Picturesque Seaside Dining - The Shoal Bay Country Club, Port Stephens

---

The Shoal Bay Country Club has exploded back onto the scene in Port Stephens with it’s super on trend interiors and it’s exquisite menu, not to mention the sprawling uninterrupted ocean views of course!

The cafe, bar, pub and restaurant has been a part of the Port Stephens dining scene since it was built in the 1930’s, but it is it’s latest transformation is what has everyone talking. Think coastal, relaxed vibes, pastel pops, cane furniture, greenery and Mexican inspired tiles, designed by Interior Design studio Luchetti Krelle.

So if you’re in the area, in need of a holiday or a local who hasn’t made the trip just yet, it’s time to experience and of course Instagram this stunning new venue!

The Provincial Hotel - Ballarat has a new Luxury Hotel and Restaurant

---

A new luxury boutique hotel and restaurant offering has re-opened the doors of one of Ballarat’s most iconic heritage buildings, The Provincial Hotel. Built in 1909, the iconic building, recognised by the National Trust, has housed publicans and hoteliers, each enriching the hotel with greater grandeur. 

Earlier this year, Simon and Gorgi Coghlan stumbled across The Provincial Hotel and decided to combine their respective skills to create something incredible. Simon, a stalwart of regional Victoria’s hospitality industry, and Gorgi, a media personality with a penchant for design and beautiful styling, partnered with Drew Harry, a hospitality guru, to make their vision a reality. 

“The luxury market is growing. Simon and I saw an opportunity to grow that market in Ballarat through boutique accommodation and an adjoining restaurant offering fantastic quality food and wine.” says Gorgi.

---

 The boutique hotel and restaurant provides luxury, timeless beauty and quality nestled within regional Victoria’s Western Highlands. Inspired by female characters who have influenced Ballarat’s history, the hallways of the hotel is the home to a revolving swag of local female artists’ original works.

Lola restaurant, named after one of Ballarat’s most influential female characters from the Goldfields - dancer, actress and courtesan Lola Montez, is the newest offering to Ballarat’s ever-growing food scene. Lola is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers a locally sourced, seasonally driven menu with a European influence. Head Chef Shaun Thomson brings his experience working alongside Peter Gilmore, Neil Perry and Peter Kuruvita to create a delicious, honest and impressive dining experience. 

“When staying at a hotel, most travellers look for more than just a bed to sleep in. Increasingly, fantastic service, attention to detail in a competent and relaxed manner, and of course a comfortable bed, create an intimate hotel experience. The Provincial Hotel and Lola restaurant have been designed to exceed expectations.” says Gorgi Coghlan.

---

The boutique accommodation comprises 23 suites, each one uniquely styled with a mix of bespoke antique, modern and custom pieces. Drawing inspiration from the most beautiful hotels in New York and Australia, Gorgi and her team of interior designers went to great lengths to source fabrics and pieces of unparalleled beauty to create a warm and timelessly stylish environment for guests to relax and indulge. 

“We are the only destination hotel that doesn’t involve the need to get in a car. Directly across the road from Ballarat’s iconic Train Station in the CBD, our guests will have direct access to the best food, wine and cultural experiences Ballarat has to offer, all within walking distance. We’re confident The Provincial Hotel will become the gateway for travellers from Adelaide heading to Melbourne by road or rail.” says Gorgi.

Lola restaurant and Provincial Hotel are open for reservations. Visit theprovincialballarat.com.au

Our Top 10 best pool villas in Bali...

Brought to you by Villa Finder

Bali, it is a favourite holiday destination for many Australian’s – because of it’s gorgeous beaches, delicious food, cultural activities, overall relaxed vibe and it has some of the most beautiful accommodation in the whole of Indonesia. With a vast variety of accommodation options it can be hard to choose where and what is the right choice for you, so with that in mind we have compiled our top 10 pool villas to help you on your way!

We love staying in pool villas when in Bali, they have everything you could ever need, they are luxurious, super comfortable and it’s the private part that get’s us excited… spend your days lounging by your own private pool, sipping on cocktails with no one but you and your loved ones!

1 - Villa Delfino - a contemporary villa with the most stunning ocean views to take in while you sunbake and swim. Villa Delfino feels like an oasis amongst the rice fields - you will feel as though you are right in the midst of Indonesian life.

---

2 - Casa Hannah -  a villa which is filled with Balinese architecture and has an airy design and relaxed feel. This spacious pool villa is filled with natural stone features, carved timber elements and contemporary finishes to make you feel right at home. And as you can see below it is surrounded by lush, tropical Balinese gardens.

---

3 - Villa Paraiba – a huge 4 bedroom luxury villa in the heart of Seminyak.  Located in the most popular district in Seminyak this stunning villa is within walking distance of this area’s most sought after restaurants, bars, day spas and beaches.

---

4 - Villa Galante – this villas is filled with carefully curated antique furniture from all over Asia which gives it a feeling of history and heritage. It is located only a 10-minute drive from Seminyak and Canggu, so you are within minutes of the all the popular tourist spots. Spend your afternoons surrounded by the peaceful views of the rice fields, relaxing and swimming in your own huge private pool.

---

5 - Villa Cahaya – Villa Cahaya is an amazing cliff top villa with uninterrupted ocean views. For the fitness fanatics you can enjoy the in house tennis court and gym. Or relax and enjoy watching the sun set in your own cliff top infinity pool, looking over the ocean., surrounded by palm trees.

---

6- Villa Splendid – a 5 bedroom two story villa perched at the edge of a river valley. It has breathtaking views across the surrounding fields and gardens and also features a basketball court and badminton table to keep your family and friends entertained between cocktails and swims!

---

7 - Villa Kadek – a villa decorated with traditional art from Java and Bali, this stunning villa has a spacious outdoor living room with views of the manicured gardens and oasis like swimming pool. Relax and unwind by the private pool, lying under an umbrella and sipping on a freshly made cocktail.

---

8 - Villa Atmo - the perfect family villa that is within walking distance to Batu Belig beach and the popular Petitenget region. Villa Atmo is a traditional Joglo villa, filled with all the luxuries and amenities you could ever ask for. It features an outdoor living room, cabana style pool area and tropical garden.

---

9 - Villa Theo -  Villa Theo has an expansive garden with an enormous 20-metre infinity pool in the middle of the property. It’s the perfect villa for a large family holiday or for hosting events such as weddings. It has large open plan living and dining areas and two traditional Javanese Joglo houses to accommodate your guests.

---

10 - Villa Jeeva Saba – a beachfront villa situated on the east coast of Bali complete with an ancient Banyan tree. It features all of the luxury amenities you could ever ask for, such as an in house chef, gym, massage room, pool and daily breakfasts. Swim in your private pool or walk straight out of your villa and onto the beautiful beach for a day of fun in the sun and surf.

---

Villa Finder has over 1,500 villas listed on their website from Bali, Phuket, Samui, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Each villa is inspected before being listed online and they continue to be frequently reinspected to make sure that they are well maintained and that the level of service is always exceptional.

Villa Finder is your accommodation genie – this is how it works: hop onto the website, find a villa you love and place a request for the villa through the website. Next, the Villa Finder team will contact you directly to ascertain your needs and ensure that this is the right villa for you – eg. are you coming with kids, how old are the kids, do you need a pool fence or car seat etc.

Once you have decided that the villa is right for you, Villa Finder’s concierge team will arrange your stay directly with the villa. Villa Finder will also arrange airport pickups, special dinners, day tours, in-villa massages and more. Payment is made directly to the villa providers, and Villa Finder does not charge any additional fees for the arrangement.

And something extra that we love about Villa Finder is that for every booking made, a tree is planted in Sumatra, Indonesia – so you are not only enjoying an amazing holiday, you are also contributing to the environment while holidaying.

Travel Tuesday | The Calile Hotel

---

We first came across this absolute beauty of a hotel in the current issue of our fav interiors magazine, Adore - and it was love at first sight.

The Calile Hotel is a brand new luxury hotel situated on Brisbane’s iconic James Street. It has set a new standard for hotels, bars and boutiques along the esplanade, due to it’s luxurious finishes, super high standards and Los Angeles style aesthetic.

Designed by Richards & Spence Architects, the hotel features 178 luxury hotel rooms, oasis style podium level pool with cabanas, day spa, large function room as well as an outstanding restaurant and bar. The ground floor of the hotel is full of flagship retail boutiques, gourmet eateries and nightlife hot spots.

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE

Travel Tuesday | If you're ever in Brisbane - The Johnson

---

The Johnson, Brisbane's newest luxury hotel and part of the exclusive Art Series Hotel Group. The Johnson Hotel takes its design cues from celebrated Australian abstract artist Michael Johnson. 

The luxury hotel features 96 open plan and self contained suites, a super luxe penthouse, a 50 metre pool, sun deck, gym, conference facilities and gorgeous on site restaurant and bar, Tumbling Stone.

Details and bookings HERE!

Travel Tuesday | The one and only - Salt at Shoal Bay

---

LUXURY BEACHSIDE ACCOMMODATION - SALT AT SHOAL BAY

Salt at Shoal Bay is a unique waterfront property located at Shoal Bay, Port Stephens, providing guests with relaxed, luxury beachside accommodation. I'm sure you would have seen this beauty all over your instagram of late, it's such a beauty... and so instagram worthy!

Salt at Shoal Bay is a modern Australian beach house divided into two self contained levels and a third freestanding cottage, enabling large groups to stay in the same location with the convenience of their own private spaces. 

Featured here today is - SALT ONE UPPER LEVEL

The upper level is the ultimate luxury, featuring high raked ceilings in all bedrooms and living areas. Large glass windows showcasing panoramic views of the bay, Tomaree and Yacaaba headlands. The master bedroom features it's own private balcony with stunning turquoise water views. It sleeps 11 - 1x king master with ensuite, 2x queen bedrooms, 1x queen bedroom with triple bunk.

SALT TWO - GROUND LEVEL

SALT THREE - THE COTTAGE

Travel Tuesday | Poolside - Halycon House

---

Opening in 2015, Halcyon House took two years of planning and 15 months to build. The extensive renovations were led by Sydney-based architect Virginia Kerridge, while the properties 21 boutique rooms were each uniquely designed by Brisbane-based interior designer Anna Spiro. Many of the vintage pieces and furnishings, such as John Derian sofas, Madeline Weinrib rugs and drawings by Wayne Pate, were personally sourced by Anna, Siobhan and Elisha.

Halcyon House consists of 19 rooms and 2 luxury 2-bedroom suites, a beachfront pool, terrace area & Paper Daisy, a destination restaurant headed by one of Australia’s most promising chefs, Ben Devlin. Acclaimed design, professional yet personal service & industry leading food & drink combine to offer the ideal setting for luxurious beach side holidays.

Each guest room at Halcyon House has been individually designed by interior designer Anna Spiro in her signature eclectic style. Halcyon House Classic Rooms feature antique furniture, fabric upholstered walls, a luxurious king size bed and sitting area.

BOOKINGS AND DETAILS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Waterside Sydney - Ovolo Woolloomooloo

The Ovolo Woolloomooloo is situated on the longest timber-piled wharf in the world, on Sydney Harbour, Australia. The historical property has been transformed into a luxury boutique hotel, bar and event centre. It has been designed to keep the buildings original charm with modern contemporary elements and furniture.

The Ovolo is a short walk to the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, restaurants and Sydney's famous beaches. The hotel has a free mini bar, happy hour, gym, pool, wi-fi and breakfast - all complimentary!

BOOKINGS AND DETAILS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Paradise - Club Med Kani, Maldives

---

Situated above the crystal water of the Maldives along an expansive and secluded two kilometre stretch of private beaches, Club Med Kani offers the ultimate in tropical lagoon luxury.

From surfing the nearby renowned waves of the Maldives, to discovering the amazing underwater natural beauty through included snorkelling tours, there are endless thrilling water sports and adventures to choose from.

This amazing tropical playground will please couples, just as much as families or friends! Indulge in simple pleasure of island life like eating fresh fish and coconut, or unwind by the pool with a cocktail in-hand. Club Med is also children friendly, so your littles ones can also make the most of this amazing playground. 

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Thinking Pink - Mama Kelly, Amsterdam

---

Today's Travel Tuesday isn't about sleeping, it's about eating... eating at the renowned Mama Kelly in Amsterdam. 

Surrounded by a sea of pink and all things glam, Mama Kelly's menu is simple - Lobster or Chicken... so if lobster, chicken or pink isn't your thing then this place isn't for you! 

MaMa Kelly Amsterdam seats 230 guests and is located in an old cigarette factory in Olympisch Stadion in Amsterdam’s outskirts. Mama Kelly's success has been largely through modern marketing techniques, such as Instagram... because if this isn't the most Instagram worthy restaurant you've ever seen then I don't know what is! 

Mama Kelly also has a secret bar... and it's the only part of the restaurant that's not pink, definitely a challenge to see if you can find it!

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Super Luxe - Amanyara, Turks & Caicos

---

This is one for the wish list, the dream list, the 'it probably won't ever happen but let's just be hopeful anyway' list... it is the ultimate Caribbean resort, The Amanyara in Turks & Caicos. 

This resort is the height of luxury, with spectacular views of the ocean, private lounge areas, a pool crafted from volcanic rock and the most divine accommodation. The rooms and villas have fresh and modern interiors with soft beachy elements of timber and white. All the villas and pavilions have indoor/outdoors flow, embracing the Caribbean air and bringing the outdoors in.

Amanyara’s secluded 800-metre beach front has a vibrant underwater wonderland of coral reefs. Hawksbill turtles, humpback whales, bonefish and hundreds of migratory bird species are frequent visitors to the waters. It's the perfect place to explore, relax, unwind and play... 

BOOKINGS AND DETAILS HERE

---

Travel Tuesday | Hollywood - The Beverly Hills Hotel

---

If the walls of The Beverly Hills Hotel could talk… what is now affectionately known as the ‘Pink Palace’ the hotel is a Los Angeles institution. A hotel that attracts the big stars, show business legends and those of us who like the idea of being treated like a celebrity for a weekend. 

Think old, classic Hollywood through and through – and of course the Instagram worthy interior design! Bubblegum pink plaster walls, huge Mexican palms, green candy-striped pool beds, banana leaf wallpaper and the dusty pink exterior are the signature hotel themes.

A colour palette of cream and taupe adorn the hotel’s 208 guestrooms and suites, with furnishings in luxurious materials such as leather and mohair. There are also 23 bungalows dotted around the hotel’s tropical garden, with their own separate entrance from the side street for those wanting some extra privacy.

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Beach Abode - The Barefoot Bay Cottage

---

Tropical escape in the heart of Byron Bay

Located opposite a lush nature reserve, in the heart of the market precinct in Byron Bay, is The Barefoot Bay Cottage. The Cottage is the first holiday house to be designed and built for boutique holiday accommodation business, Barefoot Escapes.

The unique property is the vision of multi-disciplinary design studio The Designory and B2 Construction.  “Making these holiday homes a unique and memorable experience for guests was very important to us,” says Melissa Bonney, Director of The Designory. “Every detail is thought of, and a true home away from home has been created to allow guests to relax and indulge in the Barefoot Escapes experience.”

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE

---

The north facing home has been designed to capture the sun and cooling summer breeze. Inside, the cottage is light-filled, open and instils instant calm with a luxe palette of fresh white, sage greens, deep navy and concrete grey tones. 

The contemporary coastal styling includes layering of earthy and natural textures throughout providing a sense of instant tranquillity allowing guests to prioritise rest and rejuvenation. The home features open plan living, dining, sitting and kitchen areas, three spacious and beautifully furnished bedrooms along with two resort-style bathrooms and a stunning outdoor oasis. 

“We wanted to really capture the essence of the Byron Bay area and the connection to both the lush hinterland and the beach,” says Melissa. “It was important the colour and materials palette drives the overall feel and experience of actually being in the home.” 

---

A stand-out feature of the property is its huge wrap around deck, perfectly positioned to maximise the beautiful year-round Byron Bay climate. The large covered entertaining space offers oversized built in bench seating, multiple lounges, hanging chairs, a ten-seater outdoor dining table, plus an outdoor bath tub, shower and plunge pool.

“The outdoor living and dining area at the cottage was extremely important to us.  Byron Bay has the most incredible weather all year round and we really wanted to create a space for coming together with friends and family to enjoy the connection to the surrounding tropical gardens and nearby nature reserve,” says Melissa.

In order to enjoy the outdoor space all year round, appropriate lighting and heating was essential. The Designory chose the IXL Fresco Auora Outdoor Heater to meet their alfresco dining needs.

“We used the multifunctional Fresco outdoor heater and light over our outdoor dining area as it makes the space perfect for entertaining, and its multiple settings are perfect for holiday makers to customise it to their needs,” says Melissa.

“The Fresco blended seamlessly with the design and styling of the outdoor space. With minimal hardware, it suspends effortlessly above the large dining table making it the perfect location to enjoy long lingering lunches and dinners,” she continues.

---

The Fresco Aurora Outdoor Heater combines ambient infrared heat, dimmable task lighting and coloured mood lighting in one cleverly and sleek designed unit. Its unobtrusive and stylish pendant design will ensure it seamlessly fits in with your chosen space.

 “To maximise your outdoor space it’s ideal to choose a multi-functional heating option, for example, with the ability to also create mood and practical lighting. Those extra functions will ensure your heating system is also useful in the warmer months,” says IXL Marketing Manager Malcolm Russell.

Designed to be suspended from flat or gabled roofs, the Fresco Aurora is ideal for external dining areas, verandas and balconies, and can transform your outdoor room into a cosy ambient space – all year round.

Travel Tuesday | Country Life - Soul of Gerringong

Original farmhouse restoration with old-school charm.

Pairing classic coastal style with authentic charm, Soul of Gerringong, offers boutique accommodation for up to sixteen guests. Located on the south coast of New South Wales, just ten minutes past Kiama, this unique property is a dream getaway. Built and designed by husband and wife duo, Ben and Simone Mathews from BAM Constructions Group and MGAO Architects, the heart of Soul is the original 1800s farmhouse featuring four bedrooms with private ensuites. At the rear of the property, you will find an oversized solar-heated pool, two-bedroom Cabana, four bedroom Barn and landscaped surroundings – paying homage to original heritage and balancing easy living with luxury.

“Our design inspirations came from the original property that oozed old-school charm and we wanted to ensure that the end result was authentic,” says Simone, Interior Designer, BAM.

The focal point of the interior is the open-plan living area, featuring a spacious kitchen and original stone fireplace – perfect for entertaining or cosy winter evenings. BAM specified custom Stegbar Raked Windows above the fireplace to complement the building design – flooding the place with natural light and adding a unique visual element.

DETAILS & BOOKINGS HERE

To bring the outdoors in, Stegbar Aluminium Windows and Doors feature throughout the living area – including sliding, fixed and louvre windows as well as oversized stacking doors.

“Louvres are great to incorporate into any design due to their ventilation properties and ability to allow natural airflow and light into the home,” says Simone.

“When it came to the façade, we wanted to maintain a cottage-like feel that seamlessly blended in with the rest of the home. So we utilised Stegbar’s custom made service and had windows hand crafted to perfectly match the home’s style,” says Simone.

The façade now features Stegbar Western Red Cedar Timber Windows in white with colonial style glazing bars – paying homage to the original heritage of the home. The Western Red Cedar range offers a beautiful timber that is dimensionally stable under almost any climatic condition and is naturally resistant to termites, rot and decay – which is imperative being amongst rural land.

Travel Tuesday | Kangaroo Island - Southern Ocean Lodge

Images via Southern Ocean Lodge

Southern Ocean Lodge is Australia’s celebrated multi award winning luxury lodge experience, designed by architect Max Pritchard and regarded amongst the finest in the world. Sensitively designed to float amongst the untouched coast of Kangaroo Island’s south west coast and spectacular ocean, beach and wilderness views.

21 luxurious suites feature contemporary interiors, each with sunken lounges, glass-walled bathrooms and outdoor terraces, all with breathtaking views.

The Great Room is the centre of activity; guests can plan their day ahead, enjoy the finest Island-inspired dining in the Restaurant, or a relaxed drink at the open bar with an exclusively South Australian wine selection.

BOOKINGS AND DETAILS HERE

Travel Tuesday | San Francisco Sights - The Battery Hotel

All images - Douglas Friedman | The Battery

The Battery - San Francisco's uber cool member's only club that caters to some of the cities most elite residents. Luxury rooms, spa, library, garden, gym, wine cellar, restaurant and 4 bars, this is the spot to be and to be seen.

Although The Battery is a private club, it has 14 luxury hotel rooms and suites as well as 1 spacious penthouse with a roof terrace, which are all available for public bookings. When you stay at the hotel, you are considered a 'Resident Member' and have access to all 'The Club’s' facilities during your stay.

The hotel rooms feature hardwood floors, curated furniture and exquisite art pieces. The bathrooms feature natural stone with huge baths and showers to relax in. Your rooms minibar is stocked with a full liquor selection, mixers, snacks and the hotel offers 24 hour front desk assistance.

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Wonderful Wilderness - Cradle Mountain Lodge

Images courtesy of Cradle Mountain Lodge

World-famous peaks, snug chalets and epic walks in Cradle Mountain.

Growing up in Tasmania means I tend to be drawn to Tassie accommodation.. there are just so many beautiful locations, places to stay and wonderful pockets to explore and people need to know about them!

And today it's Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge - the closest accommodation to the spectacular Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Set in the wilderness are 86 private timber cabins, from contemporary Pencil Pine Cabins through to luxurious King Billy Suites. Each provides the modern comforts you would expect and some are appointed with spa baths. The King Billy Suites and Spa Suites have king-sized beds and can accommodate up to three guests utilising an additional roll away bed. There are also family cabins, some with spas, sleeping up to five people that can be booked directly at the Lodge.

Be tempted by the delectable tastes of local Tasmanian cheeses over a glass of wine, have a romantic dinner, take a stroll on one of the 20 walking trails, wander through towering forests, gaze in awe at that trees older than mankind or indulge in a therapeutic massage or sauna.

DETAILS AND BOOKINGS HERE
 

Travel Tuesday | Positano Paradise, Hotel Marincanto

With the overwhelming feeling that you're standing on a movie set, uninterrupted panoramic ocean views and oozing sophistication - Hotel Marincanto in Positano, Italy is mind blowingly beautiful. 

Positano has inspired many great painters and every year thousands of holidaymakers from all over the world choose to stay Hotel Marincanto thanks to its unequalled elegance, privacy and warm welcome. Unchanged since 1967, the Marincanto features an infinity pool blending in with the horizon and an exclusive private beach. 

Located in an enviable central position with a spectacular view of the town and bay, Hotel Marincanto is your dream Italian beach side getaway!

BOOKINGS AND DETAILS HERE

Travel Tuesday | Parisian Luxe - Hotel Dupond Smith

---

RIGHT IN THE BEATING HEART OF PARIS’S MARAIS QUARTER

A hotel kept shrouded in secrecy, Paris's exquisite five star Hotel Dupond Smith holds eight bedrooms and suites within its 17th-century mansion walls. A place where guests know they can enjoy complete discretion and one of today's greatest luxuries: choosing to go incognito!

This unique hotel stands out from the crowd without ever drawing attention to itself, it is the ultimate hotel for sophistication and luxury, outfitted in pieces by noteworthy designers including Philippe Starck.

BOOKING AND DETAILS HERE

---

Travel Tuesday | Hamptons Life - Baron's Cove, The Hamptons

Baron’s Cove, Sag Harbour – a must see Hampton's Hotel, transformed by Curtis Bashaw and his interior designer sister Colleen. Housing 67 spacious guest rooms, with the oh so gorgeous Hamptons feeling, the property features a pool, tennis court, gym, spa, complimentary beach transport, restaurant, lobby bar, lounge, a gorgeous homely porch with rocking chairs, open fire and they even have dog friendly rooms for the pooch lovers!

Sag Harbor is the stand out of the world-renowned Hamptons. It was once a thriving port and is now known for its waterfront resorts, tree-lined streets, 18th and 19th century architecture and casual but sophisticated way of life. Sag Harbour is located on the picturesque east end of Long Island about 150kms from Manhattan.

BOOKINGS AND DETAILS HERE.