with Emma Wilson
TINY ADVENTURERS WANTED
Parkroyal Darling Harbour’s Little Explorer package
KICKING o April 11 and running through to April 30, 2025, the ‘Little Explorer’ package o ers the ultimate family-friendly hotel experience in the heart of the city, with overnight accommodation, daily breakfast at BARKERS restaurant for the whole family, a cozy teepee and explorer kit and delicious in-room amenity for the kids!
To help make the most of your city excursion, speak to PARKROYAL Local in the hotel lobby, where you’ll receive assistance with booking activities and getting local recommendations.
The hotel is also providing Explorer Packs, which include binoculars, a disposable camera, and a kid-friendly map to help navigate Sydney’s top attractions. Little explorers can easily check o each stop and capture the fun, creating lasting memories
along the way.
The hotel’s convenient location and family-friendly amenities make it an ideal choice to visit top nearby attractions, from Wildlife Sydney Zoo to SEA-
Discover the fun of watercraftpersonal
ISTARTED as the ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ of the group. Having just turned 50 and never having been at the controls of a boat or a PWC (personal watercraft) in my life, I was going to keep things pretty conservative.
With a few simple instructions on how to safely enjoy the latest Sea-Doo Personal Watercraft, such as maintain a safe distance because there are no brakes and wear a lifejacket, but then it was like, hang on, this is fun.
I was feeling the thrill of excitement the faster I went. They said in the safety
brie ng, it’s easier to turn once you have a bit of speed. Reaching speeds of up to 70km per hour, faster than the limit on most roads, I started weaving my turns with greater accuracy and precision.
This is an adventure in our own backyard. Just 30 minutes from Sydney exploring our wonderful waterways, I became quickly addicted to this new leisure pursuit. Who wouldn’t be?
“Believe me my young friend, there is NOTHING, absolutely nothing, half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” (Wind in the Willows).
LIFE Sydney Aquarium and the Australian National Maritime Museum, ensuring there’s no shortage of adventure to be had.
O er Inclusions:
• Overnight accommodation.
• Daily bu et breakfast at BARKERS Restaurant (kids eat free!.)
• A cozy in-room teepee for your little explorers.
• Explorer Pack including binoculars, disposable camera and an Explore Local map curated by our PARKROYAL Local.
• Kid-friendly welcome amenity.
Room rates start from $w290 per night. Offer is valid for stays between 11th April - 30th April 2025.
Finally, this made sense to me. As we darted along the Hawkesbury River, under bridges, over wakes, watching for the ebbs and ows and stopping to take in the amazing waterfall and the
shipwreck of the HMAS Parramatta, we were adventuring to places only reachable by water, with the sound of cicadas as our cheer-squad.
Jet Ski Safaris NSW at Brooklyn is o ering a number of fun days out onboard Sea-Doo personal watercraft, at an a ordable and accessible entry point for enthusiasts of all levels. With Jet Ski Safaris, you don’t even need to have your boat or PWC license to get started.
Who does a Jet Ski Safari suit?
As we cruised back to the Brooklyn Marina for lunch, I was already planning my return. First to bring my kids, maybe an extended family day out, but also how much fun would a ladies’ morning out zipping around the water, followed by lunch be?
Australia has some of the best waterways in the world and boating is a great way to experience the great outdoors whether it is by PWC, power boat, sailing boat or paddle craft. This summer why not get out on the water with family or friends and soak up the vast health bene ts, recharge the batteries and create lasting memories.
Head to jetskisafarisnsw.com.au to book in a session, sea-doo.brp.com to checkout the latest models and equipment, or discoverboating.com.au for more details on how you can get on the water.
with Emma Wilson
NEW LUXURY VILLAS IN THE Coastal town of Bingin in Bali
IF you’re seeking the perfect blend of luxury, intimacy, and proximity to one of Bali’s most striking areas, look no further than Mazari Villas.
Located on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, this clever nd o ers a tranquil retreat that’s still within reach of the island’s best beaches, vibrant nightlife, yoga studios, popular restaurants, and elevated boho fashion spots. Set in a rapidly developing area, this is a great time to visit before prices rise and adjacent new high-end developments take shape.
First impressions
From the moment we arrived, we were completely enchanted by the stunning cli side vistas and sparkling views of nearby beaches such as Uluwatu, Dreamtime and Ngang Ngang. Mazari Villas is just 50 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport, making it convenient without sacri cing the exclusivity of its location.
As we neared the villa, our driver snaked through winding, secluded streets, lined with lush tropical gardens. This only heightened our anticipation of arriving at a luxurious, up-and-coming enclave that promises to be the next must visit Bali destination.
When we arrived at Mazari Villas, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism by our Villa Butler, Adhi, whose impeccable service immediately set the tone for our stay. Available 24/7 via WhatsApp, Adhi was quick to o er recommendations, arrange transport, and cater to any special requests. We were treated to a thorough villa tour with a refreshing arrival drink, and could immediately see why Mazari Villas is on the cusp of discovery for Bali lovers.
The villa itself was a modern
mansion, inspired by the crisp, whitewashed feel of Santorini. The open-air design featured pristine white walls, complemented by an aquamarine Mediterranean-style in-villa pool that was all ours. A cosmopolitan layout, with furnishings and artwork chosen to enhance the serene and inviting atmosphere.
Villas and In-villa services
We were fortunate to spend two nights in the Iona Villa, a two-bedroom residence that felt like our own magical escape. The villa was spacious with large oor to ceiling windows that allowed natural light to cascade throughout. One of the highlights was the sunken living room, which created
a cozy and intimate mood. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring the area or lounging by the pool.
We also enjoyed the new smart TV, which o ered plenty of entertainment options for a quiet night in.
The villa also came equipped with a curated ‘Uluwatu Essentials’ and ‘Curated Experiences’ guides, thoughtfully put together by our Villa Butler. This guide not only included recommendations for local restaurants, but also insights into the best spas, beaches, and the most scenic sunset spots. Whether a local surf lesson, shing trip or bespoke art and craft workshop takes your fancy, Mazari will e ortlessly cater to your needs.
Dining and food options
One of the best aspects of staying at Mazari Villas was the freedom to indulge in a variety of dining options without having to leave the property. While the villa’s kitchen was fully equipped and operational for cooking up a feast, we opted to take advantage of Bali’s thriving delivery culture. With apps like Gojek and Grab, it was easy to have delicious, local meals delivered straight to our door, often within 30 minutes.
The team provides a well-edited list of the best eateries in the area, making it simple to explore local cuisine. We enjoyed dinner by the pool, sipping California wine while sampling a range of Balinese dishes, from international to Indonesian favourites.
Surrounding areas
A fun and unexpected nd just around the corner was Fleur Caf?, o ering fresh co ee and pastries in a laidback atmosphere, making it a favourite among the global nomad crowd. I loved the sketch books and re ection cards in this cute cafe, encouraging patrons to express themselves or have a moment of quiet re ection over their morning brew before heading out to explore. The area around Mazari Villas is home to some of Bali’s best dining spots, o ering everything from casual cafes to luxe dining experiences. The proximity to Bingin Beach and Uluwatu’s main drag meant that we could easily grab a scooter or arrange a quick ride for a night out.
For a full day of relaxation, Sundays Beach Club is the perfect option. Just 20 minutes from the villas, it features a stunning beachfront location that o ers a range of activities, from swimming and reading a book under a private cabana, to enjoying a cocktail and snack by the water. Walk-ins are welcome but Sundays also o er a VIP pack with towels, welcome hamper and a food and beverage credit for your day.
Sunset at Sundays is magic with a saxophone performance and beach bon res shifting the venue into nightlife mode. The Balinese gods thankfully got us to the airport on time, and we cheekily boarded our ight.
with Emma Wilson
What a nd! Take your kids to Nevada’s Virginia City
ARE you heading to California or Utah and considering a road trip detour through Nevada’? You should! There is so much to see and as the seventh largest state and the most mountainous state in the contiguous United States with 300+ named mountain ranges, Nevada is the self-declared ‘Road trip capital of the USA’. Whatever you do, if you’re roundtripping Ne-
vada, don’t bypass historic Virginia City, your kids will love it and so will you. There are several routes to Virginia City from either Reno or Carson City, enjoy the contrast between ‘Wild West scenery’ of hills, lonely roads and sagebrush plains and the mountains of the Sierra Nevada, it’s particularly picturesque at sunrise and sunset.
Virginia City is a wow-factor historic
The all-year round
family adventure destination
THIS USA state is home to the largest snow resort in USA, Park City Mountain Resort, as well as 14 other incredible snow resorts, Snowbird, Alta, Solitude and Deer Valley, have you heard of them? Salt Lake City has an international airport that is an easy 30-minute shuttle bus (or car trip or Uber) up the mountain to any of these incredible snow resorts and the craggy snowcapped view of the Wasatch surrounding Salt Lake City is stunning. If you’re not a skier or snowboarder, this is an incredible USA state for hikes and sightseeing all year round. Three of
Utah’s Five National Parks, aptly named ‘The Mighty 5 are known for their breathtaking scenery and unique landscapes are worth visiting for at least one day each. If you have to choose just three?
Zion National Park has stunning red rock canyons, massive cli s, and lush vegetation. Bryce Canyon National Park is well-known for distinctive hoodoo rock formations and Arches National Park is home to over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, including the iconic Delicate Arch.
Visit https://www.visitutah.com for more info.
mining city that retains its character from a bygone era, founded in 1859, becoming a thriving community during the Comstock Lode silver rush in the 1850s and 1860s. Spend a day wandering in and out of saloons, theatres, elaborate hotels and shops selling fudge and ice-cream, souvenirs, and collectables. Visit the Washoe Club Museum or Virginia City Museum.
Your kids will love a train ride on the historic 1872 ‘RENO’ locomotive (May 25- October 27 daily), you may recognise it as the star of nearly 100 films and westerns. VirginiaTruckee. com However you spend your time, this area has an incredible authentic Wild West feel, visit https://visitvirginiacitynv.com/ for more info.
A unique boutique stay in the heart of Sydney
RELAX and enjoy a unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort in the Harbour Rocks Hotel. It’s delightful and memorable place to stay.
Just a short walk from iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay and the Opera House, this boutique hotel is perfectly situated for exploring the best of Sydney. The rooms are a mix of heritage architecture and contemporary design and each room is equipped with modern amenities.
The Heritage Rooms and Harbour View Suite are particularly charming, o ering a cozy and stylish retreat after a day of sightseeing.
The hotel’s restaurant, Tayim, serves a fusion of modern and traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a casual meal with friends. Don’t miss the happy hour at Eric’s Bar. The hotel o ers a tness center, a guest lounge library, and a spacious courtyard for outdoor dining.
Crossing the Nevada desert to Utah on a road trip can take several highway routes. From Virginia City you can weave your way across the desert and take Cowboy Corridor, but where can you spend the night?
Elko is a city in Nevada’s northeast and is a good stopping point when you’re heading to Salt Lake City. It’s a good base for summer hiking and cowboy themed activities, including Cowboy poetry, birdwatching, shing and
horse riding. www.exploreelko.com. The well-known Ramada hotels have accommodation here, Ramada by Wyndham Elko Hotel and Stockman’s Casino. This hotel has lovely clean rooms, friendly sta and a coin operated laundry and
restaurant onsite so you feel fresh and get some rest ready for your next day of road tripping. 3400 Idaho Street, Elko.
Start planning your Nevada adventure at travelnevada.com.