Weird & Wonderful
PLACES TO STAY
VALLEY VIEWS GLAMPING
Otiake, New Zealand
There is glamping, and then there is glamping on the South Island of New Zealand.
Weird & Wonderful
PLACES TO STAY
VALLEY VIEWS GLAMPING
Otiake, New Zealand
The enchanting Valley Views Glamping retreat has unrivalled views of the picturesque Waitaki Valley. But it is at night when the views in this place really come to life as stars whip across an impossibly dark sky.
The enchanting Valley Views Glamping retreat has unrivalled views of the picturesque Waitaki Valley. But it is at night when the views in this place really come to life as stars whip across an impossibly dark sky.
Scattered haphazardly throughout the retreat are six exclusive domes, ranging from six to seven metres in diameter. Each dome is designed with five star comforts while also looking over a seven hectare forest which is ripe for exploring during the day. Now for the best part.... on the property, there are two sets of twin, outdoor tubs, one with uninterrupted views of the valley. Best enjoyed with a New Zealand pinot at sunset. Do yourself a favour and get across the ditch ASAP, because this is unrivalled luxury stargazing.
From AU$275 per night
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THE MYSA MOTEL
Palm Beach, Queensland
You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped straight into a Slim Aarons portrait when you arrive at The Mysa Motel, a sustainable seven-room, pastel-hued oasis located on the iconic Gold Coast Highway.
Formerly known as the Palm Trees Motel, the retro vibes are still strong here, and there are plenty of cheeky nods to the classic motels of old, with breeze block feature walls, fibreglass sun-lounger chairs and neon signage. Even the original kidney-shaped pool remains, although it’s been upgraded to a magnesium mineral version, which has incredible benefits for your skin, hair and muscles. In accordance with striving to be as environmentally friendly as possible, the property relies on rainwater tanks for the toilets and garden, solar panels for energy, and (where possible) vintage and recycled items have been used to furnish the rooms. Why? Because motels are cool again, and who can resist a flashing neon palm tree sign?
From AU$220 per night
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LARNOOK
Kallista, Victoria
The leafy, picturesque Dandenong Ranges provide a glorious backdrop for Larnook, a shipping container-turned-cosy cabin that makes getting off the grid look easy.
Nestled in the rolling hills, this intimate hideaway has a bunch of fancy finishes that elevate it from a simple country hut to something pretty damn special. We’re talking a linen-clad king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors, espresso coffee machine, gas log fireplace and a large deck with an outdoor lounge. This particular level of luxury doesn’t come at a cost to the environment though, as Larnook is powered by solar, batteries and rainwater. There’s plenty to do nearby if you feel like exploring, but we reckon relaxing on the deck while enjoying a local drop and admiring the views is the way to go. Why? All the perks of getting completely off the grid, with a few welcome touches of opulence.
From AU$395 per night, with a two-night minimum stay on Friday and Saturday.
Weird & Wonderful
CABN X
McLaren Vale, South Australia
We all know tiny houses are having a moment, but what if squeezing into a one-room pod isn’t quite your style?
Introducing Cabn X, the larger, more luxurious offshoot of sustainable accommodation company, Cabn. The two lodgings are called Giles and William, and are nestled among the vines of Gemtree Wines, a biodynamic winery in McLaren Vale. Aside from slight variances in materials and colour (William has been fitted with darker timber cuts), both boast a king-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, log fireplace and an outdoor sunken bath. Upon arrival you’ll even find an assortment of yummy goodies from local producers. Best of all though, when you book, Cabn will plant a native tree on your behalf. Why? The idea of a tiny house gives you claustrophobia, but you still want to get away from it all.
From AU$595 per night, with a minimum two-night stay.
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OVOLO SOUTH YARRA
Melbourne, Australia
Ovolo has a knack for opening a new hotel and very quickly establishing a loyal fanbase of guests who don’t just want to stay there, but guests who want to be seen staying there.
When you walk into the lobby of their new 123 room hotel in the chic and elegant inner-Melbourne suburb of South Yarra it’s easy to understand why. A concrete reception desk weighing up to six tonnes, a central fireplace with a bright orange flue and a vast internal light well – the largest in Australia – together help to serve as the beating heart of this avant-garde, designer hotel. The flavour of every room matches the hotel’s self-proclaimed ‘retrofuturistic’ tone and unpredictable approach to design, which leaves you guessing at every corner. Nothing matches, but everything somehow fits perfectly. Why? The old meets the new in this perfect design collision.
From AU$279 per night.
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WARBY MOTEL
Warburton, Victoria
Motels in Australia have an uncanny ability to cast a spell of nostalgia like no other piece of architecture can. A stay in a roadside motel, like the Warby, reaches deep inside you and reminds us all that simplicity, comfort and affordability is the bedrock to any good short stay.
Hit play to see our editor's stay in Warburton, Victoria
Add in the morning call of a Kookaburra, towering Beech trees on either side of the two-bedroom family suite and a common outdoor firepit, and you have something truly special in this quaint mountain town. Just minutes walk from the Warburton township and the Yarra River, this is a mid-century motel made for the winter time. Snug, friendly and warm. The motel owners also offer three hiking and three riding adventures in the surrounding mountains, each of which take less than half a day and are priced between AU$40 and AU$60 inclusive of all return transport and bike hire. That’s a steal.
From AU$138 per night.
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