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Signature Luxury Travel & Style Volume 45 (Digital)

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53 Articles

Its fate one of conservation’s most triumphant trophies, the southern white rhino is an emblem of hope. Once thought lost to the annals of history due to merciless hunting and vanishing habitats, this regal giant of the savannah faced extinction as the 19th century drew to a close. Yet, a miraculous discovery in South Africa unveiled a sliver of hope in 1895, when around 100 survivors were found. Over the span of a century, unwavering dedication to conservation has witnessed the resurgence of this noble creature, with approximately 16,000 southern white rhinos gracing the landscapes of southern and central Africa today. Among the five rhino species, the black, Javan, and Sumatran teeter on the brink of oblivion. Meanwhile, the northern white rhino subspecies faces its twilight with just two remaining,…

From the editor

We are now staring down the barrel of a climate emergency. Unbridled fires have been the worst on record in Europe and North America, with much of Lahaina, Maui devastated by bushfires. Back at home, Australia’s winter has been virtually non-existent. And Spain has experienced its third summer heatwave. Climate change has arrived ahead of schedule. It is here right now, and it demands our immediate action. Governments and corporations have let us down. The UN Environment Programme’s most recent State of the Climate report paints a bleak picture of the consequences of their inability to act. Addressing climate change requires a collective effort. In the travel industry, it is up to us as individuals, as well as hoteliers and tour operators, to take action, however we can – now.…

From the editor

RACHELLE MACKINTOSH Specialising in wildlife and expedition travel, Rachelle has explored every continent and ocean. When she’s not ogling tigers, bears and elephants, you’ll find her befriending whales, dolphins and seals. My most extraordinary travel experience? Having the Siqit and Al-Khazneh (the ancient Treasury) in Petra to myself for sunrise. ANDREW CONWAY An award-winning journalist, Andrew is Signature Luxury Travel & Style’s editor-at-large, searching for the finest luxury travel, wilderness and wellness destinations. Most memorable travel experience? I have explored the Arctic and Antarctica in the past year, two of the most extraordinary journeys of my life. FIONA DALTON Fiona is the GM for Australia & New Zealand for Virtuoso, the world’s leading global luxury travel network. Fiona has worked for some of the world’s best travel brands including The…

The conscious comeback

Who can forget those haunting images from the world’s favourite tourist spots through the pandemic? Venice, New York and Paris – just empty streets as residents were forced inside and tourism shut down. Thank goodness the world is recovering, and travel has recommenced in earnest. Still, while it’s true that the pandemic inflicted immense hardships on the global tourism industry, it inadvertently provided a welcome respite for destinations struggling with overtourism. In turn, it offered many places the unique opportunity to evaluate tourism models, reset priorities and create sustainable frameworks for the future. Call it a silver lining, if you will. At Virtuoso Travel, we too took this time to reconsider our plan for how to influence a sustainable and regenerative future for the travel and tourism industry as we…

The conscious comeback

ONE&ONLY AESTHESIS Greece One&Only Aesthesis sits like a Greek goddess within 21 hectares of protected forest, overlooking the sapphire waters of the Saronic Gulf in southern Athens. Framed by fragrant lavender fields and postcard-perfect coastal views, the resort is a short drive from the ancient wonders of the Greek capital. Each of the stylish bungalows, residences and villas boast private pools, gardens filled with fragrant Greek flora, and outdoor showers and fireplaces while interiors are coastal chic with high ceilings, woven leather detailing and natural tones. oneandonlyresorts.com RAFFLES BOSTON USA Surrounded by historic sandstone buildings, storied institutions and bustling cafés, Raffles Boston’s design was inspired by the city’s heritage buildings and its Emerald Necklace – a chain of parks linked by parkways and waterways. Think copper, historical illustrations and the…

EXCLUSIVE enclave

On the heavenly island of Sainte-Marguerite, a mere 10-minute speedboat ride or helicopter hop from Cannes, Le Grand Jardin boasts all the hallmarks of the Riviera’s finest resorts: exquisitely appointed suites and facilities, lavish grounds and impeccable service. Unlike other prestigious properties on the Côte D’Azur, however, at Le Grand Jardin, you are its only guests. After a meticulous restoration project with sustainability top of mind, the private island retreat recently opened to private groups of up to 24. The estate and its splendid botanical gardens, though, date back to the 13th century. Once owned by Louis XIV, Saint-Marguerite was a favoured holiday retreat of Pablo Picasso. With privacy more valuable now than ever before, it’s fitting Le Grand Jardin’s raison d’être caters to those seeking the best of both…

EXCLUSIVE enclave

BAREFOOT HIDEAWAY

On the serene island of Siargao in the Philippines, Nay Palad Hideaway is an exclusive boutique resort that promises an unforgettable escape into nature. This idyllic retreat is a dream destination for travellers seeking seclusion, relaxation and a bit of adventure. Previously known as Dedon Island Resort, after super typhoon Odette swept through the Philippines in 2021 – decimating 11 of the country’s 17 regions – the resort was completely reimagined and redesigned with just 10 villas. The newest additions include four two-bedroom Garden View Villas, surrounded by lush vegetation, and the standalone Coral Villa – a two-bedroom, two-bathroom retreat with two extra kids’ beds on a mezzanine. Its indoor lounge boasts a home cinema and there’s a private swimming pool and dining pagoda, perfect for balmy evening meals. Villas…

BAREFOOT HIDEAWAY

Live like royalty Enveloped in cedar pines and olive groves, the storied former summer residence of royalty, Villa Miločer at Aman Sveti Stefan, has reopened for the European summer. The 19th-century villa houses eight suites that are the perfect base to explore Montenegro's rich cultural history. After days of walking medieval villages immersed in nature, curl up in the sprawling library, dine in the grand dining room, and the wisteria-draped terrace is steps from the emerald waters and pink sands of King's Beach. For total relaxation, have a spa treatment in the idyllic private bay of Queen's Beach. aman.com RACY REDS Barrosa Valley wine brand St Hugo and F1 superstar Daniel Ricciardo have released their third wine collaboration, DR3. In the mix are two new wines, a 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon…

FLY RIGHT Did you know that packing five less kilograms in your luggage reduces carbon emissions by five per cent? More airlines are offering ways to reduce our carbon footprint while flying and they often reward travellers for doing right by the planet. Etihad’s Conscious Choices program rewards passengers who make small but thoughtful changes like flying with lighter bags, carry-on only and using a digital boarding pass via its app. Each activity earns Etihad Guest Tier Miles, unlocking benefits. Frequent Flyer members who complete five sustainable activities per year can earn Qantas Green Tier status. Benefits include a choice of 10,000 points, 50 Status Credits or having Qantas offset three tonnes of carbon on your behalf. Other airlines like Lufthansa have green fares which reduce 20 per cent of…

FLIGHT REVIEW Flyer: Cathy Wagstaff Airline: Singapore Airlines Class: Business Route: Singapore to Sydney Code: SQ231 Duration: Seven hours 40 minutes Aircraft: A380-800 Airbus Seat: 95K Carbon Emissions: 1.36 tonnes per passenger in business, 470kg in economy. There is a voluntary carbon offset program The lounge The SilverKris Business Lounge at Changi Airport adds an extra layer of style for the start of your journey. The standout feature is the new bar with its vibrant colour palette. Expect a great choice of beverages including Piper-Heidsieck Champagne, all varietals of wines, spirits and popular ales. The cabin Stepping into the spacious cabin immediately set the stage for what was to be a sleek journey. The Business Class cabin has been completely overhauled on the upper deck of the A380 with 82 business seats (the plane carries 481 passengers) in…

Rare beauty The lotus flower represents purity and strength in many cultures, and J Farren-Price’s Argyle LotusTM ring embodies these traits with rock-hard lustre. Among 300 brilliant cut- and pear-shaped diamonds sits an exceptionally rare round brilliant 0.53ct, 3pp intense pink Argyle centre diamond. Set in platinum and 18 carat rose gold, this stunning showstopper’s diamonds collectively total 7.17ct. RRP $930,000 jfarrenprice.com.au DISCO DAZZLE Benedetta Bruzziches’ hot pink Vittissima shoulder bag, with its lustrous crystal embellishments, is punchy and party-ready. Made in Italy, this structural mini bag can be worn hands-free over the shoulder or chicly clutched with the strap coiled nonchalantly underneath. RRP $1,290 harrolds.com.au ‘50s Fever Zimmermann’s silk linen Luminosity Picnic Dress recalls the elegantly poised styles of the ‘50s with graceful polish. A fitted bustier, flowing midi…

1. EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES From the Galápagos to Madagascar and the polar regions, G Adventures has partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute to offer 20 wildlife-focused tours where funds go directly into protecting wildlife and empowering local communities. G Adventures founder Bruce Poon Tip has long been honoured as a visionary travel industry leader who is changing the face of travel for the better. Take a 12-day tour through Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on wildlife safari drives to spot big cats (cheetahs, leopards and lions) with opportunities to visit a Maasai village and learn about this nomadic culture. You’ll also get a chance to visit G Adventures for Good projects like the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, which provides education and vocational training to women so that they can gain better employment…

THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER

DESTINATION / SOUTH AFRICA Thula Thula unfurls around us – an undulating patchwork of greens, khakis, yellows and rusty dirt, dotted with the abstract lumps of distant elephants. There’s nothing abstract about the four on the road ahead, though. They’re mere steps away – and almost still, barring their heavy-lashed blinks, as they peer into the Landcruiser. And while this roadblock should be intimidating – after all, they’re about three metres tall – I feel a sense of calm connection to these peaceful behemoths. As I put down my camera to savour the moment, the largest fellow steps forward; watching our elephant specialist safari guide, Andrew Murgatroyd, he wraps his trunk around the bullbar. “Gobisa, it’s great to see you! Gobiiiiisa,” Andrew says from the driver’s seat, smiling broadly. “He’s…

THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER

THE LAST WORD IN WILDERNESS

CONSERVATION Fading communities Deforestation, land encroachment, and illegal logging have long cast shadows over the Earth’s most vibrant tropical rainforests. Not only home to a spectacular ecosystem of jungle plants and wildlife, the Amazon is also where most of the world’s last uncontacted tribes reside. These Indigenous communities have had little or no sustained interaction with the developed world, and it’s estimated that close to 100 of these tribes live traditionally in secluded pockets of the Amazon. That these communities continue to exist in 2023 is an anthropological marvel. But their future will no doubt be threatened should the Amazon’s natural boundaries continue to recede. BE A FORCE FOR GOOD Explore the Amazon with operators like Delfin Amazon Cruises, which employs local guides and sources handicrafts and produce from local…

THE LAST WORD IN WILDERNESS

THE WILD new frontier

The hawksbill turtle is flailing as a team of volunteers gently lift the reptile out of the clear, warm waters of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica, a breeding ground for turtles that’s also one of the most biodiverse hotspots in the world. Working quickly but carefully, the team tags the turtle, collects tissue and blood samples and takes measurements, then releases her back to her watery home. This is an average day in the life of a citizen scientist, and weeks from now, the crucial data and insights that these volunteers have collected will be published in a research paper, to be shared with scientists working in turtle conservation around the world. Changing travel Fuelled by a growing cohort of conscientious travellers who want to travel while also supporting conservation…

THE WILD new frontier

I’m dizzy. Holding my breath. In this aeon-moment, my viewfinder is a portal to somewhere so otherworldly that my medulla oblongata – the brain’s engine room for breathing – freezes. I process what I’m seeing: daisy-shaped barnacles, a dainty dorsal fin. White tail flukes flashing turquoise in the sapphire sea. Gasping, she surfaces in a fountain of fish-stinky glitter, her blow ablaze in the setting sun. My lungs groan as the camera clicks. Now we inhale together, gulping in a moment that’s binding, fleeting. This breathlessness is something I felt the first moment I saw whales in the wild in 2001 on the Northern Beaches. That period of life wasn’t kind, so I’d often come to whisper my secrets to the sea. As I sat on my towel, sinking into…

Ethereal ESCAPES

FIRST NATIONS WONDER The off-the-grid Klahoose Wilderness Resort is in a pristine environment that is home to grizzly bears, black bears, and an array of marine life. Guests arrive by seaplane from Campbell River or Vancouver, and it won’t take long to be swept up in the magic that is Klahoose. The resort is owned and run by the Klahoose First Nation, and leads the way in Indigenous tourism in Canada, with its commitment to stewardship and community. Klahoose guides conduct wilderness tours and entwine cultural knowledge along with the thrill of wildlife spotting. It was Silver Certified by GreenStep Sustainable Tourism in July 2023. klahooseresort.com HEAD IN THE CLOUDS Mashpi Lodge is nestled in the lush cloud forest of the Mashpi Rainforest Reserve in the Andean Choco bioregion of…

Ethereal ESCAPES

A greener Gulf of Thailand

Thailand has long been a popular destination for those seeking palm-fringed beaches, tropical climates and flavoursome food. And visitors to popular holiday destinations such as Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao now have more choice than ever to travel with purpose, with the tourist hotspots boasting carbon-neutral hotels, conservation initiatives that give back to the community, and paddock-to-plate fine dining. Wildlife goals Koh Samui’s tourism operators and local communities are committed to low-impact, environment-friendly travel experiences, providing many ways for travellers to experience the natural beauty of this region sustainably. A great example of this is the Samui Elephant Sanctuary. The sanctuary opened at Bo Phut in 2018 and is so popular that a second location has since opened in Chaweng Noi. Both venues are set amid forests, creating…

A greener Gulf of Thailand

PASSPORT to change

The setting sun highlights the capybaras huddled in the glittering shallows as a skimmer glides above the lazing caimans. Beneath Los Llanos’ booming birdsong there’s a distant mechanical hum: Laura Miranda, ecologist and director of the Cunaguaro Foundation, is up in the microlight tracking a giant anteater and is on the phone directing her land-based colleague, Cesar Rojano Bolano, to its location. Suddenly our naturalist Daniel Restrepo gets the call: We’re on! I pile into the 4WD with my six travel buddies and, as the full moon rises, we bump across the plains to meet Laura, Cesar and their team beside a rivulet, where they’ve anaesthetised the giant anteater. He’ll only be out cold for 15 minutes, so we need to be quick: working together, we remove a few ticks,…

PASSPORT to change

Tiny but MIGHTY

DESTINATION / MONACO It’s easy to walk the length of a country in a day. Well, if that country happens to be Monaco, the world’s smallest after Vatican City. On a map, Monaco is the tiniest skerrick of land between Nice and the French-Italian border. Encircled by France and the Mediterranean Sea, it stretches four kilometres along the coastline – the entire landmass is just over two square kilometres, making it the ideal European weekend getaway. Over the space of two days, I’ve walked the country, explored its palaces and cobbled streets and, in true Monaco style, skimmed through the streets at night in an open-top vintage Mercedes on an escape from a chilled, rainswept Paris. Even in early spring, Monaco’s colour palette is luminously bright – vivid blue skies…

Tiny but MIGHTY

NATURAL SELECTION

As your train pulls into St. Moritz, there will be a moment when the rest of the world will fade into insignificance. Gazing over the countryside – all impossibly green fields dotted by wide-eyed cows, postcard-perfect mountains, and chocolate-box chalets – you’ll feel like someone has taken off your glasses and polished them for the first time. The colours will seem brighter, the air fresher, the wilderness wilder. Arriving here is like a tonic for the soul, and it makes sense – being in nature heightens all your senses – and being amid nature in Switzerland takes that endorphin rush to the next level. Switzerland may be small but it thinks big about protecting its natural assets. The country is a global leader in recycling and waste management; it has…

NATURAL SELECTION

EARTHSHOT on TARGET

Tackling climate change often seems insurmountable and many of us prefer to put our heads in the sand as we feel we really can’t do anything about it. Prince William wanted to do something. Make a stand. Draw a line in the sand. In October 2020, he did just that, launching The Earthshot Prize – a visionary initiative aimed at inspiring and rewarding innovative solutions to the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. As an influential global figure, and a father, Prince William utilised his platform to mobilise action and create a positive impact on the world. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s Moonshot which united millions of people around the goal of putting man on the moon, The Earthshot Prize is centred around five ‘Earthshots’ – simple but ambitious goals…

EARTHSHOT on TARGET

TRAVEL with PURPOSE

“Adventure World engages in safeguarding delicate ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and nurturing the growth of local communities” At a time when travel has become more accessible than ever, the significance of responsible tourism and conservation has never been more critical. A pioneer in this ethos, Adventure World engages in safeguarding delicate ecosystems, preserving wildlife, and nurturing the growth of local communities. Managing director and conservation maestro, Neil Rodgers, reflects on the initiatives that set this travel company apart. The Conservation Collection Adventure World’s itineraries offer guests authentic and sustainable tailor-made adventures. With a focus on developing regions, particularly through its dedicated ‘Conservation Collection’ program, travellers contribute to local economies and conservation efforts. Rodgers says Adventure World works with the TreadRight Foundation in the creation of special trips that are critical to…

TRAVEL with PURPOSE

LEADING the CHARGE

Positively impacting the people and places Abercrombie & Kent visits is in the company’s DNA. From humble beginnings on the plains of Africa in 1962, A&K’s commitment to doing good has only deepened over the decades. This year, its philanthropy work in conservation, education, health and enterprise is expanding, and those travelling with A&K couldn’t be happier. Making an impact Education initiatives comprise half the programs Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy (AKP) supports because of the long-term benefits to children, their families and communities. In Peru, AKP supports a school that provides impoverished, at-risk children in the Valley of the Incas with nutritious meals, medical care and education. In Vietnam, AKP has helped transform Hoa An Kindergarten – a school many didn’t want to send their children to as it was…

LEADING the CHARGE

The Maldives’ 10 BEST RETREATS Where luxury meets sustainability

From eco-conscious architectural designs that minimise carbon footprints to collaborations with local artisans for authentic and sustainable experiences, the Maldives epitomises a new era of purposeful luxury travel. Picture stunning overwater villas perched above crystalline lagoons, where the gentle murmur of waves lulls one into a state of utter tranquillity, impeccable service, sumptuous culinary delights, and personalised experiences. The ecological splendour of the Maldives is accompanied by a sobering reminder of the fragility of this archipelago of 1,192 coral islands. Climate change poses a massive threat, with rising sea levels endangering the very existence of these islands. Realising the urgency of the situation, the Maldivian government, along with various private initiatives, has embarked on ambitious sustainability conservation efforts. Pioneering projects to protect coral reefs, foster marine sanctuaries, and adopt renewable…

The Maldives’ 10 BEST RETREATS Where luxury meets sustainability

Before I visited the Cook Islands, I’d been told – on numerous occasions – that the archipelago was home to lagoons of peerless beauty. Superlatives were thrown around: dreamy, pristine, stunning, dazzling. Turns out that none quite do justice when it comes to describing this pocket of the South Pacific. Fifteen droplets of land cast across two million square kilometres of opal-like ocean – an area larger than Queensland – the Cook Islands are simultaneously remote and accessible, modern and traditional. The jewel in this string of pearls is the tiny island of Aitutaki, and that’s where I am headed first. As the plane banks for a landing on Aitutaki’s renovated World War II airstrip, the whole atoll comes into view – lush tropical vegetation and bone-white sandy…

I walk to the edge of my impeccably manicured villa garden, perched on the clifftop with views over the Bukit Peninsula and ocean below, teetering on the southernmost tip of Bali. Arriving in this part of Uluwatu feels like rural Bali; cows, chickens and dogs forage beside the road before we turn into the immaculate clifftop property, The Ungasan. Chauffeured to the entrance of my villa, I’m greeted by my butler holding a tray of coconuts. It’s a refreshing welcome and a sign of things to come. One of five villas at The Ungasan – one-bedroom suites are also available – Villa Santai Sorga is set amid lush tropical gardens and boasts a stunning design combining traditional Balinese architecture with contemporary elegance. The villa has sprawling living areas with exquisite…

Beachside BLISS

Wellness is woven into all aspects of a stay at The Legian Seminyak, Bali, from the spa, food and in-room amenities to simply lounging by the beachfront infinity pool. After checking in, my partner and I head straight to Wellness by The Legian, the resort’s health and fitness offering. Our therapists escort us along a ‘floating’ path hovering above a koi pond to a private pavilion overlooking the ocean. We change into batik sarongs for our traditional Balinese massage, where my therapist uses sweeping hand movements, pressure point activation and stretching to release tension in my body. Afterwards, we are shown to an underground spa oasis with a sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, and hot and cold plunge pools. I warm up in the sauna before sinking into the ice-cold…

Beachside BLISS

A sanctuary IN THE SUN

DESTINATION / FIJI There are views… and then there’s the view from 3221, my one-bedroom Club Suite at InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa. From my balcony, one of the most elevated in the entire resort, the panorama stretches across tropical greenery, over clusters of Fijian-style pitched roofs, and out to the crescent beach, fringing coral reef and cerulean waters of Natadola Bay. It’s a similar story at the chic Club InterContinental Lounge, conveniently located next to my suite, although this view takes in a stunning infinity pool, nest-like cabanas, lush landscaping, and the ever-changing hues of South Pacific sunrises and sunsets. Resort within a resort While the resort’s 266 rooms and suites and breezy restaurants, bars and pools appeal to an array of guests – honeymoon couples, parents with…

A sanctuary IN THE SUN

NATURAL WONDERS

DESTINATION / SPAIN ‘Can you hear it?’ whispers Dario. “Is it a canary?” I ask my guide hopefully, as we creep along the forest floor. “No,’ he replies stifling a giggle. “It’s a pigeon.” Peering into dense foliage where the deep-throated warbling (sounding nothing whatsoever like a canary), is coming from, I’m rewarded with a glimpse of iridescent purple feathers. “Bolle’s pigeon,” Dario confirms. “An endemic.” I’m in Anaga Rural Park, one of the many treasures of the Canary Islands. Sprawling across 14,500 hectares with razor-sharp mountain peaks framing laurel forests plunging into seemingly bottomless ravines stretching to the ocean, the UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve covers the entire northern tip of Tenerife, the Canaries’ largest island, (some 45 times smaller than Tasmania). Nirvana in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean Volcanic…

NATURAL WONDERS

SINGAPORE’S grande dame

DESTINATION / SINGAPORE Stepping into the grand lobby at Raffles Singapore, I imagine it could be a reverie of the city-state’s colonial past: every fixture, installation and detail, including the liveried Sikh doormen, enhances the hotel’s old-world splendour. The gravel driveway is reminiscent of an era past, when horse-drawn carriages once chauffeured the hotel’s guests. And the antique grandfather clock, one of the hotel’s oldest pieces of furniture, stands as a testament to the hotel’s status as a National Monument. This legendary property has been standing at 1 Beach Road since 1887, when the Armenian Sarkies brothers threw open the doors of the then 10-room lodging with sea views. Over the decades the glamorous property, named after the city-state’s founder, became a place to see and be seen, frequented by…

SINGAPORE’S grande dame

THE CITY OF MUSIC

“The café, this street, Vienna itself is a theme park: a film set. Fiakers trundling round with coachmen in greatcoats. Strauss is everywhere, seeping from the chocolate shops. I keep expecting Mahler to walk in, or Klimt to start an argument.” I am reading Edmund de Waal’s bestseller, The Hare with the Amber Eyes, to immerse myself into the world of composer and conductor Gustav Mahler. I’m a 21st-century traveller channelling the late 19th century as I join a cultural tour led by the expertise of Limelight Arts Travel. Together we will follow Mahler’s seismic path through Vienna to Bohemian Prague, enriching ourselves with the musical, artistic and natural landscapes of not only Mahler, but his gifted ‘tribe’. Vienna’s music aficionados Apprehension niggles as our group meets in the foyer…

THE CITY OF MUSIC

OUTBACK REGENERATION

DESTINATION / SOUTH AUSTRALIA An enormous swathe of vibrant eucalypts and casuarinas stretch out before me, covering what I imagine to be the centre of a dormant volcano. Rising up all around are walls of rock so ancient it’s impossible to comprehend the geological changes they’ve “seen”. Pterosaurs would not be out of place here, gliding past these 800-million-year-old mountains. By day’s end, we’ll be over the other side of Wilpena Pound, says our guide, Arkaba conservation manager, Bruce Lawson. “Your job was to get here,” he says. “My job is to get you to the end.” Wonder-land Wilpena Pound is the first, tantalising dish of a degustation; its purpose is to set the tone – wow you – for the incredible experience ahead. Just like a degustation, we’re in…

OUTBACK REGENERATION

WHEN serenity CALLS…

A waterfall babbles below, birds twitter in the trees and cicadas chatter amongst themselves. I’m immersed in nature, my therapist guiding me through a safari of the senses at Spicers Sangoma Retreat’s luxury tented spa, and it’s all just an hour’s drive from Sydney. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Mountains with grand views of Sydney below, Sangoma means ‘healer’ in Zulu, and this South African-inspired luxury bush retreat will envelop you in its serenity and feed you like the king of the savannah. There are just eight individually designed luxury suites, six tucked away in native forest, offering guests exclusivity and coveted privacy. For those preferring easier access, there are two suites adjacent to the main lodge. Dark and sensual, they have plenty of natural light through floor-to-ceiling…

WHEN serenity CALLS…

DESTINATION / GOLD COAST From the minute I arrive at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, I am entranced by the lush natural surroundings. Every sense is heightened – every colour brighter, sound clearer, smell more intoxicating. The magic is tangible. I’ve come here for the retreat’s ‘Winter Wellness’ experience, three nights of recharging and energising in the Gold Coast hinterland. I’ve checked in to one of only three premium Wellness Suites, set in low-rise timber buildings that hug the side of an escarpment with views across the bushland to the distant Gold Coast and beyond to the calm sweep of Moreton Bay. The stone, egg-shaped bathtub on my deck is invitingly set to take in the views and vivid sunsets. I breathe in the calm and exhale the busy life I left…

Where wellness rules Lay in a hammock under a weighted blanket with an eye pillow on as you are gently rocked side-to-side. This is just one of the wellness experiences you can expect as part of Conrad Bali’s new JIWA Wellness program, with everything from aerial yoga and customised gym workouts to chakra balancing, sound healing and sleep therapy. The resort has nine treatment rooms, a steam room, sauna, whirlpools and a hydro plunge pool. When not being pampered, cycle to the nearby villages of Nusa Dua and Sawangan to learn more about the local culture. conradbali.com A sanctuary in the city Sprawling across four levels, The Raffles London at The OWO now houses one of the largest hotel spas in the UK capital, thanks to an exclusive partnership with…

SUPERNOVA of the seas

SILVERSEA The newest star in Silversea’s world-renowned fleet, Silver Nova, recently set sail on her inaugural cruise. The first of Silversea’s groundbreaking Novaclass ships, Silver Nova made quite the splash as guests explored her many eye-catching spaces, features and restaurants, on the cruise from Venice (Fusina). The ship is also a giant step forward for Silversea in terms of sustainability. With her innovative asymmetrical ‘horizontal’ design ensuring sweeping, unobstructed views from floor-to-ceiling glass walls, Silver Nova is a star-studded addition to the Silversea fleet, carrying 728 passengers. The vessel offers 13 lavish suite categories – the widest selection of any Silversea ship – complemented by the attributes Silversea is known for: butler service, gourmet dining and impeccable service. Silver Nova boasts 10 signature bars, eight restaurants and S.A.L.T. (Sea and…

SUPERNOVA of the seas

Conscious CRUISING

It’s hard not to love cruising. Every whim is tended to as we’re whisked from one destination to the next. Little wonder cruising is one of the fastest growing sectors within the global tourism industry. In fact, according to the 2023 Luxury Cruise Market Report, international luxury cruise lines expect to welcome more than one million guests on board this year. As much as cruisers love to cruise, not just any cruise will do. Virtuoso research shows that 82 per cent of affluent travellers want to journey responsibly and 70 per cent believe travelling sustainably enhances an experience. Yet a scientific review into cruising by the University of Exeter in 2021 reports that a large cruise ship’s carbon footprint is greater than 12,000 cars. How are we to bridge the…

Conscious CRUISING

Cruising towards zero

PARTNERSHIP Freshly fallen snow drapes the mountains surrounding Kirkenes, a small fjord town in Norway’s frozen Arctic and the last stop on Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express service. With harbour seals watching on from the shore, a sleek black and red ship heaves to and hoists its magnificent sails to prepare for its return voyage. Only, the year is 2030. And those 50-metre sails aren’t made from cotton or linen. They’re constructed of steel and covered in solar panels that will allow Sea Zero, the world’s most energy-efficient ship, to sail with the help of wind and solar power. This is Hurtigruten Norway’s vision for the near future and working together with a consortium of 12 maritime partners and the research institute SINTEF, they’re well on their way to making it a…

Cruising towards zero

DESTINATION / ANTARCTICA The Weddell Sea is considered Antarctica’s ‘deep south’, a place of tabular icebergs and raw beauty. The winds can make any activities here impossible. Thankfully when I visit, they’re calm, and we’re able to make a string of landings: to a hut on Snow Hill Island where a Swedish Antarctic expedition had wintered in 1902; and to Vega Island, a speck of land rich in terrestrial and marine fossils. These are just two of the end-of-world places I never knew existed before my Ponant cruise. But now, they are all I can think about. Adventure, pushing the limits. This is what defines a Ponant journey. And it’s possible thanks to the French-flagged expedition line having the world’s most advanced polar cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot, in its…

SERENITY at SEA

My Polish masseur, Adrian, is chuffed when I drift off twice during my 75-minute Swedish massage in the new Aurōra Spa on board Crystal Serenity. I’m experiencing the new spa and wellness centre as part of a cruise from Venice to Marseille. The cruise ship was resurrected from an uncertain future in mid-2022 under Abercrombie & Kent, and it’s now gloriously resurfaced in the Mediterranean, with a hardware makeover and crucially, a massive reduction in guest capacity. Suite life Previously accommodating up to 980 guests, Crystal Serenity now takes 741, achieved by shredding the number of smaller staterooms and dramatically increasing large suites and penthouses. It also has an industry-leading guest-to-space ratio across its social areas and equates to a nearly one-to-one ratio of crew members to guests – think,…

SERENITY at SEA

EXPLORA JOURNEYS There is a new European luxury lifestyle brand at sea, a brand that is redefining the high-end ocean experience for travellers who want to sail differently. EXPLORA 1 is the first of Explora Journeys’ fleet of six uber-luxe vessels that will be changing things up on the oceans by 2026. And I mean, changing it up. From the first time I locked eyes on her, about to board for her maiden sailing from Copenhagen, I am dazzled, and continue to be for the seven-night sojourn from Denmark to Iceland. In the lobby, the most outstanding feature is a two-storey wall of spirits, a massive space in the middle of the ship. We’re given a glass of champagne and then given our suite keys. My suite – a ‘Home…

From the haunting call of Madagascar’s bear-faced, buggy-eyed lemur; the quiet shuffle of the elephants as they wander the ochre-coloured plains of Kenya, and the sun-kissed shores of Mozambique – Africa will change you in ways you never imagined. The world’s second-largest continent covers about one-fifth of the total land surface of the Earth, and exploring this varied and vast landscape isn’t easy. Until now. Seabourn’s first ‘Grand Africa Voyage’ takes you to 44 off-the-beaten-track ports and cities throughout 26 countries. The only ultra-luxury ship to sail around the entire continent, Seabourn Sojourn departs from Barcelona and will visit Egypt’s capital of Cairo where you can join an excursion to the Pyramids of Giza before basking in the luscious, tropical paradise of the Seychelles. You’ll call into Cape Town where…

Ultra-luxe sailing just stepped up Ten dining experiences, two helicopters, a custom-designed submersible and a vitality pool – Scenic’s newest ship has stepped things up when it comes to ultra-luxe sailing. The 114-suite Scenic Eclipse II will spend its first few months exploring the picturesque coastal waters of the Mediterranean before heading to the Southern Hemisphere in April 2024 where she’ll explore the Kimberley, Asia, South Pacific, East Antarctica and the Ross Sea. When you’re not soaking up the sights, slide into one of six private cabanas, or dine in one of the many restaurants including the Chef’s Garden @ Epicure, where the team will share the secrets of local dishes and cooking techniques. scenic.com.au Culinary delights for Cunard cruisers Cunard has struck an exclusive partnership with twice Michelin-starred chef,…

Sailing ahead French luxury yacht Le Ponant has become the world's first sailing vessel to obtain the Relais & Châteaux label. Synonymous with culinary and hospitality excellence, Relais & Châteaux has been partnering with Ponant for four years on exceptional gastronomic cruises. The first voyages under the collection will be tropical expeditions in Cape Verde and the Caribbean for the 2023/2024 season after Le Ponant finishes her one-season-only Kimberley sailings this year. ponant.com; relaischateaux.com TOP TIPPLE With enticing aromas of marzipan, stewed apricots, honey and breadcrumbs, Champagne Bollinger's RD 2008 is a gift for the palate. Made with 71 per cent Pinot Noir and 29 per cent Chardonnay from the French wine-making regions of Ay, Verzenay, Le Mesnilsur-Oger and Cramant, this vintage was fermented entirely in oak barrels and is…

Expedition DINING

IRIS An exciting six-hour, 18-course culinary adventure awaits those who venture to western Norway, where one of the world’s most remote restaurants tempts with cuisine that is as captivating as the backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains and the icy fjord. It’s all about the new buzzword: expedition dining. And the floating dining room is already booked out months in advance. Danish head chef Anika Madsen is determined to spread the word about sustainability, as she takes guests on a remarkable restaurant journey uniting flavours and textures that excite, intrigue and educate. Madsen says her aim is to bring Scandinavia’s lesser-known sustainable ingredients into the spotlight. As a result, her immersive set menu is presented as a story showcasing a tale about the challenges and threats to the global food system,…

Expedition DINING

BAROSSA’S little black book

Fancy sipping some of South Australia’s sustainable wines under a leafy-covered pergola, overlooking rows of perfectly manicured vines and dining on delicacies like tender confit of duck with a finale of Basque cheesecake, ginger fig and coconut? Be assured there’s plenty of choice when it comes to eco-friendly sipping and dining in South Australia – a headliner in sustainability. In fact, it was the first state to ban plastic bags and single-use plastics, and Adelaide is set to become the world’s first carbon-neutral city. Sustainable leaders Organic drops from boutique wineries, small-batch distillers, craft brewers and sustainable dining have a big following. At McLaren Vale’s Gemtree Wines, sheep replace pesticides, ground quartz prevents fungal infections, cow manure and recycled water feed the vineyard and solar powers the irrigation, winery and…

BAROSSA’S little black book

CIRCULAR fashion

The fashion industry’s environmental impact has long been a cause for concern, with its wasteful practices and extensive carbon footprint. However, a new era of sustainable fashion is dawning, and the Circular Fashion Index, in its third edition devised by the Kearney Consumer Institute, is paving the way for change. Among the tracked brands, Patagonia – the renowned outdoor apparel company launched in 1973 – has topped the index with an impressive 8.5 out of 10 score for its innovative use of recycled fabrics and its rental program. Also featuring in the top five is Italian favourite Gucci, with Jimmy Choo lauded in the highest improvement in secondhand use category. Forging sustainable change A comprehensive assessment tool to measure and rank fashion brands’ sustainability efforts, the Circular Fashion Index was…

CIRCULAR fashion

FASHION It started in the most unassuming of ways. The son of an East End taxi driver in London and the youngest of six children, Lee Alexander McQueen was wondering what he’d do when he left school. Then he saw on a TV show that they couldn’t get apprentices to work on Savile Row; and when his mother, Joyce, said “Why don’t you go and try?” the fashion history wheels were set in motion. At 16 years of age, McQueen started his first of two apprenticeships on Savile Row before going on to work as a design assistant to Romeo Gigli in Milan. He then returned to London to join the prestigious MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins where he went from a highly skilled tailor to a fashion…

The jewel of the MEDITERRANEAN

JEWELLERY If the Mediterranean were jewellery, this would be it. A meld of sapphires and emeralds enveloped in pink tourmalines and diamonds. A bold fusion of jewels that even the amateur eye can see is undoubtedly the work of Roman jewellery house, Bulgari. Consistently inspired by its founder, Sotirio Bulgari, Bulgari’s latest collection pays homage to Sotirio’s journey from his homeland in Greece, across a range of Mediterranean countries. And the result is Mediterranea, a kaleidoscopic collection of jewels and watches; some pieces took up to 1,650 hours to create. But when your jewels have adorned some of the world’s most famed – think Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Anne Hathaway – taking the time to get it right is non-negotiable. Eternal beauty Each collection reflects its own…

The jewel of the MEDITERRANEAN

SKELETONS in the closet

WATCHES A bit of inspired ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking more than 270 years ago has led to what is now one of watchmaking’s most fascinating creations – the ‘skeleton’ watch. André-Charles Caron was the royal clockmaker to Louis XV for 40 years and, on his retirement in 1760, decided to give the king a special memento. But what do you give the guy who has everything? Caron made a special clock – one that had parts of the movement cut away to show the wheels, rotors and gears inside. Thus the ‘skeleton’ timepiece was born, and ever since it’s been a gift that keeps giving for watchmakers. Skeletonised watches provide a miniature canvas to display other watchmaking arts such as engraving, bevelling, gem-setting, polishing and much more. These Vacheron Constantin, Hublot, Kudoke…

SKELETONS in the closet

Effortless cool in COSTA RICA

Stark raw greyish concrete set among the lush green jungle of beautiful Costa Rica punctured with bright ruby red, brilliant yellows and luminous flora, may sound like a very different building material for luxury accommodation. But the monolithic concrete forms are the star of the unique Art Villas, tucked away in a country known for its biodiversity, where a quarter of its land is protected jungle. Surprisingly, the concrete design sits perfectly and mellows into the jungle wonderland, where spider monkeys swing, colourful toucans gaze, brilliantly coloured quetzal birds flit and lazy sloths chill. Overlooking the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, there are three unique villas and a multifunctional tropical pavilion, built with a sustainability focus foremost in mind. Nature’s inspiration Owner Filip Zak wanted to transcend the ordinary…

Effortless cool in COSTA RICA

LUXURY E-VOLUTION

Powerful, luxurious cars and eco-friendly initiatives aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath. And you probably wouldn’t expect to see a $770,000 Rolls-Royce mega-luxury coupe featured in Signature’s special issue on sustainability. But there’s more to the new Rolls-Royce Spectre (even more than its 5.5-metre length and 2.9-tonne heft) than meets the eye. Due in Australia this November, the Spectre is the first electric vehicle (EV) in Rolls-Royce’s 112 years. The serene and near-silent Spectre brings Rolls-Royce into the automotive industry’s enforced rush to embrace EVs, under a range of governments’ carrot-and-stick initiatives like the UK’s banning of new petrol– and diesel-fuelled (otherwise known as internal combustion engines, or ICE) vehicles from 2030. Hybrid vehicles, which combine ICE and EV propulsion, will be included in the ban from 2035. The…

LUXURY E-VOLUTION

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