Holidays
Brisbane: Marriott Hotel
Simon Holt The Marriott chain provides itself on service, and here is no exception. If you’re on an executive level floor, it’s nice to be able to overlook the city with a coffee at any time of day.
NSW
Luxury without guilt: the best hotel in Australia reviewed
![Wolgan Valley ... rated Australia's best hotel.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/27/5109517/th-Wolgan-Valley-Pool-90x60.jpg)
Lee Tulloch Lee Tulloch explores the hotel recently named Australia's best by TripAdvisor.
NSW
Weekend Away: Marty's at Little Beach, Port Stephens
Sarah Maguire Sarah Maguire does a family getaway in Port Stephens.
South Africa
Wildly indulgent
Holidaying safari style is out of this world, finds Louise Southerden.
Luxe Nomad
A $60 salad? Welcome to the joys of room service
![Room service ... the reality doesn't always match the fantasy.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/24/5102864/trv-th-Room-Service-20140124142802195492-90x60.jpg)
Lee Tulloch I stayed at a reputable Paris hotel where a plate of chopped lettuce with dressing was listed on the room-service menu at $60.
Air travel
Stop whingeing: five reasons flying economy class is great
![Economy Class air travel](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2013/10/11/4823323/th-Economy-Class-Legs-90x60.jpg)
Mark Juddery It must be one of the most commonly heard travel complaints: the misery of flying economy class.
Travellers' Check
Virgin opens up its business lounges to everyone, for a price
Travellers' Check Virgin will allow all travellers, including economy passengers, to access its lounges for a price. But is it a good idea?
USA
California dreaming
Michael Idato discovers absolute luxury can seem effortless, in true Hollywood style.
Thailand
Pachyderms in the mist
A trip to a Thai national park means elephants and much, much more, writes Danielle Teutsch.
New Zealand
Here's one for the birds
![Wellington](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/17/5085324/Dan-20140117143326925677-90x60.jpg)
Julietta Jameson goes bush in an innovative New Zealand bird sanctuary.
Mama Holiday
Don't risk losing your digital holiday photos
![Mother taking picture of child by smartphone](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/17/5085322/Dan-20140117153045624303-90x60.jpg)
Tracey Spicer The digital age has spawned a plethora of products to replace the family photo album.
NSW
Weekend Away: Sydney
Rachael Oakes-Ash does some serious relaxing at the Intercontinental Sydney.
Victoria
Weekend Away: Myrtleford
Sue Wallace finds a classy family retreat near Myrtleford, Victoria.
The Backpacker
When are you too young to travel?
![Thailand beach young tourist](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/14/5075946/th-Young-Traveller-in-Thailand-90x60.jpg)
The Backpacker Should you travel when you're fresh out of high school or wait until you're a little more mature?
Killarney: Spring Creek Mountain Cottages
![Spring Creek Mountain Cafe and Cottages at Killarney. The morning view](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/14/5075460/SH-spring-thumb_20140114141246401089-90x60.jpg)
Simon Holt Good old-fashioned country hospitality is a highlight. Host Bev Ruskey does the cooking herself. Her beef and shiraz pie is legendary among regular guests.
Spring Creek Mountain Cafe and Cottages
Spring Creek Mountain Cafe and Cottages
Noosa Heads: Sheraton Noosa Resort
![Sheraton Noosa is well located in Noosa, near Hastings St.](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/03/5051179/SH-sheratonn-thumb-20140103181653989295-90x60.jpg)
Simon Holt Sheraton Noosa has lifted its game. The refurbishment to rooms and the broader common spaces has given it a fresh lift, and the addition of Peter Kuruvita’s menu to the kitchen has made a big...
NSW
Town and country
![Novotel Newcastle](http://web.archive.org./web/20140129141000im_/http://images.smh.com.au/2014/01/10/5067402/Dan-20140110122157236146-90x60.jpg)
From heritage style to hipster hangouts, you'll find it in Newcastle, writes Danielle Teutsch.