Indonesia
The abandoned goat that now lives in five-star island luxury
Bonnie the Nihi Goat, as she’s known on Instagram, has become the accidental mascot of one of Indonesia’s most luxe resorts.
- by Jenny Hewett
Rupert spent two weeks in Bali without drinking. He’s not alone
They’re calling it The Next Big Dry – young Australian travellers overseas turning their back on alcohol-fuelled partying and instead opting for high sobriety.
- by Sue Williams
These monstrous beasts seem lazy and harmless, until they don’t
Tourists show no fear, happily standing a metre away from the beasts to get their photos taken. I later discover it’s a pretty dumb move.
- by Craig Platt
★★★★
Hotel reviews
Forget Bali’s beach clubs, this ‘jungle club’ is all the rage
K-Club boldly claims to host Bali’s best “jungle club” within its lush and luxurious confines. And who are we to disagree.
- by Christine Retschlag
What sets this rock star’s reimagined Bali retreat apart from the others
An addition of 17 contemporary suites add a playful post lockdown dimension that speaks equally to the need for guests to relax and reset, as have a good time.
- by Penny Watson
The pristine alternative to Bali few Australians know about
This forgotten Indonesian island offers zero crowds, light-touch stays, thriving cultural traditions and pristine natural beauty.
- by Nina Karnikowski
Opinion
Beach and island holidays
Investigative reporter comes off second-best in reef encounter
I stand on the speed boat, blood seeping from my back, as a searing pain shoots through my lower right rib cage.
- by Nicholas McKenzie
This women-only resort lets guests break free from domestic drudgery
Part of the philosophy of this resort’s women-only wellness retreats is for guests to give themselves permission to be completely nurtured and cared for.
- by Penny Watson
‘Do you know how many followers I have?’ Dodging influencers in Bali
At a beach club after a friend’s wedding, the bride’s family were asked by an influencer if they would move so he could get his shot. I had to escape this.
- by Kurt Johnson
★★★★½
Hotel reviews
Understated luxury on island twice the size of Bali (without the crowds)
Understated luxury and a light-footed approach that will hopefully set the bar for thoughtful, sustainability-focused development to come on Sumba.
- by Nina Karnikowski