Quite Literally, The Sweetest Escape on Earth

Fancy this rare celebrity travel equation. Take a bevy of the hottest women in Hollywood - add a remote, idyllic island - then minus the paparazzi. Welcome to Bedarra - the premiere, must-do luxury destination in all of Australia. Take it from me, waking up after your first night on Bedarra is the most wonderful, delicious feeling imaginable.

When lifestyle media caught wind that the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Salma Hayek and Cameron Diaz were sunning themselves at this beautiful hideaway, this unassuming wee isle became one hot little property. That's a lot of boldface for an island that's only a handful of miles wide! With idyllic beach coves, lush landscapes and crystalline waters, the natural beauty of this destination is unparalleled.

I completely get why A-Listers have fallen so completely in love with this singularly stunning place. For me, after a mere afternoon, Bedarra became the Casanova of "deserted" islands - attentive, sensual, timeless. General Manager Mark Eletr deserves accolades as his ingenious recruiting style and fresh, improvisational model for guest experience elevates Bedarra into a rarefied class of its own for the intrepid traveller. With such a detail-driven, intelligent staff, Bedarra is the most asset-rich in talent of any small hotel I've ever stayed at. A bespoke, well-tailored stay is bound the take flight with this kind of customization.

This is truly a postcard-perfect paradise, world-class diving, lush greenery and refined, understated living. It's the island of choice for A-list celebrities but you don't need to be a star to escape to this romantic hideaway off the North Queensland coast. You just have to know where to look and how to book. Far from the maddening crowds, your villa is one of just 16 hidden in a lush, ancient rainforest. This truly is a destination for the chosen few. The villas are contemporary gems with wild foliage framing a spectacular views of the sapphire sea. The two of the prestige villas feature expansive views over Wedgerock Bay and offer private plunge pool, rich wood floors, posh day beds, plasma TVs and a hammock for lazy afternoon siestas.

Dining at Bedarra is renowned amongst travel and food editors for it's creativity and cozy decadence. Everything on the menu is made to order on the island - from the handmade gnocchi to a trio of sensual sorbets that cap off a divine meal. Or if you'd prefer peace and solitude, slip away to a secluded bay with a chef-packed gourmet hamper in your own dinghy. There are countless ways to observe the beauty of Bedarra, but a romantic beach picnic is a memory you'll treasure long after you're back to your civilian life. Bedarra claims to have more beaches than guests, so privacy is assured.

Frequent jet-setters will appreciate the resort's approach to hospitality. Absolutely everything is included in the stay so honeymooners can treat themselves to a bottle of Bollinger whenever they fancy from open bar, available 24 hours a day. Want to grab a bottle of pinot grigio to toast the sunset or a couple of Fresh Mint Bacardi Mojitos? It's literally as easy as popping open the fridge.

Sure, there's lots to "do" on a trip to Bedarra - hop over to neighbouring islands, go deep sea fishing or diving - but really why would you? This is a precious, once-in-a-lifetime island jewel. While in the island's embrace, I honestly felt that just staring at the million-dollar view was more enough, and then some. Bedarra remains the most soul-stirring stay of my seven year career in travel.

By Si Si Penaloza, Editorial Director, WOMAN.ca

Si Si Penaloza
		About the author:
		Si Si has cultivated strong ties with editors, producers and publishers at all major Canadian media outlets. She is a seasoned print, radio and broadcast specialist. Graduating Magna Cum Laude from Bowdoin College in Maine, Si Si moved to Manhattan to study Film at New York University. Her strengths lie in contextualizing relevant content for a broad audience. She's driven to stay competitive and at the top of the market - commissioning exclusive features and launching bold initiatives.
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