Wellness holidays
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
Victoria’s hot springs mecca launches three luxury eco lodges
At Peninsula Hot Springs there’s a new premium accommodation experience far from the crowds, and it comes with private soaking pools.
- by Julietta Jameson
At this High Country retreat, Saturday morning never felt so good
Sauna is a saviour on a wellness weekend in Victoria’s High Country.
- by Belinda Jackson
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
Underrated beach town could be Australia’s next big thing
Urunga is a long way from being another Byron Bay or even a Yamba, but it might be about to burst free from the sleepy secret zone.
- by David Whitley
Why you shouldn’t miss Oslo’s most masochistic pastime
Long before Wim Hof touted the benefits of ice baths, these people knew subjecting your body to temperature extremes felt good – once you got over the buttock-clenching shock.
- by Julie Lewis
Vietnam’s new wellness resorts luring spa lovers to its shores
It’s clear that wellness has come a long way in Vietnam since my first visit more than 20 years ago. Back then, even massages were viewed with suspicion.
- by Ute Junker
This upgraded retreat now mixes wellness with indulgence
An ice bath and sauna to play at virtue between visits to local cellar doors? Oh, yes, you can “do you” at this Hunter Valley retreat.
- by Katherine Scott
★★★½
Hotel reviews
This no-frills bush retreat just got a luxe upgrade
Eco wellness stay Billabong Retreat just got a flush $1.5 million revamp – but there are a few telling signs it’s stayed true to its modest roots.
- by Katherine Scott
Rainforest retreat gives frazzled urbanites a place to escape the daily grind
Here’s a camp challenging burnout culture by providing rest and restoration in an immersive nature retreat, where all the work is done for you.
- by Nina Karnikowski