Take a stylish trip down under and indulge in the good life!
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For adrenalin junkies and outdoorsy types, Australia offers every opportunity to tempt fate - from diving with great white sharks to spelunking in the famous Mammoth Cave. But if you're more of an urban adventurer, stick to Sydney and Melbourne, where people take the good life seriously - whether that means strolling along Bondi Beach in a designer sundress or sipping pricey vintages in a Melbourne wine bar. "We are very relaxed," says Sydney-based designer Camilla Franks. "We have sunshine most of the year here, so I think we can celebrate life with a bit of colour."
SYDNEY
The vibe Sleek, suntanned and laid back. Life in Sydney revolves around its world-famous waterfront. "We love the fact that we have the city and the beach in close proximity," says Heidi Middleton, a designer and co-owner of Sydney-based Sass & Bide.
Where to stay
Located near , a historic waterfront district, The Observatory Hotel feels like a posh private club. Take a dip in the indoor pool, which is famous for its domed ceiling lit with fibre optic stars, or splurge on the 90-minute La Prairie Pure Gold Radiance Treatment facial ($262) at the in-house spa.
Where to shop
Sydney is an eclectic mix of suburbs, each with its own distinct retail scene. With its glass roof and wrought-iron balconies, the 19th-century Strand Arcade in Sydney's central business district (or CBD, which is Aussie slang for "downtown") is a charming vestige of the British Empire. It houses upscale boutiques such as Alex Perry and Fleur Wood, as well has fashion-forward shops like The Graduate Store, where emerging designers like Karla Spetic and Michael Lo Sordo get their shot at fame. A 10-minute cab ride from the Strand takes you to the street-chic suburb of Darlinghurst/Surry Hills.
Look for vintage frocks at stores like Shag and Penny Arcade. Head south-east on Oxford Street to the trendy Paddington suburb, the site of flagship stores for Aussie cosmetics king Napoleon Perdis and jean queen Sass & Bide.
