Want to check out the 'Amazon of Asia'? Just check in to this resort

Plus, three other things Explore is loving this week.

Samanea Wellness Resort.

February 22, 2026

In this article

Set across 40 hectares of rainforest, punctuated with rivers and waterfalls, Samanea Wellness Resort has just opened in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains, often referred to as the Amazon of Asia. There are 32 spacious villas to pick from, two onsite eateries where local produce is turned into delicious, nutritious meals, and a range of wellness activities - from yoga, pilates and personal training sessions to indulgent spa rituals. samanea-wellnessresort.com

New global routes ready to take off

A number of new flights from Australia to exciting destinations around the world will launch in 2026. Turkish Airlines will start nonstop 17-hour flights between Sydney and Istanbul later this year, while Qantas will launch a thrice-a-week service between Sydney and Apia (Samoa), via Auckland, from mid 2026. Jetstar will launch Australia's first budget-friendly direct flights to Sri Lanka, flying three times a week between Melbourne and Colombo from August, while from October, Finnair will launch daily flights between Melbourne and Helsinki via Bangkok. Canberra will get its first international flight operated by Virgin Australia in 2026, too. The new direct route will operate three return flights per week to Bali, at first seasonally from April to January.

Cool cafes on the Gold Coast

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Three new cafes have opened on the Gold Coast. Make your way to House of Halsa, where owners Coco Loberg and partner Gareth Fletcher are serving up cold foam coffees and nourishing smoothies. For something more substantial, head to Velvet Lounge and Cafe in Miami, which has sumptuous breakfast and lunch menus (mustard-laced wagyu skewers, anyone?). Over in Burleigh, the new Mohr Cafe is drawing crowds, too, with global fare and an onsite deli. instagram.com/houseofhalsa ; velvetcafelounge.com.au ; eatmohr.com.au

Field of Light turns 10

Famous art installation Field of Light - with more than 50,000 bulbs against the backdrop of Uluru - will turn 10 in April, with a number of celebrations to mark the milestone. The Field of Light Star Pass and the Field of Light Uluru Dinner experiences on March 27, 28 and 29 will include an introduction to the artwork from the renowned British artist, Bruce Munro, himself; while two free Q&As will be conducted with Munro at Arkani Theatre, Ayers Rock Resort, on March 28 and 29. ayersrockresort.com.au

Words byAkash Arora

Akash is the Deputy Travel Editor for Australian Community Media. He has lived and worked in four cities around the world – Sydney, London, New Delhi and New York – and, at last count, travelled to 42 countries.

My all-time favourite destination is ... New York. You can drop a pin anywhere in Manhattan and start walking in any direction, and the sights and sounds of the city that never stops will begin to stimulate all your senses in an instant.

Next on my bucket list is … Scandinavia - at the peak of summer, when the sun almost never sets.

My top travel tip is … If you’re flying to Sydney from anywhere in the world, pick a window seat far from the wing on the left-hand-side of the aeroplane. If the weather gods and flight path align, you’ll have the most incredible views of the Sydney Harbour and Opera House.