Destinations

As the spotlight falls on the Olympic city, the renowned Sydney chef shares her favourite haunts in China’s vibrant capital – including where to find the world’s best Peking duck.

Hôtel Costes. Le Café Marly. Georges. These are but a handful of boldface names in the hospitality empire of Paris stylemakers the Costes brothers. From a pretty park to a cosy bar, Gilbert Costes takes us on a local’s tour of the city he loves.

Exhausted after a few days in Paris? How about a trip to a quaint town? Or a plush chateau? Savour these quick escapes less than an hour from the French capital.

Louis Vuitton, Celine, Chanel… save your euros for the trés chic shopping in Paris with our pick of the city’s best boutique hotels for less than $200 a night.

Snow Queen
Val d’Isère is the new jewel in France’s ski-resort crown. Courted by regal Mont Blanc and glitzy Courchevel, this valley favourite reigns supreme après-heures, too.

From boom town to ghost town and back again, Telluride is riding high as one of Colorado’s most exciting ski resorts. Pat Nourse discovers this steep and deep alternative Aspen.

Introducing Australia’s first ‘super-lodge’, a luxury eco-retreat on Kangaroo Island where utter isolation is its biggest drawcard. Step into another world at the exquisite Southern Ocean Lodge.

Rome’s once-sleepy bar scene is enjoying a renaissance and breathing new life into the Italian capital. Our favourite cocktail king, Marco Faraone, uncorks his top picks.

Land of vineyards and olives, shepherds’ huts and monasteries, Abruzzo is a region of rustic charms and age-old traditions – not to mention the best lasagne Kendall Hill has ever tasted. Is this Italy’s best-kept secret?

Need a plan for your next long weekend? Here’s our round-up of the best places to visit within an hour’s drive from the capital cities. Load up the car.