AIR New Zealand is continuing its tradition of making quirky safety videos with Anna Faris and Rhys Darby teaming up to craft a Hollywood themed before-takeoff briefing. The video is called Safety in Hollywood and was filmed at Warner Bros Studios in Los Angeles with Rhys, a New Zealand actor and comedian, attempting to convince theContinue reading “Air NZ’s Hollywood-style safety …”
Category Archives: Essentials
Cruise proves to be Dutch treat …
DO not fret if you haven’t heard of the Keukenhof. This annual flower garden on Amsterdam’s rural outskirts is a Dutch icon but it opens just eight weeks a year and is hardly as famous as the canals and clogs that top the tourism hit list in The Netherlands. While the Keukenhof may be aContinue reading “Cruise proves to be Dutch treat …”
Russia’s St Petersburg …
THE first time I went to St Petersburg there wasn’t a lot of freedom for exploring. That’s was ten years ago, a little more than a decade after the Iron Curtain fell, and I was on a coach tour with the guide not allowing much time for his passengers to stray from the organised itinerary.Continue reading “Russia’s St Petersburg …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
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 …”
Istanbul’s French treat …
THERE’S a new spot to buy glorious French-style sweeties in Turkey’s biggest city with Raffles Patisserie opening inside Raffles Istanbul. The elegant address will “uphold the heritage and craftsmanship of the old Continental patisserie and chocolatier and then to add a sprinkle of Oriental magic on it” with Şule Gündoğan, one of the most accomplished youngContinue reading “Istanbul’s French treat …”
Oh so lovely …
IS there anything more lovely than a plate packed with finger sandwiches, plump scones flanked by dishes of jam and cream, colourful macaroons, and cute miniature cakes? Afternoon tea has always been one of my favourite eating experiences, especially when I have time to linger over pots of a fragrant brew and perfectly-arranged pastries, andContinue reading “Oh so lovely …”
Manor makeover …
PEPPERS Manor House, the 137-year-old retreat in the New South Wales’ Southern Highlands, is back in business after a $4.5 million upgrade. A modern extension has given the heritage hotel a contemporary touch with the refurbishment adding guest rooms and a new place to eat as well as revamping the reception area, lounges, roads andContinue reading “Manor makeover …”
Crown Promenade …
Where … Crown Promenade, Melbourne When … Wednesday, March 16, 2016 What … The window in a guest room on a high floor at the Crown Promenade frames a view across the Yarra River to the early-evening lights of Melbourne. Visit the Crown Promenade website … posted March 16, 2016
Lounging with Air NZ …
AIR New Zealand’s newest lounge will be unveiled at Brisbane Airport’s international terminal tomorrow. The contemporary space – a purpose-built architecturally-designed lounge that can accommodate almost 200 customers – occupies a 771sqm plot in a corner of the terminal with 70 per cent more seating that the previous location. “We’re proud to offer our customersContinue reading “Lounging with Air NZ …”
So Siem Reap …
→ Narrowing the search on a Siem Reap hotel … FINDING a Siem Reap hotel can be an intimidating prospect. If you’ve never visited the Cambodian tourist town you don’t know where to start with the settlement seeming to stretch north, south, east and west along two main roads that meet near the Royal Residence.Continue reading “So Siem Reap …”
Leave big smoke for festa fun …
EVERY year food and wine festivals in Australia’s capitals bring together chefs, winemakers, restaurateurs and amateur foodies to showcase the best of their cities’ eating and drinking. The annual Melbourne Food and Wine Festival is jammed with more than 300 events, including 25 free activities with 17 family-friendly events, and more than 30 countries andContinue reading “Leave big smoke for festa fun …”
Digs for Singapore fling …
→ Hotel Jen Orchardgateway perfectly places for Singapore stopover or longer stay … IT‘S rich pickings when searching for a place to stay in Singapore. There are more than 250 properties on the TripAdvisor list with trusted brands like Hilton, Holiday Inn, Ramada, Park Royal and Mercure sitting as far down as page three ofContinue reading “Digs for Singapore fling …”
To market for LA eats…
MY first Los Angeles meal is dinner at the over-hyped restaurant of an overexposed reality star and not only are we packed in like sardines but it’s so dark we need iPhones to illuminate the menu and so noisy we have to shout. Breakfast the next day is at a glitzy hotel, where suspicious attendantsContinue reading “To market for LA eats…”
Aussie dining in La La Land…
FINDING somewhere to eat in LA can be an intimidating prospect, especially for first-time visitors. A tip is to rely on the hotel concierge — they can make recommendations and reservations — while a second option is simply sticking to the green and gold with a gaggle of Aussies chefs and restaurateurs making their markContinue reading “Aussie dining in La La Land…”
Brisbane’s new Styles …
BRISBANE’S newest international hotel, the ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street, is now in business with the first guests checked in on March 1. The “premium economy hotel”, occupying a central block in the Queensland capital beside the Myer Centre and Queen Street Mall, boasts a new restaurant and bar called The Social and every oneContinue reading “Brisbane’s new Styles …”
Airport fare …
HERE’S a Brisbane eatery that’s so exclusive only a select group of people can get a table. But it’s a location, rather than a celebrity chef or Michelin rating, making this spot special with Brisbane River Grill airside at Brisbane Airport’s renovated international terminal. This location – past passport control and myriad security checkpoints –Continue reading “Airport fare …”
HOTEL – ANANTARA MALDIVES
BIG MALDIVIAN DIGS THE Maldives has long been known as a destination that’s perfect for pairs. The Indian-Ocean utopia has an extensive list of resorts boasting the style of accommodations that suit two people seeking endless amounts of romance with a generous supply of over-water bungalows, infinity swimming pools, secluded sandbars, and stunning sunsets. ButContinue reading “HOTEL – ANANTARA MALDIVES”
Far Near Or Here 