My Best of the Best from Travel Week ~ Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific

Continuing on our virtual trip around the world, sharing my "best of the best" from Virtuoso Travel Week...

 
...let's venture Down Under and beyond...to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific...

In Australia...

The "hot spot" in Melbourne these days is Crown Towers, the chic hotel right on the Yarra river in downtown Melbourne which offers over 40 dining, cafe and bar options.  The buzz down under is Heston Blumenthal bringing his Michelin starred Fat Duck to Crown Towers for six months beginning in 2015.

(go here if you cannot view video)

What a way to explore the Outback!  Longitude 131 is a tented camp that is far from rustic.  There are 15 elevated luxury tents offers unparalleled private views of Ayers Rock. They arrange bespoke excursions around the outback for their guests, offer fine dining and even a spa.

Explore the Great Barrier Reef in the utmost of private island luxury at One & Only Hayman Island...Recently re-opened after a complete renovation, Hayman Island is now part of the One & Only family and reflects the brand's commitment to top notch quality and service.

In New Zealand...

Wharekauhau Country Estate  is a 5,000 acre rural retreat on the south east coast of New Zealand’s North Island with just 12 cottages dotted throughout the sprawling estate, unsurpassed vistas abound. With private native forest, spectacular beaches, rivers, lakes and wetlands, Wharekauhau is a haven from the outside world.

Kauri Cliffs has just 22 rooms set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay on the North Island, and boasts jaw-dropping views of Cape Brett and the Cavalli Islands, and a world renowned golf course. 

Eichardt's Private Hotel is in a pristine lakefront setting in the heart of Queenstown, and offers five sumptuous suites, four apartments and one three-bedroom villa. Don't let the contemporary look fool you - it has been open since 1860!

In Fiji...

Laucala Island is a 3,000-acre private island — once owned by Malcolm Forbes — which offers just 25 one to three-bedroom residences. The thatched-roof villas are sprinkled across the island, all have private pools and are decorated in a classic Fijian style. Amenities include five restaurants, a golf course, a hilltop spa, an equestrian center and a glass-cube pool. Enjoy a private picnic prepared by the staff on one of the isolated beaches or make use of one the 14 boats available for guests to explore the coral reef that protects the island. There is even a submarine for the guests to use if they want to see the marine life without getting wet!

In Tahiti...

The Four Seasons Bora Bora is as popular with families as it is with honeymooners, but they separate the two at opposite ends of the resort. There is even a private beach area called "Chill Island" just for teenage guests. Many people don't realize how accessible Tahiti is - only two hours more flying time than Hawaii! Whether you choose an overwater bungalow with private plunge pool or a beachfront villa, there is truly something for everyone at this resort.

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Don't these places just make you want to pack up and head to the other side of the world?? When can we leave??