The first issue of Luxury Escapes Magazine for 2020 is out now revealing the world's greatest mountain getaways.

We've hit new heights in our search for the best hilltop holidays, from the dizzying peaks of the Himalayas, to our own mountain paradise, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Cradle Mountain–St Clair National Park in Tasmania.

“Nature experiences like gentle hiking are growing exponentially among luxury travellers,” says editor of Luxury Escapes Magazine, Kirstie Bedford.

“People want to feel connected to the landscape, they want to immerse themselves in a  natural environment away from the pressures technology brings to our day-to-day lives.”

Bedford says it's part of a bigger movement among luxury travellers, in what's been dubbed transformational travel.

“A report just released by Luxury Escapes that outlines the biggest travel trends for the coming decade highlights a growing desire for holidays where we can truly transform, whether that's to our mental, or physical wellbeing, describing sensory experiences as 'the next status symbol' in travel.”

It's something we have well covered in this issue. As well as highland hideaways, we go forest bathing and immerse in ancient culture in Japan's northeast; and master the mind among some of the most pristine nature in the world in New Zealand's far north.

For those who prefer the sound of the sea as a way to unwind, there's plenty of that. We find the perfect beachside retreat in a quiet corner of Phuket on Thailand's west coast, and jump onboard a five-star luxury adventure with Silversea Cruises through the Indonesian isles.

There's also a chance to sip your way around the vineyards of Mexico's new wine frontier, the Guadalupe Valley, and closer to home we hit the tracks on Australia's newest rail journey, the Great Southern, for slow travel at its best.

More information:

Justin Jamieson

Publisher, Grin Creative

E: justin.jamieson@grincreative.com.au                          

Kirstie Bedford                                                           

Editor, Luxury Escapes Magazine                            

E: kirstie.bedford@grincreative.com.au                    

Jake O'Donnell

Advertising enquiries

jake.odonnell@grincreative.com.au