Reach beach for the
THE BEST SPOTS TO ROLL OUT YOUR TOWEL THIS SUMMER
Aussies love a beach break, so whether you want something close to home or a sunlounge somewhere affordable overseas, our list offers plenty of options...
RITZ-CARLTON RESIDENCES, OAHU, HAWAII
Move over Maldives – with the opening of the new Ritz-carlton Residences, Hawaii may have just reclaimed the mantle of the world’s top destination for an indulgent break. This luxurious two-tower resort has studio and suite accommodation, all with ocean views, and five-star amenities including two infinity pools – one for families – on the eighth floor, making them the highest in Waikiki Beach. If you’re suffering jet lag, try the private cabana nap service, complete with a resort Sleep Kit and all-day use of a private cabana
DISCOVERY ROTTNEST ISLAND, WA
There’s yet another reason to visit Rotto, the much-loved island off the coast of Perth, and it’s not for the quokka selfies (blame Chris Hemsworth). There’s a new eco sustainable resort on the island, its first new accommodation offering in 30 years. Overlooking the stunning Pinky’s Beach on the northern side of the island, Discovery Rottnest Island has 83 glamping-style eco tents, some complete with built-in timber kitchenettes with a microwave and fridge. All tents feature beds with pillow-topped mattresses piled with comfy cushions, floors adorned with kilim-style rugs, and tiled ensuite bathrooms. The generous wooden decks have a dining table and chairs. There’s even free wi-fi. The lawn overlooking Pinky’s Beach and across to Bathurst Point Lighthouse is the perfect place to watch the sunset and the resort’s restaurant, Pinky’s Beach Club, is the best on the island. Barbecues are also available.
DAYDREAM ISLAND, WHITSUNDAYS, QLD
As if its beautiful waters and white sand beaches weren’t enough, there’s also a rejuvenated resort, years in the making. After a $100-million redevelopment, the 4.5-star Daydream Island Resort offers the very best in island accommodation for couples and families. Couples might want to book into the Serenity Suite, which offers a spectacular view of Lovers Cove, and has a luxurious king-sized bed, a separate living area and balcony. Families wanting space and privacy can opt for interconnecting rooms with balconies offering incredible views. There are three pools, all with views across the Great Barrier Reef. There’s the absolute beachfront pool, the adjacent infinity pool and the central lagoon-style pool with an attached kids area. There’s also an ‘adults only’ area with dedicated cabanas. Guests can join the team of resident marine biologists to help feed the baby stingrays that live among more than 100 species of marine fish, coral and invertebrates such as starfish, sea cucumbers and crabs on the Living Reef. This famous coral lagoon wraps around the central building and holds 1.5 million litres of water.
ANANTARA PEACE HAVEN TANGALLE, SRI LANKA
Ever wanted to spend your holiday relaxing by the pool but also taking part in more adventurous pursuits, such as learning to surf? If so, we’ve found the perfect place. Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle on Sri Lanka’s south coast has a surf school right on site. Tropicsurf is an Aussie company, and guide Steve Taylor promises to have you hanging 10 within an hour. This clifftop resort, near the old fort town of Tangalle, is nestled in lush gardens (it sits on a former coconut plantation), and is so huge that battery-powered tuktuks are used to ferry guests around. Think some of the best beachside resorts of Thailand or Bali, then add to that Sri Lankan design, cuisine, nearby dense jungles full of wildlife, and, of course, the incredible surfing. Other resort features include Anantara Spa, with a range of award-winning Ayurvedic treatments, and dining options including the beachside Verala restaurant, where Japanese dishes are given a Sri Lankan twist.
THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA
Want the best of both worlds where magnificent ancient rainforests meets the ocean? Consider The Datai Langkawi, on the north-west tip of Langkawi island, has newly refurbished interiors and facilities after a recent year-long renovation. As well as the new The Datai Estate Villa, three Rainforest Pool Villas have been added, each with their own 10-metre swimming pool and outdoor living area. A highlight is the new Nature Centre, run by a team of naturalists and marine biologists. And if you prefer the beach, Datai Bay has been named one of the world’s top 10 beaches.