Discovery Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia

Discovery Rottnest Island, Perth, Western Australia

D & A
Accommodation, Destinations

Located on the far north east corner of Perth’s very own secret island hideaway, Discovery Rottnest Island is a must visit location for lovers of beach, sun and sand and (we think) is a great reason to add a visit to Perth to your Australia adventures. Arguably, provding the very best glamping experience in the state, with the highest category tents nestled right into the water front dunes of Pinky Beach, Discovery Rottnest Island has already become a regular summer haunt for these proud Perthites.

Kittawa Lodge, King Island, Tasmania, Australia

Kittawa Lodge, King Island, Tasmania, Australia

D & A
Accommodation, Destinations, Food & Drink

The isle of Tasmania is one of the most spectacular regions of Australia.  In recent years, its startling natural beauty has been complemented by the rise of a thriving food industry and a burgeoning luxury accommodation scene – a windfall for discerning adventurers.  It is on an island off the island that one of the newest and most extraordinary lodges has emerged – the petite, personalised and impeccably chic Kittawa Lodge of King Island.

Islington Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Islington Hotel, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

D & A
Accommodation

Founded in 1804, Hobart is Australia’s second oldest capital city, after Sydney. On our last visit to Tasmania, we stayed at the newly opened and unabashedly modern MACq01 Hotel on the waterfront. But on this occasion, we embraced the city’s historical grandeur and refined elegance with a stay at the delightful Hotel Islington in South Hobart.

Samphire Rottnest, Perth, Western Australia

Samphire Rottnest, Perth, Western Australia

D & A
Accommodation, Destinations

Rottnest Island – Perth’s picturesque playground. A short boat journey across the water to an island of beaches, bays, bicycles and barefoot relaxation. With captivating quokkas and surreal natural beauty, it is a beautiful destination for both Perth locals and visitors to WA.

But while the laidback and casual vibe is ideal for engendering relaxation, is has long translated into a standard of accommodation that could be described, at best, as underwhelming. A recent glamping option was a significant step up from the age-old cottages, but there was still nothing on the island that could truly be considered luxurious.

And so it was with much anticipation that discerning Perth-ites awaited the opening of Samphire, Rottnest Island’s first luxury accommodation, in October 2020. And it was definitely worth the wait.

Swell Lodge, Christmas Island, Australia

Swell Lodge, Christmas Island, Australia

D & A
Accommodation

It is just before 6am, and the first rays of morning light are peeking into our tent. We have been gently encouraged awake by the same ocean waves that lulled us to sleep many hours before. From our balcony, the waters below are turquoise and cobalt, sparkling in the dawn light as they surge and crash over the russet red rocks. Brown boobies and frigate birds soar past at eye-level, hovering on the sea breeze, so close we barely need our zoom lenses. And around us, the red crabs mill, softly munching on the moist dewy leaves in the early morning cool, their bright orange claws clickety-clacking as they slowly amble by. Welcome to Swell Lodge.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia

D & A
Destinations

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands. A necklace of palm fringed islands, encircling an emerald lagoon. An Australian territory but closer to Indonesia than mainland Australia. A tropical paradise and a multicultural melting pot with a fascinating history. And our home for the next few days as part of a visit to both the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and Christmas Island.

SouthWild Jaguar Flotel, The Pantanal, Brazil

SouthWild Jaguar Flotel, The Pantanal, Brazil

D & A
Accommodation, Photography

Deep within the Brazilian Pantanal is an area of wetland where the concentration of jaguars are so high, and the chances of seeing them so good, that it has earned the nickname “Jaguarland”.  And here, floating on the river within this jaguar epicentre, is one of the best accommodation options in the entire Pantanal – SouthWild’s Jaguar Flotel, and their luxurious Jaguar Suites.

Where to See Jaguars in the Wild

Where to See Jaguars in the Wild

D & A
Adventures, Photography, Wildlife

Jaguars.  The world’s third largest cat, after tigers and lions.  Magnificent apex predators of the Americas.  And one of the most impressive creatures on earth to see in their natural environment.  Whilst always elusive, there is one place on earth where you can realistically expect to see jaguars – The Pantanal, in Brazil.  Here is how to maximise your chances of seeing these majestic cats.

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

D & A
Destinations, Food & Drink, Accommodation

On our approach into Rio’s Santos Dumont airport our spectacular arrival route takes in views of Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, and the beautiful bays and beaches that have made Rio famous the world over.  It is a stunning first impression, but one which is reinforced repeatedly over our coming days in Rio – this truly is one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

A Casa Do Porco, Sao Paulo, Brazil

A Casa Do Porco, Sao Paulo, Brazil

D & A
Food & Drink

Alongside the multiple fine dining establishments of Sao Paulo, a very different star has arisen – A Casa Do Porco.  Currently the highest ranked Brazilian restaurant in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, A Casa Do Porco is a fun-filled, pork-themed extravaganza.

D.O.M. Gastronomia Brasileira, Sao Paulo, Brazil

D.O.M. Gastronomia Brasileira, Sao Paulo, Brazil

D & A
Food & Drink

D.O.M. was first opened in 1999, and has been on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants since 2006.  Head Chef Alex Atala is credited with spearheading the emergence of Brazilian cuisine onto the world food stage over the last 20 years, exalting the use of traditional Brazilian ingredients and techniques in contemporary cooking. 

Load More