Wanderlust Union Clients Honoured in MICHELIN Key Awards

Last week, in the heart of Paris, the MICHELIN Guide unveiled its first-ever MICHELIN Key awards across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and French Polynesia, marking a new chapter in the recognition of exceptional hospitality. 

Already known globally for its culinary accolades, the MICHELIN Guide’s expansion into hotel excellence is a milestone that underscores the growing sophistication and discernment of luxury travellers.

At Wanderlust Union, we are proud to see several of our clients honoured in this inaugural selection, a true testament to their dedication to craft, service, and story.

Lizard Island Resort, the only Australian property to receive the prestigious Three MICHELIN Keys, including special mention of Wanderlust Union The House at Lizard Island, a private ultra-luxury private estate bookable via the Resort. This recognition affirms the property’s status as one of the most exclusive and extraordinary destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.

Basq House, Byron Bay’s design-led boutique hotel received a well-deserved MICHELIN Key. With its distinctive architecture, relaxed sophistication, and deep sense of place, Basq House continues to set the standard for modern coastal luxury.

Internationally, The Peninsula Hotels,  another valued Wanderlust Union partner,  earned multiple MICHELIN Keys, reinforcing their reputation for timeless elegance and impeccable service, including Three MICHELIN Keys for The Peninsula London and Two MICHELIN Keys each for The Peninsula properties in Istanbul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai

The MICHELIN Keys were created to help travellers easily identify hotels that offer more than just luxury, properties that deliver unique experiences, authentic character, and a strong sense of hospitality. With only a small percentage of hotels receiving MICHELIN Keys, this new accolade is set to become one of the most coveted distinctions in the global travel space.

At Wanderlust Union, we are honoured to help tell the stories of these remarkable properties, through media engagement,  strategic brand partnerships and narrative-driven campaigns that connect with today’s most discerning travellers.

Congratulations again to all MICHELIN Key recipients. We look forward to continuing to champion the very best in global travel.

10 Years of Halcyon House: A Slim Aarons Summer with Business & Pleasure Co.

To mark 10 years, Wanderlust Union client, Halcyon House, has teamed up with Australian luxury lifestyle brand Business & Pleasure Co. to reimagine the hotel’s iconic poolside and terrace experience for Summer 25/26.

Known globally for their vintage-inspired outdoor collections, Business & Pleasure Co. has previously collaborated with standout destinations including The Beverly Hills Hotel, Soho House, and Belmond. This latest partnership brings together two design-led brands with a shared focus on quality, atmosphere, and experience.

But this is more than just a visual refresh, it’s a thoughtfully curated lifestyle collaboration rooted in aesthetic harmony, aligned values, and a guest experience that feels elevated yet effortless.

Business & Pleasure Co.’s signature umbrellas, soft pastel palette, and vintage-inspired detailing integrate seamlessly into Halcyon’s laid-back luxury setting. The result? A Slim Aarons-esque seasonal takeover that feels glamorous, layered, photogenic, and perfectly on-brand, a visual moment designed for sun-drenched days and golden hour storytelling.

The collaboration also extends into a broader lifestyle-driven guest experience celebrating Halcyon House's 10th birthday, a $10 birthday Paloma served all October at Paper Daisy, daily poolside margarita hour, paired with a relaxed Mexican-inspired bar menu, Ocean Air Cinema, a new alfresco film series exclusive to in-house guests and a nostalgic, playful touch: a miniature birthday cake delivered in-room upon check-in

These aren’t standalone promotions, they’re part of a cohesive hospitality lifestyle narrative that speaks to modern travellers’ desire for immersive, design-led experiences.

At Wanderlust Union, we see this as a case study in how hospitality brands can craft meaningful partnerships that go beyond aesthetics, delivering rich, memorable experiences and long-term brand value through thoughtful, values-aligned storytelling.

Game On: How Sport Tourism Is Shaping the Future of High-End Travel

Wanderlust Union has been closely watching the growing class of travellers who don’t just plan around seasons, but plan around tournaments.

Whether it’s Wimbledon, the Australian Open, the Ryder Cup, or the Monaco Grand Prix, the world’s most iconic sporting events are fast becoming anchors for luxury travel experiences. And for brands in the hospitality and tourism space, this is an opportunity worth watching closely.

More than just a seat in the stands, today’s sport-driven luxury travel includes premium hospitality packages, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, private transfers, fine dining, wellness add-ons and the chance to explore a city at its cultural and energetic peak

Take the Australian Open as an example.

In 2024, over 1.1 million people attended the AO, a record-breaking number that delivered over AUD $533 million in economic impact to Victoria. There were more than 620,000 hotel nights booked, and the event continues to grow as a global tourism magnet, drawing guests not just for the tennis, but for Melbourne’s food, fashion, nightlife and world-class accommodation.

And this is just the beginning.

With the Brisbane 2032 Olympics on the horizon, Australia is set to redefine its place in the global sport-tourism conversation. The Olympics are expected to deliver up to $70 billion in economic opportunity for Queensland over two decades, reshaping Brisbane’s infrastructure, cultural capital, and its international visitor appeal.

What does this mean for luxury travel?

Sport becomes the drawcard, but the real value lies in the experience around it.

Brands that can offer elevated, personalised, and meaningful ways to engage with these moments, before, during, and after, will win the hearts of a highly engaged, high-value audience.

Because for many travellers today, luxury is no longer just about where you stay, it’s about what you feel, who you connect with, and the once-in-a-lifetime energy you can be part of.

Wanderlust Union has seen the rise of the sport tourist, and they’re looking for more than a game, they’re looking for an unforgettable journey.

If you’re a luxury travel or lifestyle brand looking to activate during a sporting event, we’d love to assist you with your PR strategy. 

THE PENINSULA ISTANBUL LAUNCHES ITS EXQUISITE LUXURY MOTOR YACHT, PEN 1, FOR GUEST TRANSFERS AND PRIVATE CRUISES

Beginning this summer, hotel guests can enjoy seamless arrivals, departures, and scenic personalised voyages on the Bosphorus

Wanderlust Union client, The Peninsula Istanbul is delighted to introduce an exceptional new experience for its guests this summer: exclusive transfers and breathtaking cruises on the Bosphorus aboard the hotel’s custom-built, 16-metre private luxury motor yacht, PEN 1.

Designed by renowned Turkish naval architect Tanju Kalaycıoğlu and constructed by Su Marine custom yacht builders, the one-of-a-kind, impeccably crafted mahogany vessel can accommodate up to 16 passengers at a time. PEN 1 blends classic maritime design with luxurious modern aesthetics and finishes including teak decking, polished stainless-steel fixtures, and handcrafted details, and a gleaming hull finished in signature Peninsula green.

Handled by a dedicated, expert captain and crew, it provides convenient – and superbly stylish –water transport between The Peninsula Istanbul’s private boat dock at Galataport and key waterfront areas of Üsküdar and Haliç (Golden Horn).

“Sat at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Istanbul is a city best seen from the water,” said Jonathan Crook, Managing Director of The Peninsula Istanbul. “Aboard PEN 1, guests of The Peninsula Istanbul can discover the buzzing metropolis in style, with sweeping views of both continents and in complete serenity, all with the impeccable hospitality they have come to expect.”

PEN 1 guests will experience an especially enchanting journey. Those arriving at Istanbul Airport will be comfortably transferred by private vehicle to Haliç, while those arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport will be brought to Üsküdar (their luggage will then be driven directly to The Peninsula Istanbul to meet them upon their arrival). Once aboard the boat, they will be warmly welcomed by a Guest Experience Executive and treated to a glass of Champagne that sets the tone for a rarefied hotel stay.

In addition to transfers, PEN 1 is available for customised private guest voyages – from romantic sunset cruises and birthday or anniversary celebrations on the Bosphorus. Each excursion can be tailored to suit guests’ particular preferences, but all will feature dazzling views of the Bosphorus and as well as the hotel brand’s legendary luxury and impeccably attentive service. Whether for transport or leisure, cruises aboard PEN 1 promise to create indelible memories for guests of the award-winning hotel.

Wanderlust Writes: SAILING INTO THE FUTURE, The Rise of Luxury Hotel Cruises

One of the most exciting evolutions in luxury travel right now is the move of iconic hotel brands into the cruise market. From The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Four Seasons Yachts, Aman at Sea, and Orient Express' Orient Silenseas – we’re seeing the world’s most renowned hoteliers bring their signature service, design, and lifestyle ethos to the seas.

Why is this happening?

Because luxury cruising is no longer a niche – it’s one of the fastest-growing segments in global travel, attracting a new generation of high-net-worth travellers who want the same level of curation, comfort, and storytelling they expect on land. Aman's move with Amangati signals how seriously this space is being taken: expect high standards, unmistakable design, and deeply personalised service.

For hotel brands, this is a natural extension – offering loyal guests new ways to engage with their world, while capitalising on a segment predicted to double in size over the next decade. The global luxury cruise tourism market is now valued at around USD 7.7 billion in 2024, and is projected to grow to USD 24.3 billion by 2033.

For the cruise industry, it raises the bar on design, service, and experience in ways that reshape expectations.

The question isn’t why are luxury hotels moving into cruising? – it’s who will be next?

Wanderlust Union Appointed PR Agency for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

Wanderlust Union is delighted to announce our appointment as the PR agency for Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, a landmark in luxury hospitality and an icon of French elegance in Australia’s most cosmopolitan city.

This new client partnership further consolidates our work at the intersection of luxury, travel, destination marketing, and lifestyle communication; and reinforces Wanderlust Union’s position as a leading luxury hotel PR agency in the region.

Nestled in the heart of the Sydney CBD, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a heritage-listed hotel renowned for its timeless architecture and storied history. Following a $77M dollar refurbishment in 2024, the hotel is now the epitome of sophistication and modern luxury.

As the hotel enters a new era, Wanderlust Union has been engaged to support a communications strategy that reimagines the property as not just a place to stay, but a cultural, wellness, and lifestyle destination in its own right.

Our scope of work includes strategic storytelling across the hotel’s wellness offering, in-room experience, and brand partnerships, while continuing to position Sofitel Sydney Wentworth as a key player in Sydney’s luxury hotel landscape.

At Wanderlust Union, our work is rooted in place-led brand storytelling that resonates with the modern traveller through experiential luxury. Our shared commitment to Art de Vivre makes Sofitel Sydney Wentworth a perfect partner and a proud addition to our growing travel and destination marketing portfolio. 

WANDERLUST WRITES: ALONE BUT NOT LONELY, The Rise of Solo Travel

Once considered niche, solo travel is now one of the fastest-growing movements in tourism, and as a travel PR agency, we’re seeing firsthand how this trend is reshaping the way people explore the world.

More travellers than ever are choosing to travel on their own terms, prioritising freedom, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.

Google searches for “solo travel” have more than doubled in the past five years, and 1 in 4 travellers globally say they plan to take a solo trip in the next 12 months. Women now make up almost 65% of solo travellers worldwide.

Their top motivations? Adventure (52%), personal growth (45%), and cultural immersion (39%).

Far from being lonely, today’s solo travellers are part of a growing global community that’s redefining what it means to experience the world. From wellness retreats to culinary journeys and bucket-list destinations, going solo doesn’t mean going it alone, it means travelling at your own pace, on your own terms.

For Wanderlust Union Founder, Sophie Baker, that journey began ten years ago with a solo trip to Aro Ha Wellness Retreat, a self-sustaining haven on New Zealand’s South Island. Between sunrise yoga, subalpine hikes, and nourishing plant-based cuisine, it was an immersive experience that became a powerful catalyst for personal change.

Sophie returned home reset, recalibrated, and inspired to launch Wanderlust Union, a purpose-led travel PR agency in Sydney helping tourism brands tell stories that truly connect.

Wanderlust Writes: Where Does Travel Live After the Trip Ends?

In the travel industry, most storytelling happens before the trip: glossy campaigns, perfectly timed influencer posts, and carefully worded press releases. But there’s a missing piece in most travel PR strategies, what happens after the journey ends?

The truth is, the real story begins once the traveller comes home.

The way someone talks about a destination, in conversations, Instagram captions and Reels, TikTok’s, or shared photos, becomes part of that place’s public narrative. These post-trip stories often carry more weight than any ad or article. They’re personal. Authentic. And they spread.

For any travel PR agency serious about building long-term brand equity, this moment is a missed opportunity. Too often, we focus on pre-trip buzz and ‘in-the-moment’ content, but overlook the most valuable form of publicity: word-of-mouth!

This is where the smartest travel brands are shifting focus. They’re designing more experiences that live on in memory, and making it easy for travellers to share those memories meaningfully. This is modern travel storytelling. And it’s the foundation of truly effective travel PR.

Helping travellers tell better stories, and ensuring those stories align with brand values, is the new frontier. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about resonance.

At Wanderlust Union, we’re a travel PR agency that believes the most powerful campaign doesn’t end at check-out. It lives in the stories your guests tell next.

Slowness is the New Luxury: Why the Future of Travel Isn’t in a Rush

There was a time when luxury travel was defined by velocity - private jets, jam-packed itineraries, and the ability to tick off five countries in a week. But somewhere between burnout and border closures, a quiet shift began. One that’s less about collecting stamps, and more about collecting meaning. 

Welcome to the era of slow travel - where luxury is no longer about how fast you go, but how deeply you experience.

At Wanderlust Union, we work with brands at the forefront of luxury travel, lifestyle, wellness, and design, and the message from the modern traveller is clear: slow is seductive. It’s not about doing less - it’s about doing better. With intention, immersion, and emotional resonance.

You see it in the revival of the Orient Express, poised to glide through the Italian countryside in all its restored Art Deco splendour. This isn’t just a train - it’s a moving work of craftsmanship, a return to the romance of the journey itself. Onboard, guests won’t rush to their next destination. They’ll dine, dress, converse, and watch the world unfold. 

Beyond Italy, Belmond journeys continue through the Scottish countryside, where luxurious accommodations blend local tradition with contemporary elegance. Artfully designed by Scottish creatives, with personalised touches including a Dior Spa, butler service and private transfers, ensuring every moment of the journey is savoured.

That same desire for stillness and depth is also fuelling the rise of luxury wellness retreats - properties that have shifted from offering ‘escapes’ to creating environments of real transformation. From Ayurvedic immersion in Sri Lanka to breathwork in Tulum and medical wellness programs in the Swiss Alps, today’s retreats are no longer add-ons - they are the destination.

What we’re seeing, increasingly, is a recalibration of values. Time has become the ultimate status symbol. And those who can afford the best are choosing to invest in moments, not movement. A two-week stay at a boutique hotel where design, food, and service reflect the rhythm of the land feels far more indulgent than a whirlwind itinerary. 

It’s a philosophy echoed by brands like Six Senses, Aman, and even smaller design-led villas and lodges that understand that storytelling and slowness are not just desirable - they’re defining.

And for those of us behind the scenes - the PRs, marketers, and storytellers - this shift matters. Because it changes how luxury brands must communicate. At Wanderlust Union, this is more than a trend - it’s a transformation. Our work with boutique hotel, heritage experiences, and high-end wellness brands is grounded in this belief: that great travel is about depth, not distance.

So here’s to slowness. To the long, late breakfasts, to watching landscapes unfold from a train window. To travel that doesn’t promise a quick fix but offers a slow return to self.

Haclcyon House hosts guests for a Steve Cordony Masterclass by the Sea

Steve placing bespoke place cards at table setting - Wanderlust Union Luxury PR Sydney

Over a year in the making, it’s been incredibly exciting to see this collaboration with Wanderlust Union Client  Halcyon House and Interior Stylist Steve Cordony come to life.

Last week, Steve hosted his first-ever styling masterclasses outside of his iconic Rosedale property - set against the dreamy coastal backdrop of Halcyon House. 

Masterclass by the Sea was more than just a workshop; it was an immersive experience that brought together a like-minded community for a couple unforgettable days of design, connection, and coastal charm.

Guests were treated to a cocktail workshop with Husk Farm Distillery, a beautiful welcome dinner at Paper Daisy, and of course, hands-on styling sessions with Steve himself. Pure magic - sunshine, shared stories, exquisite food, and (yes) a whole lot of pineapples.

Steve is a long-time friend of Wanderlust Union and a valued industry collaborator. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of working closely together on various creative projects, and this partnership continues to reflect a shared passion for delivering considered design, storytelling, and elevated experiences. 

Wanderlust Writes:

Quiet luxury isn’t just a fashion trend — it’s reshaping how we tell travel & lifestyle stories.

In a post-aspirational world, today’s travellers aren’t chasing status. They’re seeking a sense of place, substance, discretion, and depth - the feeling of being in-the-know, not just being seen.

And that shift is showing up across the luxury travel & lifestyle PR and marketing landscape. Loud superlatives and glossy ‘influencer moments’ are being replaced with storytelling that feels more authentic, more textured, more personal.

Think:

• The provenance of a ceramic in the room

• The family behind a boutique vineyard

• The stillness of arriving somewhere remote where few others have.

• The pristine natural environments, like polar bear safaris in Norway or tracking snow leopards in

• The Himalayas, offer a sense of adventure & connection with nature

• The airlines like Singapore Suites and Four Seasons Private Jet offer discreet service and thoughtfully designed private cabins, emphasising comfort & privacy

Quiet luxury can also involve choosing eco-friendly accommodations, supporting local communities, and reducing the environmental impact of travel.

In this space, understatement is a strategy. The brands doing it well aren’t shouting — they’re inviting. And every element of their presence (copy, design, visuals, partnerships, press tone) speaks the same refined, quiet confidence.

At Wanderlust Union, we’re helping brands embrace this shift — crafting narratives that cut through with calm, and resonate with an audience that values nuance over noise.

Because in 2025, true luxury isn’t about being everywhere. It’s about being exactly where you want to be.

THE PENINSULA LONDON SPA & WELLNESS CENTRE LAUNCH NEW WELLNESS OFFERINGS TO ENHANCE PERSONALISED WELLBEING

21 June 2025 – As the season turns and guests look to refresh, recharge, and refine, The Peninsula London Spa & Wellness Centre is introducing two new wellness partnerships designed to prepare the mind and body for summer: exclusive treatments with luxury longevity brand Ricari, and personalised fitness with ONE: Personal Training, a leading, private studio, based in Mayfair, offering client-first performance training.

These transformative, forward-thinking collaborations reflect The Peninsula London’s strategic commitment to delivering more tailored and personalised wellbeing experiences.

Ricari Studios Available exclusively in the UK at The Peninsula London, The Ricari Method combines state-of-the-art technology with expert manual techniques to sculpt, tone, and rejuvenate. Ideal for pre-holiday preparation, post-travel recovery, or a simple reset, Ricari treatments address everything from puffiness and inflammation to skin elasticity and lymphatic health.

Guests experience both immediate and cumulative benefits, from refined contours and visible glow to improved sleep, digestion, and circulation, making it the perfect foundation for the summer months. Treatments incorporate non-invasive tools including the Icoone Multi Microstimulation System, Ballancer Pro Compression Therapy, LYMA Lasers and infrared PEMF, complemented by Margy’s advanced skincare.

Ricari’s adaptive treatments integrate seamlessly into the dynamic lifestyles of The Peninsula’s discerning guests, whether booked as a one-time reset or a consistent practice daily, weekly, or monthly. Non-resident guests booking a Ricari treatment also receive full access to The Peninsula London’s spa facilities, including the 25m heated swimming pool, hammam and sauna, and state-of-the-art gym.

“We are delighted to bring The Ricari Method to The Peninsula London, an ideal setting for this personalised, regenerative experience as guests prepare to look and feel their best for the season ahead.” Anna Zahn, Founder, Ricari.

This June, ONE: Personal Training brings its bespoke performance programmes to The Peninsula London. Founded by former professional athlete Henry Barratt, ONE is known for a refined, client-first approach that focuses on long-term strength, mobility, and body awareness. Private 60-minute sessions, available in The Peninsula’s Technogym-equipped studio, include strength and resistance training, functional movement, boxing, and Pilates. Whether refining posture, building stamina, or rebalancing after travel, ONE’s expert trainers craft personalised sessions aligned with each guest’s summer goals.

“We are proud to partner with The Peninsula London, bringing our premium Personal Training, Injury Rehabilitation, and Pilates services to their distinguished guests. This collaboration unites two brands committed to excellence, an exciting partnership with great promise for the present and the future.” Henry Barratt, Founder of ONE: Personal Training.

A Culinary Celebration by the Sea at Halcyon House Danielle Alvarez and Andrew Milford Unite for an Exclusive Winter Dining Experience

This winter, boutique hotel client of Wanderlust Union, Halcyon House invites guests to experience By the Sea — a two-day coastal dining event featuring a collaboration between acclaimed chef Danielle Alvarez and Andrew Milford, Executive Chef of Halcyon House’s award-winning hatted restaurant, Paper Daisy. Unfolding over two intimate candlelit sittings, the event promises a seasonal celebration of local produce, creative synergy, and authentic culinary expression, and is one of a handful of special experiences planned throughout the year to mark Halcyon House’s milestone 10 th anniversary.

The events showcase a unique city-meets-regional chef collaboration through a three-course menu paired with Louis Roederer Champagne and celebrates the region’s diverse network of local producers and sustainable food sources.

Saturday, 5 July at 6:30PM – candlelit dinner

Sunday, 6 July at 12:00PM – long lunch

Returning to Halcyon House for a second time, following her sell-out gourmet weekend in 2018, Danielle Alvarez is one of Australia’s most respected culinary voices. Known for her produce-driven ethos, deep respect for seasonality, and classical training at Alice Waters’ legendary Chez Panisse in California, Danielle brings a thoughtful, elegant approach to modern Australian dining. Formerly at the helm of Fred’s in Sydney, she continues to shape the food conversation through her writing, events, and ongoing kitchen collaborations.

Together with Paper Daisy’s Andrew Milford — known for his elevated coastal cooking and dedication to showcasing the region’s finest growers and producers — By the Sea will offer a soulful, sensory experience grounded in place, season, and shared creativity.

“The provenance of ingredients and seasonality is an important part of our philosophy at Paper Daisy. We love sharing the story behind each dish and this collaboration with Danielle and myself allows us to take guests on a journey when they dine with us.” commented Paper Daisy’s Andrew Milford.

With limited seats available for both sittings, By the Sea is set to be a highlight in this year’s winter calendar.

DETAILS:

• $145 per person - includes a three-course dining experience curated by

• Danielle Alvarez and Andrew Milford

• Candlelit Coastal Dining Experience

• Roederer Champagne on Arrival

• Halcyon Candle Keepsake

Bookings essential. For reservations and further details, visit halcyonhouse.com.au.

Halcyon House Named One of Australia’s Top 10 Boutique Hotels by Gourmet Traveller

At Wanderlust Union, we’re proud to partner with brands that shape the future of luxury travel – and we couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate our client Halcyon House, recently named one of Gourmet Traveller’s Top 10 Boutique Hotels in Australia. Alongside Halcyon House’s remarkable vision, impeccable service, and stunning property, we see this recognition as a celebration of the power of consistent, brand-led storytelling in luxury hospitality.

Located on the coastline of Cabarita Beach, Halcyon House has redefined what boutique accommodation in Australia looks and feels like. Once a 1960s surf motel, it was transformed into an elegant coastal retreat that balances maximalist design with laid-back luxury. With its signature patterned walls, vintage furnishings, and Mediterranean flair, it continues to be one of the most photographed and beloved boutique hotels in the country – and for good reason.

But Halcyon House is far more than just visually iconic. From its acclaimed restaurant Paper Daisy, known for its local produce and refined beachside cuisine, to the intimate guest experience and attention to detail throughout the property, every part of the brand has been built with thought and intention.

This year, Halcyon House celebrates 10 years of boutique excellence - a decade of bold design, elevated hospitality, and a brand story that has remained as relevant and inspiring as ever. As a PR agency focused on luxury travel, lifestyle, food, wine and design, we’ve worked closely with the Halcyon team to ensure their brand message resonates in the right markets, at the right time.

We have championed Halcyon House even before its doors officially opened. A decade on, we are proud to continue handling their PR and communications, helping to cement their reputation as one of Australia’s most celebrated boutique hotels. This long-standing partnership is a testament to what we do best as a luxury travel PR agency: shaping perceptions, building enduring brand equity, and creating narratives that resonate with discerning travellers around the world.

Their inclusion in Gourmet Traveller’s Hotel Guide is a well-deserved honour and a timely reminder that great hospitality is both an art and an experience. Congratulations to Halcyon House for continuing to lead from the front.

Wanderlust Union client Basq House named in Travel + Leisure Co. Top 100 New Hotels in the world

We are thrilled to celebrate Wanderlust Union client, Basq House, for their inclusion in Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 New Hotels in the World – one of only three Australian hotels to make the cut in 2024 – a huge honour and a powerful moment for this bold little boutique hotel in Byron Bay.

A powerful reminder of how smart storytelling and strategic PR can put independent brands on the global stage.

From pre-launch planning to media relations and targeted famils, Wanderlust Union led the communications strategy for Basq House – and it’s been an absolute privilege to partner with hotel operators JEREMY & JONES on such a creatively rich and rewarding project.

For small boutique, design-led hotels, accolades like this are more than just a headline – they’re a business-shaping asset, driving bookings, brand equity, and international credibility.

If you’re a boutique hotel or travel brand with big ambitions, we’d love to help you get the global attention you deserve.

Travel + Luxury: The Thinking Traveller Puglian polish

Powerful earned media at its best.

At Wanderlust Union, we believe in the power of storytelling—connecting the right journalists with the right experiences to create editorial that truly resonates.

Thrilled to see this stunning feature in Travel + Luxury by the brilliant Kerrie McCallum, spotlighting Wanderlust Union client The Thinking Traveller and one of their villas in Puglia. Known for their unparalleled service and voted the #1 villa rental company in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, The Thinking Traveller curates extraordinary villas with true soul, and Villa Montekore was no exception.

Through thoughtful PR strategy and a deep understanding of what inspires luxury travellers, we were able to facilitate this multi-page feature, showcasing not just a villa, but a destination, a lifestyle, and an unforgettable way to travel.

A huge thank you to Kerrie for capturing the magic so beautifully. And to Rossella Beaugié and The Thinking Traveller, for continuously setting the benchmark in luxury villa experiences.

Peninsula Hotels Hong Kong hosted gala to unveil the 2025 edition of Art in Resonance

On 24 March, during Hong Kong Art Week, Wanderlust Union’s luxury hotel group client, The Peninsula Hotels Hong Kong hosted an extraordinary gala to unveil the 2025 edition of Art in Resonance, The Peninsula’s acclaimed global art programme which continues to push boundaries, and celebrated an exciting new partnership with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A).

With curatorial expertise from the V&A’s Dr Xiaoxin Li, the event showcased three specially commissioned works—including She’s Bestowed Love by Lin Fanglu—blending contemporary artistic innovation with cultural heritage.

An evening of art and elegance, the event welcomed over 500 guests, from leading collectors, curators, and creatives, including Jay Jopling, Kimberly Drew, Princess Alia Al-Senussi & Prince Kieran Ashanti-Reilly of Ghana, alongside the Victoria and Albert Museum and Vogue100, for an unforgettable showcase of artistic excellence. Guests dined at Felix and were treated to a surprise performance by rising Royal Opera star Alexandra Lowe.

With this milestone event, The Peninsula Hotels continue to curate immersive cultural experiences that go far beyond traditional five-star service and redefine what it means to be a luxury hotel—offering guests not just a place to stay, but a gateway to world-class art, creativity, and cultural dialogue.

The Australian Financial Review: Paradoor

We were delighted to see this real estate feature in The Australian Financial Review for Wanderlust Union client Paradoor.

Securing Tier A earned media coverage doesn’t happen at the click of a finger and can take time —it takes a strategic approach, consistent pitching, and a deep understanding of a publication’s editorial themes and direction.

Great PR is about crafting the right story, nurturing relationships with journalists, and following up with well-paced diligence and care. This piece is a testament to that process, and we couldn’t be more pleased to see it land for Oliver Howard and the Paradoor team.

Thank you to Michael Bleby, Deputy Property Editor for sharing with AFR’s loyal readers.

The Peninsula Hotel's host floral masterclass in collaboration with Hermetica Flowers

Thursday 14th November - Wanderlust Union had the pleasure of hosting luxury and travel media on behalf of our luxury hotel group client, The Peninsula Hotel’s, during their 2024 Australia Roadshow.

The Peninsula Hotel’s joined Sydney’s top florist, Hermetica Flowers, for a stunning floral masterclass.

Similar to The Peninsula Hotel’s properties - the evening was a perfect blend of luxury and craftsmanship, with bunches of blooming peonies, orchids and more at ones fingertips for creation.

The masterclass explored how scent, travel and artistry intertwine in the most beautiful way.

Smell is known to bring back memories better than any other sense – a mode of instant transportation to a specific place or moment in time.

The Peninsula Hotel’s know the most powerful of all the memory-triggering smells are those associated with travel, when senses are on high alert and we’re wide open to experiencing the new.

Halcyon House Artist in Resident Exhibition with Eliza Gosse

With an Artist in Residency program that showcases female artists, Wanderlust Union boutique hotel client, Halcyon House was thrilled to host Sydney-based, Archibald Prize finalist artist, Eliza Gosse, culminating in a show entitled ‘Afternoon Hour When Sun Falls Like Honey’. The exhibition opens at Halcyon House on 12th October, with a special ‘Artist in Conversation’ drinks at Paper Daisy restaurant, hosted by Alison Kubler, Editor of VAULT magazine.

Eliza has created a series of work inspired by the hotel and local surrounds. An exhibition inspired by that perfect afternoon hour of an Australian summertime holiday when the sun dips, the air cools, locals exercise and vacationers enjoy a chardonnay. Gosse’s works are full of nostalgia, installing a sense of sentimentality for the fond memories the paintings hold.

‘Spending a week at Halcyon House drawing, swimming and walking in Cabarita was completely divine. I rarely get to spend so much time living within my subject and it allowed me to process and make notes in my sketchbook of all the small details. Shells on shelves, eclectic paintings on walls, wildflower bushes outside Cabarita shacks, glimpses of the pool through the archways and my husband Benj peeling an orange before the day's adventures. This body of work is a very intimate one.’ Said Gosse.

The opening drinks at Paper Daisy offers an intimate opportunity to explore Eliza’s creative process and gain insight into the stories behind her evocative works, all while enjoying a scrumptious seaside lunch in the heart of Cabarita Beach. Husk Distillers will be serving drinks.

The exhibition will run until 11 November 2024.