Despite the stellar weather we’ve experienced over the autumn months, there’s no denying that winter will soon be at our doorsteps.
Cooler temperatures and longer nights lend themselves to a little wanderlust, with both ski holidays and fun in the sun now very exciting options. If you’re dreaming of a much-needed escape, here’s a little inspiration for your next getaway, both close to home and a little farther away.
Brisbane, Australia
So tantalisingly close but often so unavailable over the past couple of years, Australia is always a good time. It really does offer something for everyone, and the city on everybody’s lips of late is sunny Brisbane. Having transformed over the years into an arts and culture hub as well as a dining and retail destination thanks to some clever developers, it now offers so much for those wanting a city stay, but with the great weather of a tropical getaway.
The unabashedly cool James Street has staked a claim as Brisbane’s foremost retail and lifestyle precinct, and just gets better with age. Having emerged organically from its inner-city industrial roots, the street and surrounding area has evolved into a high energy urban retail pocket with a mix of over 110 speciality stores and lots of cute laneways and unexpected finds. The area includes impressive range of design showrooms and fashion boutiques, award-winning restaurants and cafes, in addition to art galleries, design havens and grooming emporiums. Playing home to some of Australia’s favourite designers, the precinct attracts those looking for a design-forward retail experience in a leafy urban setting.
Accommodation-wise, the hot spot to stay is definitely The Calile Hotel, which bills itself as a “subtropical resort on a city streetscape” that combines architectural amenities with climate-centric spaces. Designed by Richards and Spence Architects, The Calile takes its inspiration from the chic hotels in hot weather cities with a resort focus like Miami, Palm Springs, Rio De Janeiro and Mexico City, and it’s a recipe for success. The hotel’s enviable location on James Street makes it a must stay if you’re looking for a mix of retail and world class dining in a gloriously resort-style atmosphere.
Hawkes Bay
A short flight – or fun roadie - from Auckland, Hawkes Bay is a wonderland all its own – whether your passion is great food, fabulous wine or indulging in a little nostalgia. In the heart of wine country, the award-winning Craggy Range’s Giants Winery in Havelock North is most definitely worth a visit for a cellar door tasting or meal in their stellar, award-winning restaurant. You can also stay a few days in one of their glorious accommodation options - the Vineyard and Garden Cottages, or elegant Luxury Lodges. Boutique accommodation among the vines and under the escarpment of Te Mata Peak make it a beautiful place to get away from it all, whether you’re a wine lover or not. For me, the ultimate indulgence is spending a few nights in one of their lodges overlooking the Tukituki River, a dream escape with great food and wine mere steps away if you really want to kick back. Order a platter and crank up the outdoor fireplace, then settle in for the night!
Also in Hawkes Bay is the art deco capital of New Zealand, picturesque Napier. Stop by for the boutique retail offering or inspired cuisine at the likes of Bistronomy or Mister D, and stay the night at the historic – and very cool - Art Deco Masonic Hotel Napier.
Queenstown
No longer just the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, modern Queenstown is most definitely more than just skydiving and bars.
If you’re feeling the need to reset after the tumult of the last few years, you can’t go past a week on retreat at award-winning Aro Hā near Glenorchy for a totally transformative experience. Designed to regenerate your body and mind, their programs are based on research that suggests we can fundamentally transform our physical and emotional health through our daily habits. Their wellness team are second to none, and rest assured, you won’t go hungry!
With a quirky cool vibe all its own, Sherwood, midway between Frankton and Queenstown is a great place to base yourself in the fun loving town. Their eco-chic guest rooms traverse the humble luxury of a lakeside studio to the comfort of a one or two bedroom apartment, and you’ll find the sheltered central garden perfect for sun drenched breakfasts and late afternoon cocktails. The surrounding bike track and kitchen gardens are fun to explore before you hit the restaurant for some of Queenstown’s most inspiring fare. The kitchen specialises in fresh, seasonal, soul food harvested from their own kitchen gardens, orchards and surrounding farms - while the bar team curates an ever-changing selection of independent craft beers, fine natural wine, and rare spirits.
Taking time to sample Arrowtown’s first class dining is also a must, and no visit down south is complete without time spent at Amisfield Winery & Bistro, now under the watchful eye of one of our own local hospitality icons, Tony Stewart.
Parohe Island Retreat
New to the New Zealand wellness scene and a great getaway so close to Auckland, Parohe Island Retreat is situated on Kawau Island, a jewel of the Hauraki Gulf. Parohe translates to a “relaxed, easy going mood” and that’s exactly how their team want you to feel as you arrive at their island oasis.
Laid out across 20 hectares of land with dense native bush alive with songbirds, Parohe is heaven for those who love to hike, with nature trails weaving through the landscape that are suitable for all fitness levels.
The connection to the land has led the team to adapt a blended approach combining organic, regenerative and sustainable practices into their own balanced way of living. Their gardens are spray-free and lovingly tended by the retreat team, while their vehicles are battery operated to minimise noise and our environmental footprint. Menus are designed by an in-house naturopath and consultant chef, and not only does your food look delicious, it provides balanced macronutrients to ensure optimal nutrition.
Seasonal programmes are designed to restore balance throughout the year with specialised retreats which bring people together with a common purpose. And at Parohe, packages are inclusive, so once you book, all you need to do is arrive. (HELENE RAVLICH)
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