THE ESTABLISHMENT
Perpetually hip Hemmes flagship in the CBD
THE DARLING
Casino Royale on Darling Harbour, with style and substance
HARBOUR ROCKS
Revamped beauty in the Historic District
The Penthouse has a private rooftop terrace with harbour views
QT SYDNEY
Hipster heaven in the shopping heart of town
More buzz than a honey hive
PARK HYATT
The best point blank views of the Harbour in town.
Newly polished with price tags to match.
Treehotel, Sweden
Outrageous sleeping pods where the bears
can’t get you
Elsewhere, Goa
Hippy luxe tents on the golden sands of Goa
Vintage Airstream, Big Sur
Classic trailers
resdicovered and renovated with love and more than a little style.
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado
Bring out your inner cowboy or indian. Wood cabins and a teepee in the Wild West.
Amanwana, Moyo Island
Aman-zen tents on a tiny island reserve just off
the coast of Sumbawa.
GORA KADAN
Barely a swallow’s wingspan from Mt Fuji.
Glorious in Autumn.
ASABA IZU
Peaceful enclave near the River Katsura dating back
to 1685 with outstanding Kaseki menus.
HIIRAGIYA
Immaculate traditional inn in downtown Kyoto,
one of the most highly regarded in a city of highly regarded ryokan.
KYOTO MACHIYA
Not true ryokan, these restored shopfronts offer
a glimpse into heritage Kyoto with all mod cons.
HAKONE GINYU
Stunning views from this contemporary
mountain onsen oasis.
THE WHITE HOUSE, DAYLESFORD, VIC
Owned by Empire 111's Lyn Gardener, this vintage
weatherboard is perfect for cosying up after a day spa
THE LAIR, SWANSEA, TAS
Watch the weather roll in from your glass eyrie;
the kitchen will be well stocked with some fine local red.
BYRONVIEW FARM COTTAGE, BYRON BAY, NSW
Pastoral and ocean views from this hilltop gem,
owned and styled by the peripatetic owners of Strangetrader.
FJALL, FALLS CREEK, VIC
As close to Scandinvia as you'll get in Victoria.
Pared back luxury in the Victorian snowfields.
CLIFF HOUSE, KANGAROO ISLAND, SA
The magnificent views over Snellings Beach from the tower bedroom
are matched only by the sunken lounge with firepit.
KEMAH TINGGI
Fabulously child friendly
and beautifully designed in quiet Canggu
VILLA ISTANA
Stunning beauty on the Bukit cliffs,
like your own private Bvlgari
VILLA DES INDES
Antiques furnish the two villas in bustling Seminyak.
Rent either residence or the whole five bedroom compound.
TAMAN AHIMSA
Seven bedroom beachfront beauty near Tanah Lot with
interesting architecture and manicured grounds
THE BALI BALI RESIDENCE
In Umalas not far from Seminyak, this interesting compound
is all angles, ethnic details and rice paddy views.
Hotel Sant Angelo, Matera, Italy
No Brunelleschi here, just clean interiors in this unique stone city
in the little-visited south of Italy
Serinn House, Cappadocia, Turkey
Modernist cave amongst the fairy chimneys in
this desert landscape
Perivolas, Oia, Santorini
One of my favourite hotels ever, rustic
whitewashed wine caves overlooking the stunning caldera
The Caves, Negril, Jamaica
Breezy Caribbean cottages not so much in,
but on, the limestone cliffs of Southern Jamaica
Le Prince Noir, Les Baux, France
An artist's honey-stone chambre d'hotes built within
the famous clifftop fortress town.
SNELLINGS BEACH, NORTHERN KANGAROO ISLAND, SA
A
perfect crescent with an inviting estuary at one end. Iridescent ochre cliffs,
resident dolphins, cold clear water.
DURRAS BEACH, NEAR BATEMAN'S BAY, SOUTHERN NSW
A low key bay for swimming and surfing,
long and undeveloped, sheltered by
50's houses, a retro caravan park, pines and sand dunes,
CAPE BRIDGEWATER, VICTORIA
If
the Brontes were to set a novel on a beach, this would be it. White, wild and
isolated, surrounded by Victoria’s highest sea cliffs.
WATERFALL BEACH, NEAR ALBANY, WA
The colours of southern WA waters are unique – turquoise doesn’t do it justice. Waterfall Beach is at the end of a little used bush track, through a gap in the rocks. Secret indeed.
CYLINDER BEACH, NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND, QLD
Half a kilometer of transparent water backed
by a shady forest reserve, with gentle waves and rocky bookends.
THREE SEASONS
Languid and mesmerising, following the intersecting lives in Saigon of an urchin, a prostitute, a cyclo driver and a lotus seller. Beautifully shot.
THE QUIET AMERICAN
Tense and honest adaption of Graham Greene's seminal novel. Michael Caine is brilliant as the world weary journalist in Hanoi during Vietnam's inevitable move to war.
THE SCENT OF THE GREEN PAPAYA
Moving story, richly filmed, of a young servant girl's maturation as she moves through a household to find love and peace.
CYCLO
Vivid and sometimes shocking portrayal of a young cyclo driver and his sister forced into working for a street gang, beautifully realised with the grit and urban mayhem of Saigon tempered by almost hallucinatory imagery.
INDOCHINE
A political manifest, a love story, a travelogue - all of these more with the glorious Catherine Deneuve in full matriarchal glory.
BLACK SPRINGS BAKERY
Beechworth, Victoria
Small but perfectly formed retreat for two just outside Beechworth.
French style linens and antiques with a contemporary sensibility.
Magazine-worthy.
BONDI BEACH HOUSE
Bondi Beach, Sydney
Light,
bright and lovely guesthouse just a short block from the beach.
Step out
onto your balcony, feel the sea breeze and leave the pace of the city behind.
MCALPINE HOUSE
Darwin, Northern Territory
An iconic Darwinian experience – two century old pearler’s houses
updated with
kilims, original artwork and Balinese inspired décor.
Much more personality
than the resort options around town.
VILLA DONATI
Melbourne, Victoria
This stunning Renaissance-style Victorian building in eclectic Richmond was
originally the home of an Anglican bishop, then the Moulin Rouge Massage
Parlour.
Its rich history continues as an utterly cosmopolitan retreat.
AMAZING GRACE
Hepburn Springs, Victoria
Weatherboard charmer in the midst of spa country.
Think open fires, fresh baked bread and country flowers.
TAPROBANE ISLAND
Sri Lanka
Wade across
to this glorious colonial perch at low tide.
It’s withstood a tsunami, a civil
war and endless house parties.
MOTU TANE
French Polynesia
Set like a
jewel in Bora Bora lagoon,
this tropical idyll sleeps up to 20 fairly loaded
guests.
THE RANIA EXPERIENCE
The Maldives
A tiny dot in
the midst of the Indian Ocean, accommodating
up to twelve people in beach
bures. Private yacht thrown in.
DOLPHIN ISLAND
Fiji
Newly
launched by the folk at Huka Lodge,
this 13-acre island sleeps 8 in style, including an
open-air hilltop pavilion. High on my hit list.
TAGOMAGO
Spain
An island’s island, off the coast of
Ibiza. Sleek, flowing, airy and
very Mediterranean, the sole villa
sleeps 10, with plenty of room
to spin some discs. Or slip one if you're of a certain age.
THE HEALESVILLE HOTEL
A classic, set in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
Great pub atmosphere with simple rooms upstairs.
THE WARRNAMBOOL HOTEL
At the end of the Great Ocean Road in
the cool country town of Warrnambool you'll find
8 bright and breezy rooms and a heated beer garden.
THE MIDDLE PARK HOTEL
There's a buzz about this new sophisticate,
between streetwise St. Kilda and leafy Albert Park
BURRAWONG VILLAGE HOTEL
Glorious NSW country pub with lovely rooms,
rolling grounds and local ales and produce.
5 ROOMS AT THE STIRLING HOTEL
Climb upstairs to your open fire after an excellent pub meal.
These luxurious suites are the perfect base for
Adelaide Hills touring
ALLADALE
Acres of Scottish highland all to yourself.
Cushy sofas and all manner of whiskies
starting with "Glen" await at day's end.
LYNGEN LODGE
Scandinavian getaway in northern Norway,
think cold snow and hot saunas
THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK
For those with a longing for the wild west but a
penchant for the finer things.... wedged between
Glacier and Yellowstone in deepest Wyoming
BLANCANEAUX LODGE
Francis Ford Coppola's jaguar spotting
hideaway in the Belizean jungle
BLANKET BAY
All schist and snow-capped peaks in the
middle of Middle Earth
PUNTERS CORNER
Coonawarra, SA
Four bedroom glass box retreat smack bang
in the middle of terra rossa territory
THE LAIR
Swansea, TAS
Owner Rick Bzowy will share his passion for wine
and the jaw dropping views from this modernist beauty are a bonus
EMPIRE RETREAT
Yallingup, WA
Stone, timber, plump cushions and all of life's comforts
in a beautiful bushland setting in the heart of
Margaret River.
WOODBOX RETREAT
Yarra Valley, VIC
Cinderella conversion of a low-slung 80's building
into a sleek 3 bedroom hideaway, moments from
Healesville and loads of cool climate Pinot Noir
LILLIAN'S OF LOVEDALE
Hunter Valley, NSW
Sweet light-filled weatherboard house
on 25 acres in the Lower Hunter.
GAYANA ECO RESORT
Borneo, Malaysia
Overwater resort with its own marine ecology research centre
dedicated to reef restoration and specialised kids’ programmes.
YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION
Montana, USA
Guided naturalist programmes throughout winter
and summer including Wolf and Bear discovery camps.
AGUILA DE OSA
Costa Rica
Family-friendly eco lodge providing whale
and dolpin watching,
horseriding, canopy tours,
mountain biking and kayaking.
ATLANTIS THE PALM
Dubai, UAE
Fairly hideous and totally over the top water world including
3 dolphin lagoons, a 42
acre water park, and
a massive underwater maze.
DINOSAUR DIGS
Colorado and Utah, USA
The Museum of Western
Colorado will arrange 3 and 5 day
dino digs with instruction from a
paleontologist.
MISOOL ECO RESORT
Raja Empat Dua, Philippines
Hard to get to, even more difficult to leave.
AMANWANA
Moyo Island, Indonesia
Jungle tents on an island in the middle of the Flores
Sea.
Komodo expeditions available on the private teak cruiser, Amanikan.
LAUCALA
Fiji
So
exclusive you need to register before being invited to be a guest.
For very
wealthy divers indeed.
SONEVA FUSHI
Baa Atoll, Maldives
An oldie but a goodie – overlooking brochure-perfect waters,
pretty thatched
and whitewashed bures, with stargazing and spagazing.
BARAZA
Zanzibar
Moorish and more-ish beach resort with huge villas
and a 5* PADI dive
centre.
RED FEATHER INN
Hadspen, Tasmania
Thick stone walls, climbing vines, cooking classes.
STONEBARN
Pemberton, WA
Mod-lodge surrounded by truffle and grape growers
a little past
Margaret River. Happy days.
BYRON PLANTATION
Newrybar, NSW
Gracious Queenslander with bucolic views
across the Byron Bay
hinterland.
MOOROOROO PARK
Barossa Valley, SA
Gorgeous gardens amongst the vines.
THE KILNS
Ovens
River Valley, VIC
Ancient brick kilns now converted into
minimalist digs in
Victoria’s lovely north west.
THE ROYAL MAIL HOTEL
Dunkeld, VIC
Which is more striking? The Grampians panorama
surrounding you, or Dan Hunter's art on a plate?
THE PROVENANCE
Beechworth, VIC
Classic country gem with respectful, skilful cooking
from Michael Ryan. Don't forget to go to the bakery
on your way home!
THE LOUISE
Barossa Valley, SA
Stiff competition between a stellar wine list, Mark McNamara's
love affair with local produce, and a soft bed and open fire to follow.
BELLS AT KILLCARE
Central Coast, NSW
Room service from Stefano Manfredi? Si, grazie.
BANNISTERS POINT LODGE
Mollymook Beach, NSW
Rick Stein's only venture outside Padstowe,
overlooking lovely beaches to remind you where
your dinner came from.
EAT AND DUST
India
Expat Pamela will show you the difference
between idlis and uttapams
NYC FOOD GUY
New York City
The Big Apple? Meatpacking District?
This city is all about food and this guy knows where
to find the best, from Suicide Wings to Smores Pie.
STICKY RICE
Hanoi
Makes me want to go to Hanoi
with empty belly and adventurous heart
AGLIO OLIO E PEPERONCINO
Italy
Lovely blog from a Roman local with
sumptuous photos and the odd recipe too
TOKYO FOOD LIFE
Tokyo
Photojournalistic essay through the back streets
of a wondrous food capital. Also helpful for
identifying unidentifiable foodstuffs.
SEIDLER
HOUSE
Southern Highlands, NSW
Harry Seidler’s airy aerie perched over an
escarpment near Bowral
with sweeping bush vistas.
MOONLIGHT
HEAD
Great Ocean Road, Victoria
Minimalist
lodge designed by Glenn Murcutt with views from
The Twelve Apostles to the
Otways
AVALON COASTAL RETREAT
Swansea, Tasmania
Craig Rosevear’s glass box overlooking
Great Oyster Bay.
If you can’t get in here, sister property Rocky Hills Retreat
is equally worthy.
SHACK
14
Chewton, Victoria
Ken Latona’s eco shack
in the Victorian Goldfields.
Small but perfectly formed.
THE
BOYD BAKER HOUSE
Bacchus Marsh, Victoria
Heritage listed
1950’s masterpiece consisting of a number
of buildings on 35 acres designed by
Robin Boyd
and Roy Grounds.
THE
GUEST HOUSE AT FIELD FARM
Massachussetts, US
Eclectic and fantastic selection of pieces
administered by
the Trustees of Reservations
SETH PETERSON HOUSE
Wisconsin, US
A rare chance to experience Frank Lloyd
Wright’s work
from the interior in Wisconsin
PARCO
DEI PRINCIPI
Sorrento, Italy
Blue and white tiled fantasia designed both
inside and out
by Geo Ponti in 1962. Furnished with original Cassina furniture.
Shame about the tour groups.
LUNUGANGA
Bentota, Sri Lanka
Acclaimed architect Geoffrey Bawa’s
gorgeous
garden house is now taking reservations
HOTEL LE CORBUSIER
Marseilles, France
“La Cite Radieuse” (the Radiant City) is
yours to experience
in all its 1952 glory.
CHALET BEAR, KLOSTERS
Sleeps 8.
Chocolate-box chic with views and a big carved
bear to welcome you home.
LA FERME DU BOIS, CHAMONIX
Sleeps 10.
Rustic luxe chalet owned by a young British
ski champ and his equally talented Swedish wife.
CHESETTA, ST MORITZ
Sleeps 14.
Gorgeous contemporary chalet in the
heart of St Moritz
CHALET LE TI, VERBIER
Sleeps 6.
Cute as a button but much more expensive.
FERME DE MOUDON, LES GETS
Sleeps 10.
Beautiful chalet featured on Grand Designs
and not afraid to say so.
AYINDI, BYRON BAY, NSW
Light and airy take on the traditional shack,
set on the hill just above Clarke’s Beach
DICKEBUSCH, PATONGA, NSW
Beautifully kitted out by Koskela
SEJALA BEACH HOUSE, MISSION BEACH, QLD
Glorious open air Balinese vibe in
a restored weatherboard
ZEALANDIA, PORTSEA, VIC
A cool collection of scandi icons and quirky
artwork by the graphic designer owners
THE BAY HOUSE, CAPE BRIDGEWATER, VIC
Miles of beachfront outside,
cosy 70’s (in a good way) inside