This was published 2 years ago
The Point, Tasmania: New Tassie escape feels remote, but is just 20 minutes away from Hobart
The Point is a three-bedroom, adults-only house oriented for spectacular views and privacy, on the South Arm Peninsula.
Perhaps you can have it both ways. Tasmania's newest luxury stay has all the hallmarks of a remote retreat, yet lies within 20 minutes of the city.
The Point is a three-bedroom, adults-only house oriented for spectacular views and privacy, on the South Arm Peninsula, a small flat, piece of land south of Hobart. It forms the eastern bank of the lower Derwent Estuary, stretching south from the commuter suburb of Lauderdale. Small it may be, but the peninsula packs punch, with surf breaks cherished by in-the-know locals, a coastal walking trail, little beaches and wonderful views in all directions.
Also nearby is the much-anticipated Seven Mile Beach golf course project, now under construction on former forestry land.
Enjoy a soak with a view at the luxurious The Point, an architect-design retreat oriented for spectacular views and privacy.
The house is on one of two 20-hectare water's edge blocks that were sold off from farmland, occupied by the same family for generations. The walking trail snakes the shoreline out front.
Designed to "sit humbly within the landscape and maximise the experience of place", by award-winning Tasmanian architect Stuart Tanner, the simplicity of the building belies the thoughtful details, such as excavation of the site to protect a sun-filled, cobble-stoned courtyard from wind, and minimising the visual impact of the building on the landscape.
Each bedroom has a private balcony and inside, USB outlets and plush bedding, while bathrooms have underfloor heating and custom tiles from Japan.
There are two luxurious lounge areas, both with views, a gas fireplace in the main living area, a handmade Tasmanian oak dining table and Miele appliances in the chef's kitchen, while the courtyard has a fireplace and there's another firepit and barbecue elsewhere.
There's WI-FI, Netflix and Apple TV, but guests may be hard pressed to drag their eyes away from the view – because surely that's the point of it.
From $1650 a night; two-night minimum stay. See thepointtasmania.com
EXCESS BAGGAGE
FLYING FUSHI
Opened in late 2021, Flying Sauces at Soneva Fushi in The Maldives claims to be "the world's only fine dining zipline experience". Guests zip into the treetop kitchen 12 metres above ground to enjoy a multi-course meal with a view. It's currently hosting a 10-week residency (until April 15) with Julien Royer, chef-owner of Singapore's award-winning, three-Michelin-starred Odette on the flying saucepans. See soneva.com
TUPAC SALUTE
An exhibition aiming to showcase the revolutionary activist side of slain 1990s rap artist Tupac Shakur has opened at LA Live in Los Angeles. "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" is an immersive experience using technology and installations by contemporary artists to explore his public and family life. It includes displays of handwritten journals, poems, lyrics and setlists and never-before-seen photographs. For a limited time only. See wakemewhenimfree.com
NEW JEWEL
As the cruising industry continues to find its sea legs again, Emerald Cruises, known for value-packed river cruising, has just taken delivery in Vietnam of Emerald Azzurra, one of two 100-guest luxurious coastal-cruising superyachts to be added to its fleet, with Emerald Sakara coming online in February 2023. Azzurra's inaugural sailing is in the Red Sea in March. See emeraldcruises.com.au
IN FOR A GRYLLING
NRMA Parks and Resorts' new Shipwrecked program for kids aged four to 17 is the result of an exclusive three-year partnership with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy in Australia. The program offers four hour-long "missions" during stays at NRMA Parks and Resorts, with kids learning such Grylls-esque skills as how to build a shelter in nature, how to tie knots, fire lighting and orienteering. There's the option for parents to get involved, too. An introductory rate of $15 a child a mission currently applies. See nrmaparksandresorts.com.au
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