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 …”
Category Archives: Essentials
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
Emirates 777 cabin update …
NOVEMBER has been a big month for the airlines with a second carrier unveiling an innovative cabin upgrade. First Singapore Airlines previewed the four cabin categories that will be introduced next month when the brand starts upgrading its A380 fleet, and now Emirates has wowed the aviation community with a new-look interior for its 777s.Continue reading “Emirates 777 cabin update …”
Crowne Plaza to open big in Fiji …
WHEN the Crowne Plaza Fiji Wailoaloa Beach opens its doors in 2020 it will be the South Pacific holiday haven’s biggest hotel. The new-build address, which will boast ocean views and direct beach access, will feature 453 guest rooms and two swimming pools as well as a selection of places to drink and dine. “AsContinue reading “Crowne Plaza to open big in Fiji …”
The say on stays …
EACH September in the 1980s my family made an annual pilgrimage north from Victoria to spend our school holidays in the Queensland sunshine. Every afternoon on the three or four-day drive my parents would predict the night’s stopping spot, flick through the RACV accommodation guide to find a place to stay according to the numberContinue reading “The say on stays …”
Singapore’s A380 cabin upgrade …
SINGAPORE Airlines has set a new standard in sky-high comfort by unveiling the next generation of “cabin products”. The airline, known as an innovator when it comes to aircraft interiors, has invested four years in designing the new passenger spaces that will feature across all four cabin categories in the A380 after a fleet refurbishmentContinue reading “Singapore’s A380 cabin upgrade …”
Cruising the Australia coast …
AUSSIES are infatuated with cruising our coastline and it doesn’t look like the affair will end soon. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports Australia will welcome “an unprecedented number’’ of passenger liners this cruise season — about 60 — and they’ll make more than 1000 port visits before the end of April. CLIA Australasia’sContinue reading “Cruising the Australia coast …”
Anantara Angkor’s super suites …
A FRENCH explorer and renowned silk merchant have inspired two grand new guest villas at Siem Reap’s Anantara Angkor Resort. The jewel in the hotel’s crown is the sprawling Henri Mouhot Suite — the serene space celebrates the intrepid naturalist and adventurer credited with uncovering the lost Angkor ruins back in the 1860 — andContinue reading “Anantara Angkor’s super suites …”
Away from home sleep secrets…
NATALIA Cooper knows better than most the importance of getting a good night’s sleep while travelling. For most of us a sleepless night in a hotel room results in a late breakfast, or an afternoon snooze below a beachside palm tree, but for the Today team member it means presenting the weather while rubbing theContinue reading “Away from home sleep secrets…”
Sydney’s swanky new Sofitel …
THERE’S a new star on the Sydney hotel scene after the official October 4 opening of the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour. The address, which boasts 590 guest rooms including 35 spacious suites, is the first new-build hotel wearing an iconic luxury brand to open in the capital’s CBD in more than 15 years and isContinue reading “Sydney’s swanky new Sofitel …”
SQ183 sunset …
Where … Flying on a Singapore Airlines’ 777 from Saigon to Singapore When … Sunday, August 20, 2017 at 9.09pm What … A delayed departure from Saigon, and a command from Singapore air traffic control to slow down by doing lazy circles in the sky while flying south along the Malay Peninsula, put my planeContinue reading “SQ183 sunset …”
HOTEL – MERCURE MALDIVES KOODDOO
Situated on the lush Kooddoo Island within the southern Gaafu Alifu Atoll, we are only 50 minutes domestic flight from Male International Airport, with no other speedboat journey. Which means direct access from the domestic terminal to your villa. Mercure Maldives Kooddoo website MALDIVES NEW MERCURE THERE’S now another option for mid-scale accommodation in theContinue reading “HOTEL – MERCURE MALDIVES KOODDOO”
Sydney’s Sheraton receives refit …
SYDNEY’S Sheraton on the Park will undergo a comprehensive renovation with the city hotel’s club lounge and 558 guest rooms receiving an elegant refresh. The $40 million refurbishment will wrap by early 2018 and is planned to combine “modern design with the classical elegance” expected of a brand that caters comfortably to both business andContinue reading “Sydney’s Sheraton receives refit …”
New York’s best boutique hotels …
WHEN it comes to New York accommodation there’s something to satisfy every travel whim – from budget boltholes to international icons – but it’s the new breed of boutique beauties that most excite savvy travellers. Escape the Big Apple tourist trail and book a hotel in one of the city’s five lively boroughs, where you’llContinue reading “New York’s best boutique hotels …”
Curio Collection comes to Rome …
ANY traveller that’s visited Rome knows finding somewhere to sleep can be a challenge. The Eternal City is not blessed with a plethora of accommodation options and those that prefer booking big-name brands, finding comfort in knowing exactly what to expect when it comes to service and style by the logo hanging above the entrance,Continue reading “Curio Collection comes to Rome …”
INSIDER – HOTELS
MAKE A SLEEP-FRIENDLY SUITE HAVE you ever wondered how much thought goes into the design of a hotel room? FIRST up there are basic things like the size and shape of the space, which are the domain of the architect drawing up the plans, before the interior designer considers important issues like the selection and placementContinue reading “INSIDER – HOTELS”
Far Near Or Here 