RED EARTH & SURF

Start your holiday in Singapore, a rich melting pot of cultures (not just east and west but north and south too), where you’ll find glittering skyscrapers, designer shopping malls, colourful markets, a pretty waterfront and world-class dining, with specialities from all over the world: dine at a rooftop restaurant, overlooking the skyline. Your hotel, Villa Samadhi, is a chic colonial retreat on the waterfront, surrounded by lush tropical gardens.

A flight via Darwin will bring you to your first stop in Australia, Kakadu National Park, in the Northern Territory. One of our favourite places in the country, the timeless UNESCO-listed Kakadu, which covers over 20,000 square kilometres, never fails to wow. Explore around craggy red cliffs, rivers and waterfalls, watch crocodiles lazing around the wetlands (there are over 10,000 crocodiles here), and discover the rich aborigine culture of the area, including the ancient rock art on the walls of the caves, which is thousands of years old.   Make the most of the wildlife and plant-rich landscapes on guided tours, including airboat trips over the wetlands, riverboat cruises and open-top safaris where you can spot wildlife from wallabies to buffaloes. It’s easy to experience it all from Bamurru Plains, a luxury bush lodge that sits on the Mary River floodplains and has wildlife and birds right on the doorstep.

No visit to Australia would be complete without experiencing Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the unique landscapes of the Outback. Stay at Longitude 131° for a truly unique glamping experience, including personalised Outback tours such as memorable walks around the rock and visits to areas that are exclusive to guests, where you can learn about the significance of the rock and the Outback for the region’s indigenous people. You can also make the most of some of the best possible views of Uluru right from your luxury tent -  take in the spectacular sunrise and sunset colours of this mesmerising giant red rock from the comfort of your deck, before enjoying a gourmet evening meal, accompanied by music and storytelling.

For a dose of city life, it’s on to beautiful Sydney, where you can take in the world-famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the luxurious Park Hyatt’s prime location right on the waterfront. Take in the city’s restaurants, waterfront bars and world-class galleries before hopping on a ferry for a scenic trip across the harbour to one of the many lovely beach suburbs. We recommend heading to Manly, to enjoy a walk along the coast for panoramic views, or to simply relax on the pristine palm-fringed sand.

A scenic flight will bring you to the exclusive and exquisite Lord Howe Island, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spend a few blissful days enjoying one of Australia’s most beautiful hidden gems. As well as several idyllic beaches, the pristine subtropical landscapes, from sea cliffs to mist-covered rainforests, are home to rare birds and plant life - due to the island’s ecosystem, many of them aren’t found anywhere else in the world. Capella Lodge sits between volcanic peaks and the beach, guaranteeing sweeping mountain and ocean views. Explore the untouched wilderness on foot or mountain bike, and swim or snorkel around the coral reef, or head out in a canoe or a glass-bottomed kayak. The reef teems with colourful marine life, with new species being discovered all the time. Alternatively, simply relax in your own private paradise, feasting on fresh seafood, drinking in the views and enjoying the pool and the spa.

Fly back to Sydney and take a seaplane (very James Bond) to Bouddi National Park, and the Pretty Beach House, a private beach house in a beautiful setting within the park. It sits on the Bouddi Peninsula, on an escarpment above Pretty Beach. Explore Bouddi with guided bushwalks and indigenous cultural tours, or walk or mountain bike along the scenic coastal trails, which lead to secluded beaches and bays. Do some whale watching off the coast on a private trip on the hotel’s own yacht, and if you fancy learning to surf, have a personal training session. Back at the beach house, enjoy the views from the pool deck, with a pizza from the poolside pizza oven and a refreshing beer. If you’ve enjoyed the gourmet Australian food (and few people don’t), you can recreate your favourite dishes at a private cooking class with your own personal chef. Meanwhile, wine buffs will love the chance to have a bespoke wine tour in the beautiful Hunter Valley.