Vacations & Travel Nr. 117 - Summer 2022

THE MOMENT I LANDED OVERSEAS – FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO YEARS – I FELL INTO THE snow. I put a bit of it on my tongue. I rolled around in it. I rubbed it over my face. I shook it off the pine trees so it drifted into my hair like a glitter bomb. Switzerland turns on the charms whenever you visit. But it’s particularly beguiling in winter. And when you haven’t been anywhere bar your backyard for 24 months. And when nature is involved. Being in the great outdoors has this ability to make you feel, well, good. Breathing in clean air, listening to wildlife, smelling flowers, seeing the world through unpolluted light – it’s the ultimate way to de-stress, relax and boost your mood. Increasing scientific…

Nicola Chilton Nicola has lived and worked in six countries, leading tours of the Mexican jungle, teaching high school students in Japan, and telling the stories of some of the world’s best hotels. Currently making the UAE home, she writes about people, places and adventures for major publications around the world. @nicolachilton Jocelyn Pride Jocelyn is an award-winning Victorian-based writer and photographer. Her travels have taken her to both polar regions and many wild places in between. In 2021, she was inducted as a Media Herald into the Transformational Travel Council, an international organisation focused on conscious travel. @jocepride Craig Tansley Craig is based in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region but spends a portion of each year in Chicago travelling extensively across the United States. He’s been a travel…

Great Barrier protectors immortalised Australia’s only underwater museum is about to launch a new exhibition titled Ocean Sentinels. Featuring eight 2.2-metre-high sculptures of world-leading marine scientists, and some of the fiercest protectors of the Great Barrier Reef, the hybrid sculpture – a synthesis of human and natural marine forms – will be submerged in the award-winning museum off the coast of Townsville, Queensland. Meticulously chiselled by Jason deCaires Taylor, they will be located in water that is shallow so both snorkellers and divers can enjoy this ground-breaking underwater showcase. moua.com.au Positive vibes Opening in 2023, Denver’s Populous is set to be the USA’s first carbon-positive hotel. The striking wedge-shaped building comes courtesy of Chicago-based firm Studio Gang, who were inspired by Colorado’s native aspen trees. Eco-conscious design additions include deep…

If your favourite form of travel is two wheels, The Ultimate Cycling Trips: Australia is a guide to 40 of the country’s best cycling trails. The rides range from gentle rail trails with a gourmet edge to multi-day cycle tours, with detailed descriptions, suggested itineraries, images and maps from author Andrew Bain. hardiegrant.com Celeste Mitchell, Krista Eppelstun & Katie Gannon reveal 50 of Australia’s most enticing slow and sustainable stays in Life Unhurried. These covetable properties are places where you can truly slow down and reconnect with yourself and nature, showcasing beautiful photography and inspiring tales of everyday Australians. hardiegrant.com Award-winning designer and creative genius Bill Bensley has launched the second volume of his coffee table book, More Escapism: Hotels, Resorts and Gardens around the World. It takes you to…

IN THE BAG Grab and go on your next outing with The Wanderers’ ‘Frederica’ in tan. RRP $299 wandererstravelco.com RUN AWAY Sprint to the store to get these Allbirds trail runners in eye-catching orange. RRP $220 allbirds.com.au EYE SPY Slink away in these cat-eye ‘Soho’ frames, with eye-catching angles, bevelled detailing and a striking blue blush. RRP $220 valleyeyewear.com GOLDEN GLOW Ease into winter with ELK The Label’s oh-so-covetable fashion pieces and statement accessories. au.elkthelabel.com LIP SERVICE Lük Beautifood’s lipstick crayons deliver long-lasting pigmented colour while being 100 per cent natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. RRP $24.95 lukbeautifood.com FLOWER POWER Creed’s Wind Flowers is all floral and amber notes with hints of Tunisian orange blossom. RRP $469, 75ml creedperfume.com.au…

CREATIVES As a young girl growing up in Cuernavaca, south of Mexico City, Cristina Mittermeier knew she wanted to live a life that helped protect the natural world. First she became a marine biologist. Then she was asked to provide the text for a coffee table book. But when she saw how people connected with the photos and barely glanced at her words on launch night, she wondered if she was going about it the wrong way. “We are routinely winning one campaign after another because the power of the people is greater than the people in power.” “That was the first ‘Eureka!’ moment when I thought maybe I should lower the price of entry to reach people through something that’s not intimidating, not confrontational and not guilt ridden. And…