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Explore trending travel news from the last month and get ready to bookmark for your upcoming holiday plans.
Tree change: Norfolk Island makes its debut in Australia’s Best Beaches list
Norfolk Island, 1,600 km northeast of Sydney, has finally been featured on the Tourism Australia annual Top 10 Best Beaches list, charging in at number three. The beach in question is the stunning Emily Bay, a perfect horseshoe-shaped cove framed by towering Norfolk Pines.
Locals have long known that this beach is special but the far-flung Australian territory is happy for some nationwide acclaim.
The list, compiled by Brad Farmer AM a lifetime “beach connoisseur”, combs over the country’s more than 12,00 beaches to come up with the top 10.
“After 40 years of research, looking at thousands of destinations, I finally got to Norfolk Island, and I honestly can’t wait to go back,” says Australia’s beach expert, Brad Farmer AM. “It’s simply an enthralling and complete holiday experience. No visitor will leave disappointed that’s for sure.”
Located in the South Pacific, just a 2.5-hour flight from Sydney and Brisbane, Norfolk Island is only 35 square kilometres but has raw, unspoiled beauty and coastlines that take your breath away.
Luxury on the Nile: Sofitel opens new five-star hotel in Cairo
The opening of the new Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile is set to be the brand’s largest hotel worldwide and a sophisticated addition to the heart of Cairo.
Sitting right along the iconic Nile River, Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile offers a luxurious escape amid Cairo’s rich history and cultural sites, with 615 guest rooms and suites across 24 floors.
“This exceptional property combines Sofitel’s renowned French savoir-faire with Egypt’s rich local culture, offering guests an unparalleled experience overlooking the iconic Nile River,” says Nicolas Gronier, VP Global Marketing for Sofitel.
The rooms boast a private balcony with magnificent views of the Nile and include a spa-like bathroom experience with a rainfall shower and luxury aromatherapy amenities.
Sofitel Cairo Downtown Nile elevates the city’s dining scene with five unforgettable restaurants and bars that combine gourmet dining with elegant ambience and exceptional service. From Egyptian-Lebanese platters under the warm sunset at Jayda Nile Terrace, to East Asian fine dining in the open kitchen layout at Kamala, and stylish drinks against the incredible backdrop of the Nile at Stage One nightclub; the culinary offerings celebrate the fresh and fragrant ingredients of Egypt and beyond.
Mission to Malaysia: a special Tiger Express train makes tracks
All aboard the Tiger Express as The Datai Langkawi announces a new collab with Save the Wild Tigers, The Eastern and Oriental Express, Belmond and Raffles Singapore.
This incredible journey is designed to raise awareness of the plight of wild tigers, a species on the brink of extinction, via a seven-day, one-off adventure across Malaysia from May 11 – 17, 2025.
The journey commences with a reception and overnight stay at Raffles Singapore, followed by a three-day, two-night experience aboard the luxurious Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train, Southeast Asia. Guests will travel through Malaysia with excursions in Taman Negara National Park – one of the oldest rainforests on Earth – and Penang, culminating in a three-night stay at The Datai Langkawi.
“Hosting the finale of this journey is a natural extension of The Datai Pledge and our dedication to preserving Malaysia’s wildlife and ecosystems,” says Stephane Duvacher, General Manager of The Datai Langkawi. “This collaboration represents an important step in raising awareness of the urgent need to protect wild tigers and their habitats.”
Save Wild Tigers is a global marketing focussed conservation organisation set up in 2011. With as few as 4,900 tigers left in the wild globally and only 150 in Malaysia, time is running out to save this majestic species from extinction.
Plain delicious: new culinary safari at Bamurru Plains
Lauded Australian chef and restaurateur James Viles (Biota Dining in Bowral, NSW), is set to return to Northern Territory luxury safari camp, Bamurru Plains to host a Wild Tastes of the Top End culinary safari from June 16 – 19, 2025.
Wild Tastes of the Top End is a three-night, four-day, hands-on culinary safari offering a mix of foraging experiences and a curated menu featuring locally sourced produce and native ingredients that are distinct to the Top End.
“For me, the most exciting aspect of the Wild Tastes of the Top End experience is the vast and diverse amount of ingredients accessible in that part of Australia,” says James Viles. “It really is its own eco-system, and there’s no other way to be closer to Australia’s finest native and wild ingredients than at Bamurru Plains.”
Guests will also be able to explore the 300 square kilometres of floodplain and savannah woodlands that border Kakadu National Park through airboat and 4WD safaris.
Live wire: Mt Buller extends its RockWire experience
The only via ferrata experience in Australia just got even more adventurous. Via ferrata is Italian for “iron path” and is a protected climbing route along mountains that was pioneered in the European Alps.
Mt Buller’s RockWire is a guided, fully harnessed experience that lets you conquer the cliffs without any fear of falling. Now Route 2 is a bold and very braggable addition.
Designed by James Webb, Route 2 offers a steeper, longer, and greater challenge than its predecessor. Think jaw-dropping views, heart-racing verticals and long wire bridges to conquer.
“With Route 2, we’ve pushed the boundaries again of what RockWire offers,” says James Webb, founder and director of RockWire. “It’s about creating an experience that’s equal parts daring and awe-inspiring, but still completely safe for climbers of all levels. Route 2 is the ultimate playground for thrill-seekers and anyone looking for an experience they’ve never done before.”
RockWire Mt Buller is Australia’s first (and currently only) via ferrata experience. The climb last around 4-5 hours and starts at 1720 metres, climbers will also face a new exposed ladder that is 7 metres high.
Dragon boat: Ayana Cruises offers new in-depth Komodo itinerary
AYANA Cruises, which moors its vessel at AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, a five-star resort north of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island in East Indonesia, has unveiled its 2025 voyages aboard its luxury yacht, AYANA Lako di’a.
For the first time, guests are invited to explore Komodo more leisurely with the exclusive new three-day, two-night voyage, in addition to the two-day, one-night journey introduced last year.
The AYANA Lako di’a is a modern phinisi-style boat that pays homage to the traditional wooden sailing ships of South Sulawesi, a cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO. The vessel features nine elegantly appointed cabins, including the expansive 69-square-metre Master Suite with a private balcony and ocean-view bathtub, and six 20-square-metre Luxury Suites, all with ensuite bathrooms and stunning sea views. Guests can enjoy a variety of onboard facilities, including a lounge, bar, indoor dining area, and spacious daybeds on the main deck.
The 2025 season of AYANA Lako di’a cruises will run from 18 April to 18 October, with four exclusive three-day, two-night voyages, offering a deeper exploration of Komodo National Park. The itineraries include visits to destinations such as Kalong Island, where a spectacular flight of fruit bats set the tone for an enchanting evening; Komodo Island for an up-close encounter with the legendary Komodo dragonsand snorkelling at the iconic Pink Beach.
Featured image: Emily Bay, Norfolk Island. Supplied.
