News |
Your 2023 travel wish list
Where will 2023 take you? We've pulled together a list of our favourite adventures and wellness experiences for the modern traveller. May it inspire you to get into nature and make this year the one you chase those travel dreams.
By Walk into Luxury
Active adventures
Whether your preference is for journeys on land, water, or in the air, jump out of your comfort zone and explore new frontiers with these unforgettable experiences.
Heli-hike New Zealand
New Zealand's South Island is a location begging to be explored from the air, with the Southern Alps making road access impossible in parts. We recommend:
- Kepler Track Heli-Hike
- Earnslaw Burn Heli-Hike (featured in our 4 Day Blanket Bay Walk)
- Aoraki-Mt Cook Scenic Helicopter Experience
- Heli-hiking in Wanaka at Mahu Whenua
Bite-sized adventures at all-inclusive Australian lodges
Enjoy specially curated guided half-day activities as part of your stay at these luxury lodges:
- Bamurru Plains, Bullo River Station and Finniss River Lodge in the Northern Territory
- El Questro Homestead and Berkeley River Lodge in WA's Kimberley region
- Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, Greater Blue Mountains
- Orpheus Island, Thala Beach Nature Reserve and Mt Mulligan Lodge, northern Queensland
Explore the Kimberley by water or air
Adventure is everywhere in the Kimberley, whether it's soaring above ancient ranges, fishing for barramundi or climbing a waterfall. Cruising the Kimberley is an ideal way to access its spectacular coastline and a small expedition ship like True North or Le Ponant gets you close to the action.
A helicopter is one of the best (and often only) ways to experience icons of the vast Kimberley region in Western Australia. Our favourites include:
Connect with nature
Immerse yourself in the diverse natural wilderness of Australia and New Zealand, from ancient forests and rugged ranges to coastal bushland and coral reefs.
Wildlife encounters
There is something truly special about observing wildlife in its natural habitat:
- Sal Salis, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia – swim with whale sharks or humpback whales
- Lizard Island Resort, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland – snorkel with Green Sea Turtles and discover exotic fish and coral reefs
- Arkaba Homestead, or join the Original Arkaba Walk, South Australia to spot red and grey kangaroos and emus
- Ecopia Retreat, Kangaroo Island, South Australia is situated in a private wildlife sanctuary, home to the endangered Glossy Black Cockatoos
- Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania – visit Tasmanian Devils as an included hosted experience while staying at one of Australia’s best luxury lodges
- Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island – once named "the Galapagos of Australia" by Sir David Attenborough, discover the blue-footed booby and other birds and marine life on this island paradise just two hours from Sydney
- Swell Lodge, Christmas Island – see red crabs migrating or snorkel coral reefs
- Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses in Kaikoura, which is well known for its unique marine life including friendly Hector's dolphins, fur seals and bird colonies
Treading lightly
Discover a new destination on foot to appreciate the natural landscape and wildlife – while leaving minimal environmental impact – on one of these recommended Great Walks of Australia or guided New Zealand hikes:
- Cradle Mountain Huts Walk on the Overland Track, Tas
- Cape to Cape Walk, WA
- Scenic Rim Guided Walk, Qld
- Milford Track guided walk, South Island NZ
- Queen Charlotte Track, South Island
- Maria Island Walk, Tasmania
- Hollyford Track, South Island NZ
- Or, tick off three of New Zealand’s Great Walks in one go with our 4 Day Kepler, Routeburn and Milford hike based at Fiordland Lodge.
Coastal landscapes
Breathe in the salty air, sink your toes into the sand and spot unique marine and bird life on these seaside journeys:
- Signature 4 Day Cape to Cape Walk, Western Australia
- One Kangaroo Island, South Australia
- 3 Day Bouddi Coastal Walk at Pretty Beach House, NSW
- 4 Day Freycinet Experience, Tasmania
- The Landing, Bay of Islands, NZ
- Wharekauhau Lodge, Wairarapa, NZ
- 4 Day Bay of Islands Luxury at Eagles Nest, NZ
- Annandale, Banks Peninsula, NZ
Seek Wellness
In this increasingly busy world, it's vital to take time out and look after the most important person in your life - you. Wellness is an individual pursuit, but improved health, fitness and nutrition, better sleep and increased mindfulness are the common goals we seek.
Blissful day spas
Day spas offer a range of holistic treatments to balance body, mind and spirit in a tranquil environment. Some of our favourites are those offered at the following luxury lodges and retreats:
- COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, COMO The Treasury Hotel, Perth
- Jala, Elysian Island Retreat, Whitsunday Islands
- Arajilla Day Spa, Arajilla Retreat, Lord Howe Island
- Eleme Day Spa, Crystalbrook, Byron Bay
- Spa qualia, qualia, Hamilton Island, Great Barrier Reef
- Halcyon Spa, Halcyon House, Cabarita Beach
- Spa Saffire, Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania
- Delamore Spa, Delamore Lodge, Waiheke Island, NZ
- The Spa at The Farm At Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay, NZ
Forest bathing
A peaceful forest escape can do wonders for our health and well-being, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving happiness and mindfulness:
- Silky Oaks Lodge, Daintree, Queensland
- Freycinet Lodge, Tasmania
- Spicers Sangoma Retreat, Greater Blue Mountains, NSW
- 4 Day Lake St Clair Walk at Pumphouse Point, Tasmania
- Boranup Forest on the Cape to Cape Walk
- Bay of Many Coves Lodge, Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough, NZ
- Milford Sound Lodge, Fiordland National Park, NZ
