Celebrating ten years

n 2005 luxury travel 3 34 categories and hundreds of magazine held the first hotels, resorts, boutique proper- Gold List Awards, ask- G ties, cruises, rail journeys, food ing our readers to vote and wine experiences, adventure for their favourite luxury travel and everything in between. This icon signifies Itravel experiences in 22 major that the award Thank you to our readers and categories. This issue, we cel- winner has made Virtuoso members for making th the Gold List every ebrate the 10 anniversary of year for the past these awards such a success over these prestigious awards that five years or more. the past 10 years and for voting They are our Hall have become synonymous with of Fame members in your thousands again in 2014. the very best in the industry. The and deserve We hope you will stay with us for special recognition. awards have grown to include the next decade of luxury travel. 49 PAG E www.luxurytravelmag.com.au The Gold List 2014.

Best Australian hotel Right: Best overseas resort 1. Crown Towers, Melbourne, VIC sparkles from a 1. Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji deluxe suite at Crown Towers. An old favourite is back on top! Congratulations Likuliku! With five wins in a row we Below: Take the are thrilled to welcome this favourite overseas resort to Crown Towers won this category chopper to The 3 way back in 2007 and has always Peninsula Hong the Hall of Fame. The finalists are a much more diverse been near the top, but it’s beaten out Kong. G bunch this year with resorts across the Pacific, Asia and some hot contenders to win again beyond all featuring. in 2014. The top four hotels are all previous winners, showing that our 2. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, 12. The St Regis Bora Bora Resort, readers are loyal to their favourite French Polynesia French Polynesia Australian properties. 3. AYANA Resort & Spa, Jimbaran, Bali 13. Sun City South Africa, Western Cape, Above: Saffire Best Australian boutique 4. The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, South Africa looks out over 2. The Langham, Melbourne, VIC Nusa Dua, Bali 14. Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives The Hazards property, villa or lodge 3. Park Hyatt , Sydney, NSW range. 5. The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam 15. Castaway Island, Fiji 1. Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS 4. Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast, QLD Best Australian resort Below: Adults- 6. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, 16. W Retreat & Spa, Maldives only Likuliku 5. Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park, 1 qualia, Hamilton Island, QLD Langkawi, Malaysia is made for Our readers headed south this Werribee Park, VIC romance. year, putting the ultra luxe 7. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands 6. InterContinental Sydney, Sydney, NSW qualia takes the top spot two ✓Editor's pick Saffire lodge into the top spot for Resort, Fiji the first time. Bells at Killcare, 7. The Westin Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC years in a row, with the newly Four Seasons Maldives 8. The Datai Langkawi, Langkawi, Malaysia Kuda Huraa, Maldives just outside of Sydney, also 8. Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney, NSW rebranded One&Only Hayman Island (which will undergo a 9. Alila Villas Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Bali “Arriving at this resort felt like makes an impressive entry in 9. Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, multi-million dollar refurb this 10. Four Seasons Resort Lana’i arriving in paradise and the views 2014 – it was outisde the top 20 Sydney, NSW year) again the runner up. It’s at Manele Bay, Hawaii, USA are consistently amazing. There’s last year and has jumped up to 10. The Westin Sydney, Sydney, NSW great to see a reopened Bedarra also a great reef regeneration and second. 11. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, 11. Park Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC back on the list. sea turtle protection program” Hawaii, USA 2. Bells at Killcare, Killcare, NSW 12. QT Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2. One&Only Hayman Island, 3. Southern Ocean Lodge, 13. Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Hayman Island, QLD Kangaroo Island, SA Melbourne, VIC 3 3. Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD 4. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW 14. Sheraton on the Park, Sydney, NSW Best overseas hotel G 4. Bedarra, Great Barrier Reef, QLD 5. Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, 15. The Henry Jones Art Hotel, Hobart, TAS 1. The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong 5. Pullman Resort Bunker Bay, Daylesford, VIC 16. Hyatt Hotel Margaret River, WA 6. Longitude 131°, Yulara, NT A Park Hyatt Hotel, Canberra, ACT 2014 makes it 10 for 10 for The Peninsula Hong Kong, a 6. Chateau Elan at The Vintage, 7. Lake House, Daylesford, VIC 17. The Langham, Sydney, NSW record run. London is the long-haul winner this year with Hunter Valley, NSW 8. Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, 18. Hilton Sydney, Sydney, NSW three properties on the list, including two first time entries. 7. The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa, Katoomba, NSW 19. Grand Hyatt Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 2. Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong Byron Bay, NSW 9. Jonah’s, Whale Beach, NSW 20. Sir Stamford at Circular Quay, 3. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France 8. Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa 10. Lindenderry at Red Hill, Red Hill, VIC Sydney, NSW 4. Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Hong Kong Gold Coast, Gold Coast, QLD 11. Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale, QLD 21. QT Gold Coast, Gold Coast, QLD 5. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Canada 9. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple 12. Islington Hotel, Hobart, TAS 22. Crown Metropol, Melbourne, VIC 6. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand Resort & Spa, Port Douglas, QLD 13. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, 23. BLUE Sydney, Sydney, NSW 7. Raffles Singapore, Singapore 10. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, Wolgan Valley, NSW 24. Sofitel Sydney entworth,W Sydney, NSW 8. Burj al Arab, Dubai, UAE Port Douglas, QLD 14. Emporium Hotel Brisbane, 25. The Darling, Sydney, NSW 9. The Savoy, London, England 11. Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa, Brisbane, QLD 26. Swissotel Sydney, Sydney, NSW 10. The Goring, London, England Noosa, QLD 15. El Questro Wilderness Park, 11. Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy 12. Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, Kununurra, WA 12. Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, Germany Broome, WA 16. Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville, QLD 13. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey 13. Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD 17. Villa Howden, Howden, TAS 14. The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Banff, Canada 14. Smiths Beach Resort, 18. Cape Lodge, Margaret River, WA 15. The Langham, London, England Margaret River, WA 19. Kims Beach Hideaway, 16. Crosby Street Hotel, New York City, USA 15. Bonville International Golf Resort, Toowoon Bay, NSW 17. Raffles Dubai, Dubai, UAE Bonville, NSW 20. Indijup Spa Retreat, Margaret River, WA

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Best overseas boutique property, Huka Lodge Best New Zealand property Best overseas health and Below from top: Best overseas family resort Tropical island villa or lodge within driving distance of wellness property paradise at Jean- 1. Jean-Michel Cousteau Fiji Islands Resort, Fijii 1. Huka Lodge, Taupo, New Zealand the city 1. Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Michel Cousteau; Rejuvenate Koh Samui, Thailand It’s a Fiji top three again this year as perennial favourite Jean-Michel Cousteau 1. Huka Lodge, Taupo at Gwinganna It’s a New Zealand whitewash in this catgory with the Lifestyle Retreat. is back on top, with 2013 winner Castaway Island placing third. Asia and the top six spots taken by luxury lodges from the Land of the After a seven year reign Kamalaya USA are firm family favourites again in 2014. Four years in a row for Huka – can Long White Cloud. South Africa is the breakout star of has finally taken the top spot they hold on for 2015 to join the the year with four new entries making the finals. from Chiva-Som! There were lots 2. Malolo Island Resort, Fiji 9. Disney World Resort, Florida, USA Hall of Famers? of new entries this year including 3. Castaway Island, Fiji 10. Grand Wailea, Maui, Hawaii, USA 2. Blanket Bay, Glenorchy, New Zealand newly opened properties in Bali 4. Disneyland Resort, California, USA 11. Radisson BLU Resort Fiji, 2. Blanket Bay, Glenorchy 3. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and New Zealand. 5. Fiji Beach Resort & Spa Denarau Island, Fiji 3. The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, 4. Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet, Wanaka, New Zealand Managed by Hilton, Denarau Island, Fiji 12. Musket Cove Island Resort, Fiji Hawke’s Bay 2. Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand 5. at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, New Zealand 6. Club Med Bali, Nusa Dua, Bali 13. Sheraton Fiji Resort, Denarau Island, Fiji 4. Wharekauhau Lodge, Palliser Bay 3. Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa, 6. Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand 7. Club Med Bintan Island, Indonesia 14. InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, 5. The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay Bebengan, Bali 7. Villa Sungai, Cepaka, Bali 8. Club Med Cherating Beach, Malaysia Fiji Bells at Killcare 6. Millbrook Resort, Queenstown 4. COMO Shambhala, Ubud, Bali 8. Borgo Santo Pietro, Tuscany, Italy 7. Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch 5. Ananda in the Himalayas, 9. Post Ranch Inn, California, USA 8. Black Barn Vineyards, Hawke’s Bay Uttarakhand, India Best Australian family 10. La Sirenuse, Positano, Italy 9. Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown 6. Aro Hā, Queenstown, New Zealand resort 11. Azur Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand 7. Canyon Ranch, Arizona, USA 12. Fiordland Lodge, Te Anau, New Zealand 1. Sea World Resort, Gold Coast, QLD 8. Enchantment Resort, Arizona, USA 13. La Mirande, Avignon, France ✓Editor's pick Sea World hasn’t won this 9. Six Senses Yao Noi, Phang Na, Thailand 14. Laucala Island, Fiji Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet, Wanaka category since 2011, so 10. Spa Village Resort, Tembok, Bali 15. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa, Johannesburg, South Africa “The food is sensational and congratulations for making it with a helipad at the door and 16. Moraine Lake Lodge, Banff, Canada back to the top. Queensland a mountain transfer service to 17. Ratua Private Island, Vanuatu dominates the list again this year some great ski resorts, this lodge as Australian families are looking 18. Royal Davui Island Resort, Fiji in one of the best skiing and for fun in the sun. 19. Savanna Private Game Reserve, South Africa heli-skiing bases in the southern hemisphere.” 20. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia 2. One&Only Hayman Island, 21. CLASKA, Tokyo, Japan Hayman Island, QLD 22. andBeyond Phinda Homestead, South Africa 3. Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa Best Australian property within driving distance of the city 23. The Havannah, Efate Island, Vanuatu Best Australian health and Gold Coast, Gold Coast, QLD 24. Treetops Lodge & Estate, Rotorua, New Zealand 1 Bells at Killcare, Killcare, NSW 10. Kims Beach Hideaway, wellness property 4. Peppers Beach Club & Spa, 25. Casa del Mar, Langkawi, Malaysia Toowoon Bay, NSW Palm Cove, QLD Bells has made an incredible leap 1 Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, 26. Trisara, Phuket, Thailand 11. Jonah’s, Whale Beach, NSW 5. Cable Beach Club Resort & Spa, this year, up from 16th to take Gold Coast, QLD 27. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa out first place in 2014. A great 12. Spicers Clovelly Estate, Montville, QLD Broome, WA 28. Villa 25, Port Vila, Vanuatu showing from Spicers with four 13. Oceans Mooloolaba Beach, Gwinganna holds on against stiff 6. Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, 29. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji properties making the cut. Mooloolaba, QLD competition for its fourth win in Kingscliff, NSW a row. The top five remains mostly 30. Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 14. The Louise, Barossa Valley, SA unchanged with just the one new 7. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, 31. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Ubud, Bali 2. Lake House, Daylesford, VIC 15. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, entry, Solar Springs. Wolgan Valley, NSW 3. Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS Gold Coast, QLD 8. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort, ✓Editor's pick 4. Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, 16. Chateau Yering, Yarra Valley, VIC 2. The Golden Door Health Retreat Elysia, Port Douglas, QLD Daylesford, VIC 17. Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, VIC Hunter Valley, NSW 9. Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa, The Peninsula House, Samana, Dominican Republic 5. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, “This stunning Spanish-style property has just six 18. Bannisters, Mollymook, NSW 3. Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, Noosa, QLD bedrooms and is like staying at the home of a hugely Wolgan Valley, NSW 19. Chateau Elan at The Vintage, Daylesford, VIC 10. Heron Island, Great Barrier Reef, QLD wealthy (and mildly eccentric) friend.” 6. Mansion Hotel & Spa at Werribee Park, Hunter Valley, NSW 4. Gaia Retreat & Spa, Byron Bay, NSW 11. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa, Werribee Park, VIC 20. Sangoma Retreat, 5. Eden Health Retreat, Surfers Paradise, QLD 7. Lilianfels Blue Resort & Spa, Bowen Mountain, NSW Currumbin Valley, QLD 12. Palazzo Versace, Gold Coast, QLD Katoomba, NSW 21. Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester, QLD 6. Solar Springs Health Retreat, 13. Smiths Beach Resort, 8. Lindenderry at Red Hill, Red Hill, VIC 22. Spicers Tamarind Retreat, Maleny, QLD Bundanoon, NSW Margaret River, WA 9. Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale, QLD 23. Tower Lodge, Hunter Valley, NSW

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Best rail journey Best first class airline 1. The Ghan, – Darwin, 1. Singapore Airlines

Singapore and Emirates have swapped positions again this year 3 as the Asian carrier moves back to first place. German carrier G Lufthansa is the only new entry.

Congratulations to our second 2. Emirates Hall of Fame member for 2014 – 3. Qantas The Ghan! The finalist list is quite similar to last year, though there’s 4. Etihad Airways been some reshuffling with Rocky Above from left: Best Australian ski resort Best overseas ski resort 5. Cathay Pacific Mountaineer and Orient-Express See the red 6. Qatar Airways centre from The 1. Thredbo Alpine Village, NSW 1. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada the big winners. 7. Thai Airways International Ghan; Powder days at Thredbo. The rivalry between your two 8. British Airways 2. Rocky Mountaineer, Vancouver to Banff, 3 favourite northern hemisphere 9. Malaysia Airlines Canada resorts continues with Whistler just 10. Lufthansa 3. Venice-Simplon Orient-Express, G edging out Aspen again this year. London to Paris to Venice The US wins overall though with five resorts in the finals. 4. Indian Pacific, Sydney to Perth, Australia Thredbo hangs onto its Hall of Best business class airline 5. The Blue Train, Cape Town to Pretoria, Fame spot with another win 2. Aspen/Snowmass, USA 1 Emirates Above: If you can South Africa Best overseas city Best overseas country in 2014. Perisher climbs back 3. Niseko, Japan make it there 6. Eastern & Oriental Express, into second spot and Dinner you can make it 1. New York, USA 1. New Zealand 4. Vail Ski Resort, USA So close! Qantas has slipped back Bangkok to Singapore Plain, a boutique resort close to to third place just one year before anywhere: New Mount Hotham, makes its first 5. Beaver Creek Resort, USA York! 7. Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express, it could enter the Hall of Fame. It could only be the city so nice The change continues! Our closest appearance. 6. Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand they named it twice that could neighbour is now your favourite Moscow to Vladivostok, Russia Emirates has never won this 7. Steamboat, USA category before, but we’ve flown knock Paris from first place for the country to visit, sneaking ahead of 8. The Hiram Bingham, Cusco to Machu 2. Perisher, NSW 8. Deer Valley Resort, USA them a lot and we definitely agree! first time ever. Well done! Apart last year’s winner Italy. It must be Picchu, Peru 3. Falls Creek Alpine Resort, VIC 9. Chamonix Mont Blanc, France from the big upset at the top the that amazing combination of food 9. Palace on Wheels, Delhi to Agra, India list has stayed much the same this and wine, luxury lodges, super ski 4. Mt Buller, VIC 10. Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado 2. Singapore Airlines year – you know what you like. resorts and cinematic scenery. We 5. Mount , VIC 11. Zermatt, Switzerland 3. Qantas love it! 6. Charlotte Pass Ski Resort, NSW 12. Lech am Arlberg, Austria 4. Air Canada 2. Paris, France 7. Dinner Plain Alpine Village, VIC 13. St Moritz, Switzerland 5. Cathay Pacific 3. London, England 2. Italy 6. Etihad Airways 4. Rome, Italy 3. France 7. Qatar Airways 5. Venice, Italy 4. USA Best Australian ski property Best overseas ski property 8. Air New Zealand 6. Barcelona, Spain 5. Canada 1 QT Falls Creek, Falls Creek, VIC 1. The Little Nell, Aspen, USA 9. British Airways 7. Singapore 6. Spain

10. Virgin Australia 8. Hong Kong 7. England This luxe Falls Creek property was your favourite last year and The Little Nell holds on for a second year to take top honours in this 11. Malaysia Airlines you still love it with its fresh rebrand to a QT. The finalists are a category. You think Whistler and Aspen have the best options for 9. Florence, Italy 8. Switzerland 12. Thai Airways International mix of slick hotels, cosy chalets and plush apartments. luxury travellers, making up seven of the 10 finalists. 10. Vancouver, Canada 9. South Africa 13. Virgin Atlantic 11. Berlin, Germany 10. Germany 2. Thredbo Alpine Hotel, Thredbo, NSW 2. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, Whistler, Canada 12. Prague, Czech Republic 11. Japan 3. Perisher Valley Hotel, Perisher, NSW 3. The St Regis Aspen Resort, Aspen, USA ✓Editor's pick 13. Istanbul, Turkey 12. Thailand 4. Mt Buller Chalet, Mt Buller, VIC 4. The Westin Whistler Resort & Spa, Whistler, Canada 14. Vienna, Austria LAN 13. Ireland 5. Hotel Pension Grimus, Mt Buller, VIC 5. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Whistler, Canada “The seats are incredibly spacious 15. San Francisco, USA 14. Greece 6. Huski Apartments, Falls Creek, VIC 6. The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Canada – even with the seat extended 16. Tokyo, Japan 15. Turkey 7. Perisher Manor, Perisher, NSW 7. Aspen Square, Aspen, USA to a flat bed there is enough room 17. Shanghai, China 16. Singapore 8. Ski In Ski Out Chalets, Thredbo, NSW 8. North of Nell at Aspen Mountain, Aspen, USA to comfortably walk around the 18. Cape Town, South Africa 17. Vietnam end from the window seat. They 9. Zirky’s Apartments, Mount Hotham, VIC 9. The Vale Niseko, Niseko, Japan also serve great pisco sours!” 19. Edinburgh, Scotland 18. Scotland 10. The Denman Hotel & Spa, Thredbo, NSW 10. The Lodge at Vail, Vail, USA 20. Amsterdam, Netherlands 19. China

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Best cruise ship / Large Best cruise company Best travel agency Best tour operator 1. Queen Mary II 1. North Star Cruises 1. Mary Rossi Travel 1. APT

Last year’s surprise winner North Mary Rossi Travel makes it two APT is a first-time winner this year Star holds on again against the big years in a row as World Travel ahead of 2013 champion Scenic 3 international lines. River cruise Professionals romp into second. Tours and 2012’s top operator companies also proved popular. A&K. It’s always good to see global G 2. World Travel Professionals names like andBeyond alongside 2. Seabourn 3. Executive Edge Travel + Events local operators like Bill Peach Journeys. Another member of the perfect record club, Queen 3. Silversea Cruises 4. Gregor & Lewis Bespoke Travel Mary II has won this category every year since 2005. 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises 5. Clean Cruising Congratulations! 5. Cunard Line 6. Main Beach Travel 2. Scenic Tours 6. Great Escape Charter Company 7. Travelscene American Express 3. Abercrombie & Kent 2. Crystal Symphony 7. APT 8. Concierge Traveller 4. Captain’s Choice 3. Queen 8. Princess Cruises 9. Phil Hoffmann Travel 5. Tauck 4. ms Eurodam 9. Scenic Tours 10. Spencer Travel 6. Bill Peach Journeys Above: Where the 5. Oasis of the Seas Best overseas golf resort 10. Holland America Line 11. Travel Associates 7. andBeyond fairways meet 6. Queen Elizabeth Below: Eco 1. Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand the sea at Cape 11. Crystal Cruises friendly without 12. Bicton Travel 8. Orient-Express 7. Diamond Princess Kidnappers. 12. Oceania Cruises compromise at 13. Oasis Travel 9. Insight Vacations 8. Crystal Serenity Longitude 131°. Three from three for the links at Cape Kidnappers, with 13. Azamara Club Cruises 14. Escape Travel 10. Globus the list almost unchanged from 2013. 9. Dawn Princess 14. Royal Caribbean International 10. Voyager of the Seas 15. Celebrity Cruises 2. Kauri Cliffs, Matauri Bay, New Zealand 11. Sea Princess 3. Pebble Beach Resorts, California, USA 12. Celebrity Solstice 4. Millbrook Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand 13. Rhapsody of the Seas 5. Mission Hills, Shenzhen, China 14. Radiance of the Seas Best eco tourism property 6. St Andrews Links, Scotland 1. Longitude 131°, NT 7. Gleneagles, Scotland

8. Pan Pacific Nirwana Bali Resort, Tabanan, Bali Best cruise ship /L SMAL It turned out to be an all-Australian affair in this category for 2014 with 9. Sun City South Africa, Western Cape, South Africa 1. True North luxury outback lodges, bush camps Adventure cruising is still your favourite with True North and eco resorts across the country on top again and two more ships in the list. Two river cruise making the finals. Best Australian golf resort ships have also entered the finalist list, just in time for 2. Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, 1. Barnbougle Dunes, Bridport, Tasmania Europe’s river cruise season. Cape Range National Park, WA Barnbougle wins again as Hamilton Island makes a huge 2. Seabourn Sojourn 3. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, jump from the bottom of the list to third place. 3. Silver Shadow Wolgan Valley, NSW 4. National Geographic Orion 4. Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, 2. Chateau Elan at The Vintage, Hunter Valley, NSW 5. Silver Spirit Gold Coast, QLD 3. Hamilton Island Golf Club, Dent Island, QLD 6. MV Great Escape 5. Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa, 4. Sanctuary Cove Golf Club, Hope Island, QLD 7. Seven Seas Mariner Daintree, QLD 5. Peppers Moonah Links, Mornington Peninsula, VIC 8. AmaVerde 6. Eco Beach Resort, Broome, WA 6. Noosa Springs Golf & Spa Resort, Noosa, QLD 9. Seabourn Odyssey 7. Bay of Fires Lodge, 7. Joondalup Resort, Perth, WA 10. AmaBella Mt William National Park, TAS 8. Bonville International Golf Resort, Bonville, NSW 11. Silver Cloud 8. Silky Oaks Lodge, Port Douglas, QLD 9. Cypress Lakes Resort, Hunter Valley, NSW 9. El Questro Wilderness Park, 10. Royal Pines Resort, Surfers Paradise, QLD Kununurra, WA 11. Links Lady Bay Resort, Normanville, SA ✓Editor's pick 10. Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS 12. Quay West Resort Magenta Shores, Magenta, NSW Orcaella, Orient-Express 11. Bamurru Plains, Mary River, NT “With just 50 passengers it’s the most luxurious way 13. The Vines Resort & Country Club, Swan Valley, WA to cruise the Ayeyarwady and the food is sublime.” 14. The Heritage Golf & Country Club, Yarra Valley, VIC

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True North Fine dining at explores the wilds your favourite of the Kimberley. restaurant, The Argus Dining Room.

Best Australian adventure experience Best Australian food & wine experiences 1. True North

North Star Cruises repeats its amazing performance from last year, taking Region out three categories with the expedition ship True North. Our readers love 1. Hunter Valley, NSW to cruise, walk and fly all around the country. 2. Margaret River, WA 3. Barossa Valley, SA 2. Great Escape Charter Company 4. Yarra Valley, VIC 3. Longitude 131°, Yulara, NT ✓Editors pick 5. Mornington Peninsula, VIC 4. National Geographic Orion Kimberley Coastal Camp, Kimberley, Western Australia 6. Kangaroo Island, SA 5. APT Kimberley Wilderness Adventures, WA “The Kimberley is one of the 6. El Questro Wilderness Park, Kununurra, WA last untouched wildernesses. Dining 7. Outback Spirit Tours This camp is the perfect base 1. The Argus Dining Room at Peppers, Mineral Springs Retreat, 8. Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, to explore the rugged but Daylesford, VIC Mt William National Park, TAS beautiful coast.” 2. Vue de Monde, Melbourne, VIC 9. Bill Peach Journeys Private Airtours 3. Tetsuya’s, Sydney, NSW 10. The Maria Island Walk, Maria Island, TAS 4. Attica, Melbourne, VIC 11. Cradle Mountain Huts Walk, Cradle Mountain- 5. Kazuki’s, Daylesford, VIC Lake St Clair National Park, TAS 6. Royal Mail Hotel, Dunkeld, VIC 7. Quay, Sydney, NSW Best new property to visit 8. Mr Wong, Sydney, NSW 1 Aro Hā, Queenstown, New Zealand 9. Cutler & Co, Melbourne, VIC 10. Appellation at The Louise, Barossa Valley, SA We visited this boutique health retreat the week it opened (see our story on page 15) and now we know that our readers can’t wait to get there either. It’s Property a really diverse list this year with safari lodges, city hotels, beach resorts and the latest property from the Louis Vuitton brand at number nine. 1. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, SA 2. Bells at Killcare, Killcare, NSW 2. 1888 Hotel, Sydney, NSW 3. Lake House, Daylesford, VIC 3. Mahali Mzuri, Kenya 4. Saffire Freycinet, Coles Bay, TAS 4. Cicada Lodge, Nitmiluk National Park, NT 5. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, NSW 5. Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St Petersburg, St Petersburg, Russia 6. Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Wolgan Valley, NSW 6. Bedarra, Great Barrier Reef, QLD 7. qualia, Hamilton Island, QLD 7. The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, Nusa Dua, Bali 8. Longitude 131°, NT 8. Hotel Hotel, Canberra, ACT 9. Spicers Peak Lodge, Maryvale, QLD 9. Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives 10. Jonah’s, Whale Beach, NSW

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