Last month we attended Luxperience; an industry only event, for bespoke luxury and high-end experiential travel. If you follow our Instagram feed, you'd think it was all Champagne, canapés and fun in the harbour city and you'd be partly right, but there was a serious side to the event namely making meaningful connections.
We kickstarted the event with a Thought Leaders Forum held at The Star, which included an incredible keynote speech by James 'Cas' Castrisson. If you haven't heard his story, it's a wonderfully inspiring journey told by a modern day adventurer.
The next 3 days were a blur of "speed dating" a series of 15 minute appointments with sellers from around the world. Here are our highlights, tips and news in luxury travel and what's hot in Australia right now!
Lizard Island Resort
Reopened in June 2015 after a $53 million refurbishment, you'll feel truly secluded from the rest of the world at this luxury resort. With just 40 luxurious suites (pictured above), this all-inclusive resort is ideal for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Accessible by pre-arranged light aircraft transfers, it's located directly on the Great Barrier Reef for the ultimate coastal cool holiday. Coming to alluxia soon.
Jackalope
This is such an exciting development, we seriously can't wait!! Imagine a luxury boutique hotel set on an award winning winery in the Mornington Peninsula, a hotel like no other. With 46 rooms, fine dining restaurant, infinity pool and pool pavilion overlooking the vineyards, add Jackalope to your "must visit" list for 2017. Currently under construction, Jackalope is due to open in February 2017. Coming to alluxia soon.
Alkina Lodge
Seriously impressive, Alkina Lodge (pictured above) provides the ultimate luxury accommodation on the Great Ocean Road. With three four-bedroom luxury lodges available gather a group of friends and cook up a storm in the Gaggenau equipped gourmet kitchen or arrange for a private chef to cater your special occasion. Coming to alluxia soon.
Smiths Beach Resort
There have been a few changes at Smith's Beach Resort (pictured below) with Larmont's Restaurant receiving a soft refurbishment and the Gourmet Deli & Café moving locations to make way for a private dining room. There is also a range of organised activities on offer including yoga every Sunday morning for a small additional fee. Book Smiths Beach Resort here.
Pacific Fair
After a $670 million renovation, Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast has emerged as Queensland's newest fashion destination. With 120 luxury Australian and international fashion & lifestyle brands including Sephora, Aje, Camilla, Hermes, Kate Spade, Michael Kors and more you're spoilt for choice. Check out the Visitor's Lounge with luggage minding, shower facilities, free WiFi and quiet room it's a welcome respite from some serious shopping. Stay nearby and choose from our Gold Coast Accommodation.
The Louise
It's all about food and wine at The Louise (pictured below) in the beautiful Barossa Valley. One of our favourite features at The Louise is that breakfast is indulgently served in your suite, so you can stay in your PJ's and lazily enjoy breakfast in your room. Previously a delicious continental breakfast has been delivered, however hot items are now available too. There are plenty of unique food & wine experiences available at The Louise to really enhance your Barossa Valley stay.
Penfolds
Penfolds has built a second food outlet at their Adelaide winery, a more casual dining experience called Magill Estate Kitchen to compliment their fine diner. Tours are available from $20pp or why not indulge in the Ultimate Penfolds Experience including guided historical tour and luxury tasting of Penfolds most sought-after wines, in the surrounds of their private tasting rooms for $150pp. View our handpicked Adelaide accommodation here.
Ovolo
Word is there will be another Melbourne hotel joining the Ovolo portfolio soon. Meanwhile, one of the penthouses at Ovolo Laneways has been converted to a guest lounge and 1888 and Woolloomooloo have been given the Ovolo makeover with vibrant designs and creative food & beverage outlets.
Despite a hectic week we also managed a quick photo shoot with iconic Australian fashion brand David Lawrence at Ovolo Woolloomooloo, a fun opportunity to play model for a day and get a sneak peek of David Lawrence's fabulous Spring Summer collection. You can read our 'Live.Love.Travel' story and our stylish 'City Getaway Edit' on the David Lawrence website now!
Thanks to the Luxperience team for arranging a spectacular event for us as a hosted buyer. We'd also like to thank our accommodation hosts Ovolo Woolloomooloo and flights by Virgin Australia.
