down under – Affordable Luxury

Take a break and treat yourself to a Spa Day!

Are you caught up in the stress of work in this concrete jungle and probably forgotten how to look after yourself? According to recent research, Australians work some of the longest hours out of anyone in other developed countries. More people are working part-time and earning a minimum wage meaning they must work longer hours in order to sustain themselves.

We all know that working long hours and getting caught in the rut of earning well is not ultimately the healthiest. Due to all this, we are easily subject to burnout and emotional exhaustion. As a result, humans need to recharge themselves to stay happy and healthy. So if you’re a tourist just wandering around the country, then make sure to visit one of these places to find that balance within you!

Kalyaana Spa and Wellness Retreat – Bridgetown, WA

Having trouble remembering what sleep is? Don’t worry, us too. Perhaps a ‘sound therapy’ treatment here will remind you. Located in the heart of beautiful Blackwood River Valley, east of Margaret River, this secluded retreat has only two suites and offers fully-customizable packages including reiki, shiatsu, kinesiology, therapeutic massage, art therapy, and guided meditations. The sound therapy package involves using vibrations from Tibetan singing bowls to send you into a dream-like state and research shows it can detoxify the body at a cellular level!

KalyaaNa Spa and Wellness Retreat, east of Margaret River.

Miamo Retreats – Far North Queensland

Leave the burnout at work and bliss out at this spa located in picturesque Far North Queensland. Wellness coaches are always around to calm those tense nerves along with teaching you some of the best relaxation techniques that can calm your mind which you can take them back home and practice them for when life gets demanding. They even have programs designed for corporate people who have ‘lost touch with life and nature’ and is also ideal for tourists and travelers. Their main focus is on mindfulness with education and a wholesome and calming experience is ensured in your books. The program locations alternate between the beautiful Botanical Ark Retreat and Nirmaya resort & Spa.

Botanical Ark Retreat, Far North Queensland.

Eden Health Retreat – Currumbin Valley, Queensland

The loss of phone service as you drive along Currumbin Creek Road towards the gates to Eden Health Retreat is a good indication of what lies ahead. There are no TVs, computers, wi-fi or mobile reception at this lush Hamptons-country-club style estate. Stress and cravings are soothed by the blanket of green outside your room and a daily timetable of activities and spa treatments. For some, morning qi gong then a day spent reading by the saltwater pool will suffice. If you’re keen, you can opt in to everything from boxing to life-skills training after immersing in therapeutic New Zealand mud. Meals are gluten-free and satisfying if a little on the light side.

Get your perfect digital detox here and check out this serene accommodation that we have in Currumbin Valley on Aabode.com, which will be perfectly coupled with your health retreat!

Samadhi Retreat – Macedon Ranges, Vic

‘Samadhi’ literally means ‘infinite peace’. Who doesn’t want that in their lives right now? This retreat nestles in the Daylesford & Macedon Ranges region, a short drive from the healing waters of Hepburn Springs. For generations of Europeans and Australians, this has been a place of healing and an area that has basked in a worldwide reputation for health and wellbeing for over a century.

Catering to just one person at a time, you’ll have a private, self-contained sanctuary all to yourself and they offer a three-hour therapy treatment – think salt scrub, mud wrap, massage – and meditation!

Samadhi Retreat, Macedon Ranges, Daylesford Spa Country, Victoria

Lilianfils Day Spa – Blue Mountains, NSW

Lilianfels Day Spa Blue Mountains at Lilianfels Resort and Spa is a refreshing sanctuary and a haven for relaxation surrounded by the picturesque World Heritage listed the Blue Mountains. It is known for its friendly, professional service with dedicated and highly qualified therapists and skin care products, all committed to your relaxation. Lilianfels Day Spa Blue Mountains features four spacious treatment rooms with private facilities to cater for individuals relaxation, couples, special occasions – bridal parties, conference and event groups.

This heavenly spa retreat in the Blue Mountains offers an extensive list of spa rituals and massage therapy including hot stone massages, facials, and body treatments including body wraps, manicures, and pedicures. So whether you’re going to the Blue Mountains for a couple of days or just for a day, make sure to make this spa retreat top in your list of “Pamper yourself”!

Image result for lilianfels blue mountains resort & spa

For more exciting properties that will be perfect for your spontaneous holidays or getaways, visit Aabode.com now!

Your ultimate skiing destinations in the land down under!

The land down under is usually associated with beautiful beaches and long summer days, but it also offers a decent ski season with plenty of snow covered ski fields to choose from across its southern states.

Typically running from July to October, snowfall makes for ideal conditions for skiing, snowboarding and a variety of fun snow play activities. So hit the snow while you can this ski season and live a truly unique snowy experience.

Thredbo, New South Wales

If you’re a ski expert and need that adrenaline rush, get yourself to Thredbo now! You’ll find the longest run in Australia over here with the 5 km long Crackenback super-trail, as well as the country’s highest lifted point, at 2037 m. To add to your excitement, there are the super-steep Balls to the Wall pitch. Beginners are catered for, too, thanks to the friendly Friday Flats, where many an Aussie has conquered his/her first snow plough. All in all, more than 50 runs weave their way across the resort.

In between skiing and snowboarding, you can grab some bites at Australia’s highest restaurant or après-skiing in Thredbo Village, where you can sip champagne while stargazing in the Alpine Hotel’s outdoor Jacuzzi.

Thredbo is about 490 km or five-and-a-half hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 530 km or six-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Perisher, New South Wales

Perisher is most definitely the ski destination in the Southern hemisphere. It became so in 1995 when the four resorts within it, Perisher, Smiggins, Blue Cow and Guthega joined forces. You get 1245 hectares, 47 lifts, seven mountains and five terrain parks to carve up on. One of the trickiest runs is Olympic, on Back Perisher Mountain, while, for newbies, Smiggins Holes makes falling over not-too-scary.

If you’re keen to take a break from downhill skiing, there are 100 kilometers of marked cross-country tracks to try. On-snow sleepovers are everywhere, but Perisher also allows the affordability of a stay in Jindabyne. From there, drive to Bullocks Flat and catch the Ski Tube.

Perisher is about 490 km or six hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 600 km or seven hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Falls Creek, Victoria

Falls Creek might be a third of the size of Perisher, but it’s still the largest ski resort in Victoria. 450 hectares gives you 15 lifts and more than 90 runs. The terrain is less dramatic than at other spots, which means that it will be ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. And, in between downhill escapades, you can investigate 65 kilometers of cross-country trails. If you’re around at the end of August, check out the Kangaroo Hoppet, a marathon 42-kilometer-long ski race which happens to be the Southern Hemisphere’s biggest snow sport event.

Falls Creek is about 670 km or seven hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 380 km or four-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Mount Buller, Victoria

Mount Buller is conveniently located 3 hours from Melbourne. It’s got 22 lifts, which is the most out of all the Victorian ski resorts and runs over a total of 300 hectares. Pro skiers should head to the south side of the mountain, where you’ll find plenty of black (difficult and scary) runs, while intermediates will be happier on the northern side, scooting down blue runs. If you’ve never even so much looked at a pair of skis before, grab a Discovery Pass, which includes a lesson and access to eight beginner’s lifts.

On the days when you and your skis need a break from each other, you can take five in Australia’s highest day spa, go rock climbing and hop between 30 bars and restaurants.

Mount Buller is about 800 km or eight hours’ drive southwest of Sydney and about 230 km or three-and-a-half hours’ drive northeast of Melbourne.

Visit Aabode.com right now and check out some gorgeous accommodations that are available at Mount Buller right now!

The best markets around Australia

Whether you’re after the freshest produce possible or the tastiest food truck grubs, these markets have got it all! Come along with us as we show you some of the best markets across Australia!

NSW – Carriageworks Farmers Market

Although there’s a mecca of markets for you to visit in Sydney (lucky you), if you could only visit one, you must visit Carraigeworks Farmer’s market! Whether you’re after the best seasonal produce or freshly baked artisanal bread, you’ll find it here. Open from 8am on Saturdays, they’ve got a range of gourmet products for you to choose from! Whether truffles or gourmet chocolates tickle your delight, they’ll be sure to fix you up at this farmers market.

SA – Adelaide Farmers Market

Although Adelaide Central Market steals the show, many forget about the quaint Adelaide Farmers’ market! Here, you’ll have access to some of the best produce from South Australian family farms and a vibrant environment. Open from 9am every Sunday, you’ll have a stellar morning at one of Australia’s best farmer’s market! Whether you need little nibbles for your charcuterie board or a hefty meal for your lunch, the Adelaide Farmer’s market has got something for you.

VIC – Queen Victoria Night Market

The first thing you’ll notice here is the aroma of barbecued meats wafting to your nose as you enter the market. Held on Wednesdays in the summer, the QV night markets is an iconic food mecca that you cannot miss! With more than 60 eclectic street food stalls and 100 specialty stores, you’ll be lost in choices! Soak up the last drops of sun in the hottest place in Melbourne and treat yourself to a drink before the night begins.

WA – Perth City Farm Farmers Market

Situated in Perth City Farm, this market is the perfect place to shop for all of your sustainable and ethical produce! They’re held every Saturday and is connected to an amazing café and nursery. Whether you wanted to grab some homemade produce, relax in the courtyard or have an extravagant breakfast at the farm café, you won’t be disappointed at this market!

NT – Mindil Beach Sunset Market

Whether it’s late lunch or a dinner date, enjoy a slow and evening by spending it at the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets. Run on Thursday and Sunday nights, it’s the perfect way to end the weekend or had a mid-week break! With more than 260 stalls, you won’t fall short of having something to see, eat or do. Hungry? They also have more than sixty food stalls! Grab yourself a bite to eat and settle yourself down on the beach to enjoy the real sunset

TAS – Farm Gate MYarket

Although most tourists go to the infamous Salamanca for their market visit, the Farm Gate Market is where you need to be! Rather than being a tourist destination, a majority of the traffic each week is from the locals. It opens from 8:30am every Sunday until 1 and it also has a designated food hub, so come hungry! From fresh seafood to breakfast delights, the Farm Gate market will definitely satisfy your delight. If the delicious bites don’t tickle your fancy, there’s an abundance of local produce that you can take home with you!

QLD – Noosa Farmers Market

From organic local produce to freshly squeezed juices, Noosa Farmers Market has everything for your perfect Sunday morning out! Being situated amongst the gum trees, it’s the perfect place to wander around and sample some delicious bites. It’s deemed one of the best markets on the Sunshine Coast and we definitely agree! Want to spend more time here? Check out all the things you must do in Noosa!

Wherever you are in Australia, you’ll find an amazing market to stroll and peruse around. Wherever you are, you can also find an amazing property to stay at Aabode.com!