Norwegian Spirit’s maiden arrival marks a significant milestone for the Australian cruise industry’s comeback, as well as the chance for Australian cruisers to experience NCL’s unique Freestyle Cruising concept from their doorstep, with a choice of eight sailings between December 2022 and March 2023 from Sydney and Auckland. NCL media release SYDNEY WELCOMES NORWEGIAN SPIRIT Norwegian CruiseContinue reading “CRUISE – NORWEGIAN’S AUSSIE RETURN”
Category Archives: Travel talk
NEWS – COOK FLIGHTS
JETSTAR TO COOK ISLAND JETSTAR is expanding its international network by launching direct flights between Australia and the Cook Islands. The new non-stop service between Sydney and Rarotonga will commence on June 29, 2023, with the airline deploying its newest aircraft – the new generation longer-range Airbus A321neo LR – on the two weekly returnContinue reading “NEWS – COOK FLIGHTS”
HOTEL – WESTIN LONDON CITY
Westin Hotels & Resorts debuts in the UK at a time when consumers desire to travel is higher than ever and when self-care is now viewed as a “necessity” rather than a choice. Marriott International media release WESTIN LANDS IN LONDON THE Westin London City has officially opened its doors with the riverfront address theContinue reading “HOTEL – WESTIN LONDON CITY”
CRUISE – CORAL EXPEDITIONS
Coral Expeditions led the return to operations for the cruise industry in Australia through 2020 and 2021 with the implementation of their SailSAFE health protocols at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company have operated over 100 successful domestic voyages since October 2020. Coral Expeditions website CORAL’S SMALL ISLANDS RETURN CORAL Expeditions has announcedContinue reading “CRUISE – CORAL EXPEDITIONS”
HOTEL – SOFITEL MELBOURNE
PARIS FOR SOFITEL MELBOURNE SOFITEL Melbourne on Collins is now home to new guest rooms that “feel like a Parisian apartment in the heart of Melbourne” thanks to an extravagant $15 million renovation. Celebrated architect IM Pei – who was originally tasked with designing the five-star address that sits at the Paris End of CollinsContinue reading “HOTEL – SOFITEL MELBOURNE”
CRUISE – NORWEGIAN SPAS
The new class will build upon the brand’s legacy of freedom and flexibility found across its fleet and feature a host of cutting-edge designs that will further elevate its already award-winning guest experience. NCL website NEW CRUISE SPA OFFERING NORWEGIAN Cruise Lines has shared a sneak peek at the “elevated spa and fitness offering” onContinue reading “CRUISE – NORWEGIAN SPAS”
HOTEL – OSBORN HOUSE
What we have achieved is a relaxed environment that feels more like a home away from home, than a hotel stay. The space really emulates a countryside, guesthouse escape. Linda Boronkay – Linda Boronkay Design Studio HOTEL WITH HISTORY THE Southern Highlands town of Bundanoon is home to regional Australia’s newest place to stay withContinue reading “HOTEL – OSBORN HOUSE”
HOTEL – WALDORF ASTORIA SYDNEY
Located in the One Circular Quay mixed-use development at 1 Alfred Street, which includes an adjoining 61-level apartment tower, the hotel will be a home away from home for today’s discerning travellers. Waldorf Astoria media release WALDORF ASTORIA SET FOR SYDNEY SYDNEY is set to become home to a new Waldorf Astoria with the iconicContinue reading “HOTEL – WALDORF ASTORIA SYDNEY”
CRUISE – PRIDE OF AMERICA
Pride of America will once again offer thoroughly immersive itineraries and deeply authentic experiences that support business and tourism in Hawai’i, while providing travellers with everything they seek from a vacation in paradise. NCL CEO Harry Sommer PRIDE OF AMERICA’S HAWAII RETURN NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has taken another step in its post-pandemic recovery with PrideContinue reading “CRUISE – PRIDE OF AMERICA”
NEWS – VIRTUOSO TRENDS
With 2020 just around the corner the Virtuoso team make some predictionson where travellers will spend the holiday budget VIRTUOSO TRAVEL TRENDS THE 2020 Virtuoso Luxe Report has been released with the document detailing the top travel trends already motivating next year’s holiday happenings. The report notes “Australian travellers are seizing the day and prioritising tripsContinue reading “NEWS – VIRTUOSO TRENDS”
HOTEL – ST REGIS VENICE
Avant-garde in outlook and design, The St. Regis Venice merges striking, modern interiors with its historic provenance as the best address in the city. The St Regis Venice website GRAND CANAL ADDRESS A PRIME plot of real estate on Venice’s Grand Canal is home to the Italian city’s newest hotel. The St Regis Venice sitsContinue reading “HOTEL – ST REGIS VENICE”
NEWS – ANANTARA
Four new Anantara addresses opening in 2020 and Mark Thomson, Minor Hotel’s Director of PR & Communications, couldn’t be more excited about the increasing inventory HOT HOTELS AND HOLIDAYS ASKING Minor Hotels’ head honcho Mark Thomson to name his favourite hotel is like asking a parent with a big family to nominate their most cherishedContinue reading “NEWS – ANANTARA”
HOTEL – THE HAVANNAH VANUATU
The list of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World welcomes The Havannah Vanuatu VANUATU’S NEW NAT GEO ONE of the South Pacific’s most exclusive addresses is the newest name on the list of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World with The Havannah Vanuatu joining the esteemed register on the eve of its 10thContinue reading “HOTEL – THE HAVANNAH VANUATU”
CRUISE – SCENIC ECLIPSE
This is more than just a cruise ship, this is a total sensory experience, from the entry foyer to the guest suites and the dining areas, the feel is one of calm, luxury and serenity to allow our guests to truly relax and take in the total voyage. Karen Moroney – Scenic Eclipse Project Director – DesignContinue reading “CRUISE – SCENIC ECLIPSE”
INSIDER – NO LUGGAGE LAG
HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR LUGGAGE LANDS WHEN YOU DO ARE you one of those savvy travellers who can cram everything needed for a trip into a carry-on bag? Or do you prefer bundling a bit more stuff into the suitcase you check at departures and retrieve from the luggage carousel at your destination? You’re notContinue reading “INSIDER – NO LUGGAGE LAG”
CRUISE – AUSTRALIA
There are so many ships heading to Australia during the coming cruise season, but which one is right for you SHIPS TO CRUISE AUSTRALIA THE countdown to the 2019-20 Australian cruise season has officially started and there’s a flotilla ready to deploy Down Under during the Southern Hemisphere summer. Anyone considering a cruise holiday hasContinue reading “CRUISE – AUSTRALIA”
NEWS – VIRTUOSO’S BEST
Virtuoso is the leading global network of agencies speciaising in luxury and experiential travel, with moer than 20,000 advisors. We partner with over 1,800 of the world’s best companies such as hotels, cruise lines, tour operators and more. Virtuoso website VIRTUOSO CROWNS ITS VERY BEST VIRTUOSO – the global network of agencies specialising in luxuryContinue reading “NEWS – VIRTUOSO’S BEST”
HOTEL – JW MARRIOTT SHANGHAI
The Marquis title is bestowed to the elite global properties within the JW Marriott portfolio that offer five-star sophistication across the highest levels of design, technology and comfort. Marriott spokesperson to Business Traveller MARQUIS COMES TO SHANGHAI SHANGHAI is now home to a JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong with the latest addition to theContinue reading “HOTEL – JW MARRIOTT SHANGHAI”
HOTEL – RAFFLES SINGAPORE
Raffles Singapore has opened its doors after a multi-million-dollar renovation, and the results are remarkable with the original again back to its best RAFFLES REVEAL RAFFLES Singapore is finally back in business after being closed for more than two years during a top-to-tail renovation. The iconic Singapore hotel, which was looking a little rusty andContinue reading “HOTEL – RAFFLES SINGAPORE”
HOTEL – AVANI SUKHUMVIT BANGKOK
Connect with the city and drink in spectacular views in our stylish Sukhumvit hotel, high above the buzz of trendy On Nut neighbourhood. Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok website AVANI EXPANDS IN BKK AVANI’S third hotel in Bangkok opened its doors on July 1 with the Avani Sukhumvit Bangkok sitting between the increasingly popular On Nut andContinue reading “HOTEL – AVANI SUKHUMVIT BANGKOK”
CRUISE – AURORA EXPEDITIONS
The Greg Mortimer, named after our co-founder, utilises some of the latest advancements in naval design & technology to revolutionise the small ship expedition cruising experience. Aurora Expeditions fact sheet AURORA EXPEDITIONS SEA TESTS AURORA Expeditions new ship the Greg Mortimer is one step closer to carrying her first passengers with the vessel completing seaContinue reading “CRUISE – AURORA EXPEDITIONS”
NEWS – HILTON’S HAUL
2019 is turning out to be a very big year for the luxury brands in the Hilton stable, setting a new record after a century in the hospitality business HILTON’S BIG HOTEL HAUL HILTON has announced the company will open more luxury hotels in 2019 than during any other year in the iconic hospitality brand’sContinue reading “NEWS – HILTON’S HAUL”
VISIT – STRASBOURG
Snaps from a springtime stay in a special corner of France STRASBOURG STAY WHERE Strasbourg, the capital of France’s Grand Est region a stone’s throw from the German border. WHEN I spent two days in Strasbourg during idyllic blue-sky days in March, breaking the rail journey between Frankfurt Airport and Lyon where I was boundContinue reading “VISIT – STRASBOURG”
HOTEL – WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES
Discover a tropical paradise surrounded by lush greens, white sand beaches, and azure waters. A mere 45-minute yacht journey from Velana International Airport, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi awaits. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi NEW DIGS FOR MALDIVES LUXE Three islands in the South Male Atoll, a 30-minute journey by boat from Male International Airport, is homeContinue reading “HOTEL – WALDORF ASTORIA MALDIVES”
NEWS – LATAM FLIGHTS
DIRECT SANTIAGO SERVICE IT’S about to get a whole lot easier for Aussie travellers to reach South America with LATAM Airlines announcing direct flights between Sydney and Santiago. The new non-stop service will start on October 27 and include three direct flights a week between Sydney and the Chilean capital, with another four hops continuingContinue reading “NEWS – LATAM FLIGHTS”
INSPIRATION – EUROPE
EUROPE’S OTHER CITIES BARGAIN hunters on your marks, it’s early-bird season. It’s the time of the year when airlines zooming to Europe offer cheap seats which can save travellers looking to get away between March and October hundreds of dollars. But instead of buying a ticket to an old favourite, like London or Paris, takeContinue reading “INSPIRATION – EUROPE”
HOTELS – THE PENINSULA MANILA
The Peninsula Manila gets a spruce up, and a brand new club lounge PENINSULA’S MANILA UPGRADE THE Peninsula Manila is ready to receive a revamp with the work taking aesthetic place across the third quarter of 2019. The soft renovation of the hotel in the heart of the Makati Central Business District will be mostContinue reading “HOTELS – THE PENINSULA MANILA”
HOTEL – ELEMENT MELBOURNE
Our spacious, light-filled guestrooms and suites with striking views are designed to create a peaceful place for you to unwind. Element Melbourne Richmond website MELBOURNE IN ITS ELEMENT SUBURBAN Melbourne is home to Australia’s first Element by Westin with Element Melbourne Richmond opening its doors this month. The brand, which belongs to the Marriott InternationalContinue reading “HOTEL – ELEMENT MELBOURNE”
INSIDER – INSURANCE
GO WITH ANNUAL TRAVEL INSURANCE ARE you one of those people that rush around in the hectic hours before starting a holiday nailing down last-minute details that seem to evade attention until departure is imminent? Ringing the bank to let them know the credit card will be used in faraway lands, storming the chemist toContinue reading “INSIDER – INSURANCE”
HOTEL – BRISBANE MARRIOTT
It’s like Australia’s River City has a new place to stay, with a $20 million renovation modernising the Brisbane Marriott Hotel BRISBANE MARRIOTT MAKEOVER A $20 million spend has “reimagined” Brisbane Marriott Hotel with the just-completed renovation transforming all 267 guest rooms and suites as well as the executive-level lounge and the property’s signature restaurant.Continue reading “HOTEL – BRISBANE MARRIOTT”
Far Near Or Here 