Travel through the pages

Saint Augustine once famously wrote that the world is a book, and those who don’t travel read merely a page. However, with the right books in your hands, whether you’re travelling on a plane or simply in an armchair, the world can open up a little more before your very eyes. Travel through the pages with six glossy beauties we love.

Great Hiking Trails of the World

By Karen Berger

Lovingly compiled by prolific hiking specialist Berger, in association with the American Hiking Society, here is a walker’s dream bucket list, embodied in a lavishly illustrated celebration of 80 of the world’s most iconic trails. From our own amazing Australian walks through to the subarctic reaches of Norway and the ultimate Himalayan odysseys, each trail has its own gorgeous photo gallery to really get your feet itching for the trail.

Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders

By Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras & Ella Morton

The wondrous, the curious and the downright strange – detailed in this beautifully bound, red debossed and gold-foiled tome, the 700-odd, well, oddities and marvels within are enough to make you fall in love with this funny old world all over again. A fire that’s been burning in the desert for 40 years; the self-mummifying monks of Japan; and so many more wonderful gems complete with GPS coordinates for the intrepid? Wanderlust, meet world.

Dreamscapes

By Claire Takacs

A city may lie at the heart of a country, but green spaces and gardens define its soul. Erstwhile International Garden Photographer of the Year, Claire Takacs has compiled a kind of photographic love story dedicated to more than 50 of the world’s most astounding gardens. Drink in Japan’s Kenrokuen, Australia’s own Cloudehill and take a peek at Martha Stewart’s private garden too, through stunning imagery that captures each garden at that rare moment when it is at its beauteous peak.

Made to Last: A Compendium of Artisans, Trades & Projects

By Vanessa Murray

Inspiring tales of 50 artisans around the globe, leathersmithing, beekeeping, fermenting or just making a mean bathtub gin, are heartening news indeed in a world sometimes seemingly ruled by the mass-produced and disposable. There are plenty of DIY projects included, so you can try your own hand at building a bamboo bicycle too. Lasting projects to make a lasting impression on you.

Homecamp

By Doron & Stephanie Francis

You know that dream you have, to cast off the everyday and run away to the mountains-slash-beach-slash-anywhere without a wifi connection? These are the people who’ve done it. Homecamp brings you the stories of ‘normal’ people turned adventurers, living their dream in a van, a shipping container, even a house made of hemp, or simply on a bicycle as they explore the world. There are how-tos on wild food foraging and brewing your campfire coffee too; what you do next with all this inspiration is up to you.

Burn City: Melbourne’s Painted Streets

By Lou Chamberlin

The street art of this southern capital has taken on a life of its own: tourist attraction, art school excursion, even wedding photo backdrop. This subculture gone mainstream is great, tangible evidence of Melbourne’s eclectic vibrance, and it is fabulously laid out in these pages according to theme, so you can take it as a guide for your own travels, or simply enjoy the ephemeral, evocative imagery lifted straight from the streets of the laneways and architecture of Melbourne city life.

Learn more at www.hardiegrantbooks.com

This new, family-friendly Hamilton Island resort embraces life in the slow lane.

White sand beaches, gentle waves and getting on ‘island time’ have always made Hamilton Island the first spot that comes to mind when thinking of Queensland’s Whitsundays. Always a place to recharge and relax, modern wellness travel here means so much more than a spa treatment or green juice. And a new kind of tropical island stay has now arrived on Hamilton Island.

pool at The Sundays Hamilton Island — Learn to slow down and rejuvinate. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

The Sundays reimagines laid-back luxury, combining boutique, beachfront accommodation with an encouragement to slow down and appreciate life’s simple pleasures so every day feels like Sunday.

Laid-back luxury

The Sundays is nestled into the picturesque gardens on the northern end of Catseye Beach. Despite a feeling of being away from it all, the resort is a conveniently short walk from Hamilton Island’s main resort centre and restaurants, so guests can have the best of both worlds.

This new boutique stay is all about savouring the now. From complimentary sunrise yoga to moonlight movies for kids and a daily sundae ritual by the beachside pool, it makes a compelling case for doing less, better.

Even the architecture is designed to harmonise with the surrounding tropical landscape, pairing soft curves with a grounded coastal style that shows off the panoramic Coral Sea views and adds to the hotel’s calm aesthetic.

Plus, with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in under two and a half hours, as well as complimentary hotel transfers from the airport or marina, getting here is as easy as the vacation itself.

balcony view from room at The Sundays — Enjoy fantastic views from your balcony or terrace. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Perfectly designed rooms with amazing views

Every small detail has been considered in the creation of the 59 guest rooms and suites, from in-room amenities by LEIF to walls adorned with custom artworks by First Nations andHungarian artist Tiarna Herczeg. There’s even a signature in-room scent by The Raconteur.

Designed by Hamilton Island’s own designer, Carrie Williams, the result is relaxed Australian style using natural textures and soft hues to lull guests into a mellow state. This soothing palette runs throughout the resort, from its sun lounges to the shaded cabanas.

Every room and suite has been built with a balcony or terrace, perfectly framing postcard-perfect views of the surrounding reef and lush greenery.

inside a room at The Sundays — Stylish rooms feature natural, soothing tones. (Image: Sharyn Cairns)

Excellent activities and amenities

Each day has been planned with a relaxed structure, so guests can get involved in as much or as little as they wish.

Greet each day with morning yoga, pilates and island walks. Recharge with daily (and deliciously complimentary) sundaes by the pool. Wind down with moonlight movies twice a week and take advantage of family-focused features.

Guests have complimentary access to a range of water sports – from stand-up paddle boards to catamarans – so they can get their blood pumping before relaxing by the resort pool.

Or take a few extra steps to set up for a day on the sand without any crowds at the exclusive, guest-only beach. Settle in with a poolside aperitif for a front-row view of the stunning Catseye Bay.

aerial shot of The Sundays pool and catseye beach — Find picturesque Catseye Beach on your doorstep. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Delectable dining

What is rejuvenation if not a hearty choice of fresh, delectable dishes? That’s what guests will discover at The Sundays’s onsite restaurant, Catseye Pool Club .

Open all day for hotel guests and lunch and dinner for island diners, this relaxed yet elevated menu was created by acclaimed culinary duo, Josh and Julie Niland. It celebrates that community feeling of mealtimes while championing seasonal Australian produce.

“The vision behind [Catseye Pool Club] reflects so much of what I value – bringing people together to create memories in beautiful surroundings,” explains Josh.

table spread including a lobster dish from Catseye Pool Club, The Sundays — Enjoy classic Aussie meals with a twist at Catseye Pool Club. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Based on elevated versions of classic Aussie family dinners, expect refined simplicity. Think roasted Sun Farms Sommerlad chicken with sides like chicken fat roast potatoes, gravy and tomato and grilled bread salad, or barbecued line-caught Bowen coral trout with garlic saltbush and Warrigal greens.

A day spent by the pool can be complemented by a dedicated poolside menu, featuring wood-fired souvas. Don’t want to leave the room? Kick back and soak in the views with tasty treats delivered straight to your door, whether you’re after a full breakfast or late night snack.

view from catseye pool club at The Sundays hamilton island — Enjoy dinner and a view. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)

Exploring the island

While daily life at The Sundays is very much about the art of staying still, guests who seek more can explore the island with ease.

Take a day trip to the striking Whitehaven Beach, or see the iconic Heart Reef from above on a helicopter tour. Pop over to Hamilton Island’s championship golf course for a hit, or explore over 12 kilometres of the island’s stunning nature and wildlife. Later, slow the pace back down with a visit to Spa wumurdaylin .

Looking for more tasty treats? Visit one of the island’s restaurants – there are more than 20 to choose from.

Hikers on passage peak hike on hamilton island — Take on the beautiful hikes of Hamilton Island. (Image: Nick Leary)

Book your stay at The Sundays through hamiltonisland.com.au.