Nestled in the verdant foothills of the symbolic mountain of Hidari Daimonji, a one-hour drive from Japan’s Osaka International Airport, Aman Kyoto is a place of immense beauty, where small jizo statues sit contentedly among the luminescent leaves of the yamamomiji maples. The understated resort perfectly tempers privacy, relaxation and rejuvenation with the vibrancy of Japan’s ancient imperial capital, home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Facing the tramline on High Street in Thornbury, Prior is a chic neighbourhood cafe that opened its doors to the inner Melbourne suburb in early 2020. Observing the eatery from the street, the building, a former print shop, is crowned by typically Art Deco detailing. Dramatic black windows frame the entrance of the 130-seat cafe while an equally theatrical awning is emblazoned with the single word ‘Prior’, positioned front and centre as if to indicate its strength as a headline act in this neck of the woods.

Taking its inspiration from chef Sergio Giraldo and bartender Cristóbal Bouchet's shared dream to open their own restaurant, La Sastrería is a wondrous establishment in Valencia, Spain, designed by local creative consultancy Masquespacio. As with most of Masquespacio’s endeavours, the aim of the La Sastrería project was to fulfill the ambitious vision of young entrepreneurs. In this instance, a hospitable duo who seek to spearhead new culinary and sensorial experiences in the local area.

In Los Angeles, locals describe the Santa Monica neighbourhood as Silicon Beach, the surfside equivalent of Silicon Valley, due to the concentration of technology, entertainment and digital media companies that have established offices just a few blocks from the ocean. Among the liveliness, the Santa Monica Proper hotel has become a smash-hit since opening mid-2019, winning the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Nestled within a six-storey Spanish Colonial Revival-style building originally designed by Arthur E. Harvey in 1928 and renovated by Howard Laks Architects, the light-filled interiors of the hotel were created by famed American designer Kelly Wearstler.

Multi-disciplinary firm Say Architects has conceived the pared-back Angleot in Hangzhou, China – a patisserie that challenges the senses and tradition in equal measure. Presented with an awkward storefront that was mostly blocked by an existing ventilation shaft, and an unsightly view from the rear of the site, the design team opted to create an experience that looks within, plays with light and fragrance, and unfolds slowly.

In a pre-pandemic universe, Australians were one of the top ten nationalities to frequently touchdown in Japan. So as murmurs grow louder about the potential of a travel bubble opening up between the two countries, it comes as no surprise that ‘the best places to stay in Japan?' is a regular question found in our Google search history results.

We all have to eat and drink. Yes, there are times when plain old dinner turns to degustation. On occasion, libations might be merrier than a mocktail, too.

A particularly fabulous feast or a spot-hitting tipple is likely to set tongues wagging – there’s no denying that word-of-mouth recommendations are absolutley irreplaceable.

But when a top-notch culinary experience is partnered with a thoughtfully designed destination, the act of heading out to drink and dine is simply irresistible.

Revolving brass arms held aloft by concrete columns mark the passage of time on the corner of James and Doggett Streets in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. A symbol of civic connection, clock towers like these are usually reserved for train stations and city halls. Here, this timepiece announces the civic intentions of recently completed The Calile Hotel. It also marks a cornerstone in the comprehensive body of work realised by its architects, Ingrid Richards and Adrian Spence of Brisbane practice Richards and Spence.

Claiming the title of Sydney’s highest cocktail lounge, the all-new Bar 83 places guests at a soaring 83 floors (245 metres) above ground level. Located in the heart of the city with panoramic views as its backdrop, the suave-looking bolthole was designed by local Sydney firm Loopcreative who have rolled out the red carpet for a space-age scheme with a nostalgic nod to classic sci-fi film sets.

The brilliant turquoise waters and pure white sands of the Maldives are no stranger to luxury-seeking globetrotters. The region's Ministry of Tourism revealed that more than 1.7 million travellers flocked to the country in 2019, the highest amount of visitors to the archipelago in one year. Although the travel industry has been dealt one of the harshest blows during the Covid-19 pandemic, world-leading luxury resort outfit Soneva is ever-optimistic for similar stats in the near future, moving ahead with its plans to open Soneva Fushi's new over-water retreats this August.