Sean Mooney gets a first-hand history lesson at the heritage-listed Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury hotel.

Rhiannon Batten discovers a gingerbread house with gourmet extras in the historic market town of Knaresborough.

This 'barn' getaway is design-fabulous and about as un-rustic as a cottage in mid-Wales can be. Light floods into the colossal living room upstairs through substantial glass panels cut into the sides and the gable end - but instead of delivering a Manhattan-style skyline, the panorama serves as an ever present reminder of rural bliss.

For further information see redkitebarn.co.uk.

Can accommodation be all things to all people? Samuel Muston checks in to find out.

This boutique New York City hotel is one of a growing number of accommodation providers to invert the 'gay-friendly' tag and market itself as a 'straight-friendly gay hotel'.

For further information see theoutnyc.com.

Hotel chains in the rowdy Mallorcan resort town are aiming to attract a more upmarket clientele as Spain's financial crisis bites.

There's a spot in Waiuku where your troubles are kneaded away, writes Eveline Harvey.

Located on tiny Dolphin (Yanuca) Island just north of Fiji's main island Viti Levu, this boutique hotel an idyllic place to get away from it all.

For further information see mrandmrssmith.com.

Set on the third floor of a 19th century building overlooking the Bosphorus, this spacious apartment can comfortably accommodate up to six people in its three bedrooms.

For further information see istanbulplace.com.

Belinda Henley discovers a unique five-star accommodation offering on a working high country farm near Wanaka.

Banff is picture-postcard perfect, but as Kathryn Powley finds, you need to keep an eye out for the wildlife.

Danielle Wright takes a look at NZ's more unusual accommodation options.

Spa nudges guests into healthier lifestyles, writes Anne Gibson.

Luke Blackall saddles up for the first time during a visit to a wonderfully remote Montana ranch.

Leah McLennan spends two nights sampling the array of relaxation options on offer at Sir Richard Branson's heart-shaped Australian getaway.

Just down the road from the Sunshine Coast airport, Novotel Twin Waters Resort is an expansive haven that you'd never have to leave if you didn't feel the need to explore.

Catherine Smith swaps the suburbs for the city and enjoys a foretaste of her dream future.

With a number of fine dining options and the East Day Spa on site, this central Auckland hotel is a great place for a weekend city break.

For further information see skycityauckland.co.nz.

Kerri Jackson takes off to south-western Thailand for a winter break at Club Med's newly revamped Phuket resort.

This resort on the south-western Thai island of Phuket was revamped in early 2012 and now includes an adults-only zen area in addition to its wide range of family-friendly activities.

For further information see clubmed.co.nz.

Ewan McDonald gets a glimpse into how the other half lives when he checks in for a night of pop star-style pampering.

This hotel in central Auckland has played host to everyone from Bill Clinton to Lady Gaga over the years. If you fancy a spot of popstar pampering, check in to its Governor's Suite.

For further information see stamfordhotel.co.nz.

Chris Pritchard retraces the steps of the spies who inhabited Saigon during the Vietnam War.

This luxury lodge, located on beautiful Kangaroo Island off mainland South Australia, is a great place to getaway for an indulgent weekend.

For further information see southernoceanlodge.com.au.

Christina Patterson escapes to a beautiful spot in northern Italy for a weekend of rest and relaxation.

Farm industry and wildlife co-exist on South Australia's Kangaroo Island, finds Kate Shuttleworth.

A luxury New Zealand lodge has been judged as providing perfect service by an international travel magazine.