T Travel List: Where and What to Book This Month

T Australia editors round up the destinations and experiences to have on your radar in July.

Article by Alice Jeffery

The pool at Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, BaliThe pool at Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, Bali. Photograph courtesy of Banyan Tree Escape.

The countdown to spring in Australia is on. But if you’re looking for a late winter trip and a slice of sunshine, there’s an adults-only escape in Bali with private plunge pools overlooking lush jungle. Oceania Cruises is discounting its global sailing adventures, including trips exploring the Malaysian Peninsula and retreats down the South American coast. Closer to home, Hamilton Island is gearing up for Race Week in August and Brisbane’s The Calile Hotel is hosting poolside DJ sets to keep the summery vibes alive.

Buahan, Bali

A private villa at Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, Bali
A private villa at Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, Bali. Photograph courtesy of Banyan Tree Escape.
The view from the bath at a private villa at Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, Bali.
The view from the bath at a private villa at Buahan, Banyan Tree Escape, Bali. Photograph courtesy of Banyan Tree Escape.
Bali has long answered the calls of Australians seeking an island getaway. Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, offers an authentic stay deep in the jungle. The adults-only property features 16 private villas, which are designed with a “naked” architecture philosophy – there’s no walls or doors standing between guests and the immersive nature outside. Beyond the breathtaking views, each villa plays host to a king-sized bed, a private plunge pool, terrace dining and a customised mini bar.
The resort’s plant-led drinking and dining offering sources ingredients from an onsite organic garden or within a 50-kilometre radius of the property. And the Toja spa (which is named for the word for water in Indonesian) collaborates with local healers and experts for its wellness-led treatments and experiences. escape.banyantree.com

Swim Sets at The Calile Hotel, Brisbane

The pool at The Calile Hotel
The pool at The Calile Hotel. Photography courtesy of The Pool at The Calile Hotel.

The Calile Hotel amps up its Miami-cool vibes this winter with a roster of DJs hitting the (swim) decks. From Wednesday to Sunday each week, the Brisbane hotel will host DJ sets on the edge of the 30-metre cabana-lined pool. Guests will also receive a $100 credit for Hellenika’s poolside dining. Order a Medusa Met Tommy (the house take on a classic margarita) and a serve of saganaki and you’ll almost believe you’re somewhere in the Mediterranean. The neighbouring James Street precinct is home to Australian shopping favourites, including the Museum of Small Things – a take on the classic lobby shop filled with curated souvenirs to remember your stay. thecalilehotel.com

Race Week, Hamilton Island

Yachts in Hamilton Island Race Week
Hamilton Island Race Week. Photography by Salty Dingo.

From August 17 to 24, keen sailors will drop anchor for another year of Hamilton Island Race Week. As Australian and international boat owners descend on The Whitsundays for the 39th iteration of the yachting competition, all eyes will be on the water (and the wind). But it’s not just about what happens on the turquoise-hued Coral Sea – the shoreline will be packed with festivities, including street parties and beachside dining events for spectators and crew to indulge in. hamiltonislandraceweek.com.au

Oceania Cruises Summer Sale

Riviera Voyage by Oceania Cruises
Riviera Voyage by Oceania Cruises. Photography Courtesy of Oceania Cruises.

Capitalise on the northern hemisphere’s summer sales with discounts on some of Oceania Cruises’s key voyages. The promotion includes discounts of up to 40 per cent off across a range of itineraries. Spend 18 days cruising from Hong Kong to Tokyo and enjoying natural beauty and culinary delights. There’s also a 10-day trip that explores the South Pacific, including stopping at ports in Tahiti and Bora Bora. North American history buffs should board the Insignia and travel from New York to Montreal. With time to explore statuesque mansions in Rhode Island, quaint seaside escapes in Maine and a handful of museums and churches from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland, the 11-day autumn itinerary trails Captain James Cook’s coastal expedition. oceaniacruises.com