Tag: happy

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!

Eden 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!

What’s on in Sydney | June

While the rest of the world is jumping into the summer hype, everyone in Australia is burrito-ing themselves into blankets and amping up the heater to its highest temperature because winter is definitely going to be a big one. But the cold shouldn’t stop you from getting out of your house! Grab your coats and sweaters and let us help you with this list by adding some fun and warmth in this sweater weather!

Markets!

Markets all around the year and markets some more! Sydney is bringing you some of the best markets with products ranging from vintage collectibles to mouth-watering food trucks that will keep you going back for more because one day will just not be enough! Go to the Glebe markets that have over 200 stalls, combined with live music to add some jazz and really yummy eats for your tummy! Head to one of Sydney’s finest shopping precincts and get lost in the Mosman Artisans markets that are held every first Saturday of the month throughout the year except January. With over 140 arts and crafts stalls, gourmet food and musical entertainment, you’ll surely have a lively winter’s day fun in the sun! Located in Sydney’s only remaining drive-in theatre- The Skyline Drivein will have the Blacktown Markets that will be complimenting a variety of food-trucks and pop-up food places with live music and a big bouncy castle for the kids!

assorted potted succulents

Cruises

Want to take it up a notch and add some luxury into your winter days? Sydney is bringing you lunch and dinner cruises for you and your friends, partner, family and everyone else to feel oh so fancy! One of Sydney’s most majestic cruises, The Catarman that is a hit amongst the locals as well as tourists. Enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Sydney Harbour while you have lunch in an air-conditioned dining saloon. For some city lights in the evenings have an unforgettable cruising experience aboard the Spectacular Sydney Showboat II. A three-hour dinner cruise on an authentic, air-conditioned paddlewheeler with a deluxe three-course seated and served menu. Take advantage of the fabulous photo opportunities with the magnificent Harbour Bridge and Opera House in the background.

And while you’re at it, catch the fireworks at Darling Harbour every Saturday from 8:30 PM.

Taste of the Opera House

Calling all the foodies in! Wine and dine your way around the Sydney Opera House’s restaurants and bars. An entirely different way to experience Australia’s most inspiring building while taking in the culinary delights of some of Sydney’s best chefs.

Escorted by your own personal Sydney Opera House guide from Stage Door, begin with a cocktail making a class at Opera Bar learning to create one of their signature cocktails while enjoying fresh seafood and charcuterie from Matt Moran influenced RAW bar and Meat and Cheese Room. You will make your way down the concourse to get hands-on at Opera Kitchen in a poke bowl making masterclass with one of their expert chefs. The best part of the masterclass is you get to eat it after. A spectacular lunch will then be served at Portside Sydney, where you enjoy a scrumptious main course paired with matched Australian wines.

Finish your day at Bennelong restaurant, enjoying a delicious Peter Gilmore signature dessert and theatrical cocktail to accompany.

Aboriginal Heritage Tour

Whether you’re a tourist or a local looking to enrich your cultural and historical knowledge, go on an Aboriginal Tour with an Aboriginal guide in the heart of the city. Located in a spectacular harbourside setting, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney is one of Sydney’s most treasured and iconic destinations.

On the traditional land of the Cadigal people, the land now occupied by the Garden is the site where the modern transformation of the Australian continent began and can be regarded as the ‘first frontier’ between Aboriginal and European societies.

Join an experienced Aboriginal guide on a 1.5-hour walking tour of the Garden which highlights the significance of the site to Aboriginal people, as well as the rich heritage and culture of Aboriginal people of the Sydney region.

The tour runs every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 10 AM, starting from the 29th of May.

Sydney’s largest yoga and meditation group

If you want to do something different and find your inner peace and balance within you, Mita Meditation which is a volunteer-run Meditation and Wellness center is bringing you various meditation programs every Sunday starting from 2nd June.

It is a movement that promotes self-empowerment of individuals thus creating no/less dependency on external factors for them to achieve success in any area of life.

Mita Meditation also has a mission to empower every being by spreading a basic understanding of one’s true self which is referred to as Eternal Power. They also teach various Mind training techniques including meditation. Mita Meditation sessions are free of cost solely run on voluntary contributions.

Vivid

An event that is all the craze now! If there’s one place in the world where inspiration shines bright, it’s Vivid Sydney. Returning for its eleventh year from 24th May to 15th June 2019. Vivid Sydney is Australia’s most awarded festival that brings together light artists, music makers, and brilliant minds to share their creativity with you.

Vivid Light illuminates Sydney’s skyline with Lights On! from 6 PM each evening. As the Lighting of the Sails unfurls across the architectural wonders of the Sydney Opera House, weave your way along the Light Walk around the harbor front and the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, and venture into other parts of Sydney to brighten up your winter nights. Additionally, Vivid Ideas brings you 23 days and nights of future-facing talks, hands-on workshops, and industry-shaping forums. Game Changers Spike Lee and Esther Perel challenge assumptions on race and relationships. The Mark Colvin Conversation: Net Worth, asks what price we’ll pay for our constant digital distraction. What more could you ask for when you can experience, knowledge, fun and bright lights all in one place?!

For making your stay more memorable in Sydney, visit Aabode.com now to have a look at some exciting properties ranging from funky apartments to serene accommodations with a homely vibe!

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!

Your Perfect Nature Getaway to Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is a must visit for anyone who comes for a trip to Australia. The national park, located just two hours west of the Sydney CBD is your perfect nature getaway, filled with nature trails, waterfalls, caves, cliffs for that will help you get that perfect Instagram shot and surrounding towns like Katoomba and Leura are filled with quaint cafes and vintage shops for a unique shopping experience.



Three Sisters: Views that should not be missed

Anybody who has been to the Blue Mountains or is planning a trip there will always have the Three Sisters at the top of their mind. From the Echo Point, you can easily head to the marvelous Three Sisters Rock, which was formed naturally. Get the perfect Instagram click during sunrise, or sunset, while breathing in fresh air.

Scenic World: Your alternative to hiking

If you want to skip all the hikes and walks, which is absolutely fine as they can be really strenuous if you are not completely prepared, you can go for a tour and get a overview of the entire place. A cable car will take you across the valley to the lookout and give you an amazing view of the whole area Ride the world’s steepest train at this attraction!

Book tickets to skip the crowds on weekends!

Cute cafes alert!

Surrounding towns like Leura are filled with cute cafes and stores that will grab your attention instantly. Cafes like Red Door Café and Blackheath Deli are your perfect stops for some delicious eats and will surely make your tummy happy.

Image result for cafes in blue mountains

So pack your bags and plan an spontaneous trip to connect all your senses with nature and you can also go on Aabode.com to find some of the cutest cottages or cabins for your stay, which will give you the perfect Blue Mountains experience!

Vivid Sydney: A Glowing History

Sydney is back with Vivid for its 10th annual celebration and the city will once again be lit up from the 25th of May until the 16th of June!

Not too long ago, lighting designers, Mary-Anne Kyriakou and Bruce Ramus, who collaborated with English musician, Brian Eno projected light paintings onto both sides of the opera house. The idea of this festival was introduced by the NSW Tourism Board as a part of an initiative to attract more tourists. And what started as a Smart Light Festival for energy efficiency in 2009 has now, turned into a world famous exhibition with some of the most fascinating light installations and sculptures that attracts over millions of people to the city every year. This 23-day festival, full of light and music, exhibiting some of the most creative minds bridges art, technology and commerce together. It’s more than just lit-up displays, it’s also a platform where leaders come together and share their innovative ideas with everyone. And the best part is, all the installations on the streets all over the city are all free!

The success of this festival was not all that glowy at the beginning. Punters who were asked to get involved in the festival were highly confused about the entire idea and concept behind Vivid. But what made Vivid find its voice is the Vivid Ideas, where innovative ideas are shared and the whole exhibition was made in such a way that everyone could participate.

How has it changed over the years?

In 2012, the festival attracted more than 500,000 visitors and Janelle Monae, an American R’n’B singer gave one of the most memorable performances at Vivid.  In 2013, the numbers increased to 800,000. In 2014, the festival teamed up with The Star and Carriageworks. In 2015, Vivid took a bigger step to include musical events and held multiple talks, making it more dynamic.  

What to expect this year?

This year, Vivid is showcasing over 317 events. And at least 100 of them will all be magnificent light works! The Opera House is obviously lighting up, but not just the harbor area is to look out for. Australian collaborative team Kathryn and Martin Bevz are bringing their ‘Light-Hearted’ installation in Chatswood. They are combining their backgrounds in teaching, architectural science and illumination design to create installations that focus on simplicity. Taronga Zoo is having its wild light displays with ‘Lights of The Wild”, where their displays will be all about animal conservation.

Carriageworks is returning with its 4th ‘Curve Ball’- the warehouse party of the year, featuring a performance from FKA Twigs.

Get inspired by the Vogue Codes Summit, where speakers will talk about the power of technology and the B2B Rocks that will talk about startups in Barangaroo.

Getting Around

Let’s say, a lot is going to be hot and happening, but navigating your way through Vivid is not that easy. What used to be a quiet winter evening around the harbor area in the city now buzzes with people. So early in the evenings or weeknights are best times to go! Take the public transport or pre-book parking, or else it’s going to get really hectic! Make sure you eat first and hit up the popular installations first and try to be there before the lights are on!

Book your accommodation now on Aabode.com to make the most out of Vivid Sydney 2019 make some bright memories!