Elite Traveler January-February 2018

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Uncover the unforgettable beauty andwarmth of Australia

Australia is an incredible combination of breathtaking scenery, buzzing cosmopolitan cities, unique wildlife and exceptional food and wine, bound by stunning beaches that serve as a gateway to some of the best coral reefs and diving spots on the planet. In the first of our series of inspiring experiences, we take you on a journey of discovery around this extraordinary country

Clockwise from top: Vivid Sydney lights up the Opera House; Silky Oaks Lodge; Southern Ocean Lodge; desert camp Longitude 131

Camp Under the Stars ULURU-KATA TJUTA NATIONAL PARK A trip to Australia’s spiritual center, covering an area over 311,000 acres, is a must. In the midst of this national park stands the country’s most recognizable natural icon: Uluru (Ayers Rock). To really experience the raw beauty of the Outback in five-star luxury, we recommend a few nights under the stars at desert camp Longitude 131. Its wellness center, Spa Kinara, is as authentic as it gets. Housed in a wiltja (a traditional shelter), the spa offers locally inspired treatments using native ingredients such as Kakadu plum, yellow clay and desert salts. After being massaged into a state of bliss, experience the internationally acclaimed art phenomenon Field of Light . Comprising 50,000 bud-like stems crowned with radiant frosted-glass spheres, Bruce Munro’s installation appears to sway in the fading light. Dune Pavilion at Longitude 131, from$4,200 per night

Sailing the Whitsundays WHITSUNDAYS, HAMILTON ISLAND Audi Hamilton Island Race Week — the largest sailing regatta in the Southern Hemisphere — is accompanied by plenty of food, drink and live music, making this event in August one of the highlights of the year, even if you’re not a keen sailing fan (although you can always watch the races from the comfort of a charter yacht). For the rest of the year, we recommend sailing the Whitsundays aboard a superyacht, available for day charter or for overnight stays. The luxury 115-ft Spirit can accommodate 12 guests and is filled with water toys to keep you entertained in the serene azure waters of the Whitsundays. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline- fueled wakeboarding, a calm paddleboard or a chance to explore the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are fun for the whole family. Beach House at Qualia, from$3,450 per night

Guided Nature Tours KANGAROO ISLAND With 21 national and conservation parks covering more than 30 percent of its total area, Kangaroo Island is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy bespoke guided island experiences and explore such natural phenomena as the Admiral’s Arch and Stokes Bay. New this year is a private sunrise tour of the Seal Bay Conservation Park. Get up close and personal to one of the continent’s largest colonies of sea lions as they bask in their natural habitat. Kangaroo Island is jam-packed with incredible local produce that will delight foodies. Revel in this bounty in the Enchanted Fig Tree dining experience, which takes you on a gastronomic journey through the very best the island has to offer, seated under the boughs of an ancient fig tree. Osprey Pavilion at Southern Ocean Lodge, from $3,100 per night

Photo Destination NSW