Worth the wait

Hawaii’s best dessert, Bali’s top snorkelling spot and hot springs by starlight in New Zealand. Here, three Qantas travellers share highlights from their recent trips abroad.

Craig Bradley

TRAVELLED TO .............................................. Hawaii FREQUENT FLYER STATUS .................. Platinum

“My wife, Karen, and I had to cut our America trip short in March 2020 so as soon as we were able to travel again this year, we picked up that trip, visiting everywhere from Vegas to Disneyland. We stayed for 10 days in Hawaii, splitting our time between the Moana Surfrider (hotel.qantas.com.au/moanasurfrider) and The Royal Hawaiian (hotel.qantas.com.au/royalhawaiianhotel) in Waikiki. The food is great; Stripsteak (michael mina.net) is absolutely fantastic and Yard House (226 Lewers Street) is another favourite – it does a delicious seared tuna. You can’t go past the iconic bar Duke’s Waikiki (dukeswaikiki.com). Be sure to order Kimo’s Original Hula Pie.”

Crystal Noor

TRAVELLED TO ..................................................... Bali FREQUENT FLYER STATUS ...................... Bronze

“What started as a trip with my boyfriend turned into a full-blown family affair. Nine of our family and friends decided to join us because everyone was looking for an excuse to travel again and where better than Bali? We stayed for two nights at the Pullman Bali Legian Beach (hotel. qantas.com.au/pullmanbali) and five nights at The Haven (hotel.qantas.com. au/thehavenbali). We only spent one day by the pool relaxing – every other day was filled with activities. We sipped cocktails at Palmilla Beach Club and snorkelled at Blue Lagoon Beach. I was obsessed with the smoothie bowls at Crumb & Coaster (JI. Benesari 2E, Kuta). I went every morning and they were epic.”

Jane Vaeafe

TRAVELLED TO ................................. New Zealand FREQUENT FLYER STATUS ...................... Bronze

“I remember being at the airport and my husband turned to me with this massive grin on his face and said, ‘I can’t believe we’re actually going,’ because he hadn’t seen his family in Christchurch since 2019. Flying with Qantas was wonderful. The staff were lovely. Our trip was so special; not only did we reconnect with family, we also spent a week on a road trip to Queenstown with our best friends. You must stop at Fairlie Bakehouse (fairlie bakehouse.co.nz) in the Canterbury region for the meat pies. Lake Tekapo will blow you away. And hop into the Tekapo Springs at night and watch the stars; the air is freezing but the pools are warm. It’s so beautiful and relaxing.”

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