Travel
I'm an Australian freelance writer focused on luxury travel, food and wine, design and interiors.
I've written for national and international mastheads including Travel + Luxury (The Australian), Gourmet Traveller, The Weekend Australian, Delicious, Vogue Living, Good Food (The Sydney Morning Herald), Australian Traveller, The Australian Financial Review's Life & Leisure, BBC Storyworks, International Traveller, Conde Nast Traveller (India), Destinations of the World News (Dubai), smh.com.au (Daily Life, Domain, Essential Kids), Jetstar Asia magazine, Women's Health, realestate.com.au, body + soul (Sunday Telegraph), and Good Health.
I also offer project editing, advertorial and copywriting services, and in 2016 served as launch editor for upmarket regional travel magazine, Escape Southern Highlands. Prior to going freelance, I was editor of Australian Healthy Food Guide magazine. Please feel free to get in touch on [email protected]
Travel
A unique tented camp in the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar intersect is a wild and whimsical stay, writes NIKKI WALLMAN.
A voyage of discovery through the Kimberley region’s Buccaneer Archipelago can make you feel very, very small – in the best possible way, discovers NIKKI WALLMAN
A trip to the Kimberley region's Buccaneer Archipelago aboard the True North II can make you feel very small - in the best possible way.
From celebrating Holi in India to a White Christmas in Switzerland and watching the Great Migration on safari, here are our top epic travel experiences.
Bullo River Station continues its pioneering spirit with a regenerative approach combining tourism, pastoralism, conservation – and, for one special weekend, discovers NIKKI WALLMAN, wine.
Guests are getting hands-on and chefs are getting their hands dirty. They’re just two compelling trends travellers are embracing, writes Nikki Wallman
A new tourism initiative is bringing Tasmania’s history to life in detail, writes Nikki Wallman.
Cape Town's culinary scene is being shaken and stirred by a fresh generation of can-do chefs whose deep sense of home-grown pride only sharpens their creative vision.
The great Australian escape takes a delicious turn with this outstanding crop of destination-dining eateries around the country worth hitting the road for.
In search of a truly authentic farm to fork experience, Nikki Wallman checks in to Babylonstoren.
A roll call of high-end tours centred around insider access, elite itineraries and just a little bit of thrillseeking are setting the bar high for guided luxury travel.
A host of smaller US cities is luring travellers away from the major stops with inventive food, noteworthy hotels and cultural attractions grounded in local stories.
From surfing in the Seychelles to cycling in Italy, fitness travel is shaping up as a major trend.
New year, new you? How about deliciously well-rested and much happier you, instead?
The Glitter Strip has never shone brighter. Nikki Wallman discovers a region that is confidently stepping forward into a grander, more refined future.
Thrill-seekers don’t need to forgo creature comforts — luxury can be found in the most remote and wild destinations.
An influx of new galleries and museums across the globe that showcase everything from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art deserve a place on your travel wishlist.
The opening of The Langham Gold Coast sets the stage for a new wave of ultra-luxe experiences on the Queensland strip. In a first look, Travel + Luxury discovers that the hotel elevates beachfront glamour without losing that inimitable sense of place - or play.
Mudgee is a rising star of Australia's food and wine scene, with a thriving - and enormously fun - close-knit community of lesser-known, up-and-coming players ready to welcome you.
Islands hold an eternally precious place in our wanderlust: they are escapism encapsulated. I round up some of the world's most luxurious, secluded island stays.
After two years of lacklustre living, what better way to reawaken your senses than to pay your respects to the wild, while contributing directly to its survival?
Former Banc Sydney chef Liam Tomlin is helping to create unique and amazing culinary experiences in southern Africa.
Midway through my phone interview with Liam Tomlin, he pauses. "Oh, you're not gonna believe it," he says. "A monkey's just come in and grabbed the sugar off the table." Cue mild expletive; the amused exasperation of one accustomed to such interruptions. "You turn your back for one minute..."
A fresh fine-dining option is creating a buzz at the intimate Johannesburg lodgings where Nelson Mandela once stayed, writes Nikki Wallman
Tucked away like a precious secret between the dense green fringes of Yala National Park and a boulder-strewn beach overlooking the Indian Ocean, Wild Coast Tented Lodge in Sri Lanka is an extraordinary confluence of glamour and grit. Imbued with a frontier-like sense of luxury, a thrilling sense of surrender to nature hums beneath every surface.
Fresh fine dining is creating a buzz at the lodgings where Nelson Mandela once stayed, writes Nikki Wallman.
Sri Lanka's Wild Coast Tented Lodge combines a romantic reverence for old-world exploration with locally influenced, considered design.
The island nation is emerging as a dynamic travel destination, with a unique culture and rough edges yet to be smoothed by mass tourism - making it the ideal place for a truly exotic adventure.
Looking to take your hotel experiences to the next level in 2019? Well it just may be your year to hit up that destination you've always talked about: Africa. Singita - first and foremost a conservation company - is renowned for creating some of the most stunning safari lodges on the planet, as these three recently renovated examples (courtesy of South African design outfit Cecile & Boyd) show.
Welcome to Gal Oya National Park, where nature runs wild, everything is illuminated, and a new frontier of Sri Lankan travel beckons.
These two iconic tented camps in Botswana are leading examples of classic camping done with style and class.
The sheer depth and intricacy of Japanese cuisine, from regional classics like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki comfort food to Michelin-starred chefs' takes on tempura, can make navigating the dining landscape here as bewildering as perusing the menu at a Tokyo sushi bar. Japan: a feast for all the senses.
Sri Lanka is the island destination rocketing up travel hot-lists around the world, thanks to an intoxicating combination of drawcards.
Arguably the European epicentre of cool, Copenhagen's laying out some seriously good-looking new hotels for guests to get on board with all things Danish design. Copenhagen is basically a design lover's dream.
A new book promises to unveil a reason to fall in love with Ibiza all over again thank to its wealth of breathtakingly beautiful and highly individual homes. Life is Ibiza (Lannoo Publishers) takes you on a magic carpet ride through some serious design inspo - and may just have you digging out the passport for a first-hand reconnaissance mission, too.
We've rounded up some of Sydney's newest (and hottest) hotel rooms to check into - or just check out for your next interior refresh.
Why settle for the confines of a regular hotel room, when you could check yourself into what is essentially an entire Italian village? We have the lowdown.
We've scouted just a few of the most beautiful rental options for group getaways in NSW's divine Southern Highlands region.
The NSW Southern Highlands is bursting with ways to live up a weekend: from homewares shopping to fine dining. Here's where to stay.
The Southern Highlands is reinventing its long-held appeal for a new generation of visitors and locals alike. Here are 10 reasons to head south from Sydney today. A new kind of cool change is sweeping the NSW Southern Highlands.
Over the usual resort spa experiences? Keen to tap into your inner hippie? Luxe eco-resort Gili Lankanfushi is rolling out a new program of holistic and progressive healing therapies, heralding a year-long wellness program featuring leading practitioners from around the globe (January sees the arrival of Dr Aaron Bullington, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist and massage practitioner).
It's an unlikely pairing - academia and luxury hospitality - but somehow, it works beautifully. JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay has unveiled six fantastical villas (two more to follow) designed by architect Bill Bensley, who created the original resort, each celebrating a different academic discipline in the continued design philosophy of this unique hotel.
Sure, Christmas at home is great and all, but you can't deny there's a teeny part of you that dreams of a festive holiday overseas. We've got your inspo right here. Think of it as a (really) early gift for next year. By Nikki Wallman.
Join us as we take a tour through some of the world's most epic party pads, from pool villas in Ibiza to a Parisian palace.
Sick of staying at home on the 25th December? Don't worry, it's time to start your own festive tradition... here's how to get away from it all and have a stress-free holiday, and play the Christmas away game (by Nikki Walman). Picture this: it's 25th December. It's closing in on 40 degrees outside.
Monthly round-up of all the latest and greatest luxury travel news around the globe.
When it comes to travel, you want the mystery to be in the destination - not your accommodation. We've compiled a few handy questions to ask before you book your next Airbnb, writes Nikki Wallman. I love Airbnb. LOVE it.
The latest luxury travel news from Canada, the US, Central and South America
Set for a December unveiling, the impeccably design-credentialled LUX* Grand Gaube is set to put a new spin on Mauritian hospitality. Fresh-faced and feel-good, the resort has undergone an ambitious US$32 million makeover at the hands of renowned creative duo Kelly Hoppen and Mauritian architect Jean-Francois Adam.
Top X As a valued reader, we would like to offer you a free digital issue of Destinations of the World News, your guide to the world's most exclusive luxury travel and lifestyle experiences
Those planning a visit to New York will no doubt already have The Beekman on their hit-list: the 1881 landmark property, one of New York's finest architectural treasures, draws sighs of delight from anyone with an eye for design with its amazing nine-story Victorian atrium and period features.
Europe really is a traveller's treasure chest: from grandiose architecture and incredible art, to a wealth of cultures and cuisines, all within easy striking distance of each other. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines connects you to some of the Continent's most spectacular and affordable cities without a hefty price tag.
All the hottest luxury travel news from Asia and Oceania - November 2017.
We're calling it: A picture-perfect mountain hut in the Swiss Alps might be just the spot for your next holiday, especially if you're suffering from modern-life-burnout. These incredible Swiss mountain dwellings also provide the ultimate inspiration for how to incorporate a dash of chalet-style living at home.
All the hottest luxury travel news from the Middle East and Africa - November 2017
Actor and funniest Twitter-dad Ryan Reynolds summed up many parents' fears when he said he'd "rather drink a piping hot bowl of liquid rabies than get on a plane" with his children. But you can survive a long-haul flight with a baby, says Nikki Wallman - here are some tips.
All the hottest travel news from Europe - November 2017
Recent times have seen a slew of super-hot design hotels popping up across the country - and we can't help but ooh and ahh over their enticing interior design style. Inherently Australian in character, these spaces blend world-class design with a dash of cheeky charm in their decorating, bold works of art, or unexpected flourishes to create a unique identity.
When it comes to accommodation, we like a seaside cottage or a cute cabin in the bush as much as the next traveller. But sometimes the occasion calls for something a little more luxe. Whether a romantic break, a complete retreat or a getaway for the whole family, here's where to do it in superlative style.
Bistro Officina is firing up the Southern Highlands' on-the-rise dining scene. Nikki Wallman checks in.
Special feature on luxury kids' travel experiences for Dubai-based travel magazine Destinations of the World News, covering everything from the most memory-making experiences around the world to incredible kids clubs.
As launch editor of this travel title, I was responsible for conceptualising, researching, structuring, writing and editing the bulk of the 116-page magazine. I created a high-quality editorial product aimed at visitors to the beautiful NSW Southern Highlands, covering hotel and restaurant reviews, wineries, destination pieces, shopping guides, fantastic family activities and much more.
Nikki Wallman discovers a grand old dame of South Africa's Cape Winelands, who retains all her history and character - while enjoying a luxurious facelift.
Nikki Wallman signs up for a cooking workshop at Biota, the regional NSW restaurant bringing simplicity and restraint back to fine dining.
Travel writing opens the world up like a dizzying, delicious present. It makes me feel alive and happy, vulnerable and independent at the same time. I love it. But last year a new love - my baby boy - arrived, and my focus shrank right down into a cosy cocoon of home and nappies and giggles and tears and silly, strange worries in the night.
It's a precarious proposition, being the newest member of Australian hotel royalty. Nikki Wallman checks in to Bannisters Pavilion to see if you can have too much of a good thing.
Signature style needn't be limited to fashion, as these incredible hotels - the product of collaboration or consultation with some of the world's most iconic fashion designers - beautifully illustrate. From the refined elegance of the Coco Chanel suite at the Ritz to the ornate detailing of Gianni Versace's former home, these mind-blowing hotel experiences give guests a chance to live like a true style icon...
Nikki Wallman samples the fresh, flavour-packed menu, cool surrounds and warm service at Bowral's Grand Bistro
The Southern Highlands is a mecca for summer visitors, with (mostly!) milder temperatures and an abundance of stunning outdoor venues to eat, drink and be merry. Words by Nikki Wallman.
All the latest and greatest openings - from wood fired cooking at Bistro Officina to the expansion of vintage-lovers' paradise Dirty Jane's Emporium.
Nikki Wallman discovers the luxurious spa sanctuary that truly redefines the idea of a wellness escape
Nikki Wallman checks into Peppers Manor House to see how a recent multi-mullion dollar facelift has added a new chapter to the historic hotel's storied past.
Sometimes, being removed from everything we know is the best way to rediscover ourselves. Nikki Wallman recalls the journey that helped her navigate an unexpected personal drama.
Nikki Wallman searches for that elusive beast: a reasonably priced, stylish and spacious boutique hotel room in Europe.
Try not falling in love with this city. We dare you. Words by Nikki Wallman.
2014 is Cape Town's year, emerging onto the world stage as a design capital, drinking and dining mecca, and all-round cool city. But to skip its classic charms and beauty would mean missing out on some truly unforgettable experiences. Frequent visitor Nikki Wallman shares the best of both worlds.
Welcome to the lesser-known side of Zurich, where the term 'dive bar' takes on a whole new meaning, discovers Nikki Wallman.
QT Canberra brings new meaning to the term 'political party' - but, asks Nikki Wallman, does it deliver on the serious side of the hotel experience?
Nikki Wallman has the ultimate summer calendar.
The hyper-efficient Swiss rail system winds its way into every nook and cranny of this postcard-perfect country, making it ideal for family holidays. Nikki Wallman test-drives a starting itinerary.
What to do, where to stay, the best places to eat and drink and everything else you need to know for the perfect stay in this stunning harbourside playground.
A slew of city hotels are now offering sweetly stylish experiences in slick new surrounds, says Nikki Wallman. Here's our appetite-whetting guide to the gourmet stays you just can't miss.
The patchwork continent lends itself to rail travel quite unlike anywhere else on earth. Nikki Wallman reveals how to make the journey as stress-free, safe and scenic as possible.
...each more photogenic than the last. By Nikki Wallman.
Visiting Norfolk Island is like meeting a long-lost relative (who just happens to be a really good cook), says Nikki Wallman.
Zurich's B2 Boutique Hotel + Spa blends modern, unique design with its heritage as a former brewery to create a smooth result with great taste (and a few added extras).
Nikki Wallman discovers a secret glamping getaway on NSW's South Coast.
Celebrity Solstice is really quite elegant, says Nikki Wallman. Light, bright and big on options; it's cruising, but not as you know it.
Get to know Sydney like the locals do with this guide to the hottest suburbs of an eclectic, exciting and endearing city.
A long-time favourite with Sydney's fashion elite, the upmarket Paddington precinct boasts a well-heeled collection of Australian designers alongside high-street staples (think the likes of Country Road, Witchery, Zomp, Seed), and an insiders-only smattering of vintage and bespoke boutiques.
Winter wonderland, summer spectacular...16 national parks and reserves straddling Victoria, NSW and the ACT offer year-round outdoor adventure.
A packing list may be handy....if she could remember where she put it. Nikki Wallman prepares for the Outback.
Researched, wrote, edited and project managed this special magazine project for Australian Traveller in conjunction with Tourism Australia. From finding your family's perfect beach to discovering isolated islands; the ultimate beach shacks to all-out luxury, there's something for everyone in this celebration of what makes Aussie summers the best in the world.
World-class wineries, white-sand beaches and tranquil wilderness; the edge of paradise along the south-west coast of Western Australia has it all, and more.
Copywriting and native content
Our guide to the best Ireland road trips: Wild Atlantic Way and the Coastal Route. Where to stop, stay, eat and play.
The past couple of years have helped travellers refine exactly what they want from travel and more specifically, hotels. Perhaps it's the option to combine work and play, or an increased emphasis on health and wellness. Maybe you want world-class dining without having to step out the front door or immersive local experiences that can elevate a business trip to a memorable travel moment.
If you're looking for a true taste of the perfect stretches of coastline, unique cuisine, an incredible range of cultural attractions and influences, non-stop nightlife and - most importantly - the intangible, laid-back vibe, it's hard to beat Southern California.
When it comes to all things alpine, Austria offers a virtual chocolate box of choices: from quiet moments soaking up the spectacular scenery to thrilling, thigh-burning runs; from rowdy apres-ski singalongs, to family-friendly villages and high culture concerts. Arlberg and Sölden are two of the country's most spectacular alpine destinations.
An unbeatable location and beloved tradition of hospitality meet sleek contemporary style full of clever touches at Conrad Centennial Singapore, as one of Singapore's most popular hotels enters a landmark year.
Once you've visited, it's hard to stay away from this mesmerizing patch of paradise (just ask the jet-set). We've got your guide on how to fly, stay and play in style in Mexico's majestic hot spot of Los Cabos.
This six-page piece of native content explores Malaysia, Borneo, India, Sri Lanka, Japan and more.
A journey from futuristic Tokyo to the historic samurai region of Aizu in the nearby Fukushima prefecture allows you to travel back over 1300 years in just a few days.
Lifestyle
Fellow first-home buyers, don't despair: the depressing state of Sydney real estate may have a silver lining after all, if you're happy to think outside the box. And by box, I mean Sydney. Stay with me here. We love Sydney. Truly, madly, deeply. But not madly enough to stay - at least not for now.
Scrolling through the latest kitchen design photos on your Insta feed, it can be tricky to imagine how to incorporate some of the more dramatic ideas into your own home. But there's one trend that's particularly adaptable when it comes to modern kitchen design ideas - yep, it's time to open your mind to open shelving.
So of course it can seem overwhelming when trying to search for bedroom ideas or come up with your dream bedroom design. Whether you're flipping through bedroom images in magazines, creating your 'bedroom design photo gallery' on Pinterest, or scrolling through endless beautiful bedroom photos on Instagram, it's easy to get inspired.
Christmas for many Aussies is all about an outdoor lunch featuring fresh seafood, some ham and a fruit-laden pav before a big swim (which, obviously, is awesome). However, hosting a Christmas in July gives you a chance to go all 'Northern hemisphere' and celebrate in a different way.
When it comes to dreaming up exciting ideas for your home, let's be honest - entryway storage doesn't usually jump up and down screaming at the top of your list. But hear us out. Getting your entry space right is a fine art in balancing form and function.
Be it a snazzy car or state-of-the-art kitchen; the latest cinema-like TV or perfect outdoor entertaining area, most of us are guilty at some stage of giving this pursuit of Jones-like perfection a red-hot crack. We all know a 'Jones' - the infuriatingly stylish, in-the-know acquaintance who makes their beautiful home seem completely effortless.
Kids' rooms should reflect the little humans that live in them - and that means embracing flexibility, a sense of fun, and the knowledge that there will be mess. Lots of mess. Did we mention the mess?
If you often daydream about whether you and your family would be happier, less stressed, healthier - or just generally better off making a tree change and living elsewhere - you're not alone. It seems plenty of us are torn between staying put or upping sticks.
Hands up if you've ever lain awake at night, eyelids heavy, sleep beckoning; yet trapped in a kind of hypnotic trance of interior decorating madness as you scroll through picture after picture of perfect homes on Pinterest? Go on - pin that last picture, put down the phone and raise your hand.
"I was angry at how everyone else around me was falling pregnant naturally, without having to seek out a cold, scientific solution". Photo: Stocksy I'd always imagined I would slip into pregnancy gracefully; a swan dive into the cool, welcoming waters of the next stage of life.
Dogs and babies each have their special needs. Photo: Stocksy My first baby was beautiful. Big brown eyes, playful yet gentle, sweet and vulnerable, cuddly and kissable. His name was Opie, and he was a fox terrier-Jack Russell mix.
I know, I know: you've heard it all before. Things are so much more relaxed in the country. People are friendlier. Homes are more affordable... but it's boring (so some say). And cities are so much more vibrant; multicultural; so full of energy and inspiration and opportunity...
They say home is where the heart is. But for a number of young Australians on the verge of buying a house, starting a family or taking the next step in their career, home is also where affordable housing, accessible childcare and sometimes unexpected job opportunities are to be found.
Health and lifestyle
Bondi's famous sands beckon as the weather heats up - and so do its fashion-packed back streets, where you'll find everything you need to take you from beach, to dinner, to Sunday brunch. It takes a lot of work to look as casually gorgeous as Bondi locals do, so we're here to help!
Scrap any preconceptions you may have of Sydney's north shore: the leafy, lovely strip of Mosman's Military Road is a sartorial treasure chest. Alongside the hit-list of failsafe fashion - Marcs, Witchery, Country Road, Seed and lululemon - a bunch of beautifully curated boutiques boast the best of high-end and cutting-edge designer labels to keep the (often multi-credit-card-carrying) local fashionistas happy.
We're faced with thousands of choices every day, from the minor to the life-changing. But how do you decide what's best for you? Nikki Wallman reports.
When you're trying to conceive, two weeks can feel like nine months...
Struggling to commit to your health? Take a fresh approach to achieving your goals and follow these practical steps to prioritise your body. By Nikki Wallman.
WHEN it comes to weight loss and your wellbeing, having a dietitian in your corner can help you kick bad habits and score health goals. By Nikki Wallman.
World ironman champion Guy Leech reveals why kayaking is the ultimate upper body workout.
Pushed for time? It's amazing what you can achieve in just a few short minutes.
I'm an absolute sucker for reality cooking shows, and it seems the rest of the country is too. But something's been gnawing away at me – given their huge audiences, should these programs be taking healthy eating more seriously?
Before making the move to freelancing, I was the editor of Healthy Food Guide - one of Australia's fastest-growing consumer magazines. Check out the website at http://www.healthyfoodguide.com.au/.
Struggling to cope with the change in season? It could be a more serious issue than simply missing the beach. Here's how to look for winter warning signs.
Inspiration and leadership can be magical forces when it comes to making big leaps forward. Given that Australia (like so many other countries) is facing high rates of overweight and obesity, and a rising incidence of related health problems, it strikes me that inspiration and leadership on these issues is desperately needed in our country.
Planned and co-wrote this healthy eating booklet, which focuses on mindful eating and creating a healthy, lifelong relationship with food - no more fad diets!
Pester power, competing health claims, and layouts designed to befuddle - beat them all with this expert guide to healthy supermarket shopping.
Bowel cancer is increasingly affecting younger people - so don't die of embarrassment if you suspect something's not right.
Why are we so passionate about our food beliefs and attitudes – and so quick to attack others when we believe they are wrong?
Expert advice on how to beat that social pariah - bad breath.
Healthy Christmas traditions from countries around the world, including Japan, Sweden and Russia.
'Designer genetic diets' are the new frontier in nutrition - but what do you need to know before signing up?
Profiles
Profile of Naked global founder Jon Wilkins on the eve of his move to Australia
Donna Hay is a perfect case study of how one person can build a global food empire without falling into the increasingly crowded realm of celebrity-chefdom.
Media, business, advertising
As the global financial crisis bites, will advertisers continue to flock to Asian business media?
Gruen Transfer panelist Russel Howcroft calls for an ad stimulus to boost the industry as it struggles in the downturn.
Nikki MacLennan asks: Just how many more launches can the saturated women's magazine market sustain?
Profiled some of the advertising industry's most powerful and inspiring creative talents, including Warren Brown, Andy DiLallo and Bob Mackintosh, for this annual wrap.
Contributed profiles on major media players including John Hartigan and Harold Mitchell for this annual report.
It's Australia's biggest killer, yet it's largely preventable. This special report for Heart Week 2013 uncovers the warning signs of cardiovascular disease and heart attacks, plus how to change your diet and lifestyle to lower your risk and much more.
The short answer to this question is: when your audience understands the commercial interests behind the editorial in question. The problem is that a lot of the time, they don't.