Noosa Heads, Australia

One of the unsung sirens of Australias Australian hideaway, Makepeace Island, is situated just up the Noosa River: the lavish, Balinese-inspired resort is usually an exclusive-use affair but lately has been opening up individual villa bookings during certain weeks. Restaurants in Noosa Heads skew Asian: the hottest table in town is Wasabi, a Japanese omakase concept where the dining room is suspended over the water, while the more casual Embassy XO, in the next town over, serves pan-Asian dishes like killer “son-in-law” eggs and jasmine-cured duck leg. But don’t miss the natural wonders here, either—head into the dreamy, ruggedly beautiful hinterland with Tropical Treks, an outfitter offering guided bushwalks, bird-watching, and wildlife experiences. —Emma Sloley