Travel: Chill-seekers

GUIDE TO VIETNAM Chill-seekers Star Style TRAVEL

There’s something for everyone with K!’s Patty Rigg’s ultra-luxe hotel hop R echargingandunwinding weremytoppriorities whenItookaweekoff from worktovisit Vietnam withoutmy hubbyandkids.Butwhat Igotoutofthecountry’slatesthotspots wassomuchmore than eating, sleeping and relaxing… SAM FROST

Melia Ho Tram offers gorgeous greenery amid an idyllic waterside setting

START HERE MELIA HO TRAM BEACH RESORT Just two hours out of Ho Chi Minh City, the shores of Ho Tram have become a go-to retreat for locals –and I can see why at this upscale five-star property. With a choice of 152 rooms and 61 villas, the hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway or a fun extended family trip – but I’m there for some

Angsana caters to a livelier holiday crowd as well as rest and relaxation

CARLIN STERRITT & ANGIE KENT

Dip in the hot spring, anyone? The luxury is complete!

R&R, so waste no time booking into YHI Spa for a classic Vietnamese body massage. It proves the perfect start to my holiday and I can feel my stress and jet lag dissolving immediately. The pampering doesn’t stop there. Try lunch or a sunset cocktail at Breeza Beach Club. And don’t miss a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Elyxr Cafe with sugar syrup and condensed milk – I made it a daily ritual!

Vietnam offers some ofthe most beautiful and unspoilt waters in the world Or ifnot, there’s the cool pool option as well

NOW GO HERE ALBA WELLNESS RESORT My second stop is the Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, a quick 45-minute drive from Hue airport. Situated in the foothills of the Truong Son mountains, this tranquil resort is famed for its thermal hot springs and authentic Japanese onsen. After breakfast at Madame Chau restaurant, I head straight for the onsen and spa for a soak and soothe session. The massages here are to die for! Being relaxed sure works up an appetite, so go to Alba’s onsite farm to refuel with a hotpot meal under the stars. If you’re feeling adventurous, follow it up with a midnight dip in the magma-heated hot springs. The private bungalows are beautifully designed with a blend of Vietnamese and Japanese architecture –mine comes with an outdoor shower and vegie garden! There’s also a bike parked outside for cycling around the organic farm and taking in the fresh air of the hot springs.

FINISH HERE LAGUNA LANG CO My final destination is a new resort community from the Banyan Tree Group, an hour from Da Nang Airport. The villas at Laguna Lang Co are breathtaking, with lagoon views, private pools and outdoor showers. As an indulgence, I spend my final night at neighbouring Angsana Lang Co, only a few minutes’ boat transfer from Banyan Tree. Angsana offers a great selection of outdoor activities for thrillseekers, such as jetskiing and wakeboarding. However, for the chill-seekers there’s a lazy dip in the 300-metre long serpentine pool and a cocktail at the bar also on offer! I have time for lunch at Moomba, Angsana’s alfresco dining venue, but then sadly have to pack my bags to head home. I’ve honestly never felt so relaxed and rejuvenated. Fingers crossed the kids survived the week without me!

The resort is situated right by the golden beach…

…but ifyou don’t want to get salty, the serpentine pool is available

fine day

Combine your two great loves –travel and booze! –with top tipple regions around the world

EMILY DIDONATO

Stunning scenery, out-of-this-world wine –the charming Loire Valley countryside is a must for any booze buff wanting fancy French sips. Located just a short train ride from Paris, the landscape is dotted with historic , white, rosé and sparkling, meaning there’s something for everyone. Hire a bike to really appreciate the stunning surrounds, and make sure you stop at the Château de Villandry –one of the most iconic castles in the valley. LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE

ANDALUC ÍA, SPAIN Pair your incredible Spanish tapas with the equally flavourful wines of the AndalucÍa region. Fortified sherries are the main star here, so head to the city of Jerez de la Frontera in the south for a taste of history, or try one of the up-and-coming vineyards near Granada for a more creative take on Spanish wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample local olive oil, beers and Iberian ham while you’re at it!

JOSEPHINE SKRIVER

Star Style TRAVEL

IRINCE, TURKEY Adorable houses, charming cobbled streets and wonderfully friendly locals make the stunning hilltop town of Şirince an Instagrammer’s dream – the wine expertise is a bonus! The vineyards are famed for their local grapes and fruit wines, so even if you’re no booze-hound, the prospect of trying melon, apple and peach wines is sure to appeal.

WACHAU, AUSTRIA Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, history-steeped Wachau features picturesque castles and stunning vineyards where wine has been produced since the Middle Ages. Riesling fans, rejoice – the region is famed for this drop, so make the most of the 124 vineyards and taste as many as you can stomach! Beer lovers can also head off on a brewery tour at the original home of Budweiser in České Budĕjovice.

PORTO, PORTUGAL Not too familiar with Portuguese wines? You’ll be singing their praises after a trip to the idyllic coastal city of Porto. It’s known as the birthplace of fortified wine, and you’ll be in good spirits after a few tastings, followed by adventures through charming narrow laneways and chowing down on incredible cuisine. When you need a break from the booze, explore the historic riverfront city of Coimbra, walk through secluded schist villages, and pair local wine and cheese while watching the sun set in Lisbon.

Need someone to take the guesswork out of your wine travels? Check out the tours at intrepidtravel. com/au

COMPILED BY ALLISON YEE VALPARAISO, CHILE Getting lost in the quaint, winding streets, manic architecture and endless staircases of this chaotic Latin American city will be a breeze – especially after downing a few local wines! Head to the nearby city of Casablanca’s wine region to check out boutique wineries, with this relatively new wine hub dishing out premium wines and specialising in crisp chardonnays and sauvignon blancs.

REESE WITHERSPOON

News TRAVEL Hotspots, trends and #tripspo for your next vacay

FULLERTON GRAND

Sultry, buzzy and jam-packed with delicious food –there’s a reason Singapore is high on the list for a lot of globetrotters. And if you want your own Crazy Rich Asians experience, The Fullerton Hotel is the perfect mix of grand historical prestige (it was once Singapore’s General Post Office) and OTT luxe touches. I was lucky enough to enjoy one all-too-quick day checking out the hotel –and stepping into the cool, airy lobby was a breath of fresh air after sweaty sightseeing. With the famed Merlion statue metres away, a swim in the sparkling pool came with picture-perfect views of the Singapore River. I’m also a sucker for a massage and The Fullerton Spa is next-level chill, from its attentive staff to a five-star foot massage that had this pregnant mama slipping into a way-too-relaxed microsleep. Come nightfall, The Lighthouse Restaurant & Rooftop Bar offers epic views of the bay; the angel-hair pasta with Boston lobster bisque is out of this world. Lifestyle Editor, Allison Yee

Star Style

SUPER SUB

TRAVEL

Thought the grandeur of Antarctica was spectacular enough? Take your explorations to new depths, thanks to free (yep!) submarine rides for anyone cruising on Viking’s expedition vessels. Making their maiden voyages in 2022, the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris each have two six-seater subs offering a new perspective of the South Pole. vikingcruises.com.au/expeditions

UITS YOUS

Wi-fi addicts, we’ve found our travel game-changer. Just when you thought luggage couldn’t get any techier, Samsara has unveiled their smart suitcase with access to a secure wi-fi network so you can slam out those work emails with ease. There’s also a handy GPS and bluetooth system to track your luggage, a wireless charging dock and an app to tell you when your case has been opened. The only downside other than its $690 price tag? You’ll have to wait until your next trip to the States to buy it, as Samsara don’t ship Down Under. samsaraluggage.com W w yo

MEX AND THE CITY

More than just out-of-thisworld street food and colourful, chaotic charm, Mexico City has shimmied its way into one of the most travel-worthy destinations of 2020. So make sure you don’t miss a thing with Cristina Alonso’s Art and Fiesta in Mexico City guide (Hardie Grant, $29.99). From nabbing cute handmade crafts to ticking off the city’s incredible modern art gallery list and making a beeline for the hottest eateries, these carefully curated pages are a must for every culture vulture.

GWYNETH PALTROW

GOOP TO IT

If you’re a fan of Gwyneth Paltrow’s controversial wellness approach (vagina candles, anyone?), the Goop guru’s new voyage into an onboard cruise workshop is sure to float your boat. Setting sail in August 2020, Gwyn’s one-day seminar on the Celebrity Apex includes talks and wellness seminars to get you into the Goop frame of mind. Tickets cost $1100 for the day, on top of the cost of booking a cruise suite – which starts from $7650 per person. But you can expect some ‘Goopified perks’, whatever they are…

COMPILED BY ALLISON YEE