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Best Holidays, Best Prices: The Year’s Best Escapes Are Here

Don’t have your next holiday sorted? We’ve got you covered.

The year’s best holidays are here – but they won’t last. From all-inclusive villas in Bali and the Maldives to unforgettable escapes on the Margaret River Region’s breathtaking coast, we’ve rounded up our most epic stays.

But be quick – these holidays won’t stick around for long!

The Year’s Best All-Inclusive Luxury Escapes

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll

There’s a reason this is one of our most-loved Maldives escapes: this extraordinary all-inclusive villa hideaway invites you to embrace luxury in the heart of paradise, surrounded by warm sands and the brilliant blue waters of the Baa Atoll. Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll has everything you need to kick back in paradise: settle into pina colada time at the two-storey Beach Club, find your zen at the Yoga Pavilion or discover next-level bliss in one of 10 traditional huts at Fehi Spa.

Why it’s so good: Even for a place as indulgent as the Maldives, the all-inclusive dining program is exceptional. Guests enjoy upgraded dinners at the Finolhu’s three signature restaurants, including modern Japanese restaurant Kanusan, the stylish Arabian Grill – serving up delicious North African cuisine – and laidback Crab Shack, serving fresh seafood on a spectacular 1.8-km sandbank.

Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali

Sweeping Indian Ocean views from nearly every angle, direct access to one of Bali’s best beaches and whatever-you-want, whenever-you want it all-inclusive dining: these elements (and more) cement Grand Mirage Resort & Thalasso Bali’s reputation as one of the island’s best luxury resorts. A staggering amount of facilities await, including 10 restaurants and bars, a spa, three swimming pools (don’t sleep on the breathtaking adults-only infinity pool), fitness centre, games lounge, yoga, entertainment, watersports and bicycle rental and convenient access to the many wonders of the region. 

Why it’s so good: Whether it’s a midnight snack, cocktails by the pool or a stacked minibar that’s replenished daily, Grand Mirage’s round-the-clock offerings take all-inclusive luxury to a new level.

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort

Discover seaside serenity at this five-star all-inclusive paradise, delivering Mediterranean-inspired luxury on one of Vietnam’s most beautiful beach destinations. This sun-kissed coastal strip, home to the charming nearby town of Ho Tram, remains blissfully untouched and is blessed with spectacular white-sand beaches lapped by blue waters.

Why it’s so good: Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort offers an incredible stay for families, with a massive kids’ club, basketball court and open-air cinema for the little ones, not to mention the resort’s spectacular blue heart: a sprawling pool, bordered by lush gardens and just steps from the beach.

The Year’s Best Luxury Escapes

Haven Khao Lak

Let your worries drift away at this acclaimed luxury resort, recipient of Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Awards 2024 and boasting a tranquil spot on the golden sands of Khuk Khak Beach, where privacy and comfort are valued above all else. Catering to guests 12 and older, this secluded oasis features an enormous saltwater pool surrounded by lush gardens, with the brilliant-blue ocean and a white-sand beach as an unbeatable backdrop.

Why it’s so good: It’s the classic Thailand escape at an unbeatable price, with all the inclusions you’d expect – daily breakfast and dinner, nightly free-flow cocktails and indulgent Thai massages.

Pullman Bunker Bay

Recently inducted into Perth’s Western Australia Tourism Awards Hall of Fame, this luxury retreat in the state’s jaw-dropping Margaret River Wine Region offers an incredible combo: easy access to world-renowned wineries and the pristine sands of Bunker Bay. Don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in an evening of culinary delights at Other Side of the Moon Restaurant & Bar, where Executive Chef Mo Arun showcases Indigenous-inspired flavours that are perfectly paired with the region’s applauded wines.

Why it’s so good: The largest beachside resort in the Margaret River Wine Region offers direct beach access, allowing you to dive into the beauty of Cape Naturaliste from a prime position along serene Bunker Bay. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day spent exploring the region’s incredible vineyards, caves and karri tree groves.

The Langham Gold Coast

The ultra-glamorous Gold Coast demands a stay to match: enter The Langham Gold Coast’s ultra-sleek residences, each located just moments from Broadbeach’s spectacular shores. Each self-contained residence beams with unrivalled sophistication, offering a fully equipped kitchen, cloud-like-bedding and an inviting, open-plan living area, leading to a private balcony offering spectacular views of the hinterland or ocean.

Why it’s so good: Explore the onsite dining further with included credit to spend at any of The Langham Gold Coast’s three acclaimed dining venues. Whether you drink in glittering ocean views from the beachfront 26 & Sunny, savour dynamite dim sum at T’ang Court or delight in the coveted Langham Afternoon Tea in the stunning Palm Court, you will be left wanting for nothing.

Mulia Suites 

There’s iconic holiday destinations and then there’s The Mulia – the suite-only escape that forms part of the multi-award-winning mega resort, an iconic favourite on Nusa Dua’s perfect beachfront. Consistently ranked one of the best resorts in the world, this five-star oasis has added to its trophy cabinet in the last 12 months – taking home the #20 spot on Travel+Leisure coveted World’s Top 500 Hotels list.

Why it’s so good: The Mulia’s breakfast is widely regarded as one of the most impressive buffet spreads in Bali. Indulge each morning at The Cafe, where you’ll discover a decadent array of local and international dishes. Sushi shines on ice in one corner, French desserts are displayed in their own room around a central gelato station, omelettes are cooked to order and traditional Indonesian noodles catch your eye.

Green Island Resort

Dive into the underwater mysteries of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef when you stay at Queensland’s magnificent Green Island. Just 45 minutes off the coast of balmy Cairns, this idyllic, eco-certified hideaway – accessible only by boat or helicopter – is draped in lush rainforest with a fringe of sun-kissed coastline. Cast away for a laidback retreat hidden on a jungle-clad coral cay – the only one of its kind within this precious marine park – and spend your days exploring the kaleidoscopic marine life shimmering beneath the largest coral reef system in the world.

Why it’s so good: On this dreamy dot in the Coral Sea, you will be able to create your own escape, doing as much (or as little) as you like. Spend your days on this one-of-a-kind coral cay – the only one with a rainforest in the exquisite marine park – exploring the reef, or stay on the island and enjoy the engaging array of complementary resort activities, from snorkelling and kayaking to beach volleyball.

Feature image: Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort.

Nate Robinson

Written by Nate Robinson

Mad for travel and food, Nate is as at home eating kebaps in Berlin as he is devouring sushi in Tsukiji. When he's not abroad, you can find Nate at home in Melbourne, with a book in one hand and a tiki cocktail in the other.
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