There is nothing on earth like Tasmania’s MONA. From the rumours surrounding its enigmatic, casino-busting creator, David Walsh, to its cavernous spaces more akin to a Bond villain’s lair than an art gallery, Australia’s largest privately funded museum has fast become one of the country’s seriously hot spots.
If you’re thinking it’s not worth hopping Bass Strait just for a museum, then think again. Twice a year, Walsh and his minions bring Tassie to life with MONA’s dual festivals: Dark Mofo in June and MONA FOMA in January. The two seven- to 10-day events are extensions of the museum’s bacchanalian themes, fusing international and local art, music, food and drink into a defiant and ballsy contradiction to any festival Australia has on offer.
In one day you can fill your stomach with locally sourced food while listening to Tibetan throat singing, experience sensory overload as international composers choreograph a giant industrial laser, and lose your mind to The Presets as they blow the roof off Macquarie Wharf.
The best part, however, takes place after the sun goes down. Without a doubt one of the highlights of both events is Faux Mo, the festival’s after-party. Held on each evening of the program, this sweaty, hedonistic communion will have you cheek to cheek with transvestite burlesque dancers, throwing your hands up in the air in a converted coin laundry and wishing on everything you hold dear that they don’t announce last drinks.
Like something out of the film Waterworld, Kapalai Dive Resort is built on stilts on a reef amongst some of the world’s most stunning scuba diving in the Celebes Sea. For those wanting to escape the world, sitting on a deck chair watching the sun go down over the mainland on the distant horizon is the perfect tonic.
Rooms are more than comfortable – obviously all over water – with well-designed private decks for some serious après-dive chilling. The centre of the main dining room has an open void through to the reef below, and it’s not uncommon to see live versions of your dinner swimming past.
The resort is a web of rich wood walkways connecting the rooms with dining areas, the dive department and even a beach rotunda; the perfect spot for a cool sundowner. This might be predominantly a divers’ resort, but there is plenty to do for non-divers, with a white-sand beach materialising at low tide and excellent snorkelling from any part of the resort. For the divers, you’re only a 20-minute boat ride to Sipadan, one of the world’s most stunning dive sites.
Defend queen and country with a sea-bound stay on a repurposed fort. Built 2.2 kilometres off England’s Isle of Wight in 1867 to guard against the threat of invading Frenchmen, No Man’s Fort has since undergone a spit and polish, opening its doors to guests in .
Gone are the days when 70 soldiers would hole up within its granite walls – now the structure boasts 23 luxurious bedrooms, as well as a wine bar, rooftop hot tubs and a spa centre offering signature salt treatments.
What to do while you’re at sea all day? Eat like a trooper, of course. When you’re not supping on mackerel caught from below or toasting the monarchy with a flagon of rum, take to the water for a sea-kayaking session or show off your military prowess in an on-board battle of laser tag.
This little tropical getaway is situated at the edge of the longest lagoon in the world, the Marovo Lagoon (nominated for World Heritage listing). The diving and snorkelling are fantastic, with the seaward edge of the island dropping down to an incredible 2,000 metres. There are six spacious bungalows for families or couples, two units and two guest rooms. It’s the type of place where 20 guests is considered a full house. Uepi is the epitome of a lost island escape but with all the comfort trimmings.
The Solomon Islands is a country just waiting to be discovered and Uepi is a must on that adventure.
Known as a ‘conservation jewel,’ Tetepare is a unique, locally owned and managed eco lodge, housing only 13 visitors at a time. You’ll sleep in a leaf-house set on the edge of the rainforest, close to a sparkling azure lagoon. Explore rich coral reefs and cultural sites, assist rangers with conservation work and snorkel in one of the largest marine protected areas in the Solomons.
In 1993, Taula and Litia Sini closed their small shop on Upolu Island and restored this once-dilapidated area into a beautiful resort. There are 16 modern yet traditional-looking Samoan beachfront falés to choose from – all with superb ocean views.
This resort is part of the Sini’s vision to welcome overseas visitors to their home, and provide a sustainable living to their children, family and village. While you’re there, take a day trip to the local village of Lalomanu, where you can have a crack at weaving with coconut fronds and help prepare an umu, the traditional Samoan feast cooked in the ground.
Step into the Belle Époque in one of Paris’s most lavish new hotels, Maison Souquet. Hidden in the saucy Pigalle district, the abode pays homage to the courtesans who once sashayed through its halls. From the exterior, the only hints of opulence are two red lanterns and a canopy flanking a simple facade, but enter the former house of pleasure and you’ll plunge into a world of intricate panelling, plush furniture and gold, gold, gold.
The 20 rooms offer unique designs created by French artist Jacques Garcia, whose credits include the tearooms of Ladurées, the refurbishment of Château de Versailles and the styling of more than 30 rooms of the Louvre with 18th-century decorative art. This is how one should slumber in the city of love.
When you think of Myanmar, French wine and Italian cold cuts probably don’t come to mind, but MOJO is setting out to change that. At this one-of-a-kind venue your mission is to relax, unwind and connect over a menu made for sharing. Here, management serves up a brilliant mix of Mediterranean and Indochine cuisine and tapas, along with an impressive list of wines, cocktails and shots, all designed to be enjoyed by groups of friends around large tables.
The decor is minimalist but unpretentious – think bare brick walls and wooden beams – the atmosphere is laid-back but festive, and there’s always something on. Come for the sangria jugs and tapas and stay for the themed party and all-night dancing.
Ditch the butter chicken and get ready to forget everything you thought you knew about Indian food – right in the heart of downtown Bangkok. Head chef Gaggan Anand has put together a refreshing culinary experience unlike any other you’ll find in this vibrant city. Situated in a stately, whitewashed colonial mansion, Gaggan Restaurant specialises in progressive Indian cuisine – an innovative seasonal approach to the regional dishes and street food of Anand’s homeland.
Enjoy a meal in the bright, airy dining room, from the four-seat ‘library’ full of cookbooks or at the exclusive chef’s table with an intimate view of the kitchen. It may feel cheeky seeking out Indian food in a city full of local delights, but a meal at Gaggan is not to be missed.
Fancy chomping on a crispy tarantula spiced with black pepper and lime sauce? From contemporary creations to long-forgotten recipes, Romdeng in Phnom Penh serves authentic Cambodian cuisine with a twist.
The restaurant is staffed by former street kids and run by Mith Samlanh, an organisation that works with the city’s marginalised youth. Set in a beautiful colonial building, Romdeng is decorated with wood carvings and locally made furniture, and the silk goods and cushions that adorn the restaurant’s interior are all crafted by sewing students at Mith Samlanh.
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