GAMELAN & SONGLINES

Arriving into Java, you’ll start your honeymoon by being transferred to Borobudur, an impressive patchwork of green paddy fields, rustling palms and a colossal 9^th-centruy Buddhist temple. Stay at Villa Borobudur, a gorgeous sanctuary on the slopes of the Menorah Mountains. Spend your time joining sunrise tours of the temples and bike riding through the nearby villages. Once you’ve had your fill of activity, visit the Padma Spa for a relaxing bath strewn with rose petals overlooking awe-inspiring views or lounge by your own pool with a cocktail in hand and listening to the calming prays made by the local villagers below.

Leapfrogging from Java to Bali, you’ll be taken to Ubud to stay two nights at the secluded Alila Ubud. Designed to resemble a Balinese village, rooms rest on stilts on the very edge of a hillside with panoramic views of the Ayung River valley below. Wallow in the award-winning, infinity swimming pool and then rest on the surrounding stone-tiled sun decks, shaded by the attractive Balinese umbrellas. Order the afternoon tea on the terrace and then head to the art gallery, which showcases stunning contemporary Indonesian artworks. Now that you are well acquainted with the resort, branch out into the leafy haven that is Bali’s artistic hub with a visit to the local museums and craftsmen’s workshops, a tour of the dramatic temples or by getting involved in one of the many food, jazz and fire-dance festivals.

From southern Indonesia, you’ll fly to Australia’s Top End, an area teeming with rich wildlife, spectacular scenery and plenty to do. An upmarket safari lodge, the Bamurru Plains will be your base for spotting saltwater crocodiles in the waterways, ticking off the list of 236 local bird species and for launching into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park in a boat, open-topped 4x4 or helicopter. On your safaris, you’ll see countless wallabies and water buffalo as well as a few dingos, wild pigs and brumbies. You’ll have enough time to spend one of your days walking around Darwin, where you can explore the Aboriginal art galleries, shops and street markets or do something daring like swim with crocs in the ‘Cage of Death’.

Bordering Kakadu’s southern edge, Nitmiluk National Park is a collection of ancient gorges carved out by the Katherine River. Previously named Katherine Gorge National Park, the area has great ceremonial significance to the local Jawoyn people, who are now custodians of the park. As well as the gorges, rapids and waterfalls, which make ideal spots for swimming, fishing and canoeing, there’s beautiful rock art to see and a local centre where you can learn about the Jawoyn people. You’ll be staying in the Cicada Lodge, which is a 100% Indigenous-owned luxury retreat located on the tranquil Katherine River, just above the atmospheric sandstone walls.

The last leg of your holiday sees you flying into Cairns to be transferred to Port Douglas, a plush resort town surrounded by forests and the Coral Sea. Thanks to its balmy weather, you can fill up your days shopping on the stylish Macrossan Street and soaking up the sun at the marina, where luxury yachts moor. Discover the underwater treasures of the Great Barrier Reef by diving and snorkelling in the warm waters, or trek through the pristine rainforests of Daintree and Cape Tribulation. In the evenings, return to your hotel, the Thala Beach Lodge, at sunset to enjoy a cocktail in the treetop restaurant and then to star gaze the night away.