You, a flurry of pink petals, and landscapes so breathtaking they look straight out of your fav anime; that’s Japan during cherry blossom season. But cherry blossom season isn’t just a time of the year, it’s a whole mood. And if you want to experience it without elbowing through crowds in Kyoto, Shizuoka is the place to be.
Just a 45-minute bullet train ride from Tokyo, Shizuoka’s cherry blossoms are serious overachievers, blooming before the rest of the country’s blossoms even wake up. But where exactly is the best place to see ‘em?
There’s the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in February, where the vibrant pink beauties last longer than your average cherry blossom, making them the ultimate floral flex (and the festival one of the best places to see them). You can wander along the river, soak in the view, and bask in that early-blooming glory.
But if you want even more exclusivity, the Atami Cherry Blossom Festival kicks off in late January – yes January- so you can claim those Insta-worthy shots before the masses start planning their trips. Delicate blossoms line the Itokawa River like nature’s VIP section; trust us, you don’t want to miss it.
And for the grand finale, the Minami-Izu Cherry Blossom and Rapeseed Flower Festival throws in a sea of bright yellow rapeseed flowers alongside the pink sakura. It’s a full on colour explosion, running from early February to March.
So, book your trip, grab a matcha latte, and the let the petals work their magic.
Ever wanted to fully embrace the camping experience, but didn’t feel like leaving the warmth and comfort of your fluffy doona? Well, don’t we have the glamping experience for you.
It’s called ‘Celestial Glamping Expeditions,’ and it’s run by the guys over at The Inn of the Five Graces. Forget roughing it. Here, “glamping” is code for “I still want champagne with my stargazing.”
So, prepare yourself for a journey through Chaco Canyon (which is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and an International Dark Sky National Park) and Taos, where you’ll witness some of the most jaw-dropping night skies known to humanity; it’s just you, your private luxurious tent, and the Milky Way stretching out above you like the universe’s most exclusive red carpet.
Led by expert guides, you’ll explore sacred sites and the ancient mysteries of Chaco Canyon without getting sand in your shoes or wondering if you’ve packed enough sunscreen by day and by night, you’ll sleep under the twinkling gaze of the night sky’s finest.
But as you’d expect, this isn’t your average camp. Each tent features luxe amenities such as raised wooden bed frames, memory foam mattresses (no sore backs here), bedside tables, comfortable butterfly canvas chairs and enchanting Southwest textiles.
And because these expeditions believe in doing things stylishly, you can expect private chefs, custom excursions and a whole lot of “wow” moments.
There’s no shortage of spectacular places to stay in Jaipur, but the newly opened Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur might just take the gulab jamun at the top of the cake.
Named after the “garden of jewels” that is Rajasthan, this place looks like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Only, instead of glass slippers, you’ll be sporting a bathing suit and sunnies because the two swimming pools this resort boasts are where you’re gonna want to spend all of your time – that is, when you’re not out exploring the Pink City.
Which you might not have to do when the property you’re staying at is this gorgeous – think grand arches, stunning jharokhas (those classic bay windows), and enough intricate design details to make you feel like completely re-doing your house’s décor when you get home.
And we haven’t even mentioned the interior yet. Each room blends together hand-carved woodwork, golden leafing, and local tikri glasswork (basically, the lovechild of Indian heritage and modern elegance) to create an enticing space you’ll never want to leave.
But if you’re lucky enough to experience the Jewel Bagh One-Bedroom Suite, a plush hideaway awaits with a living room, cosy window beds, and a terrace that practically begs you to sip a cocktail while soaking up panoramic views. Talk about living inside a dream.
Speaking of cocktails, Anantara’s Sheesh Mahal restaurant is your ticket to indulge your inner foodie. From dishes that are a marriage of Rajasthan’s heritage and modern flair to cocktails that’ll satisfy even the toughest tastebuds (trust us, they’re that good), every meal is a celebration.
Remember that game everyone was playing back in 2020 when we were all stuck inside? The one where you pretend to be a killer while doing fake tasks in the hopes that everyone you’re playing against isn’t going to figure out you’re the one murdering people?
Well, Saboteurs has brought the Among Us game to Melbourne so you can dramatically accuse your friends of treachery while running around a space station IRL (finally).
This live-action game brings all the deception, sabotage, and betrayal of the online sensation into a real-world setting in the heart of Docklands. You and your mates will don colourful spacesuits, take on the roles of either a loyal crew member or a dastardly imposter, and do your best to keep the station running (or systematically pick off your so-called friends one by one).
With multiple game modes catering to different levels of bravery – like the foggy, panic-inducing Dark Map or the extended Moon Fall experience with post game drinks – Saboteurs is the perfect mix of strategy, chaos, and unfiltered distrust.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, wrangling co-workers for team bonding, or just in the mood for some lighthearted betrayal, this is one game night you won’t forget. And that’s a promise.
We’re not going to sugarcoat this: silent discos are a vibe. They’re the perfect mix of low-key coolness and ‘I’ll do my own thing’ rebellion. You can say goodbye to thumping bass shaking your very core; these parties let you DJ your way with headphones that pump tunes straight into your ears. No one else can hear the beat, but you’re all dancing like it’s 1999 – in complete silence. Okay, it’s waaaay more fun than it sounds.
Now, let’s talk about where these silent discos happen because that’s the real incentive to buy tickets. From shakin’ it inside the Melbourne Museum (Nocturnal, happening on Thurs 13th Feb) to bopping to the beat in St Edmundsbury Cathedral, silent discos in incredible places have popped up in the wildest, most beautiful spots across the globe.
Each disco even has an era – think 80s, 90s, and the 00s (put Britney on stat). Seriously, these discos are the coolest way to party these days because 1) you don’t need to worry about losing your voice, and 2) you don’t need to worry about looking silly because guess what? You can’t hear yourself, and no one else can hear you either. It’s totally a win/win.
And, if we could just lean into our knowledge of the 00s here for a second, you can act like Hannah Montana with the best of both worlds: the magic of some seriously epic locations and the freedom to dance like nobody’s watching. Which, let’s face it, is usually for the best.
Tucked away in the wild side of the Hunter Valley—Wollombi Valley, to be precise—there’s a new off-grid retreat that’s equal parts chic and rustic.
Welcome to the Little Valley ‘Summerhouse’, a place where your biggest dilemma will be deciding between sipping wine on the breezy deck or befriending the alpacas (pro tip: they love a selfie).
Designed by architect Matt Elkan and lovingly built by Euan Wilcox over two years (because great things take time), this modern timber sanctuary is like stepping into an issue of Architectural Digest, but with more wildlife and fewer staged coffee table books.
This place is full of cool things to stare at, including a breezeway that opens onto a picturesque pond, where the fish are happy, the wallaroos are watching, and you, well, you’re just living your best life.
But this isn’t some mass-produced luxury box. No, no. It’s an authentic, off-grid haven powered by sustainability and wrapped in serious comfort; think a French cast-iron fireplace, 100% alpaca wool duvets (because of course), and floor-to-ceiling windows that make you feel like you’re starring in your own nature documentary.
Only an hour from Sydney’s outskirts, this 50-acre slice of paradise is where quiet luxury meets rugged charm. Book a stay, breathe in the fresh air, and prepare for a little wilderness with your wine.
If you’ve ever dreamed of perfecting your sun salutation while actually saluting the sun from a pristine Tahitian beach, then pack your mat and your best “ommm” because the first-ever Tahiti Yoga Festival is calling your name (loudly).
From October 3-6, 2025, the East Coast of Tahiti will be transformed into a paradise of zen, connection, and probably the most Instagrammable savasana you’ve ever experienced.
Originally a US-based event, this festival is getting a tropical glow-up, bringing together yogis, wanderlusters, and seekers of good vibes from across the globe – think Polynesian culture, ocean breezes, and a whole lot of stretchy, bendy bliss. And because October is shoulder season, you’ll get all the island magic with fewer tourists and more room to downward dog in peace.
But let’s be real; this festival isn’t just about yoga. You’ll also get to experience a full Tahitian adventure. When you’re not twisting yourself into a pretzel, you could be hiking lush peaks, chasing waterfalls, 4WD-ing through paradise, or catching world-class waves. You could even hop aboard a ferry to Moorea for even more action, from snorkelling in vibrant lagoons to mountain trekking.
So, if you work too hard, doom-scroll too much, or just need a break that doesn’t involve your couch and Netflix, this unique festival is your chance to disconnect from the chaos, reconnect with yourself, and soak in the magic of Tahiti’s Mana (sacred life force).
If you’re going to drink your way through San Diego’s legendary craft beer scene, you might as well do it in a vintage Swiss Safari vehicle with six wheels and zero shame. Welcome to Scavengers Beer Tours, where beer tasting meets off-road adventure.
First off, let’s talk about the ride. This beast of a vehicle is half military transport, half beer chariot, and fully guaranteed to make pedestrians jealous as you roll past, sipping an ice-cold road beer (yes, that’s allowed).
With an open-air design, the wind in your hair, and a cooler stocked with drinks between brewery stops, this isn’t just a tour – it’s a moving party with seat belts.
Now for the important part, the beer. San Diego has over 150 breweries, and Scavengers curates a killer lineup, from hop-heavy IPAs to smooth stouts and everything in between. Expect stops at top-tier spots like Ballast Point, Modern Times, or Belching Beaver, where you’ll sip, sample, and pretend you’re a craft beer connoisseur while nodding knowingly at words like “mouthfeel” and “hoppy finish.”
Drinking beer is great, but drinking beer while being chauffeured in an absolute unit of a vehicle is next-level. Whether you bring friends or make new ones on the tour, one thing’s certain; you’ll end the day full, buzzed, and seriously considering buying your own safari truck.
No, it wasn’t sent straight from heaven, but London’s hottest bar Engel may as well have been thanks to their crafty cocktails that are so good, they’ll have you seeing those pearly white gates. But saying these mini masterpieces are just drinks would be an understatement of the century.
Case in point; the Der Prinz Von Berlin, a cocktail as eccentric and bold as its namesake, the eaglet 20th-century German artist George Grosz. This guy wasn’t just an artist; he was the artistic equivalent of a mic drop.
A Dada man with a taste for satire and a paintbrush aimed squarely at social injustice, Grosz fought corruption not with his fists, but with canvases that screamed louder than any politician. He was quickly given the nickname ‘Der Prinz Von Berlin’.
Engel’s bottled that rebellious energy and come up with a concoction that’s liquid rebellion, shaking up a blend as daring as Grosz’s brushstrokes. The cocktail practically struts over to your table, oozing rizz and creative flair – think smoky undertones, a zing of unexpected sharpness (from the lemon verbena infused vodka) and a whisper of sweetness that keeps your tastebuds coming back for more.
But, if all of that sweetness is a little too much for you, you can change the cocktail’s flavour profile. How you ask? The cocktail is served with its very own paintbrush and colour palette, and each colour on that palette is a different flavour. Meaning you can brush different colours (flavours) onto the lip of your glass if you want to add a touch more citrus or an extra dash of the sugary stuff.
Who wants to go back to basics when you can be a Prinz for the night?
We hate to break it to you, but Bingo Loco isn’t your nan’s local bingo night. If a wild party and a bingo hall had a baby, and that baby was handed a glow stick and told to absolutely send it, that would be an accurate representation of a night at Bingo Loco.
It’s a raucous, chaotic, and all-around insane twist on the classic game of bingo, where the numbers aren’t the only thing getting called out.
Here, the rules are simple: you play bingo, but instead of being surrounded by your nan’s best buds, there are a bunch of people ready to turn it the hell up. There are rave rounds, where the DJ drops beats so heavy you’ll be twerking your way to a full card. Expect spontaneous dance-offs, lip-sync battles, and so much confetti you’ll be finding it in places you didn’t know existed long after you’ve left.
And there’s the prize for actually winning a game of bingo. Forget a packet of chocolate biscuits and $0.50 of your next tank of fuel for a win; how about a giant inflatable flamingo, or a hilarious (and possibly extremely questionable) costume that makes you the star of the show?
This place isn’t about sitting still and waiting for your numbers to come up – it’s about screaming, dancing, and maybe even winning a prize you’ll be happy to take home. Basically, it’s like bingo, but with everything turned up to an eleven.
So, leave your ‘quiet night in’ at the door and come prepared to shout, shimmy, and make a fool of yourself. Bingo!
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