Travel & Lifestyle

Set to open up in Orlando on 22nd May 2025, Epic Universe is the most hotly anticipated new theme park in decades. The third gate for the Universal Orlando Resort will be themed around a number of IPs, including Nintendo, Harry Potter and How To Train Your Dragon. And today we got out first look…

Few (big) cities worldwide are as lovingly cradled by nature as Vancouver. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the snowy peaks of the Coast Mountains, the biggest and most diverse city in British Columbia perfectly fits the bill for both outdoor adventure and urban excitement.  There’s world-class art (one of my favourite museums in the…

With LA 2028, the Los Angeles Olympics, just over three years away, the city is busy preparing for the influx of tourists with new infrastructure and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike. This is happening in tandem to clean up efforts, following the devastation of the wildfires last month. So we firstly want to…

Last week, we sat down with Cirque performer Anna Ivaseva, who detailed the experience of bringing her Water Bowl act to Hawaii for the new Cirque du Soleil production ‘Auana. Today we are sitting down with the show’s Director, Neil Dorward. Neil is no stranger to Australian shores, having directed a number of shows that…

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…

Around 800 cherry blossom trees wither over the water in the hip, canal-centric neighbourhood of Nakameguro in Tokyo; their spines ain’t what they used to be.  From mid-to-late March, the canal is dressed as its festive best, the cherry blossom trees shedding over the narrow 3.8-km stretch, floating in the water to create a memorable…

While I was in the USA last year I had a few changes to my itinerary. It was ambitious, I was darting from coast to coast to Canada and back again, but not everything was locked in. I spent most of the time in New York City and planned to gradually make my way over…

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,…

Editor’s Update May 6th: This exhibition has been extended due to popular demand through July 17 at Las Vegas City Hall’s Grand Gallery. For the first time ever, Cirque du Soleil is partnering with for a museum for a limited-time exhibit, honouring more than three decades of history in Las Vegas. That museum is one…

Over the weekend it was revealed that Delta Air Lines is set to become the third airline to service the Melbourne to Los Angeles route. Starting 3rd December 2025, the carrier will see Melbourne become its third non-stop destination in the country, following Sydney and Brisbane. Melbourne will also be the fifth direct destination for…

Counting just how many hotels there are scattered across New York City would be an impressive undertaking. New properties are popping up from some of the world’s best hotel companies almost every month. I spent a decent amount of time travelling around New York City in mid-2024 so I could bring AU Review’s readers a…

Luxury with such heart, cinematic appeal and playfulness is rare. Amid all the showiness and exclusivity of a snooty five-star in Manhattan, there can be a real sense of disconnection as the soullessness of it all starts to take hold and that all-important sense of place drops off. That’s why feeling a deep sense of…

Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of? The now immortal phrase refers to New York City’s most distinctive visuals, where bright, vivid colours of nature snake through the urban sprawl like a dystopian fever dream. Few places in the world are as symbolic of biophilic design, which is why it works having two properties from…

There are hotels, and then there are institutions—places that have woven themselves into the fabric of a city’s history, where the past is packed into every ornate detail, nook and cranny. Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago is one such place. A transportive capsule of elegance since the 19th century, this landmark property is…

Hobart is a city of stories, so it makes sense that you’ll find different storytelling techniques in the Tassie capital. I realised that at Dark Mofo one year, running around the epic Winter Feast and asking a tonne of questions to all the local artisans. Everyone here has a fascinating history and knows exactly how…

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…

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of seeing the incredible new Cirque du Soleil production ‘Auana. Before I was able to sit in the Honolulu theatre and experience the city’s first ever Cirque residency, I sat down with one of the show’s performers, Anna Ivaseva. Ivaseva brings her skills in the water bowl to…

Over the course of a few weeks this Summer, I flew domestically on a mix of Virgin Australia 737-800 aircraft, some with updated seats, others still with the original layout. So what is the Virgin Australia economy experience like in 2025? And how about those lounges!? Read on to find out how their airline ranks…

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…

The genteel ladies presiding at Lisa McGuigan’s former Swiss finishing school might well be astonished at the Down Under product of their endeavours, far away now in the Australian wine growing region of the Hunter Valley. Displaying a heavy goth influence, McGuigan has created the arresting Vamp Wine Rooms and an eponymous cellar door in…

Kauai, or “The Garden Isle” is a true gem of the Hawaiian Islands. It may be the state’s fourth largest island, but it hosts more beaches and hiking trails than any of the others. Known for its lush flora and fauna, it has set the scene for iconic movies such as Jurassic Park, Pirates of…

Located in the charismatic James Hotel, Scarpetta holds court as one of Manhattan’s most reliable Italian restaurants, shouldering plenty of acclaim despite consistent competition from the likes of Torissi and the great Emilio’s Ballato. The restaurant opened in 2008 in the Meatpacking District to instant acclaim, glowing from a three-star review in The New York…

It’s no secret that Canberra punches above its modest weight. The food (and wine) is some of the best in the country, spoiled by the finest of both Victoria and New South Wales produce. Then you have the relaxed pace, barely-there traffic, world-class art and bucolic lifestyle.  That’s one of the few things Melbourne and…

Earlier this month, I flew Delta Air Lines‘ service from Honolulu, Hawaii, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Before the flight, I tried to Google whether or not Delta offered complimentary meals and drinks on their flights between Hawaii and the mainland. Since my search didn’t reveal a clear answer, I want to start this review by helping…

In my life, I’m constantly looking for experiences that surprise me. Montreal’s Cirque du Soleil is one such company that helps me regularly tick that box, with their breathtaking touring and residency productions all over the world. And their new production ‘Auana in Honolulu, Hawaii, is no exception. Years in the making, ‘Auana debuted at…

Barefoot luxury meets active adventure and education in a resort experience that almost eclipses the incredible landscape on Tasmania’s east coast. I’m sitting on a comfortable couch, the heat from a distant fire running its warm fingers down my neck. In front of me is a large glass wall: floor to ultra-high ceiling and curving…

If you’re looking for an active Maldivian adventure with all-inclusive benefits, then it’s hard to go past Club Med Kani. I think I’ve fallen in love with Club Med. Only a year ago, I’d never been to one. Almost by chance my family and I stayed at Club Med Bintan Island and we had such…

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…

“There are 200 million sandwiches eaten a day in America”, according to Australia’s Ben Gollan. One might say he’s a sandwich aficionado, and he’s not shy to admit it, remarking on a beautiful New York autumn afternoon, “the Sandwich is a global dish that beings people together, which is why I do this tour and…

We’ve talked at length about how Downtown L.A. has become one of the most exciting precincts in the Californian city – a long overdue rebirth of this historic hub. But when you’ve got just 24 hours to spend here, where should you go? Where should you stay? What should you see? And perhaps most importantly:…