April travel hot list: Melbourne’s hotel ‘for those who don’t like hotels’ reopens
Take a look at the hottest new hotels, attractions and airline routes and start planning your next escape.
Low-key celeb favourite in Melbourne set to reopen
The Lyall Hotel & Spa has been popular with celebrities keen to stay on the down-low yet in a fashionable address.
- by Julietta Jameson
This hotel’s new family suites are a kids’ wonderland
The entire 45th floor of the Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong has been newly dedicated to families, offering a cute and colourful luxury stay.
- by Julietta Jameson
Melbourne-based cruise company builds its own ships
After almost 20 years plying Europe’s great rivers in chartered ships, APT is creating its own vessels, heralding a new era for the Australian company based in Melbourne.
- by Julietta Jameson
Queensland hot springs scene now rivalling Victoria’s
Taking advantage of the environmental success story that is the rehabilitated Artesian Basin, Cunnamulla Hot Springs has opened on the banks of the Warrego River.
- by Julietta Jameson
Affordable ‘digital nomad’ hotel brand set to expand across Australia
Little National’s hotels offer a unique vibe that deliver affordability combined with the trappings of a luxury digital nomad lifestyle.
- by Julietta Jameson
New York hotel’s joyful design is the opposite of soulless ‘quiet luxury’
There’s a reason many previously all-white houses are now several shades of the year’s most on-trend colours, and it’s Kit Kemp.
- by Trudi Jenkins
Former grain silo reimagined as one of Norway’s most exciting museums
The world’s largest private collection of Nordic art is set to become public with the May opening of an innovative cultural centre in the south of Norway.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★½
Electrical company HQ’s spectacular transformation into Gatsby-esque hotel
At Sommerro, there are seven restaurants and bars, a private cinema, a library, a theatre, the city’s first rooftop pool and a sprawling basement spa and wellness area so vast they give you a map.
- by Rob McFarland
Jetstar launches new route to Aussie west coast beach escape
East coast fans of Western Australia’s famed south-west now have a direct flight.
- by Julietta Jameson
New class of luxury unveiled on board iconic Australian trains
A new class of rail travel offers more room and art-deco distinction.
- by Julietta Jameson
New flights to Europe as one of the world’s most-awarded airlines arrives
Turkish Airlines arrives with the launch of its first Australian route, with plans to rapidly expand.
- by Julietta Jameson
This remarkable landscape offers an experience that’s unique in Australia
The remarkable landscape surrounding Far North Queensland’s Bourketown includes wetlands, savannah, and the Gulf of Carpentaria only 25 kilometres away.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★
Singapore hotel’s $170 million revamp adds 50 shades of grey
There’s a lot to recommend this new hotel, particularly for shopaholics or business travellers enjoying a quick Singapore stopover.
- by Ben Groundwater
★★★★½
This hotel was rated world’s best on TripAdvisor. Could it be that good?
What makes this unassuming hotel on a quiet street in Cambodia’s Siem Reap such a popular choice for visitors? Garry Maddox checks in to find out.
- by Garry Maddox
★★★★
This historic, stately inn is a surprisingly cosy beachside getaway
This bluestone heritage inn by the sea makes an ideal escape whatever the season.
- by Justin Meneguzzi
Magnificent retreat ticks every box in your Tuscan holiday fantasy
Cypress trees lining the drive? Check. Stone farmhouse with terracotta roof, gorgeous views over rolling vineyards? Check and check.
- by Ute Junker
★★★★½
No passport required for a visit to this little piece of Italy
No wonder the King Valley attracted many Italian families to the area decades ago – it mirrors parts of Italy.
- by Sue Wallace
★★★½
This no-frills bush retreat just got a luxe upgrade
Eco wellness stay Billabong Retreat just got a flush $1.5 million revamp – but there are a few telling signs it’s stayed true to its modest roots.
- by Katherine Scott
★★★★
Thailand meets Bali: This resort offers the best of both worlds
It may be in Thailand, but there’s a distinctly Balinese vibe to the Movenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin.
- by Craig Platt