You know the tropical paradise you dream about at 3.30pm on a Tuesday afternoon, when you’re supposed to be listening to Mike, the Assistant General Manager of Accounts, give his quarterly report?
Arcadia on Pandanan Island feels like that dream. Based on the miniscule island of Pandanan in Malaysia’s Sabah region, off the coast of Borneo, the hotel is the ideal place for a wholesome eco-adventure with some besties or your special bestie.
There’s an Arcadia Hotel in Toorak, Melbourne; a pub with the nickname ‘The Shark Park’ due to the kind of clientele that frequent it. But there are no sharks at Arcadia Beach Resort.
The waters are teeming with life – get lost’s Editor saw more turtles (green sea and hawksbill) in the three days he spent at Arcadia than he has combined for his entire life up until that point.
It’s unbelievably well set up for the ‘Gram, if that’s your thing. The rooms are all white, giving off Greek island vibes. But for us, it’s the diving, swimming, snorkelling and island hopping (pictured above – nearby island Bohey Dulang) – all of which are elite.
The word Arcadia actually loosely means to be in harmony with nature, or in a utopia.
An English pub that features some of the biggest sporting events on their screens – but make it in Oman.
Muscat, the capital of Oman, is quite the hot spot – and we don’t mean just in temperature. Social media has certainly helped more people around the world see the beautiful attractions like Mutrah Souk and Mutrah Fort plus Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to name a few and put the city on their bucket list. Outdoor adventurers also love exploring the wadis that are an easy drive from the city.
But what if you’re enjoying your holiday in town at the same time a huge sports match is on? Never fear, Duke’s is here. Located within Crowne Plaza (IHG Hotel), it is one six dining areas and by far the one with the best view (for screens and sunsets). Renovated in 2022, Duke’s has become a well-known favourite for locals and tourists alike and has been the place to be during global sporting events, particularly with the FIFA World Cup.
Being an English-style pub, you can count on classics like bangers & mash, steak & Guinness pie as well as fish & chips being on the menu, the latter being very popular. You’ll find Middle Eastern flavours throughout the menu too, with dishes like the Omani Spiced Kingfish Fillet. We also recommend the baked camembert to share – or not share – depends on the mood you’re in.
If you’re at Duke’s in the coolers months between October – February, look up when sunset is and lock in a reservation on the terrace for that time to take in one of the best sunsets in town.
Time to get your paddle out. Not that kind of paddle, we’re talking about a beer paddle. Specifically, one at the Great Australian Beer SpecTAPular. A much-loved fixtured for ale enthusiasts since 2011, it is one of the best ways to enjoy the craft beer you love and discover some new favourites. With about 120 ish unique beers, you won’t be able to get through all over them (don’t take that as a challenge – it won’t end well) but keep an eye out for Banana Blueberry Pancake Smoothie beer, Sushi Beer, and possibly one for Eminem fans – Spaghetti Beer.
The world’s oldest brewery, Weihenstephan, will be out in Australia joining in on the fun and showcasing why their brewery has been at the top of the beer game for over 1,000 years. You can even enter a competition while there that could see you winning a trip to Weihenstephan, Germany to check out one of the most renowned beer festivals.
It’s not just beer that you can enjoy at GABS, there’s also cocktails, wine, whiskey and plenty of food bars at the three locations. With all this and over 500 beer taps under one roof, it’s no wonder that GABS is globally acclaimed as one of the best beer festivals in the world.
You might even be able to take part in a new World Record attempt in Melbourne with Stomping Ground Brewery looking to have the most amount of people in a beer tasting. Barcelona currently has the title, so if you want to be part of the 1,400 beer-strong crew, make sure you get a ticket.
All ticket purchasers will receive a GABS Beer Safaris booklet with over $250 in post GABS beer offers. T&Cs apply.
We’re giving away some tickets to subscribers, so make sure you’re signed up to be in the running. Must be subscribed to get lost by Sunday 27th May 11:59pm AEST
Is it too much to ask for a delicious pizza with a view? Not at Blossom Rooftop Bar. Melbourne has got a few to choose from, but not many can say their bar wraps around the building. So maybe it is a wrap-around bar more than rooftop as per se, but let’s not get bogged down in semantics.
Pullman City Centre is where you can find this beauty. Aptly titled, given its location on Swanston Street in the heart of Melbourne. If you’re wanting to sample their beautifully crafted cocktail menu, it is handy to know you can get home safely with a tram stop located right out front. Or treat yourself and stay the night – being a 5-star hotel that was renovated in 2019, you’ll get to enjoy their exceptional hospitality and uniquely designed spaces.
Blossom Rooftop bar impresses as soon as you step out of the elevator of the 14th floor with its industrial interiors and breathtaking mural by acclaimed artist Lisa King. Sure, you can cosy up inside and perch yourself close to the bar or, step outside and choose a view that best suits you. Bask in the daytime sun, savour the glow of a glorious sunset or marvel at the night sky by the heaters they’ve placed around the rooftop – this really is a bar you can get around at any time.
Their menu caters to just about everyone as well, with gluten-free and vegan options – or go all in with 250g Black Angus Striploin. If pizza is what you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place. We can vouch for their mouth-watering woodfire pizzas and on Tuesdays, you can buy one and get the second half price. They’re helping pizza enthusiasts through cozzie livs.
Weekends are where the party is at with a DJ from 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep an eye out for some of the parties they host throughout the year, including their legendary NYE party! With the STUH NING backdrop of Melbourne’s skyline coupled with their impeccable food and drinks menu plus some of the best DJs to boot, this is a great place to ring in the new year.
The brand-new adaptation of James Clavell’s novel, Shōgun, which you can watch on Disney+ and Hulu, can actually be experience in-person in Japan.
If you want to be a passenger princess on holiday for once, not having to organise everything – Inside Japan Tours Shogun campaign is for you. They can curate a tailored adventure that allows you to learn more about 17th century Japan and the Edo period.
The Shōgun trail entails learning about samurai culture of Kyushu in Nagasaki city. Surrounded by a bay and mountains, it isn’t just a picturesque place to visit but one oozing in history, most notably with the reconstructed man made island of Dejima. For 220 years this was the sole region of Japan accessible to Europeans, and for a limited number of locals, a unique chance to engage with the outside world before their country opened up in 1853.
You could get your steps up and walk where the Samurais and Daimyo Lords did, along Nakasendo. The entire route spans 534km through central Japan dating back to the 17th century, sprawling with tree-lined paths and mountain towns through central mainland Honshu….but you don’t have to walk the entire length like Samurais did, obviously.
What about a two-hour kenbu class in Kyoto? A dance with a katana sword and a fan, you could be just like samurai who would gather strength before a battle in a kenbu ritual.
Speaking of swords, you could also visit a workshop in one of Japan’s last-remaining traditional sword-smiths. See if you can figure out the traditional way to fold steel, and see first-hand some of their older blades.
As Shōgun says ‘Lose yourself in the music, the moment…’ wait sorry, wrong lose yourself.
‘Lose yourself in it, make yourself one with nature…’.
Wanna know about prohibition in the States? Just go to Tennessee, they’ll tell you all about it. Probably because whisky is their thing and that was taken away from them for a long time. We can only imagine the celebrations back in 1933 when prohibition was repealed for the state. If you believe that every cloud has a silver lining, then for prohibition it would be speakeasies. These fun, hidden gems provided an outlet for those keen on a drop or five, all the while (hopefully) going undetected from the authorities.
Nashville is home to many speakeasies however one that oozes history and cool all at once is The Late Great. Located by a secret door at the back of Virgin Hotels Nashville, this cosy club is rich in Nashville history – starting with its designer Hannah Crowell, granddaughter of Johnny Cash. Music aficionados would know that Hannah’s musical roots also run from her parents, Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell.
Tasked with creating a space that felt as intimate as someone’s living room, Hannah drew inspiration from her own family and the wider music scene of Nashville to pay homage to some of the greats like her grandfather as well as Dolly Parton and Hank Williams to name a few. Named after Townes Van Zandt’s 1972 album, The Late Great serves as a nod to the ghosts of Nashville.
The venue features Carter and Cash family photos – including a stunning portrait of Johhny Cash, which was the last photograph ever taken of him. Throw in the eclectic range art and superbly-chosen interiors by Hannah Crowell, it is easy to see why The Late Great has been the talk of the town since opening in 2021.
At the bar you can choose from a range of carefully crafted cocktails that are not only inspired by country’s biggest stars but have ingredients to match the mood of the songs they’re named after. Enjoy the Patsy Cline inspired ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ with rum, amaretto, coffee, cinnamon and white chocolate. If you want to stick to what you know, go the ‘Seasonal Old Fashioned’ with Tennessee whiskey, apple butter and bitters. Delish. When you’re ready for bed, think of Hank Locklin and order ‘Send Me the Pillow You Dream On’ with anejo tequila, appalachian nocino, toasted coconut, walnut, chocolate and with some popcorn to nibble on. Perfect late-night snack.
When you’re in Nashville next, be sure to make a reservation. And even though this will feel like the cosiest living room you’ve ever been in, make sure you dress to impress.
A second teamLab Borderless has opened in Tokyo at Azabudai Hills, another immersive visual art installation showcase from the absolute weapons who brought you the first.
Technically, this is art, but it’s not like you’re sniffing someones armpit trying to get a half-decent shot of the Mona Lisa, nor is it staring at a picture of an apple which is apparently worth US$274,000, which just quietly, you reckon you could have painted.
At teamLab Borderless, you don’t so much as move from room to room but flow that way.
Each room is an experience, designed to make you feel a certain way. Mirrors, lights, cutting-edge technology and plants alike are used to create different universes, blowing your mind constantly from one room to the next.
In the new edition, one room features countless wobbling lights which run continuously through a space that infinitely expands, meaning you can’t really get your head around depth perception. The lights also shimmer beautifully, just managing to straddle the line between trippy and incredible.
If you went to the old teamLabs borderless at Odaiba, there’s a couple of things you should know. The first is that this new site at Azabudai Hills in the city’s south is bigger…way bigger. No less than 50 (!) the world renowned independent installations are featured in the 8.1 hectare site (where tf did they find eight hectares in Tokyo from?). One of these is an adaptation from the room of lamps that featured in teamLab mark I, which has evolved into a room of light bubbles.
Excuse us if we sound dramatic, but we’re pretty sure we’ve found the best dome accommodation in British Columbia. Winderdome Resort came from turning lemons into lemonade as owners Deb and David explain. Having always wanted to show off the land and valley they love, they kicked into gear as most things were shut down during the pandemic. “It was our dream to create a place and an experience where people could come to rest, relax, and maybe even celebrate life’s special moments.”. Deb did her best at creating blueprints, David deciphered them like they were the Da Vinci Code – and with the help of many people around them they were able to open Winderdome Resort in 2022.
Canada, especially the west coast, is known for enjoying the outdoors. British Columbia is home to some of the best mountains and lakes, providing great opportunities to ski, hike, boat, fish, surf, paddle, kayak… look, if it’s an outdoor activity – you can do it in BC. The location of Winderdome Resort in Windermere provides you with a breathtaking location to relax while having you perfectly positioned to enjoy the attractions you around you. Like Swansea Mountain which has a plethora of hiking options, Windermere Lake, Radium Hot Springs in the north and Fairmont Hot Springs in the south – both just a 15-minute drive in each direction. And if you’re after 100% natural hot springs, you’ll find them at Lussier hot springs which is less than an hour south. With four hot spring pools to choose from, all with varying temperatures, it is the ideal location to sit back and take in the views of the river and mountains around you.
In winter you can take a 5-minute trip to Lake Windermere and skate across the world’s longest skating path – The Whiteway. A 34km groomed track that runs around the lake and connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere, making it a great way to explore in winter. After you’ve discovered muscles you haven’t felt or known about going across Whiteway, you can retreat to Winderdome Resort to rest and warm up. Even in the depths of winter, Deb and David make sure they crank the heating to ensure you’re nice and toasty. With three domes to choose from you can find the one that best suits your personality and taste.
Wolf Dome is decked out in rich greens that it will have you feeling like you’re in Emerald City. With red draped all around, Bear Dome is perfect for Taylor Swift and fans alike. Cougar Dome, which we thought would have the cougar uniform of leopard print is in fact filled with beautiful blues and navy.
Each dome sleeps up to 4 people with 1 king bed and 2 twin beds in the loft plus they’re fitted out with a kitchenette and bathroom, so you don’t need to worry about hiking across the sight to go to the loo. You can also chill out in the communal BBQ and pools areas that have plenty of shade on offer as well. Never underestimate that BC sun.
With prices starting from $250 a night, it almost feels like Winderdome Resort are paying you to stay there. Talk about value for money.
noun
a person who is continually moving from place to place, without any fixed home or job.
Reading that definition makes it clear that Drifter is the perfect name for the design-led and experience-focused lifestyle brand. Drifter isn’t a hotel and it’s not a hostel – it’s revolutionising accommodation by creating a hybrid.
Byron Bay is a destination hot-spot and while there is a wide variety of accommodation, some may worry that what they’re after may be out of their budget. This is where Drifter comes in, bringing in a hybrid between hostel and hotel, offering superior private suites and premium shared bunk rooms plus an array of communal spaces. From co-working and wellness spaces, to bars and dining, it will have everything you need for a short weekend away or longer stay. Even a wellbeing studio – very on brand for Byron.
Leisure Accommodation Collective (LA Co) is getting ready to make a splash in the market opening this location, plus one in New Zealand later this year followed by another two locations in 2025.
Drifter Byron Bay will open its doors in June 2024 featuring 52 rooms with private and shared spaces, an enticing outdoor area with a sundeck, firepit and plunge pools as well as entertaining areas.
In May 2024 Christchurch will have their turn to show why Drifters is the future of hybrid accommodation, boasting 95 rooms mixed between private and shared spaces, a welcoming co-working space and wellness space when it’s time to unwind plus a 150-seat bar. Cheers!
Is there a more aesthetically pleasing mountain than Mount Fuji?
Forever a landmark of the Land of the Rising Sun, Fuji’s snow-capped peak is an active stratovolcano that raises it’s head majestically above mist, or on a clearer day standing in full visibility from the capital Tokyo.
Japan is the number one trending global destination for 2024 according to Tripadvisor, aptly crowned ahead of this year’s Mt. Fuji Day on Friday 23rd February.
Fuji Day commemorates and promotes the iconic mountain, with towns surrounding the 3,776-metre mountain getting ready to party. Lake Kawaguchiko Winter Fireworks have been happening through January and February but are set to go out with the biggest bang on Mt. Fuji Day.
And yeh sure, you could climb it…OR you could go full get lost and paraglide around it, taking the Big Boy in from mid-air.
For more adrenaline, there’s a half-day rafting experience. Fly along the Fuji River you’ll get to splash your way through the 6km course and maybe even tip one of your mates out hold on for dear life. For those who prefer to stay dry, there’s a few cycling tours that allow you to take in the views of Japan’s tallest mountain as well as the stunning countryside.
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