September travel hot list: Why would you put a five-star hotel an hour from Sydney’s CBD?
A five-star hotel in Sydney’s west, New York-style loft suites in Melbourne and a reborn legend in Hong Kong are among the hottest new hotels and attractions this month.
Five-star hotel opens, 57 kilometres from Sydney’s CBD
Why would you put a five-star hotel in an outer western suburb, an hour’s drive from central Sydney? Why wouldn’t you, says global hotel giant.
- by Julietta Jameson
Built in 1980, this legendary Hong Kong hotel has a new lease on life
This flagship property on the harbour’s edge at Kowloon has been given an extensive renovation and a new (old) name.
- by Trudi Jenkins
You’ll want to dine in at Melbourne’s stylish new loft stay
When you’ve exhausted yourself exploring Melbourne’s city eateries, you can tuck into a four-course dinner pack by an ex Chin Chin chef.
- by Anthony Dennis
★★★★½
This fishing lodge might be Queensland’s most luxurious
More than a high-end stay, Noosa Sportfishing Lodge offers a premium experience unparallelled in the region.
- by Katherine Scott
Hotel in Sydney’s Surry Hills undergoes massive, $65 million expansion
The suburb, a haven for the city’s LGBTQIA+ community and culture, makes for a wonderful base from which to explore Sydney.
- by Julietta Jameson
Striking Hobart stay takes inspiration from its chilly neighbour
The sparse Polaire Suite, a frosty-toned ode to Antarctica, walks a fine line between austere and cool.
- by Andrew Bain
Ugly duckling bargain hotel adds some interior pizazz
This much-loved hotel in Spain’s capital has had a welcome revamp.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★★
This perfect hotel sets the new gold standard for opulence
Hong Kong’s Rosewood is an exquisite grand luxury hotel and represents a new era for the East Tsim Sha Tsui neighbourhood on the Kowloon side of the city.
- by Kristie Kellahan
New ‘ship of light’ features ground-breaking asymmetrical design
Silversea’s new Silver Nova radically alters the concept of a ship.
- by Lee Tulloch
The country that didn’t want you to visit has changed its mind
The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is to halve the $311 daily fee it charges tourists in an effort to boost a sector still struggling to recover a year after the end of COVID-19 restrictions.
★★★★★
Exceptionally luxe resort is ‘out of this world’
Namibia’s Okahirongo Elephant Lodge reopened after a major refurbishment. But the real magic lies in the other-worldly landscapes of this distinct region.
- by Kate Armstrong
★★★★½
This hotel has everything you need (and everything you don’t)
A great luxury hotel but one with a quirky sense of fun, with those massive sundaes and the chocolate hour making a trip to the gym an absolute necessity.
- by Sue Williams
Airline now bigger than before COVID as Aussies flock to Pacific paradise
Fiji is the hottest destination in the Pacific thanks to a post-COVID tourism boom with Aussies flocking back in record numbers.
- by Michael Gebicki
Byron Bay finally gets the five-star hotel it deserves
This small hotel with a big heart finally gives visitors to Byron the complete package – location, luxury, great food and even a rooftop pool.
- by Kylie McLaughlin
★★★★½
Understated luxury on island twice the size of Bali (without the crowds)
Understated luxury and a light-footed approach that will hopefully set the bar for thoughtful, sustainability-focused development to come on Sumba.
- by Nina Karnikowski
Train travel is making a major comeback in the US, especially in LA
Rail has languished, if not disappeared, in many parts of the US, but a new plan will restore old services and create new ones.
- by Julietta Jameson
New resort in paradise is just 15 minutes from an international airport
The Maldives is an expensive destination, but a new resort opening in November at least cuts the expense of transfer flights.
- by Julietta Jameson