Istanbul, Turkey.

As I contently flop on the edge of the hotel bed to take off my shoes, my watch proudly tells me I have taken over 23,000 steps for the day. It’s no surprise when you are traipsing all over a lively city like Istanbul - however few have had me completely in awe of the cultures living simultaneously as they are here, plus the sensory overload of colours, smells and sounds from one side of the Bosphorus to the other.

Sydney, Australia

Brooklyn, Seattle, Portland, New York, LA, Palm Springs, Toronto, Kyoto and SYDNEY. Yes, finally we have our very own Ace Hotel in the motherland and it does not disappoint. Partnering with Fitzroy based Flac Studios to bring their signature industrial and eclectic fusion style to life in their first hotel south of the equator, I can guarantee you will don that linen robe and not want to leave.

Kyoto, Japan

There is an electric buzz in the air, a feeling of excited anticipation as we weave our way through the dimly lit laneways of Ponto-chō. White traditional curtains flow in the breeze with the sound of lively mid week diners escaping with each billow. It’s just on dusk and my belly is full of ramen noodles, the pork broth keeping me warm - the collagen cocktail fuelling my enthusiasm. Is tonight the night we get to see what we have come all this way for? A real life Geisha, in the white, ghost-like painted flesh.

Victoria, Australia

I don’t know about you, but with the state of the world at the moment - I’m fatigued. It feels relentless, like we just can’t seem to catch a break - on the nightly news bulletin, scrolling social media, during conversations with friends… though we may not personally be on the front line, it’s human nature to feel some of the weight. A weekend with your phone in flight mode and a no news policy in a new space might just be what the doctor ordered.

Milos, Greece

There are 22 countries who’s shores lap with crystal clear mediterranean water - sharing either a speck of coastline like Monaco to hundreds of islands and tiny coves weaving around the bigger players in the med like Italy, Greece and Turkey. Not forgetting their southern counterparts Egypt and Libya. 

Although all of these countries bring something different to the table (we’ll get to the literal dinner table later), particularly in their history, architecture and religion - there is one thing they do all have in common, the mediterranean way of life. 

Hobart, Tasmania

Owned by creative couple - Lauren Barton and Keith Mason, Slow Beam luxury accomodation sits high in the West Hobart hills between gum and eucalyptus trees, looking over the Derwent river. Interior Architect Sarah Trotter, as well as Architect Murray Baker and Lauren herself (an incredibly talented photographer) teamed up to create this absolutely incredible stay that you simply must put on your list.

Sifnos, Greece

The island of Sifnos is one of the smaller of the Cyclades, only just getting a real name for itself with the hordes of visitors the Greek Islands welcome each summer. Each island has a personality of its own and as the ferry pulls in to the unassuming little port of Kamares, sensing the rugged, earthy and understated vibe - you just know this island is different to the others.

Callignee, Victoria

2009’s devastating Black Saturday fires saw Callignee I burn down after owner Chris Clark had only been living there a fortnight. From the ashes came a new build, one that could not possibly endure the same fate as the original. Completely off-grid and complete with magnesium lap pool - you’ll feel a million miles away from anything if you are lucky enough to spend a night here.

Geelong, Australia.

Sourdough bagels and bloody good coffee, tucked inside Boom Gallery.