Chris Hemsworth. Matt Damon. Natalie Imbruglia. Pat Rafter.
The golden beaches, turquoise waters, and zen mentality are just some of the reasons celebrities from all around the world are drawn to the Australian town of Byron Bay.
Byron Bay overflows with both energy and beauty, while at the same somehow offering a place where a chilled out vibe takes centre stage. Though there are two very distinct and opposite experiences here: one backpacker, one luxury.
After the latter?
Situated far away from the backpacker chaos, yet just a 10-minute drive from the colorful boutique shop windows and trendy cafes, Byron Bay’s award-winning beachfront resort Elements of Byron provides the type of experience that draws the world’s biggest celebrities.
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One thing I love about Tasmanian beaches is that you can often have one all to yourself. Unlike the crowds that pack Bondi, or the long line of skyscrapers that cast afternoon shadows across the Gold Coast, Tasmania’s beaches feel more natural, and you can easily walk for miles without seeing another soul.
Tasmania has many iconic beaches; Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, and Hazards Beach. But equally as stunning are its lesser known stretches of sand that seem to pop up out of nowhere in the many small towns that dot the coastline.
One such gem is Spring Beach.
Conveniently tucked away just over an hour’s drive from Hobart, and only 15 minutes from the ferry that connects the wildlife rich Maria Island, Spring Beach is one of Tasmania’s biggest hidden gems.
Accommodation on Maria Island itself is rustic. You can book a bunk-bed in an 1800’s convict penitentiary, or opt for primitive camping. We were as such quite thrilled to find a much more comfortable alternative.
When there’s a 3 bedroom, beachside Picturesque Cottage Rental just around the corner from the ferry terminal, who needs camping when there’s an option for luxury glamping!
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We all strive for luxury in our life, and especially in today’s age of social media, where we’re so prone to comparing our lives to other people’s, it can be quite disheartening when we think we fall short.
But the problem with social media is that it’s so easy to create a fake reality, and only show glimpses of someone’s actual life. It can really quickly become destructive, and trick us into thinking that luxury is about champagne, private jets, and vacationing in the Maldives.
Luxury is actually about quality, and living your best possible life. It is often more a mindset than something you can drink, something you can touch, or having the shiniest bling; luxurious living is a feeling.
So, with that in mind, the following are four tips for living a more luxurious life.
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With the advent of the Internet, the business of betting has experienced tremendous growth, the latest being casino tourism. Though just because online casinos have taken off, doesn’t mean that the land based industry isn’t still thriving.
A staggering number of tourists visit land based casinos, and some destinations like Vegas and Macau are actually known as casino tourism hotspots, where the elite rub shoulders with average men and women who dream of becoming millionaires overnight.
Perhaps the reason that online gambling hasn’t wiped land based casinos off the board is due to the industry’s ability to adapt. Land based casinos these days are much more than a dark, seedy place to gamble, now luxurious resorts and dazzling entertainment complexes.
The following are the best countries around the world for casino tourism. If you are planning on visiting a casino overseas, always make sure you gamble responsibly (and remember those currency conversions!).
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While there’s plenty to be said for hard travel and seeing the world on a budget, sometimes it’s nice just to lay back, relax, and be pampered.
Luxury vacations are an incredibly restorative way to unwind and get away from the challenges of daily life. But with so many options available, it can be hard to choose the best place to go for the ultimate dream vacation.
If you don’t want the stress of having to find the perfect destination, here are the five places around the world that do luxury best.
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Although Antarctica may seem like a cold, sparse and unwelcoming continent to the uninitiated, it is actually one of the most diverse, interesting and strikingly beautiful places on planet Earth.
From its thriving wildlife and breath-taking scenery, through to its status as an adventure playground for those fond of snowmobiles and sledges, the most southern continent offers a different kind of experience for each type of traveller.
And with more opportunities to get to there than ever before, here are just a few reasons why this should be the year you visit Antarctica.
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When it comes to Macau, this little administrative region from China is famous around the world for its casinos and widely spread gambling culture. Known as the gambling capital of Asia, Macau rivals Vegas for for the title of gambling capital of the world.
But while the streets of Macau are filled with huge, eye-catching casinos, the city is about much more than that. The word that defines Macau the best is luxury, and that can be noticed throughout the whole city, including an extensive selection of restaurants and bars offering gourmet food.
Thanks to Macau’s Portuguese and Chinese heritage, the city now has a beautifully mixed culture and a smorgasbord of amazing traditional foods. And, with an obsession for both luxury and amazing cuisine, Macau has become home to some of the best restaurants and bars in the world.
While there are many, many bars and restaurants in Macau worthy of being on a ‘best’ list, the following are four you shouldn’t miss.
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The first time we visited Alaska we flew into Anchorage and planned out a self drive itinerary by land. The thinking was that this would allow us to see and do more.
And while we had an incredible time, camping in the rugged interior of Denali, and encountering bears along some of the States most scenic drives, we actually missed out on the big show.
Because cruising actually allows you to experience more of Alaska than a land based DIY tour; while cruising offers the best of both worlds, and allows for land based excursions, driving means you completely miss out on sailing on the icy seas.
Cruising in Alaska means whale watching at 6am as soon as you fall out of bed. It means the opportunity to visit islands and towns not accessible by road. It means dining on fresh salmon as you float past massive blue glaciers, and snow-capped mountains shrouded in mist.
If you’re thinking of cruising Alaska, the word epic barely does the experience justice. Here are 7 things you can expect to see.
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Online slot machines may be growing increasingly popular, yet that doesn’t mean that the world’s most exclusive, entertaining and exhilarating casinos aren’t still thriving.
Just as online slots are the flagship game for most online casinos, they are still going strong in land-based casinos with some casinos having thousands to choose from.
The casinos which have made it onto this list are for gambling fans who like to incorporate their passion for gambling with their passion for traveling; luxurious resorts which are located in breath-taking scenery, and, most importantly, feature only the best facilities and casino games.
When you think of the top casinos around the globe, straight away you’ll think of Vegas. Yet, there are plenty more locations that bucket list gamblers will want to tick off their list.
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Whether you’ve recently been on a lucky streak or just turned 21, you may be looking to hit the Vegas Strip to see how far your luck can take you.
While most of Vegas’ grandest hotels and resorts are located along the Vegas strip, it can definitely be hard to know which casino hotels are worth your time.
Any trip to Vegas requires a bit of a game plan. From finding that perfect lavish hotel room at a great rate to knowing what casinos and bets give you the best odds of walking away a winner, it pays to do a bit of research before you take on Sin City.
So if you’re ready to test out your blackjack skills or simply want to strengthen your biceps by pulling some slot handles, here are three incredible casino hotels you can throw your dollars at.
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Having recently been named one of Lonely Planet’s Top 10 cities for 2018, Canberra has been receiving a lot of hype and attention.
Rare among Australia’s large cities in that it isn’t situated along the coast, Canberra is instead flanked by wild nature reserves where iconic wildlife roams, surrounded by wine country, and picturesquely nestled alongside Australia’s highest alpine peaks.
The well thought out and completely planned city may be nearly a 2 hour’s drive from the closest beach, but we found Canberra to offer more than enough excitement within the city to keep us entertained and not needing sand beneath our feet.
With a perfectly positioned base for exploring Australia’s bush capital in Pacific Suites Canberra, go behind the political scenes and discover a beautiful city surrounded by the calls of bushland wildlife that easily drowns out the shouting of MPs!
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Whether it’s the thrill of the tumbling dice, the suspense of the spinning wheel, or the charm of how the cards might turn, for many travelers, there’s an almost mystical appeal to playing games of chance as part of their international adventures.
Casino tourism is booming, and while it’s no surprise that people holiday to gamble in destinations like Las Vegas and Macau, Mega-casino complexes have become major tourist attractions in many cities around the world.
Almost two centuries, thousands of miles and a vast ocean may separate them, but the following are two of the most iconic casino destinations in the world.
Visitors from around the globe are eager to lay down their chips and live life on the edge, amidst remarkable and unique surroundings that are guaranteed to leave a lasting memory.
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Luxury lies in simplicity. There is nothing better than arriving at the airport light handed with just a leather holdall in one hand and your tickets and a passport in the other.
But before all that, the agony of packing rarely can be escaped. How and what to pack for a luxurious getaway? This question is going to be answered today!
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“Create a oasis in the middle of desert so great that it will be confused with a mirage.”
That was the assignment given to Don Brinkerhoff, CEO of Lifescapes International, and his team for designing the landscape in the most expensive casino-hotel in history.
The client that gave the assignment was Steve Wynn, the job required to be unique, out of the ordinary and to deliver an experience beyond any customer’s expectations.
Built in 1989 at a whopping cost of $620 million (which was unheard of at the time), The Mirage introduced the concept of a destination resort to the Las Vegas Strip, and maintains its status as an icon of the Strip to this day.
Recognized as trendsetters designing resorts and hotels, casinos, we would say that Don Brinkerhoff and his team succeeded in achieving the project brief.
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There’s travel and then there’s exploration.
Exploring a destination goes well beyond hitting the top attractions and sharing a few selfies on social media. Explorers travel in order to truly learn about destinations and to then share their importance with the world. An explorer looks to protect and give back to the places they experience, not take from or leave a negative impact.
To be human is to want to explore, it’s in our blood. And nearly all of us dream of following in the footsteps of the world’s great explorers. While many of the world’s greatest expeditions are suited to the small minority who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the expedition, there is one incredible expedition that anyone can experience without having to subject themself to brutal conditions.
Antarctica remains one of the least explored and largely untouched regions of the world. But these days it is also one of the very rare expeditions that you can experience in luxury.
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It continually amazes me that Hobart manages to draw all the attention when it comes to Tasmanian travel. Yes, the city boasts the famous Salamanca Market, but try finding a parking spot on a Saturday morning and navigating around the masses of people.
Launceston on the other hand is a hidden gem located in the state’s north that has only recently begun gaining the attention it deserves. As one of Australia’s oldest cities, Launceston oozes historical charm, but blends it harmoniously with modern style and technology. Even a trip to the local post office becomes a treat.
Bringing history alive is central to Launceton’s identity, and the recent launch of Pepper’s Silo Hotel is a great example of this. A luxury hotel on the banks of the scenic Tamar River, the Mantra Group has converted the Kings Wharf grain silos into a work of accommodation art, while keeping the character and heritage of an iconic 1960’s landmark.
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The world of flying by private jet has always seemed far removed from the plans of the ordinary traveler. However, a closer look at this travel niche reveals an interesting shift over the years.
In the past, private jet travel was unfathomable for the overwhelming majority of people. Individuals who flew by private jet owned a private jet. The proliferation of private jet charter however has expanded the pool of private jet travelers (you can see an example of private jet charter options here).
If you’ve been considering flying by private jet, it’s important to note the differences between private and commercial flights. We have listed the 6 most profound differences here.
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With cutting edge architecture, high class shopping, and a corporate district which has contributed to the city becoming Germany’s largest economic center, Dusseldorf is a fantastic destination for those seeking luxury.
The combination of the beautiful Rhine river against a posh and modern metropolis makes this a perfect base for a luxury getaway, and even if you’re traveling for business, the city offers plenty of opportunity to be pampered in your free time.
There are fashion and trade shows, a range of wellness oases, a sophisticated nightlife, and exclusive hotels that convey the luxury lifestyle usually saved for the pages of a glossy magazine. The following are 4 ways to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle in Dusseldorf.
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St. Lucia is one of the gems of the Caribbean, and it has plenty of beautiful accommodation for visitors. Look forward to a stay at one of these six resorts while vacationing on the island.
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Imagine having a personal assistant with you on a luxurious trip, but instead of taking care of business matters, that person is there to make it memorable.
If you’ve never considered hiring a personal butler service for your travels, you may not know what you’re missing! The following are 6 different things a butler can take care of for you!
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When it comes to eco accommodation, there are eco lodges; the type that offer rustic accommodation in pristine natural surrounds, and then there are eco lodges; architectural gems so sleek and sophisticated, it’s easy to forget that they’re good for the environment. The newly launched Coastal Pavilions at Freycinet Lodge are the latter.
Ecotourism is thriving in Tasmania, and Freycinet Lodge has long been the sweetheart of the tourism scene. Nestled within Freycinet National Park, it offers one of the most unique locations for accommodation in Australia, with the ethos of looking after the environment first, and then the guests who come to appreciate it.
But their nine new pavilions have completely redefined what an eco lodge could be. Extending the current values and experience, innovative architecture seamlessly blends nature with accommodation in a way we have never before seen.
Blurring the lines between inside and out, a stay here is an immersive experience which draws the wilderness in, while not sacrificing on luxury or comfort. And we’re absolutely loving it!
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Thailand has become one of the popular countries in the world for travelers seeking affordable luxury, with everything from 5 star hotels, to Michelin star restaurants, and private luxury villas available for less.
Budget travelers and backpackers can often get by in Thailand for US $25 per day, but most of us have a lot more to spend. And what might get you a 3 star hotel in some of the world’s more expensive cities like London, Paris, or New York, can often translate into a stay in a million dollar villa in Phuket.
A country that offers some of the best value for the money, a trip to Thailand gives everyday travelers the unique opportunity to shoot higher than 5 star hotels, and as such, private luxury villas have become the trend.
Think incredible locations, infinity pools, state of the art kitchens, and the exclusivity of your own residence; antique furniture, elegant interiors, and tropical gardens with day beds.
But what’s more affordable than staying in a private luxury villa in Thailand? Not having to pay for it!!
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There’s definitely something romantic about the idea of a round the world adventure of a lifetime. Our last RTW took in 11 countries over 6 continents, 13 flights, and 35,000 miles … for cheaper than the cost of having purchased each leg individually!
Almost equally as entertaining as the trip itself, were people’s reactions when they asked where we were going next. It was quite a mouthful, but I eventually managed to run off Sydney, Singapore, Cape Town, Istanbul, Venice, Vienna, Barcelona, Cancun, Panama City, Buenos Aires, Auckland, and back to Sydney, all in one breath!
For us, this was the perfect balance of romance and adventure, and we managed to include a huge number of bucket-list experiences like cage diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa, and swimming with Whale Sharks in Cancun, all into the one trip.
If you’ve ever thought about booking an around the world ticket, it’s an incredible option with endless possibilities. The following overview will help you decide if booking a RTW fare is right for you.
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Travelling around Europe on a cruise is breathtaking. Having chosen to travel by ship, you can visit and stop at great spots along Mediterranean Sea, and / or float down some of the most famous rivers in the world while enjoying the passing sights of both major cities and delightful, small towns and villages.
Discover medieval castles, cathedrals and palaces during sightseeing stops, and wander through fantastic cities during daily shore excursions; the fabulous thing about taking a European cruise being no flights or stressful transit involved.
However like all travel, the biggest challenge is deciding which cruise you want to do. So to help, here are a couple of your options when choosing a European cruise.
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The travel industry is changing, and so too are mindsets and expectations of the every day traveler. Where the 5 star hotel was once the luxury experience that we all craved, experiences are now edging towards more relaxed vacations where wellness, independence and privacy are prioritized.
So it’s no surprise that luxury villas have become the trend, tempting travelers with offers of exotic locations, private beach access, and personal chefs.
For the traveler eager to avoid crowded swimming pools, expensive food, and the general busyness that a hotel atmosphere brings, here are 5 reasons that should convince you to choose a luxury villa rental for your next trip.
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