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Light up at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light

Alice Springs is about to glow up – again. Parrtjima – A Festival in Light is back from April 4 to 13, 2025, ready to transform the Red Centre into a neon dreamscape where ancient culture meets mind-blowing tech. If you’re imagining Mother Nature herself getting a high-voltage makeover, you’re on the right track.

It only makes sense that this year’s theme is Timelessness. Because Aboriginal art, storytelling, and culture have been thriving for over 65,000 years which, fun fact, is longer than your phone battery lasts. Expect massive, trippy light installations casting their magic across the MacDonnell Ranges, alongside stories that have been passed down through generations. So, yes, it’s stunning, but also deeply meaningful.

And it’s not just about the pretty lights (although they help). The Darwin Symphony Orchestra will be throwing an epic live performance under the stars, teaming up with Indigenous musicians to create a musical fusion that’s a little classical, lots of didgeridoo, and 100% goosebump-inducing. Then there’s Troy Cassar-Daley kicking off the fest with a free concert on April 5 – what a legend.

Feeling artsy? Swing by the Buy Blak Market for some incredible Indigenous crafts, or, if you’re in the mood for a laugh, check out the festival’s first-ever Indigenous comedy night. Who knew the desert could be this hilarious?

So, grab your mates, charge your phone (you’ll need it for all the Insta-worthy moments), and get ready for the most electrifying event in the Outback. Parrtjima 2025 is about to light up your life, literally.

The new-look wellbeing sanctuary at Bawah Reserve

Bawah Reserve, the ultra-remote, eco-luxe paradise that’s only accessible by private seaplane (because of course it is), just got even more indulgent. Enter the newly expanded Aura Wellbeing Sanctuary, a jungle-hidden oasis where sweating, freezing, and feeling absolutely blissed-out are all on the itinerary.

This isn’t your average spa upgrade. It’s a full-blown contrast therapy playground, designed to have you alternating between fiery heat and ice-cold refreshment like a true wellness warrior. Start in the Red Salt Sauna, where temperatures climb to a toasty 82°C, melting away toxins and stress like butter on a Bawah beach. Or opt for the Steam Room, a pore-purifying, muscle-relaxing misty haven set at a gentle 38°C (that’s still hot to us) or a sweat-dripping 48°C for the hardcore detoxers.

Then, just when you’re feeling all warm and fuzzy, it’s time for the Polar Room; a brisk 16°C sensory jolt that wakes up circulation, tightens skin, and reminds you what being truly alive feels like. And if you want to take things to the next level, the Ice Plunge Pool at a frosty 12°C delivers the ultimate endorphin rush, soothing sore muscles and leaving you buzzing with post-chill euphoria.

With Bawah’s signature all-inclusive spa treatments already part of the package, the new Aura Sanctuary is just the cherry on top of an already ridiculously dreamy retreat. Detox, retox, repeat because sweating in paradise has never looked this good.

Relax on a Hot Tub Boat

Fancy lounging in a bubbling cauldron of blissful warmth, cruising the serene waters of Seattle’s Lake Union with the iconic skyline playing peekaboo in the distance? Well, don’t we have the buoyant boat for you.

These floating jacuzzis are the brainchild of Hot Tub Boats, offering a unique blend of relaxation and adventure. Each vessel is equipped with joystick navigation, making it super easy to steer – no captain’s licence needed. And let’s not forget the onboard Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to curate the perfect soundtrack to your aquatic escapade.

Worried about the weather? Fear not! Rain or shine, summer or winter, these hot tub boats maintain a toasty 104 degrees, ensuring your comfort as you drift past Seattle’s floating homes and bustling houseboats. It’s like soaking in your bathtub, except your bathroom is now a panoramic cityscape, and your rubber ducky has been upgraded to a majestic seaplane taking off nearby.

And if you’re feeling peckich, each boat comes with a cooler stocked with canned water. You’re also welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages. Just remember, while the lake is your oyster, glass containers are a no-go because, the environment and all that.

So, gather your crew (up to six of your closest friends) and embark on a two-hour tour that will make every single one of your Insta ‘friends’ jealous. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just need an excuse to wear that expensive swimsuit you bought in public, Hot Tub Boats provides an unforgettable experience that combines the best of spa luxury with the freedom of the open water.

Ink & Drink

Ever fancied wielding a tattoo machine but feared your mates might not appreciate your artistic flair permanently etched on their skin? Enter Ink & Drink, where you can unleash your inner tattoo artist without any lifelong consequences. Think of it as a ‘paint and sip’ night but with a rebellious twist, swapping paintbrushes for tattoo guns and canvases for synthetic skin.

Located in various Aussie hotspots like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, Ink & Drink offers a two-hour escapade into the world of tattoo artistry. Under the guidance of seasoned professionals, you’ll learn the basics of tattooing, all while sipping on your favourite BYO beverages. Yes, you read that right, it’s BYO. So whether you’re a wine connoisseur or a beer enthusiast, just bring your fave beverage and off you go.

And the sessions are designed for everyone from the ones who can’t draw a stick figure to budding artists. It all starts with a quick tutorial before diving straight into inking designs onto vegan-friendly synthetic skin (better give that alcohol-induced courage time kick in).

If you’re looking for a night out that’s far from ordinary, this place is the go to. Gather your mates, grab your drinks, and get ready to swap your paintbrush for a tattoo gun. Just remember, what happens at Ink & Drink stays at Ink & Drink… unless you decide to show off your masterpiece.

SnowsBest Women’s Heli Skiing Week

Ladies, it’s time to swap the mundane for the mountainous and elevate your ski game, literally. SnowsBest has teamed up with Travelplan Ski Holidays to present the Women’s Heli Skiing Week (AKA your new fave week ever), scheduled for March 31 to April 5, 2026.

But this isn’t your average ski trip, it’s more of a high-flying, powder-chasing adventure designed exclusively for 29 women who are ready to conquer Canada’s backcountry and indulge in some serious après-ski camaraderie (sign us the hell up).

You’ll be whisked away by a helicopter to untouched slopes of the Monashees Mountains where the only tracks will be the ones you and your fellow shredders carve. Whether you’re a seasoned powder hound or a confident intermediate skier looking to up your game, this trip is tailored to suit your skills and thirst for adventure.

It’s not just about the skiing though. This week is a celebration of female empowerment in the great outdoors. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded women (including SnowsBest.com founder Rachael Oakes-Ash) who share your passion for the mountains, creating an environment that’s as supportive as it is exhilarating. And let’s not forget the après-ski sessions where stories of the day’s triumphs (and tumbles) are shared over a well-deserved glass of wine.

Safety is paramount, and you’ll be guided by experienced professionals who know the terrain like the back of their hand. They’ll ensure you’re not only having the time of your life but doing so with the utmost regard for safety and environmental stewardship.

So, if you’re ready to take your skiing to new heights and forge unforgettable memories with a tribe of adventurous women, the Women’s Heli Skiing Week is calling your name. Dust off your gear, practice your powder turns, and prepare for a week that’s bound to be super empowering.

Have a drink at Charm’d Irish Pop-up Bar

Charm’d Irish Bar in Chicago isn’t just your average pop-up watering hole; you better leave your expectations at the Elphaba-fied door because this patriotic bar is an experience.

Step inside and it’s like someone took every inch of Irish pub kitsch, cranked it up to eleven, and slapped it on the walls. Either that or the guys behind Charm’d found a leprechaun, gave it too many sweet treats, took it for a spin on the Maxx Force coaster and let it throw up its guts all over the place in the name of ‘décor’.

You’ll find neon shamrocks, garish green everything, and enough Guinness memorabilia to make you wonder if you’ve accidentally wandered into a leprechaun’s bachelor pad (you probably have). Think of it as a visual assault of whimsy and chaos, where no square inch is left unadorned with something zany.

But let’s talk drinks. Charm’d knows what it’s doing behind the bar. The beer selection is stout-heavy (duh), with plenty of local craft options thrown in for good measure. Whether you’re sinking a pint of Guinness or sipping a cheeky Irish whiskey, you’ll be toasting to the fact that this bar is unapologetically Irish.

If you’re feeling adventurous, order one of their over-the-top cocktails like the “Pot O’ Gold,” a sugary concoction that’ll leave you questioning your life choices in the best way possible. And the jello shots? Well, let’s just say they come in a rainbow of colours, likely made to match the colour wheel of Ireland itself.

But let’s be real: it’s not just about the drinks. It’s about the vibe. The music’s loud, the energy’s wild and the people are as rowdy as a stag party in Dublin. So, grab a drink, let the madness sweep you away, and try not to spill it on your shamrock-covered shirt.

DATALAND

Los Angeles, prepare to have your minds blown and your retinas dazzled; DATALAND is coming. Opening in 2025 at The Grand LA, this isn’t a museum where you shuffle past oil paintings and nod thoughtfully while trying to figure out how people actually make sense of this stuff.

No, DATALAND is an electrified fever dream of human imagination fused with the wild possibilities of artificial intelligence. It’s the world’s first Museum of AI Arts, and it’s here to make your neural circuits do cartwheels (in a terrifying but secretly excited for all of this tech pioneering kinda way).

Brought to life by the digital sorcerer himself, Refik Anadol, and his partner in creative genius, Efsun Erkılıç, DATALAND is a swirling, data-driven utopia. Expect immersive experiences, mind-bending visuals, possibly an existential crisis about what it means to be human, and AI-generated wonders that will make you question reality.

This place is a playground where technology, creativity, and big ideas collide. With AI as your co-pilot, you’ll dive into massive datasets transformed into hypnotic digital tapestries, proving once and for all that math can be sexy.

Los Angeles has always been a city of dreamers, and now, those dreams are powered by algorithms. So, whether you’re an art geek, a tech nerd, someone who loves a good light show or anyone with a functioning pair of eyeballs, DATALAND is about to hijack your imagination in the best way possible.

Visit the world’s first Museum of BBQ

Kansas City, prepare your napkins because things are about to get gloriously messy; the Museum of BBQ is setting up shop in Crown Center. Officially opening in Spring 2025 (but figuratively open in our stomachs from right now), the world’s first shrine to smoked meats, saucy secrets, and pitmaster wizardry is coming to town, and it’s bringing all the sizzle.

Founded by barbecue aficionado Jonathan Bender (an Emmy-winning storyteller with a well-trained palate) and chef/butcher extraordinaire Alex Pope, this museum isn’t just a history lesson; it’s a full-on flavour experience. You’ll follow storytelling trails through the 4,223-square-foot space, exploring the essential BBQ elements: Meat, Rub/Spice, Wood, Fire, Smoke, and Sauce. It’s basically the periodic table for carnivores.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better – boom – regional rivalry enters the chat. Wander through the Carolinas, Memphis, Texas, and, of course, Kansas City, to see how each locale smokes, slathers, and serves its barbecue. You can even take a pit stop in an oversized crock of barbecued beans, because why the hell not?

You won’t even walk out empty-handed. The gift shop will be slinging regional sauces, rubs, and BBQ swag, so you can take a little smoke home with you. Plus, a tiny, whimsical preview version of the museum is already waiting at Crown Center for those too impatient to wait for the real deal.

So, fire up your excitement, KC. The Museum of BBQ is coming, and it’s bringing the meat sweats with it.

Dine with Le Petit Chef

Fancy dining with a chef so tiny, he could sauté a single pea in a thimble? This is Le Petit Chef at The London Cabaret Club, where your dinner companion stands a whopping 6 centimetres tall (proof that size doesn’t matter, especially in the kitchen).

Born in Marseille in 2015, this minuscule maestro has been wowing taste buds worldwide with his exceptional French cuisine. But don’t let his stature fool you; Le Petit Chef brings big flavours and an even bigger personality to your plate.

Using 3D projection mapping, this bite-sized buddy is projected onto your table, embarking on culinary escapades that would make even Gordon Ramsay blush. Watch in amusement as he battles lobsters and plays whack-a-mole with pesky intruders. It’s dinner theatre meets tech wizardry, with a dash of “Honey, I Shrunk the Chef.”

As you chuckle at his antics, your real-life courses arrive, mirroring the tiny chef’s virtual creations. Opt for Le Petit Chef & Friends Premium menu, and you’ll indulge in a four-course feast featuring delights like a basil and tomato salad, lobster ravioli, succulent beef tenderloin, and a matcha cheesecake that’ll have your tastebuds begging for more. And if you’re a vego, no problem. There’s a menu for you too, because even tiny chefs know the importance of inclusivity.

Put aside everything you thought you knew about a typical restaurant experience because this is definitely not that. It’s an immersive culinary adventure that combines art, technology, and a sprinkle of mischief.

So, if you’re ready to be entertained by the world’s smallest chef with the world’s biggest ego, book your table at the London Cabaret Club. Just be prepared to share the spotlight – and maybe your dessert – with a chef who proves that great things come in the finest of packages.

Float into the stratosphere with Zephalto

You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out how to get into space – Zephalto’s done it for you. But you do have to have a looooot of money (we’re talking AU$280,000 per flight kinda money).

Founded by a bunch of forward-thinking folks who decided, “Hey, why not ditch the traditional spacesuit and board a glorified hot air balloon for a stratospheric adventure?”, this company is all about making space travel more accessible (for the wealthy), but with a twist of elegance and a dash of whimsy.

Forget the claustrophobic cabin of a spaceship. Zephalto’s Celeste experience lets you gently float to the edge of space, sipping champagne while the Earth shrinks beneath you.

Like, imagine casually gliding up to 25 kilometres above the Earth for a second, and marvelling at a view so stunning that even your Instagram feed will look weak in comparison. Other people have to spend years in school to learn how to do this stuff, and all you have to do is sell a kidney.

The view is like your own personal Instagram filter, but better because it’s real. You’ll feel weightless, see the curvature of the Earth, and come back with a story so epic that it’ll make your friends’ overseas holidays look like a weekend getaway spent camping.

Zephalto’s Celeste isn’t just for thrill-seekers; it’s for anyone who wants a taste of space with none of the rocket-fuelled chaos. So, why not ditch the regular skydiving and try the ultimate high? The only thing more ridiculous than the idea is how amazing it actually is.