TRAVEL BUZZ

CHRISTMAS ISLAND gets is first eco-lodge, while cute ceramic cups SAVE THE PLANET one coffee at a time.

SWELL LODGE

CHRISTMAS ISLAND IS A UNIQUE PROPOSITION: A PART OF AUSTRALIA THAT MOST AUSTRALIANS COMPLETELY FORGET IS OUT THERE (IT IS 1550 KILOMETRES NORTHWEST OF THE MAINLAND, CLOSER IN PROXIMITY TO INDONESIA) AND WOULD NEVER THINKTHEY COULDVISIT.BUTWITHTHE OPENING OF SWELL LODGE,THE FIRST LUXURY ECO-ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLAND, HEADING TO THIS COMPELLING, FASCINATING SPOT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INDIAN OCEAN IS MORE APPEALING THAN EVER. SITUATED ON A SEA CLIFF ALONG THE UNINHABITED, RUGGED WEST COAST OF THE ISLAND, THE FLOOR-TO-CEILING GLASS OFFERS UNINTERRUPTED VIEWS AS PODS OF SPINNER DOLPHINS PLAY INTHE SURFAND SEABIRDS SOAR HIGH OVERHEAD.ACTIVITIES INCLUDE EVERYTHING FROM SNORKELLING TO CAVE SWIMS TO OUTDOOR CINEMA, ALL TOPPED OFF WITH CUISINE BY FRENCH CHEF FELIX LEGRAND AND LUXURY APPOINTMENTS IN WHATWILL EVENTUALLY BE EIGHT ECO-CHALETS.THEALL-INCLUSIVE PRICES STARTAT $690 PER PERSON PER NIGHT WITH A PORTION OF THE NIGHTLY RATE GOING TOWARDS CONSERVATION PROJECTS IN THE NATIONAL PARK. SWELLLODGE.COM We chat to the co-creator of The Ceramic Mill, whose re-usable coffee cups are tackling a growing problem. Where did the inspiration for reusable ceramic cups come from? My partner and I both work in the hospitality industry and had an insight into how many single-use coffee cups were used in a day. We were appalled as to how many are wasted and turned into landfill; over one billion disposable coffee cups are used every year in Australia alone. That is when The Ceramic Mill was conceived. We wanted to create a handmade reusable ceramic cup that was not only practical and visually appealing, but something that could make a positive impact on the planet. How long have you been making ceramics?

We’ve only been doing pottery for roughly two years. We’re still fairly new at this, there is still so much to learn! What feedback have you received?

We’ve received nothing but positive feedback in regards to our cups. People enjoy the simplicity of our product and love the fact that they are all unique, no one is ever the same. Each one is thrown on the wheel in our studio on the Gold Coast. What is the next step for you and your cups?

We’ve got some big plans coming up with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Christmas. We’re hoping to move into some more homewares ceramics, but for the moment we’ll continue to make our mark and save the planet one handmade ceramic cup at a time!