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Home Travel Page 17
Broome services

Broome services

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.
Greener pastures

Greener pastures

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.
Natural attraction

Natural attraction

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.
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Sea change

Sea change

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.
The fabled coast

The fabled coast

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.
New South Wales South Coast

New South Wales South Coast

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
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Unsung hero

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.
Flight of the gourmands

Flight of the gourmands

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.
A great escape

A great escape

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.
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Bangkok dining, local style

Bangkok dining, local style

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.
New-wave Mexico City

New-wave Mexico City

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

Gourmet getaways

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.
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Star attraction

Star attraction

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

Gourmet Barcelona

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
Bar city

Bar city

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.
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Jamón it up

Jamón it up

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

Divine inspiration

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.
Passage to Iberia

Passage to Iberia

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.
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Hong Kong on a plate

Hong Kong on a plate

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.
Tuscan treasure

Tuscan treasure

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.
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Phuket party

Phuket party

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.
The art of packing

The art of packing

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.
Glorious Mudgee

Glorious Mudgee

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.
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Short stays, 12 ways

Short stays, 12 ways

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.
Out of range

Out of range

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.
Great southern land

Great southern land

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.
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Off the wall

Off the wall

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.
Bali’s new high

Bali’s new high

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
Bali’s new high

Bali’s new high

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.
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Burgundy, France: Top soil

Burgundy, France: Top soil

“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
Top soil

Top soil

“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).
Eating in Paris for under €10

Eating in Paris for under €10

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.
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Surreal estate

Surreal estate

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.
Rich pickings

Rich pickings

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.
Vive Vietnam

Vive Vietnam

Looking for a recession-proof international holiday that delivers easy access, affordable luxury, cultural experiences and downright fab food? Welcome to Vietnam.
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GT 2009 Travel Awards

GT 2009 Travel Awards

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

Bounty Hunter

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

The high life

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.
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Hidden treasure

Hidden treasure

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.
A sense of place

A sense of place

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.
Best of Italy

Best of Italy

Rome, Florence, Naples, the Amalfi... the list of our favourite Italian destinations goes on and on and on.
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World’s best bars 2009

World’s best bars 2009

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.
Best travel trends 2009

Best travel trends 2009

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.
Best affordable travel 2009

Best affordable travel 2009

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.
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Best New Hotels 2009 slideshow

Best New Hotels 2009 slideshow

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
Tropical market daze

Tropical market daze

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.
High times in the High Country

High times in the High Country

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.
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Open Eyre

Open Eyre

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

Sydney’s best wine bars

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.
On Mexican time

On Mexican time

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.
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Tour de taste

Tour de taste

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

The Sheikh’s Dream

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’.
40 top travel tips

40 top travel tips

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.
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The grape open road

The grape open road

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.
Arabian nights

Arabian nights

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

Treasure Islands

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.
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Aloha spirit

Aloha spirit

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.
Grand plan

Grand plan

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

Winning streak

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.
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Spirited away

Spirited away

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.
Paris tango

Paris tango

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.
Small wonders

Small wonders

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

Opposites attract

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.
Ancient mariner

Ancient mariner

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.
Edinburgh fling

Edinburgh fling

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

Viva Valencia

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.
Bite into Madrid

Bite into Madrid

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.
Spain’s Emerald Coast

Spain’s Emerald Coast

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.
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Reign of Spain

Reign of Spain

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.
Style icon: Murmuri, Barcelona

Style icon: Murmuri, Barcelona

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.
El Bulli: a primer

El Bulli: a primer

Pat Nourse answers all your questions about El Bulli, the world's most famous restaurant.
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A-Z of eco-tourism

A-Z of eco-tourism

Being green is as easy as ABC with our guide to the places, faces and phrases of eco-travel. And soon, the only footprints we'll leave behind are on the beach.
Sweet valley high

Sweet valley high

Get the five-star treatment at Emerald Valley Villa, an Ubud-style eco-retreat in the Byron Bay hinterland, replete with waterfall and concierge.
The green coast

The green coast

As we finally get wise to eco-tourism, one beautiful stretch of Queensland has been quietly going about the business of sustainable tourism for years.
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Higher ground

Higher ground

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.
The big chill

The big chill

Antarctica. The very word sends shivers down the spine, yet so many dream of making the pilgrimage. What does the future hold for this frozen outpost at the very end of the world?
New frontiers

New frontiers

From hypersonic planes to SMS check-ins, Emily Ross reports on where the travel industry is heading.
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Raging success

Raging success

Hollywood heavyweight Robert De Niro enters the hotel game. George Epaminondas investigates.
Kylie Kwong: My Beijing

Kylie Kwong: My Beijing

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.
Shanghai surprise

Shanghai surprise

Matthews Evans goes in search of the city’s famed dumplings – with their fragant sticky pork, sweet fatty juices and silken skin – and discovers a whole new world in the flavours of Shanghai.
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Club Mauritius

Club Mauritius

Club Med has opened its first ‘five-trident’ property on the west coast of Mauritius, with a world-class spa and Zen-style retreat. Group activities optional.
Alpine escape

Alpine escape

It may be the powder capital of Australia but there’s more to Mt Hotham than snow. With a boutique resort, first-class restaurants and glam spa experiences, you needn’t even hit the slopes.
Retreat & surrender

Retreat & surrender

Surrounded by national parkland, vineyards and unspoilt beaches, the new Injidup Spa Retreat offers a chic pampering experience in tranquil surrounds.
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Sublime seclusion

Sublime seclusion

On the northern-most tip of the Maldives, The Beach House offers modern luxury in impossibly beautiful – and remote – surrounds.
Chic magnate

Chic magnate

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.
Paris day tripper

Paris day tripper

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.
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Val d’Isère, France

Val d’Isère, France

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.
Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain

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.
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Kangaroo Island: Into the wild

Kangaroo Island: Into the wild

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.
The Love Boat

The Love Boat

Author Di Morrissey channels her inner Italian and falls head over heels for the Amalfi coast. Join her for the cruise of a lifetime (and a spot of shopping).
Under the Tuscan Sun

Under the Tuscan Sun

Giglio may not have the glamour of neighbouring Elba and Montecristo, but this secluded island off the coast of Tuscany has its own charms, namely a disarming innocence. Oh, and great wine.
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Rome: Bar Italia

Rome: Bar Italia

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.
Ah, Abruzzo

Ah, Abruzzo

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?
Best stopover cities

Best stopover cities

Breaking up a long-haul journey with a stopover isn’t just a good way to avoid jetlag, it’s also a great way to fit in another top destination in the same journey. So kick off your trip with a day or two in one of the world’s most exciting stopover cities – you won’t regret it.
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Travel hot spots 2008

Travel hot spots 2008

Looking to get off the beaten track on your next holiday, but want to go somewhere with excellent brag value? Here are the hottest spots on the planet to visit in 2008.
Best beaches

Best beaches

Searching for the perfect place for a bit of fun in the sun? Here are our 10 favourite beaches in the world. Don’t forget to pack the sunblock.
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Margaret River, WA: West side story

Margaret River, WA: West side story

Margaret River has never looked so good, with hot new five-star properties, relaxing day spas and some of WA’s best food adding to the region’s intoxicating wine, sun and sand allure.