Over the years, Gucci has staged its Cruise collections against some pretty epic backdrops, setting a scene that always feels more cinematic than the average runway. (After all, who better to bring the drama than this iconic Italian house?)
Now, for its Cruise 2024 collection, Gucci is taking over the historic Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea, flying in supporters of the brand, VIPs and celebrities from all over the world to witness the unveiling of its new offering.
Taking place this evening (Tuesday, the 16th of May) at 11pm (New Zealand time), the show is set to be a spectacle of fashion, glamour and Gucci’s signature showmanship. We will be streaming the runway right here via our livestream link below, so all you have to do is return to this page at 11pm tonight to witness all the fashion unfold in real-time. See you then.
For anyone with a growing family, the question of space is always front of mind. And usually, it is the question of how a family home can be made to cater as much to the needs of the parents as to those of their children. (The answer typically requires some serious strategic and design-led thinking.)
Enter the Hideaway House — a striking family home located in Melbourne’s inner east, in which Chris Stribley, Jessica Coulter and Steve Woo of design studio Cera Stribley created a series of exquisite spaces for a growing family, as well as dreaming up a whole new extension in which the adults could decompress, entertain or simply spend some time alone. Via a clever, hidden-from-view wing that maximised floor space and added a number of unexpected elements, this project saw the architects and designers transform an existing three-storey home into a sprawling, private playground, full of unexpected twists and surprising spaces, proving that it is indeed possible to create a functional family home that doesn’t require compromise on style.
The dining room features the Knoll Mr Chairs from Studio Italia and the Gervasoni Brass 95/96 pendant from ECC.
The process began when a plot of land adjacent to the original house came up for sale. And, having purchased it with a dream of expansion, the homeowners approached Cera Stribley to help them bring their vision to life.
To start, the team excavated the land extensively in order to create space for what would become a sunken, subterranean oasis and recreation zone, in which they added an indoor pool, a golf room, a gym, a basement bar and a private lounge. Inspired by the suave, after-dark aesthetic of Mad Men and Batman’s iconic Batcave, the extension was designed as the ultimate retreat, or ‘lair’, with the architects connecting it to the main house via an underground passage.
“The architects and designers transform an existing three-storey home into a sprawling, private playground, full of unexpected twists and surprising spaces”
“The team excavated the land extensively in order to create space for what would become a sunken, subterranean oasis and recreation zone, in which they added an indoor pool, a golf room, a gym, a basement bar and a private lounge”
Given that the land above the new basement was turned into a tennis court, the designers had to consider how to introduce natural light to the space, eventually doing so via a long lightwell placed at its north boundary, complete with planter boxes at basement level. The positioning of this allows light to amplify the space in the lair, and results in dynamic reflections that bounce off the walls from the pool’s surface.
From its layout to its look, the basement epitomises laid-back, luxurious leisure, and has been designed as the perfect hosting space. Its moody material palette of sleek concrete, marble, stone and granite cultivates an air of calm sophistication, which is only enhanced by tones of grey and blue, set against the dramatic silhouettes of stoic stone walls and pillars.
The Cera Stribley team also reconfigured the ground floor of the existing house, adding a new guest suite where the original garage stood and reimagining the living areas to better frame and connect with the new tennis court and backyard area. There, the designers employed materials like timber, a warm, tonal palette and soft, plush furnishings to create the ideal family hangout space. They also created a range of bespoke fixtures and fittings for the interiors here, from a new wine cellar to a marble bar to a striking, cantilevered fireplace, elements that give the home a sense of cohesion, as well as a distinct style.
The Hideaway House embodies the perfect balance between robust materiality and light-hearted, contemporary elegance. Cera Stribley has created a home that offers seclusion and privacy as much as it does openness and connection. One could feel a world away from anywhere during their morning swim, but by lunchtime, be immersed in the bustling nature of family life, before finding themselves hosting a sophisticated dinner for friends in the evening. And while the central subterranean idea here feels unique and innovative, the spaces that Cera Stribley created are purposeful, curated and wonderfully uncomplicated, offering a masterclass in how to cultivate the ultimate, modern family home — one that works for every member.
As one of the world’s finest wool fibres, cashmere is as chic and sophisticated as it is soft and utterly warm. Taking classic knitwear to the next level, anything rendered in cashmere is guaranteed to become a sartorial mainstay in the cold months, whether it’s a favourite cardigan, some cashmere sweat pants, or even a pair of simple socks. An essential piece of the winter wardrobe puzzle, cashmere is back and better than ever this season with a raft of local and international designer options to suit any style or need. Here, we round up our picks of the new cashmere cohort, so that you can add a sumptuous twist to your winter looks.
Womenswear
There really is a kind of cashmere to suit any kind of taste or body shape, ranging from uber-feminine sweaters in soft, pastel tones, to basic but chic base layers, to structured overcoats in darker, more severe tones. Here, we recommend taking a layered approach — a sweater-vest or a cardigan for everyday pursuits, paired with some outerwear for when it’s time to venture out of the house.
Is there anything more luxurious than wrapping yourself in a cashmere scarf or putting on some soft socks at night? Beyond their style credentials, cashmere accessories have the ability to add extra warmth when needed and are the perfect finishing touch to any winter look.
Of course, cashmere is as much for men as it is for women, and this season there are a number of sleek, elegant pieces for the guys to fold into their sartorial repertoire. From simple sweaters to elevated lounge pants and a half-zip or two, the cashmere menswear is a study in quiet luxury.
It’s always exciting when a stalwart like Andiamo switches things up on their menu. Because as much as we love the classics from this Herne Bay mainstay (which are always on offer, by the way) it’s fun to try new things and indulge in the array of seasonally-focused flavours and innovative dishes that its clever culinary minds come up with.
From a tasty new pizza to a comforting chicken parmigiana, perfect for cold winter days, these are the dishes on Andiamo’s menu that will make you deviate from your go-to order. (For now, anyway.)
Left to Right: Burrata & Pomodoro Pizza
Burrata
Everyone loves burrata, and it’s easy to see why. Creamy and satiating, the burrata is a classic for a reason, and at Andiamo, the team has reimagined its burrata with smoky scorched carrot, earthy hazelnuts, sweet fennel and a generous helping of grilled sourdough to soak up all the flavour. A perfect starter, in our opinion.
Pomodoro Pizza
Sometimes, there’s nothing like a tasty pizza to satiate cravings, and Andiamo’s new iteration is ticking all the boxes. The expertly-made dough is topped with juicy roasted mushrooms, cavalo nero and an indulgent dose of creamy taleggio cheese and truffle. A truly delicious combination.
Left to Right: Market Fish & Chicken Parmigiana
Market Fish
Seasonal market fish is always a good idea, especially when it is as well-considered as Andiamo’s. Here, the stalwart is serving its new version with autumnal brassicas, olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkling of salty Parmesan — a delectable balance of flavours.
Chicken Parmigiana
Is there anything better on a cold, winter’s day than a piece of beautifully-cooked chicken topped with mouth-watering sauce and a slather of melted cheese? We don’t think so. Which is why, this season, we’d be hard-pressed to pass up Andiamo’s chicken parmigiana, served with tomato fondue, Clevedon buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil.
Wagyu Rump
Wagyu Rump
Offering a decidedly elevated take on the classic winter roast, Andiamo has created comfort in a dish with its new First-Light wagyu rump cap, served with the soul-warming sides of duck-fat and rosemary potatoes, bone marrow and roasted garlic.
With his business Catch Casting, Stu Turner has established himself as New Zealand’s preeminent casting director, called on and trusted by the likes of Netflix, Warner Brothers, Amazon Prime Video, Piki Films, A24, Walt Disney, Searchlight Pictures and more. In his work, Turner uses his keen eye and unique intuition to find the actors best-suited to bring a production to life — a core part of the creative process and something that has a huge bearing on a project’s outcome. “Sometimes my job feels like alchemy”, he tells me, “and it is a real responsibility… but I love being in the room with actors and getting to witness their creativity and their take on a particular role”. Beyond New Zealand alone, Turner is recognised as one of the best in his field, something that was solidified when he was nominated for an Emmy last year for his work on Netflix series Sweet Tooth. Here, we sit down with the casting director to talk about his process and what it takes to ‘make it’ in Hollywood.
Tell me about how you started in your casting career?
I’m really an accidental casting director. One morning, in the flat I shared with some other Toi Whakaari grads, I happened to be the guy who answered the phone and it was Christina Asher (a well-known casting director) who was looking for an assistant for the day. From there, she really took me under her wing and became my mentor. I’ll always be really grateful for that. For me, it was like slipping into a warm pool. I immediately felt comfortable. I started by greeting people and putting them at ease. And then would bring them up to Christina, who was in the studio. It was manaakitanga. I just loved making people feel at ease in this space where nerves were heightened, and hopefully help them to bring something truthful and unique to the room.
What was the landscape of the industry like in New Zealand when you started?
How has it evolved? With casting specifically, there have been the obvious technical changes with things like self tapes, the introduction of Zoom auditions and how we upload and share material. When I started there weren’t as many agents, and casting was something that was mostly relegated to a small back room in production houses. It wasn’t taken that seriously or valued, and it wasn’t as specialised as it is now. Over time, the role has evolved to be more like an architect, say, than a part-time tradie. Technology has also democratised the process. Now, if there’s someone who’s in a difficult area of Auckland or outside of Auckland, they don’t need to jump in a car and get to me, I can easily get them on a Zoom. I can still get a performance and find someone through a screen. Ultimately, my remit is to really offer opportunities to New Zealand actors for projects that will be shot here. Otherwise I’m looking at actors who have come here for work.
Julian Dennison and Sam Neill in “Hunt for the Wilderpeople”.
What was your ‘big break’?
It was less of a big break, and more of a big piece of inspiration to set up a business. I started with no equity, but a really clear vision of how I wanted the service to look like. I wanted to take casting out of the back room and elevate it to an international level. I’ve been pretty fortunate with my staff and contractors and I’ve got a really great associate and business partner with Joe Fisher. And really, that was the break. Backing myself.
How did you get in with the bigger production companies?
I never sought it out to be honest. I was really happy working on our local productions. I still am. If I think back obviously Taika’s [Waititi] Hunt for the Wilderpeople created a lot of attention. Rob Tapert, who has been a great advocate for the New Zealand film industry over many years, took a chance on me. New Zealand line producer Mel Turner who co-owns Ground Control with Axel Paton brought me onto their projects including Sweet Tooth. Niki Caro engaged me to work on the local casting for Mulan and introduced me to the US casting Director Deb Zane, and she brought us onto Cowboy Bebop and things just started happening. I started getting calls from Amazon about doing the New Zealand casting for Rings Of Power. Then other projects followed.
Explain, for people who might not have an understanding, exactly what your job entails. What does your typical work day look like?
My company and I are appointed by a production company, or in particular, a producer or director who has a vision for their project. We then interpret that vision. As the key casting director on the project, I will make a call on which actors to invite, and I work very closely with them to allow them the space to deliver their interpretation for a particular role. Then, we make our recommendations to the directors and producers of who we believe is the right fit. It’s a process of elimination and it takes time. It’s really alchemy.
Christian Convery in “Sweet Tooth”.
Have you always had an ‘eye’ for casting? Or, is that something that you have had to learn over time?
It’s not that I’ve always had an ‘eye’ for casting, but I have always had a natural affinity for people. All types of people from all walks of life. I’m a provincial boy from a really big family. So judgement isn’t in my framework. And it’s been a real gift. I seem to have been quite intuitive about it from quite an early time. Casting is the sum of all the parts because like I said, it’s alchemy. It’s about energy, right? And you get someone with one particular type of energy in the room and you think that works really well. But then once we start walking through the process, things fall into place. Often we’re not quite sure who the characters are until we see them in the room. Sometimes I find it really challenging. Recently I had to cast a young kid in a film and I saw at least 800 actors before we found him at the 11th hour. Sometimes it’s really simple and wonderful. Other times you have to put your shoulder into it and just do the mahi.
In your experience, what does it take to ‘make it’ as an actor?
It’s not one particular quality. Sometimes it’s timing. You’re just the right person at the right time. Often it’s just the actors who have the tenacity to stick in there. This is a really gladiatorial industry and it’s not for the faint-hearted. There are some wonderful, creative actors out there who are really sensitive, but it’s tricky to be in this industry. You hear ‘no’ constantly, so there needs to be a degree of resilience. And you have to back yourself. So for me, it’s all about timing and perseverance. You might get the occasional person who bursts onto the scene, but they can disappear pretty quickly as well.
Do you ever cast people from shows, or the street, or other places? Are you always actively looking?
I tailor my approach depending on the project. Some productions require a curated cast of actors that we will source through the conventional avenue of agents and auditions. And then there are other projects that need fresh, untapped talent. So that means we need to see a lot of people sourced via agents, street casting, going into communities, and via our Catch Casting social media.
What do you love the most about your work?
Being in the room with the actors when I can. It’s my laboratory. I love being in a place where I can work with really talented humans to bear witness to their creativity and their take on a character.
What is the most challenging part of your work?
It’s trying to create alchemy on a budget and with time restraints. Casting is like magic. So you never know when it’s going to happen. But it has to happen within a certain time.
What are your favourite kinds of projects to work on?
It always goes back to the script. I need to get inside the characters and understand the story that we’re telling. I’m looking for some kind of connection to the world. We all do our best work when projects resonate and challenge us and I can see opportunities in them for our New Zealand actors, whether it’s international or local. It’s also the quality of the director.
You were recently nominated for an Emmy, how did that feel?
My initial response was incredibly Kiwi. I didn’t mention it to anyone for a while. And then I just had to get past that and get over myself and allow myself to celebrate. And for my friends and my mum to celebrate as well. It was pretty cool. And ultimately, was like a validation of all the international work we just happen to be doing here in Aotearoa.
From a deep dive into the idea of time and the social constructions around it to a memoir from one of our most successful film-industry exports, we have line-up a selection of relatively new non-fiction that is fascinating, informative and moving.
Stash: My Life In Hiding
by Laura Cathcart Robbins
In this confessional, the author and host of the beloved podcast, The Only One in the Room, shares her story of finding sobriety and self-love, and the detours that she needed to take to find herself there. With a certain kind of candid openness, where Cathcart Robbins acknowledges her privilege, she shares that this does not always protect you from pain. Weighty, and occasionally witty, it’s the kind of raw honesty that we all need to read from time to time.
Who Gets Believed?
by Dina Nayeri
It is the age-old question: in times of disagreement and conflict, who gets believed? Dina Nayeri’s literary exploration considers the many factors that play into this outcome; race, class, and refugee status, all of which speak to the author’s experience. Dubbed essential reading, it asks why honest asylum seekers are so often dismissed as liars, and posits the unsettling questions that are so ingrained in the human experience.
A courageous and brilliant read.
Saving Time
by Jenny Odell
The cult of Jenny Odell has emerged as a beacon of resistance against the relentless pursuit of efficiency and technology-dependence that have come to define our lives. Now, with the release of her latest work, Saving Time, Odell delves even deeper into the cultural construction of time itself. For those who find the phrase “time is money” to be stifling and limiting, Odell’s new book promises to be a liberating and thought-provoking exploration.
A Small Town In Ukraine
by Bernard Wasserstein
Until recently, Krakowiec was a small town that most had never heard of, but as the situation in Ukraine only continues to intensify, these small rural villages are being thrust into the international spotlight. In this exploration of the writer’s ancestral hometown that began decades ago, Wasserstein traces the arc of history across centuries of religious and political conflict, as he watches his people once again flee their home.
Love, Pamela
by Pamela Anderson
Relegated to spending her life as the most well-versed sex symbol of her time, Love, Pamela is the Baywatch star’s first written account of her life so far — where she finally lays claim to her narrative for the first time. With a unique marriage of story and poetry, it is honest and raw, and makes for stereotype-breaking reading.
Did I Ever Tell You This
by Sam Neill
Considered one of our most extraordinary film talents, Sam Neill penned his first memoir in a few short months last year in a flurry of creativity. With signature wit, Neill shares his stories from a life growing up in Christchurch to working with some of the biggest names in the industry. A life that, despite the odds, delivered huge, international success.
Paris: The Memoir
by Paris Hilton
While many of us are no strangers to the story and stardom of Paris Hilton and the unimaginable influence she had on 2000s pop culture, this is the first time both fans and critics alike can indulge in an intimate recount from the star’s own perspective. Acknowledging her privilege, the socialite shares her story of enduring the era that broke so many others like her.
The Tastemaker
by Tony King
You might be unfamiliar with Tony King — but you’ll undoubtedly know the names he has worked alongside. Confidante and creative muse to Elton John, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, here he divulges tales from a life spent on the sidelines of rock and roll.
Loyalists will have noticed that there has been something missing in Viaduct Harbour over the last month, that being Soul Bar & Bistro, which has been closed for necessary kitchen renovations to keep the grand dame at the top of her game. Now, not only are the doors to this iconic stalwart open again (and thank God for that) but a raft of mouthwatering new seasonal dishes and drinks are bolstering the menu we know and love. In short, there has never been a better time to book a table.
Left: Farro Salad Right: Yellowfin Tuna
On the refreshed menu (coming out of a brand new kitchen, by the way) ample snacks and starters set a delicious tone from the outset, and are perfect for sharing with the table. Dishes like the Crayfish Toast with black garlic and saffron aioli, are best when served alongside the likes of the Yellowfin Tuna with radish kimchi and nashi pear or the Wagyu Beef Tongue, dressed in sweet and sour onion and toum. The pastas here, as everyone knows, are some of the best in town, and there is a raft of new offerings now to sit alongside the classics. The Cloudy Bay Clam Tagliatelle with fennel XO, for instance, is perfect for sharing, but the divine new Crayfish Lasagne drowned in vodka sauce and bisque volute, makes for the kind of winter warmer we are inclined to keep to ourselves.
Left: Wagyu Beef Tounge Right: Clam Tagliatelle
Elsewhere, there is a selection of seasonal vegetables and salads and a delicious Harissa Chicken joins the crowd-pleasing line-up, served with citrus, red onion pickle and kohlrabi. There is also an utterly delicious Hawke’s Bay Lamb Rack accompanied by salt-baked kumara, garlic and honey, and a marjoram chimichurri.
If there’s still room left, a couple of desserts to share should do. The Pear and Ginger Crostata, with pear sorbet and crystalised ginger is similar in taste and texture to a tart, while the Lemon Crème Brûlée, with orange, guava jam and almond crumble is the perfect way to end any meal on a high note.
Lemon Créme Brulée
Alongside the venue’s incomparable drinks offering comes a number of tempting new libations, including plenty of inspired cocktails and liquid desserts. And while there are many new things to love about Soul’s reopening, the new menu doesn’t mean that the restaurant is turning its back on the fare that has long drawn us to its renowned terrace. Instead, it is balancing old guard with new flavour, offering refreshed culinary inspiration and a renewed zest for life, as it once-again takes its well-deserved place at the humming heart of Viaduct Harbour.
This month, Sanderson Contemporary Art Gallery presents two exhibitions — united in a stark contrast of how nature can be represented on the canvas. In one curation, we have Paul Martinson, whose depiction of the Kōkako is a deft masterclass in realism. In another up-and-coming artist, Llenyd Price conceptually explores the relationship between land and people with bold, expressive works.
And so, with both the avid collector and the nature enthusiast in mind, we’ve discovered the need-to-know information about these two exquisite exhibitions, both open from today, Tuesday the 9th of May, until Sunday the 4th of June. Catalogues are available through Sanderson upon request.
Grey Ghost by Paul Martinson
The latest exhibition by painter Paul Martinson, Grey Ghost, unveils a vivid portrait of the South Island Kōkako, a once-abundant species shrouded in enigma. Watercolour, oil and acrylic converge to capture the essence of a creature ravaged by the echoes of Māori settlements, forest clearance, and the relentless march of human progress. Martinson confronts the haunting truth of a population teetering on the brink of oblivion with each work.
Left: ‘screamer dreamer misdemeanor’ 40 x 75cm acrylic on stretched canvas 2022 Right: ‘Lingering light’ 40 x 75cm acrylic on stretched canvas 2023
Previously consigned to the annals of extinction, the South Island Kōkako emerges from the depths of uncertainty with a whisper of hope. Designated as ‘data deficient’, this elusive bird clings to the precipice of existence, its survival precariously tied to the unwavering dedication of a tenacious few. While some herald its demise, a chorus of enthusiasts persists, propelled by an unwavering belief in its presence. Martinson’s masterpieces witness this testament of resilience, weaving together the threads of scientific inquiry and artistic imagination to resurrect a creature that once danced among the forest canopies. Alongside these brushstrokes of resurrection, the exhibition unveils a tapestry of other New Zealand bird species, including the haunting spectre of the extinct Huia, serving as a poignant reminder of nature’s delicate balance and our profound responsibility as stewards of this fragile realm.
Left: ‘Kuhukura Red Cloak’ WC & WC pencil on paper 50.8 x70.6cm 2023 Right: ‘Orange cloak’ WC & WC pencil on paper 51 x 69 cm 2023
Secrets In The Array by Llenyd Price
At parallels, Secrets in the Array beckons, an intimate collection of new paintings by the burgeoning artist Llenyd Price. Within these canvases, Price navigates the intricate dance between humankind and the sacred terrain of our country. Drawing inspiration from the ethereal landscapes of Waikato and Kirikiriroa, Price offers solace, an escape from the harsh realities that besiege weary minds.
LPR Momentary junction, 2023, Acrylic on found wood, 340 x 270 mm
As Price immerses himself in these natural sanctuaries, the ghosts of colonialism and environmental turmoil loom ever larger. The relentless encroachment of buildings, the invasive tendrils of industry, and the stranglehold of non-native flora and fauna assail the delicate balance of the land. With an artist’s discerning eye, Price scrutinises the structures that mark our passage, the fences and paths that weave through the verdant tapestry. In their contemplation, questions emerge of conformity, our collective impact on the landscape, and the subtle ways we reshape our perceptions in the face of a changing world.
The unwillingness of a dream (1-6), 2023, Acrylic paint on wood, 3600mm x 2400mm
This exhibition holds the key for those seeking respite, a momentary escape into the serenity of untouched landscapes. It invites us to immerse ourselves in the solace of environmental escapism, where the land’s secrets and our place within it unravel with Price’s masterful artistry.
It would seem that leather weather is well and truly here, and aside from the obvious downsides, our wardrobes are set to look all the better for it. Here, we delve into the new styles of leather to add to your sartorial collections, and make a case for shaking up those trusty leather staples with some statement-making coats, daring dresses and sleek leggings to match.
Cool-Girl Coats
Putting a contemporary twist on the classic 90s leather blazer, the trend to statement-making leather coats is being driven by fashion’s cognoscenti, who are wearing theirs oversized, down to the ground, tailored and tonal. The leather jacket has never looked so good.
From left: SAKS POTTS JIMMY JACKET from Muse, Double-breasted trench coat from Prada, Quilted bomber jacket from Gucci and LOEWE ANAGRAM PYJAMA BLOUSE from Faradays.
Daring Dresses
Why leave the leather to outwear only? This season, the sleek leather dress is having a moment, and is making a compelling case for a leather-first approach to dressing. One tip, ensure the style you choose is somewhat cinched at the waist to give shape to this often-overpowering textile.
From left: Leather dress from Prada, BOTTEGA VENETA symmetric draped leather dress from Net-A-Porter, CHIARA Dress in Stretch Leather from Dadelszen and Mixed Leather Dress from Louis Vuitton.
Trousers
Leather trousers have transcended their skin-tight and squeaky origins to become a bona fide essential in any fashion-forward wardrobe. Here, we suggest opting for straight-leg styles that give a bit of room to move.
From left: WYNN LEATHER PANT from Dadelszen, Veronica Beard Atala Vegan Leather Pant from Muse, Jogging pant from Gucci, Flared Ankle Pants from Louis Vuitton and SWEATPANTS from Saint Laurent.
Men in Leather
Of course, new season leather wear isn’t just for the ladies. There is a plethora of chic, masculine styles for guys to adopt this winter, too. From leather bomber jackets to sleek, knee-length overcoats, these pieces belong in any sartorially-savvy arsenal.
When considering where to holiday this year, why not escape to a beautiful private island in one of the archipelagos of South-East Asia? From Indonesia to Cambodia, Malaysia to Thailand, meet the luxurious, off-the-grid getaways that you should definitely consider for your next break.
Cempedak Private Island
Cempedak Private Island
Indonesia
If you are seeking a secluded luxury retreat, look no further than Cempedak Private Island. This 17-hectare paradise is located nine kilometres off the coast of Indonesia’s Bintan. Framed by white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters filled with an abundance of diverse marine life, this exquisite island is as perfect for snorkelling and diving as it is for lounging in the sun, or indulging in some much-needed R&R at the spectacular spa. The accommodation includes spacious villas and cottages, each boasting their own plunge pools and sprawling decks, and made using natural materials designed to blend seamlessly into the verdant surroundings. Outside the infrastructure of the resort itself, most of Cempedak Private Island is taken up by an extraordinary rainforest, carefully preserved as a sanctuary.
At the restaurant, guests are treated to delicious, fresh seafood and other traditional Indonesian dishes, all prepared at the hands of local culinary maestros using ingredients sourced from the Cempedak’s farm in Bintan. Dining at the restaurant is an experience in itself, with guests able to enjoy their meals while taking in the stunning views of the island and the sea beyond. This really is the perfect destination for those looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and indulge in a truly exclusive escape.
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How toget there
Cempedak Island can be reached via a direct, one-hour ferry from Singapore’s Tanah Merah Terminal to Bintan, followed by a one hour car journey across Bintan, and finishing with a 30-minute speedboat ride to reach the Island.
One&Only Desaru Coast
One&Only Desaru Coast
Malaysia
On the South-Eastern shoreline of Malaysia, nestled in 128-acres of pristine beach and lush jungle, sits the magical One&Only Desaru Coast resort, a breathtaking, luxurious hideaway that offers a gateway into one of the most incredible natural landscapes in the region.
Designed by the renowned architect Kerry Hill, the resort itself is simple but undeniably sumptuous, with elegant, clean lines, contemporary details and a comfortable, calm atmosphere. Once there, guests can find peace and quiet in their spacious suites, each boasting large bedrooms and private plunge pools with views either into the rainforest or over the ocean. For those travelling with a group and seeking an extra-special experience, the resort’s Villa One is a generous, two-storey, four-bedroom accommodation with its own 27-metre pool and private spa room, complete with the essential personal butler.
Beyond the exceptional service, One&Only Desaru Coast offers a number of enticing activities, from journeys into nature, to world-class golf (at the renowned Els Club nearby) to innovative wellness experiences. It is also the perfect place for foodies, offering a variety of restaurants and bars to satiate any taste or proclivity.
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How toget there
Simply fly directly from Auckland to Singapore before boarding a ferry at the Tanah Merah Terminal directly to Desaru Coast. The journey is only one and a half hours. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a private, luxury car transfer and driven five minutes to your final destination.
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Vietnam
To stay at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is to feel as though you are on a remote desert island, despite the fact that this incredible resort is actually in Vietnam, situated on a dramatic bay looking out to the East Vietnam sea, which is only accessible by boat. And when guests see the impressive rock formations, beautiful beach and jaw-dropping, mountainous backdrop that comprise the setting here, it’s easy to see why ‘seclusion’ is the first word that comes to mind.
The resort’s accommodation is made up of single-bedroom and multi-bedroom villas, either on the beach, nestled in between the rocks, over the water or perched on the mountainside, all of which offer views out to the water. Adding to the air of luxury is the full-service spa and wellness centre, where guests can indulge in massages and facials, yoga sessions and traditional Vietnamese treatments.
The hills behind the resort are home to a protected population of endangered Langur monkeys, with guests able to organise guided hikes into the mountains to see these incredible creatures for themselves. This idea of conservation and sustainability extends to every aspect of the resort, with Six Senses Ninh Van Bay operating various clean water programmes for the local community, cultivating an extensive organic garden, and promoting renewable energy with its innovative, solar hot water system.
From total relaxation to outdoor adventure, this resort has something for everyone, and is guaranteed to make any guest feel like they are well and truly off the grid.
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How toget there
Fly from Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City via Sydney, before jumping on a direct flight to Cam Ranh Airport. There, you will be met by Six Senses representatives and driven one hour to a private lounge before a quick, 20-minute boat ride to reach the resort (only accessible by water).
Four Seasons Golden Triangle
Four Seasons Golden Triangle
Thailand
Nestled in the heart of Thailand’s Golden Triangle (where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos merge) a region known for its verdant and wildlife-rich bamboo forests, the Four Seasons Golden Triangle offers a unique blend of Thai culture and modern luxury. Made up of only 15 glamping tents (and a six-person Explorer’s Lodge), each with its own private balcony and breathtaking views, the resort offers unprecedented immersion into nature and opportunities for guests to explore the surrounding jungle via guided hikes, elephant walks, boat rides down the Mekong River or activities with local villagers.
There is also a range of incredible dining experiences available to guests, from Nong Yao restaurant serving a mix of traditional Thai, Burmese and Laotian cuisine, to riverside picnics to al fresco, candlelit dinners in the elephant park. Any stay at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle is guaranteed to be utterly unforgettable.
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How toget there
You can fly directly from Auckland to Thailand’s Chiang Rai International Airport, where Four Seasons staff will arrange to greet you with a luxury vehicle transfer service. The drive from the airport to the resort is 70 minutes.
Amanpulo
Amanpulo
Philippines
Leave the daily grind well and truly behind at Amanpulo in the Philippines. Set on Pamalican private island in the Cuyo Archipelago of northern Palawan, this exceptional resort gives new meaning to ‘off the grid.’ Here, guests will be surrounded by soft, white sand beaches, deserted coves, crystal clear waters and a lush forest landscape, all of which they can appreciate from the comfort of their spacious Casita rooms or multi-room villas, offering much-needed moments of quiet respite.
For those seeking to balance their wind-down time with unforgettable experiences, Amanpulo offers a range of aquatic adventures like kite surfing, snorkelling, cruises and yacht charters, alongside on-land activities like bird watching and stargazing (made even more spectacular through the resort’s astronomical refracting telescope).
Elsewhere, Amanpulo’s dining options are vast and varied, inviting guests to indulge in an array of delicious Filipino, Malaysian, Japanese and Western cuisine, and enjoy the freshest seafood and organic produce, sourced locally. There is also, of course, an expansive spa on the island for those needing some extra relaxation.
From its remote location to its exquisite weather to its world class, on site amenities, Amanpulo is the ultimate escape.
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How toget there
From Auckland, it will take you two flights to reach Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Once there, Amanpulo’s team will meet you with a transfer to the nearby Amanpulo Lounge, where you can wait for your private, scheduled, 70-minute flight to Pamalican Island.
Nihi Sumba
Nihi Sumba
Indonesia
This stunning resort, located on the island of Sumba, about 400 kilometres to the east of Bali, is widely acknowledged as one of the best resorts in the world. Offering a masterclass in understated luxury, Nihi Sumba provides its guests access to globally-sought-after surf breaks, the best sport fishing in Indonesia and a raft of breathtaking activities designed to immerse guests into nature. It is also incredibly luxurious, with accommodation comprising only 27 unique villas, each with its own private pool, views out to the Indian Ocean, and the kinds of amenities that will make anyone feel immediately at home.
The main objective of the team at Nihi Sumba has always been to offer an ‘off-script vacation,’ which means that guests can have a bespoke itinerary created to shape their stay — depending on exactly what they are after. Whether it’s bird watching in the jungle or swimming in the crystal clear waters of Weekuri Lake after enjoying an al fresco picnic, or exploring the island on horseback thanks to Nihi Sumba’s world-class Sandalwood Stables, Nihi Sumba’s particular brand of personalised hospitality is guaranteed to make any stay here utterly spectacular.
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How toget there
Fly direct from Auckland to Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, before jumping on one of the daily flights from there to Sumba Island’s Tambolaka Airport. Private plane charters are also available.
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