Finding ‘uber’ fabulous holiday destinations, travel less than a day from East Coast Australia.
In Australia we are blessed with stunning coastline – from the azure blues of The Whitsundays in the North, to the rugged magnificence of Kangaroo Island in South Australia. Our location also affords easy access to the South Pacific Islands and Asia.
Enjoy the following five visual experiences, each a vastly different Luxury Escape.
Beautiful beach hotel holidays that you might not have considered – with or without kids in tow.
None of this luxury comes without a price tag – however if you can be flexible with your timing you may just find a deal throughout the year. Register with accommodation websites and keep your eyes open.
WHY: At just over two hours flying from Sydney, you can be at home for breakfast and in your Suite at Hayman Island for an afternoon siesta – that sounds like holiday luxury to me. One & Only Hayman Island is a private island resort with the Great Barrier Reef and the 74 Whitsunday Islands on the shores of its pristine sandy beaches.
THE VIBE: Super Chic, although also caters very well for families. Three distinct styles sit within the resort; beach, island bush or pool – so you could wander from your bed to the beach, or slide into the iconic pool from your private balcony.
HOW: Fly direct to Hamilton Island airport and then the One & Only Hayman Island private launch transfers you for a one hour cruise through the Whitsunday Passage (or hop in a helicopter).
WHEN: If we are talking School Holidays then I suggest the April or October break. Otherwise anytime from May to September is glorious in The Whitsundays – nothing says a Luxury Escape more than leaving the Winter chill of the Southern States behind for a few days.
DETAILS: One & Only Resorts Hayman Island
WHY: 21 Suites sit above the coast, affording unobstructed views of the Southern Ocean. The understated, luxurious design and furnishings sit as one with the environment – Southern Ocean Lodge is truly Australia’s first ‘Super Lodge‘. Walk, relax, enjoy the Spa treatments, sleep. A haven to recharge.
THE VIBE: With rates including all day dining and beverages, it would be fair to say that gastronomy is a big drawcard to this property, courtesy of locally sourced premium produce.
WHEN: In Summer the weather is warmer, however Winter brings more opportunity to view the wildlife.
HOW: Fly to Adelaide and take a 30 minute (Rex Airline) flight to Kangaroo Island. Alternatively a 45 minute ferry is also available from Cape Jervis.
DETAILS: Baillie Lodges Southern Ocean Lodge
WHY: A ‘luxe loving’ hotelier friend has been singing the praises of Sanya for five years, her kids love it, she and her husband love it.
THE VIBE: Sanya InterContinental Resort is an eco-friendly oasis – large, yet with the pristine beach on one side and the mountains on the other. If you are lounging in one of the 24 beach side Villa’s – the feeling is one of space. Sanya is described as China’s Hawaii -it is on the same latitude as Hawaii (180 North).
WHEN: Between November and April, working well with the Australian School Holiday period – this season means you avoid the Monsoon time.
HOW: Okay so maybe a stretch to do this trip in one day, fly to Hong Kong and then a one hour flight to Sanya on Hainan Island. However an overnight in Hong Kong is always a good thing in my mind.
DETAILS: InterContinental Sanya Resort
WHY: Extensive renovations were completed in early 2015, again taking Vomo Island Resort to its position as a top, ‘exclusive paradise‘ in Fiji. A small island that only takes two hours to circumnavigate, every facility for a fabulous holiday is at reach.
THE VIBE: Families are welcomed and well catered for. Indeed celeb radio announcer Jackie O is a regular, recently posting her Vomo holiday snaps on Instagram. So if it is good enough for the stars then it must be doing something right. The husband stayed several times in a former life – before we had expensive children, and he loved the understated and laid back luxe.
WHEN: I have visited Fiji in August when temperatures are cooler (a wrap is needed at night), and again in the high summer temperatures of December and January. I love the climate year round – just be aware the rainy season is from
HOW: Fly to Nadi International Airport, from there transfer via a 15-minute helicopter flight or 75-minute sea transfer.
DETAILS: Vomo Fiji
WHY: Because the Philippines are on The Urban Mum’s ‘Dream List’ for 2016… the year will be about taking breaks that get our family off the grid for a few days. Amanpulo was built some 20 years ago, yet they constantly fine-tune their offering. All reviews I have read point to unsurpassed service, complete relaxation, battery re-charging – and if you farm the kids off to a movie night or the professional Kids Club, or leave the little darlings at home – ROMANCE is high on the agenda.
THE VIBE: Rustic and old-school, befitting of the location. However facilities are state of the art; specifically the Spa options – yoga, pilates, steam rooms, ice plunge pools, hiking and massage. You will emerge from this holiday a shinier, healthier version of yourself. Bliss.
WHEN: December-April is the recommended time to visit (although the climate is fairly stable throughout the year) – Amanpulo would be perfect as part of a Christmas Holiday itinerary.
HOW: Fly to Manila and take a 70 minute flight to Pamalican.
DETAILS: Aman Resorts Amanpulo
Are beautiful Beach Hotels your thing?
Which of the featured Luxury Escapes would be your pick for the perfect holiday?
Mid-life nutrition is ever more important. Not only are we trying to juggle careers, families, and personal well-being, but we also need to ensure that we’re giving our bodies the fuel they need to keep going
As I discovered during my A Grown Up’s Gap Year, putting yourself back in the picture isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for your mid-life wellbeing.
A Grown Up’s Gap Year explores how you embracing mid-life adventure, wellness, with a side order of ‘navel gazing’…mid-life adventure as it were!
A GROWN UP’S GAP YEAR
Special Offer: Buy A Grown Up’s Gap Year Now and Gift One to a Friend!
I’m thrilled to announce that A Grown Up’s Gap Year is now available for purchase on Amazon! To celebrate, I want to offer you a special opportunity to share the book with a friend.
While Amazon doesn’t allow direct ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ offers, here’s what I’d love to do:
Simply purchase a copy of A Grown Up’s Gap Year through Amazon, then send me a screenshot of your receipt and/or a review via email or Instagram DM.
Provide your preferred mailing address, and I will send you a FREE copy for a friend in mid-January (once my publisher is back on deck).