We recently attended Luxperience; an industry only event for bespoke luxury and high-end experiential travel. If you follow our Instagram feed, you'd think it was all Champagne, Canapés and fun in the harbour city and you'd be partly right, but there was a serious side to the event, namely making meaningful connections.
We experienced 3 days of appointments with sellers from around the world, sharing the latest news and travel trends with us. Here are our highlights, tips and news in luxury travel and what's hot in Australia right now!
Australia
The Anchorage
The iconic Anchorage Port Stephens has unveiled a new adults only pool to complement the impressive five star facilities including the luxurious Spa Lucca. The lobby lounge, bar and restaurants have also received a makeover. Hemmingway Bar, with its sumptuous leather armchairs and fireplace is a whiskey bar you'll want to settle in to. The Wild Herring Restaurant helmed by Michael Jenkins delivers a superior seafood experience. Book a stay at The Anchorage here.
Bedarra Island Resort
Reopened in 2013 following Cyclone Yassi, the 10-villa adults only resort is looking better than ever. The all-inclusive, private, tropical haven is barefoot luxury at it's best.
The Tasman a Luxury Hotel Collection
Due to open in June 2019 in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart in repurposed heritage buildings in Parliament Square. The Tasman will boast 128 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites with carefully restored features including original windows, floorboards and fireplaces.
Voco
New upscale brand Voco by IHG will launch in Australia with Gold Coast announced as the first location in Australia. Previously known as Watermark Hotel and Spa Gold Coast, the hotel will relaunch as voco in late 2018. voco, inspired by the meaning 'to invite' or to 'come together' in Latin, will combine the informality and charm of an individual hotel, with quality and reassurance of a global brand, according to IHG.
The Louise, Barossa Valley
In addition to Signature restaurant Appellation you can enjoy more casual eats at Bar Louise. The menu includes snacks, local charcuterie plates, club sandwiches and burgers and is open 7 days. The Louise is constantly improving and evolving and an infinity edge pool was recently introduced with more exciting developments to be announced soon. Book a stay at the Louise here.
Sea Dragon Lodge, Kangaroo Island
We discovered stunning villas on Kangaroo Island with access to a private and secluded beach. The friendly owners can arrange bespoke tours of the island too. Coming to alluxia soon.
A Taste of South Australia
Still going strong after 30 years, Mary Anne Kennedy's tailor made tours are a must for discovering all the best foodie finds in South Australia.
Truffle Lodge
Truffle Lodge opened October last year with 8 luxury tents on the banks of the Derwent River just 39km from Hobart. This luxury glamping in Tasmania is coming to alluxia soon.
International
One & Only Nyungwe House, Rawanda
Yep, you read that correctly, Rawanda is so hot right now! With the new 24-room One & Only resort opening in October, Rwanda is emerging as a new luxury destination for jetsetters.
The Farm at San Benito
After a life-changing holiday? Book a stay at The Farm at San Benito just 90 minutes from Manila Airport. With a menu that includes a plant-based whole food vegan cuisine you're bound to return refreshed and revived.
Shinta Mani Wild, Cambodia
Forbes has called it the most hotly anticipated hotel opening and the latest Bensley Collection hotel will not disappoint. Guests will zip line in to the luxury tented camp in the jungle over waterfalls in the South Cardamon National Park for a wild time. Shinta Mani Wild opens 21 December.
The Pierre New York
This luxury hotel is a landmark hotel on Fifth Avenue boasting magnificent views of Central Park. Indulge in French-American cuisine at signature restaurant Perrine in NYC or partake in the coveted afternoon tea at Two E Bar/Lounge with bites by acclaimed Pastry Chef Michael Mignano.
Thanks to the Luxperience team for arranging a spectacular event for us as a hosted media. We'd also like to thank our accommodation hosts Sofitel Darling Harbour.
