Ultimate Australia Top End and Fiji Island Escape

Overlooking Darwin harbour and in the heart of the city, Mantra on Esplanade is in a prime location with panoramic views across the waterfront. The hotel has a variety of rooms and apartments to choose from as well as the Penthouse Suite, all with modern decor and bright furnishings that draw on the tropical Darwin surroundings. The apartments each feature a private balcony and a fully-equipped kitchen. The hotel has welcoming communal spaces including a lagoon-style swimming pool and an onsite beauty salon with pampering treatments. In the evenings enjoy fine dining at the hotels Finz Restaurant and Bar or head down the road to Mitchell Street – the city’s restaurant precinct. A short drive from the hotel will see you at some of the biggest attractions and sites of the area including the Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park and Katherine Gorge.        

With over two decades of experience in this harsh, vast but stunning wilderness, Lord’s Safaris arrange incredible tailored tours based out of an exclusive camp in Kakadu. The camp, basic but functional, has space for 12 guests, but it is also possible to arrange entirely private safaris. The tents themselves are permanent structures with floors, beds, doors and solar fans and lights. Exploring the region in a 4WD vehicle, you’ll get to discover some of Australia’s most important cultural heritage and stunning vistas, a patchwork of deserts, wildlife rich billabongs and waterfalls. Arnhem Land is a place where the Aboriginal culture thrives, and, having cultivated relationships with the local people, you can experience this ancient way of life in a uniquely close way with privileged access. You’ll be shown incredible rock art sites, some 8000 years old, by Aboriginal guides and meet craftspeople for an unparalleled insight into their ancient way of life. You can also swim in cool creeks, go birdwatching, head out on boat rides and take scenic hikes up rocky escarpments. Tours range in length from two days to two weeks, often with stays at lodges such as Bamurru Plains.

A luxury bush camp on the vast floodplains of the Northern Territory, Bamurra Plains is a wonderful way to experience this unique and beautiful landscape. Set within 300km2 of private land to the west of Kakudu National Park, guests will enjoy access to miles of undisturbed coastal floodplains, savannah woodland and paperbark swamps. Reconnecting with nature needn’t mean going back to basics, and ten safari-style bungalows ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay. Each bungalow overlooks the floodplains and features mesh walls so you can hear, see and almost touch the wildlife and wilderness that surrounds you. Décor reflects the region’s indigenous, hunting and pastoral history with buffalo horns, explorer maps, Aboriginal art and old photographs adorning the walls. Each bungalow comes with a species list so you can identify the animals that wander past. The largest Kingfisher suite features a generous living space and enough room for extra beds, making it a great option for adventurous families. With no internet access, TV or mobile signal, switching off has never been easier and you’ll soon find yourself tuning in to the sounds of the bush as you drift off to sleep. Dining at Bamurru Plains is a real treat, with locally sourced produce used to create a menu that is authentic yet contemporary. Meals are served in the wildlife observation deck and there is a self-service bar which guests are welcome to use. In this sanctuary of flora and fauna lives a vast, thriving eco system which includes many species of bird hiding in the swamps and savannah woodlands. Enjoy the heights amongst the tree tops when you settle down to an evening in The Hide while those who love to fish are encouraged to embark on a river fishing or airboat fishing excursion.

The Langham boasts unforgettable views of the beautiful Sydney Harbour and enjoys a quaint location among cobbled streets and the old architecture of the historic Rocks district. Rooms are spacious with high ceilings, large windows flooding them with natural light and letting in the warm Australian sunshine. Some rooms come with a balcony from which you can enjoy views of the iconic Sydney cityscape. Stop by the sophisticated Palm Court bar for an expertly mixed cocktail and vistas of the Western Harbour, before enjoying dinner at Bistrot Remy, boasting a contemporary menu that makes the most of Australia’s finest produce. Guests can also enjoy a decadent afternoon tea served on fine Wedgwood china, along with a glass of champagne. The underground spa is an oasis of calm while the health club, indoor swimming pool and tennis court are great for those who like to stay active while on holiday.

The Park Hyatt is found in the historic district of The Rocks with views of the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Interiors are modern with a contemporary and clean design. Rooms have a neutral colour scheme of chocolate and cream, naturally-textured fabrics and soft lighting ensures rooms are bright and calm. Specially commissioned paintings and artwork from prominent Australian artists adorn the walls. At the Dining Room, the hotel’s signature restaurant, diners are treated to spectacular vistas of the harbour while enjoying a French-inspired menu. The Living Room has a more relaxed atmosphere while The Bar is a stylish location in which to enjoy fine wine, cocktails and live music. For those looking to relax and let go, indulge in a treatment at the spa or take a dip in the waters of the rooftop pool after working out at the fitness centre.

Spicers Potts Point is an intimate boutique hotel on a picturesque avenue in the affluent central suburb of Potts Point. Created from three handsome Victorian terrace houses, airy, light-filled interiors and artworks by Australian artists Martine Emdur and Keith Burt create a calm, welcoming space. The 16 rooms and four suits are all luxuriously appointed, some featuring their own terrace areas, with rain showers, Bose sound systems and modern fittings. Breakfast can be taken in the garden room and while there’s no restaurant here, after evening cocktail and canapés at the bar, you can head out into Potts Point to discover some of Sydney’s best restaurants and cafés. The Royal Botanical Gardens, The Art Gallery of NSW, Circular Quay and the Sydney Opera House are all also close by. The hotel has also partnered with several local restaurants if you are after in-room dining, and complimentary gym and yoga facilities are just a 50 metre walk away.

The beautiful port city of Sydney plays host to the luxury Shangri-La Hotel located in the historic Rocks district. The rooms are both contemporary in design and spacious in size, soundproof windows ensuring you get the perfect night’s sleep. Guests are treated to breathtaking panoramas, views covering both the iconic Sydney Opera House as well as the vast expanse of the Harbour Bridge. After a day of exploring the city, nothing beats coming back and sitting down for a bite to eat at the world-class Altitude Restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a beautiful backdrop as you enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine and world-class wines. The Café Mix offers all-day dining with a menu of Asian classics with a twist. For some of best views of the city, head to Blu Bar on 36 where the sparkling lights of Darling Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House are laid out before you. The health and wellness centre provides you with everything you need to unwind. Sink into the Jacuzzi, indulge in a treatment at the spa, take a dip in the indoor pool or stick to your usual routine in the full-equipped gym.

With its perfect location in the heart of the city, the Four Seasons offers fantastic panoramas and proximity to landmark attractions such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. Rooms and suites are decorated in contemporary grand-luxe style, with big windows that look out over the Sydney skyline. In the larger suites, guests are treated to full harbour views that show the city in all its glory. Enjoy contemporary Australian cuisine at Mode Kitchen and Bar where locally-sourced produce is served in a relaxed bistro-style environment. Head to the Grain for craft beers, organic wine and a selection of expertly mixed cocktails. After a day of exploring, relax and unwind at the hotel spa or take a dip in the outdoor pool. For those who like to stay active on holiday, there is a fitness centre with the latest equipment while the sauna and Jacuzzi act as soothing tonics. The Four Seasons is close to Sydney’s vibrant shopping districts as well as operating as the ideal spot from which to begin your adventures in the surrounding Port Jackson region.

Likuliku means ‘calm waters’ in the Malolo dialect, and this retreat in the Mananuca Islands is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Historically the lagoon provided a safe harbour for war canoes during rough weather, but today it is a refuge for those seeking the ultimate island getaway. There are 45 bures built using natural materials with traditional Fijian design touches such as hand-woven coconut husk artwork and palm internal thatching. 35 of the bures have direct access to the beach, 18 of which also feature a plunge pool. These beachfront bures have day beds, a private courtyard and outdoor shower. For something really special, there are ten over-water bures which sit above the sparkling waters of the South Pacific. Dishes at the al-fresco restaurant are fresh, clean and creative with a focus on local seafood and tropical fruits. You can choose to dine at the beachside decks beneath the restaurant for something more intimate or enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach. All meals are included with your stay. You are surrounded by pristine waters and you can swim, snorkel and dive to your heart’s content. There is also the option to fish, visit the local villages, go island hopping, take a dip in the pool, or relax in the Tatadra Spa, which fitingly translates as ‘house of dreams’.