International Traveller

I love it when a travel experience exceeds your expectations. That happened to me recently when I checked into a luxury resort in the jungle north of Ubud in Bali and was completely blown away. Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape went far beyond being a beautiful place that connects you back to nature. It embodies responsible tourism in a way that is already having a ripple effect throughout the local community (read about it on page 94). This issue is a celebration of all the places – like Bali – that we love the most. The enduring destinations that Aussies keep going back to time and again. And the evolving ways we can experience them. Anabel Dean returns to Venice on page 120 to rediscover a city that has lived…

YOUR GUIDE TO BALI'S BEST BEACH CLUBS Have you even visited Bali if you didn't hit up one of its banging beach clubs? Our answer is absolutely not. Whether it's an atmospheric izakaya in Uluwatu or a beachfront bar in Seminyak, travellers to this tropical island should tick off a bucket-list beach club no matter which slice of paradise they find themselves in. New sites from UNESCO UNESCO added 24 breathtaking new places to its docket of World Heritage-listed sites in 2024. From the Royal Court of Tiébélé in Burkina Faso to Japan's Sado Island Gold Mines, each addition reflects the greatest achievements of humanity as well as nature's most remarkable creations. A star turn in New York What do Hollywood films like The Great Gatsby, Home Alone 2 and…

ROYAL WELCOME Mamounia means ‘safe haven’ in Arabic. And the rooms and suites at La Mamounia in the Moroccan city of Marrakech remain a magical place to seek shelter almost 100 years after the hotel opened. Built on the grounds of an 18th-century palace, La Mamounia is layered with rich Moorish design flourishes such as intricate tiles, sumptuous fabrics and hand-painted wooden ceilings. Turn to page 30 for more.…

Embracing the art of slow travel, Belmond has unveiled Britannic Explorer, the first-ever luxury sleeper train in England and Wales. Designed by London-based studio Albion Nord, this old-world 18-cabin train was inspired by the UK's great landscapes, from idyllic country gardens to rugged coasts. Renowned British chef Simon Rogan is at the helm of the fine dining onboard, while off-train experiences include unparalleled levels of access. Three-night journeys through Cornwall, the Lake District and Wales will debut 4 July, with six-night itineraries to follow shortly after. belmond.com…

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION The popular phenomenon of set-jetting outlined in Expedia's Unpack ‘25 report shows no signs of abating. That's in part due to The White Lotus effect, which has seen an influx of tourists travelling to picturesque set locations to channel Jennifer Coolidge's kooky character Tanya (RIP) and swan around in diamanté-studded kaftans. Resorts stealing the spotlight in the third season include Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Anantara Mai Khao Villas Phuket, Anantara Bophut and Anantara Lawana in Koh Samui (pictured). An Austen-tacious celebration “One cannot have too large a party,” wrote Jane Austen in her 1815 novel, Emma. We think the English novelist would approve, then, of the 250th anniversary celebrations being held across Bath in her honour. Retrace the author's steps around the UK spa town she…

Czech-in time There are streets and lanes that run like tiny tributaries from the Sir Prague Hotel into the city of Prague's New Town. The precinct is known for its Art Nouveau and modernist architecture so guests at the hotel might find themselves drawn into the Dancing House, designed by Croatian-Czech architect Vlado Milunić in cooperation with Frank Gehry. Or the Municipal House marked by its mosaic exedra. The 76-room member of Design Hotels set along the Vlata River has an indoor courtyard, restaurant and bar, gym and sauna. sirhotels.com Can do in Canggu Guests at IHG's new Bali Regent Canggu might want to remain draped over their day bed for the duration of their stay at this stunning new beachfront resort. It's easy enough to be slothful when right…