highlightCategory: Stay

Where to rest your head at night

AutoCamp’s newest creation is here

Gather ‘round, glampers! AutoCamp has done it again and this time, it’s planted its ultra-chic flag just 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park in the adorably named town of Three Rivers. You’re about to be neighbours with literal giants (hello, General Sherman, the world’s largest tree) while still getting your beauty sleep on high-thread-count sheets.

With 85 accommodations ranging from Classic Airstreams to Vista Suites with the best views, Explorer Suites with bonus amenities, and even Bunk Rooms for your whole adventure squad, there’s a plush nest for every type of outdoor-ish traveller. And if you’re not into trailers, no worries. They’ve got cabins, luxe tents, and even a heated pool for when you need a break from “roughing it”.

There’s even a Clubhouse where mid-century modern meets marshmallow roasting, featuring lounge areas, fire pits, and a bar. There’s also The Kitchen, slinging hot meals daily from 7 AM to 10 PM (because no one should have to ration granola bars), plus a General Store packed with s’mores kits, trail snacks, and local booze.

For the active crowd, expect hiking, spelunking, fly fishing, and kayaking, plus complimentary bikes to zoom around like you own the place. Oh, and if you’re thinking of hosting a wedding, retreat, or cult meeting (just kidding… mostly), their event spaces are downright dreamy.

Bottom line? AutoCamp Sequoia is the cool kid’s basecamp for exploring nature without surrendering your dignity (or your WiFi connection). See you in the trees.

25Hours Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird opens its doors

If you thought the world couldn’t get any weirder, you’re wrong; things are about to get a little odd – Jakarta style. On April 25, 2025, 25hrs Hotel Jakarta The Oddbird will officially open its doors, shaking up the city’s hospitality scene like a well-mixed cocktail (which, by the way, they’ll probably serve).

But this place isn’t just for sleeping (if that’s what you thought, The Oddbird is here to prove you deeply mistaken).

Designed for rule-breakers, storytellers, and people who prefer their hotel stays with a side of whimsy, The Oddbird is a playground of eclectic design, immersive experiences, and just the right amount of organised chaos.

Nestled in District 8 of SCBD, the hotel takes inspiration from the number 8 itself – a symbol of eternal connections, infinite possibilities, and, let’s be real, a fancy way of saying ‘we’re all in this together’ (even if sometimes, like right now, we wish we weren’t).

For the rooms, expect garden and urban-themed spaces that channel classic Jakarta neighbourhoods; lush greenery meets retro, mid-century cool. And for the communal spaces, the vibe is vibrant, buzzing, and they’re guaranteed to be the perfect backdrop for your next great story (or at least a fire Instagram post).

But we can’t forget about the food. A riot of local and international flavours await that’ll make you reconsider every sad airport meal you’ve ever eaten.
But above all, The Oddbird embodies the ‘Come as you are’ spirit, so, whether you’re a business traveller, an artist, or someone who just appreciates a killer hotel bar (guilty), you’re welcome here. The Oddbird has definitely landed.

Stay at the Hotel of Ice

Alert the polar bears and grey wolves, the Hotel of Ice in the Transylvania region of Romania is back for the 2025 season, and this year, it’s hitting all the right notes with a musical theme.

Each of the 12 igloo rooms is dedicated to a legendary composer or conductor, from Beethoven to Mozart, with ice sculptures and bas-reliefs that bring their musical genius to life. It’s like spending the night inside a symphony but, like, with more frost and fewer sheet music.

Getting there is one of the coolest (literally) things about it; it’s just a casual cable car ride over 2,000 metres up in the Făgăraș Mountains. It’s not for the faint of heart (or for those who are even remotely scared of heights), but if you’ve ever wanted to feel like a true adventurer – this is your ticket. No shuttle buses here, just an icy journey to your cool destination.

And once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by all the icy wonders of the hotel, with features that include a cosy restaurant and a bar, both carved entirely from ice. You’ll dine on reimagined ancient Transylvanian dishes served on ice plates and sip cocktails at the Sub-Zero Ice Bar.

Staying here might seem a little crazy – especially for those of us who hate the cold – but when are you ever going to get the chance to sleep in a room dedicated to your favourite composer, eat food on ice, and drink at a bar where the glasses freeze your hand (wear gloves)?

It’s truly an experience like no other, blending art, music, and the chill of Transylvania’s finest icy peaks together to make all of your frosty dreams come true.

Stay at the hotels used for season 3 of The White Lotus

If you thought the drama of The White Lotus couldn’t get any juicier, wait until you hear where they’re filming Season 3. Well, you don’t have to wait because we’re about to tell you.

The lush, tropical landscapes of Thailand have become the perfect backdrop for the show’s signature plot twists, scandalous characters, and social satire. Three jaw-dropping Anantara resorts have officially been confirmed as key filming locations, and trust us, you’ll want to pack your bags (or at least your TV remote) to see it all unfold.

First up, we have Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort, a beachfront paradise where the show will feature iconic spots like the Thai-style lobby and the resort’s jewellery store. With its lotus ponds and spa garden, this place oozes charm, and we’re guessing it’ll serve up plenty of drama too. Whether you’re lounging by the tree-lined entrance or sneaking around the employee parking lot, Anantara Bophut is the ultimate tropical playground for all things scandalous.

Next, Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort brings The White Lotus to new heights (literally). The show’s key bar scene takes place in the resort’s Singing Bird Lounge, a stunning treehouse-style bar perched above the island. As you sip handcrafted cocktails with panoramic ocean views, you can almost hear the whispers of the island’s famous bird-singing contests, perfect for the show’s plot of chaotic beauty and wild melodrama.

Finally, Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is where the true luxury and intrigue happen. With its Wellness Sanctuary, spa, and even Belinda’s room (get ready for some intense personal drama), this hidden gem on Phuket’s coastline provides the ultimate backdrop for privacy, sophistication, and plenty of messy moments.

If you’re ready to live out your ‘White Lotus’ fantasy, you can book the Lotus Awakening Escape Package, which includes experiences across all three resorts. Pack your bags (or at least your imaginary drama) and get ready for some serious fun in the Thai sun. Maybe with a side of chaos.

Look up on a Celestial Glamping Expedition

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.

Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur

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.

Shebara

There’s no other way to say it; Shebara is the overwater resort you didn’t know you needed to stay in. ‘Til now.

If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a place so out-this-goddamn-world, that place is Shebara. Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, this place is like the love child of an architectural masterpiece and a social media influencer’s content-creating dream.

Its sleek, modern villas float in space-like capsules not even Elon Musk could replicate, with open-plan, bedroom-to-private-pool interiors that scream ‘I’ve got money, and I’m not afraid to spend it,’ (*cries in poor*).

And there are several to choose from, so whether you’re all over the overwater luxury vibe or prefer your own beachfront villa for the feeling of sand between your toes morning, noon and night, Shebara’s got it. There’s even a ‘royal’ villa, complete with its own infinity pool, double daybed, sunken lounge and outdoor shower for when Kate and Wills come to stay. Or you, if you’ve got that kind of coin (hahaha, give us some).

To be expected, the dining is next level. There’s sleek restaurants featuring modern Japanese-Nikkei cuisine, ones that celebrate the best flavours of the Mediterranean and traditional Arabian dining experiences that don’t skimp out on the spice.

And just when you thought you might get bored with all that, Shebara offers a range of water-based activities, from snorkelling, diving and private yacht cruises to windsurfing and e-motoring.

So there you have it, this place is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in a jaw-droppingly gorgeous bow.

Ovolo Hotel launches its Summer Concierge

You probably don’t need any more convincing to book a little holiday season getaway, but in case you’re still on the fence, Ovolo Hotels is throwing its newly launched Summer Concierge initiative into the deciding factor mix.

Not only will you get 20% off your room stay at any of Ovolo’s hotels (think The Valley, Nishi, Laneways by Ovolo etc) from December through to February, but you’ll also get bonuses, special discounts and exclusive benefits at over 70 participating tour operators, wellness facilities, local restaurants and top attractions.

All you have to do is flash your Ovolo Hotels room key like it’s an all-access pass, and you can explore Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne or Sydney like a true local without paying full price for anything.

If you’re thirsting for a drink and you happen to find yourself near one of Sydney’s finest waterfront restaurants China Doll, you’ll be sipping on their complimentary house cocktail ‘Sampan’ before you can say, “We’d like a table with a view”. They’ll even chuck a dessert at ya free of charge.

Or if Melbourne’s weather ever sorts itself out long enough for you to think boating down the Yarra River is a good idea, Go Boat is giving 10% off every booking (and 20% off on weekdays) for those with an Ovolo keycard.

There’s a little something for everyone from the beauty-obsessed teen (The Lab in Canberra is offering 20% off treatments) to the ultimate foodie (Middle Eastern vegetarian hotspot ZAZATA in Brisbane is promising Ovolo Hotel guests 15% off their entire bill), so the only logical next stop is picking which hotel you want to stay at.

Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel

Prepare your Lion King-loving heart and pack your bags for a stay at the recently opened Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel. It might not have a catchy name, but it is the place where luxury meets the wildest adventure of your life – anything you post on Instagram post your stay here is guaranteed to be way less cool.

Nestled in the heart of the wild, this Zimbabwean beauty is set to make all your ‘I need a holiday, asap’ dreams come true, thanks to its prime location only 15 minutes from the epic UNESCO World Heritage-listed Victoria Falls. Its coordinates definitely shoot it to the top of the world’s must-stay-at list, but the property itself is nothing to sneeze at.

Featuring 16 suites (the intimacy!), a gourmet restaurant (the food!), a lounge and bar (the cocktails!), complimentary Wi-Fi (the connection!) and a garden swimming pool flanked by shaded loungers (the relaxation!), this hotel is like something straight out of a safari storybook.

And for the adventurous at heart, this place is the ultimate playground. You’re so close to the falls that you can literally do anything you want – think thrilling helicopter rides, sunset boat trips, zip-lining, wildlife-spotting cruises, swimming in the Devil’s Pool, game drives and black rhino conservation experiences.

You’ll be exhausted after all that and the hotel knows it. So, there’s an on-site spa to de-tense your muscles after you said yes to every activity but somehow forgot you hate heights (we’re pretty sure there’s a signature treatment for that).

If that doesn’t convince you to bring up booking.com immediately, we don’t know what will.

Stay in style at The EVE Hotel Sydney

They already have the Harbour Bridge. They’ve got the Opera House. And now, from Feb 2025, Sydney’s beefing up its impressive touristic lineup with The EVE Hotel (lucky ducks).

It’ll be located in the heart of the city, convenient for when you’ve gorged yourself on wood-fired bread and drank too many Neapolitan Sours from Totti’s, and will showcase a bold new vision of boutique luxury thanks to its makeup of art, culture and culinary experience.

This place has it all – think vaulted ceilings, curated interiors, immersive art installations, rooftop gardens, a 20-metre rooftop pool and a mouthwatering restaurant with views overlooking the trendy suburbs of Surrey Hills and Redfern.

It might seem like you’ll have to sell both kidneys to stay here, but the sales team are doing each and every one of us a solid by celebrating the hotel’s opening with a specially designed package.

The package will include one night’s stay in your room of choice (presidential suite, here we come!), a signature cocktail at Bar Julius and a bespoke take-home gift you can’t get anywhere else, starting from AU$519. For Sydney?! That’s a bargain in today’s hotel economy.

But let’s back it right up because Bar Julius won’t just be The EVE’s hotel bar, it’ll be the trendiest watering hole in the whole city (you heard it here first). It boasts an all-day dining concept, food bursting with fresh and bold flavours, dynamic interiors and a cocktail menu filled with ‘Crystal Mimosas’ (served tableside) and ‘Bar Julius Negronis’.

Kicking off the new year in a new way sounds pretty good right about now.