Live luxe: 4 daydream holidays to make a reality

One thing we never regret is booking a holiday, no matter how distant it can feel. It's our beacon of hope amid the sea of responsibilities, appointments, and errands of the daily grind. And before you know it, you'll be pulling up to your luxury resort ready to unwind.

But if you don't quite relish in the planning stage of a vacation, we've made it easy to turn your travel daydreams into reality. These are our four luxe picks to rest and recharge, for both shorter trips in Australia and adventures abroad.

Margaret River, Western Australia

Beaches to rival the Caribbean, lush forests, limestone crystal-filled caves, epic surfing, rolling vineyards and a thriving food and wine culture – there's much to love about WA's Margaret River region. It truly is a jaw-dropping part of Australia.

A plethora of regional activities await, like the top-ranked wine and adventure tour on the river with visits to world-renowned cellar doors (including one of the region's most celebrated wineries, Leeuwin Estate). Swim or surf the beautiful beaches, and mountain bike through the Boranup Forest. Visit Origins Market and eat your way through the region's fantastic cafés and restaurants, including hobby farm Meelup Farmhouse, teeming with alpaca and goats that kids will love. Peruse the local jewellers and artists and check out Wilyabrup Cliffs where you can whale watch between June and December.

As for home base, Pullman Bunker Bay Resort is a gorgeous spot to explore the wider region. The award-winning five-star hotel sits on glorious Bunker Bay beach, where you can enjoy the delicious ocean-view bar and restaurant, complimentary yoga classes, lovely spa and contemporary villa-style accommodation.

Fiji

There's no better family destination for swaying palms and smiling faces than Fiji. It's the epitome of a 'do-nothing' holiday – the kind where you completely surrender to your pool lounger at your luxury resort and allow the stresses of life to melt away.

The five-star Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is happy to oblige such whims. Extensively renovated, the gorgeous French-inspired modern tropical property has an excellent kid's club and Teen Zone (guaranteeing you that poolside cabana time at the beach club), a heavenly spa, multiple pools, and seven dining options from Solis Restaurant to Suka Bar. And did we mention it's on the beach?

Soak up the serenity at Waitui Beach Club, the resort's adults-only sanctuary – a chic spot for you to enjoy the tropics: sip a chilled glass of rosé under the warmth of the sun; sunbathe in style, luxury and comfort; and swim in the cool waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Or, for the more adventurous traveller, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa guests enjoy complimentary non-motorised activities including kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and hobby cat sailing. But you can also organise a slew of fun activities like jet skiing, parasailing, private boat charters and scuba diving through the beautiful waters of the Mamanuca Islands.

Palm Cove, Queensland

A forever favourite for Aussie holidays, Far North Queensland feels a world away – its lush tropical landscapes, balmy clime and relatively short flying distance provide a welcome respite for those seeking a true escape without the hassle.

On the shores of the palm-fringed Coral Sea, Palm Cove is a pretty pocket with a boutique village feel away from the hustle of Cairns, yet offering similar access to the area's biggest highlights. A trip to the region isn't complete without a visit to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, a Great Barrier Reef excursion and exploring the weekend markets in charming Port Douglas – that is, if you manage to leave your resort.

The Colonial-style Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove is a haven for those after the ultimate family holiday. And having just undergone a meticulously crafted refurbishment that flawlessly captures the laid-back coastal ambiance found in Palm Cove, there's never been a better time to visit.

Find three pools (including a lagoon-style main pool with swim-up bar and sandy shores), an award-winning day spa with treatments celebrating Indigenous ingredients, a Latin American-inspired restaurant, children's playground and a Tennis clubhouse. Some rooms even offer full kitchen facilities and washing machines along with direct pool access, a big win for families.

Queenstown, New Zealand

If you love a bit of action on your getaways, Queenstown is a veritable wonderland offering incredible mountains with world-class skiing, watersports and other thrill-seeking activities. Of course, you can also relax and indulge here – it really is a destination for all types of travellers.

Adventurers can take their pick of skiing, snowboarding, bungee jumping, jet boating, white-water rafting and off-road touring, but the region is equally famed for its incredible produce, fabulous eateries, wonderful wineries and quality shopping – all walkable from the boutique five-star Hotel St Moritz Queenstown - MGallery Collection.

Located in town near the bustling restaurants and shops at Steamer's Wharf, this elegant lodge-style property wows with stunning views overlooking Lake Wakatipu to the snow-capped Remarkables mountain range. Handsome rooms and suites cocoon guests with an alpine feel, enhanced by log fires and a traditional cedar hot tub garden on the property. Dine at the hotel restaurant Lombardi, a destination in itself with spectacular, sweeping views fit for a Bond film.

Nature lovers, adventure seekers, food fanatics and culture enthusiasts, we can't wait to welcome ALL the travellers in you. Find your perfect stay on ALL.com