The view: Saltwater Sunrise, Falmouth, Tasmania

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Check out the view: Saltwater Sunrise, Falmouth, Tasmania

 

Surprisingly, looking at this picture, this alluring haçienda, Saltwater Sunrise, is not sitting pretty on a far-flung coast of Mexico. Instead, its home is the equally captivating – but less exotic – north-east of Tasmania.

 

Saltwater Sunrise is a collection of three private villas located almost mid-way between Bay of Fires and Freycinet National Park in Falmouth, a tiny little seaside hamlet with a squeaky-clean beach and turquoise waters.

 

Known for its million-dollar views (and million-dollar clifftop houses) looking across the Tasman Sea, Falmouth is a wonderful spot to be between May and September when majestic humpback and southern right whales migrate south right under your nose. Guests can potter down to the private beach, which is scattered with those remarkable east coast Tassie boulders, and wave to them from there.

The view Saltwater Sunrise Falmouth Tasmania

Sleep-in central: Saltwater Sunrise, Falmouth, Tasmania.

Each of the villas sleeps two and is decked out in a fresh beachy theme with a king-size bed, spacious bathroom and kitchenette. There are also two other buildings available to provide extra space for dining and relaxing, one of which boasts an indoor jacuzzi – where’s the bubbly?

 

Be sure to pick up a bottle on your way, along with other provisions for your stay. Although not in complete isolation (the closest shops are a 15-minute drive away), you’d best be prepared. Or pre-order picnic hampers and breakfast, which are made up of fresh, local produce by your friendly hosts.

 

We must warn you, though: don’t come here if you’re not into long sleep-ins, languid beach walks, and reading books to the sound of crashing waves – because that is exactly what this place is all about.

 

From $250 per night; saltwatersunrise.com.au

Once just for holiday rentals, Airbnb now plans your whole trip

    By Emily Murphy
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    From art tours in Melbourne to Bowral beehives, Airbnb has just launched its biggest evolution yet.

    Forget scrolling endless booking sites or relying on travel agents to curate your perfect escape. Airbnb’s latest global release redefines what the platform can offer, moving beyond accommodation to become a full-service travel companion that plans your entire trip.

    Luxury services are now bookable

    Airbnb Experiences flow on phone

    Book experiences and services through Airbnb now. (Image: Airbnb)

    At the centre of the shake-up is Airbnb Services, a brand-new offering that lets users book top-tier professionals across 10 categories, with five of those launching in Sydney and Melbourne.

    Need a private chef for an anniversary dinner? Want a photo shoot with an award-winning photographer? Prefer to skip the supermarket and have your Airbnb fridge pre-stocked before you arrive? It’s all now possible, straight from the app.

    And these aren’t just any service providers – we’re talking Michelin-starred chefs, renowned wellness practitioners with serious credibility and more.

    Experiences that go way beyond the standard city tour

    AirBeenBee honey Airbnb Experience in Bowral

    Travellers can book a honey experience in Bowral. (Image: Airbnb)

    Also making a big comeback: Airbnb Experiences, now completely reimagined and relaunched with a sharper focus on expertise, authenticity and local flavour.

    The new line-up includes thousands of activities hosted by locals who know their cities best – and Aussies are already embracing the idea. You can now book everything from tasting rare honey straight from the hive in Bowral to a deep dive into Melbourne’s street art with an artist.

    Duckboard Place street art

    Airbnb Experiences can be booked in your own city. (Artwork: Middle: Steen Jones/Right: Lukas Kaspar)

    It’s not just for travellers, either. Airbnb reports that over 40 per cent of Australians say they’re keen to use Experiences to explore their own backyard.

    The categories span everything from history and culture to food and drink, art and design, entertainment, fitness, wellness and nature, with new options rolling out globally and across Sydney and Melbourne this season.

    Next-level exclusives hosted by global icons

    Megan Thee Stallion eating ramen for Otaku Hottie Quest

    Airbnb Originals are one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures. (Image: Adrienne Raquel)

    And for those seeking something truly out of the ordinary, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Originals: one-of-a-kind experiences hosted by world-renowned figures, exclusively for the platform.

    Think making croissants with a French pastry legend, playing volleyball with an Olympian in Rio, or even cosplaying with Megan Thee Stallion at her Otaku Hottie Quest.

    You can also toss a football with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City or join K-pop royalty SEVENTEEN in Seoul for an exclusive fan celebration.

    For Aussie travellers, it’s all part of a broader shift: from simply booking a place to sleep, to curating unforgettable moments – all in one tap.