Destinations

The Harbour City is passing on the pie, stepping away from the schooner and heading to a wine bar instead. We’ll drink to that.

If you fancy a Parisian ‘petite initiation gastronomique’, let the Victoria Palace Hotel guide you through the neighbourhood’s very best food and wine.

It’s known for its spectacular scenery, but the outstanding wineries and fine food outlets are an even better reason to visit Victoria’s Surf Coast, says Max Allen.

For the real romance of the high seas, step aboard a working cargo-passenger ship for a journey through the far-removed and fabled Marquesas Islands.

Richard Cooke searches for the road less travelled in Hawaii, island-hopping from Oahu to the Big Island, Lana’i and Maui, and finds there’s more to this Pacific oasis than grass-skirt clichés and Barack Obama. Just don’t take the rocks.

Like Alice tumbling into Wonderland, ex-Sydney girl Carla Coulson reveals a portrait of Paris and its prized gardens that is both familiar and fantastic.

Marseille may be the oldest city in France, but it’s one of the country’s most vibrant. Diverse ethnic influences have given this port hub a richness and complexity not unlike its most famous dish, bouillabaisse.

From utterly decadent hotels and awe-inspiring art collections to a thriving pub scene and great food, welcome to the Scottish capital.

No longer the poor Spanish cousin, innovative new landmarks and international sporting events are transforming this once-sleepy seaside city into a veritable tourist destination.

The culinary scene in Madrid has never been better, writes Lisa Abend. From modern tapas bars to the best fine diners, here are 10 great eating experiences.

Green Spain, the remote span of sparkling coastline encompassing Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and the Basque country, is as lush and beautiful as it is fiercely independent.

In today’s world of experimental gastronomy, where just about anything goes, Spain’s latest crop of culinary stars are carving names for themselves and redrawing the Michelin map.

Hiking the 500-year-old Inca Trail is, quite literally, breathtaking, says Sarah Wilson, who takes up the challenge with an eco-friendly tour operator treading lightly through this magnificent part of the world.

As the spotlight falls on the Olympic city, the renowned Sydney chef shares her favourite haunts in China’s vibrant capital – including where to find the world’s best Peking duck.

Hôtel Costes. Le Café Marly. Georges. These are but a handful of boldface names in the hospitality empire of Paris stylemakers the Costes brothers. From a pretty park to a cosy bar, Gilbert Costes takes us on a local’s tour of the city he loves.

Exhausted after a few days in Paris? How about a trip to a quaint town? Or a plush chateau? Savour these quick escapes less than an hour from the French capital.

Louis Vuitton, Celine, Chanel… save your euros for the trés chic shopping in Paris with our pick of the city’s best boutique hotels for less than $200 a night.

Snow Queen
Val d’Isère is the new jewel in France’s ski-resort crown. Courted by regal Mont Blanc and glitzy Courchevel, this valley favourite reigns supreme après-heures, too.

From boom town to ghost town and back again, Telluride is riding high as one of Colorado’s most exciting ski resorts. Pat Nourse discovers this steep and deep alternative Aspen.

Introducing Australia’s first ‘super-lodge’, a luxury eco-retreat on Kangaroo Island where utter isolation is its biggest drawcard. Step into another world at the exquisite Southern Ocean Lodge.

Rome’s once-sleepy bar scene is enjoying a renaissance and breathing new life into the Italian capital. Our favourite cocktail king, Marco Faraone, uncorks his top picks.

Land of vineyards and olives, shepherds’ huts and monasteries, Abruzzo is a region of rustic charms and age-old traditions – not to mention the best lasagne Kendall Hill has ever tasted. Is this Italy’s best-kept secret?

Need a plan for your next long weekend? Here’s our round-up of the best places to visit within an hour’s drive from the capital cities. Load up the car.

Design queen Ilse Crawford reveals her favourite London haunts, from quirky shops and markets to a brasserie with seats ‘stolen’ from a Sydney train.

In the centre of Kowloon, Mongkok is an exotic blend of rich culture and time-honoured traditions including, of course, good ol’ fashioned haggling.

White talcum-like beaches, friendly locals and an energetic nightlife are just some of the charms of Boracay, a tiny island in the Philippines which is a magnet for funseekers.

Carved out of the desert, Dubai is a man-made urban oasis. But just as the sands are ever-shifting, so too is the city. Hop on as we follow its rise.

Welcome to Hong Kong – where retail therapy is a national pastime. So you have 24 hours in this great city? Here’s our shop-by-shop city guide. Credit cards at the ready…

The Kingdom of Bhutan will make your spirits soar – from the gentle people to the dramatic landscape that’s literally breath-taking.

There’s more to the world’s most famous museum than the Mona Lisa. With some inside knowledge and a well-crafted plan of action, step off the tourist trail and discover this Parisian icon’s hidden masterpieces.

Authentic travel experiences may be thin on the ground but, refreshingly, a trip to China’s Yunnan Province promises a truly sacred landscape where minority cultures rule among its many awesome natural attractions.

Tropical kitsch has had its day. Fiji is back on the luxury list with elegant new boutique resorts and stylish makeovers of some old favourites. The islands’ famed white-sand beaches await.

This Catalan city is so hot right now – edgy street art, bustling markets, eye-popping architecture and the food… Find out why it’s fast becoming Spain’s gastronomic capital.

The international spa scene is booming so lie back, relax, and let your cares float away ... The only thing to concern yourself with is which of the world’s 10 best retreats – from Bali to the Baltic Coast – to visit first.

Underwater spa? Check. Personal butler? Check. Azure vistas, fine dining and absolute privacy? Check. Welcome to Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives. Is this the world’s most exclusive resort?

Beckoning visitors away from the beaches, Kerala’s backwaters unfurl like a scroll revealing an impossibly lush landscape and rich cultural make-up.

Want to avoid the tourist traps and eat like a Fiorentino? We asked Sydney restaurateur Giovanni ‘Johnny’ Paradiso for the inside scoop on where to find the best gelati, panini, aperitivi... Bellissimo!

Bamurru Plains, in the Northern Territory’s Mary River wetlands, is offering a luxury wildlife experience like no other. Just be sure to watch out for the crocs. And the bush pigs, brumbies, buffalo...

From rugged mountainside retreats to cosy country cottages, take a mid-winter break with our favourite weekend escapes.

Forget what you know about capital cities. This New Zealand hub is gaining a reputation as a city of great style, and great fun. Plus, it’s only four hours away. Go on, ‘jump the ditch’ as the locals say.

Head to the heel of the boot and succumb to Puglia’s simple charms, from its dream-like landscape and rustic cuisine to rolling olive groves and distinctive conical trulli.

From its landscape shaped by desert and river, to its rich cultural mix and gourmet appeal, Mildura in far north-west Victoria is a place of contrasts.

They're Italy's best-kept secret. Eight tiny islands scattered off the north-east coast of Sicily; the Aeolians. From party-central Panarea to the therapeutic charms of Vulcano's steaming mud pools.