Shining a light on unique Yukon experiences

Canada's Yukon Territory has an intriguing "otherworldliness" vibe. 

For travellers seeking an immersive winter wilderness experience Aurora Island has launched a unique way to experience one of the world's greatest natural phenomena: the aurora borealis.

This new three-day, two-night retreat by Up North Adventures is situated on an island in the middle of 10 Mile Lake, accessible by private charter flight from the Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse. 

The plane lands directly on the frozen lake. 

The all-inclusive experience includes transportation, accommodation, meals and activities, allowing guests to settle in and experience the Yukon at its most wild and serene before enjoying the northern lights.

Surrounded by snow-covered trees, the glittering lake and expansive winter skies, guests can spend their days ice fishing, snowmobiling and exploring the island on snowshoes. Or maybe having a sauna. 

Resident wildlife includes foxes, hares, moose, deer and they might spot even the elusive lynx. 

Meals are prepared using local ingredients, Maybe enjoy a campfire lunch in the snow-drenched wilderness.

In the evening, guests can chill in heated viewing spaces while enjoying uninterrupted views of Yukon’s dark skies, famous for their spectacular displays of the aurora.

Aurora Island is billed as "the ultimate setting for unforgettable winter nights as the northern lights shimmer and ripple across an inky sky".

For more info you can check out Up North Adventures – Aurora Island Adventure Retreat

* Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and Brisbane. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Internal flights to Whitehorse and Dawson City are available on Air North and Air Canada. Additionally, travellers now have the ability to combine WestJet and Air North on a single ticket or itinerary, offering seamless baggage transfer and convenience across Air North’s network and more than 100 WestJet destinations. 

More information, including travel guidelines, visit travelyukon.com

Head to Slovenia for a monastic experience

Fancy sleeping in a former monastery? Slovenia can deliver that.

Mekinje Monastery has introduced a distinctive new hospitality concept - an overnight stay designed as a retreat into silence, simplicity and the culture of the mid-20th century.

Conceived for individuals and couples seeking respite from the pressures of modern life, constant connectivity and digital noise, the program offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect. 

Guests stay in renovated monastic rooms furnished with restored pieces from the former Kamnik monastery.

The interiors echo the 1950s with the architectural and cultural landmark said to offer "dignified presence and contemplative ambience".

The rural location is surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.



An essential part of the experience is discovering the monastery’s history - dating back to 1300 - and the lives of the monks and nuns, including Ursuline and Poor Clare sisters.

Visitors can explore exhibitions, join guided tours of the monastery and chapel and discover herbal products from the monastery garden. Mornings begin with a simple herb-infused breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients.

Additional experiences can be arranged in advance, including herbal and culinary workshops, orchard visits, guided tours and options dedicated to calming body and mind - from yoga and meditation to sound and mindfulness workshops.

Overnight rates start at €70 per person and curated multi-day packages are available – from experiences celebrating traditions beneath the Kamnik mountains to family retreats tailored monastic packages for seniors.

See https://monasterymekinje.eu/

Photos: Blaž Muc

Meet a new luxury rural retreat

The beautiful northern New South Wales hinterland has a new luxury rural retreat.

The Brooklet officially opens for bookings on June 24 and is described as "a luxury accommodation, wellness and hospitality collective".

The Brooklet is the creation of Greta Smith and her family who, after travelling to Byron Bay more than 30 years ago, dreamed of creating their own getaway.

The retreat is situated in the small hamlet of Brooklet, a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay, five minutes from Newrybar and eight minutes from Bangalow.

The Brooklet offers three one-bedroom and three two-bedroom villas, while The Bails, a restored 100-year-old milking shed, sleeps up to six people in three king bedrooms and has its own private mineral water pool.

The property sits on 125-acres and highlights include the 25-metre tiled mineral pool, hot tub, rainwater shower, gymnasium, infra-red sauna and outdoor ice bath plus a tennis court.

For the adventurous, there are walking trails to a waterhole.



The Bar is billed as being perfect for a long lunch overlooking the pool and rolling hills, or dinner under the stars.

The Deck, connecting The Barn and The Bar, overlooks the pool while The Kitchen, built outdoors, "offers an immersive food and beverage experience where guests can gather to watch dishes being created by executive chef Simon Favorito and his team".

Much of the produce will be locally sourced produce or from the property's organic vegetable garden and orchard.

Rates at The Brooklet will start from $750 per couple per night.

For enquiries and bookings see https://www.thebrooklet.com.au/

Somewhere special looking to stay just an hour from Sydney

I usually prefer to experience accommodation before writing about it: check out whether the vibe and the reality match the hype.

Then I saw the photos of Marramarra Lodge - one of Australia's newest luxury retreats - and immediately added it to my bucket list.

What I'm reporting here is what the team at Destination NSW posted - but MarraMarra Lodge certainly looks spectacular.

The lodge is retreat overlooking the delightful Hawkesbury River at Berowra Waters - a location shared by the nearby Berowra Waters Inn, one one of Australia's most famous eateries.

A brief boat transfer takes you either to your glamping tent (um, maybe not) or a modern bungalow. Or you could opt for a seaplane option.  

Marramarra Lodge is on the edge Marramarra National Park and the only access is by river, which ensures peace and quiet.

Guests can enjoy degustation dinners, light lunches and full breakfasts in Budyari Restaurant, which the website says are "prepared by Marramarra Lodge's Michelin-starred chef"

Now chefs don't get Michelin stars, restaurants do. You take your star with you. But it looks as if 

Jerome Tremoulet has a fabulous CV so maybe I'm just being picky.

The resort has its own Iyora Day Spa and canoes and kayaks are available for exploring the river.

Private local excursions can be arranged to sightsee the Hawkesbury, local pearl and oyster farms, as ell as experiences such as the jet skiing.

All rates include scheduled transfers between Mooney Mooney and Marramarra Lodge, meals, Sodashi amenities, mini-bar selections and house wines and beverages.

Someday soon, maybe. But it's good to dream once in a while.

You'll find all the details here, but do make sure to pack your black American Express card. 

https://marramarralodge.com/stay/