This Month
The hottest travel spots as the economy turns cold
Japan is cool, Bali is always warm, but Vietnam is so hot right now. The cost-of-living pinch is driving Australians to make sure their overseas holiday hits the mark.
- James Hall
Want to fly international business class every month? Try this job
Christina Werkstetter is Sydney Airport’s secret weapon when it comes to getting new airlines to fly into Australia. The perks aren’t half bad either.
- Fiona Carruthers
- Christmas Gift Guide 2024
- Life & Leisure
6 luxury escapes including the best island holiday no one has heard of
From weekend escapes to gold-standard international adventures, travel is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
- Ute Junker
Six surprising things I learnt from a Gen X gap year in London
We expected this to be a memorable time, but it was the workarounds and unknown unknowns that made it even better than we hoped.
- Andrew Hobbs
Forget cruises, the only way to see Antarctica is to go ‘deep field’
For a taste of the frozen continent made legend by names such as Scott, Amundsen, Shackleton and Mawson, you have to venture into its heart.
- Ronald Mizen
Why Lake Como has become a hot ticket in winter
These palatial family-run retreats in northern Italy pride themselves on making the festive season magical.
- Jane Cornwell
The royal who loves coming to Australia each summer
Zara Tindall first saddled up for the Magic Millions for a year. But a firm friendship with event owner Katie Page and a passion for racing keep bringing her back.
- Jane Knight
The magic of Marseille exists if you know where to find it
The French city’s gritty, colourful past is exemplified in the Panier district. Here’s a guide to where to stay and dine – away from the tourist traps.
- Robert Bevan
We check into the next White Lotus resort
The third series of the streaming hit is set in the exclusive Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Here’s what it’s like.
- Ute Junker
Egypt’s bygone glamour gets a luxurious new spin
In a land with an ancient civilisation comes a new offering for travellers seeking luxury with an authentic patina.
- Maria Shollenbarger
How Sydney’s landmark Wentworth hotel rates after a $70m refurb
Adding four top-quality bars and restaurants to the mix will ensure the mid-century venue has a steady flow of patrons – guests and locals.
- Philippa Coates
Why you’ll be eating KFC for Christmas in Japan
A finger-lickin’ good bucket of fried chicken and strawberry shortcake were not what our former foreign correspondent was counting on.
- Michael Smith
- Opinion
- Highflyer
This business-class flight was so good I almost slept through landing
Cathay Pacific’s new Aria offering is now in the skies, but the traditional pointy-end cabin on the Hong Kong-based carrier still does the job.
- Zoe Samios
November
What’s it like to be stuck in space? Horrible says this astronaut
Astronauts know missions can go awry but still, an extended stay is tough on your body and your relationships. It’s also kind of boring.
- Aaron Gregg
Would you eat bear salami?
Filled with umami, the cured meat is the brainchild of Slovenian small-goods producer David Lesar. It’s just one of many internationally lauded cured products he produces.
- Paul Best
Billionaire Oatley family lures top Sydney chef to Hamilton Island
Saint Peter’s Josh Niland will open a family-style restaurant in the new The Sundays resort which is expected to open next year.
- Ayesha de Kretser
John Kehoe spots a bear (the grizzly kind). Here’s what he learnt
A three-night stay in a wilderness lodge off Canada’s south-west coast is a stunning way to connect – with nature, not the internet.
- John Kehoe and Jennifer Palmer
No walls, no doors – is this the future of luxury travel?
The first property launched under a new brand from Banyan Tree takes its history of boundary pushing further by doing more with way less in the Balinese jungle.
- Ute Junker
AI travel influencers are here. Human travellers hate them
They are very easy to mistake for people, some even have family trees. The ranks of virtual ambassadors are growing in the tourism industry.
- Natalie B. Compton
- Top 50 Hotlist
- Life & Leisure
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
You can fly from Europe to America for free. There’s just one catch
Delays are an inevitability that clouds travel in the post-COVID world. But in Europe at least, they can have a silver lining.
- Andrew Hobbs
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
- Top 50 Hotlist
- Life & Leisure
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
The hotel boss who starts her day at the gym (away from the buffet)
Renae Trimble, CEO of Accor Plus, leans on her teen sport habit to kickstart her morning (but you won’t catch her at the buffet).
- Lauren Sams