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Articles by Ute Junker
Escape to the Country
In summary Nine standout retreats feature across Sydney, Melbourne and further afield, from heritage homesteads to off-grid cabins. Many properties tie into working farms or wineries, such as Dairy Flat Farm supplying Daylesford's Lake House and Bird in Hand's O Quarters. Highlights include Warramba's Highland cattle and swag under the stars, Drift House's whale-watching, and Heyscape's off-grid cabins near the Valley of the Giants. Say hello to the friendly resident herd of Highland cattle.
Walk Away
Right now, nothing feels easy. So if you are yearning to shrug it all off, to stretch your legs and clear your mind, it is time to get walking. Ditch the doomscrolling and book a hiking holiday that will work your body and lift your spirits at the same time. Move over, Dwayne Johnson. Long before the wrestler-turned-movie star first hit the headlines, ‘The Rock’ referred to Uluru, the mighty monolith rising out of the sands of the Red Centre.
Cheap Tricks
London, Hong Kong and New York are among the most exciting destinations on the planet – and also the most expensive. But a holiday in one of these captivating cities doesn’t have to cost the earth. New York know-how New York is home to more millionaires than anywhere else on earth – one in 22 New Yorkers is worth six figures or more. To enjoy a New York state of mind without forking out a fortune, follow our tips.
The destroyed town that became one of Europe’s most beautiful places
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The new wave of .css-p6jdzn{margin:0;font-style:italic;} luxury hotels sweeping Australia
Successfully subscribed to the Luxury Travel Database. Multiple Regions Hotels Words by Published 2 June 2026 Entrances don’t get more glamorous than this. Arriving at Melbourne’s tallest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, you pass through not one but two jaw-dropping lobbies.
The restaurants worth .css-p6jdzn{margin:0;font-style:italic;} travelling for in Queenstown
Successfully subscribed to the Luxury Travel Database. Queenstown Food & Wine Words by Published 10 March 2026 Barrel Room | Best Restaurants Queenstown If you want to add some memorable meals to your New Zealand itinerary, head straight for Queenstown. The pretty lakeside town and its neighbouring districts are home to a smorgasbord of fabulous food experiences, from relaxed waterfront lunches to world-class degustation dinners. Here are the essential eateries you need to know.
15 new travel frontiers: spectacular places you never thought you would visit
From the mountain-rimmed valleys of Kyrgyzstan to the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia. Picture by Getty Images By Ute Junker Yearning to take the path less travelled, or perhaps simply sick of pushing your way through the crowds that increasingly define so many tourist hotspots? We have rounded up 15 destinations that don't show up on many must-visit lists but that nonetheless make for a terrific holiday. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Uncover Hidden Treasures Behind the Ancient Walls of Valletta
Skip to content January 01, 2026 By Ute Junker There are hidden treasures to be found in the ancient walls and meandering paths of Malta’s imposing capital. No matter which angle I crane my neck to look at them from, Valletta’s mighty fortifications are intimidating. Built almost 500 years ago by Malta’s then rulers, the Knights of the Order of St John, to protect their new capital city, these walls mean business.
The 6-day train challenge: why trading a 3.5-hour flight for the slow road was worth it
Explore Travel/Destinations/International The unexpected magic of taking Europe's scenic route - beyond the carbon footprint. Marrakesh, Morocco. Picture by Shutterstock By Ute Junker I am a get-there-fast girl. When I travel, I rarely have time for stopovers, or for taking the scenic route. I get where I'm going, enjoy the destination, then move on to the next one, all as efficiently as possible. Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Explore Berlin like a local with this ultimate season-by-season guide
Explore Travel/Destinations/International From Christmas markets to light shows, the city shines year-round. Tiergarten in spring. Picture by Shutterstock By Ute Junker Average temperature: 5/14 degrees Subscribe today for the news that matters or signup to continue reading LIMITED TIME OFFER All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia WHY: You can feel the excitement among Berliners as the city emerges from the winter cold.
10 amazing after-dark adventures you can only have in New Zealand
Batman and Robin. Strawberries and cream. Yin and yang. Some things just work better together, which is why we love the Soak in the Stars tour at Tekapo in the centre of the South Island. It combines two great experiences in one: a soak in soothing, naturally heated thermal pools, and a spot of stargazing in one of New Zealand's International Dark Sky Reserves. Powerful telescopes give up-close views of distant planets and galaxies while you relax in mineral-rich waters.
10 amazing after-dark adventures you can only have in New Zealand
New Zealand doesn't go to sleep when the sun sets - that's when the magic begins. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia By Ute Junker 1. Soak in the stars in Tekapo Batman and Robin. Strawberries and cream. Yin and yang. Some things just work better together, which is why we love the Soak in the Stars tour at Tekapo in the centre of the South Island.
The 10 Commandments of Next-Level Luxury
1. Know thy guest The very least of all luxury commandments is personalization. We expect great hotels greet us by name, memorize coffee orders, not make assumptions on marital status, remember food intolerances. If they ask “still or sparkling?” more than once, are they really trying? 2. Share thy power This luxury commandment is really a must in the digital age. There simply no such thing as too many power points, period.
Where to eat and stay along the revamped Brisbane River
He’s one of Australia’s best-known chefs, with a clutch of award-winning bars and restaurants strewn around inner-city Melbourne. So when Andrew McConnell decided to open his first interstate venture, not in Sydney but in Queensland’s once-sleepy capital, it said a lot about the city of Brisbane’s coming of age. “There’s so much to love about the burgeoning restaurant scene in Brisbane,” McConnell says. In particular, he praises the city’s abundance of riverside dining spots.
These Historic Hotels in Asia-Pacific Have Been Around for Over 100 Years
Home Hotels Asia These Iconic Hotels in Asia-Pacific Have Been Around for Over 100 Years There was no unveiling a candle-laden cake when Huka Lodge (hukalodge.com; doubles from NZ$2,728) turned 100 last year. Like many other grande dames, New Zealand’s most celebrated lodge approached its big day strategically. The doors were shuttered last year as the property underwent a NZ$25 million refurbishment.
10 of the best European beaches - and none of them are in the Greek Islands
Spread the summer love with these underrated gems. Sozopol, Burgas Province, Bulgaria. Picture: Getty Images By Ute Junker Updated June 26 2025 - 4:08pm, first published 8:00am 1. ALGHERO, SARDINIA: Don't believe the hype. Cala Goloritze on Sardinia's east coast may have been named the world's best beach recently, but pretty much every stretch of coast along this Italian island rejoices in magnificent beaches washed by ultra-clear ultramarine waters.
Keys to Europe's unsung cities: skip the crowds in these amazing destinations
By Ute Junker Updated May 7, 2025, first published May 8, 2025 Gdansk's Long Mile. Picture: Shutterstock Paris has the Champs-Elysees, New York has Fifth Avenue. Gdansk has the Long Mile, a simply spectacular collection of ornate centuries-old buildings such as the Artus Court and the grand Neptune Fountain.
Keys to Europe's unsung cities: skip the crowds in these amazing destinations
1. Gdansk, Poland Gdansk's Long Mile. Picture: Shutterstock Paris has the Champs-Elysees, New York has Fifth Avenue. Gdansk has the Long Mile, a simply spectacular collection of ornate centuries-old buildings such as the Artus Court and the grand Neptune Fountain.
Why Bhutan is the perfect destination for slow travel
Bhutan Art & Culture, Countryside, Sport & Adventure, Sustainable Tourism, Wellness Words by Published 6 March 2025 Bhutan | Six Senses Thimpu | Lodge courtyard dinner My first coffee of the morning usually goes down quickly, but today I’m making it last. I’m determined to savour this view for as long as I can: mountains on the horizon, cloudless sky seemingly shimmering at my feet.
Thailand's most talked-about wellness retreat
Successfully subscribed to the Luxury Travel Database. Thailand Countryside, Wellness Words by Published 20 February 2025 RAKxa – Bang Kra Chao Green Lung of BKK It isn’t until the third time my therapist lights a fire on my stomach that I decide I want to take a peek. Until now I’ve been lying back and enjoying the relaxing heat generated by the flame-warmed herbal paste.
13 reasons why Singapore is the holiday you didn't know you needed
They do things differently in Singapore, which is why our near neighbour is such a great getaway. Discover the city's most memorable experiences, from canopy-level hiking trails to learning the secret rules of the food court. 1. Savour your morningkopi Get your caffeine hit with kopi, Robusta beans roasted in margarine and sugar. It is usually served with condensed milk, or you can ask for Kopi O (black with sugar), Kopi O Kosong (black no sugar) or Kopi C Kosong (evaporated milk, no sugar). 2.
Whose döner kebab? Why the beloved late-night snack is at the centre of a meat-fuelled food fight
4 hours ago You know the type: The outdoorsperson who treats themselves to every cool gadget known to man. It makes gift shopping for them next to impossible. Well, until this year, when you give them a pair of night-vision binoculars that take pictures and videos. Order this holiday gift now for $89.97 (reg. …
Whose döner kebab? Why the beloved late-night snack is at the centre of a meaty food fight
Whose döner kebab? Why the beloved late-night snack is at the centre of a meaty food fight Alamy With the Turkish government asking to have the döner kebab recognised as a Turkish specialty, everyone’s favourite late-night snack is the big topic of discussion in Germany right now. If there's one thing that unites Berliners, it's an appetite for the döner kebab.
Bound for Bhutan? Here Are the 5 Best Things to Do in Punakha Valley
THERE IS NOWHERE IN BHUTAN quite like Punakha Valley. It is not just its beauty that is impressive—after all, pretty much every part of this mountain kingdom is jaw-droppingly lovely. No, it is Punakha’s subtropical micro-climate that comes as the biggest surprise. Who would expect to find mango trees and lush rice paddies flourishing this high in the Himalayas? Punakha has a lot more than just a balmy climate going for it.
Green is Good. These Biophilic Hotels Invite the Outside In
SOME TRAVELLERS GET ENERGISED BY Bangkok’s traffic-tangled streets and bustling sois. For the others, there is Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River. Sitting on a quiet stretch downstream from the ever-lively Saphan Taksin Pier, this biophilic hotel is designed to help slow you down, with cascading water features, polished rocks sitting in reflecting pools, and a rich array of greenery that adds to the sense of distance from the city.
Travel Thailand: Off the Beaten Path
Step away from the usual tourist trails and discover a different side to the Land of Smiles. Here we look at three beautiful regional areas of Thailand, far from the business of Bangkok and other large cities. See ruins from a vanished civilisation at Sukhothai Imagine ancient temple ruins surrounded by verdant greenery, watched over by serene Buddha statues. No, it’s not Siem Reap in Cambodia – it’s right here in Sukhothai, five hours north of Bangkok.
The boutique hotel in the heart of Venice everyone is talking about now
Hotel Review: Violino d'Oro, Venice Where: Piazza San Marco, Venice Create a free account to read this article $0/ (min cost $0) or signup to continue reading How much: From 900 euros per night with breakfast included Good things sometimes take time. When Sara and Elena Mastrelli started looking for a property in Venice to add to their family's collection of boutique hotels, they didn't think it would take six years. Style is lush but pared-back.
The quirky new hotel in Dubai everyone's talking about right now
Hotel Review: SIRO One Za'abeel Where: Zaa'beel Street, Za'abeel 1, Dubai Create a free account to read this article $0/ (min cost $0) or signup to continue reading How much: From 500 euros ($829) a night Not just another new hotel opening, SIRO One Za'abeel is the first "fitness and recovery hotel" in the world.
The Best Ski Spots in Australia and Beyond
The temperatures are dropping and the slopes of our highest mountains are starting to turn white, which means it’s the perfect time to plan a ski trip. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced skier or snowboarder, you’ll find your ideal getaway here. Ready to shred? Skiing in Victoria There are plenty of reasons to make the Victorian Alps your snow spot of choice.
Discovering untouched Palau aboard Four Seasons Explorer
Successfully subscribed to the Luxury Travel Database. Oceania ocean Words by Published 31 July 2024 Four Seasons Explorer – Palau There’s an underwater collision about to happen. Swimming purposefully through the water is a large turtle, which is clearly feeling confident about having the right of way. Moving parallel to the coral-encrusted underwater wall, it’s heading straight for my dive buddy, Leo, who is hanging vertically in the water just centimetres from the rock wall.
Airport etiquette: the dos and don'ts when in transit
The most dangerous part of your trip, they used to say, is when the plane takes off and lands. Not anymore. These days it’s the airport that is the real danger zone, a place where people unleash their worst behaviour. There’s the person who drops their overweight suitcase on your foot before wandering off without so much as an “Excuse me”. The person who has to go through the security scanner three times, each time finding a few handfuls of coins and keys in their pockets.
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Say 'ciao!' to the best places to eat and drink on Capri
From celeb-spotting in buzzy restaurants to super-fresh seafood by the sea, there’s more to Capri than just lemons (though there are plenty of those). These are the top bars and restaurants on the Italian island. Da Paolino, Via Palazzo a Mare The most fragrant place to dine in Capri, Da Paolino’s tables are set in a grove of 130 lemon trees. Naturally, there is plenty of citrus on the menu.
We've found the 10 best restaurants in Bordeaux
Some people come to Bordeaux for the wine. Others come to Bordeaux for the World Heritage-listed architecture. But we reckon the best reason to head to Bordeaux is its superb food scene, from classic bistros to grand dining rooms, this French region knows how to plate up a delicious meal. Symbiose Some say Symbiose, a charming bistro on the banks of the river Garonne, is best enjoyed during a long leisurely lunch – and it is certainly true that on a sunny day, a seat on the terrace is hard to beat.
Get you caffeine fix at the 10 best cafes in Paris
In most Paris cafes, whipping out your laptop to catch up on your emails is frowned upon. Not at KB Café Shop in Pigalle, which offers its guests wi-fi, chia bowls and a generously-sized terrace as well as some of the best coffee in town. No surprise to learn it’s run by a couple of Australians. kbcoffeeroasters.com
Say buongiorno to the 10 best restaurants in Venice
Oke Zattere, Sestiere Dorsoduro After a long day sightseeing, sometimes all you want is a piping-hot pizza. Over at Oke Zatteri, you can choose from more than 40 flavours, as well as a range of bases including options made with spelt or gluten-free flour. The pasta is great, as are the salads, and the sunset view over the Guidecca Canal is the piece de resistance. okevenezia.com/en/i-locali
The 6 Secrets of Successful Solo Travel
Some people love a solo adventure, but many of us find it a daunting prospect. We’d rather put off our next holiday until we can find a friend who’s willing to come along and share the moment. In fact, a solo journey might just turn out to be the trip of a lifetime. It’s the chance to have a break that’s exactly what you want it to be. Not only do you get to choose your dream destination, you also get to pick each and every activity along the way.
Bon appetit! Here's where to find the 9 best croissants in Paris
Sébastien Dégardin, 5th arrondissement Before being a baker Sébastien Dégardin worked in some of the most acclaimed restaurants in France, including the celebrated three-star Troisgros. So it’s no surprise that when turned his attention to croissants, he found a way to dial up the flavour. A little bit toasty, a little bit nutty, with a slight hint of coffee – these croissants are for true connoisseurs. sebastien-degardin.com
London's The Kensington is a home away from home
Why stay here South Kensington is the London neighbourhood we conjure up in our dreams, where streets lined with elegant Victorian townhouses lead to lush stretches of parkland. You could spend a whole week without leaving the area and not run out of things to do – from catching a performance at the Royal Albert Hall or wandering through Victoria & Albert Museum and the Museum of Natural History, to window shopping in Knightsbridge, just a short stroll away.
Why passport stamps will no longer be used
Usually I have no hesitation about waving farewell to outdated technology. DVDs, who needs ‘em? Landline phones? Remind me, what were they? I am, however, sad to see the passport stamp disappear. The European Union is phasing them out, joining nations including Argentina, Israel and Macau that already said sayonara to the practice of passport-stamping. In fact, passports themselves might be on the endangered list, with Singapore introducing passport-free immigration this year.
Why Busselton is Margaret River's hottest new spot
It's an odd thought to have on a beautifully balmy autumn evening. But when I take a seat at the polished-wood bar in the Banksia Tavern, I can't help wishing it were a bit colder. With its stone walls and wood-fired stoves, this would be the perfect place to warm up on a cold winter's night, nursing a glass of whiskey from the 30-strong whiskey list. Cottages on Busselton jetty.
Where to experience the other side of Ibiza
Bathed in the rays of the early morning sun, Santa Gertrudis appears no different from any of the other scenic villages nestled into Ibiza’s lush interior.
The best luxury accommodation in Bhutan, from Thimphu to Paro, Punakha and the Gangtey Valley
Religion 8 hours ago Muslims armed with guns, batons attack Christians, seize family's farmland The Christian Post - Christian Daily International/Morning Star News • 8h LAHORE, Pakistan — Police in Pakistan are refusing to arrest Muslims who attacked a Catholic family and seized their farmland, and officers also … China 13 hours ago China embassy claims arrangement with WESCOM on Ayungin resupply philstar.com - Michael Punongbayan • 13h Repeatedly rebuffed of its claim that a special deal...
Pack the Pooch for These Dog Hotels
About 47% of Aussie pet owners take their furry mates on holiday at least once a year, and that number is growing. So, next time you’re thinking about heading off on holiday, why not add your pet to your packing list? Whether it’s a week away or simply a day out, there are plenty of dog-friendly getaways on offer. These dog hotels across Australia put out the welcome mat for your beloved little buddies.
The Romance Novels Changing the Cultural Narrative
She’s more field hockey than femme fatale, the woman who will lead Winston Smith to his doom. A “bold-looking girl, of about twenty-seven, with thick dark hair, a freckled face and swift, athletic movements”, Julia moves through the grey, constantly surveilled world of Airstrip One with an energy that cannot be ignored. The outlawed affair between Winston and Julia sits at the heart of George Orwell’s “1984”. It ends badly: in Room 101, where the worst thing possible awaits.
9 Essential Adventures in New Zealand’s North Island
For a small country, New Zealand sure packs a punch. Its landscapes are breathtaking – think soaring mountains, serene fjords and lush forests – the food is fabulous and the opportunities to delve into the fascinating Māori culture are inspiring. However, many travellers tend to visit just the South Island, lured by the dramatic scenery of Queenstown or Milford Sound. What they don’t realise is that the North Island is also brimming with natural attractions and adventures.
Saudi Arabia - luxury travel's next big thing
One moment you are gazing across a rugged desert landscape, where rock walls jut dramatically out of the sun-baked sand. Then the light shifts, and suddenly a building appears. Welcome to Maraya concert hall, where mirrored panels reflect the surrounding landscape so cleverly that the structure is invisible, until you approach it from the right angle.
This Legendary Aussie Lodge is Back-and More Luxurious Than Ever!
IT’S BEEN A LONG WAIT. When Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island burned to the ground in 2020, the owners were quick to announce that it would be rebuilt. But reconstructing one of Australia’s most luxurious wilderness retreats is not something that happens overnight. Now that the lodge has finally reopened, the question on everyone’s lips is: is Southern Ocean Lodge 2.0 as good as the original incarnation? The answer is clear the moment you step inside.
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