Destinations and events to dream about this week.
Retreat to Adventure Bay
Seventh-generation Tasmanian Jan Glover has created something special at Adventure Bay Retreat on the north coast of Bruny Island. Set on 33 acres of coastal bushland and originally opened in 2011 with The Lodge and The Cottage, Jan has recently added two more luxury accommodation options, The Studio and The Lair to the offering. The buildings have been created by local craftspeople using locally sourced materials and the interiors feature locally crafted furniture and fittings and original art by talented Tasmanian artists. Jan also aims to keep the carbon footprint down by minimising waste, relying on local produce and including energy efficiencies in the design. They even have complimentary bikes for guests to use. Visit www.adventurebayretreat.com.au.
Valentine's on the Sunshine Coast
Treat your loved one to night at the movies this Valentine’s Day … but do it with a real difference if you happen to be on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. The action kicks off with some live music at 5pm on February 14 in the rainforest-fringed oasis at Maleny’s Spicers Tamarind Resort, followed by an outdoor movie experience featuring your own individually styled picnic area, bottle of prosecco, cheese-and-charcuterie platter, Asian noodle box, popcorn, dessert and screening of Pretty Woman. The cost of this indulgent night under the stars is $275 per couple, though they do have some availability for accommodation as well. Phone 1300 311 429 or visit www.spicersretreats.com.
Cruise from Adelaide or Freemantle
Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ new ship Vasco da Gama will call Adelaide and Fremantle home during its 2019-20 Australasian season — and also become the first cruise ship to visit the South Australian port of Wallaroo, the gateway to the Copper Coast and Yorke Peninsula, and in close proximity to the renowned food and wine region of the Clare Valley. Cruises will range from a two-night Western-Australian weekend escape to 10-night voyages around Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia, with the season being finished by a cruise from Singapore to London. It will also be the first cruise ship to visit four South Australian ports in one voyage — Adelaide, Wallaroo, Penneshaw and Port Lincoln. Phone 1300 307 934 or visit www.CMVAustralia.com.
Glamping on safari
An authentic safari experience doesn’t mean forgoing a little luxury, as exemplified by Sanctuary Retreats, which has unveiled a raft of upgrades to its Ngorongoro Crater Camp in Tanzania. All 10 of the camp’s canvas tents have been redecorated and furnished with an earthy natural palette to complement the biodiversity of the surrounding terrain. The tents are the epitome of ‘glamping’, and feature contemporary ensuite bathrooms complete with indoor camp showers. Other mod cons include hairdryers, plug points and gym bags containing yoga mats, weights, skipping ropes and resistance bands. Each tent comes with its own designated attendant, on hand to bring guests restorative tea and coffee first thing in the morning and ensure the camp shower is at the perfect temperature whenever required. And the journey to Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp is equally spectacular, navigating a serpentine road past Maasai herders and their cows, along the rim of the crater swathed the clouds. Rates are from US$490 per person twin-share per night, but there are discounts for stays of three nights or longer at any Sanctuary property. Visit www.sanctuaryretreats.com.
Learn culinary arts while cruising
Billed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises as the most luxurious ship ever built, Seven Seas Explorer will for the first time cruise Australian and New Zealand waters as part of its 2020-21 season. The ship boasts all-suite, all-balcony accommodation featuring marble bathrooms and a mini-bar that is replenished daily free-of-charge. Seven Seas Explorer offers seven speciality restaurants, each with no additional cover charges, ranging from the laidback Pool Grill to the sophisticated Prime 7 to the zen-like surrounds of Pacific Rim. Guests can also improve their own culinary prowess in the exclusive Culinary Arts Kitchen. Several of Seven Seas Explorer’s 2020-21 voyages will depart from, or disembark in, Sydney including: the 178-night Singapore-to-Sydney ‘Balinese Celebration’ sailing, the 14-night Auckland-to-Sydney ‘Grandeur of New Zealand’ cruise and the 18-night Sydney-to-Bali ‘Koalas to Komodos’ adventure. Phone 1300 455 200 or visit www.rssc.com.
Wine in Wellington
It’s often been described as New Zealand’s pinot-noir capital so dedicated fans of this most fickle red grape variety should take note. Wellington’s annual boutique wine festival — Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival — will take place on March 9. Held on the banks of the Ruamahunga River in the Gladstone wine-growing region, the festival is a great place to sample some of the area’s top drops, as well a range of delicious foodie treats featuring regional produce. There is also an emphasis on entertainment throughout the day, featuring a variety of live music, art exhibitions and static displays ensuring that all tastes are catered for. Vineyards pair up with regional restaurants to produce a range of outstanding dishes which guests can sample to their heart’s content. Visit www.wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz.