"The property market is unlikely to see much improvement even in the second half of the year, " Huang Wenzai, chairman of luxury-property developer Star River Group, said.

WSJ: China Developers Expect Property Prices to Fall

Knowing we'd be turning our backs on civilization, we first visited Cape Lodge near the Margaret River (see " A Taste of Luxury") to soak up as much five-star nourishment as we could.

FORBES: Where the Outback Meets the Sea

The luxury hotel will occupy the part of the La Samaritaine complex overlooking the river, with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

WSJ: LVMH to Mix Luxury and Tourism in Paris

If you need utter seclusion and five-star luxury to achieve Nirvana, book a room in the Como Shambala Estate overlooking the Ayung River in Bagawan village, about 12km northwest of Ubud.

BBC: Changing lives and perceptions in Ubud