tourist – 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!

Sites that must be seen: WA

When travelling, there is always that concern that you’ll miss something that is a MUST see, which is why we’re starting a series of blog posts with sites that must be seen!

Let’s start in Western Australia.

Kalbarri National Park

Within Kalbarri National Park alone there are a countless number of things that you MUST see! Bring your camera, a big bottle of water, and a fly net, because boy are there a lot of flies down there.

Kalbarri National Park is one of Western Australia’s best known parks, with scenic lookouts, gorges and coastal cliffs. When heading to the National Park, you will need a car as you will have to drive through a magnificent 80 kilometer gorge. Throughout the gorge there are a number of pit stops and walks that will take you to amazing formations such as Nature’s Window, and the Loop, Z-Bend and Hawks Head.

Coral Bay

You’ll want to pack your snorkels for this one! Head up the coast of WA to Coral Bay, where the fish, coral, and marine life is plenty! Choose to either snorkel from the bay or head out on a coral viewing boat to experience the beautiful underwater world that is the Ningaloo Reef. Be sure to book early as tours often book out, especially around the school holidays!

Looking for something a little more adventurous? Head to the area between March and June and swim with the largest fish in the world; the whale sharks! We know what you’re thinking. Sharks? No way. These sharks aren’t ordinary flesh eaters, instead they’re filter feeders (meaning they live off plankton and krill)!

Not your thing? Head to the area between June to October and experience the migration of the Humpback Whales, or November and February for turtle nesting!

Horiztonal Falls

When you think of waterfalls, you generally think of large amount of water falling from a height. Horizontal Falls will change your perception of a waterfall, the falls are situated at the very top of Western Australia. They are fast moving tidal current squeezes through two narrow gorges of the McLarty Range, and have been described by David Attenborough himself as “Australia’s most unusual natural wonder”.

Purnululu National Park

A must see when travelling WA is Purnululu National Park, most well known for the incredible rock formations known as the Bungle Bungles. The Bungle Bungles are distinctive striped beehive like domes that rise approximately 300 metres above the surrounding grassland.

Be warned however, as the tracks to get to the Bungle Bungles have a bad reputation as a rough and difficult 4WD track.

Windjana Gorge National Park

Windjana Gorge National Park is known as one of the Kimberley’s most stunning gorges, with water streaked walls that rise to incredible heights of 100 metres. Unlike many Western Australian National Parks, this one is easily accessible.

Fun fact: Over 300 million years ago, the whole area that is the Windjana Gorge National Park was under the ocean!

Be sure to book your accommodation through Aabode.com!

24 Hours in Canberra

Whether it’s your first time in Canberra or your first time since your year 5 excursion, we’ve got a jam packed 24 hour itinerary for you! Forget about Parliament House, Cockington Green and Questacon, because we’ve got a day of luxury and relaxation planned. Scroll down and check it out!

7am – The cupping room

Start your day off with a hearty start and a quality cup of Joe! There’s no better place to satisfy your needs than at The Cupping Room. Having one of the best baristas in the world manning the machines, you’ll be well looked after. With the menus continually changing with the seasons, there will always be a good variety of fresh bites to choose from. If you’re stomachs grumbling for a feed grab their grilled fish with koji and leek cream of their beetroot cured salmon with a kataifi egg! Whatever you get, you sure won’t be disappointed!

10am -Unwind at the Botanical Gardens

Begin your morning relaxing and strolling through the serene landscapes of the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Boasting a wide variety of native plants, walking paths and lush greenery, it’s a great place to have a stroll or read a book. Want to take relaxing to the next level? Within the botanical gardens lies Jindii Eco Spa, a relaxing oasis for you to get a massage or a simple soak. Whether you want to bathe in minerals and detox or get a hot stone massage, there will be something for you!

1pm Visit the Canberra truffle festival

If you’re visiting Canberra in the winter months, you must head to the Canberra Truffle festival! Celebrating one of the most decadent foods in the world, this festival elevates the luxurious truffle by integrating it into many dishes and products. You’ll find products here such as truffle crème brulee, truffle pizza and even truffle beer! Expand your taste buds and sample some of the best truffle you’ve ever had presented by Canberra’s top bars, cafes, restaurant and wineries! If you head there around lunch time, they might even be conducting some truffle hunts so get in there quick!

3pm – Have an afternoon nibble or sip at Pialligo Estate

Located on the banks of the Molonglo River, Pialligo Estate is the perfect place to watch the sunset, enjoy good company and have a sip! Their vineyard produces some of the best wine in the area and is highly recommended by locals. They also have an olive grove, fruit orchard and market garden in case you wanted to try any of the local nibbles! Don’t worry, if you don’t have any room for their local preserves or oils, you can purchase a small sample to bring home!

7pm – Grab dinner on Lonsdale Street

After a day of relaxing, it’s time to dine like kings! If you head over to Lonsdale Street, you’ll be spoilt for choices as it is a notorious hub for activity and good bites. Wherever you go, you won’t be disappointed, however, we definitely recommend Lazy Su. It is a Japanese, Korean and American fusion eating house which packs a punch! The food is loud and will definitely tantalize your taste buds! Dishes include tea smoked duck breast, buttermilk fried chicken ramen and wagyu cheese steak spring rolls.

9pm – Wind down for drinks at The Highball Express

End your night at the hip and Cuban late night joint, The Highball Express! Thing Cuban themed tropical styled bar is famous for their cocktails in highball glasses and it is the perfect way to settle down for the night. Enter through the custom built spiral staircase and take you last sips for the night! With over 500 varieties of rum and some spectacular cocktails, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Whether you spend a day or a week in Canberra, there’s always something to do! But don’t worry, we’ve sorted out where you can stat at Aabode.com!

The Most Instagrammable Eating Spots in Sydney

In Sydney for a holiday? Do you crave that perfect brunch? Do you also crave that perfect Instagram feed? Then, you’ve come to the perfect post to find out those secret places in Sydney that will add that style and quality to your Instagram feed! Whether you’re a fan of the food or the ambiance, get ready to lose yourself on this cafe/restaurant-hopping spree!

The Grounds of Alexandria

There is literally always a line at The Grounds so my advice is always to get in early or you could be waiting around for an hour or two. Although, you’re in luck as there is a lot to keep you entertained at The Grounds including the best florist, a mini farm and a gorgeous picturesque vintage garden. They even use recycled items as part of their decor, from hanging jars to using soda cans as plant pots. Tucked away in the industrial suburb of Alexandria, entrepreneur, Ramzey Choker turned this heritage-listed warehouse into “The Grounds”, that we all know of all. It really is a miniature village and foodie’s wonderland. Every person that’s on Instagram has probably posted an Instagram story or photo at The Grounds. So why not check out what the fuss is all about while you’re here!

The Boathouse, Balmoral Beach

Does your ideal weekend stroll lead to a filling brunch under the sun? Then The Boathouse is the perfect little place for you. White benches and fresh displays of flowers and their scents along with munching on those bacon and eggs sounds like a dream come true! With white-washed benches, marine hues, and vibrant displays of fresh flowers and produce, The Boathouse is one of Sydney’s most beautiful brunch spots, and that’s not even counting the view. The café is perched right on Balmoral Beach, so you can tuck into bacon and eggs or a burger while watching the water lap against the pier. On weekends, there’s usually a wait, but that’s fine, it gives you time to sneak in a swim!

Opera bar, Circular Quay

You probably can’t get more Sydney than the Opera Bar which has the benefit of spectacular views of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the Sydney Opera House at it’s doorstep. I’m sure many Sydney-siders will take their tourist friends and relatives to this bar just for the views alone. And as the winter days are getting colder and the sun is miraculously shining on, what better way can be there to enjoy this other than heading straight to the Opera Bar? Nothing better than a pair of hot steamed buns… filled with delicious golden and crisp soft shell crab and kimchi of course. It’s not called Opera BAR for nothing. To have a boozy time with a view order some Winter Sour, Sydney Sling or Lady Lavender and drink away. Perfect for harbor side drinking on a summer-in-winter day.

Nour, Surry Hills

At this Lebanese restaurant in Surry Hills, think millennial pink. ‘Nour’ translates to ‘light’ in Arabic, which is fitting as the venue is flooded with natural light, and boasts a dusty pink interior so beautiful, it’s all over Instagram. This spot is the perfect spot for semi-formal dining. You’ll find some of the most aesthetically pleasing colors, including pastel pinks, whites and flashes of copper and oak. The menu is designed to share which makes it an ideal location for groups and also features both smaller and larger share plate options. It is fully licensed and offers an extensive range of wines from around the world.

Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel

Overlooking the iconic Harbor Bridge, Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel serves the perfect ‘The Hamptons’ vibe with European-style lunches. This place also has one of the greatest seafood menus along with some top-quality cocktails that will definitely be worth the price. Watsons Bay is also home to some beautiful walking options – you can even follow the coastline all the way to Bondi! Walking to the nearby Hornby Lighthouse requires a little less energy, and you’ll be rewarded with picture-perfect views. The venue itself is a place that gets crowded and buzzing pretty quickly, but don’t you worry about that as the management in the place runs very smooth and you will be busy getting that perfect Instagram shot anyway!

Visit Aabode.com to book your perfect accommodation now and make your Sydney trip Instagram goals!