postcard from Broke, Hunter Valley

postcard from the capital

Recently we flew to the nation’s capital for a long weekend exploring beyond its museums and monuments (although we admit we squeezed in a couple of Canberra’s better known attractions). Canberra has undergone a metamorphous shaking off its staid image to become a cultural, architectural – and foodie - wonderland.

quirky galleries, swedish boats, dirty janes

Today you can picnic on a Swedish boat, explore a new wine bar dedicated to Riesling and explore the revitalised Fyshwick precinct, an industrial hub once known for its government warehouses. Its now home to Capital Brewing, Canberra’s favourite burgers Brodburger, the Designer Op Shop Emporium and Dirty Janes (from Bowral) which has opened a vintage markets in an enormous warehouse complete with a cafe and farm animals.

In other parts of Canberra, you’ll find the quirky backyard gallery, the Museum of Small Things while there’s a couple of new pop up bars on the lake, including the Amada Bar at the Boathouse.

We visited the Know your Name exhibit currently on at the National Gallery of Australia (NGA) showcasing female artists from 1900 to now. Drawn from the NGA’s collection and loans from across Australia, it’s the most comprehensive presentation of art by women assembled in this country to date.

a tree museum - what a capital idea

Another must is a visit to Canberra’s National Arboretum – a tree museum – established in the aftermath of the 2001 and 2003 bush fires to conserve and protect different tree species within more than 100 newly planted forests. It’s incredibly popular with locals (and visitors) who come to bush walk, mountain bike, fly kites or let the kids loose on the incredible POD Playground. The bonsai tree exhibit is fascinating, while grammers will love the 35-metre-long 'Wide Brown Land' sculpture based on the three words from Dorothea MacKellar’s famous poem ‘My Country’, inspired by the author’s handwriting. Afterwards we took a stroll through the Himalayan Cedar Track for some forest bathing.

cool boutique digs

We made the hip boutique East Hotel our base for the long weekend. Designed with families in mind it’s located in Canberra's fashionable Manuka precinct, a stone’s throw from the Parliamentary Triangle. You can take one of East’s complimentary bicycles for a spin around Lake Burley Griffin (they even have kid’s bikes which general manager Todd Handy was happy to adjust for Ella 🙌) while the art deco Manuka Pool, Canberra’s first public pool, is a short stroll away. You just need to flash your room key and they’ll let you in for a free swim.

Family owned and run by Dion Bisa and her older brother Dan, the welcome is incredibly warm at this 140-room hotel with a mix of studio, apartment style rooms and suites that recognise the challenges families face when staying in traditional hotels. Onsite is a Negroni-centric bar, signature Italian restaurant Agostinis designed by Kelly Ross (don’t miss the tiramisu), lobby with fireplace, the uber cool Joe’s Bar (try a Malfy Rosa G&T) and stylish bookshop and eatery Muse. Muse is where guests have breakfast and it’s popular with locals so make sure you book a table. In the middle of a James Bond movie (or, in our case Glee) marathon? Never fear. Stellar room service and impeccable martinis are but a phone call away.

new direct flight newcastle to canberra

We flew on Link Airways’ inaugural direct service between Newcastle-Canberra. The service is operated by the Canberra based airline using a 34-seater Saab 340B Plus aircraft with a flight time of just 60-minutes to the ACT. Initially the service will operate four return flights per week, with the aim of building the schedule to 11 return services per week in 2021. With flights scheduled for Fridays and Mondays it’ll prove popular for those wanting to visit Canberra for the weekend and for those wanting to hit the ski slopes in winter. We departed at 8am on a Friday and were at our hotel at 9.30am! We returned on the 6.30am flight and landed at 7.15am. Ella went straight to school from the flight.

Wish you were here? Fares from $149 one-way all-inclusive. See linkairways.com. Rooms at East Hotel from $179 per night, see easthotel.com.au. For more info on Canberra see visitcanberra.com.au

*Due to Covid-19 many of Canberra’s attractions, galleries and museums now require you to book before visiting. Parliament House is still open for visitors but you must pre-book a free tour.

rhodeswelltravelled was hosted by Link Airways, East Hotel and the Vibe Canberra Airport.

postcard from aore island resort

Serving up an authentic slice of Pacific life with quintessential island charm is Aore Island Resort. The 18 bungalow resort, off Vanuatu’s island of Espiritu Santo, is owned and managed by Australians Brad and Lisa Gray along with their adult children Montana and Zac. 

Here the staff are relaxed, the water languid and the welcome warm and inviting. Aore offers a postcard perfect setting, swaying palms and seafood plucked fresh from fish-filled waters. Days revolve around leisurely meals, snorkelling, fish feeding and cycling through coconut plantations to a local cafe for coffee, experiencing village life along the way. Time here moves slowly, punctuated by snoozes in hammocks and yet another swim.

Offering easy access to the best of the Northern Vanuatu province of Sanma, Aore maintains the feel of a far-flung island paradise. Guests can partake of kava or a tropical cocktail while watching the sun slip into the channel from the large open-air nakamal, which houses the restaurant and bar. Nearby divers can explore what’s considered the premier wreck of the Pacific, the SS Coolidge. A visit to both the Blue Holes with fresh water the colour of sapphires and Champagne Beach are a must. Hiring a local driver (around the same cost as hiring your own car but you are guided by a local) is a terrific way to explore beyond the resort.

Back at Aore the newly refurbished private bungalows offer a rustic chic feel and are mere steps from the sand. The absence of air-conditioning was felt given it was the height of wet season. Thankfully however ceiling fans and tropical rain offer blessed relief from the heat and humidity. An absolute highlight was a visit by the ‘water music’ ladies from Lewatan Village. We were inspired by their passionate routine that emulates drums by slapping the water.

Just a 2.5 hour direct flight from Brisbane International Airport will see you land in coronavirus-free Espiritu Santo (in fact all of Vanuatu is virus free). I can’t think of a better place to head once that much talked about Pacific bubble becomes a reality. For now, we dream of days spent kayaking beneath enormous Tamanu trees and snorkelling Aore’s private reef to breakfast. Yep, it’s a thing.

Wish you were here? From $275 per night. See aoreislandresorts.com

POSTCARD FROM BOYDELL’S CAMP

African safari cancelled due to COVID-19? Why not hole up instead at Boydell’s Camp, a lavish eco African Safari tent overlooking a historic vineyard on the pristine Allyn River. Exclusive to just one booking at a time, guests will relish splendid isolation on the 200-acre property where they can wander through vines, glass in hand, soaking up incredible vistas and breathing in crisp country air. It’s a genuine safari tent imported from African complete with the finest linens, indulgent bath products, wide timber flooring, mosquito nets, stone sink, sumptuous king-size bed and a location like no other. The 52 square metre tent includes a lavish deep copper bath for long leisurely soaks, vistas over the vineyards and beyond with the option to add a private chef or in-house massage. Steps from your tent you can shower beneath the stars, keeping an eye out for nocturnal wildlife. Daily game drives may be off the table however local wildlife comes to you including grazing kangaroos and abundant birdlife. Located in East Gresford in the Hunter Valley, Boydell’s is owned and operated by Daniel and Jane Maroulis and is named after Charles Boydell who settled the property in 1826 and planted some of the Hunter’s first vines. Jane said the safari tent concept was a combination of her yearning to explore Africa and her dream of giving guests the opportunity to stay in an incredible location. “Guests can ditch their devices, sit on the verandah, enjoy paddle boarding on the beautiful river and indulge in the peace and quiet. Travelling to Africa is definitely on my bucket list but I haven’t been lucky enough to get there yet!”. It’s social distancing at its finest.

Wish you were here? From $590 per night. See boydells.com.au

POSTCARD FROM HOME

Who has a new appreciation for home? That place we typically return to after a day’s work, study or adventures further afield. I’ve long been the sort of person that comes and goes; another adventure looming on the horizon. Interestingly, at the end of last year before COVID-19 became a global pandemic I felt the need to stay closer to home. I’d been watching COVID-19 emerge in Wuhan with interest and the ensuing panic happening on the border with Hong Kong. Trips planned to Asia were put on hold. I hoped that Australia, as far away as we are, would remain unscathed. How wrong I was. So home is where we’ve been - along with the majority of us - for most of 2020. I took home for granted but have now realised the importance of shelter, of having a place to retreat from the world. Sadly some people don’t have that luxury, nor a home they feel safe in. Home for us is also Newcastle on Australia’s South East Coast. Watching people quarantined in small apartments, some with no outdoor space, or others unable to enjoy things we take for granted like swims and surfs at the beach, has made me extremely grateful to live in this big country town by the sea. Not to mention grateful to be able to call Australia home. In Newcastle we’re surrounded by water and during this pandemic we’ve been out exploring our city’s beautiful coastline, bustling harbour, along with its historic nooks and crannies. I love hearing the ship horns blast as vessels enter the harbour, hearing the guns fire from Fort Scratchley at 1pm daily and seeing the waves rolling in from the Pacific Ocean. There’s an openness to this coastal city under wide clear skies with the ocean stretching to the horizon. When we travel again - and we will; you can see the light at the end of the tunnel - I will go with a newfound love for home. There’s no place like it. ⚓

POSTCARD FROM ORANGE AND MUDGEE

Can you picture yourself here on the verandah of the gorgeous new Byng St Hotel in Orange? We’ve been traipsing from Dubbo, to Orange and across to Mudgee the last few days exploring inspired, upmarket accommodation in country NSW. And while it’s been incredibly sad to see the extent of the drought out here (in fact it’s completely heart breaking) we’ve also been inspired by the talented operators of stylish new boutique accommodation, wonderful eateries, charming wine bars and cool cafes across Australia’s regional cities and towns. We stayed in both the Yallungah Suite at the Byng St Hotel and in a King suite in the modern wing - experiencing the juxtaposition of the significant historical homestead and contemporary architecture. Enroute to Mudgee we stopped in at the new Bank Corner Wine and Gelato Bar where Laura and Sam are serving up bespoke wine, beer, nibbles and famous Pilliga Gelato from a charming building in the heart of historic Gulgong. Now we’re ensconced in the boutique luxury of Perry Street Hotel housed within the historic 1862 Mechanics Institute. This afternoon you’ll find us on their beautiful guest balcony with a local wine in hand. A great way to help drought affected areas is to keep visiting. Stylish stays, terrific food and wine and warm country hospitality await.

Wish you were here? Byng St Hotel from $280 per night; Perry St Hotel from $160 per night. See https://www.byngstreethotel.com.au/ https://www.perrystreethotel.com.au/

POSTCARD FROM THE REBORN HAYMAN ISLAND

Hayman is back. In a BIG way. Reborn after two multi million dollar makeovers, this iconic island is now the epitome of barefoot luxury. With a serene neutral colour palate and coastal hues referencing the island’s reef surrounds, guests arrive to a fresh, new-look private island where a palm fringed beach is lapped by cerulean seas. Hayman Island by InterContinental is the closest island in the Whitsundays to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Stepping off your luxury catamaran transfer, you’ll find rattan sun lounges, shuttered white cabanas and smart blue and white striped sun umbrellas poolside, while chic resort lounges invite guests to relax in lanai spaces surrounded by towering palms and lush tropical foliage. Stay in the Pool, Beach or Lagoon Wing in luxurious accommodation, or in lavish, sprawling Residences overlooking the Coral Sea. The new three-bedroom Hayman Beach House, fronting Hayman Beach and offering 400sqm of luxurious privacy, is particularly special and already attracting A-listers. A certain celebrity (from my hometown Newcastle) was actually babymooning in the Beach House neighbouring my Beach Villa. The one with both a pool AND a palm tree inside the room. Most impressive? Apart from the staff (who frankly blew me away with their care and attention to detail), it has to be Hayman’s five new dining options. Tuck into fresh seafood flavours next to Hayman’s iconic pool (seven times Olympic size) at Aqua with its Southern California vibe, start your day in Pacific with a freshly squeezed juice and Eggs Benedict and hit pan Asian Bam Bam for a late lunch of duck spring rolls and cool cocktails served in sparkling gold pineapple goblets. You can snorkel Blue Pearl Bay, have a private picnic on Langford Island, or find yourself a cabana and lap up all that this iconic private island has to offer.

Wish you were here? From $750 per night. See hayman.intercontinental.com

POSTCARD FROM BANNISTERS PORT STEPHENS

We were lucky enough to spend a week over the summer holidays at the brand new Bannisters Port Stephens. This retro motel has been reimagined as a barefoot luxury retreat for foodies in a coastal holiday spot loved by generations of Sydneysiders. On the shores of Soldiers Point, this is Bannisters third boutique hotel in NSW. The former Salamander Shores now offers four Hamptons’ inspired suites; a penthouse; and fifty rooms with dreamy sea vistas by designer Romy Alwill. Similar in feel to its Mollymook sibling on the NSW South Coast with filtered water views through gum trees, the hotel by celebrity chef Rick Stein and business partner Peter Cosgrove, boasts a lofty lobby, infinity pool, terrace bar, pub style venue and signature restaurant with splashes of Stein’s trademark blue. A spa is on the cards.

Last year I attended the opening launch with Stein and wife Sass. Stein worked closely with talented head chef Mitchell Turner on the menu which features his oysters Charentaise, Madras curry of blue eye trevalla, and ever-popular fish pie (it’s a must!). Local king prawns, sand whiting and snapper star, while Sydney rock oysters come from growers a mere 600 metres away. Keeping it local, Bannisters collaborated with Brokenwood Wines on a signature blend, while East Coast Gin from Murray’s Brewery, and Nelson Bay’s Two Bobs sourdough by Rob Daniels (ex Iggy’s Bread in Sydney), are also on offer.

I loved the hotel so much, I returned with my 10-year-old daughter and our kelpie Coco last month. Bannisters offers two pet friendly rooms which open out onto a small terrace with lush lawn beyond. Coco was treated like a VIP. Staff carried her bedding and supplies to our room ( next to reception). They delivered lots of loving pats and iced water in the hot weather. Coco was even allowed to venture anywhere bar the pool itself (she was welcome on the surrounding terrace) and Rick Stein restaurant. Would we return again? You bet. Bannisters Port Stephens is a charming, affordable seaside retreat with terrific food and lovely sea views. The fact we can bring our four legged family member makes it an absolute winner in our books.

Wish you were here? Rooms from $249 (all pet rooms cost an additional $60 per stay for an exit clean); see bannisters.com.au

POSTCARD FROM AUSTRALIA’S COOLEST NEW URBAN RESORT

Happy New Year from Australia’s coolest urban resort! Hmmmm, before I declare that out loud, the fact is we don’t have any other urban resorts. And even if we did none would be anywhere near as hip and Palm Springs-like as The Calile, which has opened in the trendy James St precinct of Fortitude Valley (and right around the corner from The Ovolo The Valley, but that’s another story). Brisbane (affectionately known as Brisvegas to those who love Queensland’s capital city) has had a raft of new hotel openings. The ‘oh so cool’ W has opened its doors, the Westin Brisbane opened with the city’s first swim up bar, The Emporium moved south of the river (with the swishest rooftop bar), the Ovolo Incholm and Next Hotel opened, while a couple of years back saw The Art Series The Johnson burst onto the scene in Spring Hill. The Calile is like the cherry on top; the urban resort you didn’t know you needed until there it was.

We were lucky enough to ring in 2019 at the Calile and I tell you what, it’s brilliant! The Calile marks the most recent addition of Richards and Spence designs to the chic James Street precinct where you’ll find boutique shops, hip eateries, great cafes (Bellissimo Coffee is just across the road) and homeware stores. The design is Miami meets Palm Springs with the 175-room (including nine suite), seven-storey building surrounding a central pool. The pool is really where it’s at with alfresco dining, cabanas and sun lounges. Open air spaces and breezeways link rooms which feature cool marble bathrooms, custom linen robes, Grown Alchemist amenities, a locally sourced mini bar, motorised blackout blinds and UHD TV with Chromecast and sound bar. Beyond is the award winning and flagship Greek restaurant Hellenika by Simon Gloftis (sister restaurant to the eponymous Gold Coast venue of the same name), a smart Lobby Bar, gym, day spa, boutiques and library. At Hellenika be sure and order the saganaki, veal dolmades and the Hellenika g&t with Tanqueray, fever tree tonic and rosemary.

There were only a couple of minor downsides. It was impossible to get a poolside cabana unless you sneakily made like a German tourist and reserved one with your towel in the early hours of the morning, and the breakfast menu in the lobby bar is pretty limited. Other than that, it was faultless. So what are you waiting for? Pack your very best resort chic wear and get yourself there. Make it your New Year’s resolution. I promise, before you know it you’ll be lolling about in the pool with an Aperol Spritz. Frankly make it two or three. Just think of the fortune you’ll have saved on the airfare to California.

Wish you were here? Rooms from $279 per night. thecalilehotel.com



POSTCARD FROM FOUR SEASONS NAM HAI

Palm trees, a sweep of long white sand beach and traditional Vietnamese culture collide at the sublime Four Seasons Nam Hai Hoi An. Situated a short distance from Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage listed old town (with regular shuttle service), the super luxe resort lies on Vietnam’s iconic China Beach and oozes understated style. With 100 villas sprinkled among manicured grounds dotted with 4500 coconut trees, this award winning resort comes complete with the incredible Earth Spa surrounding a serene lotus pond, three extraordinary pools, yoga pavilion (where you can try anti gravity yoga), cooking academy, kid’s club, two restaurants and excursions ranging from cycling through rice fields to watching local fisherman at sunset. Take a sun lounger by the infinity pool while attendants deliver cold scented towels, water and a poolside menu, or will happily set up families on the beach with bucket and spade. Come sundown, gather at the resort’s ethereal spa, for the ‘Good Night Kiss to the Earth’ – a special ritual, particularly for families. Staff wearing traditional ao dai guide tiny hands in writing a love letter to the earth, before notes are folded, placed in paper lanterns and floated on the lotus pond. Be mesmerised as powerful tones from crystal bowls ring out in the night air. One word: magic!

Wish you were here? From $460 per night. See www.fourseasons.com/hoian

Could Qualia be Australia's best resort? It's definitely up there, and for many, a once in a lifetime dream stay. Recently I checked into Qualia for a second time (so lucky right?) during Hamilton Island Race Week. Incredibly, the five star service and professionalism that this world class resort is renowned for was just as evident - even possibly more so - during the island's peak time. Race Week is an incredibly fun time to be on the island - even for landlubbers. There are fabulous long lunches, special events, dinners under the stars and dancing on the sand. At the yacht club, dubbed 'the Opera House of far north Queensland’, race week kicks off with great food, fine wines and impressive vistas of the Whitsunday Passage. It's followed by  a whirlwind of glamorous and fun events for foodies, fashionistas, social climbers and sailors alike. The buzz that permeates the island is infectious. One of the highlights is the Paspaley White long lunch held at Qualia, overlooking the dreamy Coral Sea. Secretly however, my favourite time was the following morning, long after the glamorous guests had departed. Service at Pebble Beach, Qualia’s dreamy waterfront restaurant, infinity pool and private beach is next level – and extends to those taking a dip in the sea. When I arrived in my golf buggy (every villa comes with one), I was offered a bean bag, complimentary reef shoes, fluffy beach towels, sun screen and chilled water - all delivered to my preferred spot on the sand. It raised the experience of a trip to the beach (where turtles are often spotted) from great to exceptional. This is the type of service you can expect at Qualia and makes it, in my books, possibly Australia's best luxury resort stay. Well played Qualia, well played. Check out more images of Qualia below. 

Wish you were here? From $1250 per night. See qualia.com.au 

Pics: by Sheriden Rhodes.

POSTCARD FROM THE NEW CAPELLA UBUD

Sometimes a place captures the imagination long before you go. That's what it was like when I first saw this mythical image (above) of the new Capella Ubud. Little did I realise a short time later, I'd be staying in one of the incredible Bill Bensley designed tented retreats - the Librarians' retreat - looking out over that lush jungle teeming with life. In fact, we were the resort's third official guests (Ella even got to cut the ribbon). Perched between dense rainforest, verdant rice fields and the sacred Wos River, the lavish and secluded retreat melds Balinese aesthetics with the island’s Dutch colonial past. Twenty-three tented retreats boast private saltwater pools, espresso machines, tea stations, vast wooden terraces and a private collection of antiques and artwork. Unwind with soaks in copper baths overlooking the mist shrouded Keliki Valley, or join guided sunset rice field treks, jungle boot camp or bespoke shopping expeditions. Evenings are reserved for camp fire sundowners (including hands down the best pulled hot chocolate I've ever tried), farm to table cuisine and movies under the stars. It's also time for what one staff members described as, "the orchestra of the forest". It's honestly like nothing I've ever heard (don't fear though, ear plugs come in your camp survival kit). Seriously, glamping never looked so good.

Wish you were here? Priced from $US840 plus tax including breakfast, wifi, complimentary smart phone, selected alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages, beers and snacks from the refreshment trunk (mini bar), chic back pack with camp essentials, 24/7 personal assistant, excursions, mountain bikes, evening cocktails and canapes, return airport transfers, laundering and more.  See Capella Ubud

POSTCARD FROM SPICERS POTTS POINT✉️

This week's Postcard is from the divine Spicers Potts Point, which opened late last year. Made up of three historic 1870's terrace houses in a plum location on Victoria St, the $20 million conversion has resulted in a stylish boutique stay. There are just 20 rooms and the feel is like staying in a grand home rather than a hotel. I was fortunate enough to stay in the hotel's Victoria Suite, a generous spaced room with its own balcony, where cheeky cockatoos gathered on the rooftop in the fading afternoon light. The perfect spot for a pot of tea, or a glass of wine while you ponder where to go for dinner. Because let's face it, there are incredible restaurants, cafes and bars literally on your doorstep. Every evening the hotel hosts complimentary drinks and canapés for inhouse guests. My friend and I were served up a well crafted G&T, along with spicy nuts, olives and a plate of dumplings. Guests receive a terrific little guide to what's available nearby and we went by Spicer's recommendation and dined at Cho Cho San, which was fabulous. Breakfast meanwhile is served in the light filled conservatory. My stay was super short, but super sweet. I'm already planning to go back.

Wish you were here? From $359 for bed and breakfast, or why not take advantage of Spicer's Winter Getaway from $399 per night including a late checkout, welcome drink, chocolate dipped strawberries, bikes and parking. See spicersretreats.com/our-retreats/spicers-potts-point

Images by Sheriden Rhodes and Ella. Interior shot: @LittleRedBarnDoonan

POSTCARD FROM THE ANCHORAGE✉️

Sink into a comfy chair by the fire, order a single malt whisky and pick up that book you've been meaning to get to. This is winter at the newly revamped Anchorage, Port Stephens - a five star Hamptons inspired retreat 2.5 hours from Sydney (and a mere hour from Newcastle; you can even fly into Williamtown Airport). Luxe new spa with Italian linen robes, Jacuzzi and steam room? Tick. Water views from crisp blue and white rooms? Tick? Two heated pools, seasonal produce, and slow walks along deserted beaches spotting whales and dolphins? Tick, tick, tick. Best of all the newly revamped Anchorage has some luxe winter offers (including stay three, pay two Monday-Thursday) to entice travellers to Port Stephens during the cooler months. Or take 20 per cent off any two night stays till the end of August. This boutique, 80-room retreat is getting into the winter spirit with Christmas in July dinners, complimentary mulled wine by the fire, whisky tastings, warming winter spa remedies and more. Who says you can't embrace the winter blues?

Wish you were here? From $226 per night during winter. See anchorageportstephens.com.au

POSTCARD FROM THE NEW COMO UMA CANGGU ✉️

Calling all luxe adventure travellers! The new Como Uma Canggu is calling your name. This hip, new beachside resort ups the luxe factor on the black volcanic sands of Canggu, a cool coastal village offering some of Bali's most coveted surf breaks.

Surrounded by rolling waves on Echo Beach at Canggu, the resort feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Legian and Seminyak, yet it's only a mere taxi ride from the boutique and hip shopping and dining options. And there's plenty on your doorstep too if you want to venture beyond the resort confines.

Bali's new five-star retreat melds both local and European influences with a fabulous beach club by Italian designer Paola Navone, a languid 115-metre lagoon pool and swish on-site spa. The phenomenal penthouses are but one of the star attractions. Offering 400 square metres of sprawling luxury, they have 10-metre private rooftop pools and Indian Ocean vistas framed by striking arched roof-lines.

All 119 rooms offer king-size beds draped in white Egyptian cotton. Some have courtyards and outdoor showers, others direct access to the lagoon pool. Seven treatment rooms deliver Asian inspired therapies, along with twice-daily yoga and Pilates. I'm still feeling it days after returning home.

Both novice and veteran surfers are also well catered for, thanks to a new luxury surfing concept in partnership with Australian-based wave-riding experts Tropicsurf. Just go see them in the Surf Shack and they'll take care of all your needs.

The resort's Como Beach Club offers swanky poolside reclining and dining beside a 25-metre pool, with playful swings, cabanas and sun lounges to while away the hours. Tuck into tacos, pizza, fabulous nasi goreng,  pad thai with a twist and order an Orient Express to wash it down - hands down the best G&T I've ever had. Beyond, head to Old Man's for sundowners with the cool kids.

Wish you were here? From $311 a night including breakfast and Wi-Fi; comohotels.com/umacanggu

POSTCARD FROM GERRINGONG✉️

Recently we travelled to the NSW South Coast and stayed at the luxe, new Soul of Gerringong. Soul offers coastal living at its very best, with plenty of room for all the brood. We travelled with three generations (myself, my nine year old daughter and Ella's grandma Bev), and with seven guest rooms, each with their own bathroom, we all had plenty of room. This is in fact the perfect house for special celebrations, anniversaries and large multi generational get togethers. Curated by owner and interior designer Simone Mathews, the late 1800s original farmhouse offers three separate buildings – the Soul Farmhouse, Barn and Cabana. Soul comes with all the mod cons (Netflix, airconditioning, kitchen, luxe bathrooms) plus heated outdoor swimming pool, concierge on arrival and extensive outdoor entertaining spaces. Perfect for big gatherings of friends and family. Take a look at the gallery below. 

Wish you were here? From $1500 a night (exclusive use) for up to 16 people. See soulofgerringong.com.au

Image credit: Citizens of Style copyright.