The dawn of a New Year welcomes a fresh dose of holiday hotspots. This year, we’ve selected four wanderlust-worthy destinations that would get any jet-setter's pulse racing. Here’s a quick guide on where to travel and shop in 2017.
Image: Phil Savory
Byron Bay, Australia
Perfect for the bona fide beach bum
Left: A Pair & Spare, Hendrix & Harlow
Gone are the days when Byron Bay was recognised as a quaint hippie town. Today, the beachside travel spot at mainland Australia’s easternmost town has become one of Australia’s most desirable destinations, offering a vivid surf culture, an endless stretch of beaches, a booming food and creative scene, picturesque hikes and walking trails, and heart-pounding adventures.
Where to shop:
Known for playing host to a large number of creative professionals, it is no wonder this surf town is rife with local shopping opportunities. Make a beeline for Jonson, Lawson and Fletcher Streets – the ultimate shopping meccas of Byron Bay.
Where to stay:
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa (77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay, NSW 2481) is an intimate resort set amongst a 45-acre subtropical rainforest. The tropical retreat is just steps away from Tallow Beach and allows you to unwind, relax and rejuvenate with dining spots, a spa and (infinity) pools.
WHAT TO PACK
By the Sea Tropical
Navy Drawstring Maxi Dress
Lilla Lane
Brenna Sandal
Baby Blue Bikini
Royal Blue Bandeau
Manila, The Philippines
Perfect for the experimental traveller
Left: Google Images, Carven Superfuture
The Filipino capital is everything a city could offer – a mishmash of cultures, ample historic sights, glitzy shopping malls and a varied nightlife. It’s a mighty urban sprawl that never sleeps. Manila may be chronically overcrowded but once you look past its shortcomings, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. The city is made up of 16 districts but head to Malate, Makati and The Fort for fabulous shopping, scrumptious bites and funky bars and nightclubs.
Where to shop:
Bargain hunting and souvenir shopping aside, Manila also features some of the coolest local brands and designers in South-east Asia. Hop over to Makati, Tiendesitas, Mall of Korea, Moret and Madison Streets, just to name a few.
Where to stay:
The Henry Hotel (2680 Compound, F.B. Harrison St, Pasay, Metro Manila) gives major homely vibes with 34 thoughtfully designed rooms designed by renowned interior and furniture designer, Eric Paras. Rooms are smartly decorated with a mix of mid-century to modern furnishings.
WHAT TO PACK
Joanne L.
Luxe Leather Bracelet Double Wrap in Rose Gold and Black
theWYLDshop.com
Indikah Tahnie Tube Romper
ONE + ONE
3-in-1 Sling Waist Pouch
Melbourne, Australia
Perfect for the traveller who does it all
Left: John White, Incu
Laid-back but full of life and charm, Melbourne is definitely one of those cities that has something for everyone – family fare, layers of creativity, world-class art and heritage institutions, Haute boutiques, an exciting sports hub, multicultural dining, a booming café scene and a swanky nightlife. If this does not entice you, we don’t know what would.
Where to shop:
With a diversity of shopping opportunities brewing across every precinct, it’s no surprise that the Victoria capital is every shopaholic’s dream. Shopping precincts like Flinders Lane, Crossley Street, Fitzroy, Prahran, South Yarra and Albert Park are stellar places to start.
Where to stay:
Daring and unique, The Cullen (164 Commercial Road, Prahran, VIC 3181) offers contemporary rooms filled with lashings of original artwork and prints by Australia’s most exciting contemporary artist, Adam Cullen – all in the fashionable and artsy Prahran precinct.
WHAT TO PACK
Southern Highlands,
Australia
Perfect for the laid-back nature lover
Left: Atilla2008, Barbaras Storehouse
Located south-west of Sydney, in New South Wales, the Southern Highlands is the perfect weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. If road trips filled with sweeping landscape and scenery, pretty villages, local produce, beautiful gardens, quaint coffee shops and local shopping spots are right up your alley, Southern Highlands will leave you begging for more.
Where to shop:
Explore shopping spots in Bowral, Moss Vale, Berrima and Braemar, for fantastic homewares and gifts, vintage and handcrafted furniture, and a selection of local and international multi-label boutiques.
Where to stay:
The luxurious Gibraltar Hotel Bowral (Boronia Street via Centennial Rd, Bowral) is surrounded by a 18-hole golf course with amenities like an indoor heated pool, luxury day spa and casual bar and restaurant – though you’ll find yourselves struggling to leave the gorgeous rooms that feature enormous walk-in showers, cosy beds and sweeping views at the spacious balcony.
WHAT TO PACK
August Society
Handwriting Straw Beach Hat
Adhira
Anita Maxi in Sangria
Ayesha Cashmere
Natural Curiosities 50% Cashmere 50% Linen Long Scarf in Red
