In search of an unconventional and amusing way to celebrate the men in your life on International Brothers Day? Look no further than Archie Brothers, the ultimate entertainment hub, found in Newmarket (and Christchurch, too), offering a veritable treasure trove of delightful, nostalgic fun.
Running at the moment and on until Wednesday, the 24th of May (officially International Brothers Day, by the way), the arcade is offering two-for-one bowling, meaning that you and your brothers (or sisters, or best friends) get more bang for your buck. To make the celebration all the more exciting, Archie Brothers is also giving away spot prizes, including venue vouchers, gaming tech and gym vouchers, meaning the merriment may extend well beyond your visit.
Admittedly, we were unaware of the holiday’s existence until very recently, but we consider it a deserving cause for celebration. (We’ll find any excuse for a party.) So, whether you’re related by blood or by friendship, everyone is invited to partake in the offering and have a shot at winning prizes. Anyone can use the code ‘BRODAY241’ to book bowling online, and there are some food deals are available for walk-ins.
In addition to entertainment, Archie Brothers has an extensive selection of diner-style food and whimsical drink options, making it an ideal place to spend the entire day with good company. From indulgent pizzas, hot dogs and burgers to craft beers and cocktails, there’s something for everyone to relish.
Our suggestion? Take a weekend off, and head down to Archie Brothers to celebrate International Brothers Day in the most entertaining way. With the daily deals, rousing spot prizes and always-enticing hospitality, it’s promising an unforgettable day.
As floods and storms render our days indoors, we’ve had to be a little flexible with our workouts of late, and pilates slots right into our shifting schedule as a sure-fire way to improve physical strength and posture, as well as enhance mental awareness. As the results show, the pilates studios we prefer are intensive, innovative and inclusive, with several offering online sessions (for those not fatigued by at-home exercise) to quash any rainy day excuse.
Core Collective, Auckland CBD Core Collective’s boutique pilates method is tailored to target all the areas of the body we want to tone. After travelling the globe, Owner and Instructor Kate Hanline has worked at the epicentre of the evolving discipline, and created a unique training style that is intensive and energising, while encouraging strength and muscle gain. The convenient CityWorks location just makes it all the more enticing.
Wild Pilates, Online Wild Pilates’ win feels extra pertinent as the former boutique Newmarket studio pivoted entirely online in recent years, with 250 on-demand classes. In this virtual set up, Founder Laura Mohi gives individuals of all levels the opportunity to have their very own personal pilates studio, whether they have a quick 15-minutes to target a specific area, or time to really sweat. Most of all, it’s about finding that wellbeing connection.
Reform Fitness, Citywide The latest bow in Reform’s string was formerly known as Kcore, a studio they found themselves aligned with in high-performance style that is all about increasing strength, co-ordination, flexibility, balance and general fitness. These signature 55-minute classes work every muscle in your body, including ones you didn’t even know existed, and the addition of Cardiolates/HIIT introduces equipment like spin bikes and kettlebells for a seriously gruelling workout, in the best kind of way.
Sala, Ponsonby Any regular attendees to Sala will know there’s an almost transcendent feeling that arises during the boutique fitness centre’s classes. With the studio’s renovations complete, which includes the introduction of a 16-bed reformer pilates room, this holistic studio now feels like a bastion of spiritual wellbeing. Whether you’re a yoga devotee or a Pilates aficionado; building strength or sweating it out with cardio, you can be sure you’re in good hands with any one of Sala’s encouraging, knowledgeable teachers (including our own Tiffany Low, who’s reformer classes are somewhat of a religious experience).
Studio Three, Grey Lynn Viv Gallagher’s Studio Three is the perfect melding of all modalities that contribute to a long and lean physique. Take your pick between reformer and mat pilates, or you can even dabble in barre, TRX and yoga classes, with an impressive roster of instructors that promise to work you hard (in the best kind of way).
The Pilates Club, Riverhead Found in the serenity of Coatesville, The Pilates Club beckons seekers of personalised transformation. With its intimate five-reformer studio, this boutique haven allows for bespoke classes, ensuring utmost attention to form and the swift achievement of individual goals. In this sanctuary, instructors devote themselves wholeheartedly to guiding their patrons towards their desired results, creating an idyllic refuge from the impersonal sprawl of larger classes and commercial gyms.
Stella Pilates, Mobile In this busy City, Stella Mitchinson emerges as a beacon of convenience and self-care with her mobile pilates service. Understanding the demands of a hectic life, the teacher aims to bring the transformative power of pilates to the doorstep of her clients, be it in the comfort of their homes or workspaces. With her certification and wealth of experience, she curates personalised mat pilates sessions that cater to individuals of all fitness levels, including those in the pre- and post-natal stages, leaving you with a renewed sense of wellbeing.
Re:Ab, Grey Lynn Re:Ab stands as a sanctuary where the rehabilitational and physiotherapy aspects of pilates seamlessly converge. With a deep understanding of the human body, the studio incorporates its extensive physio knowledge into the exercise regimen, ensuring a safe and effective experience for all. Their experienced instructors foster a supportive environment, offering modifications and progressions tailored to individual needs, while the small class sizes and variety of props enhance the workout, creating a space where one’s mind and body are worked to the best of their abilities.
Unity Studios, Mt Eden& Northcote Within the embrace of Unity Studios lies a commitment to fostering meaningful connections and addressing the repercussions of modern lifestyles. With spaces in both Mount Eden and Northcote, this studio curates intelligently designed classes that blend the foundational principles of pilates, yoga and strength training. Grounded in functional movement and evidence-based physiotherapy, Unity Studios not only guides clients towards achieving their goals but also facilitates a proactive approach to health, making every moment spent in their pilates class (be it reformer or mat, group or private) a harmonious union of movement, treatment and vitality.
The Pilates Room, Pukekohe Since its establishment in 2018, this boutique studio has been a haven of transformation, offering a diverse range of reformer, equipment and barre classes, as well as private training options and rehabilitation support. With a focus on integrating body, breath, movement and awareness, The Pilates Room nurtures a deep understanding of personal health and wellbeing, inviting individuals at any stage of their journey to reconnect with their bodies.
Katie Swift Pilates, Mobile As a fully qualified instructor, pregnancy and postpartum specialist, and a registered member of NZ REPs, Katie Swift’s credentials lend credence to her ability to guide one’s pilates journey. With a background as an ex-professional dancer and international fitness teacher trainer, her refined skills are infused into each in-person session, be it at her Pukekohe studio or within the comforts of one’s own home. For those seeking flexibility and convenience, Swift also extends the option of delving into the realm of online pilates through their comprehensive on-demand library, transcending physical boundaries and providing access to transformative workouts at your beck and call.
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.
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.
This frosty winter air is doing little wonders for a radiant complexion. And while it seems almost contradictory that winter is when your face craves hydration the most, if you don’t feed it with the right products and treatments, the neglect will show via a tired and dull visage. As such, a little extra pampering is nothing less than essential at this time of year, particularly if you want to maintain a healthy glow.
In order to help you beat the winter blues and treat your skin to a beautiful boost, we have rounded up the best facial treatments in Auckland to book into now. Time to bid seasonal skin farewell.
Codage Ultimate Hydration Facial from Spring Spa If you’re seeking hydration, then Codage’s Ultimate Hydration Facial should be your first port of call. Thanks to Spring Spa’s beautiful experience, the facial is both relaxing and powerful — a combination that makes for the perfect encounter. Using Codage’s incredible range, complete with an enzyme peel, this facial regenerates and moisturises skin, boosting vitality and supporting your year-round glow.
The Intuitive Facial from Skinography While we know and adore Kate Michelmore for her signature Buccal Massage, which leaves our skin feeling all kinds of taught and lifted, this time of year calls for something nourishing too. The Intuitive Facial is precisely that, intuitive. Bringing more than 20years of experience in the game, the Skinography team are the perfect people to recognise and adapt their facial to suit your winter hydration needs. For a facial that feels genuinely and ultimately bespoke, we wouldn’t look past Skinography.
Ultimate Haute Couture Facial at Park Hyatt’s The Spa Known for indulgence and a luxury experience, Park Hyatt’s The Spa pulls out all the stops for nourishing dry winter skin. The Ultimate Haute Couture Facial is the pinnacle of their offering, where top-of-the-line Linda Meredith products are used to meet all your needs. Natural Botox alternatives and intense oxygenation are used for an anti-aging effect that will only boost your complexion for the months to come.
302 Classic Facial from East Day Spa This new experience at East Day Spa is not to be neglected in favour of their popular treatments. These highly active peels and collagen induction treatments work several layers deep into the skin, helping reverse visible aging and pigmentation, refine pores and treat acne or damaged skin. Their Classic Facial is the perfect stop for anyone like me seeking a little more hydration at this time of year.
The OxyGlow Facial from Skintopia Denizens will know of our obsession with this Skintopia treatment, which harnesses some of the most revolutionary technology for a supercharged hit of winter hydration. It’s like having a cold glass of water for your skin; it is a treatment we would gladly get as much as we are allowed. Designed to lift, tone and hydrate the skin, you need to try it this winter. The super convenient Jervois Road location is just another draw card too.
Sothy’s Seasonal Facial Treatment from Ikoi Spa Although we already stock our bathroom cupboards with Sothy’s hydrating range at this time of year, an in-person treatment never fails to deliver something a little extra. At Takapuna’s Ikoi Spa, which specialises in traditional Japanese experiences, the full suite of Sothy’s facial treatments is unparalleled. One we especially like to lean into at this time of year (and any time of year, really) is the Seasonal Facial Treatment, which adapts to the needs of the moment — and features beautiful natural ingredients found at this time of year.
Should you find yourself as far-flung as Wanaka, book in for an essential treatment with Angela Nichol (one of the nation’s best facialists) at Pure Skin Therapy. Her Sothys Hydra4 HA Intensive Treatment will revive your wind-ravaged, post-slope skin like nothing else.
The Signature Hydrafacial from About Face While About Face has a raft of facial treatments to suit every complexion and need, the newly-added Signature Hydrafacial is high on our bill for this time of year. Delivering the ultimate in deep-diving moisture, this uses the patented Vortex Fusion technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate for an instantly noticeable glow.
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