3 “glamping” accommodations for the luxury camper

by Jessica Festa on

For those who are unfamiliar with the term, “glamping” is a way for travelers to experience the outdoors, like camping, but with more luxury amenities, like electricity, running water, and sometimes even modern architecture. Check out this list of stylish canvas accommodations from around the world, perfect for those who want to get closer to nature…but not too close.

Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Australia

Recently opened in April, 2011, this small, luxurious safari lodge features wildlife tours, hiking, biking, and culture in Australia’s Norther Territory while still providing the comforts of home. Made of recycled building materials, these free-standing cabins are surrounded by trees and grassland yet include air-conditioning, luxury bedding, upscale furnishings, and an en suite bathroom. Prices range from $285-$505 per person, per night.

For those who want to rough-it just a bit more, Wildman Wilderness Lodge also offers safari tents that are spacious and fan-cooled withwood floors, beds, and en suite bathrooms. Prices range from $215-$375 per person, per night.Valle de Uco
Argentina

This new wine-and-golf resort being built in Mendoza is the latest in glamping sophistication. Canopies furnished by 5-star hotel designers include four-poster beds, roll top baths, indoor and outdoor showers, and fire pits. Don’t spend too much time inside, though, because there are many different nature experiences to be had. Because the arid region has its own natural spring, the landscape is a combination of lakes, rivers, forests, and meadows, making it perfect for nature strolls. Horseback riding, hiking, and star-gazing at the observatory deck are also available.

The first phase of the project should be finished by the end of the year, with rates beginning at $300 per night.

Rasa Resorts
India

This 500 square foot tent will have you forgetting that you’re not at an extravagant hotel. Each of the 40 structures include large bay windows, curtains, and a high roof that slopes down to form a canopy over the beds. A contemporary atmosphere is created through color schemes of concrete, wood, and red stone. You’re not too far from nature, however, as private outdoor gardens are right at your backdoor. Moreover, the rocky terrain and nearby sanctuary offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and bird-watching. Prices begin at $148, which includes breakfast.

New smartphone app shows users how to have an authentic Australian experience

by Jessica Festa on

AUSTRALIA: Where To Go is a new smartphone app that gives insider advice on how to navigate through Australia and see the major sites as well as get off the beaten path. The app is opinionated and does not include all there is to see in Australia, but only what is worth seeing. If a destination makes it into the app, then you will get all there is to know on that particular place.

While users will get bullet-pointed guides on what to do and where to dine and stay, they will also get in-depth profiles of specific venues. To give you a better idea of what you should expect before you go to a destination, the app features photo slideshows. Not only that, but entries are filtered by categories such as water, outback, wildlife, family, etc.., so travelers can plan their trip according to their lifestyle and tastes.

And don’t worry if you don’t have Wi-Fi where you travel to, as this app works offline, too.

Available on iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad. $4.99. Click here to download.

Highest numbers of whales in 25 years in Hervey Bay, Australia

by Jessica Festa on

Right now, Hervey Bay, Australia, is seeing the highest number of whales in 25 years. According to Wally Franklin of The Oceania Project there are a record number of whales migrating down the coast. In fact, he estimates 14,000 whales in the humpback population of eastern Australia. Franklin also strongly believes that this trend will continue into November, as mother humpbacks teach their calves how to breach, lob-tail, head-lunge, and pectoral-slap.

With whale-watching expeditions running until mid-November, there is still time to sign-up and see of the action yourself. For more information, click here.

Photo Gallery: Queensland, Australia

by Jessica Festa on

Usually we’re uncomfortable posting direct press pitches, but these pictures are too good to resist. Queensland, Australia, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Home to various UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful beaches, breathtaking city skylines, a tropical climate, and wildlife that you can experience up-close, it is no wonder that 2.1 million people visit the region each year.

Interested in visiting the region yourself? Here are some suggested itineraries on how to make the most of your time in Queensland:

  • Go whale watching at Hervey Bay. Right now, the area is seeing a drastic increase in the amount of whales migrating along the coast. In fact, there are more whales at Hervey Bay now than there have been in the last 25 years. For more information or to book a whale watching tour, click here.
  • Scuba Dive the Great Barrier Reef. This is the ideal way to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the aquatic life that inhabits it, up-close. For more information, click here.
  • Spend some time on the beaches of Surfer’s Paradise. Learn to surf, explore beachfront markets, ride a jet ski, or just layout and relax. And when the sun goes down, the area has plenty to offer in terms of dining, entertainment, and nightlife.
  • Get adventurous in Cairns. From skydiving to bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Tower to white water rafting on the Tully River, there are plenty of activities here for thrill seekers.

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Richard Branson’s other island hideaway – in Queensland, Australia — opens to visitors

by Annabel Candy on

After snapping up Necker Island in the Virgin Islands for a snip in 1978, Sir Richard Branson developed it into a world-class resort which has hosted the likes of Princess Diana, Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg.

Everyone knows about Necker, but a much better-kept secret is Branson’s other tropical island hideaway, this one in the stunning Queensland coastal town of Noosa, which he calls his “favorite place in Australia“.

The heart-shaped 25-acre Makepeace Island in the Noosa River has been lovingly converted into an exclusive Balinese-style retreat with all the necessary amenities, including a pool, tennis court, theatre and two-storey open-aired Balinese wantilan for relaxing or gathering with friends and family.

Until now Makepeace Island has been reserved for the exclusive use of Branson and Brett Godfrey, the co-founders of Virgin Australia, but they have recently announced that they’ll be renting it out to guests. Of course, indulging in the ultimate in luxury, peace and exclusivity doesn’t come cheap: The tab is $8,000 per night for you and up to 21 of your closest friends.

I’ve boated past Makepeace Island on my way up the Noosa River and the good news is that, even if you don’t have the budget to actually stay on Makepeace Island, you can still experience the magical surroundings of Noosa for a fraction of the cost.

What makes Noosa special?As well as having a balmy climate with warm weather year round, Noosa offers a pristine environment which is an officially declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Situated on a forested headland with a stunning national park where koalas, wallabies and kookaburra cavort in their natural surroundings, Noosa has long been a popular vacation spot for wealthy Australians, many of whom own vacation homes here.

You can visit a different white sand beach every day, including vast stretches that front onto the open sea and sheltered bays like Tea Tree Bay and Little Cove. Noosa is a giant aquatic playground where swimmers, surfers, kayakers, kite-surfers and stand-up paddle-boarders convene in the warm blue ocean.

Marine life abounds. Turtles are also common and dolphins can be spotted year-round swimming just offshore or leaping in awe-inspiring displays of grace. Between July and November, whale sightings are common as the annual humpback whale migration passes through. Whale-watching tours offer the chance to get up close and personal with these acrobatic mammals.

Just a short ferry ride across the river, Great Sandy National Park in Noosa North Shore is a popular spot for 4WD adventures, fishing and scuba-diving. A few miles inland, the Sunshine Coast hinterland offers a change of scene and pace, with volcanic peaks and lush rainforest.

For dining, Hastings Street in the town of Noosa features a range of spots, from a fast food mall that’s tucked away behind the shops to beach-front restaurants serving world-class cuisine. The Noosa Surf Life Saving Club’s balcony is always crowded with people seeking refuge from the sun and enjoying a cool drink.

The lazy Noosa River spills out just past Makepeace Island into the ocean between Noosa Main Beach and the North Shore. It’s a favorite spot for boating, fishing or walking. Every evening huge flocks of tiny, brightly coloured parrots return to roost in the trees on the riverbank, a riot of color and noise which lapses into silence as night falls. Then, as the parrots tuck their heads under their wings and go to sleep, colonies of fruit bats take to the skies.

As night deepens, peace prevails. It’s a special serenity that Noosa and the Noosa River offers — even if you can’t stay on Makepeace Island.

Where to Stay

For those who can’t afford Makepeace Island’s $8,000 per night fee, Noosa has a wide range of holiday accommodation, from private houses, villas and apartments for rental to resorts, hostels and campsites.

Outrigger Resort and Spa – This brand new spa resort perched high above Noosa Main Beach offers five-star accommodation within easy reach of Hasting Street.

Halse Lodge – A fully restored 1880’s building, listed by the National Trust, Halse Lodge hostel is now a YHA associate, with dorm beds, twins and doubles. Set in two acres of rainforest, it’s a short walk to Noosa main beach, the national park and restaurants.

Houseboat – As an accommodation alternative, you can rent your own six- to ten-berth houseboat and cruise up and down the Noosa River, from peaceful Lake Cooroibah to bustling Hastings.

Where to Eat

Bistro C – Popular with locals and holiday-makers for its stunning views over Laguna Bay, Bistro C is the ideal setting for cocktails and nibbles at sunset, a long lazy lunch or a splurge dinner of modern Australian cuisine with fresh seafood and local produce.

Wasabi – Listed by Gourmet Traveller as one of the world’s top 100 restaurants, this modern Japanese restaurant serves sublime food in the stunning surroundings of Quamby Place on the Noosa River.

Fish and Chips – No trip to Noosa would be complete without joining the locals to eat fish and chips by the Noosa River. Stretching along the riverfront, Gympie Terrace has an extensive selection of cafes and restaurants as well as traditional Aussie fish and chip shops where you can get fresh snapper or barramundi breaded, grilled or battered the old-fashioned way.

For more information, check out visitnoosa.com.au

Annabel Candy was born in England and has lived in France, the USA, Laos, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Costa Rica. She now calls Australia home. She shares travel stories at Get In the Hot Spot.