxi Skirt - Tawny Floral, Soraya ‘Devon’ Bandeau Bikini Top - Ebony Floral, and Soraya Printed Scarf - Ebony Floral. Skirt RRP $199; top RRP $89; scarf RRP $49 tigerlily.com.au A TRUE…

MADAGASCAR IS A REMARKABLE place. For the naturalists among us, there are more than 100 endemic bird species, 980 unique orchids and an astounding 150 different types of chameleons. And then there are the lemurs, those perpetually surprised looking primates with fuzzy faces and wide eyes. These charismatic creatures, of which there are 110 varieties, range in size from the aptly named mouse lemur to the comparatively gargantuan indri; a nine-kilogram oddity with a singing voice to rival that of Pavarotti. It’s this menagerie that drew me here, although I’m immediately mesmerised by the landscapes and people as well. Not only is this tropical country the fourth-largest island in the world, it’s also one of the most geographically isolated, resulting in a huge amount of endemism among flora and fauna…

THE RISE OF THE HUMBLE ROAD TRIP can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the post-WWII automobile boom and the publication of the first AAA TripTik guides started reshaping what it meant to travel. In the following decades, it was sentimentalised by a number of writers, from Jack Kerouac to Hunter S. Thompson, and Hollywood eventually caught on to the romance with a roll-call of films hitting the road – Thelma & Louise, Easy Rider and Almost Famous, just to name a few. Although the roots may lay in American pop culture, Australians have adopted and adapted this rite of passage, and I daresay become the experts. In fact, you could argue that this nostalgic pastime has been entrenched in our way of life long before it…

PLUNGING INTO AN ICE BATH IN the Arctic, listening to the sweet sound of rhythmic chimes and tinkling bells in India, and gulping the purest air in a serene forest in Japan are just some of the solo spa wellness experiences awakening the senses. FOREST BATHING (SHINRIN-YOKU) It’s all about attuning with your environment, embracing those positive vibes from stunning forests and harnessing the healing powers of nature. Combine mindfulness exercises to achieve inner balance as you revel in powerful green energy. The Japanese have been doing it for centuries. Great for: Mindfulness and meditation. SOUND THERAPY Gentle chimes, singing crystal bowls and powerful reverberating gongs lead to states of Zen and meditation heaven. Sound is often multi-layered, with rain sticks and drums added, the repetitive chanting and soft singing…

IT WOULD BE RUDE NOT TO TAKE A nibble of what is widely touted as Australia’s best vanilla slice. I discovered this custardy, crispy, melty morsel in the tiny town of Bridgewater, not far from Bendigo. It used to be a place you passed through on the way to somewhere else. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it destination 180 kilometres northwest of Melbourne in Central Victoria. But not anymore. Pat O’Toole bought an old 1872 pub and turned it into the Bridgewater Bakehouse. He heard about a competition to determine the country’s tastiest vanilla slice, and in 2017, decided to enter. He won in 2018. In 2019, he won again. There was no judging in 2020, so O’Toole is the reigning champion to this day. People started to file into Bridgewater to see what…

Brian Thacker Brian is a best-selling travel author (pick up Tell Them to Get Lost) and an obsessed skier. Over the years he has worked as a ski guide in the Swiss Alps and has skied around more than 40 resorts across 10 countries. Brian is now based in Minnesota, US, just a short hop away from some of his favourite places to dive into the snow. Dale R Morris Dale is an award-winning conservation-focused writer and photographer. He has spent more than 25 years working with wildlife all over the world, in the far-flung corners of Costa Rica, Nigeria, Thailand and Madagascar (among many others). He currently lives in South Africa with his family and pets. Nikki Birrell Auckland-based journalist Nikki has been working in the publishing industry for…

Over the years I have learnt that designing a hotel is a bit like being a Hollywood producer: we need a compelling storyline and without it, are ill-fated on opening night. He’s the man the world’s top hotels and resorts turn to when they want to create a showstopper. Something that will have everyone talking, Instagramming, pinning and adding to their wish lists. After bringing more than 200 hotels to life over the past 38 years, Thailand-based, American-born architect and designer Bill Bensley has perfected the art of creating memorable spaces, and says every single one needs a tale to tell. “Over the years I have learnt that designing a hotel is a bit like being a Hollywood producer: we need a compelling storyline and without it, are ill-fated on…

Sleep scents Most people will experience sleep problems at some stage in their life. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, at least a third are getting broken rest every night, and one in 10 manage fewer than five hours a night – even less if you’re on the road suffering from jet lag. Growing in popularity as an aid to slumber, research suggests that essential oils could be part of the solution, whether you add a few drops to your bath, light a soothing diffuser, massage a little onto your skin, or use a mist spray on your pillow. Many hotels these days even have ‘sleep butlers’ to assist you. Reset in nature Former tennis star and author Alice Hansen has launched a series of outdoor adventures in Tasmania, created…

Farm-gate forage Mic Giuliani of Sirocco South has been a long-term fixture at Hobart’s Farm Gate Market. He’s now sharing the secrets of his forages on small-group tours, on the hunt for ingredients including native greens, wild asparagus, mushrooms and saltbush. Then, beside sparkling Frederick Henry Bay, Mic prepares your finds with local meat and seafood to create a six-course lunch, alongside Bream Creek Vineyard founder Fred Peacock, who offers insight into the process of making the wines you enjoy with the meal. siroccosouth.com.au Blood is thicker than… The Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz has become a cult classic since its first vintage in 2015, this purple-hued spirit uniting classic gin botanicals (think juniper and pepperberry) with a hit of Yarra Valley shiraz grapes. This year, the brand teamed up with…

Fit for royalty In typical Six Senses style, the brand is set to take over a 14th-century fort once belonging to India’s Rajasthani royal family, and turn it into a wellness wonderland. Opening in September, directly across from the hilltop Chauth ka Barwara Mandir temple, the 48 suites are spread across three restored buildings, alongside a vast spa with an extensive Ayurvedic focus. Located 30 minutes from Ranthambore National Park, the retreat offers daily safari drives to the sanctuary, one of the last places in the world to see the Bengal tiger in its natural environment. sixsenses.com An icon reborn Following a meticulous five-year transformation of Budapest’s Matild Palace – a 120-year-old masterpiece built during the Belle Époque era and a UNESCO landmark – The Luxury Collection has debuted in…

Sleep under the stars An Indiegogo-funded project on the Grand Canyon’s south rim is set to take glamping to new heights. Nomad’s Pad will soon launch 10 striking, temperature-controlled glass pyramids with spectacular views of the desert and the night sky. Yet when privacy is needed, the see-through walls will turn opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to smart-glass technology. Each will come with air conditioning, plush linens, eco-friendly toiletries and an ensuite. Step outside to enjoy a private hot tub, fire pit, hammock and patio decked out with lounge furniture. You won’t want to leave, but if you do, diversions range from art classes to alfresco movies, soothing sound baths and jeep tours. indiegogo.com Front-row seats The hyped reopening of Botswana’s eight-suite DumaTau Camp after a complete…

Vacations & Travel, in conjunction with Hurtigruten Expeditions, is giving readers the chance to win a 10-day ‘Circumnavigating Spitsbergen, in the Realm of the Polar Bear’ cruise around Norway for two, valued at more than $22,528. Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s leading expedition cruise line, building on 125 years of explorations and Norwegian pioneering heritage. Taking modern-day travellers to more than 250 spectacular destinations in 30-plus countries worldwide, Hurtigruten Expeditions introduced the planet’s first hybrid battery powered cruise ships, the MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, and sister ship the MS Fridtjof Nansen in March 2020. The prize for two includes: • Return economy-class flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen in Norway• Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages in restaurant Aune•…

NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE ON the Kiwi ‘mainland’ (aka the South Island), you’ll never be far from something breathtaking. Here we explore five must-visit destinations that show off Te Waipounamu at its striking best. DUNEDIN With its Edwardian and Victorian architecture on prominent display, Dunedin is obviously dubbed the ‘Edinburgh of the south’. You can admire Gothic stone buildings at First Church, Knox Cathedral and the town hall. The Gothic Revival mansion, Larnach Castle, dating back to 1871, is another of the city’s must-see attractions, its doors and exquisite gardens open 365 days a year. You can even stay here, for a full regal experience, including dining in-house. More historic luxury accommodations can be found at the former Wains Hotel, built in 1862. Now refurbished and under the Fable…

Aussies are usually the world’s best tourists, staying longer and spending big wherever our planes, trains and automobiles carry us. Rocked by natural disasters and COVID-19, many damaged, neglected and stranded travel hubs need our love more than ever. Here are a few to book now or add to your wishlist. Australia’s third-largest island still boasts plenty of penguins, birds of prey, a huge sea lion colony and kangaroos. Australia PORT MACQUARIE, NSW Why: This pretty seaside town on the mid-North Coast was inundated in March. The flood waters also devastated the town’s much-loved oyster farms on the Hastings River. Do: Tackle the Port Macquarie Hastings Heritage walk, wander the boardwalk and take the Aboriginal culture tour at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre, and finish your day on Town Beach with…

IN THE EARLY MORNING LIGHT, our helicopter swings over petite Camp Island and the six small structures that make up its resort. When we land, there’s no check-in desk, no formal dining room, no compulsory fun. The ‘bar’ is around the firepit where G&Ts are sipped at sundown, the restaurant is the table on the wide verandah facing the bay, and the kids’ club is the beach, the pool, the kayaks and the bushland tracks, where skinks roam and sprawling trees are waiting to be climbed over or picnicked beneath. This slip of land in the Coral Sea is three kilometres from Australia’s mainland at Guthalungra, halfway between Airlie Beach and Townsville. And despite what its name suggests, there are no tents to be found. It’s a different kind of…

SOMEWHERE, A KILOMETRE BENEATH MY plane, Burke and Wills perished while traversing the dry red earth. They’d planned to cross Australia from south to north in 1860, a depot party waiting as they set their sights on the Gulf of Carpentaria. After four months, the entourage gave up hope, and left just a few hours before the explorers returned to camp. Burke and Wills died soon after, the first Europeans (of many) to succumb to these remote parts of the Queensland outback. From where I sit – on lamb’s wool seat covers as one of 12 passengers ensconced in a private 14-seat Cessna Caravan turbo-prop plane – it looks as rugged and imposing as I’d imagined when reading about Burke and Wills’ fate. The outback makes up more than 70…

The road less travelled Australia will be included in an international rollout of a significant change to Google Maps, in which directions will default to the route with the lowest carbon emissions, which is calculated using traffic, slopes and other factors. Of course, the green route will only appear if the time of arrival is minimally affected, and users do have the option to opt out. The eco-friendly maps feature is part of Google’s plan to overhaul its services in a bid to combat climate change. google.com Whatever floats your pod It has been a long road for the fully autonomous pod Anthénea. Penned by French naval architect Jean-Michel Duacancelle, the original design was inspired by the villain’s lair from the 1977 James Bond flick The Spy Who Loved Me,…

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If you haven’t heard of Bream Creek, you’re not alone. This dot on the map along the southeast coast of Tasmania, 45 minutes outside Hobart, has a vineyard, rolling farmland – and not much else. Until earlier this year, that is, when Van Bone opened here on a hilltop surrounded by bucolic countryside; green fields and doe-eyed cows all the way to the ocean at Marion Bay. The restaurant’s striking exterior – replete with four-metre rammed earth walls – belies a seductive interior that reveals itself in waves: first, the garden of corn, kale and edible herbs, glimpsed through floor-to-ceiling windows; chef Timothy Hardy (ex-Vasse Felix, Garagiste) in the kitchen; his fiancée and dining room manager Laura Stucken greeting guests, of which there’s space for 20. Then the fine print:…

This new 123-room hotel in the Melbourne suburb of South Yarra exudes retro glamour and disco charm. I stayed in the aptly named ‘Boogie Room’ on the top floor of the hotel. There’s a bold graphic feature wall, offset by an arched bedhead with an even groovier geometric print. Round pendant lights that resemble disco balls drop from the ceiling on either side of the bed. While style nods to the ’70s, designers have seamlessly integrated modern technology into the room. It has Chromecast, Bose Bluetooth speakers, a Smart TV and superspeed Wi-Fi. The room is also full of personal touches, like the ‘loot bag’ you’ll find on your bed. Mine had a yoga mat, cap and umbrella (à la unpredictable Melbourne weather). My favourite was the mini-bar stocked with…

When I hear that Hobart’s freshly minted Mövenpick offers on-the-house eclairs, brownies and truffles from 4pm to 5pm daily (aka ‘Chocolate Hour’), my stay is sold. Even better that the treats are dished up when you order a chocolate-inspired cocktail. It’s a tasty touch from the brand’s first Australian hotel, and one that nods to its long Swiss heritage, as does the range of specialty Mövenpick ice-creams, available in flavours like tiramisu and espresso croquant. So now that I’m in the door and buzzing from a sugar high, it’s time to check in. Room design comes courtesy of local crowd Jaws Architects, who were given the task to create light-filled spaces that sing of the surrounds – think walls panelled with Tasmanian timber, striking artwork, earthy hues that resemble the…

A by Adina Canberra could well add the alphabet letter ‘S’ to its name threefold: for stylish, sleek and slick. The shiny new lodging designed by Bates-Smart seamlessly combines a cosy residential and hotel feel, creating a bolthole of creative comfort. From the minute you step through the revolving doors into the lobby, with its curved ribbon of travertine and eclectic art, you know this is far from run of the mill. What’s even more impressive about the 130-room hotel (including studios, and one-and two-bedroom apartments) is the freedom to configure the rooms how you want; sliding panels allow you to open up your quarters or separate the living and bedroom areas. The decor is subtle and soothing, from the plush loop carpet to statement precast-concrete feature walls and floor-to-ceiling…

You won’t find many straight lines in the striking new Crystalbrook Kingsley hotel design. Newcastle’s former Council Administration Centre – built in 1977 and nicknamed ‘The Roundhouse’ – has always been known for its brutalist-style of architecture. Now it has morphed into a sustainably considered, 130-room luxury hotel achieved by local firm EJE Architecture, who have preserved the original facade and infused both the exterior and interior with warm appeal. The plush yellow and charcoal decor by Melbourne-based Suede Interior Design offers glimpses of birds, footprints and feather motifs telling the story of the city’s mining past. It’s based on a canary set free from its cage that links to the safety of early mining, and is immortalised in subtle hints throughout, from bed coverings to cushions and carpet. My…