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The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Hot tubs, cinema: top luxury holiday homes luring Aussies overseas
Villa Ivana in Dubrovnik, Croatia. By Sarah Falson From eight-bedroom villas in Bali to cave suites in Santorini, Australian travellers are upping their game when it comes to luxury overseas accommodation. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading All articles from our website The digital version of Today's Paper All other in your area When a hotel room just won't do, a holiday home can be just the ticket when you want more space and amenities like a pool, sauna or games room. Aussies have traditionally booked holiday homes for a domestic getaway, but now more are looking to holiday homes overseas to fill their wildest desires. This is according to Stayz which has released its list of top international holiday homes and amenities matter - think saunas, private pools, alfresco dining and expansive terraces. Stayz travel expert Sarah King said more Aussies are booking private overseas stays in Greece, Italy and Croatia. "Increasingly, Aussies are looking for more than just a room to sleep in, they want memorable stays that bring the destination to life and become a trip highlight," Ms King said. "In many instances, these homes offer private views, standout amenities, unique experiences, and sometimes better value than traditional accommodation." Here are some of Stayz's top holiday homes in top international destinations this winter. Queenstown, New Zealand: Enjoy mountain views to die for at this luxury alpine escape in the heart of Queenstown. Lake Panorama Villa has three bedrooms, so grab your besties and enjoy the private outdoor hot tub, outdoor dining area and indoor gas fireplace. Lake Panorama Villa, Queenstown, NZ. Bali, Indonesia: Australia's favourite international holiday spot just got better with this next-level escape in Seminyak boasting eight bedrooms, a private jacuzzi, sauna and cinema. If you can drag yourself away from Villa Vienna, it's also close to Bali's beaches and nightlife. Villa Vienna, Seminyak, Indonesia. Rome, Italy: Stay in a Roman apartment just minutes from the Pantheon. Argentina Luxury Terrace boasts a private hot tub and a rooftop terrace where you can sip sunset aperitivos in the heart of the Eternal City. Argentina Luxury Terrace, Rome, Italy. Dubrovnik, Croatia: An ideal stay for families above the Adriatic in the village of Mlini, Villa Ivana offers panoramic sea views and a private infinity pool and is a short drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town. Popular with families or groups seeking a coastal escape. Santorini, Greece: You can stay in a suite in a cliff in Santorini. Not only that, Cave Suite has a private terrace with a hot tub where you can enjoy sweeping caldera views, minutes to Oia's sunset spots and cafes. Six out of 10 of the top international holiday home destinations are in Europe, showing Aussies will risk jet lag for cultural cities and Mediterranean coastal escapes. Other destinations in the top 10 were Florence in Italy, London in the UK, NZ's Auckland and Crete in Greece. Cave Suite in Santorini, Greece. When it comes to holiday homes, the breadth and choice of amenities can set them apart from hotels and Aussies are looking for pools, parking for their hire car, internet, a washing machine and air conditioning. Couples are the most likely to choose international holiday homes followed by friend groups and then families. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows more Australians are travelling overseas than before the pandemic. In April 2025, Aussies took 1,044,530 short-term trips, an 8.3 per cent increase compared with the same month in 2024, and 14 per cent higher than the pre-COVID level in April 2019. Indonesia was the most popular destination country, accounting for 13 per cent of all resident returns, followed by New Zealand and Japan. New data from the Japan Tourism Agency shows 2,626,550 Australians descended upon Tokyo between May 2024 and April 2025, up 30 per cent. Australians travelling to Osaka were up 56 per cent and Kyoto rose 33 per cent. April data from Roy Morgan showed 23 per cent of Australians planned to travel overseas in the next 12 months, up from 16 per cent in October 2022 when final pandemic-era restrictions on travel were lifted. However, the data found more Aussies, 57 per cent, were planning domestic holidays, up from 52 per cent a year ago. "Australians have always possessed a deep-seated wanderlust, and these figures confirm our enduring passion for travel," said Roy Morgan head of travel and tourism, Adele Labine-Romain. "While economic factors and confidence levels have certainly been influencing travel decisions for some, the desire to explore remains strong showing a promising future for travel." Words by Sarah Falson Sarah is ACM's travel producer. She believes regional travel is just as fun (if not better) than staying in the big cities and loves any travel experience to do with nature, animals and food!.My all-time favourite destination is ... Cornwall. From the giant seagulls to the blustery beaches, Cornish pasties and fishing villages, it stirs something romantic and seafaring in me. Next on my bucket list is … Mongolia. I want to go somewhere really unique that feels totally foreign and challenges my way of life. My top travel tip is … Don't plan too much. Walk the streets and let it happen. And make sure you check out what's within a few blocks of your hotel - sometimes the best local food is found that way.
News.com.au
02-07-2025
- News.com.au
Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025 revealed
A holiday house in Bali has taken out the top spot in Stayz' Best International Holiday Homes for Aussie travellers in 2025. Aussies are obsessed with Bali so it's no surprise a Balinese villa came out on top – but in terms of dominating the top 10, New Zealand had two holiday homes and Europe had six, with a stunning stay in Hawaii rounding out the list. The winners were based on popularity with Aussie guests, glowing traveller reviews and an unbeatable location and amenities. The homes range from one to eight bedrooms with nightly average rates between $500 and $2,500. 'We know Aussies value privacy, comfort and convenience, so we're seeing a growing demand in Aussies choosing private stays when travelling overseas – a trend that's growing faster than traditional accommodation,' Stayz Travel Expert, Sarah King told 'While a pool remains the top amenity for both international and domestic holiday homes, practical features like parking, internet, airconditioning and a washing machine are in high demand when travelling overseas.' 1. Bali Villa Vienna took out the top spot on the list with the massive eight-bedroom escape in the heart of Seminyak, ticking the wow-factor box. It has a private jacuzzi, sauna, and cinema. Just minutes from Bali's best beaches and night-life, it's an ideal base for a luxury group getaway. Ms King said the island's accessibility, exceptional value and huge range of accommodation options continue to make it a top choice for travellers. 'With more villas being built in Bali, it's no surprise we're seeing more Aussies opt for private stays, especially when they come with such standout amenities as we see with Villa Vienna.' 2. Rome, Italy Argentina Luxury Terrace in Rome came in second. It's a terrace that blends historic charm with modern indulgence. It also has a rooftop terrace with stunning views and a hot tub. All that's missing is an Aperitivo in hand. 'Location plays a big role, especially in culturally rich cities like Rome and Florence, where you can be steps from the Pantheon or tucked in the Tuscan countryside,' Ms King said. 'But it's not the only factor driving traveller demand. What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors.' 3. Queenstown, New Zealand Set in the scenic Dalefield countryside, Speargrass Lodge is a luxury alpine escape with panoramic mountain views. The four-bedroom retreat features a private pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, and media room – just 10 minutes from Queenstown and Arrowtown, yet worlds away in tranquillity. 'New Zealand remains a firm favourite for Aussie travellers and on Stayz we're seeing a 35 per cent increase in interest for Queenstown holiday homes, compared to last year,' Ms King told 'In Auckland, a private apartment gives travellers the space they need to relax and unwind, while still being in the heart of the city, whereas in Queenstown, it's the private cottages and lakeside homes that are most popular with Aussie travellers, where again we see some incredible amenities like private pools, hot tubs and fireplaces.' 4. Florence, Italy Originally built in the XI century, this Montelupo Fiorentino Villa has undergone a meticulous restoration, including six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two kitchens, with stunning views of the Tuscan valleys and countryside. 5. London, United Kingdom Light filled and on the ground-floor, this Contemporary Victorian Apartment is the ideal private space to unwind after a busy day of exploring – just a stone's throw away from some of London's best sights including Hyde Park, Mayfair and Kensington Palace. 6. Auckland, New Zealand It's all about the harbour views at this Heritage Penthouse three-bedroom apartment. Located in the heart of the CBD, it's the perfect private space to relax after a big day of exploring. 'The Heritage Penthouse is a standout for Aussie travellers with its central location and stunning harbour views,' Ms King said. 'Perfectly placed in the heart of the city just steps from the Sky Tower and ferry terminal, the Heritage Penthouse blends luxury and comfort. Especially when travelling with family or friends, Aussies love the convenience of having a full kitchen and laundry.' 7. Dubrovnik, Croatia Perched above the Adriatic in the peaceful village of Mlini, this Infinity Pool Villa offers panoramic sea views, a private infinity pool, and sleek modern interiors. Just a short drive from Dubrovnik's Old Town, it's the perfect blend of seclusion and access, Ms King said it's ideal for families or groups seeking a stylish coastal escape. 8. Santorini, Greece Tucked into the cliffs of Oia, Cave Suite blends traditional charm with modern indulgence. The private terrace with hot tub offers sweeping caldera views, in a serene location just steps from Oia's iconic sunset spots and cafes. 'What truly sets these homes apart is the combination of an unbeatable location with standout features, from rooftop terraces and hot tubs to beautifully restored interiors,' Ms King added. 'There's really no better way to see some of these destinations than in a unique private stay, whether that's a villa with a backdrop of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or a cave suite overlooking the caldera in Santorini.' 9. Crete, Greece Set against the backdrop of Crete's rugged coastline, Modern Minimalistic villa is the ideal stay for families and groups. Beautifully landscaped, including a stunning pool, separate children's pool and nearby alfresco dining area, it's the perfect place to relax and indulge. 'Instead of booking multiple hotel rooms, you get one space that fits everyone, with more privacy and often a lower cost per person,' Ms King said. 10. Maui, Hawaii Offering all the comforts of home in a tropical paradise, this Luxury Oceanview Private Estate offers a peaceful getaway with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Featuring a pool, hot tub and gourmet kitchen, it has all the essentials for a laid-back island stay. 'Each property has a little bit of luxury to it, and what I mean by that is a feature or amenity that Aussies likely don't have in their own homes, such as home cinemas, hot tubs, saunas, gourmet kitchens and stunning alfresco dining areas.'
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Rock star's stunning $4million Gold Coast treehouse escape hits the market
A stunning Gold Coast hideaway favoured by UK rocker Sting has hit the market. The treehouse escape is located in Currumbin in the Gold Coast hinterland and proved a popular retreat for Sting, 73, who had previously described the property as 'peaceful, beautiful and inspiring'. The Gold Coast Bulletin reported that the tranquil property, dubbed 'Katta on Currumbin', was last sold in 2022 for $4.025million. It is on the market once again, with agents taking expressions of interest. Designed by architect Shane Denman, the house was completed in 2004. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Set on a 567 square metre block, the property comprises two self-contained homes, complete with a total of seven bedrooms and four bathrooms. It's also a vista lover's paradise, with the unique home offering uninterrupted coastal views from Currumbin Estuary to Palm Beach in Surfers Paradise. Surrounded by pristine crown land reserve, the property held the title of the area's most popular holiday rental for 15 years through accommodation portal Stayz. Both properties boast high ceilings and glass walls to take full advantage of the idyllic surroundings. The penthouse level features an open-plan living and dining space that opens onto an entertainer's balcony. The kitchen has a butler's pantry, two fridges and on-demand sparkling water. The luxe spaciousness extends to the subsequent three floors too, with each boasting its own outdoor areas for taking in the serenity. 'This is one of the most tightly held locations on the Gold Coast,' listing agent Lisa Papadopoulos told the publication. 'From the moment you arrive, you'll feel it. The air is different here – clean, crisp, alive with the scent of the ocean and rainforest.' Sting and his wife Trudie have been together since 1982, and the couple share the same penchant for healthy living. Their tantric sex life has been a hot topic for decades, after famously claiming to bed each other for hours on end back in the nineties. In a recent interview with The Times, the music legend, 73, and his director wife, 71, who tied the knot in 1992, joked about what goes on behind closed doors, decades after the famous claim. Sting, real name Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, shrugged: 'It could be worse. And the seven hours includes dinner, a movie and five hours of begging.' The star has been plagued by questions about his energetic love life since he once gave the interview in which he boasted about the tantric sex sessions. He previously clarified his infamous admissions during an interview for Bravo series Inside The Actor's Studio in 2014. 'The idea of tantric sex is a spiritual act,' he explained. 'I don't know any purer and better way of expressing a love for another individual than sharing that wonderful, I call it, 'sacrament.' I would stand by it. Not seven hours, but the idea.' He then quipped, 'Seven hours includes movie and dinner,' generating laughs from the audience.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Certain Aussies the ATO is targeting this tax time: 'Don't think they won't notice'
The ATO has listed capital gains tax as a particular focus area that it will be examining this year when it reviews people's tax returns. ATO data indicates that many taxpayers are either not recording taxable disposals or under-declaring the proceeds from sales. This is backed up by a wide variety of third-party data, most recently loan information received from mortgage lenders and information on cryptocurrency ownership received from Australian designated service providers (DSPs). This information is used to identify the buyers and sellers of assets and quantify the related transactions. It isn't just property and cryptocurrency that the ATO has in its sights. Also included are share sales and managed investment transactions. RELATED ATO data reveals $830 tax deductions millions of Aussies miss out on: 'Nothing' $4,400 ATO car tax deduction that most Aussies miss: 'Easy win' Centrelink payment change happening next week: 'Will increase' As a reminder, CGT comes into effect when you dispose of assets. It is calculated based on the difference between the amount you paid for the asset and the amount you disposed of it for. Any profit is subject to CGT, which can potentially be discounted by 50 per cent if you hold the asset for more than 12 months. Your capital gain is worked out like this: Deduct the cost base from the sale proceeds. The cost base is the price you paid for the cryptocurrency plus incidental costs. Next, take away any capital losses you have. Then discount the gain. Individuals are entitled to a 50 per cent discount. The asset must have been held for 12 months or more for the discount to be available. The resulting figure is your net capital gain. This is subject to tax at your marginal rate. To ensure you are meeting your obligations and paying the right amount of tax, you need to calculate a capital gain or capital loss for each asset you dispose of unless an exemption applies. The main CGT exemption is in relation to your main residence. However, if you have used your home to produce income, such as renting out all or part of it through the sharing economy, for example Airbnb or Stayz, or running a business from home, you could still find that CGT applies to the part of the property that was used to earn income. It is vitally important that you keep records of the income-producing period and the portion of the property used to produce income to calculate your capital gain. Another exemption could apply in relation to any business assets that you have sold. The small business CGT concessions are available to reduce or, in some cases, totally eliminate capital gains arising where small businesspeople dispose of their business or part of it. There are four CGT concessions that may apply on the disposal of a small business: The 15-year exemption The 50 per cent reduction The retirement exemption Roll-over of the gain Broadly speaking, the concessions are available provided you run a small business (which for these purposes is one with a turnover of less than $2 million) and the assets being sold are active assets, which basically refers to assets which are used in a business. Shares in a private company can also be active assets if the underlying business of the company is trading in nature, rather than investment-driven. It's worth mentioning, in addition, the general 50 per cent discount which is available against most capital gains arising on the sale of assets, including shares, property and business assets. You will be eligible for this discount – in effect halving the rate of tax – if you have owned the asset for more than 12 months. The main features of the discount are as follows: The discount is available to individuals, trusts, partnerships and complying superannuation funds but not to companies. The rate of the discount is 50 per cent for individuals, trusts and partnerships and 33 1/3rd% for superannuation funds So, don't fall into the trap of thinking the ATO won't notice if you sell an asset for a gain and don't declare it. However, do be aware of the various concessions and exemptions which can reduce your gain. It's always worth talking to a tax agent if you think you are liable to capital gains tax. They will make sure your tax return is correct, complete and that all transactions have been properly disclosed. They will also make sure that you claim any discounts, concessions or exemption available to while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data
Herald Sun
02-06-2025
- Herald Sun
'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
When I think of holidays, my mind usually jumps to far-flung, passport-stamping destinations—the kind that live on vision boards and in frequent flyer fantasies. But a recent getaway gave that thinking a serious reality check. Nestled in the Central West, in a countryside postcard known as Abercorn, I discovered that the ultimate escape doesn't need a customs line. Listed as one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025, Abercorn sits in a valley so peaceful, even the roads don't bother with stop signs. It's wrapped in vineyards, kissed by country air, and just a short drive from the town of Mudgee. A true country getaway that gently yanks you and your family out of city chaos and into something that feels a lot like exhaling for the first time in months. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Abercorn was named one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes for 2025. Image: Supplied RELATED: The best family-friendly property in Australia has been revealed There's a reason why Abercorn is one of the top holiday homes This holiday getaway delivers for both sides of the parenting contract. The kids get disconnected from electronics with wide open spaces and endless adventures. You get silence, scenery, and maybe even coffee that's warm enough to drink! It is the kind of break from routine that will reset everyone. The moment you roll down the long driveway, Abercorn starts showing off. The view stretches out in every direction, with a valley so wide it feels like you've landed in a postcard. And then, just as you're taking that all in, you spot the front entrance. The path to the door is framed by a dreamy arch covered in a carefully curated tangle of greenery, setting the tone before you've even turned the handle. This, I thought, is when the holiday officially begins. Inside, Abercorn instantly delivers on the cosy-meets-stylish promise. Designed to sleep eight, the house manages to feel both spacious and snug at the same time. The open-plan kitchen and living area is perfect for guests to wander from space to space without bumping into anyone, but it also gives everyone enough room to peel off and have their own little corner of calm. For me, the real standout was the massive windows that wrap around the living space, seamlessly inviting the countryside in. They became my favourite spot, perfect for savouring morning coffees, enjoying sunset wines, and soaking in every moment in between. Cosy vibes in the country. Image: Supplied The bedrooms are thoughtfully spread out, with a generous master, two queen rooms, and a sweet twin room that's practically begging for a sibling sleepover. Each space has its own rustic charm, and yes, more of those magical windows so you can wake up to gum trees instead of Google Calendar notifications. But here's where Abercorn really turns the dial up—two fireplaces. One inside for toasty nights curled up with a glass of red, and one outside for marshmallow-roasting sessions under the stars. Whether you're a parent in desperate need of downtime or a couple looking for a quiet spot to reconnect, there's a nook for you. And just when you think the charm has peaked, there's a veggie garden tucked off to the side. You can pick whatever's ripe or just potter around pretending you're Meghan Markle! Feeding the cows with the kids never gets old. Image: Supplied Keeping the whole family entertained Inside Abercorn, the charm just keeps coming. I loved seeing shelves packed with books of every kind, offering a much-needed break from our screens and a chance to dive into a good story. These days, it's so easy to get caught up in our devices, even when we're trying to relax. But if reading isn't your thing, no worries. The games area downstairs is a real gem, with a table tennis table and a bunch of board games that kept the kids busy and our competitive spirits alive. And yes—this is a farm stay, which means there are farm animals, big cows that love to get fed hay. They wander over around 4pm each day for a snack and a sticky beak, and feeding them quickly became a daily highlight. Whether you are an adult or a child this activity is heaps of fun and is something everyone got excited about. Off to sample some of Mudgee's best. Image: Supplied RELATED: Grandymoons: The 2025 travel trend we didn't think we needed If you're keen to explore beyond the property, Mudgee is just down the road and filled with treasures. There's wine tasting for the grown-ups (you've earned it), charming boutiques to browse, and if you time it right, weekend markets bursting with local goodies. I loved wandering through the quiet streets and hidden corners—every path felt like an invitation to slow down and breathe out. Before heading out from Abercorn, I couldn't help but feel thankful for the simple joys we experienced. It was the perfect escape from the digital grind, offering real connection and relaxation. Whether you're chasing family fun or a peaceful retreat, Abercorn greets you with open arms and moments you won't forget. The writer was a guest of Stayz. Originally published as 'I escaped to one of Stayz' top 10 holiday homes. I see why it's award-winning'
