112 VIRGIN AUSTRALIA DECEMBER 2017
EXEC STYLE
PHOTOGRAPHYGETTY IMAGESShacky
Designed by Jan van Schaik of
MvS Architects, each Shacky
is constructed off site and
installed on private property.
Locations are hand-picked
for their natural beauty — an
olive grove in Victoria’s high
country, a hidden clearing in
the Grampians, a secluded
property in the Yarra Valley
— and your hosts greet you,
then leave you to your own
devices. Off-grid and with
spotty phone reception at best,
follow the signs (and your pre-
downloaded map) to discover
your Shacky. http://www.shacky.co.
Off the Grid Retreats
Firms such as Off the Grid
Retreats offer a chance to
shelve both your devices and
the expectations of modern
life. Their guided escapes —
to Fiji or Victoria’s Otways —
focus on offline experiences
and adventures. http://www.offthe
gridretreats.com.au.
Sal Salis
For a low-tech getaway with
a little extra comfort, Sal Salis
Ningaloo Reef is the perfect
place to power down. The
16 eco-luxe wilderness tents
are tucked away among the
sand dunes of Cape Range
National Park, 70 kilometres
from Exmouth in WA. With no
mobile or internet coverage,
take the time instead to
explore the marine-rich waters
of the Indian Ocean by day
and connect with new friends
around the communal dining
table when the sky becomes
dark. http://www.salsalis.com.au.Harakeke Huts
Skiers and cyclists will
love the quirky Harakeke
Huts in New Zealand. Two
dome-shaped sleeping
pods flank a kitchen, dining
and bathroom pod, all
giving uninterrupted views
of Mount Lyford and easy
access to Canterbury’s
ski fields and the trails of
the Alpine Pacific Route.
Relaxing, reading a book
and stargazing are also
excellent options.
http://www.lyfordholiday
homes.co.nz.CLOCKWISE
FROM TOP
Spot a whale shark
at Ningaloo Reef;
Sal Salis provides
luxury tents;
a Harakeke hut;
Shacky small
homes can be
moved around
on site; the misty
mountain lodge
at Binna Burra.a 90-minute drive south
of Brisbane, it’s perfect
for a weekend getaway.
Accommodations come
sans televisions, clocks and
radios, but to really go tech-
free during your visit, make
use of the smartphone-
minding service available.
http://www.binnaburralodge.com.au.