THE ANNUAL
TRAVEL GUIDE We’ve explored the globe to bring you 2016’s top travel trends and the destinations where you can get in on the action (it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it)
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On paper, it’s a nobrainer for solo travellers. In 2013, the World Economic Forum decreed Iceland to be the friendliest country in the world, and last year’s Global Peace Index by the Institute for Economics and Peace named Iceland the safest country, with a near-perfect score. But for those who aren’t so statistically minded, there’s still plenty on offer. Iceland is a real-life land of ice and fire, where vast volcanic KNOW BEFORE landscapes and panoramic fjords YOU GO are on every tourist’s must-see list. Iceland is rich in Here, few things are done by halves: customs, so you should a dip in the water means long hours brush up on a few soaking in a geothermal spa and before you arrive star-gazing is a front-row seat to the aurora borealis, the world’s most → Don’t drive off-road unless you want to incredible natural light show. Iceland deal with an angry is as much a destination for brave Icelander (it’s illegal). adventurers as it is for the introspective Gravel roads are okay, traveller. Much has been made of but grass, sand and Nesjavellir’s Ion Luxury Adventure moss are not. Hotel – and it is something special – but → Nudity while swimming or bathing the centrally located 101 Hotel, a hip is common, so be yet austere boutique property in prepared to see a lot Reykjavík, shouldn’t be overlooked. ] of the locals. 101hotel.is → You’ll also need
go it alone
101 HOTEL
HEAR THAT? IT’S TOTAL SILENCE (YOU’RE WELCOME)
ELEMENTS OF BYRON, BYRON BAY, NSW
ZABORIN, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
You can’t spend more than a week in Japan without enjoying a night in a ryokan, a traditional guest house. Nestled in the untouched private forest of Hanazono on Japan’s north island, Zaborin is a 30-minute drive from bustling ski town Niseko (though the two destinations feel so infinitely different that, at times, it’s hard to comprehend the short distance between them). The property boasts 15 villas, each with their own indoor and outdoor bath (or “onsen”), with hot spring water pumped from 1,000 metres below. The decor, by Perth-raised designer Shouya Grigg, is beautifully sparse
CARRY ON LITTLE EXTRAS TO TAKE YOUR IN-FLIGHT EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL
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The Champagne Cocktail, $33.20, The Carry On Cocktail Kit, wandpdesign.com
00:00
Upon boarding your flight, say hell yes to the complimentary fizz and whip yourself up a fly-away cocktail. Cin cin!
“It’s the kind of place where you might take a vow of silence without even realising”
– think Marie Kondo on crack – but, if anything, it helps ease the transition into the monastic lifestyle you’ll adopt over the next however many days. It’s the kind of place where you might take a vow of silence without even realising. Well, except at your kaiseki dinner, a stand-out multicourse, fine-dining experience highlighting seasonal and locally foraged produce. You could plan a weekend’s worth of activities with the concierge, but when it feels this good doing nothing at all, why bother? zaborin.com/en
00:20
You got a little overexcited and made a mess with your cocktail, didn’t you? Clean up before digging into the mixed nuts.
Thanks to this luxe retreat, which cost more than $100 million to develop and is part of AccorHotels’ exclusive MGallery By Sofitel collection, Byron Bay is fast chalking up a reputation as more than just the place to get street-side henna or spot Chris Hemsworth sipping his daily latte. With an emphasis on minimising environmental impact, the low-rise infrastructure – including 94 villas and a main resort facility – is tucked away from regular beach-going eyes. Think Palm Springs with a laid-back, typically Byron attitude – sunset cocktails by the fire pit, horseriding on the beach, complimentary sunrise yoga (if you can wake up in time), that kind of thing. It’s also an easy walk into town – should the infinity pool, Osprey Spa rituals, crab-stuffed doughnuts and offensively pretty surroundings all get a bit… blah. elementsofbyron.com.au
Scarf, $440, Jac+ Jack, jacandjack.com
Resurrection Rinse-Free Hand Wash, $10, Aesop, aesop.com
02:00
Now that you’re 35,000 feet up in the air, it’s time to get comfortable. Slip into some cashmere and settle in.
Double Action Vitamin C + Zinc Tablets, $14.99, Redoxon, priceline. com.au
02:25
Eww, the guy in front just sneezed on the flight attendant. Take some immunity-boosting vitamin C and zinc tablets, stat.
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ICELAND
03:00
Make your screen time feel more cinematic with headphones that can’t be beat for cancelling out engine noise.
to shower before you’re allowed to go in a pool. → Take your shoes off when you enter a home (and even in public places if a shoe rack is by the door). → They’re called horses, not ponies (despite their size).
Facial Treatment Mask, $140 for six, SK-II, 1800 012 169
05:00
What are you still doing awake? Was it really necessary for you to watch Inception again?! Put one of these on and go to sleep…
08:30
Pass on the in-flight breakfast and nix hunger with a handful of raw almonds or a pre-packaged protein ball. They’ll give you the energy you need to get through customs.
Sunglasses, $229, Sun Buddies, bassike.com
10:00
Touchdown! As you step off the plane, slip on some shades (to combat the terminal’s harsh halogen lighting) and please… enjoy your stay.
QuietComfort 25 headphones, $399, Bose, bose.com.au ELLE.COM.AU @ELLEAUS
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“It’s an exclusive spot where cool, creative types lie by the pool to see and be seen”
align your chakras NAMASTE AS LONG AS YOU WANT (OR CAN AFFORD TO)
THE GAINSBOROUGH BATH SPA, BATH, UK
Tuck these healing crystals into your money belt Staud Bissett bucket bag before you jet off Turquoise Traditionally given to people before a long journey. Malachite Offers protection from accidents and during air travel. Hematite This grounding stone purportedly nixes jet lag. Amethyst Used to protect travellers from thieves. Moonstone Becomes most powerful when travelling by sea.
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THE WESTIN LANGKAWI RESORT & SPA, LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA
Westin hotels take R&R very seriously – as proven by the Well-Being Movement, which puts an emphasis on the health and fitness of guests – and this coastal outpost is no different. There’s a focus on superfood (so breakfast is a guilt-free way to start the day), and if you only packed your one-piece and yoga pants, you can borrow fresh trainers from reception. They’ll come in handy if you sign up for a forest tour to see the area’s amazing flora and fauna. The Heavenly Spa, which overlooks the resort’s exclusive beach, features allwhite linen, open-plan decks and a pool; it’s JLo’s “Love Don’t Cost A Thing” music video come to life. Nab one of the villas and you’ll never have to leave thanks to your own piece of private beach, in-room spa treatments and guided meditation. Goodbye, unnecessary human interaction. westinlangkawi.com
SOHO HOUSE, ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Soho House has a reputation for being an exclusive spot where cool, creative types can network, take meetings or, more likely, lie by the pool to see and be seen (but never photographed, thanks to the strict no-photos policy). The recently opened Istanbul location is no exception – it’s housed inside a 19th-century palazzo, in the hip Beyoğlu neighbourhood, with high ceilings, marble floors and plush couches to wait on if your room’s not quite ready upon arrival (though you could always try heading to the Mandolin Terrace restaurant and admire the view over a daiquiri instead). If you ask us, though, it’s all about the Cowshed Spa, “a place to meet friends, eat, drink and shop” as well as indulge in a little grooming. Book a full day of pampering in your own treatment room – the Sleepy Cow Body Treatment is out of this world – or have a hamam session and hang out in the lounge all afternoon. ] sohohouseistanbul.com
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A TURKISH BATH OUR 10-SECOND RUNDOWN OF THE TURKISH BATH HOUSE (OR “HAMAM”) EXPERIENCE
1. Upon entry, you’ll choose self-service or a traditional hamam. Go traditional. 2. You’ll be given a small chequered cloth to change into; have your swimsuit bottoms on and wrap the cloth like a towel around your torso. Don’t worry, the hamam has separate sections for men and women. 3. You’ll be taken to the hararet (hot room) to sweat out your toxins for 15 minutes. Lie on the göbektası (central raised platform) to do so. 4. When your attendant returns, they’ll pour warm water over your body before giving you a vigorous foam massage (BYO soap if you’ve got sensitive skin). Then you’ll get an equally vigorous scrub before being rinsed with cold water. Some places do the scrub first. COWSHED SPA
OHMMMMMM...
As far as high-end hotels go, this one has it all: complimentary minibar, big cloud-like beds, heated bathroom floors. But there’s one thing that puts The Gainsborough in a class of its own – hot springs run beneath the city of Bath, and this is the only hotel in town that has direct access to the mineral-rich thermal water. Guests are advised to free up an hour to “take the waters” with the Bath House Circuit, where you move between two thermal pools, a sauna, steam room and ice alcove before floating in the main pool to finish. But you’ll regret leaving without having booked in a few more spa sessions, so we’d advise freeing up a whole day (or two) instead. thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk
5. Hang out in the hot room as long as you like, or move to the cool room to, well, cool down.
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“You’ll feel like a guest on one of Richard Branson’s private islands, especially since your own butler is only a phone call away”
do romance right INTRODUCING THE DREAMIEST BACKDROPS FOR YOUR OBNOXIOUS COUPLE SELFIES
CLUB MED'S FINOLHU VILLAS, GASFINOLHU ISLAND, MALDIVES PUMPHOUSE POINT, LAKE ST CLAIR, TASMANIA
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PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague is the new Paris, and much like the French capital, days should be spent wandering cobbled streets, sipping mulled wine, or “svařák”, in winter (the beer’s good yearround) and exploring the history of the city. Head across the Charles Bridge and find yourself in Malá Strana, where the walk up to Prague Castle will reward you with one of the best views in town. Music is a big part of Prague’s history – Mozart premiered Don Giovanni here – so you’d be remiss not to swing past the Rudolfinum, home of the Czech Philharmonic, and if you’re in luck, you can book tickets to that evening’s concert. For accommodation, check out the elegant, pared-back Hotel BoHo, which is a welcome contrast to the baroque architecture you’ll see at every turn. hotelbohoprague.com HOTEL BOHO
For lovebirds who want to feel like they’re the only pair for miles, this hydro electric station-turned-hotel is where it’s at. Two-and-a-half hours from Hobart, half the boutique hotel is perched at the end of a 245-metre jetty, which appears to be suspended over Australia’s deepest lake, Lake St Clair. Set within the expansive Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, your daily schedule reads: eat, walk, sleep, repeat. In fact, it’s more like an ultra-modern B&B than a traditional hotel experience. Take, for instance, the two unstaffed Honesty Bars. Simply pour yourself a drink, leave a note and settle the bill upon check out. Head to the lounge, drink in hand, and find a spot fireside to watch the night roll in across the glittering lake. Lo-fi weekends not your thing? Seek alternative accommodation, sorry (not sorry). pumphousepoint.com.au
If you think this is going to be just another Club Med overrun by noisy families and the occasional rowdy group of backpackers, think again. The only thing Finolhu Villas shares with Club Med is half a name and the same stress-free, (almost) all-inclusive price policy that makes ordering multiple caipirinhas a guilt-free experience. Given that it’s a hotspot for honeymooners who prefer to shack up in their overwater villas or enjoy intimate beachfront dinners, if you plan to make use of the resort’s gym, infinity pool and other facilities, you’ll pretty much have them all to yourself. In fact, you’ll feel more like a guest on one of Richard Branson’s private islands, especially since your own butler is only a phone call away should you need anything, from booking an excursion (parasailing, snorkelling, daytripping to the mainland) to another caipirinha (hey, you’re on holidays!). If you can clear an afternoon out of your “busy” schedule for the Club Med Spa By Ila, the Crystal Healing Face Therapy does wonders for skin in need of a break from sunscreen, or you can watch marine life through the floor’s glass panel while the masseuse works their magic. Ah, island life… ] clubmed.com.au
BREAK STUFF The North Malé Atoll, home to Finolhu Villas, has some of the world’s best surf spots. These creatively named ones are just a scenic boat ride away
SAY CHEESE! DOCUMENT YOUR ROMANTIC ESCAPADES WITH SOMETHING A LITTLE COOLER, AND LESS CLICHÉ, THAN A SMART PHONE
COKES: Found alongside the island that’s home to a Coca-Cola plant. CHICKENS: Right off an island once known only for its poultry. SULTANS: Big or small, these waves are always fit for royalty. NINJAS: Named because this spot’s breaks are popular with Japanese surfers. HONKY’S: Named after its earliest and most frequent visitor, Sydney expat Tony “Honky” Hinde. PASTA POINT: An Italian resort once located near this private surf spot would dump leftover noodles in the ocean.
Take an instant photo and share it online – it’s the Polaroid upgrade you’ve always wanted. I-1 Analog Instant Camera, $543, Impossible, impossible-project.com
Seeing how your pics come out will be a welcome surprise two weeks back at work. Flash 27 Single Use Camera, $19, Kodak, bigw.com.au
Stylish and high-quality – it’s loved by celebrities like Brad Pitt for good reason. Leica M, from $5,699, Leica, digidirect.com.au
An alternative to a Leica that’s designed to look like a vintage camera, but shoots like a high-end digital.
X-Pro2, from $2,699, Fujifilm, fujifilm.com.au
This sleek piece has built-in wi-fi so you can upload your memories straight to social media.
Lumix DMC-GM5, $899, Panasonic, panasonic.com/au
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KYAIKTIYO PAGODA
ELLE TRAVEL GUIDE
LE PLANTEUR
have the meal of a lifetime LIVE UP TO YOUR SELF-APPOINTED FOODIE STATUS
YANGON, MYANMAR
A heady paradox of colonial-era architecture, golden pagodas, green parks and crumbling mid-rise buildings, Yangon is fast becoming an essential stop on any South-East Asian itinerary. The tourist crowd is predominantly native – a bonus for those who like to fully immerse themselves in their destination’s culture – and the local cuisine is also yet to go mainstream the way nearby India, Vietnam and Thailand’s food has. Kick things off by sampling the unofficial national dish, a crispy bean and tea-leaf salad. The humble 999 Shan Noodle House is the place to go for lunch between sightseeing, while dinner options include fancy but not pretentious French at Le Planteur, or Italian at L’Opera by the Inya Lake. Go for a nightcap at The Strand Bar before turning in at Belmond Governor’s Residence, a ’20s-era mansion once home to a ruler of the country’s southern states. belmond.com/governors-residence-yangon/
BEST SUSHI according to chef and TV host ANTHONY BOURDAIN: Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo
BEST BURGER according to GIGI HADID: JG Melon in New York
Café Du Monde in New Orleans
BEST ITALIAN according to restaurant critic AA GILL:
“Foodies are heading down south for more than just a great enchilada” HOTEL EMMA
BEST BEIGNETS according to KIM KARDASHIAN:
KYAIKTIYO PAGODA Atop a huge boulder sits a small pagoda covered in gold leaf.
NGAPALI BEACH A slice of heaven so good, you’ll tolerate the growing tourist crowd.
Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica
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HOTEL SARATOGA
Riva in London
BEST CALAMARI according to BEYONCÉ:
MANDALAY More beautiful pagodas, plus the must-see royal palace.
INLE LAKE Picturesque floating gardens and an entire community on stilts.
BAGAN Sunsets to rival Santorini postcards.
TAUNG KALAT You’ll walk up 777 stairs to reach this jaw-dropping monastery.
HAVANA, CUBA
HOTEL SARATOGA
The places where people with professionally good taste go back for seconds
Not so long ago, Mexican cuisine was San Antonio’s only schtick, but with the ongoing expansion of the Pearl Brewery complex – a hub of restaurants, bars, retail and even a farmers’ market – foodie travellers are heading down south for more than just a great enchilada. At Pearl Brewery, there’s Cured, the place for charcuterie; Green, the hippest vegetarian spot in town; and Supper, seasonal produce done really well at the painfully cool Hotel Emma. Venture beyond Pearl to the famous San Antonio River Walk, where places like The Esquire Tavern and Ocho at Hotel Havana have done a good job of drawing locals into what was previously a tourists-only strip. There’s a thriving art scene and worthy photo opps, too (see: the historic Alamo), but if we’re completely honest, the food alone is worth the trip. thehotelemma.com
WHILE YOU’RE IN MYANMAR… THESE STUNNING SPOTS DESERVE A LOOK IN
HOTEL EMMA
BUCKET-LIST DINING
HOTEL EMMA
SUPPER
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, USA
There’s never been – and might never be – a better time to travel to this colourful Caribbean nation. While those of us in the lucky country have always been able to visit, Cuba has only recently started welcoming US travellers (so book your tickets before the influx of tourists, and Kardashian worshippers, well and truly begins). Start at Hotel Saratoga, where Beyoncé and Jay Z stayed. Built in the ’30s, it’s the city’s most high-end establishment, with a rooftop pool and glamorous Mezzanine Bar where sampling Cuban cigars is encouraged. If you can manage to get a reservation, head to the festively decorated San Cristobal Paladar, famous for hosting Barack Obama, though hotspots like Habana 61, El Litoral and La Guarida are worth your time, too. Don’t expect MasterChef-style plating up; but do expect to be a Cuban-cuisine convert. ] hotel-saratoga.com ELLE.COM.AU @ELLEAUS
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LINKWASHA CAMP, HWANGE NATIONAL PARK, ZIMBABWE
get off the grid YOU MIGHT AS WELL JUST LEAVE YOUR PHONE AT HOME
SWEET RELIEF Hardworking beauty products to pack in your toiletry tote
SIX SENSES QING CHENG MOUNTAIN, CHENGDU, CHINA
Tahiti has sharks, Thailand has elephants, but there are few places in the world where you can get up close and personal with a giant panda. While you’ve got to be willing to part with Facebook and Snapchat (China has a ban on most of your beloved social media), consider it e-toxing at its best. Equal parts picturesque, historic and worthy of an adventure, the Mount Qingcheng region is for your off-the-beaten-track kind of vacay. Stand-out luxury amid the ancient area can be found at Six Senses, with the spa menu incorporating traditional methods – think cupping, acupressure and Chinese massage – and the food combining Chinese, Western and Thai cuisines (jellyfish, anyone?). For locals, Qingcheng’s air quality and ancient history are big drawcards (it’s the birthplace of a unique style of tai chi), but the main attraction, the nearby Dujiangyan Base, Panda Valley – a research centre and breeding base – is one item to tick off your bucket list. sixsenses.com
to maximise eco-efficiency and privacy, without skimping on views. In each tent you’ll find contemporary furnishings in safari-appropriate neutrals, while the central structure features a library and a dining and pool area. And if the standard calibre of expansive plain views doesn’t satisfy your desires, you can spend a night at the property’s Star Bed and put your constellation knowledge to the test. wilderness-safaris.com/camps/ linkwasha-camp
Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, $25, Elizabeth Arden, elizabetharden. com.au Good for: Anything chapped or overly sun-kissed.
RESTAURANT MENUS They date back to the Song Dynasty, in the 10th to 13th centuries.
GOLDFISH AS PETS Yes, really.
PAPER Without which, the colouring-in trend would never have existed.
UMBRELLAS The earliest reference to a collapsible umbrella was in 21AD.
SELF-BALANCING SCOOTERS Loved by men with Peter Pan syndrome, hated by airline check-in counters.
Healthy Touch Moisturising Hand Sanitiser, $3.69, Dettol, 1800 022 046 Good for: Public bathrooms and deodorant in a pinch.
LANAI, HAWAII
Organic Coconut Oil, $10.95, Ecocare, nourishedlife.com.au Good for: Deterring mosquitoes and moisturising all over.
Seaweed Night Cream, $32, Mario Badescu, mecca.com.au Good for: Itchy bites and dry or irritated skin.
Considering it’s the sixth largest of Hawaii’s eight main islands, it’s no surprise Lanai is often skimmed over in favour of more tourist-focused spots like Waikiki Beach and Hana Highway. But in 2012, tech billionaire Larry Ellison purchased 98 per cent of Lanai, and suddenly the island with no traffic lights or shopping malls, three hotels, one school and just over 3,000 residents became something worth a second look. It’s for adventure types who prefer hiking, beaching and off-road driving to boozing poolside. Check out the Four Seasons Resort, which not only has its own Nobu restaurant, but is also the place to spot whales and dolphins at sunset, snorkel with sea turtles and ride horseback through wooded valleys and seemingly unexplored terrain. q fourseasons.com/lanai FOUR SEASONS RESORT
FIREWORKS The best way to celebrate New Year, and give someone a Katy Perry-themed compliment.
WORDS: LAURA COLLINS; CLAUDIA JUKIC; AMANDA SPACKMAN. PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES; DANA ALLEN; ADAM GIBSON; STU GIBSON; JUDY HORTON; DAVID YOUNG; LUKE DEAN-WEYMARK
Emulsion cream, $49.99, Biafine, biafinecream.com Good for: Nasty sunburn, scratches and scrapes.
MADE IN CHINA THE CHINESE INVENTED MORE THAN JUST YOUR GRANDMA’S FAVOURITE WORKOUT. TAKE THESE FACTS TO TRIVIA NIGHT
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A safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so you want to make it count, right? You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to scope out the local fauna than Hwange National Park – one of the most densely populated reserves in Zimbabwe (by animals, not humans). Linkwasha Camp itself overlooks a basin near the Ngamo Plains, where wildlife – elephants, giraffe, lions and more – can be spotted any time of year. Opened in 2015, the property hosts no more than 18 guests at once, and each tent is positioned and designed
FOUR SEASONS RESORT
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“It overlooks a basin near the Ngamo Plains, where wildlife can be spotted any time of year”
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