The winners’ circle in the 2010 Travel Awards is a rollcall of outstanding local holiday experiences. Put your hands together for the cream of the crop.

Travelling from the Great Karoo to the Kruger, Emma Ventura discovers South Africa’s sumptuous lodges, spectacular animals and the stirring beauty of wide, brown plains. Zebra roll in dust baths, wildebeest charge across the horizon and hippos huff bubbles in murky ponds. Welcome to the safari. PHOTOGRAPHY JULIAN KINGMA

Travelling from the Great Karoo to the Kruger, Emma Ventura discovers South Africa’s sumptuous lodges, spectacular animals and the stirring beauty of wide, brown plains. Zebra roll in dust baths, wildebeest charge across the horizon and hippos huff bubbles in murky ponds. Welcome to the safari.

London is newly affordable since the Aussie dollar hit the pound for six. Stretch your budget even further with Guy Dimond’s pick of cool, good-value places to eat and sleep.

Copenhagen’s Noma, crowned Best Restaurant in the World, celebrates Nordic produce, much of it hand-picked from the wilds. Aussie Luke Burgess joins the cooks and foragers.

The sleek aesthetic of Crown Metropol – the latest addition to Melbourne’s sprawling Crown development – will appeal to hip younger things, writes Kendall Hill.

A cocktail at Harry’s Bar, breakfast at Caffè Florian, masterpieces at the Gallerie dell’Accademia... if you’re only in Venice for a short stay (or you’re a first-timer), it’s all about hitting the city’s famed landmarks, writes Colman Andrews. Here’s the perfect plan.

Read our story on what to do if you only have 24 hours in Venice and click below for a pictorial tour of the famed City of Canals.

Ilaria Venturini Fendi, a refreshingly down-to-earth member of Italian fashion royalty, takes time out from running her farm and eco-conscious accessories label to give GT a personal tour of her favourite experiences in The Eternal City.

Artists and artisans alike have long found sustenance in the food, wine and beauty of Chianti. Pat Nourse travels through Italy’s most famous, and picturesque, region to meet its legendary producers and pay his respects to the mighty bistecca Fiorentina.

Pat Nourse talks to Elizabeth Gilbert, author of the bestseller Eat, Pray, Love, about her new book, Committed, plus pizza, the power of travel and Australian driving conditions.

Tetsuya Wakuda reveals his favourite Tokyo restaurants and bars.

Whether you can eat it, cook it, drink it, smoke it, fly it, drive it, sail it, shake, rattle, rock and roll it or just simply luxuriate in it, we’ve got 2010’s most compelling food and travel trends nailed. The GT team have combed the globe, polishing plates, swirling glasses and leaving no hot-stone treatment unturned to bring you this sizzling list.

Whether you can eat it, cook it, drink it, smoke it, fly it, drive it, sail it, shake, rattle, rock and roll it or just simply luxuriate in it, we’ve got 2010’s most compelling food and travel trends nailed. The GT team have combed the globe, polishing plates, swirling glasses and leaving no hot-stone treatment unturned to bring you this sizzling list.

Whether you can eat it, cook it, drink it, smoke it, fly it, drive it, sail it, shake, rattle, rock and roll it or just simply luxuriate in it, we’ve got 2010’s most compelling food and travel trends nailed. The GT team have combed the globe, polishing plates, swirling glasses and leaving no hot-stone treatment unturned to bring you this sizzling list.

Whether you can eat it, cook it, drink it, smoke it, fly it, drive it, sail it, shake, rattle, rock and roll it or just simply luxuriate in it, we’ve got 2010’s most compelling food and travel trends nailed. The GT team have combed the globe, polishing plates, swirling glasses and leaving no hot-stone treatment unturned to bring you this sizzling list.

Whether you can eat it, cook it, drink it, smoke it, fly it, drive it, sail it, shake, rattle, rock and roll it or just simply luxuriate in it, we’ve got 2010’s most compelling food and travel trends nailed. The GT team have combed the globe, polishing plates, swirling glasses and leaving no hot-stone treatment unturned to bring you this sizzling list.

Who better to guide you through the seemingly impenetrable array of restaurants and bars in the Japanese capital than the world’s top Japanese chef? Here Tetsuya Wakuda offers an exclusive glimpse into the culinary highlights of his favourite city.

From Albania to Afghanistan, some of the world’s most unlikely travel destinations offer unique and unforgettable experiences, writes Andrew Mueller.

It’s already Greece’s most legendary island, and the filming of the new Wog Boy movie will shine the spotlight even more brightly on Mykonos.But there’s more to this famous pleasure-seeking playground than G-strings and beach clubs.

Entertainer Mary Coustas, aka Effie Stephanidis, is beguiled by Greece. She shares her tips on how to embrace its quirks and become a true Hellene.

Greece’s rugged and bloody Mani peninsula was once a no-go zone for strangers. Tony Maniaty returns to the land of his forefathers and finds that while they may be seducing more travellers these days, the Maniots have lost none of their famed pride and passion. Click here to read the story.

Greece’s rugged and bloody Mani peninsula was once a no-go zone for strangers. Tony Maniaty returns to the land of his forefathers and finds that while they may be seducing more travellers these days, the Maniots have lost none of their famed pride and passion.

We asked a diverse mix of Greek-Australians to share their favourite experiences in the motherland. Told with heartfelt pride, these are travel tales with kefi.

John Mangos reveals his top 10 dining hot spots in Athens, from an upscale restaurant in a five-star hotel to a local souvlaki joint where they fan the coals with hair dryers.

There’s more to the Greek capital than the Acropolis. Join us for this insider’s guide to Athens with hotel heiress Tina Daskalantonakis, the city’s self-proclaimed unofficial ambassador.

High-profile Sydneysiders reveal their favourite hang-outs in the Harbour City.

At an 1850s homestead on a sheep station in the Flinders Ranges, Kendall Hill discovers a level of outback luxury that the early settlers could only have dreamed of.

Beautiful, breezy and blessed with a stunning coastline, Sydney is Australia’s most spectacular city. We’ve pulled together a hit list of our personal faves, from designer boutiques and stellar restaurants to scenic coastal walks and eclectic art galleries. Yes, this is how the GT team hangs out in our home town (and shows it off to jealous visitors).

Pearling may have put Broome on the map, but it’s the region’s unspoilt beauty that has kept it there. Now this West Australian tourist town has two new – and impressively green – beach resorts that will ensure its place in the sun.

Discover two luxury lodges which are microcosms of all that’s great about New Zealand: effortlessly warm hospitality, cinematic landscapes and adventure on tap. Action-man Kendall Hill checks in and gets in touch with his masculine side.

Kaikoura, the tiny coastal town on New Zealand’s South Island, draws a million visitors a year thanks to its spectacular views and marine life. This is eco-tourism at its best.

It’s always been a popular summer playground for Melburnians, but with striking new properties and an explosion in the region’s food and wine scene, Victoria’s glorious Mornington Peninsula is hotter than ever, writes Michael Harden.

Away from the tourist throngs, Kendall Hill follows in the footsteps of Salvador Dalí and discovers a world where art, culture and Hollywood glamour meet the rugged natural beauty of Spain’s Costa Brava.

Unsung hero
Flashier holiday spots may steal the limelight, but with pristine beaches, old-school Aussie charm and a new restaurant from seafood supremo Rick Stein, the New South Wales South Coast is having its time in the sun. Check out our sunsoaked slideshow below and click here for Pat Nourse's take on the best of the coast. PHOTOGRAPHY ANSON SMART

Flashier holiday spots may steal the limelight, but with pristine beaches, old-school Aussie charm and a new restaurant from seafood supremo Rick Stein, the New South Wales South Coast is having its time in the sun.

Get a bird’s-eye view of South Australia’s foodie hot spots, including Kangaroo Island, the Eyre Peninsula and the Barossa Valley, from aboard a private plane. Fasten your seatbelt and stow your tray table for a delicious ride.

On the run from the law, Kendall Hill seeks refuge in cocktails, canapés and the effortlessly stylish interiors of Lord Howe Island’s newly revamped Capella Lodge.

You won’t find these eating spots in any glossy guide. Most don’t offer menus, and some serve only one (superb) dish. Sue Dyson and Roger McShane follow the locals for an authentic taste of Thailand.

Kendall Hill arrived in Mexico City expecting chaos but left marvelling at the charisma and sophistication of this modern-day metropolis.

A stone’s throw from town, two new guesthouses are luring Sydneysiders with waterside settings and five-star hospitality. Pat Nourse sets seaplane for Berowra Waters while Emma Knowles checks into Pretty Beach House.

After a serious nip and tuck, the chic Villa Magna hotel in Madrid is doing famously, writes Kendall Hill.

From the city's best sandwich bar to its favourite charcuteria, our gourmet guide to Barcelona has it all. WORDS KENDALL HILL PHOTOGRAPHY SHARYN CAIRNS

Madrid is a city of – wait for it – 350,000 bars. Undaunted by the scale of the task, Kendall Hill explores the scene and nominates 10 of the Spanish capital’s most distinctive drinking holes.

Kendall Hill signs up for “jamónturismo”, the ultimate experience for devotees of the famed Iberian ham. Think of it as wine tourism for carnivores.

From the dry, rocky soils of Priorat, in remote Catalonia, has sprung an ancient winemaking tradition, awe-inspiring monastic architecture and a proud cuisine both frugal and flavoursome.

Fortuitously wedged between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, the ancient, sun-drenched province of Cádiz entices visitors with its ramshackle charm and a cuisine shaped by the bounty of the sea.

Pat Nourse ate his way through trolleyloads of chicken feet and tripe to pick Hong Kong’s top yum cha spots.

Dishing up everything from dan dan noodles to grapefruit Danishes, and boasting a wave of Michelin stars, Hong Kong dining has never been hotter. Pat Nourse headed to China’s most vibrant territory in search of gustatory awesomeness.

Cue the spa gently perfumed with local herbs. Alain Ducasse’s outpost of understated luxury, L’Andana, offers guests an experience that is as rooted in the terroir as the tenacious vines in this quiet corner of Italy.

Expect fun, sun and, yes, occasional excess when you stay at the hot new clifftop resort of Sri Panwa on Thailand’s island playground. Kendall Hill kicks up his heels and experiences the life fantastic.

Kendall Hill, a firm believer in the “more is more” school of packing, learns how to travel with minimum clothing and maximum style from – who else? – a Louis Vuitton employee.

Cosy bars, world-class wine, historic towns and farm-trail foraging are all part of the landscape in Mudgee. Rob Ingram takes a break in the picturesque NSW region where boundaries blur between heritage and hot new experiences.

Staycation, holiday at home, mini-break – call it what you will, there’s never been a better time to explore our own shores, and all that lies between them. Pack an overnight bag and take your pick from a dozen of our favourite Australian getaways.

Looking to escape busy city life? On Western Australia’s northern coast, a magical landscape woven by waterways and wildlife, the Kimberley – and the luxurious cruise ship True North – awaits. Bon voyage.

Renowned for stylish digs, sublime local fare and the kind of scenery that made the country a movie star, New Zealand’s South Island also boasts a cast of highly affordable luxury lodge experiences. Rob Ingram stays at five of the best that – best of all – won’t break the bank.

Sharp, smart and just a little kooky, Hilton’s new Melbourne venture is a sleek accommodation option in the city’s burgeoning hotel landscape, writes Emily Ross.

It’s no secret that recent times have been tough for Australia’s favourite holiday island. But with a raft of gorgeous new resorts, glam bars and clubs and, above all, the love of a good party, there’s no keeping Bali down. Dive in – the water’s fine. PHOTOGRAPHY JULIAN KINGMA

It’s no secret that recent times have been tough for Australia’s favourite holiday island. But with a raft of gorgeous new resorts, glam bars and clubs and, above all, the love of a good party, there’s no keeping Bali down. Dive in – the water’s fine.

“Water can rust iron. Imagine what it does to your insides. It’s much better to drink wine.” Such is the catchcry in Burgundy, where locals worship at the altar of the grape. Richard Cooke ventures to the region filled with rich traditions (and lots of wine). PHOTOGRAPHY JOHN LAURIE

“Water can rust iron. Imagine what it does to your insides. It’s much better to drink wine.” Such is the catchcry in Burgundy, where locals worship at the altar of the grape. Richard Cooke ventures to the region filled with rich traditions (and lots of wine).

After diligently taste-testing her way through the macarons, crêpes and soufflés of her home city, Paris correspondent Rosa Jackson has come up with 10 of the best cheap eats in town.

A slick and well-priced designer hotel in one of Paris’s trendier neighbourhoods? It’s an idea that just might take off, writes Pat Nourse.

Quick weekend escape? Head over the Tasman to Matakana, Auckland’s version of the Hamptons and a cornucopia of produce from both orchard and ocean.

Looking for a recession-proof international holiday that delivers easy access, affordable luxury, cultural experiences and downright fab food? Welcome to Vietnam.

You’ve voted, we’ve counted, and here they are, the results of the 2009 Australian Gourmet Traveller Travel Awards. Winners, take a bow.

Searching for Piedmont’s prized white truffles with a trifolau is secretive stuff, writes Kendall Hill.

Great skiing, spectacular hiking and stellar eating – San Cassiano, in the heart of the Dolomites, is where stylish Milanese go to play. Throw in small-town charm and an elegant family-run boutique hotel, and you won’t want to leave this chic mountain bolthole.

When in Rome, do as the locals do: head to Pigneto. This dynamic suburb off the tourist track is abuzz with bars, cafés and restaurants. Discover one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Part whimsy, part glamour, loads of cool: innovative new hotel Leon’s Place is a unique accommodation option in Rome. Josephine McKenna checks in to the former palazzo.

Rome, Florence, Naples, the Amalfi... the list of our favourite Italian destinations goes on and on and on.

The world’s cities can be divided into two categories: the early-to-bed types and the party animals. You know the former – places that are steeped in history and tradition but are no fun at night. The party towns, however, brim with youth and creativity and come alive after dark. Here are our top five picks.

It seems every aspect of our lives is over-shadowed by economic gloom, and the travel industry is no exception. But it does have some clever ideas to beat – or at least ease – the so-called credit crunch.

New York, London and Paris might be off the itinerary this year, thanks to a world recession and the dire Aussie dollar, but don’t despair. There are still places where our currency can buy lasting memories on a budget.

We’ve got the keys to the most fabulous new hotels in the world. From an elegant palazzo in Florence to a handsome lodge in Tasmania, it’s about unique experiences. The best news? They don’t all cost a bomb. Check in. WORDS KENDALL HILL

Some of the best food to be had in Darwin is at its many markets, where cross-cultural influences and abundant tropical produce are everywhere. Bonus: the sunsets are free.

Nestled in Victoria’s gorgeous Ovens, Kiewa and King valleys is an exciting crop of producers and providores. Luxe restaurants and accommodation abound – and The Kilns, a modern homestead built around historic tobacco kilns, just adds to the package. Check in.

Follow in the footsteps of a great explorer and lose yourself in the lunar landscape and teeming waters of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.

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.

Mangroves and exotic islands. Dolphins, whales, turtles and sea lions. Fine cuisine and luxury digs. It’s all part of the feast of experiences that is cruising along the Mexican coast on the Prince Albert II. All aboard.

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

This former royal residence, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, has been transformed into a luxury island resort – complete with its own wildlife sanctuary and ‘green mountain’.

Ever wish you had a hotline to top hoteliers, airline reps and frequent flyers to receive that elusive upgrade or get a table in the best restaurant in town at short notice? Michelle Rowe canvassed frequent flyers for their best-ever travel tips. We guarantee they’ll make you a better traveller. Bon voyage.

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.

The luxurious Chedi Muscat hotel fuses Omani traditions with a tranquil, minimalist sensibility, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the soul of Arabia.

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.

The $45-million renovation of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne has transformed the landmark property into a sleek space with a strong focus on food.

Juan Carlos Ferrero, Spain’s champion tennis pro, heart-throb and all-round nice guy, is making his mark off the court with a new retreat off the beaten tourist path in Valencia.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims make the long trek to Santiago de Compostela in Spain’s north-west to celebrate their faith. Leo Schofield discovers the riches, secular and otherwise, of this holy city.

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.

Two new vibrant boutique hotels, each with a sharp design aesthetic, bring a dash of style to Brisbane and Canberra.

Pat Nourse has seen the future of luxury hotels, and it’s in Beijing. Opposite by name, contrary by nature, The Opposite House swims against the stream to deliver a fresh take on upmarket lodgings.

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.

Medieval and modern merge at Murmuri Barcelona, the new design-driven boutique hotel that’s in sync with Spain’s coolest city. And it’s got more than just a murmur of style.