The more you travel, the more you realise that adventure isn’t really about ‘bucket lists’, or ‘doing’ destinations, or even making your mates jealous on Instagram. It’s about those quiet, soul-stirring moments, when the world seems almost hyper-real, like you’re tapping directly into the secret truth of the universe (OK, it’s a little about jealousy, but it’s mostly the universe thing).

And you know where you can find that feeling in spades? The barefoot luxury, all-inclusive, safari-tent oasis known as Sal Salis, on Australia’s Ningaloo/Nyinggulu Reef in Western Australia. Population: basically nobody. Major exports: whale sharks, sun, endorphins.

Here are eight magical moments you can experience at Sal Salis.UNZIPPING YOUR TENT AND SEEING THE NINGALOO COAST Sal Salis’ eco-luxury tents are about as close to the Indian Ocean as it’s possible to be without being in it. Actual distance: about 50 metres. At dawn, when you unzip your off-grid glamping tent, all you can hear is the shush of the waves – no one around and nothing but sandy dunes, turquoise water and pink skies all the way to the horizon. There’s no feeling like it.

SUNRISE HIKE AT MANDU MANDU GORGE We know Australia is old. But when you live in a city, it’s hard to appreciate the sheer age of this land; feel that weight of millennia. It’s not until you’re hiking Mandu Mandu Gorge, with your Sal Salis guide, spotting black-footed rock wallabies along the way and watching the sun dance over red rocks and reef – that’s when it hits you. This place is special.SNORKELLING WITH SEA TURTLES Ningaloo is the world’s largest fringing reef. Bet you didn’t know that. And unlike the Great Barrier Reef, all the coral and sea life is within swimming distance of your front door (or front flap, in this case). Grab a wet suit and explore the reef solo or sign up for an off-site snorkel tour with a Sal Salis guide who’ll have you cruising around with green turtles and hawksbills in no time. Extend your Sal Salis experience and swim with the majestic whale sharks between March and October (give or take – whale sharks don’t own calendars). But get in quicksticks: prebooking is a must!

LOSING YOURSELF IN A BOOK (WITHOUT ITCHING FOR YOUR PHONE) In fact, not being glued to your phone is what Ningaloo is all about. Sal Salis is off-grid, which makes it great for digital detoxing. In the morning, you can set up camp on the sand, settle down in the lodge, or kick back on a private hammock in your safari tent, open a good book and just lose yourself for hours. This is a world where itchy thumbs and doomscrolling don’t really apply. There’s too much to do… or not at all.

WATCHING THE SUN SET OVER NINGALOO REEF WITH CANAPES AND COCKTAILS Most of us on the east coast of Australia don’t know what it’s like to watch a genuine Indian Ocean sunset. Especially not with a canape in one hand and a stiff cocktail in the other, kicking back in Sal Salis’ central lodge. After a day spent exploring the sun-drenched reef and very much not checking your emails, it’s a moment worth savouring.SITTING DOWN TO A FIVE-STAR DINNER Everything at Sal Salis is included in your stay. And eating fresh local seafood, at a candlelit table, with the white noise of the ocean as your background music – that technically falls under ‘everything’. It’s one of those pinch-me moments, when you feel like you’ve accidentally wandered into a rom-com starring Jude Law. And don’t worry if fish isn’t your thing; there are a tonne of gourmet options, all inspired by the local ranges (and scrumptious local produce).STARGAZING ON THE BEACH UNDERNEATH AN ENTIRE GALAXY Ningaloo is seriously remote. Nothing but endless waves in one direction and the Cape Range National Park in the other. So the stargazing here is literally off the charts. After a hectic day of doing literally whatever you want – morning tour, afternoon swim, big ol’ nap – you can kick back on the day beds on the sand or relax from the comforts of your private deck and watch the entire Milky Way unfold across the sky.

This article was produced in partnership with Sal Salis. Want to experience magical moments like these (and a bunch more)? Take a peek at the Sal Salis website and book your all-inclusive barefoot luxury adventure.