Going to Europe is awesome, and going to The States is great. But, given our location on the globe (and the state of the dollar at the moment), it's not always possible to pop overseas on a whim.
Lastminute.com.au's 2015 Travel and Lifestyle Report found that 40 percent of Aussie's have booked a spontaneous staycation in their own town this year, with the most popular reason being to enjoy a romantic escape (or forgotten anniversary).
Want to jump on the staycation wagon? Feel like you're in Europe, Singapore or even New York with these suggestions.
Experience old world European charm at the The Langham Sydney.
Escaped to an old world London hotel, right in the heart of Sydney. The Langham is decadent, luxurious and oozing with historic charisma. A stay at this hotel means you wonât need to venture out -- from cocktails at Palm Court, to the dreamy five-star indoor pool and dinner at Kent Street Kitchen, youâre set for a night of pure luxury.
New world Singaporean design at Capri By Fraser Brisbane.
This effortlessly stylish urban city hotel has been designed by Singaporean-based Ministry Of Design and has all the mod-cons you want from an inner-city staycation. From the quirkiness of vibrant artwork and a vertical garden in the lobby, to a slick indoor pool and Pete Evanâs new paleo restaurant "Asana" on-site (you guessed it -- paleo room service is now a thing).
Party LA style at QT Gold Coast.
Stay on the Gold Coast, but feel like you are hanging poolside at a super cool West Hollywood hotel. The QT Gold Coast is all about living last minute and enjoying the good times -- from cutting the rug at the hotel's signature bar and nightclub, Stingray, to lazy days by the pool and spa treatments at spaQ.
Spend a weekend on "island-time" at Skycity Darwin.
Donât leave town but imagine you are living the resort life in Fiji or Thailand for the weekend. Spend lazy days sipping cocktails at the pool-bar, enjoy massages and body treatments at the full-service spa and indulge at one of the four on-site restaurants or seven (!) bars.
Have a New York state of mind at The Olsen - Art Series Hotel Melbourne.
Stay in the hip New York warehouse style Olsen Hotel in the heart of South Yarra Chapel Street. Featuring the eclectic artwork work of Dr John Olsen throughout the hotel, youâll feel as if you are literally staying in a gallery -- while the on-site Spoonbill Restaurant and Bar features incredible regional produce (not to be missed is the famous John Olsen paella).
Hot tip: If you really want to go ALL out, the John Olsen Penthouse features itâs own outdoor Jacuzzi. You'll be feeling like Bey and Jay in no time.
Experience a little slice of Southern France at Villa Howden Hobart.
Live the high life and jet off to the French countryside for the weekend...just 15 minutes out of Hobart. Villa Howden boasts just 10 luxury suites with beautiful French dĂ©cor, a cozy fireplace and the on-site Restaurant dâhote. This villa is country relaxation at its best.
What happens in Vegas (or Perth) stays in Vegas at Crown Metropol Perth.
For a high roller Vegas style staycation, Crown Metropol Perth fits the bill. Spend your days sipping cocktails in âThe Enclaveâ your own private poolside cabana, then in the evening take your pick from the many world class dining options from Nobu, to Rockpool, Bistro Guillaume. Finish your night where all the action is, the Crown Casino Perth.
Forgot London, get the Soho vibe in Adelaide at the Clarion Hotel Soho Adelaide.
Just metres from Adelaide CBDâs super cool East End district is this designer hotel which is named after Londonâs colourful Soho district. Swim in the rooftop pool, eat at the hotels fine dining chic restaurant Decant and indulge in the onsite Soho Spa experience whereby beauty specialists can deliver a massage, facial or spa pedicure treatment right to your hotel room. Yes please!
Just out of Africa, or Canberra at Jamala Wildlife Lodge.
Canât take the annual leave to live out your bucket list dream of staying at a lodge in an African game park? The next best thing has to be spending the night at the relatively new Jamala Wildlife Lodge. Located within the National Zoo and Aquarium youâll get the full African experience, including staying in a jungle or treehouse bungalow (alongside the animal enclosures), private animal feedings, plus an exclusive tour of the zoo.