Beach and island holidays
Opinion
Opinion
Why I want to hang out at the kids’ club on holiday
I learnt independence at the beach, running freely along vast stretches of sand, jumping off dunes, beachcombing solo along the shore.
- by Lee Tulloch
Former property of world’s most notorious drug lord now a stunning hotel
Casa Malca, the reimagined former beach mansion of Pablo Escobar, isn’t trying to be an art hotel. But it could rival many modern art museums.
- by Katherine Scott
Ten beautiful parts of Bali you won’t find crowds (or bogans)
Bali is on track to have its busiest tourism year on record, but 70 per cent of visitors flock to the hot spots of Canggu, Seminyak, Uluwatu and Nusa Dua.
- by Penny Watson
A health scare led two men to build their dream Byron holiday retreat
You’ll feel like a Rich Lister staying at ESTE Wategos, but bookings are only available “on application”.
- by Julietta Jameson
One of the Pacific’s most famous hotels finally reopens
There are few South Pacific hotels as storied as Aggie Grey’s, which first opened in the Samoan capital of Apia in 1933.
- by Julietta Jameson
World’s 16 best islands and beaches of 2025 (including three at home)
Feeling the squeeze? We’ve got the perfect antidote with these handpicked places to lay down a towel.
- by Craig Tansley
Forget the bucket list: 15 of the world’s best places to do nothing
Over tick-a-box sightseeing while you travel? Here are 15 places where chilling out is nothing to feel guilty about.
- by Brian Johnston
★★★★
Hotel reviews
This is the best-value hotel you can find in Honolulu’s top location
I’m a huge fan of Hawaii, yet even I will admit it can be a painfully expensive destination. That’s what makes this hotel such a pleasant surprise.
- by Kristie Kellahan
The 12 greatest islands of all time
Ranging from beach escapes to art hubs and foodie hotspots, here are the world’s 12 best islands according to our writers.
One of the world’s most beautiful spots is getting easier to visit
A few years ago, it seemed French Polynesia was off the boil as a destination. But in 2023 the French territory announced a plan to double tourist numbers.
- by Brian Johnston