We are excited to welcome Saskia Moon to the alluxia team as our new Product Manager, tasked with the job of handpicking alluxia's luxury travel collection. We ask this travel industry insider to share her favourite destinations and secret gems.
alluxia: What do you love most about living in South East Queensland?
Saskia: I moved from my native The Netherlands with my Australian husband and made Brisbane my home. The heat and humidity were a bit of a shock (I remember stepping off the plane and feeling like I'd walked into a greenhouse) but now, 10 years later I have come to love it. Life happens more outdoors here compared to what I was used to and I have taken up running along the Brisbane River (with a CityCat trip back as the reward). I love the wildlife here - a possum lived on my balcony for ages and we have a resident blue tongue lizard in our garden.
What is your favourite Australian destination?
Too many to choose from! I love visiting the beach paradise of the Whitsundays, relaxing in Mission Beach, shopping and eating out in Melbourne, the stunning nature in Tasmania...but if I had to pick one it would have to be Noosa. We stay here several times a year, it's accessible from Brisbane and we love walking along Main Beach and dining out.
Your most memorable destination dining experience...
Sorrento Italy - dining at our hotel on the edge of those beautiful cliffs watching the sunset. Magical.
Your favourite beach in Australia...
Bulcock Beach in Caloundra - I love how the tides let you float along the beach without having to swim at all! The beach is always clean and never too crowded.
When friends are in town I take them for a drink at...
I have two favourites in Brisbane, Riverbar & Kitchen for its views of the Story Bridge and Stokehouse for its waterfront position at South Bank.
Couples wanting a romantic weekend away should consider...
Anywhere in the hinterland around Brisbane. Scenic Rim, Maleny, Montville, Tambourine Mountain, Springbrook - we are spoilt for choice when it comes to great winter getaways for couples. A cute cottage in the rainforest or mountains with a fireplace on those cool winter nights is just perfect.
The best breakfast spot in Brisbane is...
I always enjoy Sassafrass in Paddington, great menu and lovely garden at the back.
Your pick for a babymoon destination...
When I was 7 months pregnant my husband and I booked a babymoon on Hamilton Island. I wanted to stay in Australia, just in case I went into labour early. Hamilton Island was a great choice, so relaxing to hang out by the pool and order mocktails all day. Plus, the free shuttle busses make it super easy to get around the island and try different restaurants.
Favourite seasonal getaway - summer or winter...
My winter getaway is aspirational as I'm yet to go there, but I really want to go to Tasmania in winter, to be really cold as I bush walk and admire the beautiful scenery and then enjoy a hot chocolate (or a vino) by the warm fire.
Your favourite hidden gem...
The Eyre Peninsula is so amazing, and not many people I know have been there. Port Lincoln is the tuna capital of Australia so if you're a sashimi lover, put it on your list and don't miss the famous Coffin Bay oysters too. Then, make your way up to the Gawler Ranges. Enjoy the beautiful red dirt of the Australian outback as emus run around you, take a walk on a salt lake bigger than you can imagine and (this is the best bit) swim with the playful sea lions and dolphins in Baird Bay. Bucket list stuff and I have been lucky enough to do it twice! Something tells me I'll be back.
We look forward to seeing what other hidden gems Saskia unearths for the alluxia collection.
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