Fiji’s most fabulous
Adding to a very select group of truly luxurious offerings in Fiji, property magnate Lang Walker  says his much-anticipated ultra-luxe Kokomo Island Resort, will have a soft opening this December (2016), with an official opening in March 2017. The resort will have 21 beachfront villas with individual pools plus a beach front residence and five hilltop residences, each with three to six bedrooms. Walker knows the problems of getting decent island food so has recruited a top Aussie executive chef, previously working in Maldives and Oman. Walker is a keen diver and sailor and says, “This is a passion project for my family, and Kokomo Island embodies my main interests - relaxing on the water’s edge and enjoying myriad activities on the water”. The bures are dotted along the island’s two longest beaches an built in traditional Fijian style. The island is part of the Kadavu Island group and is surrounded by the world-famous Astrolabe Reef.  www.kokomislandfiji.com

Vineyard Luxury
The development of the cutely named Jackalope Hotel (Q: what is a Jackalope? A: Mythical antlered rabbit) on the Willow Creek vineyard is due for completion early in 2017. The 46-room luxury boutique hotel will feature a stunning 30-metre infinity pool overlooking the vines, and an 80-seat fine dining restaurant. At the same time the former Willow Creek cellar door and restaurant will re-open. Look out for Willow Creek wines and an exciting new wine label –could it feature antlers and a fluffy tail by any chance? www.jackalopehotels.com.

Ocean Road Opulence
Alkina Lodge on Victoria’s Great Open Road has been open just over a year but already it’s a winner, having just won the Luxperience Inspiring Exhibitor Award 2016. It is easy to see why :designed by architects Glen Muncutt and Wendy Lewin with angular lines and wide windows this is like no other lodge on offer  on the road.  Majestic views over the Southern Ocean and the fact that it is 400 metres from the great Ocean Road walking track make this one an A-list offering. Up to 24 guests can be accommodated in three separate four-bed residences.  www.alkinalodge.com.au

Le Corbusier in Cambodia
On Cambodia’s southern coast near the small town of Kep you’ll find Knai Bang Chatt (which means ‘a rainbow encircling the sun”). In private grounds overlooking the Gulf of Siam are five re-worked 1950s Modernist villas. Including three designed by proteges of legendary Cambodian architect Vann Molyvann (a student of Le Corbusier) they are a white cubist fantasy in a green jungle setting. In keeping with the Buddhist rainbow image Knai Bang Chatt offers yoga and meditation from some of the world’s most enlightened teachers.  www.knaibangchatt.com

Heavenly Helena
Three kilometres of pristine coastline, four private beaches and unparalleled tranquillity make Helena Bay - due to open November 2016 - a must for the pre-Christmas wishlist. Situated in n the northeast corner of New Zealand’s North Island the lodges will offer villa and junior suites with waterfront balconies and hypoallergenic pillows, duvets by Hefel of Austria, Feiler towelling from Germany and Molton Bown amenities from the UK . www.helenabay.com

The juice on Orange County
Inspired by the splendour of the Vijayanagara Empire, Orange County, Hampi  (not that Orange County –this one’s in India) , is a luxury boutique resort with fort like entrances, stone-paved boulevards, arched hallways and regal chambers  built to mirror the famed India palaces of the glorious era of the Maharajahs. Orange County Resorts and Hotels Ltd. is committed to the concept of ‘Responsible Tourism’ and opened its first resort, an Ayevedic spa, in 2000. The palace hotel at Hampi is the latest offering which opened last year. Book a top Zenana Palace Suite to really channel the atmosphere. 
www.orangecounty.in

Over the Top Golf
For the golfer who has done it all we suggest this fun offering from the cutting edge helicopter company, Over the Top. In association with the Golf Warehouse  the company brings you the brings you New Zealand's most picturesque golf hole. At 4500 feet in the Southern Alps this par 3 golf experience overlooks Queenstown. There are four tee boxes for the altitude golfer to attempt their hole in one. With Over The Top helicopter access only, players will fly in, drive, chip, and putt out on the top. www.overthetopgolf.co.nz