TRAVELLERS packing an Australian passport will find it easier to visit Papua New Guinea with a 30-day visa now available free to tourist arriving in the country. It’s the first time this visa option has been available to holidaying Australians with the alteration made by the National Executive Council this week delighting local tourism operators.Continue reading “New tourist visas for Aussies …”
Category Archives: Destinations
Havana’s newest place to stay …
STARWOOD Hotels & Resorts has ventured into a new country – and made a little bit of history along the way – by opening its first hotel in Cuba. The Four Points Havana opened its doors on June 27 in the Miramar district which is not only the city’s a business and financial centre butContinue reading “Havana’s newest place to stay …”
Peeking at world’s biggest cruise ship …
THE beds are made in 2747 staterooms, tables set in 15 restaurants, drinks chilled in 11 bars, buttons polished in 24 guest elevators, and carpet vacuumed on 18 decks which means the world’s biggest cruise ship is ready for her inaugural season. The Harmony of the Seas, the new Royal Caribbean vessels that now topsContinue reading “Peeking at world’s biggest cruise ship …”
Catch the Kuala Lumpur Express …
MALAYSIA has welcomed its first Holiday Inn Express with the opening of a new 383-room hotel in Kuala Lumpur one block from the city’s “Golden Traingle”. “We are delighted to have launched our Holiday Inn Express brand in the heart of the capital where our guests have access to the city’s major landmarks at theirContinue reading “Catch the Kuala Lumpur Express …”
the Berlin’s Wall …
AFTER spending a single day in Berlin more than 10 years ago I’ve long been keen to return to the German city for a longer stay and have finally achieved this goal. I’m spending a week in what was once East Berlin visiting many of the landmarks I know from my university history studies includingContinue reading “the Berlin’s Wall …”
the River Clyde …
Where … The River Clyde near Glasgow When … Monday, May 23, 2016 at 5.23pm What … I’m on a Holland America cruise ship visiting ports around the north of Scotland and today, after a sunny springtime day in Glasgow, the ship heads west along the River Clyde in preparation for a return to theContinue reading “the River Clyde …”
Hotels bathrooms with a view …
IT’S not unusual for a hotel room to come complete with a remarkable view. But what about the bathroom? Long gone are the days when this most functional space was placed in a dark corner, out of sight and out of mind, with today’s architects and interior designers positioning the bathroom so those occupying theContinue reading “Hotels bathrooms with a view …”
Colourful corner of Dutch blooms …
FOR eight weeks every year a quiet corner of Dutch countryside is transformed into one of the world’s most beautiful gardens. The Keukenhof opens its gates to flower lovers from around the globe in the early days of the northern hemisphere spring – in 2017 the first visitors will walk through the modest entrance onContinue reading “Colourful corner of Dutch blooms …”
Fiji’s newest island retreat …
FIJI’S first DoubleTree resort has opened on Sonaisali Island with the Hilton property boasting 120 guest rooms and bungalows positioned to take in the view across the South Pacific blue to the Mamanuca Islands. “DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji – Sonaisali Island is ready to provide guests with an authentic Fijian experience whilst delivering theContinue reading “Fiji’s newest island retreat …”
Holland’s Hoorn …
THE Dutch city of Hoorn has two claims to fame and both are linked to the settlement’s rich maritime tradition. Two of Hoorn’s favourite sons did things on their voyages around the globe, back during the days when the Dutch were master mariners discovering new lands and trading commodities from the far east and west,Continue reading “Holland’s Hoorn …”
the Ghent Canal …
Where … the Ghent Canal, in the north of Belgium When … Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 9.11pm What … After spending the day moored in Ghent, so passengers could visit that city and nearby Brugge, the Amadeus Silver III drifts north along the Ghent Canal towards Holland’s Westerschelde waterway and the following day’s exploringContinue reading “the Ghent Canal …”
Orchard Road fresh …
IT feels like I’m doing the Singapore culinary scene a huge disservice by raving about an Orchard Road eatery rather than a fancy Michelin-starred restaurant or a zany cafe doing radical Blumenthal-like creations. But The Provedore, perched above the busy Orchard Road footpath in Mandarin Gallery, is one of my favourite places to eat inContinue reading “Orchard Road fresh …”
Holland’s Hoorn …
Where … Hoorn, in Holland’s north When … Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 8.20pm What … Unseasonably warm weather has swept across northern Europe, driving temperatures into the high 20s and encouraging residents that have been hiding from winter chill for months to discard layers and venture outside. From the Panorama Bar on the AmadeusContinue reading “Holland’s Hoorn …”
Port Stephens glamping …
GLAMPING has come to Port Stephens with Thou Walla Sunset Retreat unveiling 10 new safari-style tents with each of the comfortable camps featuring an ensuite, flatscreen TV, electric fireplace, balcony, king-size bed, and outdoor furniture placed to take in the water views. Thou Walla Sunset Retreat – pronounced “dha walla”, the location was a gatheringContinue reading “Port Stephens glamping …”
Haji Lane …
SINGAPORE is a shopping paradise with everything from luxury brands on Orchard Road to Chinatown’s buzzing markets catering to visitors on a quest to worship the gods of retail. But there are also edgy enclaves around the Lion City where those dedicated to bespoke style have established indie havens that are home to stores sellingContinue reading “Haji Lane …”
Singapore’s Emerald Hill …
ORCHARD Road might be one of Singapore’s top shopping streets but it’s also a place to become emerged in Lion City history. Emerald Hill Road is an enclave of calm flanking Orchard Road – the entrance is right opposite the Somerset MRT station – with longs rows of original houses still lining the laneway. TheContinue reading “Singapore’s Emerald Hill …”
Changi’s Crowne Plaza …
Where … The hotel at Singapore’s Changi Airport When … Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at 4.53pm What … The Crowne Plaza Changi Airport is literally connected to Singapore’s Terminal 3 which means weary travellers can be in their hotel room, and changing into togs for a dip in the fabulous swimming pool thoughtfully planned toContinue reading “Changi’s Crowne Plaza …”
Little corner of France …
IT’S easy to forget you’re in suburban Sydney dining at this new Chippendale restaurant with Bistrot Gavroche reminiscent of the charming cafe you frequented on that last memorable visit to Paris. Antiques gathered from around France decorate the first-floor eatery, a building that was originally a rum factory on Kensington Street, to bring a bygoneContinue reading “Little corner of France …”
French style in Vietnam …
VIETNAM’S newest hotel will delight Francophiles with the Mercure Bana Hills French Village taking its inspiration from a mountain-top settlement in the south of France. The resort is a 30-minute drive from Da Nang and has 494 modern guestrooms in six categories – standard and deluxe rooms as well as executive, family and royal suitesContinue reading “French style in Vietnam …”
Jewels in the crown …
IT SEEMS the Duchess of Cambridge isn’t so different from us when it comes to travel. When Catherine married Prince William in 2011 she told her new hubby that a visit to India topped her touring wishlist. Kate’s dream came true this month when the young royals spent a week on the sub-continent playing touristContinue reading “Jewels in the crown …”
Sydney’s Surry Hills …
SURRY Hills is one of urban Sydney’s most intriguing neighbourhood with everything from fine-dining restaurants and comfy cafes to sophisticated shops and quirky boutiques lining the historic blocks just south of the CBD. Crown Street is the enclave’s main drag, a stretch of asphalt that appears to be inner-city drab at first glance but revealsContinue reading “Sydney’s Surry Hills …”
Turkey’s Anzac Cove …
TO mark Anzac Day 2016, the 101st anniversary of the moment Australian soldiers waded ashore on a Turkish beach, I have fished out photos from my 2012 visit to the Gallipoli Peninsula with Bunnik Tours. I spent a couple of emotional hours at Anzac Cove – walking beside the long lines of graves at AriContinue reading “Turkey’s Anzac Cove …”
Amsterdam’s green hotel …
EUROPE welcomes its second Element hotel – Starwood’s green brand – with the February opening of Element Amsterdam. The property is in Amsterdam’s Zuidas neighbourhood, occupying a former office building at the Gelderlandplein shopping mall remodelled to feature 160 studios and suites, with the address offering “eco-minded sensibilities” allowing guests to indulge in sustainable livingContinue reading “Amsterdam’s green hotel …”
Sand-side dining …
MY knowledge of Sydney doesn’t extend far beyond Circular Quay. When I’m in the New South Wales capital I stick close to the blocks between the Pitt Street Mall and Sydney Opera House, occasionally making a detour to The Rocks or Art Gallery of NSW, but my exploring is typically limited to spots I canContinue reading “Sand-side dining …”
Burma, by water …
WHEN the Scenic Aura carries its first passengers along the Irrawaddy River in September, it will be the smartest vessel navigating the lazy bends of the magnificent Myanmar waterway. The riverboat, which is currently under construction in a Yangon shipyard, will feature a variety of eating and drinking venues, from fine-dining fancy to open-air casual, andContinue reading “Burma, by water …”
the Yarra River …
Where … Melbourne’s Yarra River from the Bridge across Spencer Street. When … Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at 6.22pm. What… The late-afternoon sun shines on the side of Southbank’s glass towers with an abstract reflection of the riverside scene captured by the Yarra River. Visit the Visit Victoria website … posted Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Westin welcome …
→ An historic Sydney building provides a fancy facade for this place to stay in the heart of Australia’s biggest city … I’M sleeping in a hotel room that’s worth a cool million dollars. That’s not the rack rate, the price it costs to make a reservation and occupy a room, but a reflection ofContinue reading “Westin welcome …”
Kimberley oasis …
THE eastern sky is touched by a subtle brush of pre-dawn pink when the first bird breaks the silence and sends a melody across Berkeley River Lodge. It’s as if this morning bird is a sentry – like the man in the mosque calling the faithful to prayer – with the duty of announcing dawnContinue reading “Kimberley oasis …”
New outback experience …
TRAVELMARVEL is taking bookings for an new seven-day tour that visits Lake Eyre (above) in flood at the innovative Field of Light installation at Uluru. The guided Lake Eyre & the Red Centre itinerary, priced from $3595 per person twin share, journeys between Adelaide and Uluru with the tour company offering five departure in MayContinue reading “New outback experience …”
Circular Quay …
I LOVE ice cream, but ice cream doesn’t love me. I have a pesky allergy to the icy treat which demands I give all but dairy-free gelato a miss. But there are rare occasions when I just can’t resist so I do my sums, decide if I can risk a migraine, and order a scoopContinue reading “Circular Quay …”
Far Near Or Here 