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The DiM250 DYNAMIC Driving Simulator at the Goodyear Simulation Centre in Luxembourg.

This multimillion-dollar simulator is fully sick, in the best way

Machines such as the DiM250 Dynamic Driving Simulator are increasingly where engineers find the hundreds or even thousands of a second that can deliver pole position.

  • Tony Davis

When you buy this fashion label, you’re joining a community

Nagnata founder Laura May Gibbs has struck a chord with customers who want more than what’s on the rack – they want the whole wellness package.

  • Eugenie Kelly

Meet the cargo bike that other riders will envy

When it comes to storage capacity, Tern’s Orox is more like a small car than an electric bicycle.

  • John Davidson
The view from atop Meditation Hill at The Elysia Wellness Retreat in Hunter Valley.

Dispatches from a midlife crisis summer camp

Ice baths, soul readings and conspiracy theories: inside the growing men’s wellness movement.

  • Joshua Peach

It’s entirely possible you deserve, even need, one of these

Aesthetics alert! From the latest red lippy by Celine to the stylish beach umbrella that everyone will envy this summer.

  • Eugenie Kelly
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This Month

Ben Quilty 

Ben Quilty to sell part of his personal collection for superannuation

Among lots for sale is his Archibald Prize-winning portrait of Margaret Olley, and paintings done over the past 25 years that haven’t been shown before.

  • Steve Meacham
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions,

10 top luxury cruises to sail away on in 2025

There’s plenty to tempt guests away from relaxing on their cabin verandas as cruise companies offer ever-more immersive, exciting and educational itineraries.

  • Charis Perkins and Kirstie Clements
Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith.

Tolpuddle’s new tasting room is another great reason to visit Tasmania

One of the island’s most revered vineyards is opening its doors to the public.

  • Max Allen
Ana Ros of Hisa Franko.

If it’s gourmet adventures you’re after, it’s time to visit Slovenia

This country of 2 million has 10 Michelin-starred restaurants. Here’s how to navigate them.

  • Paul Best

10 new and extraordinary international hotels to book in 2025

From New York City to Rome, luxury hospitality is being redefined. These city stays are destinations in themselves.

  • Kirstie Clements and Charis Perkins
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The rituals of a ryokan prevail in this new international hotel

Banyan Tree makes its Japan debut in Kyoto’s historic temple district, and honours a revered art form.

  • Kate Hennessy

Why Mick Jagger and Yves Saint Laurent loved this Marrakech hotel

This hidden boutique hotel where the rooms are dedicated to cultural icons doubles as an art gallery with a $10m collection.

  • Ute Junker

Eight essentials to get you travel ready

Heading off, or just thinking about it? From the best carry-on case to some take-me-away tableware, we have you covered.

  • Eugenie Kelly
Bar Clemente’s Tonburi with thrice fired potato and sake pickles.

10 delicious culinary adventures in 2025

Take your pick: milk a goat during a shore excursion, select from a plants-only menu, or get served “wind and weather on a plate”.

  • Kirstie Clements and Jill Dupleix

Can’t stand the tourist hordes? Book a ‘coolcation’

Savvy travellers are visiting holiday hotspots in Europe beyond summer or heading to Canada or Norway for a cooler experience.

  • Ute Junker

It turns out gin and tennis do mix

Four Pillars co-founder Matt Jones plays competition twice a week and believes there’s a parallel between the ways you can improve in sport and business.

  • Life & Leisure

Trust Los Angeles to have a crazy entertainment venue like Level 8

Once you navigate the hidden doors, it’s easy to hop from a pool deck to a Japanese restaurant to an oyster-champagne bar to a speakeasy … and more.

  • Tony Davis

Why the Amazon is best explored by water

A Seabourn expedition will take you into the heart of the rainforest and up close with pink dolphins and piranhas.

  • Tim Johnson
Carne deim … Dario Cecchini’s motto.

Meet the humble Tuscan butcher with books, plates and a sock line

If two hours in beefy reverie sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon, you’d better head to Dario Cecchini’s butcher shop in Panzano.

  • John Lethlean

You can’t buy it on the phone. You can’t find it on the internet

To get hold of the world’s best mezcal, you need to go to a private bar in Mexico City. It’s like taking a spiritual journey around the country.

  • Kate Hennessy
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This new tablet is perfect for Netflix and so much more

The Galaxy Tab S10 has a tonne of new AI features – and they’re not all as useless as you might expect.

  • John Davidson

10 getaways to satisfy your adrenalin-rush needs in 2025

Check out these action-packed adventures for thrill-seekers, snow-chasers and space enthusiasts.

  • Kirstie Clements and Charis Perkins
The Ferrari 12Cilindri is the perfect grand tourer for a place with no speed limits.

This Ferrari is tough to pronounce, but impressive to drive

The 12Cilindri, a 6.5-litre V12 engine coupe, is one of the few road-going V12s left, and it’s arriving here early next year.

  • Tony Davis
The New Bahru lifestyle precinct is housed in a former high school built around a shaded lawn.

Singapore layover? Check out New Bahru

This well-designed collection of creative businesses – from food to wellness and retail – will easily account for a day.

  • Stephen Todd
Castaway villa will be the crème de la crème of luxury Maldives.

10 country and coastal retreats to book in 2025

Get away from it all at these luxury lodgings primed for relaxation, solitude and wellbeing.

  • Kirstie Clements and Charis Perkins

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/life-and-leisure