Author: Katelyn Rew

Imagine waking up to the sound of the Mediterranean Sea gently lapping at the dock below. You open your shutters and step out onto your balcony, where you are met with vast shades of cerulean sparkling under the morning sun. You’re on the French Riviera in a hotel that is steeped in a history so…

It had been 13 years since I’d set foot in Nice, but I still had vivid memories of posing for photos in front of the Fontaine du Soleil, resting in bright blue chairs on the promenade while gazing out over the Mediterranean Sea, and gorging myself on socca as I strolled down Old Town alleyways….

Detox retreats, infrared saunas, ice baths, sound healing, cacao ceremonies. Some of these practices, once relegated to the mystical realm of “woo-woo,” are now becoming increasingly mainstream in travel spaces around the world. So, should you be donning a kaftan and ecstatically dancing your way to wellness? Let’s delve into wellness tourism and find out….

When I tell people I spend the summer in Geneva every year, their first question is always, “Why?” Why spend months in a city known for politics, finance, and diplomacy when there are arguably better places to explore? I can assure you that by the end of this feature, you’ll have fallen just as much…

It’s been 15 years since Early in the Morning slipped quietly into the world – a raw, soul-spun debut that would go on to soundtrack thousands of lives, break open hearts, and launch James Vincent McMorrow into a space he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to occupy: the spotlight. Now, after years of moving forward,…

I slowly open my sleepy eyes, and the first thing I see is a tilted mirror above me reflecting the soft rhythm of the ocean’s waves. I sit up in my gold-framed king-sized bed, mesmerised by the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean unfolding through floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve ever…

The most magical places aren’t always found on bustling city streets. Sometimes, you have to dart down back alleys or venture along winding country roads to uncover the real hidden gems — and Bali is full of them. Despite having visited the Island of the Gods eight times, K-Club Ubud had somehow completely eluded me….

Situated just a short walk from the iconic Potato Head Beach Club, Villa Ananya puts you right in the centre of Seminyak’s nightlife, dining, and shopping scene. Its prime location also places you close to the stunning Petitenget and Batu Belig beaches. So, whether you want to enjoy a day at the beach or dive…

Tucked along the peaceful banks of the Petanu River, Leona Valley View is a secluded sanctuary crafted with adult guests in mind – ideal for romantic getaways or those simply seeking a quiet retreat. The villa’s two-story design offers intimate comfort with two spacious bedrooms, each equipped with a king-sized bed and private ensuite bathroom….

Stepping into Puri Tempo Doeloe felt like entering a different world – a quiet, beautiful retreat tucked away in the heart of Sanur, Bali. This isn’t just any hotel. It’s a place that feels more like a hidden treasure. A space that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy being in the…

Villa Avaya, located inside a gated compound in Jimbaran, Bali, may just be one of my new favourite places to stay. A quick walk from Jimbaran Beach, this stunning villa offers the best of both worlds – privacy and seclusion, yet easy access to everything you could want. The villa itself is a true masterpiece,…

Kampi Villas was unlike anywhere I’ve stayed before – secluded, serene, and surrounded by nature. Perched on Kampial High Hill on the outskirts of Nusa Dua, offering sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, it really is a perfect backdrop for anyone seeking privacy and escape from the everyday. The compound has six private villas, three…

Nestled in a quiet corner of Umalas Village, just a short ride from the bustling heart of Canggu, Villa Alamanda at Bumbak Park Villas offers a slice of paradise for those looking to experience Bali in all its serene beauty. From the moment we arrived to smiling faces and warm welcomes, it was clear that…

Having visited Bali six times, I thought I’d discovered all the hidden gems the island had to offer. So, when I found Amarta Beach Retreat, with its infinity pools overlooking the black sands of Pasut Beach, I was pleasantly surprised. Nestled on the serene coastline of Tabanan in Bali, Amarta Beach Retreat is a slice…

Have you ever been asked to think of somewhere peaceful while sitting in a guided meditation class? That one tranquil place in your mind that makes you feel utterly relaxed? Well, Bumi Kinar has become that place for me. Just outside the hustle and bustle of central Ubud in Bali, you’ll find sprawling grounds dotted…

Studies show that those who become fully immersed in works of fiction are naturally more empathetic. How crazy to think that the art of getting lost in a fantasy world can help you show up in life with more compassion. But that’s the immense power of words, right? These tiny letters arranged into shapes and…

The excitement was palpable as we crunched our way through mud and pebbles towards the 33rd annual Byron Bay Bluesfest. After two years of cancellations, the 2022 festival was not just a celebration of music but a true celebration of life and the joy of human connection. I’d had my first Bluesfest experience back in…

Lockdown has made a comeback in Melbourne, meaning more time at home and less time sunning ourselves on a secluded tropical island. While our social lives may be on hold, at least we don’t have to wave goodbye to delicious Melbourne food. Though dining out isn’t an option right now, plenty of our favourite venues…

The sound of creaking hinges echoes around Sydney as restaurants reopen their doors to brunch starved patrons looking for a quality foodie experience once again. With new menus, weekday specials, live performances and scrumptious food, your grand debut back into society will have been worth the wait.  This should be obvious but if you do…

With international travel off the cards for the moment, virtual exploration has grown in popularity. From museums, galleries, and immersive documentaries, the world is full of wonders even if viewed on the screens of our electronic devices. So please sit back, relax and be inspired by art, institutions and our incredible planet.  Beneath The Waves…

After months of binge-watching Peaky Blinders and only wearing pants with elasticised waists or let’s be honest, no pants at all. I knew it was time to start salvaging my beach bod. After all, how could I expect Cillian Murphy to run away with me when I’m sat on the couch eating dry noodles and…

Billy Elliot was a hard-hitting film that intertwined the beauty of dance with sentiments of toxic masculinity, as well as giving us an intense glimpse into the class struggles working-class England faced in the early 1980s. Not your obvious choice of musical magic; however, Elton John was so moved after seeing the film at Cannes…

Calling all magical fairytale creatures, pack your bags, vacate the swamp, and fly on down to Her Majesty’s Theatre to see everyone’s favourite green ogre belting out a tune in Shrek The Musical! When I first heard that they were turning Shrek, arguably one of the greatest animated cartoon’s of all time into a musical,…

Every year in March thousands of spiritually enlightened individuals flock to Ubud for the Bali Spirit Festival. This 7 day event promises everything from yoga, ecstatic dance, workshops, meditation, sound healing and so much more. I was beyond excited to be taking part in such a special event, so with yoga mat in hand I…

The opening night of Evita was met with praise and applause as Tina Arena took to the stage in her starring role as Eva Perón. Adapting her wonderful pop vocals to such an iconic role would of been a challenge for the most seasoned performer, however Arena carried herself with poise and grace and pulled…

Open House Melbourne is always a captivating event full of history, mystery and intrigue, and I was delighted to participate in this years exploration. On one weekend of the year an array of buildings around Melbourne open their doors to the public, who don their explorer hats and gain access to spaces that would usually…

Do you enjoy watching scantily clad men and woman perform tantalising tasks, whilst  sashaying across a stage enclosed in the famed Speigeltent? Well do I have a treat for you, Blanc de Blanc has just landed in Melbourne! So come one come all to St Kilda’s Winter Garden where things are about to get just…

Our tale of love, magic, and adventure takes place in the fabled city of Agrabah where unusual friendships are formed, heroes outwit villains, and true love conquers all. Whilst most of the world knows the story of Aladdin, nothing quite prepares you for the absolute extravaganza that is Aladdin: The Musical. When it comes to…

It was just like any other Sunday evening as I sat in the audience of the Palms theatre at Melbourne’s Crown Casino. However, on this particular evening, two men were about to walk onstage, throw off their cloaks, and perform for a paying audience the ‘ancient art of genital origami.’ For those a bit slow…

Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S Pinafore sailed into Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre this week to the sound of resounding applause. It was Melbourne Opera’s first time tackling G&S, and I was extremely intrigued to see how this comedic opera would play out on stage. For me there’s something so special about the Athenaeum Theatre, it allows for…