Casting away from unspoiled Mission Beach in far north Queensland, the ‘Get Dunk'ed’ tour is an exploration of sandy beaches, coral reefs (snorkelers will dip their toes in water that hovers at 24 degrees Celsius throughout July) and secret caves, all against a lush forested backdrop. This intimate tour of Dunk Island accommodates just 10 people. Then it’s a 15-minute boat ride back to Mission Beach and your sleek oceanfront room at Castaways Resort and Spa, which is surrounded by palm trees and is right on the water.

Winter is the perfect time to head to Fiji, where the weather sits at a balmy 26 degrees Celsius and the temperature of the water rarely dips below 24 degrees Celcuis. Fiji’s Outrigger Beach Resort takes island paradise to the next level with a  major refresh of its traditional bures and the addition of 46 Premium Ocean View rooms, which now come with five-star butler service. There are also new resort activities and facilities available, including a ‘Splash Zone’, which features a waterslide for the kids.

Whether you’re touring the Great Barrier Reef or journeying to the Daintree, Mercure Cairns, located in the centre of town near the night markets, provides the ideal jumping-off point. After a multi-million dollar upgrade and rebrand in 2023, the 75 spacious timber-accented guest rooms, as well as the pool deck and a new modern Australian restaurant, all promise a relaxing stay where temperatures average around 26 degrees Celcius all through winter. The highlight? You’re only a 10 minute walk to the beach.

July is the best time to visit Bali, when humidity is low and the temperature is warm – expect averages of around 27 degrees Celcius – without being hot. COMO Shambala Estate, deep in the forest near Ubud, has just launched four new wellness programs, or ‘New Wellness Paths’, for zen-seekers. Choose between Fitness, where you can carve out your exercise goals, Detox, where you’ll focus on gut health and mental wellbeing, Nourish, to help those who may be feeling burnt out or in perimenopause and Connect, for those feeling overwhelmed by the online world.

Elysian means ‘blissful’ and Elysian Retreat, a 10-bungalow blissed-out resort that stretches over three hectares of private cove on Long Island in the Whitsundays certainly lives up to its name. The bures cater to a maximum of 20 guests (over the age of 15 years) and can be booked as an exclusive group getaway or on a single occupancy basis. Stays include breakfast, picnic lunches, sunset cocktails overlooking the national park and three-course dinners paired with boutique Australian wines.

Just six hours from Sydney, Samoa has all the tropical splendour you require – powder soft beaches, swaying palm trees and warm water – without any of the crowds. Check in to Taumeasina Island Resort, a private island that’s five minutes from the capital of Apia, right on the waterfront. Originally opened in 2016, in 2022 it added 12 new rooms to its 105 guest rooms and villas, each offering vistas over the Upulu Mountains and Pacific Ocean. During your stay, you’ll have free use of the resort’s kayaks, snorkelling gear and catamarans and there’s even traditional cooking classes and a daily kids club available.

Nestled on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Noosa National Park, and a short stroll from the water, Essence Peregian Beach is a new boutique hotel that opened in May 2023. Just 11 kilometres south of Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, the coastal-cool boutique hotel and its 20 sophisticated beach houses surround a private pool and bar and are kitted out with every luxury finish you could want. At the heart of Peregian Beach’s attractions is an eclectic and chic shopping and dining precinct – The Village at Peregian Beach – located just across the road.

Australia’s first swim with Humpback Whales experience, Sunreef, in Mooloolaba, operates from July to mid-October and allows snorkelers to hold a rope off the back of a dive boat while eyeballing whales as they freely swim around and under you. If getting in the water isn't your cup of tea, you can still catch a glimpse of the annual whale migration from Sunreef’s Whale One vessel on expeditions throughout the season. After your once-in-a-lifetime cruise, stay at Oceans Mooloolaba – a five star resort right on the beach.

The Talaroo Hot Springs, located in Mount Surprise in outback Queensland, are unique to Australia and can reach up to 62 degrees Celsius. Developed over millions of years, it’s now open for visitors to enjoy a relaxing soak in the geothermal mineral waters in one of Talaroo’s private pools. Stay onsite in one of the elevated glamping retreats, which come complete with queen-sized beds, mini fridges and deck areas with chairs, which are ideal for kicking back and basking under the sun in comfortable winter temperatures of 28 degrees Celsius.

A 15-minute helicopter ride from Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, InterContinental Hayman Island Resort has just added 12 new ultra-luxury Beachfront Pavilion suites to its offering, resulting in an ‘adults-only’ escape with uninterrupted ocean views. Step out onto the grass that fringes each of these standalone pavilions and within moments, you’ll feel the sand between your toes. Inside, there’s a spacious king-size bedroom and a separate living area, which opens out onto a tranquil outdoor deck, where your private heated plunge pool beckons.

Nestled in the treetops amid the peaceful surrounds of Flagstaff Hill in Port Douglas, Villa Aman offers 180-degree views spanning Four Mile Beach and promises a secluded getaway with all the mod-cons. With space enough for eight people, Villa Aman features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a magnesium swimming pool (with both heating and cooling options) and spa. Enlist the services of private chef Cameron Hackney during your stay and you won’t have to lift a finger as you return from exploring the region to freshly-prepared meals.

Located in the Kingdom of Tonga on an island called Vava'u, Mystic Sands is an intimate, relaxed retreat, comprising just seven rooms, with the four beachfront rooms directly facing the accomodation’s private stretch of sand. Choose from a range of activities, including snorkelling, kayaking or relaxing by the infinity pool. Winter is the perfect time to visit as the average temperature rarely dips below 24 degrees Celsius.

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the jewel’s in Australia’s crown of natural wonders and at the other side of the country, just off the Western Australian coast, the Ningaloo Reef shines just as bright. During winter,  temperatures hover at  25 degrees Celsius – ideal for hitting the water on a snorkelling tour. Visitors during July will catch the tail-end of whale shark season and have the opportunity to swim with the majestic creatures on an expedition with Live Ningaloo. If you’d rather keep feet dry, relax by the lagoon pool at Mantarays Ningaloo Reef Resort, a tranquil escape located on Sunrise Beach in Exmouth, which is footsteps from the shore.

Perched right by the water at Bilinga Beach, this luxury private estate, which opened in October 2023, is just a five minute drive from Gold Coast Airport. With uninterrupted views stretching out to the horizon, this laidback, artfully designed property consists of two separate villas: The Residence, which houses up to eight guests, and The Cottage, which accommodates up to four guests. As well as an infinity pool, the estate offers a wellness room, ping-pong table and copious amounts of that blissful Queensland sunlight.