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Relax at The Calile

From the moment I was scooped up from Brisbane Airport in The Calile’s very own custom Range Rover, I knew I was in for a stay dripping with luxury and style. I mean, nothing says, “I’ve arrived” quite like reclining in air-conditioned leather after sitting next to the gum-smacker and aggressive screen-tapper on the flight over.

Rolling up to the hotel, I was met with soft pink hues, breezy archways, and staff who somehow managed to be both effortlessly cool and incredibly attentive. I immediately vowed to become one of these impossibly chic people – or at least pretend to be one for the next 12 hours.

As soon as I got to my room, I headed straight for the balcony to spot my first look at the iconic pool. Which was also my first stop as soon as I had unpacked.

The water was the perfect temperature; refreshing but not “gasp-and-lose-your-dignity” cold. Lined with striped loungers and fringed umbrellas, it felt like I’d stumbled into a Slim Aarons photoshoot. I ordered a cocktail (classic marg of course), threw on my best “I refuse to look at my emails” face, and let the book I was reading whisk me away.

Before I knew it, the sun was setting and dinner at Hellenika was beckoning; I couldn’t wait for a feast of Greek decadence. The saganaki? A bubbling, golden masterpiece. The pastitsio? So gooey and bechamel-y that I wondered if it would ruin normal lasagne for me forever. I washed it all down with another marg (when on assignment, am I right?) and left feeling deeply satisfied and only slightly regretful about my much-too-full-stomach.

And as I flopped onto my crisp linen-clad bed, I thought: “I could get used to this.” Then I immediately checked my bank balance and laughed. Ah well, it was worth every penny.

NZSki’s Superpass has just landed

Ski bunnies and après enthusiasts, rejoice. NZSki has just dropped the ultimate winter game-changer: the Superpass. This bad boy gives you access to 10 of New Zealand’s most iconic ski resorts with just one pass. That’s right, no more agonising over which mountain to conquer. Now, you can chase the best powder across the country without a care in the world.

The Superpass covers some of New Zealand’s best slopes, including Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt, plus a handful of other winter wonderlands from Auckland to Canterbury. But wait, you thought that was it?

Feeling a little après over actual skiing? You can swap your day pass for credit on over 60 après activities, think hot tubs, fine dining, and adventure experiences. It’s basically a golden ticket for snow lovers who also appreciate a bit of luxury (guilty).

Not only is this Superpass a milestone for winter tourism, it also means more freedom, more fun, and fewer commitment issues when booking your ski trip. Like, it’s never been easier to ski, stargaze, and soak in a hot tub – all in one day.

So Aussies, if you’ve been stalking snow forecasts and dreaming of your next winter escape, consider this your sign. Grab a Superpass, chase the snow, and swap ski boots for champagne whenever the mood strikes.

Get a Sak Yant tattoo

Ever wanted to get a tattoo so exclusive, so spiritually powerful, that even Steven Seagal would nod in solemn approval? Well, Anantara Siam Bangkok has you covered, literally. The luxury hotel has teamed up with the legendary Arjan Neng, the go-to Sak Yant master for A-listers, to offer an experience that’ll leave you with a tattoo, an ancient blessing and some serious mystic coolness.

Forget your run-of-the-mill, “I got this in Khao San Road after way too many Singha’s” ink job. Sak Yant is the real deal: an ancient Thai tradition where sacred symbols are etched into your skin with a steel needle (Khem Sak, if you’re feeling fancy) while Buddhist prayers and mantras are chanted over you. Protection? Check. Good fortune? Double-check. A guaranteed icebreaker at parties? You bet.

Arjan Neng, whose past clientele includes Brooke Shields, Ryan Phillippe, and yes, the one and only Seagal, personally consults with each guest to determine which design best suits their spiritual needs.

Whether you opt for the classic inked Sak Yant, the invisible oil version (because stealth magic is a thing), or just a blessing without the commitment, this is more than just body art.
Starting at THB 20,000++, this exclusive experience is available by appointment only at Anantara Siam.

So, if you’ve ever wanted a tattoo that comes with divine backing, now’s your chance. Just be ready for the universe to take notice.

Enjoy a night at Trailborn Grand Canyon

Gone are the days when dusty motels and outdated lodges ruled the American highway system. Trailborn Grand Canyon has officially landed in Williams, Arizona, and it’s bringing a whole lot of swagger to the gateway of one of the world’s most beloved national parks. Think Route 66 retro vibes, modern comforts, and just the right amount of Wild West weirdness to make your stay unforgettable.

Williams, a town known for its vintage diners, neon signs, and trainloads of tourists chugging their way to the Grand Canyon, just got a serious upgrade. Trailborn has taken an old motor lodge and given it a full glow-up; 96 freshly redesigned rooms with velvet headboards (fancy), leather-stitched lamps (rustic-chic), and Bluetooth radios because what’s a road trip without the perfect playlist?

And let’s talk about Miss Kitty’s. Every road trip deserves a good steakhouse with a name that sounds straight out of a cowboy soap opera, and Trailborn has a doozy. This soon-to-open eatery will serve up southwestern grill favourites with a side of nostalgia and handcrafted cocktails (proper hydration is key in the desert).

Of course, Trailborn is also all about the adventure. Whether you’re here for the epic hikes, stargazing, helicopter rides, or just trying to survive a round of Wild West Bingo at Camp Hall, they’ve got you covered. And if you needed one more reason to book, a portion of your stay helps preserve the Grand Canyon so technically, this is a philanthropic holiday. Do you reckon we could claim it on tax?

Minecraft-ify your New Zealand holiday

Pack your virtual backpacks and sharpen those pickaxes, because Aotearoa New Zealand has officially entered the Minecraft multiverse.

That’s right, our mates over at Tourism New Zealand have teamed up with Warner Bros. and Mojang Studios to bring us a world-first: a full-blown New Zealand DLC for Minecraft. Translation for the game-challenged? You can now paddle a waka through Abel Tasman, spelunk glowworm caves in Waitomo, and stargaze in Tekapo — all without leaving your gaming chair.

This pixel-perfect paradise isn’t just about sightseeing, it’s an interactive playground brimming with Māori culture, native wildlife, and adrenaline-pumping adventure. Fancy a digital deep dive into Māori traditions? Want to get lost (without actually getting lost) in the misty fjords of Doubtful Sound? Done. You can even jam out to the ancient sounds of taonga pūoro while plotting your next quest.

And here’s the best bit, if you fall in love with blocky New Zealand (which you will), you can turn those pixels into plane tickets with the real-life 100% Pure Minecraft Itinerary. Because why stop at virtual bungy jumping when you can do the real thing?

Launching just in time for A Minecraft Movie (filmed in NZ and starring Jason Momoa and Jack Black), this DLC is your chance to explore Middle-Earth 2.0 before booking the adventure IRL. New Zealand: now available in 4K and 8-bit.

Hop aboard the newly rebranded Canyon Spirit

All aboard, train lovers, scenery junkies, and anyone who enjoys sipping wine while gliding through jaw-dropping landscapes without a care in the world. Say hello to Canyon Spirit, the fresh new identity of what was formerly Rocky Mountaineer’s U.S. operation. Same posh seats, same world-class service, just with a snazzier name and a longer itinerary. And boy, have they delivered.

Starting in 2026, Canyon Spirit’s Rockies to the Red Rocks route is getting a glow-up, extending all the way to Salt Lake City, Utah. That’s right: three days of red rocks, river canyons, and rugged beauty, punctuated by overnight stops in Glenwood Springs (hello, hot springs) and Moab (adventure capital of the Southwest).

Unless your usual commute includes a team of ultra-attentive hosts, riveting historic storytelling of Wild West lore and outlaw antics, and a menu packed with locally sourced delights paired with top-notch regional wines, this isn’t your typical train ride. From the Colorado River’s winding embrace to the vast Great Basin’s epic sprawl, this route is serving up nature’s greatest hits on a silver platter.

For just US$2,123 (plus tax), you can experience the Canyon Spirit magic, complete with overnight stays and enough scenic splendour to max out your camera roll (and make everyone super jealous back home). Book your seat now, because come April 21, 2026, the train is leaving the station – with or without you (but preferably with).

Explore the London Tunnels underground network

Deep beneath the streets of London lies a vast warren of tunnels that have seen more drama than a West End soap opera. Originally built during World War II as air-raid shelters, because getting bombed from above was very inconvenient, these tunnels quickly pivoted into something far more James Bond-esque.

They became the HQ for the Special Operations Executive, the ultra-secret wartime group responsible for all sorts of sneaky espionage. Later, the tunnels were used as a Cold War telephone exchange, featuring a direct hotline between the White House and the Kremlin; nothing says “world peace” like a little subterranean chit-chat.

Now, after decades of being forgotten like an old pair of socks behind the sofa, these tunnels are finally getting their glow-up. Soon, they’ll be transformed into London’s newest must-see attraction, complete with immersive historical exhibits, high-tech digital experiences, and – wait for it – an underground bar. C’mon, who doesn’t want to learn about history and sip a cocktail at the same time? Especially when it’s 30 metres below street level.

This attraction is the perfect chance to explore a part of London that’s been off-limits for years, and let’s be honest – who doesn’t want to feel like a spy creeping through secret tunnels?

So, whether you’re a history buff, a thrill-seeker, or just someone who likes their drinks served in ridiculously cool locations, the London Tunnels are about to become the place to be…in 2028.

Fountain of Brewth

I’m standing in the middle of a Slovenian town, holding a sleek little glass with a microchip in it, and I’ve just poured myself a beer, from a fountain. Let me repeat that slowly for those at the back still sipping lukewarm lager from a can: A beer fountain. In a public park. Flowing not with water, but with glorious, hoppy, golden nectar straight from the taps of local Slovenian breweries. Žalec, you beautiful, boozy genius.

Why every town on Earth hasn’t adopted this idea is beyond me. Libraries? Nice. Museums? Great. But a communal beer-dispensing installation in the local park? Now that’s culture.

They call it the Green Gold Beer Fountain, which sounds like something a leprechaun might bathe in, but it’s actually a tribute to the hops that grow in abundance in this region. The Styrian region of Slovenia has been growing hops since the Middle Ages, and Žalec, the self-proclaimed hop capital, thought: “You know what this history needs? A public drinking installation.”

You pay a few euros for this specially designed glass with a built-in chip (because it’s 2025 and even your pint glass is smarter than you), and you get six pours of different local brews straight from the futuristic beer taps poking out of polished steel columns. It’s like a high-tech pagan shrine dedicated to lager. I bow.

First pour: a crisp pilsner that makes my tastebuds do a little jig. Second: a punchy IPA that drops a hop bomb bigger than David Hasslehoff! I’m only two drinks in and already questioning everything I know about urban planning (in all honesty I don’t know much). Why do we have public fountains spitting out chlorinated water when they could be gently burping out craft beer instead?

The locals stroll past like this is the most normal thing in the world. There’s a pensioner reading a newspaper on a bench while a couple in matching Lycra refill their glasses post-bike ride. A man walks his dog with one hand and pulls a lager with the other.

“Respect!” I say, raising my glass to cheers him.  He gives me a look as if to say “another overexcited tourist.”

Of course, I try them all. One beer has hints of caramel and smoke. Another is so light and citrusy I swear I hear tropical birds chirping in my ears. This isn’t just a gimmick, it’s seriously good beer. By my fourth pour, I’m contemplating buying real estate in Žalec. By the fifth, I’ve decided to start a grassroots movement to install beer fountains in every city back home. Imagine knocking off work on a Friday, strolling into the city square, tapping your glass to a gleaming steel column, and pouring a fresh lager straight into your soul. Heaven. Urban bliss. Social cohesion, one pour at a time.

By my sixth (and tragically final) beer, I’m genuinely emotional. I mean, sure, Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Sydney has the Opera House, and New York has almost everything (I love New York), but Žalec? Žalec has a beer fountain, and frankly, it wins. Every town deserves this. Every town needs this. Forget potholes and traffic congestion—give the people what they want: beer on tap in the heart of the city. A place to gather, to taste, to toast, and to tell your mates, “You’ll never believe what I found in Slovenia…”

And then, with a sly grin and a clink of your chipped-glass goblet, you tell them: “It was a beer fountain.”

EYRE.WAY’s newest cabin opens

Everyone’s fave eco-conscious cabin company, EYRE.WAY, has just dropped its third off-grid tiny home, and it’s called Bandari.

Tucked away on the coastal cliffs of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Bandari is as close to the ocean as you can get without turning into a mermaid. Think sweeping ocean views, pristine native flora, and a cabin that’s basically a hug for your soul, wrapped in timber, terracotta, and all the earthy tones your Pinterest board could ever need.

But this isn’t your average tiny home; it’s a luxurious, sustainable, eco-conscious retreat powered entirely by solar batteries (what?!?) Inside, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a cosy lounge that turns into a dreamy double bed, and premium bedding so soft you’ll wonder if you’ve just snuck into the clouds.

You’ll also find all the modern comforts – reverse-cycle air, instant hot water, and high-speed WiFi – meaning you can escape the hustle, but still scroll on TikTok before bedtime.

With Bandari, EYRE.WAY is flexing its sustainable muscles again, following the smashing success of its siblings, Maldhi and Yambara. Co-founders Amanda and Tim Hogg have managed to create a space where you can truly disconnect and live your best, eco-chic life.

Just a heads up, you’ll never want to leave, but that’s exactly the point. Book your stay now, this view isn’t going to ‘gram itself.

AutoCamp’s newest creation is here

Gather ‘round, glampers! AutoCamp has done it again and this time, it’s planted its ultra-chic flag just 15 minutes from Sequoia National Park in the adorably named town of Three Rivers. You’re about to be neighbours with literal giants (hello, General Sherman, the world’s largest tree) while still getting your beauty sleep on high-thread-count sheets.

With 85 accommodations ranging from Classic Airstreams to Vista Suites with the best views, Explorer Suites with bonus amenities, and even Bunk Rooms for your whole adventure squad, there’s a plush nest for every type of outdoor-ish traveller. And if you’re not into trailers, no worries. They’ve got cabins, luxe tents, and even a heated pool for when you need a break from “roughing it”.

There’s even a Clubhouse where mid-century modern meets marshmallow roasting, featuring lounge areas, fire pits, and a bar. There’s also The Kitchen, slinging hot meals daily from 7 AM to 10 PM (because no one should have to ration granola bars), plus a General Store packed with s’mores kits, trail snacks, and local booze.

For the active crowd, expect hiking, spelunking, fly fishing, and kayaking, plus complimentary bikes to zoom around like you own the place. Oh, and if you’re thinking of hosting a wedding, retreat, or cult meeting (just kidding… mostly), their event spaces are downright dreamy.

Bottom line? AutoCamp Sequoia is the cool kid’s basecamp for exploring nature without surrendering your dignity (or your WiFi connection). See you in the trees.