From the moment I was scooped up from Brisbane Airport in The Calile’s very own custom Range Rover, I knew I was in for a stay dripping with luxury and style. I mean, nothing says, “I’ve arrived” quite like reclining in air-conditioned leather after sitting next to the gum-smacker and aggressive screen-tapper on the flight over.
Rolling up to the hotel, I was met with soft pink hues, breezy archways, and staff who somehow managed to be both effortlessly cool and incredibly attentive. I immediately vowed to become one of these impossibly chic people – or at least pretend to be one for the next 12 hours.
As soon as I got to my room, I headed straight for the balcony to spot my first look at the iconic pool. Which was also my first stop as soon as I had unpacked.
The water was the perfect temperature; refreshing but not “gasp-and-lose-your-dignity” cold. Lined with striped loungers and fringed umbrellas, it felt like I’d stumbled into a Slim Aarons photoshoot. I ordered a cocktail (classic marg of course), threw on my best “I refuse to look at my emails” face, and let the book I was reading whisk me away.
Before I knew it, the sun was setting and dinner at Hellenika was beckoning; I couldn’t wait for a feast of Greek decadence. The saganaki? A bubbling, golden masterpiece. The pastitsio? So gooey and bechamel-y that I wondered if it would ruin normal lasagne for me forever. I washed it all down with another marg (when on assignment, am I right?) and left feeling deeply satisfied and only slightly regretful about my much-too-full-stomach.
And as I flopped onto my crisp linen-clad bed, I thought: “I could get used to this.” Then I immediately checked my bank balance and laughed. Ah well, it was worth every penny.
Ski bunnies and après enthusiasts, rejoice. NZSki has just dropped the ultimate winter game-changer: the Superpass. This bad boy gives you access to 10 of New Zealand’s most iconic ski resorts with just one pass. That’s right, no more agonising over which mountain to conquer. Now, you can chase the best powder across the country without a care in the world.
The Superpass covers some of New Zealand’s best slopes, including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt, plus a handful of other winter wonderlands from Auckland to Canterbury. But wait, you thought that was it?
Feeling a little après over actual skiing? You can swap your day pass for credit on over 60 après activities, think hot tubs, fine dining, and adventure experiences. It’s basically a golden ticket for snow lovers who also appreciate a bit of luxury (guilty).
Not only is this Superpass a milestone for winter tourism, it also means more freedom, more fun, and fewer commitment issues when booking your ski trip. Like, it’s never been easier to ski, stargaze, and soak in a hot tub – all in one day.
So Aussies, if you’ve been stalking snow forecasts and dreaming of your next winter escape, consider this your sign. Grab a Superpass, chase the snow, and swap ski boots for champagne whenever the mood strikes.
Pack your virtual backpacks and sharpen those pickaxes, because Aotearoa New Zealand has officially entered the Minecraft multiverse.
That’s right, our mates over at Tourism New Zealand have teamed up with Warner Bros. and Mojang Studios to bring us a world-first: a full-blown New Zealand DLC for Minecraft. Translation for the game-challenged? You can now paddle a waka through Abel Tasman, spelunk glowworm caves in Waitomo, and stargaze in Tekapo — all without leaving your gaming chair.
This pixel-perfect paradise isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s an interactive playground brimming with Māori culture, native wildlife, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Fancy a digital deep dive into Māori traditions? Want to get lost (without actually getting lost) in the misty fjords of Doubtful Sound? Done. You can even jam out to the ancient sounds of taonga pūoro while plotting your next quest.
And here’s the best bit, if you fall in love with blocky New Zealand (which you will), you can turn those pixels into plane tickets with the real-life 100% Pure Minecraft Itinerary. Because why stop at virtual bungy jumping when you can do the real thing?
Launching just in time for A Minecraft Movie (filmed in NZ and starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black), this DLC is your chance to explore Middle-Earth 2.0 before booking the adventure IRL. New Zealand: now available in 4K and 8-bit.
Everyone’s fave eco-conscious cabin company, EYRE.WAY, has just dropped its third off-grid tiny home, and it’s called Bandari.
Tucked away on the coastal cliffs of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Bandari is as close to the ocean as you can get without turning into a mermaid. Think sweeping ocean views, pristine native flora, and a cabin that’s basically a hug for your soul, wrapped in timber, terracotta, and all the earthy tones your Pinterest board could ever need.
But this isn’t your average tiny home; it’s a luxurious, sustainable, eco-conscious retreat powered entirely by solar batteries (what?!?) Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy lounge that turns into a dreamy double bed, and premium bedding so soft you’ll wonder if you’ve just snuck into the clouds.
You’ll also find all the modern comforts – reverse-cycle air, instant hot water, and high-speed WiFi – meaning you can escape the hustle, but still scroll on TikTok before bedtime.
With Bandari, EYRE.WAY is flexing its sustainable muscles again, following the smashing success of its siblings, Maldhi and Yambara. Co-founders Amanda and Tim Hogg have managed to create a space where you can truly disconnect and live your best, eco-chic life.
Just a heads up, you’ll never want to leave, but that’s exactly the point. Book your stay now, this view isn’t going to ‘gram itself.
Alice Springs is about to glow up – again. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is back from April 4 to 13, 2025, ready to transform the Red Centre into a neon dreamscape where ancient culture meets mind-blowing tech. If you’re imagining Mother Nature herself getting a high-voltage makeover, you’re on the right track.
It only makes sense that this year’s theme is Timelessness. Because Aboriginal art, storytelling, and culture have been thriving for over 65,000 years which, fun fact, is longer than your phone battery lasts. Expect massive, trippy light installations casting their magic across the MacDonnell Ranges, alongside stories that have been passed down through generations. So, yes, it’s stunning, but also deeply meaningful.
And it’s not just about the pretty lights (although they help). The Darwin Symphony Orchestra will be throwing an epic live performance under the stars, teaming up with Indigenous musicians to create a musical fusion that’s a little classical, lots of didgeridoo, and 100% goosebump-inducing. Then there’s Troy Cassar-Daley kicking off the fest with a free concert on April 5 – what a legend.
Feeling artsy? Swing by the Buy Blak Market for some incredible Indigenous crafts, or, if you’re in the mood for a laugh, check out the festival’s first-ever Indigenous comedy night. Who knew the desert could be this hilarious?
So, grab your mates, charge your phone (you’ll need it for all the Insta-worthy moments), and get ready for the most electrifying event in the Outback. Parrtjima 2025 is about to light up your life, literally.
Ever fancied wielding a tattoo machine but feared your mates might not appreciate your artistic flair permanently etched on their skin? Enter Ink & Drink, where you can unleash your inner tattoo artist without any lifelong consequences. Think of it as a ‘paint and sip’ night but with a rebellious twist, swapping paintbrushes for tattoo guns and canvases for synthetic skin.
Located in various Aussie hotspots like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Ink & Drink offers a two-hour escapade into the world of tattoo artistry. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, you’ll learn the basics of tattooing, all while sipping on your favourite BYO beverages. Yes, you read that right, it’s BYO. So whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beer enthusiast, just bring your fave beverage and off you go.
And the sessions are designed for everyone from the ones who can’t draw a stick figure to budding artists. It all starts with a quick tutorial before diving straight into inking designs onto vegan-friendly synthetic skin (better give that alcohol-induced courage time kick in).
If you’re looking for a night out that’s far from ordinary, this place is the go to. Gather your mates, grab your drinks, and get ready to swap your paintbrush for a tattoo gun. Just remember, what happens at Ink & Drink stays at Ink & Drink… unless you decide to show off your masterpiece.
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.
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).
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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