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.

Nicky Park plays leading lady during a rainy weekend excursion to the Coromandel.

Joanna Mathers uncovers disquieting stories of places where the former inhabitants just don't want to let go ...

This exclusive island on the Great Barrier Reef has six luxury tents with kingsize beds and reef outlooks. For further information see wilsonisland.com.

Caroline Phillips visits Puglia's newest village resort and marvels at the region's food.

Two South Island hotels are looking forward to big spin-offs after appearing on Conde Nast Traveler's 'Hot List'.

Luxury presides at Northland's Carrington Resort, writes Julia Shallcrass.

Despite its remoteness in South Luangwa National Park, Zebra Plains combines discreet indulgence with authentic bush atmosphere.

A quick trip down country allows Alexia Santamaria a break from two little boys and plenty of chances to indulge her feminine side

It's all happening in Queensland - from the reopening of the upgraded Orpheus Island resort to a plan to protect the turtles on Heron Island.

The views from Cumbria's Dome House are spectacular, with Lake Windermere and a great arc of craggy peaks clearly visible over the rooftops of Bowness.

A B&B in the wilds of Montana offers hospitality to wolves as well as humans, writes Rhys Davies.

More than a dozen lighthouses in Sardinia are to be leased to private businesses and converted into boutique hotels.

Bath butlers, shoe removers and fire stokers: tiny Bhutan treats its visitors like members of its royal family, Leah McLennan writes.

You can't help but feel a little frisson of excitement as you pass through the tall iron gates of the Shangri-La in Paris.

Auckland's former Westin Hotel on the edge of the Wynyard Quarter is to be rebranded the...

Danielle Wright spends a weekend on Kawau Island and discovers an ideal lifestyle for resourceful people.

The elegant charm of lakeside Queenstown brings on an old-fashioned feeling of serenity for this lucky couple.