In Sri Lanka, terrifying Sanni masks, fire and hypnotic drumming have been used for centuries to drive out the demons behind illness. Juliet Coombe explores the island’s devil-dancing healing tradition.
Destinations
Immersive travel for curious women. Our editors and writers travel the world to find the places that matter, from Rajasthan's palaces and China's ancient water towns to the Maldives' quiet atolls and Cambodia's jungle retreats. Every story comes from first-hand experience: where to stay, what to eat, which wellness escapes deliver, and the local people and culture that make a place unforgettable. Wherever your wanderlust leads, start here.
Travel writer Jessica Lockhart takes us on and adventure in French Polynesia in this extract from LONELY PLANET BEST IN TRAVEL 2027, which is out now.
Does it feel a bit obvious that we’re suggesting a tropical South Pacific destination for its aquamarine waters? Fair enough. But in French Polynesia, ocean adventures aren’t limited to flopping on white-sand…
My Fiji Airways in-flight experience, Sydney to Nadi: Fijian gin, a gospel choir, a paper rose and a pilot’s blessing before touchdown.
As well as being a region rich in Melanesian and Polynesian traditions, the South Pacific has long been synonymous with the sweet life in the minds of travellers: Tiki-style cocktails, colourful coral gardens and even more vibrant cultural shows.
New Caledonia breaks the mould entirely, blending French and Indigenous culture with scenes straight out of the Wild West.
I’m standing in the bed…
A rare kid-free weekend away is always something to look forward to, but I was particularly keen to head to the Hunter Valley to check out its brand-new dining destination.
My husband and I made the two-hour road trip to Roche Estate. We left mid-morning and arrived with plenty of time before lunch.
Walking into…
Footprints in the sand share the secrets of this untamed world in Kwazulu Natal’s best private game reserve. This is the first lesson I learn on safari as we head off at dawn in a 12-seater open vehicle in search of recent paw print sightings of the world’s biggest and fastest cat.
Less than 20…
Is a Fiji stopover worth it? A solo 2.5-day layover in Nadi and Denarau, from Sabeto mud pools and Mamanuca island-hopping to a well-earned resort day.
Fifteen years after Cyclone Yasi, the region's $21.5 million makeover is finally complete. Elle Halliwell discovers the best way to appreciate it is to arrive alone, underprepared, and ask the locals.
I arrived in Mission Beach the way I tackle most things in life; underprepared but casually confident it’ll all work out.
Having spent the…
In today’s always-on, supercharged digital environment, it’s never felt more empowering to take a step back from it all and enjoy a truly immersive wellness escape, reconnecting with nature, like-minded communities and yourself. From transformative women's gatherings to immersive festivals celebrating creativity, music and holistic wellbeing, these events offer the perfect opportunity to stop, take…
As a young girl, I was fascinated by ancient Chinese paintings — depictions of soaring, craggy mountains with peaks looming high above stylised clouds. To my less-travelled self, it was an unimaginable vision. So when a recent opportunity arose to visit Shanghai, I set about discovering this eerily mystical place etched in my child's mind.…