This sponsored story was originally published on Travelog.me
Travelling doesn’t always have to be about rushing through your itinerary and ticking off as many sights as possible. Sure, that’s one way of seeing the world, but travelling can offer us so much more stimulation if we let it. Live in the moment and check out these locations that are bound to awaken every single one of your senses.
SIGHT: The First Time You Laid Eyes on Mother Nature’s Wonders
Setting our eyes on mother nature’s wonders can really paint a picture of peace, excitement, and amazement. And we’re on a mission to visit as many as we can! Ever since we watched that adorable movie with that unforgettable orange clown fish, we’ve been obsessed with visiting The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. As the world’s largest coral reef featuring rainbow coloured water and countless marine wildlife, its magnificence speaks for itself!
The Great Barrier Reef is so big that staying a few days might just be your best bet. A stay at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas is your perfect launching pad, thanks to its convenient location right between the reef and Daintree Forest. Partnering up with Destination Cairns, staying here makes it extremely easy (and a blast!) to head out on diving, snorkeling and reef cruises. And if taking it all in from the sky is more your thing, get an aerial view from one of the available heli tours. This World Heritage-listed wonder is one of life’s unexplainable sights that you just have to see in person for yourself.
And the property ain’t too shabby either – joking, this place is what dreams are made of! Surrounded by hectares upon hectares of lush tropical greenery, miles of salty lagoon pools, and chic spacious rooms, you’re living it up from the moment you walk onto the resort! If you’re travelling with the kids, Sheraton has you covered with a massive pool adventure playground, table tennis, and a golf course that’ll keep them pretty busy. You can then settle down with the fam by taking a dip in the ocean or escape the sun and chill out in your own private cabana with a cocktail in hand. When the kids work up an appetite, spoil them at Harrisons with some fancy coral trout and get a rib eye steak for dad.
SMELL – The First Time You Smelled The Salty Scent of the Ocean
One of our favourite senses has got to be the gift of scent, as we’re all about following your nose. Close your eyes, and remember that very first time you smelled the ocean as it washed over you like a blanket. There’s just something about that salty, briny, and fresh scent that will make you dream of lying on the beach all day while catching some sun. And if you’ve never had the chance to experience this, do your nose a favor and get yourself beachside.
Fill those lungs up with the ocean breeze and have a ton of fun at tropical Fiji. With crystal clear lagoons and sandy beaches decorated with palm trees, this is the #beachvacay you need to take. Our go-to Fiji island is Denarau Island, which of course features gorgeous beaches, but you’ll also get to live it up resort-style. Stay at the Sheraton Fiji Resort and catch some salt in your hair and breathe in the fresh ocean with the whole beachfront to yourself! Don’t just stand on the beach admiring the water though. Try out kayaking, wave boarding, wind surfing or charter a boat – it’s all going to bring back all those awesome memories of being out there on the water!
And what if we told you this trip would also mean getting to explore 3 resorts for the price of 1? Score! Sheraton shares the same complex as The Westin Denarau Resort & Spa and Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, which means you get access to all of the facilities at any of these properties. Talk about options – learn how to golf, take a helicopter ride over the surrounding islands, and finish it all up watching the Fijian Meke dance, a traditional performance with some daring barefoot walks over scorching rocks. Your nose will have sensory overload, but in a good way, and this will go down as one of your trips of a lifetime!
TOUCH: The First Time You Felt Complete Bliss
We know it’s only February, but it’s never too early to treat yourself, right? There’s nothing more therapeutic than pressing that reset button and getting your mind, body and soul totally refreshed. Imagine an entire day dedicated to pampering yourself with a much-needed massage to iron out all of those tight knots in your shoulders, and a rejuvenating facial to bring you back to life!
If a little relaxation and self-care is what you need, have that all taken care of at the On The Park Rejuvenation Day Spa, Sydney. Nestled on level 22 of Sheraton on the Park Sydney, this hidden gem is a city getaway for tired and weary bodies. Entering through its frosted doors, you’ll feel immediately leave the busy world behind and enter into a paradise oasis of calm and tranquillity. Once inside, take your pick from deep tissue massages, hydrating facials and even Thalgo Signature Spa Rituals. Whichever you decide, know that you’re in the hands of trusted Spa Angel. And before your desired treatment, make sure to try out their amazing spa facilities! The rooftop swimming pool and jacuzzi will make for some great Instagram moments of your “all about me” day.
And if you’d rather just stay in one of the Sheraton’s amazing rooms instead, opt to have a treatment done in the privacy of your suite! With the completion of a recent makeover, the rooms and suites are next-level luxurious! Think modern interior design with classically elegant features like chaise lounges and walk-in wardrobes that remind you of home. If you can tear yourself away from your room, head downstairs to the stunning The Conservatory Bar. Have a pre-dinner vintage red on the outdoor terrace and watch Sydney twinkle as night falls before satisfying your every seafood desire at one of Australia’s most loved buffets, Feast.
TASTE: The First Time You Tasted a New Culture
Is it just us, but does tasting a new flavour for the first time set your foodie sensors into overdrive? With foodspiration driving our motives to get out there and travel, it’s amazing to see how an amazing dish can open our hearts to the rich history of different cultures, people and traditions. From eating street food elbow-to-elbow with locals to dining at the chef’s table, culinary adventures open our eyes to a variety of aromatic flavours while exploring the world. Looking for your next food-filled journey? We have one destination that we know you’re gonna love!
Known as the Paris of the Pacific, New Caledonia was originally inhabited by the indigenous Melanesian tribes and was later colonised by the French. Just east of Austalia, the only way to properly experience their culture is indulging in the island’s traditional cuisines. Book a table at La Pirogue Restaurant at Le Meridien Isle of Pines where their expertise lies in recreating traditional dishes. Order the signature Bougna, a local dish that comes with perfectly prepared lobster, fish or chicken that is packed with yams, sweet potatoes and rich coconut milk – all wrapped up tightly in banana leaves and cooked over hot stones. Paired with a gorgeous expansive view overlooking the beach, this is bound to be a meal to remember!
Your culinary getaway doesn’t stop there as you make your way to the Le Meridien and enjoy their culinary program. Filled with French-inspired delights, enjoy classic cocktails with an inventive twist, traditional Parisian eclairs and coffee with coconut syrup – your taste buds will be more than satiated! Le Meridien also offers free daily activities such as cooking classes where you’ll get to get your hands dirty and create your own traditional dishes from scratch!
SOUND – The First Time You Heard Nature’s Peaceful Sounds
Life just seems to fly by, meeting-after-meeting, and the buzz of the city through another hectic work week seems to be all but routine. You’ll have to trust us on this if you’ve never had the chance to just close your eyes, sit back, and listen to the sounds of our natural surroundings. Replace noisy cars with the sounds of nature, allowing you to clear your mind, feel calm, and reconnect with yourself. The perfect spot to let your ears guide your soul is Bali and all its natural beauty. The Island of the Gods is well known for being just what the doctor ordered for frazzled souls that need to tune out the world and start looking inwards for a little peace.
For a retreat where all your wellness needs are more than well looked after, check yourself right into The Westin, Nusa Dua Bali. The property is situated on a tropically landscaped area, allowing you to truly emerge yourself in nature. The entire resort is dedicated to ensure that you feel relaxed and rejuvenated as you take time out from your daily demands. Carve time out in your schedule for a yoga sequence with The Westin’s Resident Wellness Specialist, Jitendra Pokhriyal. Silence the mind chatter and relax into the sound of your own breath and heartbeat as you move through calming yoga poses that will help soothe any physical and emotional tension.
Of course, it also helps that the beachfront property features soft white sand you can easily sink your feet into and rolling views of the Indian Ocean. Spend some quiet time there listening to the waves and feel yourself melting into a state of peace. And if you’re up for something more active, spend the day playing to your heart’s content – surf, snorkel, scuba dive or try out a game of volleyball. Whatever it is, take it nice and slow. When sleep calls, retire to The Westin’s elegantly designed rooms and suites featuring their award-winning Heavenly® Bed and wake up feeling revitalized and ready to do it all again!
We all have different senses that keep us going, let us rest and get us pumped up for life! If you want to let your body lead your next getaway, Book This Minute with Marriott, and let your senses embrace the elements!