I’ll be the first to admit, taking up the sport of scuba had never really crossed my mind. The water isn’t necessarily my comfort zone and I’m certainly not the strongest of swimmers. That all changed when I recently received an invite to learn to dive in Tahiti.

The author was hosted.

By the time my visit concluded, I went from a true beginner to an SSI open water certified diver in a quick but safe process that put me at ease. It also opened my eyes to a whole new world under the sea. Here’s why Tahiti is the perfect place to take the plunge for the very first time.

Clear, Comfortable Water

Tahiti and her islands are a top destination for divers in the know. You’d be hard-pressed to find better water for underwater exploration.

• Crystalline Visibility: I could see dozens of feet down to the coral bed at several of my dive sites and I could see everything all around me, which helped eliminate jitters, boosted my confidence and let me more easily explore and observe.

• Consistently Warm Water: Averaging 79 to 84 degrees–even at depth–requiring only a thin shorty bodysuit to prevent chills and spare my skin from scrapes.  That layer of neoprene also protected wildlife and me from any unintended close encounters.

• Every Dive the Same Extraordinary Experience: The very first dive site I visited is affectionately known as the Aquarium. Indeed, I had the same experience at each spot: it was as if I had slipped into an infinite, brilliant fishbowl. Tahiti’s gentle water was the perfect setting for me to practice my scuba skills in comfort and ease.

Incomparable Biodiversity

I explored five different dive sites across three French Polynesian islands: Tahiti Nui, Tikehau and Fakarava, part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. The biodiversity at each spot was absolutely mind boggling.

• Species of All Sorts: I spied a school of convict surgeonfish changing color from black to white and back again. Enormous Napoleon wrasses glided by, with their distinctive humped foreheads. Bright parrotfish and tiny tangs darted past during the entire hour-long dive. I was even lucky enough to see four different species of sharks.

• Pinch-Me Moment: Near the ocean pass at Tikehau, I came upon a sea turtle foraging on the coral floor. I observed it for a bit, then watched it gracefully drift back up to the surface for air long before I had to. Amazing!

• Better Than You Can Imagine: When I slipped under the sea, and immediately started seeing the colorful creatures below, my beginner’s anxiety quickly melted away.  I started focusing on the incredible animals just feet from me instead of my nerves; a revelatory experience, indeed.

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Incredible Instructors

French Polynesia is a favorite global destination among divers of all experience levels, especially beginners.  The islands cater to the sport, big-time.

• Kind and Caring: Every instructor I encountered in French Polynesia knew I was a beginner. All took the time to explain what to expect. When I had ear pressure issues, they gave me tips to descend safely and pain-free. During one anxious moment, one dive master patiently held my hand and slowly guided me to the coral below.

• Testing Made Fun: The SSI certification process includes a series of underwater tests. My instructors demonstrated each requirement first, I followed in my own time, taking a couple of deep breaths to steady myself. I removed my regulator and replaced it, took off my mask and cleared it and was able to demonstrate a shared-air technique in case of emergency. My teachers made the drills fun, which made all the difference!

• Certification Success: I might not have been the most buoyant or elegant, but thanks to my incredible instructors, I got down there each and every dive. It was a true testament to their skills, rather than my own. I was deeply grateful for their cool, calm guidance.

It’s the Perfect Place to Celebrate

There’s no better feeling than emerging from your first dives. Chances are after you high-five your team, you’ll want to kick back, reflect on all the amazing things you saw, and celebrate. Spoiler alert: Tahiti is the perfect place to do just that.

• Friendly Island Vibe: Whether you opt to stay on the better-known, more populated islands including Moorea or Bora Bora, or decide to venture out further afield to different atolls, you’ll encounter a friendly laidback vibe. French Polynesia is the perfect place to rest and relax after your underwater adventure.

• Incomparable Natural Beauty: You’d be hard-pressed to find better beaches anywhere else in the world, the perfect place to lounge apres-scuba. But there’s much more to Tahiti than sand and surf: there are lush, tropical valleys, roaring waterfalls and quiet motus all ready for you to explore.

• World-Renowned Accommodations and Rich Culture: After your dives, you’ll need a comfortable place to lay your weary head. Tahiti and her islands offer guests a wide variety of lodging options, from five-star overwater bungalows to homey family stays that give you a true sense of the islands. Tahiti’s deep culture also shines. Take the time to meet and learn from its gracious people, and immerse yourself in the mana, or spiritual lifeforce, of this special place.

Ready to Plan?

Scuba is a terrific sport for people of all ages and skill levels. SSI offers lessons for children as young as six years old and has affiliated centers around the world, including 16 across French Polynesia.

• Getting Ready For Open Water: If you’re seeking open water certification, I highly recommend obtaining a doctor’s sign-off first, then getting your academic work and test dives done at a local center close to home. Staffers there can give you ideas for their preferred dive sites and accommodations on the islands.

• Required Gear: During your initial sessions, you might get fitted for gear. All that’s necessary to pack is a mask and snorkel. Once you get to Tahiti, dive outfitters will provide you with everything else from fins and wetsuit to your buoyancy control device.

• Relax and Enjoy: Dive masters in Tahiti will plan your entire experience, share what you can expect to see under the waves and work with you every step of the way to make sure you have an enjoyable time. While I was a bit apprehensive at first, my friendly and knowledgeable instructors helped me prove to myself diving is absolutely doable.

“You don’t have to be some big-shot athlete,” one gently advised me as we were about to make our way down. “Just relax, breathe and take it all in.”

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• Great Barrier Reef: Guide to Swimming, Snorkeling & Diving

The post Why Tahiti is the Perfect Place for First-Time Scuba Divers appeared first on She Buys Travel.

The Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour is a luxurious 5-star hotel that opened in 2017, the first new internationally-branded luxury property in Sydney’s Central Business District in over 15 years. Strategically located opposite the International Convention Centre (ICC) and steps from the vibrant Darling Harbour precinct, this hotel is one of the best hotels in Australia for conventiongoers. It offers an unparalleled experience for both business and leisure travelers.

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Central Location with a Different Vibe

Our Australian two-week vacation began in Sydney, continued to Cairns and Melbourne. When we returned to Sydney for a few more nights, we wanted to try a new area. We settled on Darling Harbour to experience another side of Sydney.

Although one can walk from the Circular Quay to Darling Harbour in 15 minutes, there’s a different world of tourist attractions and business traveler options in Darling Harbour that make it seem like a different city. Unlike Circular Quay with ferries coming and going every few minutes, the Darling Harbour is less focused on commuters and not quite as convenient to public transit.

Nevertheless, tourists can walk to harborside attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo and the Australian National Maritime Museum. As we experienced during our recent stay, it was also a convenient location to attend a national tour of the musical & Juliet, at the Sydney Lyric Theater in Pyrmont.

For anyone attending a meeting or convention at the International Convention Centre (ICC), there is no more convenient hotel than the Sofitel.

Views in All Directions

The hotel boasts 590 stylish guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows featuring views of Darling Harbour or the city skyline. The rooms are equipped with Sofitel’s signature MyBed, ensuring a restful night’s sleep, as well as Chromecast for seamless streaming and 24-hour room service. Guests can upgrade to the Club Millésime rooms for exclusive access to the executive lounge with panoramic harbor views, complimentary breakfast and evening cocktails.

Upscale Dining & Bars

Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour offers a range of dining options to cater to every palate. The French-inspired Atelier by Sofitel serves modern Australian cuisine with a French twist and has a seating capacity of 200. On the same level with Atelier is the Champagne Bar with a row of seats along windows to enjoy a view of Darling Harbour while sipping a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap. Newly opened in 2024, the Lumiere on Thirty Five bar sparkles with the lights of the city as a backdrop. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday evening.

What a View from the Pool!

There’s no better “water view” from a hotel in Sydney than at the Sofitel Darling Harbour. The 20-meter infinity pool has an incredible view of the Darling Harbour and Sydney’s Central Business District. This stunning outdoor oasis, named Le Rivage, features a chic terrace with plush loungers and cabanas. The pool area is complemented by Le Rivage Pool Bar, offering refreshing cocktails and light bites in a French Riviera-inspired setting.

Work Out 24/7

The Sofitel fitness center is not a run-of-the-mill hotel gym. With panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline, fans of treadmills, ellipticals and exercise bikes can work out with a much more interesting view than a small screen in front of them. There are plenty of free weights and strength equipment at the gym.

Complimentary yoga mats and light weights are also available upon request for in-room workouts.

Unwind at the Spa

The Sofitel Spa features seven spacious treatment rooms, including two luxurious couple’s suites, one with a bath overlooking Darling Harbour. Guests can indulge in a range of treatments, from massages and facials to body wraps and exfoliating rituals. The spa also features a Finnish sauna and a relaxation lounge.

The Basics

The Sofitel Darling Harbour is located on the western side of the Darling Harbour across a pedestrian walkway from the ICC Sydney and near the ICC Sydney Theatre which seats more than 8,000 people for a concert or event.

The address is

12 Darling Drive
2000 Sydney
02-8388-8888
h9729@sofitel.com

The post Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour: Views in All Directions appeared first on She Buys Travel.

If Sydney was closer to North America, it would rank alongside Paris or San Francisco as everyone’s favorite destination city. Where else can you find stunning natural beauty and a world-class harbor, a lively and energetic city core, beaches that are a quick ferry ride away and a buoyant populace that’s always trying to make sure you have a “g-day.”

Get ready to discover the best of this remarkable Australian destination, the gateway to the largest of the six Australian states, New South Wales (NSW), and the must-see, first stop on every visitor’s trip to Australia.

Read More: Melbourne Australia: First Timer’s Guide to the Best Things to Do

Walk along the Harbor to the Sydney Opera House

Curiously, Sydney’s most photographed and most iconic spot is mostly appreciated from the exterior but rarely from the interior. Let’s be honest – how many visitors actually step inside the Sydney Opera House to see an opera? To be fair the Sydney Opera House is a performing arts center with multiple venues inside. Cultural fans can experience dance, musical performances, touring productions from London’s West End and Broadway and plays produced by the Sydney Theatre Company, Australia’s leading theater company. For many years, Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett and her director husband shepherded the Sydney Theatre Company, and Blanchett frequently performed on stage there.

To explore this world-famous building and learn about its UNESCO World Heritage designation, visitors can take a guided tour.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to grab a coffee or a tea at the Opera Bar with ample seating along the harbor.

Get to Know the Circular Quay and the Ferries

Often referred to as the “Gateway to Sydney,” the Circular Quay is the hub of all ferry boats, sightseeing boats and cruise traffic in Sydney, a major railway and tram stop and a popular spot for runners, walkers and people looking to grab a quick bite to eat. Don’t be intimidated by the hustle. Almost every tourist attraction or suburb can be reached by public transit from the Circular Quay. Stop in at the transit office opposite Wharf 5 on Alfred Street for guidance.

From the Circular Quay, walk straight south in the heart of the Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD) to the east to the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens or for nightlife and dining to The Rocks on the western side of the harbor.

Don’t look for a circle at the Circular Quay. It’s a semicircle. The area was originally called “Semi-circular Quay” due to the shape of the stoneworks built with convict labor between 1837 and 1855 to stabilize a new shoreline built from the mudflats. Eventually, the name was shortened to Circular Quay.

SheBuysTravel Tip: It takes less than 15 minutes on the train to reach the Sydney International Airport from the Circular Quay, often quicker than a cab or Uber.

Amazing Place to see Cuddly Koalas, Hopping Kangaroos & More

On our first trip to Australia, a guidebook author helped us plan, and his suggestion for the first thing to do was visit the Taronga Zoo Sydney (formerly the Sydney Zoo). Seeing the puzzled expression on my face, he listed three reasons:

• You’ll get out on the water by taking a ferry from Circular Quay to the Taronga Zoo
• Be dazzled by the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour from the zoo’s hilltop.
• See koalas, kangaroos and exotic wildlife native to the Australian continent.

Since our first visit, this world-class zoological garden and wildlife park has upped its game. Inside the main entrance is the new The Nura Diya Australia (meaning “this country” in the Aboriginal language) area. Its walkthrough is a very rare opportunity to walk among kangaroos, wallabies and emus without a fence or water feature to separate the animals from human visitors. Staff makes sure you don’t interact or feed the animals, but the animals can hop on by as they please. Nearby is a new Koala exhibit where visitors walk on elevated boardwalks to glimpse these cuddly creatures eating and sleeping in the trees at eye level. Want to hug a koala? Head to Cairns and the Kuranda Koala Gardens.

The exhibits are cleverly designed for adults and children. To see some of the more than 4,000 animals representing more than 350 species, there are animal shows, keeper talks and animal encounters for a fee.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Seriously consider staying overnight within the zoo with the Roar and Snore glamping experience or the fabulous Wildlife Retreat at Taronga (see our full review of the resort-type accommodation). It’s a hotel experience you will not forget.

Climb to the Summit of the Sydney Bridge (Seriously!)

Tourists the world over make a point of walking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. But imagine walking on top of a bridge, especially one with the best views of the Sydney Harbor. In an unmatched feat of overcoming government red tape, BridgeClimb Sydney founder Paul Cavea convinced skeptical government agencies and experts to allow him to create the world’s first tourist experience to walk on the top of a major bridge to its summit. Cavea has made climbing the arch bridge one of the country’s top attractions.

Want to know more? Read my complete BridgeClimb Sydney guide.

Walk Across the Bridge or Climb a Pylon

For those reluctant to book a BridgeClimb Sydney adventure to reach the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are alternatives to enjoy the views of the Sydney Harbour from this landmark, often jokingly called the coathanger.

Along the eastern side of the bridge, a walkway connects The Rocks neighborhood near the Circular Quay to the Milson Point neighborhood on the other side. On a recent visit, plenty of joggers and locals were using the pedestrian walk. Tourists were strangely absent. One reason may be the lack of signage to direct people to stairs from The Rocks. Make the effort. The walkway has some of the best views of the harbor. There’s a transit stop in Milson Point with a quick connection to Circular Quay for those who want to walk one way and take a 6-minute train ride back.

Close to the Circular Quay side of the bridge is the Pylon Lookout and Museum located within one of the bridge’s massive pylons. The museum features three levels of exhibits showcasing original artifacts, historical images and videos of the bridge’s construction. But the reason to visit and to climb 200 stairs is for 360-degree panoramic views of Sydney’s skyline, the harbor, the Opera House and the bridge itself. The Pylon Lookout and Museum is open daily, with varying hours on weekdays and weekends.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There’s a combo ticket to visit the museum for those who book the BridgeClimb tour.

Join the Dinner Crowds at The Rocks

Only a few blocks from the wharves at Circular Quay, tourist crowds fan out every night, especially on weekends, to dine at the restaurants and party at the clubs in The Rocks. The original district of the working class, The Rocks was cut in half with the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Then the historic buildings faced demolition in the 1970s for urban renewal. People rallied and halted the demolition in favor of the “people’s plan” to conserve the area’s heritage. Fortunately, they were successful.

Be sure to venture up the hill and under the bridge structure to get away from the crowds to discover local historic pubs such as The Fortune of War and the Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Restaurant. On a recent visit to The Fortune of War, the delightfully cramped pub was full of locals enjoying pub food and beer.

Join the Throngs Shopping in Sydney’s CBD

In Sydney, shopping isn’t a pastime; it’s a passion. From all over the country and Southeast Asia, shoppers descend to the CBD with seemingly more luxury retailers than one can find along Fifth Avenue in New York.

In addition to standalone stores, be sure to visit the Queen Victoria Building, a stunning late-19th-century shopping arcade that is connected on every side to department stores and shopping malls. This heritage-listed building features five stories of ornate architecture, high ceilings and a range of upscale shops, cafes and restaurants. Equally of interest is the Victorian-era shopping venue, the Strand Arcade with designer boutiques, cafes and gift shops.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Make sure to have Apple Pay, Google Pay or another pay service on your phone to pay electronically for goods and services. Throughout our two-and-a-half-week stay, we used the phone to pay for everything including transit, small-town gas stations and even vendors at carts in city parks. The only time we used cash was to tip our hotel doorman.

Penguins, Sharks and a Dugong (What?) at SEA LIFE Sydney

If Taronga Zoo Sydney does a fantastic job of covering all things Australia above and below ground, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium is an equally fine way to see what’s underwater in the harbors, rivers and ocean near Australia. Like an amusement ride, visitors are directed along a path through 14 themed zones, including the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef display, Shark Valley and Penguin Expedition.

A standout exhibit is Dugong Island dedicated to showcasing the unique and endangered dugong species, often referred to as “sea cows.” Along with marine life, the Island is home to Pig, the only captive dugong in Australia, who was brought here after not being able to live in the wild. Visitors can observe Pig through above-water viewing areas and underwater tunnels.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Plan on spending a good part of a day or more along the rapidly developing Darling Harbour with restaurants, the Australian National Maritime Museum and several bridges crossing the harbor to the convention center and the ICC Sydney Theatre, an 8,000-seat entertainment and concert venue.

Stroll the Royal Botanic Gardens & Domaine

Don’t tell the squawking flocks of white cockatoos, but the Royal Botanic Gardens is supposed to be a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Adjacent to the Sydney Opera House, this 30-hectare botanical garden features large grassy lawns, water fountains and a diverse collection of native and exotic plants.

For the Instagram crowd, make your way along the waterfront to the Domaine to Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair, a sandstone rock formation carved into a bench in 1810 by convicts on the orders of Governor Lachlan Macquarie. The legend is that the governor’s wife, Elizabeth Macquarie, would sit and watch for ships arriving from Britain and European ports. From the chair is a picture-perfect view of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.

SheBuysTravel Tip: On Fridays and weekends, the Royal Botanic Garden offers walking tours up to an hour and half in duration.

Learn the Gruesome History of Convicts Sent from England

In several plain-looking buildings near Hyde Park, experience one of the most interesting and innovative historic tours anywhere in the world at the Hyde Park Barracks. Using cutting-edge audio technology, visitors follow in the footsteps of native people, convicts and prison keepers to explore Australia’s settlement by the British and its colonial history as a penal colony. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it provides a living record of the brutal life of early convicts, the courage of single female immigrants who were housed there temporarily and the plight of destitute and homeless women sent to the barracks when it became an asylum.

With well-chosen artifacts, the museum experience will leave you moved in a way that most history museums can only imagine. Admission and the audio tour are free.

See All the Way to the Pacific Ocean

High above all other Sydney buildings, the Sydney Tower Eye is an indoor, 360-observation deck with views to the ocean on one side and views of the Blue Mountains on the other. Visitors also can experience Sydney Skywalk, a 60-minute guided tour around the outside of the Sydney Tower Eye observation deck at a height of 879 feet. Participants are securely harnessed and walk on a metal pathway with glass-floor viewing platforms extending out from the tower’s main observation deck

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you plan on seeing the aquarium, the Sydney Tower Eye and the Wildlife Sydney Zoo (not to be confused with the Taronga Zoo), there are several combo ticket packages that will save money.

Discover Kangaroos Downtown

If time doesn’t permit a trip to the Taronga Sydney Zoo, Wildlife Sydney Zoo on Darling Harbour is an easy way to see kangaroos, wombats and the endangered Tasmanian devils, plus snap a photo with a koala in the background. Like the neighboring SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, there’s a self-guided path that leads through all 10 exhibits, including Daintree Rainforest, Kangaroo Walkabout and Crocodile Billabong.

Freely Visit the Art Gallery of New South Wales

Once a traditional art museum both inside and out, the Art Gallery of New South Wales has expanded and transformed its 19th-century neoclassical building into an innovative art museum campus with two buildings seamlessly connected by a public art garden. Rather than instruct visitors to quietly walk through the galleries, this free museum encourages people to congregate, socialize and immerse themselves in contemporary art, see its European masterworks and explore the gallery’s permanent collection of Australian art. The outdoor public garden is an inviting place to sip a cup of coffee, and its new exhibition spaces allow room for major international art exhibits to tour Australia.

Have Dim Sum and Shop Around

Whether it’s shopping, sushi restaurants or buying fresh fish at the Sydney Fish Market, Chinatown is one of Sydney’s most popular neighborhoods. While the core is centered on Dixon Street, Chinatown has expanded beyond its traditional boundaries, spilling into surrounding areas such as Darling Harbour and Koreatown. It serves as a bridge between Sydney and Asia, with an influx of Asian students, entrepreneurs and big brands establishing a presence.

Across Dixon Street is Paddy’s Markets which started a market for traders in the 1800s and has now been largely subsumed by Chinatown to become a major indoor farmer and flea market.

Find Tranquility in the Chinese Garden

Walk around the exterior of the Chinese Garden of Friendship and see more than a blank concrete wall. But go inside and discover a much larger garden than one can imagine in this hectic part of the city. Modeled after the classic private gardens of the Ming Dynasty and designed by architects from Sydney’s sister city Guangzhou, the garden seamlessly blends traditional Chinese landscape elements with a modern Australian twist. Visitors can wander along winding pathways adorned with intricate pavilions, serene ponds and lush flora meticulously arranged according to the principles of Feng Shui.

Walk into a World of Fun

On the shores of Sydney Harbour, gleaming at night across the harbor to the Circular Quary is the giant mouth of a smiling clown that greets visitors to a small but beloved Sydney amusement park, Luna Park. Since 1935, Luna Park has been a family attraction to ride the Ferris Wheel, drop from the Hair Raiser tower or play games at the arcade. The park is a quick train ride to Milsons Point from Circular Quay.

Ferry Out to Cockatoo Island

There are plenty of islands in the Sydney Harbour, but none with such a varied history as Cockatoo Island, a UNESCO Heritage site. When the British arrived to populate the area with their settlers, they established a penal settlement on Cockatoo Island. Convicts quarried sandstone, built silos and constructed the Fitzroy Dock through harsh labor, enduring overcrowded conditions. Later, the island transitioned into a shipbuilding hub in the 1850s when the Fitzroy Dock opened for British naval ships. It became the Royal Australian Navy’s main dockyard during WWI and WWII, constructing and maintaining warships until its closure in 1991. Today, it’s administered by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Tour the old convict buildings as well as the huge abandoned shipping building structures.

Regular ferry service is from Circular Quay.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For a truly unusual experience, stay overnight at Cockatoo Island at a campsite in a tent or rent an apartment or house on a nightly or weekly basis.

Hit the Beach in Manly, Bondi and Beyond

Sydney and beachgoing are synonymous. Like the Northern Hemisphere with a four-season climate, the beaches are only typically full of sunbathers during the summer months of December to March.

Bondi Beach is Sydney’s most famous beach, renowned for its golden sands, Aussie surfers and lifeguards, snorkeling near the Bondi rocks and the coastal walk to Coogee Beach. It boasts trendy cafes, bars and the famous Icebergs ocean pool that overlooks the ocean. Manly Beach offers a more laid-back vibe with its long stretch of beach, scenic coastal trails like the Spit to Manly walk and family-friendly coves.

Occasionally lucky Sydneysiders walking the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal trek will catch a glimpse of passing humpbacks traveling north. The whale watching season is the last week of June and the first week of July. In early September, there’s another chance to see the mothers and calves passing by Sydney as they head back south. From land, Sydney’s best vantage point is The Gap at South Head in Watsons Bay. Outside of the city, head for Jervis Bay, a half-day trip south of the city, where you’re almost guaranteed a whale sighting in the calm, clear waters.

Beyond Sydney, consider day trips to:

• The Blue Mountains to see ancient sandstone formations, lush valleys and waterfalls. Highlights include the iconic Three Sisters rock formation, scenic hiking trails like the Grand Canyon Loop, visiting quaint mountain towns like Leura and Katoomba and taking in panoramic views from lookouts like Echo Point.
• The Hunter Valley is the place to explore some of Australia’s oldest and most acclaimed wineries. Taste your way through renowned Semillon and Shiraz varieties, enjoy gourmet food pairings and soak in the picturesque vineyard landscapes.
• Venture to the Royal National Park to witness the unique Curracurrong Falls, where the waterfall plunges directly off coastal cliffs into the ocean – one of the few “tide falls” in the world.

Great Hotels at Great Prices

Sydney’s busy downtown features many well-known hotels often available at affordable prices especially with the current exchange rate between the American and Australian dollars. A remarkable, centrally located hotel at an incredibly reasonable price – at least outside of the summer season – is the Four Seasons Sydney. The hotel’s elegant rooms and suites feature contemporary decor, plush furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the stunning harbor vistas. Guests can indulge in world-class dining at the acclaimed Pei Modern restaurant or unwind at the outdoor pool. You can read our full review of the Four Seasons Sydney.

Along Darling Harbour close to the convention center is the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour hotel in a prime waterfront location with sweeping views of the harbor and city skyline. The hotel’s modern and stylish rooms provide a comfortable retreat, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows and luxurious amenities. Sip cocktails at the new rooftop bar while taking in panoramic harbor vistas.

The post First Timer’s Guide to Sydney appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Do you love the idea of a road trip like driving the cliffs of Amalfi Coast or the Pacific Coast Highway in California? If so, get revved up for Australia’s Great Ocean Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world.

If you’re visiting Melbourne and the province of Victoria, definitely set aside one day, if not two days, to drive or take a bus tour to this must-see destination. Enjoy the spectacular coastal views, ascend into a mountainous rainforest and travel the Shipwreck Coast where towering limestone stacks, strong current and shallow waters have bedeviled sailors for years in Bass Strait of the Southern Ocean that separates Australia from Tasmania.

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Experience Three Distinct “Drives”

Although the Twelve Apostles’ natural limestone formations are the most photographed monument of the Great Ocean Road itinerary, there is much more than these natural formations to see. There are three distinct sections:

• The Surf Coast: From the “official start” of the road near the town of Eastern View, the road is cut into steep cliffs that wind like the Pacific Coast Highway near California’s Big Sur. Look down steep grades to the ocean beating at the rocks below as you wind up and down, back and forth over switchbacks. Although only 36 miles, this can section takes at least 90 minutes without stopping to reach the end point at Apollo Bay.
• Rainforest Coast: Beyond Apollo Bay, the road ascends steeply to cross over the Otway Ranges through Cape Otway National Park to just west of the town of Princeton. This section is about 50 miles long but takes several hours because of the frequent switchbacks and steep curves.
• Shipwreck Coast: As the road returns to sea level with its most iconic stretch, it’s necessary to stop and walk to the cliffs to see sites such as Twelve Apostles. The official end of the Great Ocean Road is the very small town of Nullawarre, another 40 miles along the road.

From close to Nullawarre, most tours and drivers divert away from the coast to return to Melbourne via the quicker M1 freeway to Melbourne. No matter how you travel, the Great Ocean Ocean Road requires a full day of travel.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For truly adventurous hikers, there is a one-way, 60-mile The Great Ocean Walk that typically takes eight days.

Building the Great Ocean Road

After World War I, the Australian government wanted to commemorate those who had died during the war and to help soldiers. With more than 3,000 returning soldiers as workers, construction of the road began in 1919. With the aid of horse-drawn carts, workers used picks and shovels to carve the winding coastal road out of cliffs along the Surf Coast. The first section from Eastern View to Lorne opened in 1922. Toll gates helped fund the project until its official completion in 1932.

It’s considered the largest war memorial in the world.

Tour Bus or Self Drive? One Day or Two?

The first choice to make is whether to take a back seat and let the bus or van driver handle the roads or to drive on the “wrong side of the road.” The navigation is simple. The drive is not.

Most tourists choose the bus/van tour option to allow an experienced driver to navigate the roads and maneuver to the most scenic spots along the road. These trips are inevitably offered as one-day excursions.

On our recent trip, we elected to drive to give us flexibility to stop more often than a bus tour. Having traveled the road many years ago and knowing our taxing schedule for our visit to Australia, we chose a two-day trip, stopping overnight beyond the end of the road in Warrnambool. This turned out to be a great opportunity to explore more of the coast and experience the “most liveable city in Australia.”

Warm Up to Start in Surf Cities

Torquay and Bells Beach are two of the most iconic surfing beaches in the world. Surf and clothing brands Rip Curl and Quicksilver were founded here. The Rip Curl Pro, the longest-running professional surfing competition in the world, is held annually in Bells Beach. Although the drive from Melbourne to the Great Ocean Road goes through the outskirts of these towns that claim to be “The Start of the Great Ocean Road”, there’s no reason to stop here unless someone in your group is anxious to join surfers catching waves.

Before arriving at the memorial gate that marks the beginning of the road, drivers will also pass through Anglesea and Aireys Inlet, where you can stop at the Split Point Lighthouse for a first real glimpse of the ocean.

Following the most popular sightseeing route, this story of the Great Ocean Road tour begins close to Melbourne and continues with towns and stops following in a southern and westerly direction. There’s a contrarian viewpoint that suggests driving the fast route along the major highway from Melbourne to Port Campbell National Park and then going against the tide of tourists by heading east along the coastline. In that case, read from the bottom up of this story.

Discover Charming Lorne & Teddy’s Outlook

Within just a few miles after passing under the Great Ocean Road Memorial (pictured at the top of this story) drivers arrive at the charming seaside town of Lorne. Like Torguay and Bells Beach, the town feels more like an end-point, a weekend destination of frazzled Melbournians. It’s a charming seaside town with a lively atmosphere, cafes with wine from local wineries, breweries, beautiful beaches and access to hiking trails in the Otway Ranges. Even thirty years after first experiencing this drive, my wife has insisted that for our third trip to Australia, we spend at least one night in Lorne.

After Teddy’s Lookout is a stopoff that provides panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding forests. Like many stops along the way, there is a parking lot and a series of viewing platforms from which to take photos.

Once south of Teddy’s Lookout, drivers and riders will get their driving thrill along a section of the highway that seems more like a roller coaster than a road.

SheBuysTravel Tip: In heading in the typical westerly direction, those seated on the passenger side of the front seat will have an eerie sensation over the guardrail straight down cliffs to the ocean. For those who find the view disconcerting, best to sit behind the driver.

Drivers Beware: Kennett River to Apollo Bay

Kennett River is a small coastal hamlet known for its population of wild koalas, which can often be spotted in the eucalyptus trees along the roadside, making it a popular stop for wildlife enthusiasts. Stop in the parking lot next to The Kafe Koala General Store (excellent food!). From there or the nearby park, follow the path along the Kennett River to look for the koalas.

There’s a particular skill in spotting koalas which are typically up high in the trees. They look like brown fur balls often resting in the bottom of the “v” where two branches split from the main trunk. It’s helpful to google “eucalyptus trees” before embarking on a spotting, because there are a variety of tree species along the Kennett River and you want to be staring up a eucalyptus tree. Also, a pair of binoculars may be helpful.

Continue another 20 miles south and west to Apollo Bay. It seems like every bus tour has planned a rest stop or lunch stop here, for good reason. Beyond The Kafe Koala General Store, this is the only place to grab a meal or a snack for many more miles on the Great Ocean Road Trip. There are plenty of restaurant owners and shopkeepers eager to serve the tourist trade in Apollo Bay.

Heading out of Apollo Bay, drivers will make a sigh of relief knowing the roads carved into cliffs are a thing of the past. But, now it’s time for another driving adventure.

Head Up to the Rainforest Coast

Heading up to the Otway Ranges, the two-lane road twists and turns and switches back on itself. It’s not perilous driving but it is slow and choked with traffic that seemingly wants to pass at every straight section or slow down at the prospects of a switchback. Unlike the Surf Coast, the drive through the Rainforest Coast and the Great Otway National Park features lush, dense forests and less opportunities to pull over for panoramic views, although a few waterfalls are visible from the road.

There’s access on a rugged 7-mile drive to the historic Cape Otway Lighthouse that has guided ships through the treacherous waters since 1848. The cape offers stunning ocean views and opportunities to spot native wildlife like koalas and kangaroos.

There’s an alternate inland road if visitors want to stop at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures, an elevated walkway and zipline course through the rainforest.

Descending from the Otway Ranges, the landscape turns into rolling farmland. While the ocean is not far away, there are only rare glimpses of it from this section of the “ocean road.”

Take Steps to the Shipwreck Coast

It is possible to hurriedly drive in two and half hours from Eastern View to the beginning of Port Campbell National Park and the famous limestone formations in the ocean. However, for most people starting in Melbourne and then traversing the Surf Coast and the Rainforest Coast takes at least half a day or more.

But now, as the Great Ocean Road leaves the Otway Ranges, it starts to parallel the coastline. The dramatic formations are up ahead and will require frequent stops every few miles. Don’t hurry. This is what makes the ocean road “great.”

Just before reaching the Twelve Apostles formation, there’s a small turn off for the Gibson Steps. If there’s room, park here. Walk to the viewing platform. Time for exercise!

The Gibson Steps are a set of carved steps leading down a cliff face to a beach. This is one of the few places along this stretch of highway where visitors are encouraged to walk to the sand. Located just minutes from the famous Twelve Apostles rock formations, the steps provide access to a stunning stretch of beach with views of the limestone stacks known as Gog and Magog. This is not a place for swimming or sunning.

Try Not to Count All Twelve Apostles

More than a million people each year visit the Twelve Apostles, a series of towering limestone stacks that rise dramatically from the Southern Ocean. Visitors typically experience the Apostles from the extensive boardwalk and viewing platforms, offering breathtaking vistas of these coastal monoliths against the crashing waves and rugged cliffs. While only seven stacks remain today due to erosion, their ever-changing forms create a dramatic spectacle, especially at sunset when the golden light casts a warm glow over the rock formations.

If the parking lot at the Gibson Steps is full, it’s possible to walk there from the parking lot at Twelve Apostles where every bus tour, charter van and individual driver is bound to stop on the trip.

SheBuysTravel Tip: This is the only major stop on the trip with ample public restrooms and information kiosks. Plan ahead!

Stop at Infamous Loch Ard Gorge

If it’s not apparent from Twelve Apostles why this rugged coastline was and is treacherous for sailors, stop at the nearby Loch Ard Gorge viewing point. In 1878. The Loch Ard, a clipper ship sailing from England to Melbourne, was caught in a thick fog and struck Mutton Bird Island near the gorge, sinking rapidly. Of the 54 passengers and crew aboard, only two survived – 18-year-old sailor apprentice Tom Pearce and 18-year-old Irish immigrant Eva Carmichael. Tom was swept into the gorge and managed to make it ashore, later rescuing the unconscious Eva from the waters. The two rock pillars nearby are named Tom and Eva to honor the survivors.

Stop for a Bite after The Arches

The next nearby stop is to view The Arches. The larger of the two arches stands about 82 feet tall – an imposing limestone archway with a curved top spanning an opening that frames the crashing waves and rugged cliffs beyond. The smaller arch is more delicate in structure, with a narrower opening and thinner sides. Both arches have a warm golden hue from the iron oxide in the limestone, contrasting beautifully against the deep blues and greens of the ocean.

After Apollo Bay is the small town of Port Campbell, a place to stop to eat or shop. There won’t be any other cafes or restaurants until drivers have left the Great Ocean Road, either to head for an overnight stay in Warrnambool or to return to Melbourne.

London Bridge Fell Down

London Bridge was once a natural double-span rock formation that resembled its namesake in England, until part of it unexpectedly collapsed in 1990, leaving two visitors stranded on the outer span. The remaining section known as London Arch is the next stopping point after leaving the town of Port Campbell..

At Grotto, Line Up to Take a Photo

The second most photographed location on the Great Ocean Road is The Grotto with its natural rock pool and cave-like setting looking out toward the ocean. A series of steep steps allow visitors to reach a platform at sea level for the optimum photo op. At most times of the day, visitors stand in line at the steps taking turns at the bottom to capture the perfect selfie or thumbs-up pose framed by the limestone rock.

At this point, most scheduled one-day tours return to Melbourne. If you have the time in a one-day itinerary or are heading to Warrnambool to stay overnight, keep going. Several picturesque sites await..        

Journey’s End at Bay of Islands

At the small town of Peterborough, the road forks. Stay to the left and continue to a flat section with long, panoramic views of the stunning coastline of the Bay of Islands. This is literally the road less traveled. Visitors will be rewarded with several viewing platforms and a short walk to the cliff’s edge.

After the Bay of Islands, the road turns inland and ends rather unceremoniously at Nullawarre.

Warrnambool: Surprising Overnight Stop

When searching for overnight accommodations along the Great Ocean Road, the choices are limited until visitors reach Warrnambool or Port Fairy to the west. While Australians in the state of Victoria have discovered Warrnambool as a seaside vacation destination for camping and cabin rentals, from a seat at a computer in the States, it’s difficult to discern any reason to visit Warrnambool. That’s a mistake.

Capturing the vibe of an English coastal town, Warrnambool is a delightful overnight stay. It’s downtown has a diverse range of dining options – Mexican, Asian, Sri Lankan, pubs and cafes. For wildlife lovers, in the early morning or late afternoon, sea birds frequent the estuary of the Merri River as it meets the Southern Ocean. There are boardwalks and paths along the oceanside to walk among the cliffs.

A surprising hotel find is the Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs, which includes the very popular hot springs where locals and visitors hang out in 15 different geothermal pools. For a “deep dive” review of staying there at the Deep Blue Hotel, click here.

Wild Wildlife at Tower Hill Reserve

Having once visited an extinct volcano wildlife reserve in Africa with elephants, rhinos and cheetahs, my wildlife spotting antennae were alerted when I read that the dormant Tower Hill volcano is home to emus, kangaroos, koalas, swans, ducks and blue wrens living inside a park where volcanic cone-shaped hills rise from the lakes. Fortunately, our itinerary lent us an opportunity to visit this magnificent park just a short drive from Warrnambool. Either on its one-way drive or on trails that offer easy boardwalks to scenic climbs, the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve should be a highlight on everyone’s Great Ocean Road itinerary if time allows.

On a recent visit in the morning, we chose the mile-long, flat Lava Tongue Trail. Almost immediately along the boardwalk over a marshy area, we saw a lounging kangaroo, then two, then three, then five who were unconcerned by us Americans gaping in wonder. Further on the trail, we looked to the top of the trees hoping to maybe spy one koala in the wild. Sure enough, there was one furry ball hanging out at the top of a tree. Once we figured out the koalas’ preferred trees and position, we were able to spot a half dozen more along the trail. Finally, two emus completed our wildlife checklist by sauntering in the trail in front of us.

Be sure to check out the Tower Hill Reserve, easily spotted on a map with its crater shape and lakes within.

The post Drive Australia’s Great Ocean Road: Coastal Curves and Cliffs appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Disclosure: This trip was hosted. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

No country captures romance quite like Fiji. With warm breezes, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters, these stunning shores offer an idyllic backdrop for love.

Whether planning a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, Fiji provides the perfect setting for passion and paradise.

While on this press trip, the romantic atmosphere of Fiji had me imagining how much more meaningful this trip would be if shared with my husband.

As we approach our 37th anniversary, I plan to share these three luxurious experiences with him.

A Getaway for Lovers

It could be the remoteness each island provides or the way the sunsets paint the sky shades of orange and pink, but Fiji oozes amour.

The relaxed pace of life here makes it an ideal spot for couples to reconnect, celebrate, and savor time together.

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A Culture Found Nowhere Else

While the islands’ natural beauty often draws visitors to Fiji, the culture keeps them coming back. What truly sets the islands apart is its people. The Fijians embody the “Bula Spirit”—a word that means much more than just “hello,” reflecting the warmth and hospitality that make Fiji unique.

Adventures to Rediscover Each Other

Experiencing a private sandbank picnic was a one-of-a-kind adventure. A short boat ride from our resort revealed a secluded sandbank surrounded by shallow, sparkling waters as the tide receded.

Racing up a rainforest-lined river in a longboat and hiking to a secret waterfall was like getting lost in a real-life fairytale—thrilling, memorable, and magical.

Sunset cruises in Fiji are undeniably romantic. As we sailed across tranquil turquoise waters, we watched the sun sink beneath the horizon in a blaze of colors, painting the sky with breathtaking beauty.  

Lomani Island Resort: Where Love Blossoms

Lomani means “love” in Fijian, and this adult-only resort on Malolo Lailai Island lives up to its name. With only 30 bures (Fijian-style villas), the picturesque escape offers an intimate setting perfect for lovebirds. Deluxe Suites are a honeymooner’s delight.

Hammocks swaying gently between coconut palms, cozy daybeds by the pool and secluded garden lanais create an atmosphere where couples can relish each other’s company. The beachfront bures take it a step further, combining intimacy and luxury with their private plunge pools and sun decks that offer stunning views of Malolo Lele Bay.

Moments that Spark Love

Sunrise walks along the shores of Malolo Bay are a favorite way to start the day. Evening meals feature fresh Pacific Rim flavors, such as traditional Kokoda, a Fijian dish like ceviche, and Lovo, a native cuisine wrapped in banana leaves and baked in an underground oven, served at tables for two under the stars.

Snorkeling at Bula Reef was an unforgettable experience. As you float through the clear waters, vibrant tropical fish dart among the colorful coral gardens, creating a mesmerizing underwater world. This unique reef is part of the Reefs of Hope program. It features the World’s most prominent underwater message: ‘BULA’ in soft corals.

Whether hiking to a hilltop outlook for breathtaking views or clinking glasses on a sunset sail, this tranquil oasis ensures moments that fan the flames and spark love.

Insider Tip: The resort is also constructing a new spa, set to open by the end of 2025, promising even more indulgence for couples.

Nanuku Resort Fiji: Adventure Meets Intimacy

Located on the south end of Viti Levu, Nanuku Resort blends boutique luxury with adventure. Our stay began with a warm welcome through a traditional Meke dance. The oceanfront villas with private pools, outdoor showers, and open-air living spaces perfectly balance comfort and nature.

Moonlit Shores and Ocean Breezes

What I loved most about this island oasis was how the activities immersed us in Fijian culture and its stunning landscapes. A beach cooking lesson brought the culture to life, while simple moments—like cycling along palm-lined paths or listening to ancient Fijian legends under a sky full of stars—made the experience feel truly magical.

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa: Elegance and Indulgence

Set on Denarau Island, just 20 minutes from Nadi Airport, Sofitel Fiji Resort offers French-inspired luxury with a Fijian twist. The resort features an adults-only section, ensuring a tranquil and intimate atmosphere for guests.

The Waitui Beach Club is a relaxing retreat for couples. With its infinity pool blending seamlessly into ocean views and cocktails perfectly timed for sunset, it’s a slice of paradise designed just for grown-ups.

Intimate Escapes and Unforgettable Moments

A couple’s massage in the resort’s spa is the perfect way to refresh while the calming sounds of the ocean create a serene retreat.

Looking for a truly unique setting for your destination wedding or vow renewal? This Fijian paradise offers everything you need to create the event of your dreams, including stunning views.

Best Time to Visit

Fiji’s tropical climate offers warm weather year-round. Plan your visit between July and September for optimal beach days and outdoor activities. From April to June and October to November, you’ll have more affordable rates and fewer tourists, making island exploration more enjoyable. Even during the wet season, from December to March, couples seeking privacy and tranquility will find appeal.

How to Reach and Explore Fiji

Fiji is easy to get to with convenient, nonstop, overnight flights on Fiji Airways from major U.S. airports like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Dallas. Flights typically depart around 11 p.m. and arrive early in the morning, giving you plenty of time to start your adventure. Vancouver is another key international gateway to Fiji.

Only about 100 of Fiji’s islands are inhabited. You can transfer between islands by helicopter or seaplane. There are also ferries and private boat transfers. To be more independent, you can rent a car or scooter on the main islands but remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road.

Fiji’s Recipe for Romance

What makes Fiji so enchanting isn’t just its breathtaking beauty—it’s how it blends nature and extraordinary hospitality to create a haven for love.

Whether celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary or simply seeking time to reconnect, Fiji offers the ultimate setting for love to flourish. I know I’ll be back—this time with Dave—to experience all the romance this South Pacific paradise offers.

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The post Romantic Fiji Getaway: A Paradise for Couples appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Welcome to Fiji, a South Pacific paradise perfect for families, featuring idyllic beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a rich cultural tapestry.

Known for its postcard-worthy views, this island gem offers more than just scenic beauty: it’s a place where adventure and relaxation converge. Whether snorkeling over stunning reefs, jet-skiing, or hiking lush trails, Fiji provides an array of activities to suit travelers of all ages.

For families, the charm lies in balancing thrilling outings with serene days by the beach or pool. Dive in to discover how Fiji’s allure promises unforgettable experiences for both the young and young at heart.

A Fijian Welcome

Since achieving independence from Britain in 1970, Fiji has greeted visitors with open arms and a population fluent in English. This tropical paradise, which is home to the famous Fiji Water brand, centers around its two largest islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, where most of the nation’s famously friendly community resides.

Known for their warmth and good cheer, Fijians are often referred to as ‘the happiest people in the world’. Learn just one word, ‘Bula’, which means hello, and you’ll have made a friend for life. There’s hospitality from the get-go; expect to be greeted at Nadi Airport, which welcomes more than 2 million international passengers annually, with a lively song and dance performance—the perfect introduction to Fijian culture.

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Getting There

Flying into Nadi Airport and Transfers

Our family adventure began with a direct flight from Los Angeles to Fiji aboard Fiji Airways‘ state-of-the-art A350 aircraft, while the second leg – which we undertook a few days later – was a 45-minute Fiji Airways flight from Nadi.

The warm smiles, scenic views, and the delight of traveling on a small plane set the tone for our stay. En route, we engaged with tourists from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, Europe and Japan. We all enthusiastically cheered for our skilled female pilot after a smooth flight over turquoise waters.

If you’re flying on Fiji Airways from overseas, book your flight all the way to Savusavu to get the international luggage allowance. Otherwise, the domestic luggage allowance is 33 lbs. I was startled when we were weighed with our hand luggage before boarding, and while my son thought it was great fun, I immediately regretted indulging at the morning buffet.

Early Morning Arrival

Our flight left LAX late in the evening and after crossing the date line and approximately 11 hours in the air we arrived in Fiji two days later, early in the morning. It takes a while to get your head around the time difference.

If traveling with small children, you might want to consider booking a hotel room for the night before, so you have a place to go right into upon arrival. We did not do this and arrived at 5am and got access to our room around 3pm. We made ourselves comfortable around the pool and beach, and were glad we had planned easy access to our swimwear but I’d change that if I did the trip again.

Viti Levu: Denarau Island Paradise

Of the 333 islands in this stunning archipelago, we visited two of them; Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, starting with The Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort, on Viti Levu. It proved to be the perfect start to our adventure. Just minutes from Port Denarau Marina and Nadi Airport, this family-friendly haven offered everything from pools and golf to water sports and a gorgeous beach.

First Stop: The Sheraton Denarau

The resort’s extensive amenities included childcare, varied dining, and a fitness center. Evenings featured cultural treats like Meke dancing and fire shows under the stars. A highlight was the jet ski snorkel safari, where we explored colorful coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life.

My kid is a teenager but if I did have little ones, it’s a great option because everybody can be happy. There are plenty of nannies to rent and it’s safe with kids pools and activities. For families needing a blend of relaxation and fun, the Sheraton Denarau is the complete getaway. I could have happily stayed here for the entire trip, it had real ‘plop and stop’ energy.

Enjoy a Sunset Sail

Spending time on the water at dusk is a must-do for anyone visiting this tropical paradise, and around all the snorkeling and diving, one of the best ways to enjoy a sunset is on the water. To that point, the memorable Captain Cook Sunset Cruise was a celebratory evening to remember. We danced joyfully around the deck as the sky filled with hues of crimson and tangerine, cocktail in hand.

The cruise featured a buffet dinner, vibrant cultural dances, and live musical performances, which we all enjoyed. It’s a sailing experience that stays close to shore, perfect for those without much ocean experience yet yearning to engage with Fiji’s stunning marine backdrop. Whether you’re sipping champagne with your family or grooving to the rhythm of the Pacific, this sunset sojourn is bound to leave you inspired.

Other Things to Do in Denarau Island

Denarau Island, located just 20 minutes from Nadi, is home to an array of facilities, including an 18-hole golf course, several spas, and a wide variety of water sports.  At its heart is pretty Port Denarau Marina, a lively spot perfect for evening strolls with the family. The marina offers diverse dining options, from sushi and fresh seafood to traditional Fijian dishes, allowing guests to enjoy a culinary journey without leaving the island. A favorite among families are the many seafood buffets, where parents savor fresh, local catches while children explore nearby shops and enjoy the marina’s vibrant ambiance. The area also serves as a launching point for day cruises, making it easy to explore Fiji’s stunning outer islands.

While on Denarau, kids will also enjoy a few hours splashing about at the Big Bula Water Park, which is home to the world’s largest permanent inflatables, and which is open daily. For a more cultural activity, the Momi Battery historical park features a small museum operated by the Fijian National Trust, and tells the story of the island’s role in WWII.

Vanua Levu: the Road Less Traveled

Our second stop saw us pack our bags and travel to Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island after Viti Levu. It’s a serene and less-populated paradise, ideal for those seeking a more authentic Fijian experience. Known for its lush landscapes, Vanua Levu is home to dense rainforests, secluded beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Vanua Levu is also renowned for world-class diving sites, where visitors can marvel at rich marine life, colorful coral, and breath-taking underwater landscapes. Visionaries like environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau and life coach Tony Robbins both found inspiration here.

The island’s main town, Savusavu, which translates to ‘the hidden paradise’, features geothermal hot springs, charming markets, and unique cultural encounters like kava ceremonies and traditional Meke dance. Just a short drive out of town, you can visit local waterfalls, tour one of their many cocoa farms, and also the Flora Tropical Gardens, which features more than 250 species of palm tree.

Second Stop: Koro Sun Resort

Our second location was the picturesque Koro Sun Resort, the only eco-conscious resort offering family-friendly over-water bungalows known as ‘bures.’ These accommodations are a rare find for families, designed to emphasize harmony with nature. Built sustainably, they offered both luxury and authenticity, with a private deck that allowed us to soak in serene views and snorkel at sunrise, creating unforgettable memories.

Visit Koro Sun’s Rainforest Spa

A visit to Koro Sun’s Rainforest Spa took relaxation to another level and as the primary organizer of the vacation, it was the perfect time-out for mom while my husband and son enjoyed quality bonding time by the infinity pool.

Set within the resort’s verdant forest, the spa is a serene retreat. Each of their three treatment bures are illuminated by candles and lanterns. Surrounded by soothing forest sounds and lush scenery, I melted into a massage that felt like Mother Nature’s embrace—an essential stop for weary travelers needing a peaceful break.

Other Things to Do in at Koro Sun Resort

Koro Sun Resort boasts a wide range of activities, ensuring every member can find something fun to do. From kayaking and paddle-boarding to snorkeling, tennis, and eco-friendly kids’ club activities, the entertainment was endless. Teens explored nearby lagoons while adults relaxed with gourmet dining and Fijian cooking classes for a culinary adventure.

The resort organizes daily trips to nearby lagoons for snorkeling and scuba activities, ensuring excitement for all ages. After a day of exploration, evenings at the Koro Sun were filled with cultural experiences like a local church group singing, kava ceremonies, and we enjoyed delectable, elegant dinners featuring fresh seafood and Fijian cuisine with Indian influences.

Other Things to Do on Vanua Levu

Vanua Levu offers rich biodiversity and has many snorkeling spots that are more secluded, making it ideal for younger children learning to snorkel and become educated on the life of the coral reef. In fact, many of the hotels here offer eco-tours and practice sustainable tourism.

Families can explore Nukubati Island, the third largest reef in the world. This private island offers an exclusive experience with snorkeling and beach picnics and is ideal for a special family day trip. It has an area of around 202,700 square kilometers and is 200 kilometers in length. According to the World Wildlife Fund, a recent survey of the Great Sea Reef showed that it is home to 55% of all the known coral reef fish species in Fiji, which makes for a spectacular experience.

Vita Levu: Figi’s Adventure Capital

Leaving Koro Sun for The Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour, Viti Levu, offered a change in pace without losing Fiji’s charm. The Pearl, a boutique gem with contemporary style, is ideal for family relaxation. With lush gardens, pristine beachfronts, and views of Beqa Lagoon, it feels both intimate and refreshing.

Third Stop: The Pearl Resort

This is a wonderful location for two things; diving and weddings. You can do both but we divided our days between poolside lounging and beachside strolls, taking full advantage of the warm Fijian climate. Shady palm trees offered a perfect backdrop for unwinding or playing in the surf.

The highlight of our stay was a sunset cocktail cruise, where we were treated to a thrilling encounter with a reef shark swimming beside the boat, an exciting yet common sight in these waters. The resort also features a top-notch spa, an 18-hole golf course, and exquisite dining with Fijian and international flavors, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the island’s culture while enjoying some modern comforts. The Pearl balances tranquility with adventure, giving families an exceptional Fijian experience amid stunning natural surroundings.

Adventures Pacific Harbor

Pacific Harbour is known as Fiji’s ‘Adventure Capital’, and it certainly delivers, especially if you’re after some dry land thrills (after all the water sports).

Go Zip-Lining at Kila Eco-Adventure Park

At the Kila Eco-Adventure Park, you can experience a stomach-lurching 12-meter drop from their Kila Killer Giant Swing, as well as Fiji’s longest and fastest zip line (the Flying Fox), abseiling and the high ropes, which are suitable for groups and individuals.

If all of that sounds too much of an adrenaline rush then take a more peaceful stroll through the park’s serene lowland tropical rain forest, along six miles of jungle paths, waterfalls, picnic bures and Fiji’s only linear botanic garden, which means you can easily follow the trail.

Take a Sigatoka River Safari

The Sigatoka River Safari was the crown jewel of our Fiji adventure, offering more than just a high-speed boat ride. This eco-cultural tour is a gateway into Fiji’s breath-taking landscapes and vibrant cultures, allowing travelers to connect deeply with the land and its people.

The river is the longest river on the island of Viti Levu, running from the hills of the Navosa Province right down to the sand dunes in Kulukulu, on the famous Coral Coast. The river provides locals with fresh water mussels, fish, prawns, eels, water for agriculture and for drinking.

It was used as the only means of transport from the coast to the interior right up until the late 1950’s but today the river is open to tourists and locals to see first-hand the natural beauty of the river and interior, all from the comfort of the safari jet boat.

Our speedboat glided through the winding waters of the Sigatoka River, bordered by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, and filled every moment with anticipation and awe. It’s a truly immersive family adventure that brings you to the heart of the Fijian wilderness.

Dine with the Locals in Bemana

The real magic of the river safari lies in the kinship formed with the Bemana village community. There are 18 villages on this route but we visited just one as the organizers opt to tour a different village every day, in order to minimize the impact of tourism on village lifestyle in this remote part of the world. We were welcomed with open arms and wide smiles, immediately enveloped in the warmth of Fijian hospitality. Sharing Kava during a special ceremony, dining on traditional Fijian cuisine, and dancing with the locals was not just a cultural experience but a heartfelt exchange of traditions and stories.

We learned that a tabua in Fiji, a sperm whale’s tooth, is often given by a groom and his family to the parents of the man’s (hopefully) future bride when he asks permission to marry her. In Fiji, a gift of a tabua means ‘I love you’ from the inside.

We visited the bure belonging to the village chief and an unexpected highlight was when my husband was himself humorously ordained as “chief,” cementing our bonds with the villagers and adding a layer of humor to the day. Now, back home, we fondly recall those moments, often jokingly calling him “chief” as a tribute to our shared adventure. As his wife, I was given the term “Miss Chief” and I think I need to put that on a tee-shirt. We watched in awe and appreciation as resourceful kids played music using hub caps, plastic bottles, and sticks.

This half-day excursion is more than just a family travel activity—it’s a soul-stirring voyage into the vibrant heart of Fiji.

This was such a wonderful way to experience the culture of Fiji and also gave us a huge sense of appreciation for how other people live their lives. The villagers were so full of generosity in heart and spirit, it’s a great way as a family to expand your horizons. I cannot recommend these village visits enough.

Packaged to Perfection

We flew comfortably with Fiji Airways from LAX, experiencing the excitement of travel as we crossed time zones. The airline offers family-friendly vacation packages with great rates, making it easy to plan your trip.

If you’re not the sort of person to do lots of research and obsess over every detail, consider checking out a few of their packages. This is a particularly good option if you just want to pick one package and go to one place to settle in and explore from there. You can plan your entire escape with a hotel and air in one easy spot.

Our Fijian vacation was a warm, welcoming experience filled with cultural encounters, breath-taking nature, and unforgettable moments. From the first smiling ‘Bula’ to the fond farewell waves, Fiji checked every box on our family bucket list.

While we didn’t extract a sperm whale’s tooth for a proposal, we’d certainly go to great lengths to return. We loved Fiji inside and out.

Read More:

• 10 Best Fiji Resorts: Where to Stay and Play on Fiji’s 300+ Islands
• 30 Tropical Places to Visit for a Vacation in Paradise
• Paradise Awaits: Discover Your Perfect Tropical Honeymoon Escape

The post First-Timers Ultimate Guide to Fiji appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Unlike America where name-brand hotels seemingly appear every few miles along most Interstate highways, travelers heading west from Melbourne quickly discover few if any recognizable hotel brand names. As we searched for accommodations as part of our overnight road trip along the Great Ocean Road, our choices were limited, and the website descriptions were not particularly helpful. The decision came down to several hotels within a mile or two of the coastline and ones that appeared to have decent queen-size or king-size beds.

The Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs met our minimum requirements and more. Its location along the Merri River gave us quick access to walkways by the ocean. The hotel rooms were nicely appointed with a sliding glass door that offered views of the area. The bed was comfortable.

An unexpected bonus was the very popular Deep Blue Hot Springs attached to the hotel.

Welcome to Warrnambool

Located on the southwest coast of Victoria, Australia, Warrnambool is a pleasant choice for a relaxing spa weekend or as the end or beginning point of a trip along the Great Ocean Road (see our story).

The ocean nature walk along Warrnambool’s Merri River offers a stunning coastal experience. Starting from the Breakwater, it covers the Merri Marine Sanctuary, featuring diverse landscapes from soft white sands to weathered cliffs. Visitors can enjoy ocean views, observe wildlife and explore unique marine habitats. The path winds through coastal vegetation, providing access to beaches and lookout points.

Capturing the vibe of an English coastal town, Warrnambool’s downtown has a diverse range of pubs, cafes and restaurants including Mexican, Asian and Sri Lankan. The town has plenty of large shopping centers and grocery stores for those staying overnight.

Rooms with a View

The hotel offers over 80 guest rooms including ocean view suites and penthouse apartments. The sliding glass opens up so you can enjoy the ocean air. There’s air conditioning and an overhead fan, free WiFi, flat screen TV, iron and ironing board, refrigerator and mini-bar.

As we were about a week into our trip, we particularly appreciated the laundry facilities with a washer and dryer for a modest fee.

Hot Pools for Cool Nights

The award-winning Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool offers a unique geothermal bathing experience in an open-air sanctuary. The Springs features a variety of rock pools, sensory caves, a cold plunge pool and cleansing waterfalls. The mineral-rich water, sourced from a half-mile underground, ranges from 95 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit and is believed to have therapeutic benefits.

Sessions are at 7:30-9:30 am, 10am-noon, 1-3pm, 3:30-5:30pm and a twilight session from 6-9pm. When we visited, there were plenty of couples enjoying the pool and groups of friends relaxing at the end of a work day.

SheBuysTravel Tip: There is a strict capacity limit, so definitely book in advance especially for the popular twilight session.

Enjoy the Pool and Hotel Spa

Separate from the Deep Blue Hot Springs, the Deep Blue Hotel features a large heated indoor swimming pool. Near the pool is the Deep Blue Bath House & Day Spa with another pool, sauna and spa treatments.

With a Hot Springs, a Pool and a Bathhouse & Day Spa, it can be confusing for first-time visitors. When emailing or calling from outside of the town, make sure the staff understands the spa experience that interests you most.

Limited Dining Options

Guests can dine at the on-site Tides Cafe & Bar, which offers a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere for most of the day (hours vary based on the season) and a breakfast buffet.

The Basics

Check-in time is 3 pm. Check-out time is noon. The cancellation policy varies depending on the time of year.

The Deep Blue Hotel Warrnambool is at:

Worm Bay Road
Warrnambool, Victoria 3280
+61 3 5559 2000

The post Dive into The Deep Blue Hotel in Warrnambool appeared first on She Buys Travel.

Visitors looking for a stylish, contemporary place to stay in the heart of Melbourne should definitely consider Vibe Hotel Melbourne at the corner of Queen and Flinders Streets. This sleek, high-rise accommodation features 201 rooms with uninterrupted views of the Yarra River and the Central Business District and with easy access to the best things to do in Melbourne.

The modern rooms rise above the historic Fletcher Jones Building facade which has been seamlessly incorporated into the design. At the street level, it’s a nondescript entrance to a modest historic building, but once inside the space opens up. My wife and I loved the friendly vibe of the hip, main lobby.

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Stay at a Key Crossroads of the City

Situated in Melbourne’s bustling Central Business District, Vibe Hotel Melbourne boasts a prime location for both leisure and business travelers. With less time to spend in Melbourne city than Sydney, the Vibe Hotel was our choice for a hotel truly in the middle of the popular tourist and city attractions. We also chose the hotel because it’s a contemporary chain with interesting properties throughout Australia including the Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands.

The hotel is a short walk from Melbourne’s famous laneway eateries, grand arcades and the hub of a very active shopping area. The free City Circle Tram stops right outside the hotel on Flinders Street, and other trams begin and end at Queen Street by the hotel’s front door. The famous Flinders Street Station with access to regional and national rail lines is two blocks away.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Although there is a nearby parking garage for parking a rental car, it’s the tiniest garage I’ve ever seen in my life. Leave the rental car at the airport. Driving in Melbourne with its trams, pedestrian traffic and train system is not for the faint of heart. And, if you’re taking a cab or Uber, be aware that the Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands is less than two miles away, also in the city center. Note the different addresses and hotel names when instructing cab or Uber drivers to your destination.

Kinked Room with a View

The rooms at Vibe Hotel Melbourne are designed with comfort and style in mind. Featuring a muted palette and natural materials, the accommodations offer a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle yet feature floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the view of the Yarra River.

Rooms have a flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee, iron and ironing board, USB charging points and hair dryer.

Because it was a milestone anniversary, my wife and I were upgraded to the top floor, a corner room with one of the best views in the city. In the above photo of the hotel from the Melbourne Skydeck, you can see that our room jutted out on an odd angle from the rectangle structure of the building. From the exterior, the position seems precarious, but inside the room didn’t feel any different from other spaces.

Read More: Unique Luxury Hotels in Australia.

Chat Up Fellow Travelers in the Lobby

The hotel’s lobby has an inviting atmosphere. For single travelers or groups looking to chat with fellow travelers, the lobby is the perfect place for casual conversation.

A part of the lobby, the St Marks Road Co. serves as the hotel’s main dining venue, offering a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Whether guests are in the mood for a light meal, celebratory feast or casual drink, the restaurant caters to various tastes and occasions.

Room service is available 24 hours a day.

Drinks on High

Perched 22 levels above Vibe Hotel Melbourne and seemingly dangling out over the Yarra River, the newly opened Fleet Rooftop Bar invites you to unwind in an “elevated” oasis that pays homage to Melbourne’s maritime heritage with panoramic views of the city skyline. After a busy day of traveling, this is the perfect spot to relax in casual chairs and couches and plan tomorrow’s adventures.

The thoughtfully curated drinks menu has a nautical theme and combines classic favorites with locally inspired creations and bar snacks.

A Cooly Designed Pool

Vibe Hotel Melbourne’s pool area provides a luxurious retreat for guests. The upscale indoor heated pool offers a serene environment for relaxation and exercise.

Get a Quick Aerobic Workout

Complementing the pool is a simple fitness area, allowing guests to maintain their workout routines while traveling.

The Basics

Check in time is at 3PM. Check out time is 11am. Off-site parking is available at 376 Flinders Street for a special rate of $35 per night, multiple entries and exits. Tickets must be validated at the hotel reception before exit and all vehicles must exit the car park before 1pm or additional charges will apply. Parking must be pre-booked with the hotel prior to arrival to receive a discount rate. Car park doors close at 10pm.

Vibe Hotel Melbourne is located at:

1 Queen Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
vibemelbourne@vibehotels.com.au
3-9958-9100.

The post Vibe Hotel Melbourne Review: Sleek and Centrally Located appeared first on She Buys Travel.

To have a great vacation takes a lot of planning. After searching for attractions to visit, sights to see, cars to rent and planes to catch, there’s not much energy left for choosing hotels. For Americans who are first-time visitors to Australia, the task may be even more daunting, because often the hotels are individually owned and part of a chain of Southeast Asia/Pacific companies not familiar to us.

If you’re looking for a memorable vacation to the major tourist sites in Sydney, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef (Cairns), we’ve put together a curated list of luxury and unique hotels that guarantee to be as memorable as spotting your first kangaroo in the wild.

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Sydney

The majority of travelers from overseas arrive in Sydney. Most of the hotels are located in the Central Business District (CBD) or across the Sydney Harbour in North Sydney.

Most Memorable Hotel: Wildlife Retreat at Taronga

While “glamping” has become a commonplace occurrence for overnight stays at zoos all over the world, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney is nothing like sleeping overnight in a covered tent within earshot of lions and tigers. Rather, the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is an amazing first-class, eco-luxe hotel built within the zoo grounds. From the huge semi-circular lobby called the Nest to each of the 62 rooms spread across five “lodges” or wings, this is a hotel built and fawned over by animal lovers.

While there certainly are more luxurious accommodations to be found in Sydney, no hotel rivals the Wildlife Retreat in giving the visitor an opportunity to immerse oneself in a wildlife setting where one can see koalas out their windows and wake up to the sound of birds flying in and around the zoo.

With a hefty price for a one-night stay from $500 to $800, this is a hotel where most people stay for one night. You can read my full review of the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga.

What Makes the Wildlife Retreat Unique:

• From its huge central lobby, the windows open out to one of the most spectacular views of downtown Sydney.
• Only guests staying at the hotel are given a private tour of the purpose-built Sanctuary where visitors encounter unique Australian animals such as wallabies, potoroos, red kangaroos, echidnas and koalas.
• Included with the hotel stay is an early morning zoo tour before the gates are open to the public. Guides escort visitors to a very popular and newly redone area focused on Australia’s favorite animals such as kangaroos, koalas and dingos.
• Hotel packages include a sumptuous buffet breakfast in the Me-Gal restaurant with yet another incredible view of Sydney. How can one hotel have two such spaces? Hotel guests receive priority reservations at Me-Gal.
• There is special access to the Taronga Zoo from the hotel, and guests are welcome to come and go to the zoo throughout their stay.
• Note that the Retreat does not have a gym, pool or business center.

Most Serene & Sophisticated Stay: Four Seasons Sydney Hotel

For most travelers, staying near the Circular Quay in the bustling heart of the Central Business District (CBD) is highly recommended because of access to major transit hubs and an easy walk of major attractions including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Bridge and The Rocks entertainment district. With 531 rooms in a tall skyscraper downtown, the Four Seasons Sydney Hotel has the luxury one expects from the famous worldwide hotel brand. Its location affords the comfort and convenience to ease visitors and business travelers into the first part of an Australia trip.

With an extremely competitive rate compared to lesser known, nearby properties, the Four Season Sydney is an exceptional bargain. Often at less than $300 a night during the off season from April to October, there is a luxury bargain – two words that aren’t often written together in the same sentence. Further, the hotel underwent a top-to-bottom renovation in 2019, just before the pandemic hit. Even for returning guests, it’s like a brand new hotel.

Here’s my full review of the Four Seasons Sydney Hotel.

What Makes the Four Seasons Special:

• The hotel is angled so that almost half of the windows are kinked for an incredible view of the Circular Quay and the Sydney Harbour. Waking up each morning with a view of the Sydney Opera House was well worth the extra money for a room with a harbour view.
• Considering you may not be spending a fortune for a Four Seasons Hotel room, it’s also well worth considering upgrading to a room that includes an impressive Executive Lounge on the uppermost 32nd floor of the hotel and open from 7am to 10pm daily. Beyond the stunning view and generous breakfast buffet, midday snacks and evening gourmet desserts, the Lounge is a place to relax and chat with other guests.  It’s perfect for the single traveler or couple hoping to interact with others.
• An excellent 24-hour gym is connected to a large sauna with steam rooms and showers. For people waiting to check into their rooms after a long flight, the sauna and steam room offer a respite for the weary traveler.
• The hotel has one of the largest hotel pools in the city with towering skyscrapers on all sides. Guests can swim in the heated pool or relax in the jacuzzi or pool deck from 6am to 8pm daily.

Best Location for Conventiongoers: Sofitel Darling Harbour

In the past 10 years, Darling Harbour has undergone major redevelopment, particularly with the opening in 2016 of the $1.5 billion International Convention Centre (ICC) which includes the ICC Sydney Theatre that seats up to 8,000 for a concert. Across a short driveway from the ICC is the 5-star Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour Hotel which was built to coincide with the opening of the ICC. For a large convention hotel with 590 guestrooms and suites – most with floor-to-ceiling windows – the Sofitel still has a sophisticated look and feel of a smaller hotel.

Darling Harbour’s transformation makes an excellent alternative to a hotel near the Circular Quay. Nearby are harbourside attractions such as SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, the Australian National Maritime Museum and the Sydney Lyric Theater which hosts national tours of musicals and plays such as Hamilton.

You can read my full review of the Sofitel Darling Harbour.

What Makes the Sofitel Special:

• The hotel has a bustling, upscale dining scene. The French-inspired Atelier by Sofitel serves modern Australian cuisine with a French twist and has a seating capacity of 200. On the same level with Atelier is the Champagne Bar with a row of seats along windows to enjoy a view of Darling Harbour while sipping a pre-dinner aperitif or a nightcap.
• If you are visiting Wednesday through Sunday, check out the Lumiere on Thirty Five, a bar that sparkles with the lights of the city as a backdrop.
• The 20-meter infinity pool has an incredible view of the Darling Harbour and Sydney’s Central Business District. This stunning outdoor oasis, named Le Rivage, features a chic terrace with plush loungers and cabanas.
• Like so many other amenity spaces at the hotel, the fitness center offers panoramic views of Darling Harbour and the city skyline whether logging miles on the treadmills, ellipticals or exercise bikes or using the free weights and strength equipment.

Best View in Sydney: Park Hyatt Sydney

Consistently among the top two or three most expensive hotels in Sydney is the Park Hyatt Sydney. The reason for the price is the outstanding location nestled against the Sydney Harbour Bridge staring directly across the harbor to the Sydney Opera House. Most of the 155 rooms have floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open onto balconies offering stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor. On our next trip to Sydney, my wife has strongly suggested that we stay at least one night at Park Hyatt Sydney.

Guests can enjoy a stunning rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi with views of Sydney Harbour, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The hotel features a spa offering various treatments, a 24-hour fitness center overlooking Dawes Point Park and dedicated butler service. The hotel features The Dining Room by James Viles, showcasing seasonal Australian cuisine, and The Living Room, serving all-day dining. The Bar provides a selection of wines, craft beers and cocktails.

Best Hotel for Longer Stays

For those travelers who are looking to spend a week or longer in Sydney, a new hotel brand, A by Adina Hotel Sydney, opened in 2020. It’s a luxurious 194-room apartment hotel located in the heart of the Central Business District near the main tram line along George Street.

There are a range of accommodations, including studio and one and two-bedroom apartments, all featuring floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning city views. The hotel has a high-end, private apartment feel. Each room offers Dreamcatcher Beds with a pillow menu, full kitchen, separate lounging area and a fully equipped laundry. Also included are unlimited complimentary high-speed WiFi, wireless charger, iron and ironing board and in-room safe.

Guests have access to an indoor heated mineral pool and gym. On the top floor is the award-winning cocktail bar Dean & Nancy on 22 inspired by the moody, swinging bars of the 1950s.

Melbourne & Surrounding Areas

Rivaling Sydney for the top city attraction in Australia is Melbourne.  With a population of five million people, Melbourne refuses to take second place especially for business and art.

Heading southwest from Melbourne, the Great Ocean Road offers an unparalleled driving trip along the Australia coast. We recommend a top-notch hotel at the far end of the trip for an overnight stay. To the southeast, the Mornington Peninsula is where well-heeled Melburnians head for a weekend at the beach. We offer a recommendation for a renovated historic hotel at the tip of the Peninsula.

My Favorite Unique Hotel: The Interlude (Prison) Hotel

In the 19th century, the United Kingdom is well known for having transported thousands of convicts to Australia to relieve overpopulation in its prisons as well as a way to populate its Australian colony. So visitors to Australia may not only find a visit to the Hyde Park Barracks in Sydney to be enlightening from an historical perspective but also want to stay at The Interlude boutique hotel in Melbourne built inside part of the Pentridge Prison complex.

This boutique hotel with 19 rooms, which opened in 2023, seamlessly blends modern luxury with the site’s rich 170-year history. The hotel’s architecture preserves the original bluestone buildings, including the iconic turrets, while cleverly transforming and combining former prison cells into guest rooms with modern design and luxurious amenities, including 55-inch TVs and free WiFi.

What Makes The Interlude Unique:

• Up until 1997, this huge building was a working prison and the longest prison in use in the state of Victoria.
• Rather than sidestep its historical purpose, The Interlude pays respect to its heritage with guided tours and an immersive wellness retreat for reflection.
• Outside of the hotel but included within the prison complex are Olivine Wine Bar, the North & Common restaurant and a movie theater.
• A welcome glass of sparkling on arrival per person
• Daily a la carte breakfast for two
• $30 daily minibar Inclusion
• Candlelit subterranean relaxation pool.
• Guests are offered Signature Experiences such as the daily free Unwind with Wine tasting and other paid-for experiences such as storytelling about the prison around a campfire.

Best Hotel for Social Travelers: Vibe Hotel Melbourne

When you walk in the main entrance of the 201-room Vibe Hotel Melbourne, the front desk may seem a bit chaotic. There aren’t stanchions separate for guests looking to check in. Rather, people are checking in, getting tips for their visit to Melbourne, checking out the food menu and sometimes just chatting with staff. That’s part of the vibe here – friendly, sociable. The hip lobby which blends seamlessly with the One Queen Restaurant which offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and casual drinks.

What Makes the Vibe Hotel Standout:

• Great location across at Queen and Flinders Street with easy access to the Flinders Street Train station, the free City Circle Tram stopping right outside the door and numerous trams along Queen Street on the other side of the hotel.
• Perched 22 levels above the main lobby and seemingly dangling out over the Yarra River, the newly opened Fleet Rooftop Bar invites you to unwind in an “elevated” oasis with panoramic views of the city skyline.
• Upscale indoor heated pool with a serene environment for relaxation and exercise.
• 24/7 gym.

Best Docklands Hotel: Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands

Located on the redeveloped Docklands waterfront, the Vibe Hotel Melbourne Docklands take visitors to the edge of the Central Business District for a more relaxing city experience yet within walking distance of Marvel Stadium and the Southern Cross Train Station. With a variety of meeting rooms, this hotel is well positioned for medium to small group meetings.

Most of the 273 guest rooms offer views of the Docklands and the Yarra River and feature floor-to-ceiling windows.

What Make the Vibe Docklands Stand Out:

• Outdoor heated lap pool
• 24-hour gym and steam room
• Storehouse Docklands restaurants with a farm-to-table menu.

Read More: A first-time visitor’s guide to Melbourne and our guide to driving Australia’s Great Ocean Road.

Most Upscale Seaside Resort: InterContinental Sorrento Hotel

Melbournians looking for a seaside escape choose the Mornington Peninsula for a charming seaside town that might remind Americans of Carmel, California, or the Hamptons. No place along the Southern Ocean compares with the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula in the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento. This luxurious hotel with a storied history of almost 125 years offers stunning views of the Mornington Peninsula and access to the area’s many attractions.

The hotel’s location is a major draw, with the Searoad Ferry Terminal just a 7-minute walk away and the Sorrento Front Beach just an 8-minute walk. This makes it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area, which is renowned for its stunning coastline, charming seaside towns or the opportunity to take a trip from the dock to swim with dolphins and seals in the summer and fall.

What Makes the InterContinental Sorrento Hotel Special:

• Choice of 184 rooms in either the historic wing or the newly built wing. (We prefer the modern wing because the room layouts tend to be more standard.)
• An absolutely stunning heated pool and lounging area with the best view of the Mornington Peninsula.
• An impressive array of dining options with four restaurants and three bars/lounges.

Best Place to Stay at the End of the Road: Deep Blue Hotel

It’s unlikely that the Deep Blue Hotel & Hot Springs will be on many lists of the most luxurious accommodations in Australia. However, for those travelers seeking to take their time exploring the Great Ocean Road and staying overnight along the way, this Warrnambool hotel is the best choice by far in the area west of Melbourne.

Surprisingly, the hotel location along the Merri River gave us quick access to walkways by the ocean and made it feel very much like part of the Southern Ocean experience.

What Makes the Deep Blue Hotel Special:

• The award-winning Deep Blue Hot Springs Warrnambool offers a unique geothermal bathing experience with a variety of rock pools, sensory caves, a cold plunge pool and cleansing waterfalls. It’s a popular spot, and reservations for 90-minute to two-hour sessions are essential.

• The hotel offers over 80 guest rooms including ocean view suites and penthouse apartments. The sliding glass doors open up so you can enjoy the ocean air. There’s air conditioning and an overhead fan, free WiFi, flat screen TV, iron and ironing board, refrigerator and mini-bar. Best of all, laundry facilities are available to easily wash clothes and never leave the hotel.
• Separate from the Deep Blue Hot Springs, the Deep Blue Hotel features a large heated indoor swimming pool. Near the pool is the Deep Blue Bath House & Day Spa with another pool, sauna and spa treatments.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

To experience the Great Barrier Reef, most people begin their adventure in the tropical town of Cairns, located in north Queensland in the northeast section of the Australian continent. Although the Great Barrier Reef stretches south to just north of Brisbane, the northern reef near Cairns is considered the most spectacular and the most abundant in marine life. It’s no surprise, then, that the Cairns marina is full of tour boats, catamarans and pontoons that whisk travelers out on reef cruises to experience this world-famous ecosystem.

Over the past two decades, Cairns has grown from a sleepy coastal town to a bustling tourist attraction with a variety of hotels.

Best Hotel in Cairns Area: The Reef House

The best hotel in the Cairns area is The Reef House Adult Retreat in Palm Cove, recent Gold Winner of the Australian Tourism Awards for 5 Star Luxury Accommodations and consistently one of the best rated hotels in Queensland and Australia.

The stand-out reason for The Reef House ranking is the range of free hotel activities and an incredible staff eager to help you plan your vacation. For solo travelers and couples eager to interact with fellow travelers, The Reef House offers an unmatched experience in Australia.

Although not located in the main town of Cairns, The Reef House is 20 minutes away in a small residential community. Cabs are plentiful for those not interested in renting a car.

What Makes The Reef House Special:

• The resort features “Escape Planning Specialists” who reach out personally to each guest before their arrival not only to ensure the hotel is ready for them, but to ensure guests receive help in planning the vacation and making reservations throughout the region.
• Located directly across from the beach.
• Breakfast, lunch or dinner, the Reef Restaurant boasts stunning vistas of Palm Cove, especially at breakfast during sunrise.
• The resort offers cocktail making classes, Sunrise Beach Yoga, stretch and breathe classes, aqua aerobics, wine appreciation class, a reef conservation talk, Aboriginal interpretation experience, and evening canapés and punch with the General Manager. Most of the activities are free.
• The main swimming pool is right off the lobby. Separately, there is a mineral pool, Jacuzzi and heated Japanese style outdoor spa.

Most Convenient Hotel for a Trip to the Reef: Shangri-La The Marina

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns is a luxurious 5-star hotel situated in a prime waterfront location between Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea and Cairns Esplanade. The hotel offers 255 contemporary rooms and suites, each featuring a private balcony or terrace with stunning views of the marina and surrounding mountains.

It’s located by the Reef Fleet Terminal, the hub for those guests seeking a water adventure. Looking very much like an airport check-in counter, the terminal buzzes each morning with scuba divers, snorkelers and day trippers checking in with tour operators before walking to their boats. There are booths for multi-day live-aboard tours and the Spirit of Cairns Dinner Cruise.

What Makes the Shangri-La Special:

• Best location for snorkelers or those taking water excursions to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Outdoor swimming pool with views of the Cairns Marlin Marina.
• Tour desk inside the hotel.
• Fitness center.
• Business center.
• Free parking.

Most Luxurious (and Expensive) Hotel at the Reef

There are less than a dozen islands along the massive Great Barrier Reef that feature hotels or resorts. None of them truly compare to a stay at Lizard Island Resort – an immersive experience amidst the beauty of the reef with a high price that makes this a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all but the richest few.

The resort is the sole vacation property on Lizard island, part of Lizard Island National Park, the only continental island group close to the outer barrier reef.

What Makes Lizard Island Resort Special:

• The only way to reach Lizard Island other than a very long boat ride is to fly East Air with two daily departures from Cairns and return flights. The price of the flight alone is more costly than some people will spend to fly to Australia.
• This is an all-inclusive resort with incredible food. The Salt Water Restaurant is part of the resort’s main building and where a full breakfast (with table service), lunch and dinner are served. A bar adjoins the space. At each meal, guests choose from two appetizers, four or five entrees and desserts. Wine and cocktails are included.
• Snorkel the reef right off the beach. On our first snorkel from the beach, we immediately saw two large turtles and swam up to several small coral reefs. Via water, a short walk or a dinghy ride is Watson’s Bay and the Clam Garden where dozens of large giant clams can be seen in a large area cordoned from boats. Everyone who stays on the island makes a point of at least trying to snorkel this section.
• Naturalists offer free walking tours of Pandanus Track and Chinaman’s Ridge to Watson’s Bay where we spotted bats hanging in the trees and monitor lizards from which the island gets its name.
• Fitness center, heated pool and tennis court.

The post Top Notch Luxury Hotels for an Australian Vacation appeared first on She Buys Travel.

If ever there was an accommodation that should have “hotel” in the title it is the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, owned and operated by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, the nonprofit that runs the world-famous Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

When looking at overnight accommodations at the Zoo for our recent visit, we were initially confused thinking that the Wildlife Retreat is a “glamping experience” akin to an air-controlled bedroom with a bath built on a wooden platform with a canvas tent. While there is a Roar and Snore glamping option at the Zoo, the Wildlife Retreat is a stunning first-class, $45 million eco-luxe hotel. Purpose-built within the zoo grounds, this is an immersive wildlife experience unrivaled by overnight accommodations in any similar urban setting.

Spend one night at Wildlife Retreat at Taronga, and you will be talking about it the rest of your life.

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Built on Top of the Zoo

Geography worked to the advantage of the designers of the Wildlife Retreat which sits atop a steep hill within the Zoo’s grounds and opened just before Covid in 2019. The 62 rooms and suites are built across five “lodges” – think of a series of connected wings of a hotel. At their height, most rooms have an amazing view of the wildlife, flora and fauna or the Sydney Harbor.

The retreat’s design prioritizes environmental sensitivity and sustainability. The “lodges” rely on timber for floors and walls, reducing the carbon footprint. Native planted ‘green screens’ cover the northern facades and roofs, camouflaging the buildings while preserving harbor views.

Read More: First Timer’s Guide to the Best Things to Do in Sydney

Lobby for Animal Lovers

As visitors walk into the main entrance, they are likely to stop and stare and catch their breath. The panoramic view of downtown Sydney in the distance is breathtaking.

The large, luxurious circular room called the Nest has floor-to-ceiling windows framing uninterrupted city and harbor views. A striking feature is the circular roof skylight, designed as an Insulated Glass Unit to reduce solar heat gain and glare while improving energy efficiency.

The Nest is where guests check in, meet for tours and have a drink or light snack from 1pm onward at N’Gurra Lounge.

The Sanctuary

The most unique aspect of a stay at the Wildlife Retreat is the immersive experience for hotel guests only in the purpose-built Sanctuary. All hotel packages include a guided Sanctuary tour to encounter unique Australian animals such as tammar wallabies, red-necked pademelons, long-nosed potoroos, red kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas, koalas and short-finned eels who inhabit the waterways.

Once inside the Sanctuary there are no walls or barriers between visitors and the animals. The echidnas (see photo above) are particularly interested in humans and their smells. This is not a petting zoo. Visitors are encouraged to take photos and stand quietly as animals wander by them.

The Sanctuary is also home to several koalas that can be observed from the pathways or potentially from the Wildlife Retreat rooms.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Plan to check in as early as possible to take the Sanctuary tour which is only offered in the afternoon. Then visit the Zoo later that day or the next morning.

Take the Early Morning Zoo Tour

Depending on the overnight stay package, visitors are offered a chance to join a Zoo guide for a short tour of the Zoo before it opens. The Wildlife Retreat has a special entrance to the zoo near the main entrance. Guides head immediately to Nura Diya Australia (meaning “this country” in the Aboriginal language), the very popular and newly redone area focused on Australia’s favorite animals. From an elevated boardwalk, see koalas at eye level. Walk through an area without fences where kangaroos, wallabies and emus wander freely.

Pick Your View with the Room

The four room types:

• Bushland Rooms overlooking Australian bushland setting,
• Animal View Rooms where it’s possible to see a koala in the tree directly across from your balcony,
• Harbour View Rooms with iconic Sydney vistas, and
• Treetop Suites with panoramic harbor views.

For us, the first option was the Animal View Rooms in the imagined hope that a koala might join us on the balcony (that can’t happen). There are plenty of special views of Sydney from inside the main reception room, dining area and all along the paths of the zoo.

The rooms have free Wifi, flat-screen TVs, minibar, electric kettle, tea and coffee makers, hairdryers, iron and ironing board and walk-in showers.

Each stay includes breakfast in Me-Gal; passes for two days to the Taronga Zoo and a Sanctuary Tour. Packages include the Ultimate Retreat Package with a three-course dinner at Me-Gal, a Classic Retreat Package and a Family Escape Package which includes a guided Family Night Walk.

Even with a favorable exchange rate, the rooms are very expensive with standard room rates starting between $450  and $800 a night depending on the season. Wildlife Retreat rooms are often sold out during Australian school holidays.

There is no fitness center or swimming pool.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Splurge for one night at this extraordinary hotel. As the front desk staff reminded visitors, any profits from hotel operations go directly to the Zoo.

Dining with Yet Another Amazing View

At the highest point of the resort, Me-Gal restaurant “tops” the resort’s array of views. Me-Gal, is named after the Cammeraygal word for ‘tears’ and evokes the saltwater surrounding the restaurant’s location. Dinner is served nightly for hotel guests. Outside reservations are also available. Breakfast is a la carte with a hot and cold buffet, local jams and pastries.

The Basics

The main entrance to the Wildlife Retreat at Taronga is located at Bradleys Head Road in the Mosman section of Sydney, built within the grounds of the Taronga Zoo. Although there is access from the hotel directly to the Taronga Zoo, hotel guests should use the driveway and entrance off of Bradleys Head Road, farther south than the main entrance to the zoo.

Check is in at 2pm. Check out is at 10am.

The address is:

Wildlife Retreat at Taronga,
Bradleys Head Road
Sydney NSW 2088
(02)9978-4791
accommodation@zoo.nsw.gov.au

For those who haven’t rented a car, the easiest way to reach the Wildlife Retreat is via taxi. It is also possible to take the Taronga Zoo ferry from the Circular Quay and then take the free shuttle uphill to the main entrance. However, the last ferry ends in early evening, so for an evening check-in or an early morning check out, take a taxi. For drivers, free parking is offered at the Main Visitor Car Park.

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When my wife and I were considering hotels for our first day in Sydney after a 15-hour flight from LA, we wanted a soothing, serene hotel experience to help reset our biorhythms. However, we still wanted a hotel in the bustling heart of the Central Business District (CBD) within steps of major attractions including the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Bridge and the Circular Quay. We were delighted to discover that the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney met all our criteria for comfort, convenience and upscale stay for our first days in Australia.

We expected a high-quality, customer-focused experience for which the Four Seasons is known throughout the world. Yet, we did not expect to pay the bargain rate of about $250 USD when we visited in April. I kept checking different websites to make sure this Four Seasons was part of the Four Seasons chain with which I was familiar in the United States. With nearby lower-rated hotels charging higher nightly rates, how could this rate be correct? Turns out, the rate was real and not unusual outside of the hotel’s busy summer season from November to March. What a deal!

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More than 40 Years of Accommodating Travelers

In 1982, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney opened as The Regent. Some 20 years later, it was rebranded as a Four Seasons property. In 2019, the hotel underwent an extensive renovation of all 531 rooms and suites. Because this happened just before the pandemic, for many return visitors to the Four Seasons, it’s like a brand new hotel.

According to a hotel spokesperson, the hotel guests are split almost evenly between business and leisure travelers.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Check out the First-Timers Guide to Sydney, including many attractions within an easy walk of the hotel or a short ferry ride from the Circular Quay.

Rooms with a View

The Four Seasons Sydney features 517 guest rooms and suites, ranging from the Deluxe City Rooms to the opulent Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite. There is a significant price differential based on city view versus the Harbour View. Because the hotel is only two blocks from the Circular Quay at the Sydney Harbour, the harbor view is exceptional. We agreed that waking up each morning with a view of the Sydney Opera House was well worth the extra money.

Each room is equipped with modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a minibar, hair dryers and a marble bathroom with Codage luxury bath products.

Consider the Executive Lounge

Like many upscale hotels, the Four Seasons offers an impressive Executive Lounge called Lounge 32, located on the uppermost 32nd floor of the hotel and open from 7am to 10pm daily. On several sides, there are stunning views of the city, although the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge are not visible.

The lounge has a cozy and elegant atmosphere with various seating options, including plush sofas, armchairs and leather benches. There is also a separate dining room that can accommodate up to eight guests and a boardroom with 10 seats for business meetings.

The food was excellent and bountiful, especially for someone who enjoys a decent breakfast (but not his wife), a midday snack and a gourmet dessert after an early dinner off-property. The breakfast buffet had hot and cold items ranging from classic Western dishes to international options like stir fries and bubble and squeak. Fresh fruit, yogurt, muesli, bread, pastries and sweets are available. In the evening, the lounge offers an impressive spread with hot finger foods, dim sum, a charcuterie selection with cured meats and cheeses and an assortment of desserts. Freshly squeezed juice, coffee and tea are available throughout the day. For those looking for a lighter meal rather than a sit down restaurant experience, this is a great option.

It’s definitely worth having a conversation with hotel staff in advance to find out the cost differential for a standard guest room that includes access to the Executive Lounge or booking a Club Level room which includes the lounge.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For the solo traveler, Lounge 32 is a place where people seem eager to meet and chat and share their touring experiences in Australia.

Dive into One of Sydney’s Largest Outdoor Hotel Pools

After a 15-hour plane ride, there is nothing more hydrating than a swim in a heated hotel pool. The Four Seasons has one of the largest hotel pools in the city with towering skyscrapers on all sides. Guests can swim in the heated pool, relax in the jacuzzi or sunbathe on the pool deck from 6am to 8pm daily.

Fortunately, the swimming pool and the gym both connect to a large central locker room with a steam room, sauna, lockers and showers. This can be a welcome stop for those waiting to check into their rooms or after a long day of touring the city.

Full Service Spa at Your Fingertips

The hotel also has a full-service spa, Endota Spa, which offers a range of soothing treatments and therapies including massages, facials and body treatments that combine a body scrub, warm oil cocoon, massage and facial. Endota is an indigenous word meaning beautiful.

Work Out Anytime You Like

The hotel’s fitness center is well-equipped, with weight training machines, cardio equipment with personal TVs, free weights and spacious locker rooms. While the fitness center is open 24 hours, the saunas and steam rooms connected to it are only open from about 10am to 5pm daily.

Eat, Drink or Dine

For a more elevated dining experience, the hotel’s signature restaurant is Mode Kitchen & Bar, which blends casual bistro and fine dining elements to showcase contemporary Australian cuisine in a beautiful setting. The hotel’s neighborhood cocktail bar, Grain, is a popular spot for drinks, featuring a passion for craft spirits, local beers, Australian and international wines, and creative twists on classic cocktails. Finally, the hotel’s in-room dining menu offers a selection of local and international favorites, available 24 hours a day.

The Basics

Check-in time is 3 pm. Check-out time is noon. Cancellation policy varies depending on the time of year. Pets up to 25 lbs are allowed.  A pet service fee is $150 AUD and includes the set up of pet bedding, bowls and puppy pads.

Across the street is a major transportation hub with express train service to the airport (less than 20 minutes), ferries to the Taronga Zoo Sydney and Manly Beach and subway and tram lines to take people to points all over the Sydney metropolitan area.

The Four Seasons Hotel Sydney is located at
199 George Street,
Sydney NSW 2000.  
The phone is +61 (2) 9250-3100.

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No place along the Southern Ocean compares with the InterContinental Sorrento Mornington Peninsula. This luxurious hotel located in the picturesque coastal town of Sorrento, offers stunning views of the Mornington Peninsula, easy access to the area’s many attractions and the perfect place for a weekend retreat away from the hustle of Melbourne.

For our three-day excursion outside of Melbourne, the InterContinental was the perfect choice for us for two reasons. We wanted a central point to access land and sea adventures (see paragraph below). After two long days of driving, we sought a comfortable hotel with amenities and didn’t want to risk a “charming local motel” with an indifferent bed and no amenities.

Near Sorrento, the InterContinental is the only internationally known brand – part of the IHG group of hotels. It proved to be well worth the extra money compared to nearby inexpensive options.

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A Theatrical History

Envisioned as a seaside holiday resort, the hotel, originally known as the Continental, was established in 1875 by George Coppin, the “father of Melbourne theatre”. Coppin’s companies purchased much of the land that became the center of Sorrento. He built the grand, Italianate-style structure. It quickly became Sorrento’s favored destination.

Over the decades, the Continental Hotel went through various expansions and renovations, including the addition of a ballroom in the early 20th century. A modern extension was added in the 1930s.

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by the hotel’s elegant and modern design, which seamlessly blends classic and contemporary elements. The lobby features a long breezeway with rattan wallpaper and a chinoiserie vibe, while the guest lounge boasts mirrored walls and plush pink chairs in an Art Deco style.

In more recent years, the Continental Hotel has undergone a major redevelopment and restoration, with the goal of reviving its heritage and glamor while also adding modern luxury amenities, multiple dining experiences and a highly regarded spa. It joined the IHG family of hotels and was rebranded to InterContinental in 2021.

Read More: Fun Things to Do in Melbourne, Australia

Choose a Room in the Heritage Wing or Main Wing

The hotel’s 184 guest rooms and suites are beautifully appointed, with high-quality furnishings and amenities. Essentially there are two separate buildings that are connected by a series of hallways which can definitely be confusing. It takes a while to orient yourself, especially because the original look of the Heritage Wing has been replicated in the new addition known as the Main Wing and Riley Lane.

Given the choice of staying in a “heritage wing” versus a contemporary room (aka new addition), we always chose contemporary. The layout of the bathroom is almost always better as well as well-placed electrical outlets and lighting. The Main Wing certainly fit that bill.

All rooms feature a king bed, luxurious premium bedding, a smart television, a Bluetooth speaker and a pod coffee machine. There’s a hair dryer, bath amenities, daily housekeeping, complimentary Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water and a “pillow menu.”

SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t wait until bedtime to order your preferred pillow because they may be out of your choice.

Dine at a Variety of Restaurants

One of the hotel’s standout features is its impressive array of dining options. With four restaurants and three bars/lounges, guests have a wide choice of culinary experiences to choose from, ranging from casual poolside fare to fine dining.

An iconic space reminiscent of 1920s glamor, Audrey’s is situated in the Heritage building and features both an elegant dining room and private dining space with sweeping views of Sorrento Village and the foreshore. In The Atrium, enjoy a sophisticated culinary experience beneath the glow of floating lights, trailing plants and a magnificent glass ceiling. It offers an a la carte breakfast, all day dining and evening dinner menu.

Looking for something casual, we dined in the relaxed atmosphere of The Continental with a menu of woodfired pizza, sumptuous seafood and reasonably priced entrees.

In-room dining is available from 7am to 9pm.

SheBuysTravel Tip: For no fee, sign up for IHG One Rewards. Members receive a host of advantages at this hotel.

Relax at the Aurora Spa

Tucked away behind the hotel, The Aurora Spa offers a wide range of treatments and experiences. The spa’s 10-step ritual guides guests through a series of thermal experiences, from the 36-degree sky-lit Daydream pool to an invigorating 10-degree cold plunge.

Dip in the Heated Pool

The pool and the terrazzo-style pool deck have stunning views of the ocean. There’s plenty of seating so it’s the perfect place to relax on a lounge chair or have a cocktail or snack at the bar. The pool is heated to 82 degrees. It’s open from sunrise to sunset.

Work Out 24/7 at the Fitness Center

Refresh your day with a workout at the Fitness Centre with cardio equipment, weight machines and free weights. It’s open 24/7.

Convenient Location for Land and Sea Adventures

The hotel’s location is also a major draw, with the Searoad Ferry Terminal just a 7-minute walk away and the Sorrento Front Beach just an 8-minute walk. This makes it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area, which is renowned for its stunning coastline, charming seaside towns and abundance of outdoor activities.

On a recent visit to the state of Victoria, we first drove the Great Ocean Road. At journey’s end, instead of heading back to Melbourne, we drove to the car ferry at Queenscliff. It’s a well-organized car ferry from Queenscliff to Sorrento that takes less than an hour and leaves regularly throughout the day all year round.

We stayed overnight at the InterContinental and were able to roll out of bed and walk to the dock the next morning to take a boat excursion to swim with dolphins and seals in the Port Phillip Bay.  That afternoon we drove to view wildlife at the Koala Conservation Reserve and see the little penguins on Phillip Island before finally returning to Melbourne that night.

SheBuysTravel Tips: See related stories in the day trip section of Top Things to Do in Melbourne about swimming with dolphins and seals and seeing the penguins at Phillip Island.

Basic Information

Check in time is 3pm. Check out time is 11am, but IGH Club members will typically receive a late check out until 2pm if requested at check in. This was particularly helpful for us, as we took a 3-hour dolphin-and-swim tour that left at 8:30am and returned at 11:30am. With a late check out, we returned to our room, showered, repacked and still had time for lunch before leaving.

The hotel offers same-day dry cleaning, shoe shine service, a doctor on call and printing and shipping services.

It’s rare to spot parking in a hotel away from the urban center, but Sorrento’s main streets can be very busy and packed with cars. The hotel’s modern garage is free with plenty of parking for guests.

For those seeking a relaxing and indulgent getaway on the Mornington Peninsula, the InterContinental Sorrento is an excellent choice.

The address is;
23 Constitution Hill Road
Sorrento, VIC, 3943
Australia.
+61 3 5984 0000
reservations.sorrento@ihg.com

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