Fiji
retreatElizabeth Gilbert, bestselling
author of Eat, Pray, Love, will
headline a transformational
retreat in Fiji. The seven-day
retreat (15-22 February) at
Plantation Island Resort in
the Mamanucas will feature
keynote speakers, workshops
and yoga classes. Gilbert will
lead a four-hour workshop on
how to unlock your creativity.
From $3579 a person,
ultimategirlsweekaway.comGOURMET TRAVELLER 27News
PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES (HUNTER VALLEY).
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BallandeanEstate Wines. Sip your way around
cellardoorssuch as Tobin Wines, Golden Grove
EstateandSymphony Hill Wines. Back at Alure,
swaddlethepooch in a doggy bathrobe while
youhitthehottub for some serious relaxation.
alurestanthorpe.com.au
Ovolohotels,eastern Australia
TheplayfulOvolo boutique-hotel brand –
foundinSydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and
Canberra– announced in May that dog-friendly
roomsarenowavailable in each of
itsAustralianproperties. For $80 extra per
doga night,owners can bring up to two furry
friends,whocan lounge around on their own
bedsanddiginto a doggy bag for toys and
treats.Humanscan delve into their own
welcomelootbag for free snacks or rummage
throughtheminbar for other free provisions.
ovolohotels.com
Element Melbourne, Richmond, Vic
Marriott launched its longer stay, eco-
conscious Element brand in Australia in June
with a 168-room hotel (pictured) near the Yarra
River 6km south-east of the city centre. Take
the hound through nearby Burnley Park to
admire the flowing waters or travel further
afield on the riverside Main Yarra Trail (the
hotel offers free use of bikes). Afterwards,
lounge in one of five pet-friendly rooms
($80 extra per stay) kitted out with sustainably
crafted dog beds and a minibar stocked with
doggy snacks. elementmelbournerichmond.com
Alure, Stanthorpe, Qld
Show the drought-stricken Granite Belt some
(puppy) love. Set out from Alure’s pet-friendly
luxe villa ($50 extra per night per pet to
explore the notable food and cool-climate wine
region: graze at Queensland College of Wine
Tourism’s Varias Restaurant, new sushi
restaurant Hanasaku or The Barrelroom at
Creature comforts
Check in with your four-legged best friend.
Need a strong drink after finally you delayed flight finally takes off? Make the most of
W&P’s Carry On Cocktail Kits, which will turn your seat into a one-person pop-up bar.
Every tin includes a spoon, coaster, recipe card and cocktail mix – just BYO hard stuff.
And you don’t need to be up in the air to enjoy these kits: they are good party
accessories at ground level, too. From $36 each, wandpdesign.com
Wine tour
Why drive or cycle between vineyards when you can ride a horse? In NSW’s
Hunter Valley, climb aboard one of Murchessons Equine’s steeds to trot
between Wynwood Estate and Hanging Tree Wines on brunch and afternoon
tours, or enjoy more saddle time along with a picnic or lunch at Voco Kirkton
Park on the wine-and-dine tour. Tours cater for all levels of riding ability. Giddy
up. From $175 a person, murchessons.com.au