THE Akaryn Hotel Group is promising to become free of single-use plastic by 2020 with the brand’s newest address, the akyra TAS Sukhumvit Bangkok, set to lead the charge when it opens in May. The 50-room address is promising “reimagined urban accommodation in the heart of the city” and will be the first new hotel inContinue reading “No-plastic hotel for BKK …”
Author Archives: Sarah N
Alice Springs refresh …
CROWNE Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters has completed a refurbishment of its 139 guest rooms to modernise the accommodations and celebrate the best of the outback Australian landscape Each suite has been updated with tiles, carpet, furniture, cabinetry, fittings and artwork while bathrooms have been revamped and now feature modern décor, a spacious walk-in shower, andContinue reading “Alice Springs refresh …”
Canberra in 2018 …
CANBERRA is going from strength to strength as a holiday spot, and it’s Aussies who are falling for its new-found charm. Since the national capital threw off the boring tag earlier this decade — about the time new places to stay such as Ovolo Nishi (formerly Hotel Hotel), QT Canberra, East Hotel, Adina Apartment HotelContinue reading “Canberra in 2018 …”
Byron Bay YHA update …
THE Byron Bay YHA on Australia’s east coast has just reopened with a new focus on design, works by renowned local artists, and an extension that doubles capacity at this luxe flash-packer address. The new reception area features an artwork by local artist Robert Moore – his paintings are used by Aussie clothing brand MamboContinue reading “Byron Bay YHA update …”
Tips for visiting Vic …
WHEN it comes to travel, nothing beats a personal recommendation from someone who has already made the trip. Here, seven Victorians share their favourite part of the state. The Grampians Robin Wickens – executive chef, Royal Mail Hotel More people that pass through the Grampians need to make time for walking in the national parkContinue reading “Tips for visiting Vic …”
QF unveils Perth lounge …
QANTAS has unveiled the new Perth transit lounge a day before the first direct flight to London departs the West Australian capital. The airline is working to improving the health and comfort of those completing the 18-hour flight between Australia and England with customers entitled to access the lounge set to benefit from stretching classes,Continue reading “QF unveils Perth lounge …”
Inle for Myanmar Sofitel …
MYANMAR’S beautiful Inle Lake, the famous water feature in the heart of Shan State, is home to the new Sofitel Inle Lake Myat Min. The 101-room property, which welcomed its first guests on March 5, features 101 rooms including a selection of studios and suites with some of the waterside chambers looking across the lakeContinue reading “Inle for Myanmar Sofitel …”
Hue’s Imperial City …
HUE’S Imperial City is one of Vietnam’s most beautiful corners but because the address sits in the centre of the country, in the region most tourists fly over jetting between Hanoi and Saigon, it often goes unexplored and unappreciated. But on my most recent visit to Vietnam the itinerary includes a stay at the BanyanContinue reading “Hue’s Imperial City …”
Freycinet’s new Pavilions …
TASMANIA’S Freycinet Peninsula is already the place to find some of the state’s most excellent accommodation options with the choice growing more extensive after a cluster of new dwellings was unveiled on March 15. Freycinet Lodge is home to new Coastal Pavilions with nine environmentally-friendly suites hidden in the bush beside Great Oyster Bay. EachContinue reading “Freycinet’s new Pavilions …”
INSIDER – FLYING HEALTH
SKY-HIGH HYDRATION Crawling from an aircraft after an arduous long-haul flight feeling like death warmed up and spending the next few days blaming jet lag for every debilitating symptom from lethargy and headaches to burning eyes and constipation. But, more often than not, the culprit is simple dehydration brought on by spending hours at altitudeContinue reading “INSIDER – FLYING HEALTH”
Chef Luke moves up …
VIETNAM Airlines has added favourite Australian chef Luke Nguyen to its register of “global cuisine ambassadors” with the celebrity set to put his stamp on the in-flight menu. During the next three years the author and television host will develop a selection of dishes to be added to the business-class menu on flights between AustraliaContinue reading “Chef Luke moves up …”
Holiday Inn Flinders refurb …
THE HOLIDAY Inn Melbourne on Flinders has received a new look with an extensive renovating changing the character of every guestroom and giving those visiting the city a fresh place to stay in the Victorian capital. The guest room count has been increased to 209 chambers with the building gutted to create a blank canvasContinue reading “Holiday Inn Flinders refurb …”
Understanding air miles …
THERE’S nothing better than sinking into a plane seat knowing the flight comes without a price tag. The orange juice is sweeter, the blanket softer, the movies more entertaining, and the journey turbulence-free when loyalty, savvy shopping, and smart decisions come together to grab a free flight or secure an upgrade to a cabin furtherContinue reading “Understanding air miles …”
Trains Europe favourite …
TRAINS are emerging as the preferred mode of transport for Australians visiting Europe in 2018. With wait times at airports increasing – a 2017 study by Airlines For Europe reveals travellers can now spend up to four hours queueing in terminals from Madrid to Paris and Brussels to Milan as security checks and understaffed airlinesContinue reading “Trains Europe favourite …”
Lake Towada …
Where … Lake Towada, near the northern tip of Japan’s Honshu Island. When … Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 3.25pm What … Lake Towada, the largest caldera pond on Japan’s main island, is part of the Towada National Park and marks the border between Akita and Aomori prefectures. It is famous for the “autumn colour”Continue reading “Lake Towada …”
Luang Prabang’s new luxe …
LAOS is shaping up as one of 2018’s hidden holiday gems with travellers now having another option when it comes to booking luxury accommodation. The AVANI+ Luang Prabang opened on March 1 with the 53-room property located in the heart of the northern city steps from the Mekong River, Royal Palace, and Night Market. TheContinue reading “Luang Prabang’s new luxe …”
NEWS – QANTAS CATERING
QF’S NEW LONG-HAUL MENU A HERBAL tea blend created especially for Qantas is just one of the menu items ready for passengers travelling on the Flying Kangaroo’s new non-stop flights between Perth and London. The Dreamliner 787 menu has been created to increase hydration, encourage sleep and help reduce jet lag for those embarking onContinue reading “NEWS – QANTAS CATERING”
AVANI’s new hotel brand …
AVANI Hotels & Resorts will add a new brand to the stable with the launch of AVANI+. Each address wearing the AVANI+ name will “tell its own unique story” using architecture and design while also employing technology to help those making reservations explore the locations they are visiting. “We will introduce guests to the destinationContinue reading “AVANI’s new hotel brand …”
The Academy open in April …
THE Academy, YTL Hotels’ new London property, will be completed in April with the first images promising something special. The hotel occupies five Georgian townhouses in the heart of Bloomsbury – the trendy neighbourhood north of the Thames that’s home to The British Museum – with 50 elegant guest rooms as well as a selection ofContinue reading “The Academy open in April …”
The light of day …
THERE’S a beautiful light that seems to settle on northern Africa in the late afternoon. It’s soft and vaguely opaque, with a delicate pearl tone, like sand from the desert dunes is swirling in the air and catching the late afternoon sunbeams as they struggle to reach the ground. With this magical light comes aContinue reading “The light of day …”
Handling travel mishaps …
ON my last visit to Japan I was bounced out of bed at 5am by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake. The epicentre was about 100km from where I slept in a city near the northern tip of Honshu Island and my room on the 9th floor of a sturdy 12-storey hotel swayed from side to sideContinue reading “Handling travel mishaps …”
Christmas 2017 in Melbourne …
SANTA is making his list and checking it twice, presents are being wrapped, the windows on advent calendars are being peeled back, and carols are echoing through shopping centres. Christmas is on its way and those lucky enough to be in Melbourne during the 2017 Silly Season have a swag of options available to getContinue reading “Christmas 2017 in Melbourne …”
Melbourne’s Adina update …
A REVAMPED rooftop pool with a terrace for entertaining, new penthouse suites, and fresh decor in every one of the 155 guest rooms are just some of the highlights of the Adina Apartment Hotel Melbourne’s recent renovation. Those in the know say the hotel has “adopted a modern international style” which starts in the newContinue reading “Melbourne’s Adina update …”
Putting on the Ritz in Thailand …
KOH Samui’s newest hotel the Ritz-Carlton officially opened back in October but I just received a stack of photographs snapped around the luxurious Thai property and thought it was worth showing them off. The resort occupies land on the holiday island that was once home to a coconut plantation with the 175 suites and poolContinue reading “Putting on the Ritz in Thailand …”
Paris is always a good idea …
DID you see the picture of Barack Obama in the November 17 edition of Time with his feet up on the table? The soles of his shoes were worn because, as the caption noted, he had been “pounding the pavement” campaigning for votes in the days before the US election. After just a couple ofContinue reading “Paris is always a good idea …”
Do South-East Asia in 2018 …
WHEN Aussies daydream about getting away it’s destinations around Asia that often provide the backdrop for holiday fantasies. Empty beaches, ancient temples, bustling cities, lush rainforests, hectic markets and serene islands promise something to satisfy every appetite, but where to go when new resorts, tours, experiences and destinations pop up every day? Escape chats withContinue reading “Do South-East Asia in 2018 …”
What not to do on a cruise ship …
SURE, cruising can be a hassle-free holiday. Simply climb on board, unpack, and settle into to your floating hotel where everything from meals and transport to entertainment and sightseeing is covered in the fare. But there are rules and regulations, as well as a few little tricks that can trip up those not used toContinue reading “What not to do on a cruise ship …”
AVANI new for Thailand’s Hua Hin …
HUA HIN, the beach-side settlement that’s long been a favourite with the Thai royal family, is home to the newest AVANI hotel. The AVANI Hua Hin Resort is a block from the beach but boasts lush tropical gardens with each of the 196 guest rooms, suites and villas looking across the vast lagoon-style pools thatContinue reading “AVANI new for Thailand’s Hua Hin …”
Celebrity bound for the Galapagos …
CELEBRITY Cruises has commissioned a new ship dedicated to exploring the Galapagos Islands with the Celebrity Flora set to join the fleet in May 2019. The vessel, which has been designed to carry 100 passengers, will boast “anchorless technology” to help the crew maintain the ship’s position in areas where it’s necessary to protect theContinue reading “Celebrity bound for the Galapagos …”
In position for plane sleeping …
There are two types of people, those who can sleep on planes and others who spend hours staring at the seat in front of them as they hop across countries. For those skilled at upright slumber it’s as easy as closing their eyes while flyers who struggle try everything from noise-cancelling headphones to a BaileysContinue reading “In position for plane sleeping …”
Far Near Or Here 