First Class Magazine Issue 1

ISSUE 1 | $8.50 BILLIONAIRE BUCKET LIST Where the mega-rich play PRIVATE ISLANDS Pick your fave drop in the ocean MARTINI BARS Ditch the Aston Martin and shake it up LAKE COMO An Italian paradise for the stars PRIME PEAKS Chasing powder

A PASSAGE TO INDIA

India’s icons and hidden treasures

You deserve a personal travel manager

Bespoke holidays are the new black These days, there’s not much you can’t buy online, but when it comes to travel, the best way to ensure that your expectations are met and even exceeded is to employ the services of someone who truly understands them and can tailor your travel arrangements accordingly. We’ll let you in on a little secret: it won’t cost you any more and it may even save you money. There are many reasons for using the personal and personalised service offered by a personal travel manager; here are our top five.

1. Use your time wisely

2. Flexibility to fit in with you

3. With you every step of the way

Why would you spend your time searching for the best flight times, land arrangements and insurance cover at the best prices when you can let the experts do it for you, at no extra cost to you? TravelManagers is part of the largest privately-owned travel business in Australasia, which means our personal travel managers can capitalise on the strong relationships they have built with reputable airlines, cruise companies and tour operators across the globe to deliver a holiday that is tailor made to your likes and dislikes and provides the best possible value.

TravelManagers has personal travel managers in every state and territory, and all of them come equipped with the resources to do business wherever suits you. Fancy a chat about villa stays in France over a coffee before work? Or you’re swamped all week but a glass of wine on a Saturday afternoon while you talk about expedition cruises sounds appealing? With your own personal travel manager on board, it’s a case of “have laptop, will travel”. They’re supported by a team of experts and systems so that they can have your holiday plans underway before you have time to say, “fancy a second glass of rosé?”

Of course, the planning process is only the first part of any holiday experience, and the services and support provided by a personal travel manager don’t end when everything’s booked and paid for. One of the most important and unique aspects of having a personal travel manager is that you have round-the-clock, seven-days-a-week support, wherever in the world you may be, so that should something unexpected happen during your journey, they’re always on hand to provide whatever assistance is required – even if it’s as simple as extending your stay so you can enjoy a few more days in that exquisite Sonoma Valley inn.

4. Unique and tailored experiences Personal travel managers are obsessive about travel – no-one spends more time thinking about and talking about travel than they do, and they have an average twenty years’ experience in the industry. And when they’re not helping their clients fulfil their holiday aspirations, they’re travelling the world to sample new experiences and check in on old favourites and sharing their insights with their network of fellow personal travel managers. What that means for you is that no matter how unusual or remote the destination you’re considering, chances are they’ve either been there, or they know someone who has, so they can share their local tips with you.

Need to know where to find the best tailor in Hoi An? They’ll have you suited and booted in no time. Looking for the best empanadas in Buenos Aires? Look no further.

5. Safety and security Your holiday plans represent a significant investment, so it’s important to know that it’s protected. When you work with a personal travel manager, you can rest easy, knowing that your money will be placed in a dedicated and audited Client Trust Account which is separate from the general business accounts, ensuring your funds are secure and only used for your travel purchases.

Just like a personal trainer or a personal banker, TravelManagers’ Australia-wide network of personal travel managers are an elite group of professionals who are dedicated to delivering the best possible experience to their clients. You can search for a personal travel manager based on the location that best suits you, or you can search according to your travel needs – so whether you’re looking for someone who’s an expert on Tanzania and Kenya or travelling with kids, you can make your choice accordingly. To find your ideal personal travel manager, visit travelmanagers.com.au

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Contents

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PRIME PEAKS

Ski correspondent Bronwen Gora has surveyed slopes all around the world and nominates her top picks for First Class.

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Contents FIRST CLASS EXPERIENCES

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Magical India Experience the bright colours and exotic smells of enchanting India My Island Home Private islands to rent Shaken not stirred The world’s best martini bars and their Bond connections Lake Como The Clooneys are only the latest celebrities to fall in love with this Italian lake Love on the lake Villa Carlotta is one of Lake Como’s most romantic villas Prime Peaks The world’s top ski experiences Cruising Ditch the queues and the crowds and choose a cruise that specialises

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FIRST CLASS TRAVELLER

50 Stopover

Six great ways to break your journey 58 Private aviation

The sky’s the limit when you charter

your own flight 62 Adventure and romance

Where do best-selling chick lit

authors go when it’s their turn to

grab an airport novel and take a b reak?

70 Billionaire’s Bucket List

If money was no object where

would you go?

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FIRST CLASS STAYS

80 Jonah’s, Sydney

Gourmet luxury on Whale Beach 82 Aro-ha, New Zealand

Health and wellness on Lake Wakatipu 84 Four Seasons, Sydney

Five stars on Sydney Harbour 86 The Beverly Hills Hotel, California

Garden glam in LA 88 Port Phillip Estate, Victoria

Vines and views on the Mornington Peninsula 90 Viceroy, Bali

Private villas over the river in Ubud 92 Iniala Beach House, Thailand

Innovation and exclusivity on the

Andaman coast 94 The Farm at Cape Kidnappers,

New Zealand

Golf and a glass or two at Hawkes Bay

96 Kamalaya, Thailand

Body, mind and spirit healing on Koh Samui 98 Mangoes, Vanuatu

A romantic getaway on the cliffs 100 Le Meridien, Bora Bora

A sanctuary for sea turtles – and humans 102 St Regis, Bora Bora

Casual glamour and world class food 104 Four seasons, Bora Bora

Luxury, ease and tropical fish

FIRST CLASS INSIDER

106 A few quick questions

First Class publisher and Managing

Director of Five Star PR, Nicole Lenoir Jourdan

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Contributors JANUARY 2019 | ISSUE 01

DREW KEYS

Drew Keys averages over 120 flights per year, is an avid collector of airline miles, hotel toiletries and first class lounge experiences - the little things that make work travel bearable. Always on the lookout for a new destination, a creative cafe, a cool speakeasy or a luxe-weekend off the beaten track, he is a firm believer that life should always mix business and pleasure!

RENAE LEITH-MANOS

Renae Leith-Manos is a degree qualified journalist who has been handcrafting stories on luxurious travel for twenty years. A mother of twins and a triathlete who divides her time between London’s Chelsea and Sydney’s Paddington, where she is a global speaker, who likes to discover upmarket bars and restaurants. More of her writing can be found at www.renaesworld.com.au

BRONWEN GORA

Bronwen Gora is now a freelance travel and ski writer after a long career as a reporter for News Limited’s major Sydney newspapers. Her travel writing has appeared in MiNDFOOD, Vacations & Travel, Gourmet Traveller, Hong Kong’s The Peak, The Australian Financial Review’s quarterly colour magazine The Sophisticated Traveller, Luxury Travel magazine, Holidays With Kids, Ski & Snowboard with Kids, inflight magazines for Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Jetstar airlines, in the travel section of leading news website news.com.au and more.

FIRST CLASS MAGAZINE

REBECCA WEISSER

Rebecca Weisser has lived in a squat in London, a cave in Sacromonte, a shack on the Tarn in southern France and a tent in various locations as she cycled over the Pyrenees, the Alps and up to the Arctic Circle. As an Australian diplomat she journeyed and met with Fidel Castro, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and various other great men and rogues, who passed themselves off as heads of state. She is an occasional contributor to The Australian Spectator, Quadrant, The Australian Financial Review and The Australian and is an occasional commentator on the ABC and Sky.

MAHALA WALLACE

Mahala Wallace has a passion and zest for life, travel and all things creative. She has completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting at the Queensland University of Technology and Postgraduate in Creative Writing at University of Technology Sydney. Mahala is currently working on her first novel full of adventures and stories inspired by a little bookshop she visited a long time ago. Mahala is editor of www. firstclassmagazine.co

Published by First Class Magazine Website: http://firstclassmagazine.co Editor: Mahala Wallace Email: mw@firstclassmagazine.co Contributors: Bronwen Gora, Drew Keys, Renae Leith-Manos, Robin Powell, Mahala Wallace, Rebecca Weisser.

Cover image: Taj Mahal, Agra India.

Experiences.

PRIVATE ISLANDS Pick your favourite drop in the ocean for a holiday with friends MARTINI BARS Take a James Bond-themed barhop around the world LAKE COMO Find out why celebrities have loved the place for centuries PRIME PEAKS Our pick of the world’s top ski destinations CRUISING Ditch the crowds and the queues and choose a specialist cruise

Magical India

From flavoursome foods to ancient arts, India has always inspired curiosity though its rich culture and remarkable history. Everything about India is bright, colourful and magical. It’s a land of extremes, of vibrant beauty, brilliantly coloured saris, and exotic smells of incense and spice.

India has a habit of capturing your heart, leaving you desperate for more.

WORDS MAHALA WALLACE

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

India

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eading Asia specialist Wendy Wu Tours offers a carefully crafted all-inclusive tour – The Highlights of India. The Highlights of India offers a unique insight and firsthand experience of India’s iconic sites and hidden treasures. Spanning across 18 days, the tour will inspire, challenge and excite.

Beginning the adventure in Delhi, India’s capital and third largest city, tour members will be met at the International airport and escorted by either local guide or the National Escort to the accommodations.

From there, the adventure begins. With visits to bazaars, the Ghandhi Smriti museum, the Red Fort and more. As the monuments, museums and historical sites are scattered throughout the city, be sure to don your best walking shoes.

After two days immersed in the buzz and excitement of Delhi, it’s time to venture on a more spiritual path to the ancient city of Varanasi. As the religious capital of Hinduism, Varanasi is a place to open

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your eyes to the practices and beauty of other cultures and their spirituality. Bear witness to an evening Puja ceremony on the banks of the river Ganges. The ceremony, known as Ganga Aarti is one of song, prayer and ritual. Puja ceremony, a sunrise river cruise of the river Ganges to view the ghats and leisurely strolls through the city and temples will have you feeling Zen in no time.

From spiritual Varanasi to Jeep safari adventures, Bandhavgarh is a stunning National Park, holding the highest population of tiger in India. The thrilling two to three-hour Jeep safari offers a unique opportunity to explore the local

wildlife, flora and fauna followed by an afternoon adventure to the Western Group of Khajuraho Temples, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The highlight of highlights in India, is none other than the Taj Mahal. Found in Agra, this glorious structure is not only a symbol of India but one of love. Hear the story of Mughal Emperor, Shah Jhan’s devotion to his wife Mumtaz Mahal as you wander the gardens, admire the fine architectural detailing and stand in the presence of a great love from many years ago.

To watch the sunrise over the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal is one of the most magical, breathtaking sights in the world.

The highlight of highlights in India, is none other than the Taj Mahal. To watch the sunrise over the white marble surface of the Taj Mahal is one of the most magical, breathtaking sights in the world.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

India

To follow the brilliance that is the Taj Mahal is tough, however, Jaipur is certainly up to the task. Known fondly as the ‘pink city’, Jaipur is the capital of the Rajasthan state. The name ‘pink city’ comes from an attempt to imitate the red sandstone style of the Mughals by painting the buildings in the old city pink, all to impress the Prince of Wales during his 1876 visit.

Along with the glorious pink, Jaipur hosts some remarkable architecture including the Amber Fort and the Palace of Winds, which is a five-story narrow palace built for the veiled ladies of Sawai Pratap Singh’s harem to observe the streets below unseen.

Jaipur will see you unleash your inner craftsperson with traditional block printing and carpet weaving.

The tantalising smells of the spice markets, a two-hour walk up the steps of Mehrangarh Fort, a visit to the museum of Umaid Bhawan Palace (now a luxury hotel) and a thrilling “hold on to your hats” ricksaw ride will set the pace whilst in Jodhpur.

Along with the glorious pink, Jaipur hosts some remarkable architecture including the Palace of Winds, a five-story narrow palace built for the veiled ladies of Sawai Pratap Singh’s harem to observe the streets below unseen.

The final tour destination is the romantic, picturesque city of Udaipur.

Known as the ‘city of lakes’, Udaipur was founded on legend. Supposedly, Maharaja Udai Singh met a holy sage who advised he build his kingdom in the foothills of the Aravalli Range. Following this advice

Maharaja Udai Singh built his kingdom.

Descendants of the Maharaja still reside in the palace and to this day, remain rulers of this independent state.

With the adventure coming to an end, the tour returns to Delhi for one more night before embarking on the final leg of the journey back to Australia.

Wendy Wu Tours offers you the ease and comfort of luxury travel. Their expert team will ensure you are ready to go, booking all flights, accommodation, meals, visas, transfers and more. The tour starts at AU $7,280. With everything taken care of by Wendy Wu Tours, there is no better way to see the jewels of India. •

MORE INDIAN TOURS WITH WENDY WU: www.wendywutours.com.au

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My island home

It’s hard to beat a private island for a sun and fun-filled holiday with family and friends. Pick your favourite drop in the ocean from our First Class guide to six of the best.

WORDS THEA CARLEY

My island home

Best beach access? The zipline that scoots you from terrace to shoreline at Necker island.

Necker Island

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Necker is the most famous island on the list, thanks to owner Sir Richard Branson, who describes it as ‘my favourite hideaway.’ Necker is a 30-hectare tropical paradise glistening in the Atlantic. Branson refurbished the whole property a couple years back, adding six new Bali Houses as well as balconies on all the villas.

There’s space for you and 29 friends, but you’ll want to nab the Master Suite on arrival. The newly built 1,500 sq ft bedroom has panoramic ocean views, a jacuzzi, an outdoor bathtub and a kitchenette with fully-stocked fridge and cocktail bar. The real appeal though, is the zip line that’ll scoot you straight from terrace to beach. www.Neckerisland.virgin.com

Calivigny Island

G R E N A DA Perhaps the most decadent of all the island getaways, Calivigny lies just a short boat trip off the coast of Grenada. Spread over 32 lush hectares with two sandy beaches and sweeping views of the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans, this ultra-exclusive isle only discusses prices upon request, however it’s said to cost more than double the nightly price of Branson’s Necker.

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As well as five luxury villas that can house up to 50 guests, the island comes equipped with a hair and beauty salon, a fully staffed gourmet kitchen, a gym and a boathouse containing its own submarine.

Designed by Oscar de la Renta and Richard Frinier, near every inch of the majestic residence is decked out with marble flooring, vaulted Balinese-style ceilings, Persian tapestries and the most elaborate furnishings.

Enquire to rent the whole island with rooms for up to 50 guests. www.calivigny-island.com

Vomo

FIJI An 87-hectare slice of paradise in the Pacific, Vomo is a privately owned Fijian oasis. The island has a number of sleeping options, from beachfront villas to the sprawling, four-bedroom Residence, with 24-hour butler service and champagne and canapés served every sunset. Less ostentatious is The Royal, a three-bedroom complex with an expansive outdoor area that includes a private pool, daybeds, hammocks and dining areas.

Want a little bit more exclusivity? Take a day-trip to the even more remote Vomo Lailai, or Little Vomo.

The completely uninhabited and isolated island can be

PREVIOUS PAGE, OPPOSITE AND BELOW: THE CHARMS OF NECKER ISLAND. THIS PAGE, TOP, CALIVIGNY, AND BELOW LEFT, VOMO IN FIJI.

Feature TOP AND BELOW RIGHT: TAGOMAGO IS JUST FIVE MINUTES AND A WORLD AWAY FROM IBIZA. BELOW LEFT: THE COLOURS OF MNEMBA, ZANZIBAR.

My Island Home

reserved for picnics and romantic escapes. Staff will drop you off with a gourmet picnic, your choice of drinks and a two-way radio should you need anything else.

From $1492 per couple per night. www.vomofiji.com

Tagomago

S PA I N Whether you need some alone time with your loved ones or just some down time after the bright lights of Ibiza, Tagomago is the perfect Mediterranean hideout. Though it’s just five minutes by boat or helicopter from Spain’s party capital, you’re bound to feel a million miles away.

Encircled by turquoise waters, this 60-hectare paradise is perfect for the discerning nature-lover.

There is prime fishing and snorkelling, a nature reserve packed with exotic birdlife, walking paths over the island, as well specific fitness areas. For a little extra the owners will throw in a private yacht, helicopter and limo transfers, a personal trainer, a private masseuse and even your own DJ. Bookings are for a three-night minimum, rates on request. www.island-tagomago.com

Song Saa

CAMBODIA Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort is reached only by boat from the port of Sihanoukville.

Meander through tropical rainforest, gaze at dazzling reef fish swimming under your villa and watch rare birdlife land on your balcony.

The resort spans two islands, connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve that safeguards the

local marine life, including turtles, seahorses and tropical fish. All of the villas on the island offer ocean views, private pools and an effortlessly luxe blend of thatched roofs, rustic timber beams, earthy stone and polished marble walls. Perched among the canopy, the two-bedroom Jungle Villa is secluded enough for you to enjoy its outdoor bathtub every day. www.songsaa.com

Mnemba Island

ZANZIBAR Unspoiled and unpretentious, Mnemba Island is a uniquely African paradise off the coast of Zanzibar.

This private island is ideal for a romantic getaway - especially if you’re a scuba-loving couple - with white-sand beaches and striking reefs. For those seeking a little more adventure there’s plenty of water sport fun to be had too.

Mnemba Island Lodge houses no more than 20 guests, though if you want the island entirely to yourself that can be arranged. The ten secluded bandas all have spacious verandas and their own stretch of beach, meaning the most likely disturbance you’ll encounter is a curious wild antelope From $1125 per person per night, all inclusive. www.andbeyond.com/mnemba-island. •

ISLAND SUNSETS, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ON THE TERRACE AT VOMO; FROM A VILLA ON SONG SAA.

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SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

Join us as we track James Bond through the world’s great martini bars. Dress code: nonchalant.

WORDS THEA CARLEY

Bars

RENAISSANCE GLAM IN VENICE; ROOFTOP VIEWS IN ISTANBUL AND SWANKY CLUB VIBES IN LONDON.

London DUKES HOTEL BAR

Tucked away in swanky Mayfair, the historic, five-star Dukes Hotel is home to the dainty bar where Ian Fleming is said to have sipped his first martini and realised his preference for shaken over stirred. Dukes celebrates the connection with its signature Fleming 89, which was created in partnership with London-based perfumery Floris, whose ‘89’ cologne was worn by Bond.

Dukes Hotel, 35 Saint James’s Place, London

Venice BAR DANDOLO

Venice’s Hotel Danieli provided the resting place for Bond girl Dr Holly Goodhead in Moonraker. Built as the palatial residence of the Dandolo family in the 14th century, the hotel’s Bar Dandolo features marble

columns and ornate Venetian furnishings.

Order the classic martini or another Bond favourite, The Vesper. This version of the martini with Lillet and a twist of lemon was coined by 007 in the novel Casino Royale.

Hotel Danieli, Riva degli Schiavoni, Castello,Venice

Istanbul MIKLA

Bond movie producer Barbara Broccoli says Istanbul was Ian Fleming’s favourite city. It’s a familiar destination for our man Bond and he has left his fingerprints: the embellished Ottoman fountain in the centre of Eminonu Square, for example, looks historic but is a prop from Skyfall, appropriated by the city’s

mayor. The best martini in town is at the rooftop bar of the contemporary Marmara Pera Hotel. Watch the sun set behind the shimmering domes of the mosques and consider staying for dinner at the Michelinstarred Mikla restaurant where the food is a match for the panoramic views.

Marmara Pera Hotel, Mesrutiyet Cad. Tepebasi, Beyoglu, Istanbul

Geneva L’ATELIER COCKTAIL CLUB

Geneva was prominently featured in Goldfinger, and Bond has deep roots in the lake-side city. We know that his mother was Swiss, from the nearby canton of Vaud, and Fleming himself lived briefly in the

Ian Fleming is said to have sipped his first martini at Dukes - shaken, naturally!

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Bars

New Orleans RICHARD FISKE’S MARTINI BAR

Our hero escapes to New Orleans with Jane Seymour’s character Solitaire in Roger Moore’s first outing as Bond, Live And Let Die. If you’re looking to escape the madness of the Bourbon Street boozers, skip a block away to the timeless elegance and generous martinis of Richard Fiske’s. As you might expect from a place named after a restaurateur and a martini, the bar menu is extensive and the martinis range from the traditional to the wacky. Go for the martinis, but stick around for the live jazz.

Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar, 301 Dauphine St, New Orleans

New York MAISON PREMIERE WOULD BOND FEEL AT HOME IN HIPSTER WILLIAMSBURG? ORDER A MARTINI AT MAISON PREMIERE AND DISCUSS.

city, studying and working at the League of Nations. Situated in the ever-hip EauxVives area, L’Atelier Cocktail Club has an intimate speakeasy feel with dim lighting and old-school charm. The only downside here is the bar’s popularity. If your mission is privacy, avoid weekends.

L’Atelier Cocktail Club, Rue HenriBlanvalet 11, Geneva

Tokyo CODENAME: MIXOLOGY

Bond was famously dispatched to Tokyo in You Only Live Twice. We expect innovation from the Japanese and martini-lovers will find it at Codename:Mixology in buzzing Akasaka, where leather-bound books, ornate bottles and goblets mix it up with evaporators, freezing devices and a vapouriser gun declaring the intentions of the mixologists to take the classics and create some fun. Grabbing the title of the

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most interesting martini on a mind-bending list is the Blue Cheese Martini. Why not you only live twice!

Codename: Mixology, 3 −14−3 Akasaka, 2F, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Amsterdam HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

In the 1971 classic Diamonds Are Forever, an incognito Bond travels to Amsterdam to meet Bond girl Tiffany Case. The first location seen in the film is the Skinny Bridge, or Magere Brug, over the Amstel River. A short stroll north is Hiding in Plain Sight.

Attentive service and an ambience of 1920s elegance has you swiftly feeling suitably Bond-like, while the martinis are served the old-fashioned (and best) way: accompanied by a small jug on ice containing the rest of the mix so your drink never gets warm.

Hiding In Plain Sight, Rapenburg 18, Amsterdam

Bond is sent to New York to investigate the murder of an MI6 agent in Live And Let Die. We’re not sure if he had any martinis on the job, but reckon he’d appreciate the way they shake them at Maison Premiere. In the heart of uber-hip Williamsburg, this bar is Brooklyn’s go-to for cocktails and oysters, which is essentially the Bond Diet. In For Your Eyes Only he describes oyster stew as ‘the best thing in America’ (alongside chipmunks), while in You Only Live Twice he alludes to their aphrodisiacal properties, as he would, in a conversation with Kissy Suzuki.

Maison Premiere, 298 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, New York

Berlin NEWTON BAR

Inspired by photographer Helmut Newton, this bar in the Berlin borough of Mitte deserves a mention not just for its signature martinis, but for its Bond-esque décor. This fashionable landmark is fitted out with dark oak, plush red leather, and 5m-high photos of stiletto-heeled nudes that will have you playing that iconic soundtrack in your head, and recalling some of Bond’s more seductive opening credit sequences.

Newton Bar, Charlottenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin

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Los Angeles BAR CENTRO

Noted Spanish chef José Andrés has been making headlines since opening The Bazaar complex of food and drink offerings in the SLS Hotel in 2008. In the utterly avant-garde Bar Centro classics are re-imagined with all the invention you’d expect from a celebrity chef. Exhibit A: the ‘New Way’ Dirty Martini, which replaces the usual olive brine with a light and frothy olive brine ‘air’ garnished with a molecular gastronomy-inspired liquid olive sphere.

Bar Centro, The Bazaar, 465 La Cienaga Blvd, Los Angeles

Hong Kong ORIGIN

Hong Kong notably provided the location for James’ staged death in You Only Live Twice. World-renowned bartender Antonio Lai has created Hong Kong’s first bar dedicated entirely to gin. Origin (note how they cleverly inserted their hero into the title) serves traditional gin-based cocktails concocted with futuristic techniques.

While classicists won’t be left high and dry, the modern imbiber should try Origin’s contemporary interpretations, such as the Earl Grey Martini, containing Earl Grey tea-flavoured gin with notes of elderflower.

Origin, 48 Wyndham Street, Hong Kong

Monte Carlo THE BLUE GIN

Few locations conjure up images of Bond quite like Monaco and the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Indeed it’s the location in which we first hear the phrase ‘Bond, James Bond’. Tucked away into the Monte Carlo Bay Resort you’ll find The Blue Gin, a petite and super-exclusive cocktail lounge.

With a terrace overlooking the harbour, Blue Gin is quintessential Monaco.

Hotel Monte-Carlo Bay, 40 Av. Princesse Grace, 98000 Monte Carlo

THE BLUE GIN IS THE QUINTESSENTIAL MONACO COCKTAIL LOUNGE, SUPEREXCLUSIVE AND WITH A TERRACE LOOKING OUT OVER THE HARBOUR.

Prague BLACK ANGEL’S

The majority of Casino Royale was shot in Prague, so spotting filming locations around the Czech capital is a cinch.

Prague’s National Museum was the location used as the lobby of the Venetian hotel where James and Bond girl Vesper Lynd stay in Casino Royale. A short walk north is Black Angel’s Bar. Black Angel’s takes you back to a time when cocktails were served over hand-cut ice, and from the glistening chandeliers to its unique, vintage glassware, everything about this place oozes style and sophistication.

Black Angel’s, Staromestske namesti 29, Prague •

Lake Como

The Clooneys are only the latest celebrities to fall in love with Lake Como.

WORDS REBECCA WEISSER

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

LOOK FAMILIAR? IT’S VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO, WHICH YOU’VE SEEN IN THE DANIEL CRAIG ‘CASINO ROYALE’, AS WELL AS ‘STAR WARS; ATTACK OF THE CLONES’ AND ‘A MONTH BY THE LAKE’. IT WAS OWNED BY GUIDO MONZINI, LEADER OF THE FIRST ITALIAN EXPEDITION TO CLIMB MOUNT EVEREST, WHO LEFT IT TO THE NATIONAL TRUST OF ITALY.

Lake Como

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ake Como has been enchanting the loved-up and the lovelorn for centuries.

George and Amal Clooney are only the latest in a long line of the rich, famous, talented and beautiful to make a love nest on its shores.

The physical beauty of this glacial lake surrounded by soaring mountains is breathtaking. The romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley said, “this lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty.” That natural splendor has been enhanced by some of the world’s most beautiful homes and gardens.

Almost two centuries ago, the brilliant Romantic composer Franz Liszt said, “When you write the story of two happy lovers, let the story be set on the banks of Lake Como.” Liszt practiced what he preached and ran away from Paris to write music and live happily in sin with a married woman on these bewitching shores.

The physical beauty of this glacial lake surrounded by soaring mountains is breathtaking. The Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley said, “this lake exceeds anything I ever beheld in beauty.” That

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natural splendor has been enhanced by some of the world’s most beautiful homes and gardens.

A single vertiginous road winds around most of the lake and protects the exclusivity of this enclave. Far from the tacky beach resorts of mass tourism, George and Amal hang out here for three or four months a year in their 30-room hideaway, Villa Oleandra, entertaining pals such as Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. If your invite to Amal’s birthday party didn’t turn up, don’t despair! There are other ways to enjoy Como’s celebrity.

Villa d’Este, a lakeside Renaissance palace in the village of Cernobbio, has been a luxury hotel since 1873. Earlier it was the home of Caroline of Brunswick, the Lady Di of her day, who was unhappily married to the Prince of Wales and found solace in Villa d’Este with her handsome manservant.

Since then Villa d’Este has attracted the world’s most famous lovers: Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson; Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas; Rita Hayworth and Orson Welles; and Elizabeth Taylor and Nick Hilton have all delighted in its magnificent gardens and opulent furnishings.

Nearby Villa Erba was once the family home of the great Italian director Luchino Visconti and more recently a location for Ocean’s Twelve, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, and for a Gwen Stefani music video for her single, ‘Cool’.

A little further along the lake is the 19th century Villa Fontanelle, bought by Gianni Versace in 1977. He regularly entertained Elton John, Princess Dianna, Madonna and Sting there, until his death in 1997. When the global financial crisis hit the villa was sold to a Russian millionaire.

Russian plutocrats are nothing new at Lake Como – in 1868 the Tsar’s wife rented out Villa d’Este for a couple of years to host lavish parties. You can do the same. Villa Passalacqua, the former residence of the great Italian composer Vincenzo Bellini, has nine bedrooms and bathrooms and sleeps 18 to 25. It is available to rent.

The pearl of Lake Como’s villages is Bellagio, which sits astride the two branches of the lake. Count Melzi, a favourite of Napoleon and vice-president of the Italian republic, built a magnificent villa here in 1808. That turned Bellagio

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

LAKE COMO IS GRAND GARDENS; CHARMING VILLAGES, LIKE BELLAGIO, THIS PAGE BOTTOM RIGHT, AND VARENNA, OPPOSITE; AND STUNNING VIEWS WHEREVER YOU LOOK.

Feature THIS PAGE: VIEWS TO THE LAKE FROM COMO’S VILLAS, INCLUDING VILLA MANASTERO, TOP, AND VILLA DEL BALBIANELLO, BOTTOM LEFT. OPPOSITE: GEORGE CLOONEY IS ONLY THE LATEST CELEBRITY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH LAKE COMO’S BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE AND HISTORY.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

Lake Como

into a travel destination for emperors and archdukes. Luxury shops and hotels followed, and in 1826 so did a ferry service, which remains one of the most pleasant ways to travel around the lake.

The delightful gardens of the Villa Melzi d’Eril are open to the public. It was here, sitting in a little Moorish pavilion beside the lake, that Liszt composed his Dante Symphony, inspired by his lover, Madame d’Agoult, and the nearby sculpture of Dante and his love Beatrice.

The luxurious Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio opened as a hotel in 1873, furnished with Murano chandeliers, antique Persian carpets, marble staircases and trompe l’oeil frescoes. Churchill, Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Clark Gable and Al Pacino have all stayed here but even Conde Nast Traveller says the restaurant is ‘wildly overpriced!’

The most famous film location on the lake is Villa Balbianello, just a short water taxi ride from Bellagio. “Villa Balbianello looks out over the lake and is bathed in sunlight all day,” says Vanessa Redgrave at the beginning of the film A Month by the Lake made by John Irvin in 1995.

The villa captivated Star Wars director George Lucas too, who made it the setting for the most romantic moment in the blockbuster, the famous celluloid kiss between Nathalie Portman and Hayden Christensen sealing the marriage of Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala in Star

Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones.

When Ian Fleming wanted a perfect hideaway for his evil Bond villain in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service he sent him to a hotel on Lake Como. But it is James Bond, or rather Daniel Craig, who stays at Villa Balbianello and kisses Bond girl Eva Green in its wooded glades in Casino Royale.

If you feel like being shaken and stirred one of the most thrilling ways to see Lake Como is from the air in a tandem paraglide.

Take off with Fabio from Monti de Tremezzo and land at Bellagio. After that, it’s time for an aperitif - an Aperol spritz or a Campari - enjoyed at the elegant Art Nouveau Bar Caffe Rossi in Bellagio.

The food is excellent almost everywhere in Lake Como, including the rustic agriturismo restaurants where the locals eat. But everybody should eat, at least once, on Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, a tiny island accessible only by boat with an amazing ‘fire dance’ floor show. Or else head for Il Gatto Nero in Cernobbio, an understated restaurant where you can sit on the balcony enjoying beautiful views of

the lake, as well as the restaurant’s guests, which occasionally include, you guessed it, the Clooneys. •

FIRST CLASS TIPS Lake Como is about 60 minutes from Milan, which has two international airports.

ACCOMMODATION VILLA D’ESTE www.villadeste.com VILLA SERBELLONI www.villaserbelloni.com VILLA PASSALACQUA www.vaanyc.com

RESTAURANTS LOCANDA DELL’ISOLA COMACINA +39 0344 55083 IL GATTO NERO +39 031 512042 PARAGLIDING Call English-speaking Fabio, +39 328 577441. www.comolakeparagliding.com

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Lake Como

Love on the Lake Villa Carlotta, on the shores of Lake Como, has long been a garden of romance and desire.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

WORDS ROBIN POWELL

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mountains. The enduring charm of a garden first laid out in the 17th century is a bonus. Five terraces in Italianate style lead up from the lake to the villa, past fountains, statuary and beautiful mature trees.

Climbing pink and red roses are drawn across the ancient stone walls. It was this old part of the garden that appealed to Gustave Flaubert when he visited in 1845 and wrote that the ‘stone steps touching the water, the big tees, the roses embracing a fountain’ would long remain in his memory.

What would he have written if he’d seen what happened next! Georg was a mad keen plant lover and greatly enriched what was already a fabulous garden. The dominant planting of the gardens now are massive hills of pink, purple, red and white azaleas backed by rhododendrons. The planting is on such a large scale that from the lake this part of the garden looks like the hillside is blushing pink. Up close a path winds through the perfectly clipped mounds to a romantic gazebo.

Georg II was a mad keen plant lover who greatly enriched what was already a fabulous garden. His collection of azaleas blooms pink and cerise in spring, so the the whole hillside blushes.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.

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here was a wedding planned on the day I visited Villa Carlotta, which seemed just perfect, as the estate itself was a wedding present from Princess Marianne of the Netherlands to her daughter. The lucky bride was Princess Charlotte, known locally as Carlotta, who married Georg II, Duke of Saxen-Meiningen, in 1843. Unusually for the aristocrats of the time, theirs was a love match.

Modern brides might be inspired by the lightning romance of Georg and Charlotte, but more likely are simply drawn to Villa Carlotta by the alluring views from the stone-flagged terraces of the lake, the Bellagio Peninsula and snow-topped Grigna

Lake Como

Villa Carlotta is a popular wedding spot: fitting given that it was a wedding present for Princess Carlotta when she married her great love, Georg II, Duke of Saxon-Meiningen.

These hybrid azaleas, the rhododendrons that tower behind them, and the camellias that add to the show were new releases into European gardens in the last half of the 19th century, enabled by plant hunters battling disease and deprivation in the newly opened China. The Villa Carlotta plant collection also includes some of the Australian plants that were making their way back to Europe at this time. In a natural ravine bisected by a swiftly running creek, towering cabbage tree palms and sculptural tree ferns transform northern Italy into a vision of a charming Australian mountain fern valley. The cool wildness of this part of the garden contrasts with the ordered, trimmed and manicured sections elsewhere.

The gardens also include a Japanese garden, with a wonderful collection of more

than 25 different species of bamboo, some of them quite rare; a rock garden; a Victorianstyle garden, complete with topiary swans and brilliantly coloured bedding plants; a long tunnel hung with oranges and lemons like something out of nursery rhyme; and the original Baroque garden laid out by the Milanese marquis Giorgio Clerici.

Wandering across a little bridge that straddles a brook, I looked over the terrace and saw the bride of the day. Her proud papa took a step back to admire his daughter in her gleaming white beaded gown and she beamed up at him. He carefully took her elbow and they turned to walk between towering hedges onto the terrace. I sent silent best wishes for a marriage as full of love as that of Carlotta and Georg. •

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Villa Carlotta is open from spring through autumn. The ticket price includes entry to the garden and also to the villa. The highlights in the villa are works by the Venetian neo-classical sculptor Antonio Canova. Canova was famous for his ability to render the delicacy of naked flesh in marble, and you get an up-close view in the beautifully proportioned rooms. Make a day of it and lunch in the café in the old greenhouse, which has lovely views of the lake, or, pick up some bread and cheese and wine in Bellagio, and picnic in a secluded nook somewhere in the garden. www.villacarlotta.it

PRIME PEAKS In a lifetime on skis, Bronwen Gora has schussed the slopes of more than 100 ski destinations. First Class asked for her pick of the peaks.

BROWNWEN GORA, HELISKIING IN THE HIMALAYAS.

Prime peaks

VAL D’ISERE, FRANCE

Often tagged the ‘ideal resort’, Val d’Isere delivers all the drawcards of magical ski holidays in the European alps: fabulous scenery, miles of slopes, cute snow-covered chalets plus hot nightlife and happening hotels all touched with the stardust of glamour.

There are several Michelin-star restaurants, including Le Table in the elegant boutique hotel Les Barmes de l’Ours, and the pricey onslope dining spots, such as Le Frutiere and Le Tete de Solaise, are worth the expense.

The skiing is exceptional, with an extensive network of beginner, intermediate and challenging runs. More accomplished skiers and boarders are particularly drawn to Val d’Isere.

Strolling Val d’Isere can be as enticing as the skiing. Eye-catching art galleries and cafes, elegant shops, bars and restaurants abound. While town can be busy, there are quiet spots amid historic stone buildings and picturesque medieval churches in which to contemplate.

SEEN HERE Jamie Oliver (he learnt to ski here), Paul McCartney, Hugh Grant.

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BE SEEN Party at on-slope restaurant Le Fruitiere after sampling French wine and cheese in the stylish cellar. Check out new fivestar Hotel Le Yule opening December 2015.

GETTING THERE Closest airports are Chambery (two hours drive) and Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble (all three hours drive).

Bourg St Maurice train station is 45 minutes from Val d’Isere. www.valdisere.com

ASPEN, COLORADO

What keeps people coming back to Aspen is not its glamorous reputation, but the fact Aspen is a real town – friendly, communityoriented and full of surprises. The celebrityeffect often also overshadows the fact that the skiing on offer is excellent. There are four mountains under the Aspen lift pass for much the same cost as a day ticket in Australia.

Pretty, brightly coloured Victorian cottages line the main street into town, where you find excellent (if pricey) shopping, delectable dining, and astonishing galleries filled with everything from glass sculpture to original pop art to movie posters and paintings. Aspen’s ‘wild west’ past lives on in historic structures like the Hotel Jerome and charming Wheeler Opera House. Be sure to take in a performance here just for the experience, and take up a pew in the refurbished Hotel Jerome’s bar for a drink as well as a visual and culinary feast.

Aspen Mountain (commonly known as Ajax) is the ski field located right above town.

The main gondola is within an easy stroll of most lodges and hotels. Ajax offers many benign and intermediate runs as well as some steeps. This is where you’re most likely to spot a celebrity. Cloud Nine restaurant

Val d’Isere is everything you want from the European alps: cute snow-covered chalets, Michelin-starred restaurants, glamorous hotels, miles of slopes and fabulous scenery.

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SCENE STEALERS OPPOSITE, BEAVER CREEK, COLORADO AT DUSK. THIS PAGE: VAL D’ISERE, AND BELOW LEFT, TWILIGHT IN THE VILLAGE OF ST ANTON, AND RIGHT, THE VIEW FROM BENNETS BLUFF OF LAKE WAKATIPU, QUEENSTOWN.

Feature lift travels above a nest of multi-million dollar mansions including the home of former US president Gerald Ford. Atop Centennial Lift free hot cocoa is offered in the mornings.

For lunch, cruise down to the lavish Ritz Carlton in Bachelor Gulch. Beginner slopes are plentiful and so is the other end of the spectrum – super-steep bump runs and rolling cruisers for the advanced.

Apres-ski, pluck freshly baked cookies from the trays offered by resort ambassadors at the end of each day and take a spin on the ice rink before retiring to your palatial condominium or hotel room.

SEEN HERE Media mogul Kerry Stokes (who owns a house here), Michelle Obama, Robert Kennedy Jr, David Carradine, the Hyatt family.

BE SEEN On the sunny, slope-side deck of the Hyatt Hotel sipping champagne or dining in Toscanini.

GETTING THERE Direct flights into nearby Eagle Vail airport from Denver International Airport or a two-and-a-half hour drive from DIA. www.beavercreek.com

ST ANTON am ARLBERG, AUSTRIA

What pulls people back to Aspen is that it’s not just a ski resort with great variety of slopes, but a real town with a beating heart. is a ‘place to be seen’, with views from the 9000ft-high deck and lovely food in the cosy restaurant. After lunch a dj turns the alpine bistro and deck into a pumping place.

Aspen Highlands offers the most challenging runs of all four mountains.

Feeling adventurous? Take the lift to Aspen Highlands’ summit and then hike the famous Highlands bowl beyond the lifted runs. Hundreds of skiers and boarders make the trek each season to the spectacular prayer-flag adorned peak.

Views are as spectacular as the skiing in this immense and carefully patrolled area.

Beginners can head for the easy, groomed slopes of Buttermilk, and everyone goes to Snowmass, a ski field which lives up to its name. The plethora of long, wide, groomed intermediate slopes are perfect for family and group skiing.

SEEN HERE Elle MacPherson, Kate Hudson,

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Paris Hilton, Ben Affleck, Hugh Jackman.

BE SEEN Anywhere in Aspen’s only fivestar hotel, The Little Nell: poolside; in the nightclub; at a guided tasting in the wine cellar or eating wagyu steak at restaurant Element 45.

GETTING THERE Direct flights into Aspen from Denver International Airport or a three hour drive from DIA. www.aspensnowmass.com.au

BEAVER CREEK, COLORADO

Beaver Creek is the ‘glamour girl’ of the Vail Resorts family, now the biggest in the industry.

Vail Resorts owns 11 ski resorts, including, as of earlier this year, Australia’s Perisher. The conglomerate offers what is arguably the best value ski pass in the world with all 11 resorts covered by an annual ticket that costs US$769.

Beaver Creek is all luxury and privilege.

Elevators take you to slopes. The Strawberry

St Anton am Arlberg is four resorts in one – St Anton, St Christoph, Lech and Zurs – offering spectacular vistas and an almost infinite array of skiing possibilities.

The atmosphere is of an alpine playground where royalty and rock stars come to play.

The lift pass encompasses a mindboggling 320 ski runs serviced by 86 lifts arranged in a network that is remarkably easy to navigate. Accommodation offers just as vast a choice from chalets to apartments, fivestar hotels and oodles of restaurants. Children and families will be just as happy as party animals or those after an intimate getaway.

A must-ski is the 2811m high Valuga.

The view atop is virtually a 360-degree panorama of the European alps. While there is a restaurant and access for all near the peak, the ski down is for experienced skiers only. Lower down the slopes segue into easier blue runs.

As expected there is also an endless array of activities in the towns. In St Anton, the recently built Arlberg-well.com centre has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, three saunas and a large steam room. Other pursuits include 10-pin bowling and indoor climbing.

SEEN HERE Parts of Bridget Jones: The Edge

Prime peaks OPPOSITE: THE HOTEL JEROME CHANNELS ASPEN’S WILD WEST PAST. THIS PAGE: PRISTINE SNOW AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM CARDRONA, QUEENSTOWN.

of Reason were filmed here, Princess Diana was a regular in Lech, and the King of Jordan is renowned for booking out entire floors in Lech hotels for himself and his entourage.

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, are also regulars.

BE SEEN At the Post Hotel in Lech, or sipping champagne on a comfy couch while having your new ski boots fitted in the famous Strolz store just a little further down the road.

GETTING THERE Innsbruck Airport or train station and a-75 minute drive or three hours from Munich International Airport. www.stantonamarlberg.com

QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

This is the southern hemisphere’s ski mecca.

Like the Arlberg and Vail Resorts, it too presents a variety of skiing at several different nearby ski fields. The closest are The Remarkables and Coronet Peak while a little farther afield are Cardrona and Treble Cone.

Most people who wish to ski at the two latter ski fields choose Wanaka for lodging, which while being a pretty lakeside town does not carry Queenstown’s international cache.

Queenstown itself is spectacular: right

beside Lake Wakatipu, it overlooks the water to the stunning, sky–piercing peaks of the Remarkables Range. The best accommodation is found in places like the $1000-plus-per night boutique hotels, such as Matakauri Lodge and Azur. In town book into The Spire, where the rooms are filled with designer furniture, or Eichardts, right on the lakefront.

Coronet Peak is like a playground of skiing, filled with rolling cruisers. When the snow cover is good to excellent it’s possible to ski right across this field and not be restricted just to the groomed runs. The Remarkables is terrific for beginners and also has exceptional terrain parks and a renowned ski school.

SEEN HERE Katy Perry, Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz, Tom Cruise, Anthony Hopkins, golfer Jack Nichlaus and Shania Twain.

BE SEEN At the Botswana Butchery, grabbing coffee at Joe’s Garage, dining in Jervois Steak House.

GETTING THERE Direct Queenstown flights from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, or internal flights from Auckland or Christchurch. www.queenstownnz.co.nz

FIRST CLASS INSIDER

Heli-skiing the Himalayas This is not as intimidating, and just as magical, as it sounds! Heli-ski company Himachal will tailor a trip to your ski level, though intermediate ability is a starting point. I tried it last March and the beauty of skiing among the highest peaks in the world combined with the magic of flying back to a five-star hotel each day and then wandering the enchanting town of Manali will live in my memory forever. www.himachal.com BG

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Cruising

CRUISING Want more from a cruise? Ditch the queues and the crowds and choose a cruise that specialises. Here’s a First Class pick of incredible on-water experiences.

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Cruising

All yours on the Nile SANCTUARY RETREATS

The Nile River was the lifeline of ancient Egypt and to cruise it is to see some of wonders of the ancient and natural world.

And what better way to enjoy it all than from the comfort of an elegant small ship.

Sanctuary Retreats offers some of the best Nile cruises, in uniquely different but always luxurious small ships. Smallest of all is the Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau, which is available for private charter. Four cabins and two suites mean a personalised adventure for no more than 12. Tailor your own itinerary, adding such highlights as the pyramids, the beaches of the Red Sea and the vastness of the Sahara. The largest suite on board is the all-white Farouk Suite, which occupies much of the upper level and has panoramic windows, a private dining area and lavish décor inspired by the country’s royal era. www.sanctuaryretreats.com/egyptnile-river-holidays

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Choose your cruise: feel the wind fill the sails on a windjammer, or take a sedate route down the Nile.

Islands of the Pacific

Cruising solo in the Caribbean

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

ISLAND WINDJAMMERS

The Paul Gauguin was designed specifically to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific. It’s often voted one of the best small ship options and the itinerary offers destinations that can’t be reached by bigger ships. Even veteran travellers may not be familiar with some of the unique stopovers on its itineraries. Ua Huka in the Marquesas, for example, is an island populated almost entirely by wild horses, while the little-known Tuamotus islands are famous for black pearls. Local Tahitians make up the cruise staff, entertainers and storytellers on board so that Tahitian charm permeates every aspect of the cruise. www.pgcruises.com

Island Windjammers owns two tall ships: the 12-passenger Diamant, which cruises the Windward Islands out of Grenada; and the 22-passenger Sagitta schooner which predominately sails the Leeward Islands, leaving from St Maarten. A third ship – the 30-passenger Vela – will launch in December 2015. The cruises are about sailing, taking it easy - and socialising. All itineraries emphasise fun and friendship, and the Solo Sojourns are strictly for lone travellers. www.islandwindjammers.com ABOVE LEFT: LUXURY ON THE NILE IN A SANCTUARY RETREAT CRUISE. RIGHT: TOE-CURLING ADRENALIN IN THE CARIBBEAN ON BOARD AN ISLAND WINDJAMMER.

THOSE INCREDIBLE LAYERS OF BLUE KEEP LURING US BACK TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC.

Small ship cruising offers inaccessible destinations and creative itineraries, whether you’re tracking penguins or tracing Columbus’ wake.

Sailing with Columbus SEA CLOUD

Sea Cloud has two tall ships that glide through the Caribbean, Europe and Central America.

Unlike a traditional tall ship, these are about

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luxury and impeccable service. You can combine a stopover in Cuba with a Caribbean outing or choose one of the more intensive sailing experiences. ‘Across the Ocean Under Billowing Sails’ is a two-week voyage that aims to recreate the route taken by Columbus from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, embarking from Barbados or Curaçao. www.seacloud.com

Polar adventure QUARK EXPEDITIONS

With a fleet of three, unique small ships, Quark Expeditions prides itself on a varied range of missions that go further into the polar regions, both arctic and Antarctic, than most. As well as comfort and adventure, expect to learn a lot, with informal briefings covering ornithology, marine biology, glaciology, geography, geology, history and the environment. Some of the ships have onboard helicopters to provide aerial sightseeing, while off-ship activities range from crosscountry skiing to penguin watching. www.quarkexpeditions.com

Cruising THIS PAGE: QUARK’S THREE SHIPS GO FURTHER THAN MOST INTO THE POLAR REGIONS, GUARANTEEING UP-CLOSE EXPERIENCES.

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Cruising

feel you’re on a yacht, not a cruise ship. The SeaDream’s European voyages explore the small and large ports of the Mediterranean and Adriatic in a host of options. www.seadream.com

The unknown coast

EXPEDITION BOATS AND AN BOARD HELICOPTER MEAN THAT TRAVELLERS ON TRUE NORTH GET RIGHT UP CLOSE TO THE KIMBERLEY’S INCREDIBLE LANDSCAPE.

TRUE NORTH KIMBERLEY CRUISES

The red cliffs, turquoise waters and white sand beaches of the Kimberley colour one of the most dramatic and least-explored coastlines in the world

Europe by small ship SEADREAM

SeaDream’s two vessels cater to just 56 couples, and with almost as many

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staff as there are guests, the service is impeccable. The expeditions allow for passengers to be as active or relaxed as they like, with onboard marinas offering snorkeling, jetskiing, sailing, wakeboarding, trampolining and more. There is al fresco dining space for all as well as the option to sleep under the stars. The idea is that you

Adventurers can experience some of Australia’s greatest wildlife and scenery from the comfort of this luxury cruise liner , with no more than 35 fellow travellers and 20 eager-to-please crew. True North offers the utmost in cruising comfort, elegance and offshore expeditions. As well as al fresco dining options, an on-board naturalist and an internet café for easy outside communications, there are multiple expedition boats and a helicopter available to provide guests with a tailor-made cruise experience like no other. The latest in computer-controlled motion stabilizers ensures a comfortable voyage along one of the world’s least known and most dramatically beautiful coastlines. www.kimberleycruiseescapes.com.au

Cruising THIS PAGE: SNORKELLING AT BORA BORA WITH PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

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Traveller.

FIRST CLASS STOPOVERS Break your journey at these great destinations PRIVATE AVIATION The sky’s the limit when you charter your flight

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STOPOVER: SPA

Jordan’s Dead Sea Not thinking of the Middle East as somewhere to relax?

You haven’t been to Jordan.

M

ention ‘Middle East’ and ‘spaing’ in the same sentence and you don’t exactly conjure up images of five-star health retreats and exotic pampering. But then Jordan is different. If a spa is a haven of tranquility, an escape from the worries of the world, then Jordan is Spa Middle East, a retreat of peace and hospitality in a turbulent neighbourhood. It’s the perfect

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place to rest and re-charge – especially on the long haul between Australia or Asia and Europe.

From Amman’s stylish Queen Alia International Airport (offering a first class experience that is now consistently rated the Middle East’s best) you can head into the city or down the hill (literally – a drop in altitude of 1423 metres) to the Dead Sea. This is Jordan’s playground and home to a WORDS DREW KEYS

slew of luxury resorts.

With seven pools, and as many bars and restaurants, set on the terraces of an ancient olive grove, the Kempinski Ishtar Resort and Spa rises above them all.

Designed to resemble a Nabatean palace, even the standard rooms are anything but.

Every room has a liwan, a private terrace, replete with banks of cushions and ledges to host the shisha pipe, the candles and the

Stopovers

Every room has a private terrace framing a view of the sun streaming over the olive groves, caressing the Dead Sea and the dusty crags of Palestine on the distant shore. cardamom-scented coffee, and to frame a view of the sun streaming over the olive groves, caressing the Dead Sea and the dusty crags of Palestine on the distant shore. If you’d prefer to be close to the lazy river or infinity pools there are direct access suites and for the ultimate in luxury, villas with private plunge-pools.

I start my morning at Obelisk for a sumptuous buffet breakfast with free champagne, and then de-camp to the Spa

by Resense. Anya, my spa host, leads me to the Ishtar Baths, a labyrinth of pools. I try them all then recline among the citrus trees beside yet another infinity pool that disappears into the morning.

Anya finds me and I’m taken upstairs to my suite where the lilt of nightingales, the

scent of rose-petals and the masseuse work their magic. My chosen experience is The Arabian, a Bedouin massage of long, fluid strokes that relieves tension and stiffness and restores circulation. I’m floating by the time I finish.

Literally. After cookies and tea it’s off to the beach for a do-it-myself spa treatment.

Ten minutes sitting on the water of the Dead Sea (including the obligatory reading-a-magazine photo-shot) then slipslop-slap from the tureens of black mud.

It’s sticky and viscous, but wonderful. And apparently a cure for everything from a bad knee to acne.

With the sun setting I kick back with a cocktail and watch the Ramadan fairy lights flicker to life in the gardens. •

FIRST CLASS TIPS FLY THERE Amman is easily reached on Qantas codeshare partner Emirates or with Qantas Oneworld partner Royal Jordanian.

MORE In Amman, stay at the Jordan Intercontinental Hotel, an elegant favourite of film crews and royalty.

Fresh off the flight from Australia, the Jetlag Recovery package at Spa Intercontinental is the perfect antidote.

Walk to nearby Rainbow Street for funky boutique shopping (try Mlabbas) great eating and drinking (try Books@ Cafe or Green Turtle Teahouse.)

DETAILS www.kempinski.com/en/deadsea

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STOPOVER: POMP AND CEREMONY

Tokyo

Tokyo is a buzz of contradictions: as playful as the dressups in Harajuku, as serene as a Zen temple, and as grand as the Imperial.

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he Imperial was Japan’s first fully western state guesthouse, opened in 1890. It was backed by the Imperial Household Agency, the aristocracy and prominent business leaders of the Meiji Era. Three main buildings have stood on the site, each of which embodied the finest western design of their era, including a Frank Lloyd Wright building that opened

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the day that Tokyo was struck by the Great Kanto earthquake in 1923. For more than 120 years, this legendary landmark has been the hotel of choice for royalty, heads of state, celebrities and prominent business leaders.

It’s perfectly situated, across the road from the Imperial Palace Gardens, in the middle of the city.

But if your taste runs to boutique hotels, WORDS TANYA MCGARRY

this is not for you. The Imperial covers what for Tokyo is a vast space, with a total of 931 rooms, 570 of which are in the Main Building, the remainder in the adjoining Imperial Tower. Stay in the Main Building, and ask for the Imperial Floors. These rooms on the 14th-16th floors have a direct, private lift and their own concierge.

I stayed in a Premier Deluxe Room,

Stopovers

For more than 120 years the Imperial has been the hotel of choice for royalty, heads of state, celebrities and prominent business leaders. recently renovated and generously sized. I was greeted with a traditional green tea in a beautiful ceramic set, but was keen to experience a true Japanese tea ceremony.

The Imperial organised a one-on-one private ceremony in its Toko-An House, which has three ceremonial chambers, all designed in the ‘sukiya’ style developed in the 17th century for teahouses. The effect is one of refined simplicity. The ceremony lasts for about twenty minutes and I was astounded at how much grace, precision and care was taken. I learnt the etiquette of the guest: to sit comfortably on the tatami mat in silence, respecting the art of an ancient tradition. I have never tasted a more

delicious cup of green tea.

Later I imbibed a different tradition, a whisky at the Old Imperial Bar, one of Tokyo’s most famous bars. The look is Frank Lloyd Wright, with warm amber hues and art deco styling. Japanese gentlemen discuss business over their favourite drink, accompanied by cigars or cigarettes. No anti-smoking legislation here.

The dining options include ‘Les Saisons’, one of the city’s finest French restaurants. Its chef is Thierry Voisin, who has been at the restaurant since 2005, and has been awarded a medal of honour by the French government for his services to French agriculture. Viking Sal, on the 17th floor has a great view, and

beautifully presented dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. •

FIRST CLASS TIPS MORE Check the Imperial Hotel Tokyo website for continuing enhancements to the property in anticipation of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

AND MORE Few taxi drivers speak English, so carry a map with your destination marked, and a hotel card. If you book through MK Taxi, you can request an English-speaking driver for an extra 3000yen. Tel. 5547 5551.

DETAILS www.imperialhotel.co.jp/e/tokyo

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STOPOVER: LUXURY

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has long been synonymous with luxury brands, and its two grande dames offer an unbeatably luxurious stopover.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

The Mandarin Oriental is in the heart of Central, surrounded by designer shopping boutiques, the bustling Lan Kwai Fong district and intoxicatingly close to the action of the harbour. I checked into my Harbour Room in the evening and was transfixed by the view through floor to ceiling windows.

Ferries and junks plied the harbor and the neon and silver lights of Kowloon rippled

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over the water. I was taking it all in just as the regular 8pm fireworks erupted.

In 2005, the Hollywood art director Don Ashton was entrusted with the interior design component of the hotel’s US $150m refurbishment. Ashton opted to marry the property’s Oriental heritage with 21st century luxury and technology. The room was equipped with the latest amenities, but it was the small touches I appreciated: the WORDS TANYA MCGARRY

jet-lag reliever oils and relaxing sleep spray; the full length mirror and the abundant supply of hangers.

Three of the Mandarin Oriental’s ten restaurants and bars have earned Michelin stars. Two-star Pierre offers modern French cuisine from Pierre Gagnaire; one–star Mandarin Grill & Bar does a contemporary interpretation of grill classics and great seafood; and one-star Man Wah serves

Stopovers

Cantonese cuisine, including dim sum. The one-of-a-kind Krug Room partners creative tasting menus prepared with the largest selection of Krug champagnes available outside France. The Captain’s Bar is a local favourite, renowned for its wide array of beers, which are served in silver tankards.

(During the 50th anniversary, regular guests were given a silver tankard engraved with their name. Nice touch!)

Famous for its opulence, The Mandarin Spa ranges across three floors and offers pool and gym as well as healing treatments.

The pedicure is world-famous, but I opted for a massage that left me recharged for the myriad delights of Hong Kong.

FIRST CLASS TIPS MORE Don’t miss the Mandarin Cake Shop. The signature items are the American cheesecake, chocolate truffle cake, home-made XO sauce and the extraordinary rose petal jam, whose recipe is a closely guarded secret.

DETAILS www.mandarinoriental.com/ hongkong

THE PENINSULA HONG KONG

The fun starts with the Rolls Royce transfer offered from the airport. The Rolls has been a tradition of the Peninsula since 1970 when the hotel ordered what was then a record seven Silver Shadows. The current fleet’s Peninsulagreen Phantoms are upholstered in buttery beige leather and are the best way to arrive – unless you book a helicopter. The 1994 tower addition, which added 132 rooms and suites to the Peninsula, also added twin helipads.

The helicopters can also be booked for tours.

Of course there’s lots to see, and the Peninsula is perfectly placed to see it. It’s located right in the heart of Kowloon’s business, shopping and entertainment district, with the MTR subway or Star Ferry just minutes away. But it is hard to leave the hotel.

The rooms offer everything you could think of – from deep baths, an in-room business centre complete with complimentary wireless phone, 90 local and international channels on the 3D

flat screen tv, and my favourite touch - a portable nail dryer.

The Lobby is home to the Peninsula Classic High Tea, which is such a favourite with celebrating locals that a queue often extends outside. They come for the tiered stands of sweet and savoury delicacies, the range of 30 teas, the French champagne, the live jazz, but mostly for the sense of occasion and colonial glamour.

Also unmissable are cocktails and midnight tapas at Felix, the rooftop restaurant created by French designer Phillippe Starck.

A metallic silver backdrop behind the bar complements the dance of lights glistening over Victoria Harbour. The cocktail to order is the Screwdriver, in memory of the eversuave Clark Gable. When a mystified barman responded to Mr Gable’s order by bringing him an actual screwdriver, the Hollywood star leapt behind the bar and demonstrated his mixology skills.

To round out a luxury stopover book a few hours in the spa. Like everything else in

this incredible hotel, it goes beyond expectations. Floor to ceiling windows offer sweeping views over Victoria Harbour.

Thermal suites overlooking the view have hamman- style steam rooms, saunas and crescent-shaped aromatherapy ‘experience showers’. The treatment rooms themselves ensure a tranquil oasis by eliminating sound and competing scents from other rooms. The therapists are highly trained, and skilled at developing a personalized treatment to suit your body and your needs. •

FIRST CLASS TIPS MORE For the ultimate Peninsula stopover, book into the Marco Polo Suite, order a helicopter pick-up from the airport and arrive as the rich and famous do, before descending via a private lit to your suite and one of the world’s most iconic views.

DETAILS www.hongkong.peninsula. com

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STOPOVER: TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

Bangkok & Singapore

Bangkok and Singapore are leading shopping and eating destinations, and not just for adults. I tested them out as stopovers with my children.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL, BANGKOK

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok was built in the 1800s and has always been a pioneer of the city’s hospitality. Twentyone years ago it was the first hotel to open a spa, and the first to open a cooking school, both of which remain market leaders. The famed Bamboo Bar has hosted some of the world’s most famous names

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including Louis Armstrong, Eartha Kitt, Mick Jagger and Audrey Hepburn. Suites are decorated individually and each is named after a famous writer, royal or seafarer. A butler catering to each floor was an added bonus for me, as I could leave the children in the hotel room for short periods knowing someone was just outside the door!

Even breakfast is an event: six stations WORDS RENAE LEITH-MANOS

offer yum cha, freshly made eggs and pancakes, juices, sushi, pastries, salads and more. All are enjoyed while watching the morning’s passing parade of boats on the Chao Phraya River.

The Kids Club (with a wii) opens daily from 2pm. Before that there’s a huge pool to try, as well as smaller wading pools for young children. Also on our agenda was a traditional afternoon tea and a visit to the

Stopovers

onsite chocolate and cake shop. It is a relief to sit in a hotel restaurant and feel comfortable having children with you, and the magnitude of the restaurant areas at the Mandarin Oriental made this possible, as did the menus, all of which are childfriendly. We especially loved the hotel’s Thai restaurant, which can only be reached by boat. The traditional Thai dancing during dinner kept my two mesmerised.

We would have been happy to stay in the hotel for all of our three days in Bangkok, but ventured out for tuk tuk rides to the famous (and sweltering) Bangkok markets and stunning Paragon shopping centre. There was nothing we didn’t like about Bangkok, other than the traffic. But sitting in one of the hotel’s luxury cars complete with wifi, there wasn’t really much to complain about.

FIRST CLASS TIPS MORE On our first morning, the concierge gave both children a hotel card detailing the hotel’s address in both Thai and English in case they got lost: just one example of truly great service that made the trip stress-free.

DETAILS www.mandarinoriental.com

MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL, SINGAPORE

A lounge by the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands Hotel is the best place in Singapore to count skyscrapers. My twins and I can attest to that. The Marina Bay Sands is the largest hotel in Singapore (with 2561 rooms and suites), and the most spectacular (with a 150m-long infinity pool sitting atop three 55-floor towers), but it still manages to retain a sense of intimacy and a high level of service. Everything about this hotel is high end, surprising and fun.

A five-star shopping centre adjoins the hotel, which given Singapore’s tropical climate and its propensity to rain, can be handy (on average there are 171 stormfilled days each year). It’s crammed with some of Singapore’s best eateries including Wolfgang Puck’s Cut, Mario Batali’s Mozza, and Tetsuya Wakuda’s Waku Ghin.

The last two are both on Asia’s 50 best restaurant list. But even if you’re after a simple yum cha lunch, or even a sandwich, you’ll find it in the centre.

If you insist on leaving the cocoon of the Marina Bay Sands, Singapore is easy to get around, and taxis are cheap and plentiful.

Orchard Road is a shopping paradise with more than 22 shopping centres, and every high-end label you can think of. Luxe shopping is a good option here with some of the lowest prices globally for wellknown luxury brands.

Top fun for children of any age is the

Singapore zoo. There is limited fencing and barriers, so birds and monkeys delight patrons who have smart phones and cameras at the ready. Breakfast with the orang-utans is magical, as is the elephant’s art class. A night safari and a day cruise offer alternative experiences with the wildlife. •

FIRST CLASS TIPS MORE Marina Bay Sands is the best place to get an overview of the vast Gardens by the Bay. This massive reclamation is a world-class garden dominated by two enormous biospheres and 25 ‘supertrees’. These are giant hourglass-shaped constructions hung with ornamental plants. Catch the sound and light show, which happens twice each night.

DETAILS www.marinabaysands.com

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Sky’s the limit

Private aviation means ditching delays and bypassing the boarding lounge. Here’s the low-down on the sky-high appeal of a private jet.

WORDS THEA CARLEY

BUSINESS OR PLEASURE? The market for private aviation in Australia is small in comparison to more established markets like the United States, but it’s expanding at a rapid rate. According to recent figures the number of private jets in use across the nation has more than doubled in the last decade. While private air travel may conjure images of partying A-listers, much of the work done by chartered planes in Australia is purely business. This is especially the case since the GFC. Rick Pegus, executive director of Skypac Aviation Services, estimates that only 10 per cent of flights are now booked for leisure purposes, compared with more than a third prior to the GFC. “The idea of aircraft charter may appear to be a ‘luxury’ decision more than a practical one but most of our clients use our aircraft for business purposes,” agrees Darren McGoldrick, Vice

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President of ExecuJet Australasia, which operates a fleet of more than 60 business jets and turboprop aircraft from operating bases across the globe.

ON-BOARD SERVICE If you have the budget, on-board service options are virtually limitless, though much depends on company, aircraft and destination. Many companies provide limo transfers to and from the aircraft, while the aircraft themselves have bathrooms, onboard entertainment systems and wait staff. Charter companies will often go the extra mile for their customers too. “We

keep detailed records on all of our passengers so that every time they fly with us we have all they need to ensure a comfortable flight. We want our passengers to feel at home on board,” McGoldrick says.

THE BOTTOM LINE The main variable in the cost of chartered flights is the choice of aircraft, with each aircraft quoting an hourly rate. Costs in dollars are made up by savings in convenience. Pegus equates private hire aviation to the difference between catching a bus and hiring a car. “You’ve got ultimate flexibility with your timing and privacy,

Using private aviation is like hiring a car and driver instead of catching the bus. You can do it your way.

Private Aviation

MAKE A CALL, CHOOSE A PLANE, BOOK THE FLIGHT: PRIVATE AVIATION IS BOOMING AS BUSY TRAVELLERS GIVE COMMERCIAL SCHEDULES THE SLIP.

If you have the flexibility, empty leg flights offer private comfort at discounted rates. there are no luggage restrictions, you can choose what meals you’re having and it’s often faster as there are no connections, and if you do have stops you get to choose where they are,” he explains.

EMPTY LEGS When a charter is booked one-way, the return flight is called an empty leg. Empty legs allow passengers to reap the benefits of private air travel minus the hefty price tag.

Browse individual company websites and social media profiles for updates on empty leg flights available from Australia.

ExecuJet, for instance, tweets empty leg flights using #ExecuJetEmptyLeg.

Alternatively check sites such as EmptyJets. com.au that compile all empty flights from Australia. Empty leg flights can be up to 75 per cent cheaper than chartered flights, but the downside is that they are not confirmed.

If the initial booking is changed or cancelled, you could be stranded.

BOOK IT Booking a private plane is straightforward.

“Make a call, tell us where you want to go, decide on the right airplane – it’s that simple,” says Rick Pegus, executive director of Skypac Aviation Services. “You can pay on your credit card and go [almost] immediately.”. •

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Private jet-setting is about to become even easier, when Australia’s first VIP terminal opens in Melbourne this year.

Paul Little, of Little Aviation, has purchased a 20-hectare space. He envisions the terminal being used by Crown Casino high rollers, pop stars and the elite sport stars who descend on Melbourne for the tennis and grand prix.

SkyPac Aviation www.skypac.com.au (02) 8335 4100 ExecuJet www.execujet.com (02) 9693 0800 EmptyJets www.EmptyJets.com.au 1800 747 300 Jet City www.jetcity.com.au (03) 9330 1555 Altitude Aviation www.altitudeaviation.com.au 1800 747 300

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Insider.

TOP PLOTS Romance, adventure and great shopping - all revealed by bestselling chick lit authors.

BILLIONAIRE BUCKET LIST When money’s no object what do travel professionals recommend?

Romance and adventure (AND GREAT SHOPPING!)

Their books are in airport shops, in carry-on bags and in the hands of travellers around the world. But where do best-selling chick lit authors go when it’s their turn to pack a bag? Their answers include more than one unexpected plot twist!

SOPHIE KINSELLA IS A REGULAR HERE

STAY Sophie Kinsella has ventured to Oman on multiple occasions, and like so many others ahs fallen for the country’s rich culture, towering mountains, spectacular deserts, endless miles of seaside and fabulous hospitality. The Al Bustan Palace Hotel is a beachfront retreat in popular Muscat, tucked between the rugged Al Hajar mountain range and the Sea of Oman. Design-wise it’s contemporary chic meets ancient Arabian traditions and the service is sensational.

Adele Parks

Favourite destination? I love LA! It’s so seriously glam and yet also chilled.

My experience is that in LA everything is possible, positive and purposeful; I know this contradicts the stereotype image of the city and its people but I’ve found warmth there. My secret tip for creative but unpretentious international comfort food is The Restaurant at The Standard, Hollywood. It’s open 24hrs, the food is a delight and the service is effervescent and efficient. And of course all the waiters wanna be actors.

Best shopping? I love poking around brocante and finding unique pieces for my home. The most dazzling is the Brocante Vintage Market in Saint Petersburg, Florida, which is open to the public for just two days a month. It is 15,000 square feet of vintage bliss!

Number one on the bucket list? My niece emigrated to Perth last year and I miss her so much. I’m desperate to get to Australia. I feel choked up just saying that!

You have a four-bedroom villa in

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Tuscany for the weekend, who’s on the guest list? I think I’d be too freaked out having dead people swanning around so Abraham Lincoln, Jane Austen, Jesse Owens and Audrey Hepburn would have to be ruled out, although I don’t doubt they’d all make fabulous guests. One room would certainly go to Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness; happy couples are always excellent guests, he might even sing or play the piano after dinner when we’ve all had a glass, especially if I ask the creative genius Will.I.Am. I’d ask Hilary Clinton to fill the third room and my husband and I get the fourth, right?

Adele Parks is the award-winning English author of 15 critically acclaimed novels. Her latest, ‘If You Go Away’, (Hachette Australia, rrp $30) is her second book set during WW1.

Monica McInerney

Favourite destination? It used to be cities that appealed to me, but more recently, I’m drawn to the countryside. On my 50th birthday, my husband and I cycled the 42km Great Western Greenway in the west of Ireland, following the route of the old railway line from Westport to Achill Island. We had bright sunshine and a blue sky as we cycled by mountains, lakes, and the sea, spying black-faced sheep, wild primroses, robins, larks and stacks of turf.

The whole day was glorious and the aches and pains the next day worth it. I’m already planning our return visit.

Best shopping? I like small laneway shops rather than big shopping centres, and craft and vintage shops rather than department stores - so Melbourne it is!

My experience is that in LA everything is possible, positive and purposeful; I know this contradicts the stereotype image of the city and its people, but I’ve found warmth there.

Chick Feature lit OPPOSITE: ADELE PARKS CAN’T GO PAST LA, BUT FOR MONICA MCINERNEY, THE LANEWAYS OF MELBOURNE WIN HER SHOPPING VOTE, AND GETTING OUT OF THE CITY AND ON A BIKE THROUGH IRELAND IS BLISS.

Chick lit did a three-week trek in the foothills of the Himalayas for my book With or Without You and I vowed to go back. Nepal is a beautiful country and the people are so kind and gentle, it’s been awful to watch the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes.

You have a four-bedroom villa in Tuscany for the weekend, who’s on the guest list? My partner, Lovely Kev, is always at the top of my list of travel companions. We’ve done many group adventure holidays over the years and always come back having met up with a person or couple who we’ll stay friends with for life. I’d gather them all together and enjoy good food and wine while sharing our travel stories.

English-born Carole Matthews is one of the world’s best-loved authors of romantic comedy, selling more than 4.5 million novels in 31 different countries.

‘The Cake Shop in the Garden’ is published by Hachette Australia, hardback rrp $45, Ebook $20.

Cecelia Ahern

County Kerry in south-west Ireland is the only place I truly switch off and recharge my batteries.

Number one on the bucket list?

Travelling around Europe by train. I’d love to do it without any fixed plan, just going from city to city on a whim.

You have a four-bedroom villa in Tuscany for the weekend, who’s on the guest list? I’d squeeze my big family in, using up all four bedrooms and then piling mattresses on the floor. We have a lot of fun when we are all together. And to make things really easy and fun, I’d also invite a series of chefs to come and do guest cooking spots - Jamie Oliver, Maggie Beer, Nigella Lawson, whoever didn’t mind cooking for a crowd of thirty rowdy McInerneys.

Monica McInerney is the Australian-born, Dublin-based author of such best-selling novels as ‘The House of Memories’,’ A Taste for I’t and ‘Hello From the Gillespies’ (Penguin Books Australia, paperback rrp $30, Ebook $13.

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Carole Matthews

Favourite destination? Every year we go up to Keswick in the Lake District, in the far north of England. We’re keen hikers and the Lakes are a little bit of heaven towering mountains, vast stretches of water and excellent food.

Best shopping? Hong Kong’s Stanley Market is very touristy, but fabulous. I stock up on dirt-cheap silk items and... ahem...’designer’ clothes, and have fun with the bartering. At one point last time two stallholders were pulling me in opposite directions while screaming obscenities at each other. It was hysterical. Shopping at home is never quite so exciting.

Number one on the bucket list? A trek in the Everest region of Nepal. I read avidly about Everest, but have no desire to climb it. I would, however, like to go and look at it from a respectable distance. We

Favourite destination? Every year I take a family holiday to County Kerry in southwest Ireland for stunning scenery, mountains and lakes. It’s the only place I truly switch off and recharge my batteries.

It’s calming, magical and inspiring.

Best shopping? Dubai has all the designers I’m familiar with but collections that I’ve never seen anywhere else. The malls are enormous and spotless. All you can see are beautiful clothes stretching forever...

Number one on the bucket list? I went to Iceland twice as a teenager and want to return with my husband and children. They would have so much fun swimming in the hot springs, surrounded by glaciers. The pure drama of the landscape would really impress them, and made me feel like I was on a different planet.

You have a four-bedroom villa in Tuscany for the weekend, who’s on the guest list? My family: my husband, my two children, and I’d force my separated parents to share a bedroom for the first time in many many years just so I could squeeze my sister and her family into the fourth room!

Cecelia Ahern wrote the bestseller ‘PS. I love You’ when she was just 21.

JANE GREEN STAYED HERE AND DESCRIBED IT AS PERFECTION

STAY Cap Juluca is a heavenly whitesand beach in Maundays Bay, on the petite island of Anguilla in the Caribbean. The Cap Juluca resort is a dreamy, whitewashed oasis with Moroccan-inspired design. For spacious and refined luxury accommodation, two private villas are available, sleeping from six to ten. Both have private pools with adjoining suites, plus ocean views and round-the-clock butler service.

MARION KEYES SLEPT HERE AND TOLD THE GUARDIAN THAT LYING IN BED WATCHING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS WAS UNBEATABLE.

STAY Kakslauttanen is a unique snow resort where guests can sleep in a selection of igloo-inspired accommodation. The glass igloos come with en suite and can sleep two to four comfortably, with showers and saunas located nearby. There’s even a genuine all snow igloo available for the really wild at heart. The luxury option is a cabin/igloo hybrid known as the kelo-glass igloo, combining the comfort of the log cabins with a glass igloo attached to sleep in.

Chick lit SEVILLE’S PLAZA DE ESPANA IS AN INTRIGUING COMBO OF 1920S ART DECO AND MOORISH REVIVAL STYLINGS.

A two-hour train ride brings me to vibrant, exotic Seville, with its magnificent Moorish architecture, scrumptious food and warm, friendly people.

It was later turned into a Hollywood film starring Hillary Swank. Her latest release, ‘The Year I Met You’, is published by Harper Collins, rrp $20.

Patricia Scanlon

Favourite destination? I have a seafront apartment in Andalucía, on the south coast of Spain, which has views across the Mediterranean towards Africa, the High Atlas Mountains, the Pillars of Hercules and Gibraltar. A two-hour train ride

brings me to vibrant, exotic, Seville with its magnificent Moorish architecture, scrumptious food and warm, friendly people.

Best shopping? Kensington High Street in London. And when you are weary of shopping, lunch in the Orangery in Kensington Palace overlooking the beautiful park.

Number one on the bucket list? New England in the fall. The autumn colours look incredible.

You have a four-bedroom villa in

Tuscany for the weekend, who’s on the guest list? My mother who has passed, Mary Magdalene (to get the truth about her), Hugh Jackman, and Patrick Stewart.

Former Dublin librarian Patricia Scanlan has topped the Irish bestseller lists with every one of her releases, which include ‘Mirror Mirror’, ‘Francesca’s Party’ and the ‘City Gir’l series. Her latest,’ A Time for Friends’ is published by Simon & Schuster, paperback rrp $30, eBook $14.

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BILLIONAIRE BUCKET LIST

If the only criterion is a brilliant experience, what’s top of the list? We asked the experts at TravelManagers Australia to report back from a big wide world of wonders.

Bucket List

Manhattan’s most desired penthouse

T Y WA R N E R P E N T H O U S E , F O U R S E A S O N S , N E W YO R K Going way beyond the usual definition of a hotel room, the Ty Warner offers not just views and 4300 sq ft of space, but also a chauffered Rolls Royce, personal trainer, personal therapist, art concierge, and more.

The nine-room suite is decorated in Venetian velvets and fine gold-woven Thai silks, with walls inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the sinks carved from crystal. A grand glass-shard chandelier hangs from the cathedral-style ceiling, and the TVs have been programmed to play every channel in the world. There are 360-degree views across the Manhattan skyline and Central Park, while an outdoor Zen garden, complete with waterfall, offers vistas towards the Statue of Liberty. www.fourseasons.com/newyork

Bullet-proof ski chalet

C H A L E T N , AU S T R I A The world’s most expensive ski chalet features cutlery fashioned from titanium, bedding embroidered with your own initials and the floor-to-ceiling bulletproof windows. Seriously. Dreamed up by Austrian tycoon, René Benko, Chalet N sleeps up to 24 guests in ten

suites and a fairytale-inspired kids den. There are two dining rooms, living spaces with roaring fires, a cinema, a wine cellar and multiple bars, including an ice bar for après-ski soirees. A private lift whisks guests straight from home to piste. Post-slopes, the largest spa in the Alps is conveniently located in the basement. Outside there are two hot tubs, an ice fountain, a salt-cave steam bath, as well as a vast swimming pool that plays underwater music and changes colour depending on your mood. www.chalet-n.com

Water views

POSEIDON’S MYSTERIOUS ISLAND, FIJI Watch the life on a coral reef without getting out of bed. That’s the promise of the world’s first submarine resort, currently being built on the edge of a Fijian atoll. The project is the dream of L. Bruce Jones, Chairman of US submarines, and it promises a truly unique experience. The onshore part of the resort includes a restaurant and lounge, spa and tennis courts, as well as a 9-hole golf course and a marina.

But it’s the underwater element that dazzles. A lift takes you down to the suites, which are 70 percent transparent acrylic, offering a sense of magical immersion into the life of the reef. Also underwater

The world’s most expensive ski chalet features titanium cutlery, your own monogrammed bed linen and floor-to-ceiling bulletproof windows.

ABOVE: EVERYTHING YOU COULD WISH FOR IN THE BATHROOM OF CHALET N IN AUSTRIA. OPPOSITE: THE TY WARNER PENTHOUSE OFFERS 360-DEGREE VIEWS OF MANHATTAN.

Illusionist David Copperfield owns 11 islands in the Bahamas, in the aptly named Copperfield Bay.

THIS PAGE: LUXURY IN THE JUNGLE AT IMANTA, MEXICO. OPPOSITE: TOP AND BOTTOM RIGHT, BATHING ON THE BEACH IN THE BAHAMAS; AND BURJ AL ARAB’S ICONIC SILHOUETTE IN DUBAI.

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are spa rooms and a wedding chapel. Beyond the reef the ocean drops into an abyss, explorable by scuba, or in the resort’s submersibles. This is one for the future, with reservations not yet open.

Register interest at www.poseidonresorts.com.

Make magic in the Bahamas

M U S H A C AY, T H E B A H A M A S Nestle into magical surroundings owned, quite literally, by a magician. David Copperfield’s uber-luxe private resort in the Bahamas is set in 60 hectares of tropical paradise, with seven beaches to choose from. More than 30 staff care for the needs of a maximum of 23 guests. There are multiple accommodations to choose from, including a 1000sqm hilltop villa and a five-bed beachside house. Guests can watch a movie at a beach cinema, muck about in a room filled with arcade games, dine on a three-kilometre sandbar, play tennis on the courts or take out one of the many boats available.

The resort island is actually one of eleven, all owned by the illusionist, in his aptly named Copperfield Bay. The others boast enticing titles such as Enchanted Island, Forbidden Island and Imagine Island. If that isn’t magic enough, Copperfield claims there’s a fountain of youth hidden somewhere on the island that that can revive dying insects! www.mushacay.com

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From private jungle to private beach

I M A N TA , M E X I CO This eleven-room oceanfront retreat is set within 100 acres of privately-owned jungle that meets a perfect white sand beach. Luxury bungalows are scattered down the lush, green hillside, camouflaged into their surroundings along with the resort’s spa, gym and library. While every bungalow offers subtle elegance and luxurious furnishings, you’ll want to nab the larger villas, or Casonas, if you’re bringing friends or family. The grandest of them all – Casona Jaguar, features two master bedrooms, a smaller room that’s ideal for kids, living areas, kitchen, a rooftop terrace with Jacuzzi, an infinity lap pool and access to a private beach. All rooms can be booked out together for private events, weddings or simple exclusivity. www.imantaresorts.com.

Live like royalty in Dubai

T H E R OYA L S U I T E AT B U R J A L A R A B Arrive by private helicopter (of course) to the Burj al Arab in Dubai. This, familar poster boy for lavish luxury knows how to treat its billionaires. Its Royal Suite is 780sqm of opulence, with multiple bathrooms, private cinema room, library, a brigade of butlers as well as the ultimate in-room amenity - a 24-carat gold

Bucket List

Feature

iPad. There’s enough gold leaf around Burj Al Arab to sink a ship, but nobody comes to Dubai in search of subtlety. Dine on the finest seafood in Al Mahara, the hotel’s underwater restaurant, or enjoy a nightcap at SkyView Bar as you gaze down at the city below. www.burj-al-arab.com

Luxury on the lake

CHARTER THE HANSE EXPLORER AND WRITE YOUR OWN EXPLORATION ITINERARY, WHETHER YOUR ADVENTURE IS IN THE NORWEGIAN FJORDS, SOUTH PACIFIC LAGOONS, OR ANTARCTIC WATERS.

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T H E S H A M B H U P R A K A S H S U I T E , TA J L A K E PA L AC E , I N D I A A bucket list is not complete without India’s most spectacular suite in its most luxurious hotel, the Taj Lake Palace. Situated on the edge of a misty lake in Rajahstan, the hotel appears as a luminescent palace rising out of the water. The Shambhu Prakash Suite has two living rooms, a private gym and a master bedroom decked out in fine fabrics and grand palatial furniture. Guests have complementary access to transfers in a vintage car, excursions on the hotel’s 150-year-old Ganguar boat, luxurious spa treatments and a team of aides, including butler and private chef. www.tajhotels.com

Dine with your head in the clouds D I N N E R I N T H E S KY, VA R I O U S LO C AT I O N S Get the view with dinner you’ve always wanted

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with Dinner in the Sky. Guests are hoisted by crane 50 metres above ground level and stay suspended through dinner. The experience is tailored to suit your needs – from celebration to business lunch, and can be set up wherever you like. Dinner in the Sky currently operates in 40 countries. The 22 guests are seated around a central bar with staff serving from its centre. The two Belgian companies that founded the service have recently launched Lounge in the Sky. This suspended venue promises whatever bar fantasy you’ve every dreamed of - from a glass of champagne with friends and a few Ghanaian drummers; to brandy, cigars, a round of baccarat and a line-up of cancan dancers. www.dinnerinthesky.com.

Fly to lunch

J O N A H ’ S , SY D N E Y Jonah’s Whale Beach is one of Australia’s most glorious ocean retreats. While it’s less than an hour’s drive from the city, any local will tell you that seaplane is the preferred mode of transport. Located on Sydney’s northern beaches, the restaurant and guesthouse of 11 suites are in a 19th century house. Departing Sydney Harbour the seaplane flies over Sydney’s spectacular northern beaches before touching down in the expansive waterway of

Bucket List

Pittwater. Go straight from the plane to a fine-dining three-course lunch with a view. After lunch you can hop a seaplane home, thrilling to the afternoon light glinting on the Opera House. Even better, or stay the night in one of the lovely rooms, and head out for an early morning walk and swim. www.jonahs.com.au

Write your own cruise itinerary

H A N S E E X P LO R E R Charter the Hanse Explorer for an intimate family or friends expedition. She’s equipped with a reinforced hull, strong stabilisation system, state-of-the-art navigational tools, and zodiacs and inflatable kayaks for off-ship adventures. The boat hosts a maximum of 12 guests in six double or twin en-suite cabins, all with windows, flat-screens, air-conditioning, heating and satellite phone service. There is also a Swedish sauna, a lounge, a bar and living and dining spaces on board. The European head chef will whip up some of the best food available on a cruise anywhere. Hanse Explorer is available for charter worldwide, from the breathtaking Norwegian fjords, the South Pacific’s hidden blue lagoons, the Antarctic’s Drake Passage or the legendary fields of Easter Island. The crew will take you wherever you want to go. www.hanse-explorer.de

Immerse yourself in mystery

E X P LO R A R A PA N U I , E A S T E R I S L A N D, C H I L E The remote and mysterious island of Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, is home to an ancient and enduring culture. The island’s historic language, music, and artistic traditions are kept alive by its people, while the giant carved stone Moai provide testament to their past. Explora Rapa Nui is immersed in its beautiful wild surroundings. The hotel actively seeks to promote disconnection from everyday routine, which is why its rooms are not equipped with televisions or wi-fi.

Instead of the vicarious life of the screen, Explora Rapa Nui offers 20 different exploration opportunities on foot, bike, horse and boat. Guests meet every evening in the hotel bar to program the following day’s activities. www.explora.com

Situated on the edge of a misty lake in Rajasthan, the luminescent palace appears to float on the water.

Safari with friends

S I N G I TA S E R E N G E T I H O U S E , TA N Z A N I A Situated on the 140,000 hectare Grumeti Reserves, Singita Serengeti House is ideally positioned on the renowned migratory route traversed by more than a million wildebeest each year. Sometimes you won’t even have to hop into the jeep to see the area’s astounding wildlife: big cats and elephants stroll

THE SPECTACULAR TAJ LAKE PALACE APPEARS TO FLOAT ON THE WATER AT SUNSET. BOOK THE SHAMBHU PRAKASH SUITE FOR THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY.

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Feature

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right past the windows. The house sleeps eight and is decorated with traditional African materials. Its luxe Bush Spa offers holistic treatments in a setting that mimics its serene surroundings, and the 25m infinity pool is just the place to laze in the afternoon, before another evening game drive. www.singita.com

A foodie pilgrimage

EL CELLER DE CAN ROCA, G I R O N A , S PA I N Opened in 1986 by the Roca brothers, El Celler de Can Roca has become a pilgrimage site for the world’s foodies. A four-hour feast is served as 20 courses of gastronomic magic. Famous dishes include the olive tree, with caramelised, stuffed olives hanging from a bonsai’d tree; and Leche de Tigre, a lobster ceviche topped with a disc of frozen lime branded with the face of a tiger. Like other global destination diners, such as Noma in Copenhagen and the Fat Duck in England, the waiting list for this all-senses experience is more than a year, so plan ahead. www.cellercanroca.com

A Venetian gem

B E L M O N D C I P R I A N I H OT E L , V E N I C E Overlooking a lagoon from its perch on Giudecca Island, Belmond Cipriani is Venice’s most famous hotel and

it’s a beautiful place from which to explore one of the world’s most intriguing cities. Known for its traditional luxury, the hotel has been refurbished to reflect modern elegance, with Venetian art, furnishings and fabrics throughout. A spa, courtyard, range of boutiques and huge swimming pool complete the picture. There are 79 rooms and suites in the main hotel. Across the courtyard the 15th century Palazzo Vendramin has 16 rooms with private butlers. Check into one of the hotel’s exquisite suites for the full Venetian experience. The Palladio Suite has floor-to-ceiling windows, marble bathrooms, a private plunge pool and a private dock with motor boat service. The equally alluring Dogaressa Suite, is lavishly 18th century with unparalleled views of St Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. www.belmond.com.

Thanks to the Travel Managers for their tips: Pauliina Kelly, ACT; Andrea Friend, Vic; Jodie Payne, Qld; Darren Kelk, Vic; Rankin La Roux, Vic; Suzanne Markham, Qld; Mandy Bradtke, SA; Debra Mavin, NSW; Carl Retschlag, WA; Denise Dean, Qld; Kirsty Whittaker, Tas; Kathryn Green, WA; Maria Pandalai, Qld; Luke Vaughan, Vic; Simon Tinkler, Qld; Mark Devers, Vic; Emma Ross, Qld; Neil Saunders, SA; Maria Miller, NSW; Cheryl Walker, Vic; Brett Ray, Vic; Martha Tsockallos, Vic; Michelle Desmarchelier, NSW; Lisa Leary, Qld; Sharon Wright, Vic; Michael Krivokuca, Vic; Marta Fergusson, Qld; Carolyn Burgmann, NSW; Julianne Gazal-Rizk, NSW; Kerrin Poupos, Vic; Diane Craig, NSW; Kathy Millett, WA; Keren Doyle, Vic; Leah Boyd, Vic.

The Belmond Cipriani’s Dogaressa suite has unparalled views across the lagoon to St Marks and the Doge’s Palace.

TOP: THE INTRIGUE OF THE VENETIAN LAGOON FROM THE BELMOND CIPRIAINI. OPPOSITE, CLOCKWISE FORM TOP: SAFARI LUXURY AT SINGITA SERENGETI; EXPECT FOUR HOURS OF GASTRO-MAGIC AT CELLER DE CAN ROCA; AT EXPLORA RAPA NUI, IT’S ALL ABOUT INTERACTING WITH THE WILD ENVIRONMENT.

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FIRST CLASS STAYS City fun, sun-filled lazing, active relaxation or spiritual renewal you’ll find your next luxury holiday on these pages.

Gourmet luxury at Whale Beach

For the quintessential Sydney experience, book the seaplane, cross your fingers for a sunny day, and land at glittering Palm Beach.

OVERVIEW This stunning ocean retreat opened in 1929.

Luxurious and discreet, Jonah’s prides itself on its friendly and casual atmosphere and outstanding service.

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WHAT’S SPECIAL Jonah’s wow factor is the jaw-dropping view from the top of the cliff looking out to Whale Beach. The sensational view is backed by sensational food - the restaurant WORDS NICOLE LENOIR-JOURDAN

has earned many awards including an Sydney Morning Herald hat every year since 2009. Indulge in a dining experience with dinner and breakfast included when you stay on Friday or Saturday night.

First Class Stays

HPELIBUSAPED QUE VERIASP ITATESTIS AS A VOLOREPE VOLOREP RESTINUM QUI TE NUSDANDIT VOLUPTA TEMODIT, SITAS MODIT DIT IN PERIS A

ROOMS The eleven rooms are spread across two buildings. Each features a private balcony with an expansive sea view. Inside the style is minimalist chic with hand-crafted furniture, limestone bathrooms and Molton Brown amenities.

UPGRADE For those wanting extra space the ‘Peninsula’ Room is the most spacious of the rooms in the property and contains an additional lounge area and two televisions.

All rooms have recently been completely refurbished with custom made furnishings.

DINING Incredible views from inside or outside command your full attention as you dine on seasonally updated menus prepared under

the direction of Executive Chef, Matteo Zamboni. The menu is inspired by his Italian background with the continued emphasis on Australian seafood and the freshest local ingredients. An extensive wine list of 1600 wines from a cellar containing more than 12,000 bottles of vintage Australian and international wines is a special treat.

SPA In-room massage and beauty treatments are available from Purity Pacific.

NEARBY The hotel organises activities with the locals including surfing, fishing, sailing, golf and whale watching during the winter season of southern right whale migration.

Take a walk to the nearby Barrenjoey

Lighthouse along a track that features views of the central coast, Palm Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER For the quintessential Sydney experience, book the 20-minute seaplane charter from Rose Bay. It’s a spectacular way to journey over the harbour and northern beaches, landing on Pittwater at Palm Beach, and being transferred to Jonah’s from there. • NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.jonahs.com.au ROOMS 11 STYLE Elite coastal DRESS CODE Dressy CHILDREN Why spoil it?

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Aro Hā

Queenstown and just a two and a half hour flight from Sydney, the breathtakingly serene backdrop feels like the edge of the Earth: no traffic, no houses, no noise or light pollution and often not another soul in sight.

THE PROPERTY If you can’t find your inner Zen here, then you should probably give up trying. This eco wellness retreat was built to detox the mind, body and soul, in a setting so divine you’ll have little choice but to bow down to almighty Mother Nature. “Aro Hā will bring people together to learn about

W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L Aro Hā’s five and seven-day programs promise to leave you feeling healthier, happier and a few kilos lighter. And with only sixteen guests maximum at any one time, exclusivity is guaranteed. Expect early morning wake-up calls, intensive yoga and hiking schedules, and restorative spa treatments to help relieve those aching muscles.

And it’s not just our health that Aro Hā aims to heal and protect; it’s also our environment. Meander past the resort’s

Health and wellness on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand

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nature, the world, and ultimately themselves,” says yoga guru and partner in the business, Damian Chaparro.

Tucked beneath New Zealand’s perfectly Tolkien-esque Alps, the 8.4-hectare site sits on a sub-alpine terrace and features expansive views of shimmering Lake Wakatipu. Despite being only 40 minutes by car from

First Class Stays EACH OF THE EIGHT UNITS TAKES IN A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE OF THE INCREDIBLE VIEWS. THE SHARED SPACES ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE NEW, LIFELONG, FRIENDSHIPS.

N E A R BY Thrill-seekers should extend their trip to New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown, where heli-skiing and white water rafting are just a few of the activities on offer.

greenhouse and native beech forests and you’ll come across its state-of-the-art hydro-electric system, where an impressive 90 percent of the site’s electricity is produced by hydro and solar energy.

ROOMS The accommodations are simple yet refined.

The eight units reflect minimal design, with uncluttered spaces, recycled timbers, organic cotton bed linen and breathtaking alpine views to wake up to. Like everything else at Aro Hā, they’re luxurious without a hint of opulence. It’s the little things that count here: while you may spend your days trudging through the wilderness, you’ll almost certainly appreciate the citrusscented towels presented post-hike.

Spend a day trekking and come home to the luxury of citrus-scented hand towels post-hike.

DINING The menu takes a paleo-vegan theme, with a strong focus on locally-grown and organic produce. But don’t be disheartened, the chefs create astonishingly diverse cuisine despite it being entirely meat, fish, dairy and gluten-free. The emphasis here is on quality not quantity, with a large percentage of the meals sourced directly from the property’s organic garden.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER This wholesome oasis emphasises the experience of sharing, encouraging guests to share herbal teas and even rooms together (with caffeine and alcohol strictly off-limits, tea is about as wild as it gets). So don’t come here for extended alone time – or late nights. This is about rejuvenation. • NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE http://aro-ha.com/ ROOMS Eight accommodation units sleep up to 16 guests STYLE Retreat in luxury DRESS CODE Comfortable, relaxed but ready for action.

CHILDREN Are you kidding? This is me-time.

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Four Seasons, Circular Quay Five stars on Sydney Harbour OVERVIEW Sydney first-timers to Sydney will fall in love with the postcard-perfect vistas from this manicured and meticulous Four Seasons property. Decked out in contemporary grand-luxe style, with plenty of sparkling chandeliers and polished stone surfaces, expect five star accommodation

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with service to match. Its convenient location in Sydney’s oldest district provides easy access to Sydney’s CBD, Darling Harbour and the Opera House.

WHAT’S SPECIAL Put simply: the view. Four Seasons Sydney has some of the best city views found in any

hotel in Australia. Relax in a luxurious room overlooking the bustling city skyline or picturesque Walsh Bay, or treat yourself to the harbour-view rooms that offer dramatic panoramas of Sydney’s famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

ROOMS Expect practical rather than design-oriented furnishings, suited to the large number of corporate guests that pass through.

UPGRADE Located on the top floor, the hotel’s Royal Suites offer the feeling of spacious apartment-style living, with views of the city and Circular Quay. For additional space, you’ll want to book the Presidential Suite, which features two bedrooms and breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour.

Modern art enlivens the spacious lounge

First Class Stays TOP RIGHT: PEI MODERN ADDS A TOUCH OF DRAMA TO HOTEL DINING WITH AN OPEN KITCHEN AND WOOD-FIRED GRILL.

room, which occupies the entire northeast corner of the suite. Guests in all suites enjoy Four Seasons’ Executive Club access which includes daily hot buffet breakfast, all-day refreshments, garment pressing, business services and more.

DINING Much-hatted Executive Chef Mark Best and Head Chef Matt Germanchis dish up an exciting spin on new-school bistronomie at the fresh and contemporary Pei Modern. For casual dining washed down with the finest drinks, Grain Bar has a world of whiskies on offer, as well as a biodynamic wine list and an innovative selection of cocktails.

SPA Endota spa is an all-Australian day spa. The treatments on offer are diverse, and centred on calming. With six treatment rooms,

A night at the theatre?

Walk around the water to the Opera House or to Walsh Bay. Endota caters for all occasions, including double rooms to relax in with a friend or partner, or private spaces for a true escape after a long day’s sightseeing.

NEARBY Hugging Sydney’s legendary harbour, Circular Quay is one of Sydney’s oldest and most interesting districts, with wellpreserved cobbled lanes and colonial buildings. An eclectic mix of locals and visitors ensure the area’s many boutiques,

cafes, pubs, galleries, museums and finedining restaurants are always bustling. The Rocks Markets come alive every weekend and the famous Museum of Contemporary Art is an easy walk.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Pack your swimmers. The hotel has Sydney’s largest outdoor hotel pool. Thirtyseven beautiful beaches are also calling. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.fourseasons.com/sydney ROOMS 531 STYLE Five-star luxury DRESS CODE Smart or casual CHILDREN Family-friendly, connecting rooms available on request

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The Beverly Hills Hotel Garden glam in LA

OVERVIEW For more than a century The Beverly Hills has been one of LA’s grande dames. Located on world-famous Sunset Boulevard, the hotel is surrounded by 5 hectares of tropical gardens. It’s undergone a few major overhauls in its long history, most recently in

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2014, when the Polo Lounge, pool cabanas, lobby and Cabana Café were remodelled.

WHAT’S SPECIAL Part of the Dorchester Collection of hotels, the property was named Beverly Hills’ first historic landmark in 2012. Many of the

rooms are steeped in glamorous history.

Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned with six of her eight husbands here, and Marilyn Monroe and Marlene Dietrich also enjoyed the hotel’s bungalows.

ROOMS There are 208 rooms and suites, including 23 one-of-a-kind bungalow apartments in the gardens. The spruced up rooms in the main building offer private garden patios, kitchens, fireplaces, and balconies with gorgeous views of the neighbourhood’s palm-lined avenues.

UPGRADE Upgrade to the bungalow gardens to immerse yourself in the ultimate Californian lifestyle, with lush greenery and quaint, winding pathways. The bungalows

First Class Stays

GUESTS ENJOY UNDERWATER MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS AND COMPLEMENTARY ICE CREAM SUNDAES AT THE POOL.

contain up to four bedrooms, with the most exclusive featuring grand pianos, private garden patios, private outdoor showers and plunge pools.

DINING The Polo Lounge has served as the favourite brunch spot for generations of big names and Hollywood starlets. Its legendary Sunday Jazz Brunch offers guests three courses coupled with a brunch cocktail and live music al fresco. The Cabana Café offers casual dining in a relaxed poolside atmosphere, while the Fountain Coffee Room and Bar Nineteen12 cater to all your imbibing needs.

SPA The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa by La Prairie is a luxurious and restorative anti-aging oasis.

It has six treatment rooms including two

Elizabeth Taylor honeymooned here with six of her eight husbands; Marlene Dietrich and Marilyn Monroe were also bungalow guests. couple’s suites, showcasing the best of the brand’s state-of-the-art innovations. The extensive spa menu contains more than 40 different treatments, such as a luxurious white caviar facial, which can also be organised in-room or poolside.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER The Beverly Hills Hotel is the only hotel in LA to feature private pools and outdoor showers. The public pool is pretty cool too: it plays underwater movie soundtracks and guests lounging nearby are treated to complimentary ice cream sundaes and mojito pool pops. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.dorchestercollection.com/ en/los-angeles/the-beverly-hills-hotel/ ROOMS 185 rooms and suites in the main building, 23 bungalow suites STYLE Classic luxury DRESS CODE Resortwear by day, glam by night CHILDREN AThe hotel offers the V-VIP program for all children visiting the hotel, with services including children’s amenities, outings and babysitting. All kids under 12 receive complimentary sodas in the cafes.

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Port Phillip Estate Vines and views on the Mornington Peninsula OV E RV I E W Port Phillip Estate, on the Mornington Peninsula, is home to Kooyong and Port Phillip Estate wines and to six modern suites that enjoy panoramic views over undulating vineyards and the ocean.

W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L The ultra-modern property is owned by the Gjergja family and designed by Wood

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Marsh Architecture. The landmark building unfurls from the landscape like a sinuous abstract sculpture, spiralling out of the earth to form a dramatic 120-metre wall. Upon entering, a tasting room and airy, light-filled restaurant open out onto a vast open-air deck.

with leather headboards, fine linens and silk throws. Rooms are spacious, with sunken living areas featuring simple black sofas, animal-skin throws and thoughtprovoking artworks by Bill Henson.

Sumptuous Missoni robes and Aesop products compliment the ensuites.

ROOMS All bedrooms have king-size beds adorned

UPGRADE The largest apartment offers two

First Class Stays

THE SINUOUS LINES OF THE ARCHITECTURE LINK THE BUILDING TO THE LANDSCAPE.

bedrooms with a roomy living room and its own self-contained kitchen. It has been specially designed to accommodate and provide simple access to a disabled guest and their carer.

DINING Tucked into the modernist chateau is The Dining Room: a refined space with exceptional cuisine, and the wines to match. Head Chef Stuart Deller worked under Marco Pierre White in London before relocating to Australia to man Port Phillip. He brings with him a strong repertoire of modern techniques and

European flair, which combine to create a seasonally-driven menu. The beautiful space extends to an expansive outdoor timber deck, taking advantage of the sweeping vineyard and coastal views to Westernport Bay and Bass Strait.

N E A R BY The Mornington Bay area is perfect for outdoorsy-types, who, if they can find time between wine tastings, can indulge in everything from golf to swimming with fur seals. Indoorsy types will appreciate the Endota spa just a five minute drive away.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER The estate is a popular spot for weddings so plan ahead to avoid any overlap. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.portphillipestate.com.au ROOMS five 1-bed apartments, one 2-bed apartment STYLE Modern luxe DRESS CODE fine dining dressups, and boots for vineyard walks CHILDREN they’re welcome, but you’ll probably have more fun adults-only

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Viceroy Bali Private villas over the river in Ubud OVERVIEW The Viceroy Bali is a family-operated resort of 25 luxurious villas, all with private pool.

The villas overlook the spectacular lushness of the Valley of the Kings and are just ten minutes from Ubud town centre.

WHAT’S SPECIAL Known to international travellers as one of Asia’s greatest secret hideaways, the villas represent privacy and comfort. The resort is even equipped with Ubud’s only heliport,

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enabling super-efficient departure and arrival, as well as heli-tours of neighbouring islands.

ROOMS All five types of luxury villa are tiered over three levels and offer privacy, valley views, heated pools, spacious rooms, sitting areas and marble bathrooms. Expect thatched roofing, neutral tones and luxurious materials throughout. Even the reasonablypriced Garden Villas reflect five-star luxury.

UPGRADE At the upper end of the villa scale is the two-bedroom Viceroy Villa. The en-suite rooms are separated by a spacious living and dining area and vistas across the luxurious pool and gardens. If you intend to do some entertaining just notify the resort a little in advance and they can convert a bedroom into a private dining room. They’ll also arrange the food and service.

DINING The award-winning CasCades restaurant dishes up some of Bali’s finest gastronomy thanks to the talents of Executive Chef Nic Vanderbeeken. The food reflects Vanderbeeken’s decades of experience working between Europe and Asia, as he elegantly combines European classicism with Indonesian flavours. Grab a tropical cocktail, kick back under CasCades ten-

First Class Stays THE THREE-LEVEL VILLAS OFFER UNBEATABLE VIEWS OVER THE PETANU RIVER GORGE.

The views and comforts of the Viceroy are hard to leave, but it’s worth dragging yourself away to explore the landscape, culture and history that has made Ubud famous. metre-high thatched ceiling and marvel at stunning views of the Petanu River Gorge below.

SPA Lembah Spa’s staff is Swiss-trained, and the techniques and services on offer combine centuries of Western and Eastern teachings.

Most treatments can be provided in guest villas if preferred.

NEARBY While many guests become entranced with the Viceroy villa experience and rarely

venture far, those who seek a little adventure don’t have far to go. Ubud is a treasure trove of culture, history, breathtaking landscapes and artistic happenings. Some of the world’s most eclectic collectors and artisans have lived and worked in the region, creating masterpieces that are displayed in Ubud’s many galleries and museums.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Viceroy will arrange a whole host of adventures for guests with as little as a day’s notice. As well as classes on cooking,

crafts and yoga, there are cycling tours, motorbike tours, heli-tours and whitewater rafting on the menu. • NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.viceroybali.com ROOMS 25 villas in five different styles STYLE Luxury villas DRESS CODE Your villa, your rules CHILDREN They’re welcome, but this is more of a romantic getaway. Cots, beds and babysitting can all be arranged in advance.

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Iniala Beach House Resort

Innovation and exclusivity on the Andaman coast OV E RV I E W Iniala overlooks the golden sands of Phuket’s Natai beach and the crystal waters of the Andaman Sea and is just three beachfront villas and a penthouse.

Each has a dedicated service team on hand 24 hours a day, including a driver, butler, chef and spa therapist.

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W H AT ’ S S P E C I A L What isn’t? Iniala reflects ultimate luxury down to every minute detail, but it’s luxury with a heart: ten percent of all room revenues and five percent of all other revenue goes to funding health, disability and education projects across Thailand, Indonesia and India.

ROOMS Each villa is individual and extraordinary, dreamed up by some of the world’s architecture and design greats. Villa Siam,

by Eggarat Wongcharit, is inspired by Buddhist culture, with hanging bamboo furniture and ancient teachings inscribed into the walls; Villa Bianca combines the abstract explosions of Spanish architectural team A-Cero, with iconic Russian imagery

by Philosophy of Design, Russia; and the Collectors Villa is a beacon of contemporary design adorned with the work of Brazilian furniture gurus, the Campana Brothers, who’ve made a career from creating the remarkable out of everyday materials.

UPGRADE The Iniala Penthouse is a collaboration between founder Mark Weingard and the property’s chief design director, Graham

First Class Stays

INIALA IS CLASS WITH HEART - 10 PER CENT OF ALL ROOM REVENUES GOES TO FUNDING HEALTH, DISABILITY AND EDUCATION PROJECTS ACROSS THAILAND, INDONESIA AND INDIA.

Lamb. The concept is futuristic, innovative, surreal and holistic. On entering, for instance, guests are greeted with a carpeted floor that resembles a desert scene. They are invited to take off their shoes, and as they step the floor melts away beneath them like sand. There is also a separate fairytalethemed sanctuary for children.

DINING Iniala’s resturant, Aziamendi, is overseen by the youngest chef in Spain to receive three Michelin Stars, Eneko Atxa. With typical innovation and surprise, some courses aren’t even served at the table.

Aziamendi’s famous ‘Bonsai Tree of Juicy Cherry Tomatoes’ is consumed on the lawn outside, where diners are invited to pluck cherry tomatoes and ‘tree bark’ from the edible trees and wash them down with a hibiscus infusion.

Each villa is individual - and extraordinarydreamed up by some of the world’s architecture and design greats.

S PA Iniala deems pampering as important as fitness! Each villa is equipped with its own spa therapist and private massage space for round-the-clock treatments. There’s also yoga, pilates, watersports and a beachfront bootcamp on offer.

N E A R BY In the unlikely event of guests tiring of perfect seascapes and constant pampering, Iniala is just 20 minutes from the bustling

hub of Phuket. Iniala can also arrange a host of activities in Phang Nga Bay, including boat trips around its legendary limestone stacks.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Since opening last year, Iniala has attracted some of the world’s biggest names. The Kardashian-Jenner clan, for example, has already filmed an episode of its reality show from Iniala. • NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.iniala.com ROOMS three 3-bedroom villas, one 1-bedroom penthouse STYLE Your fantasy come true DRESS CODE It’s your villa, your rules!

CHILDREN Iniala is happy to cater to kids’ needs and The Penthouse includes a play area built just for children

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The Farm at Cape Kidnappers Golf and a glass or two at Hawkes Bay

OVERVIEW This Hawke’s Bay property spreads over 2,500 hectares of picturesque farmland in New Zealand’s wine country. It delivers a five-star experience in a luxury golf and spa resort.

WHAT’S SPECIAL The Farm is one of the most luxurious golfing

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resorts this side of the Equator, though you don’t need to play its spectacular, 18-hole clifftop course to enjoy the property. There are also hiking trails, and opportunities to horse ride, mountain bike, fly fish or ride a quad bike. You can revive with an array of spa treatments, and of course, refresh with a glass of wine at an array of local wineries.

ROOMS The Farm’s 22 suites come with spacious balconies, walk-in closets, oversized tubs, complimentary mini-bars and 180-degree views across the golf course and out to the Pacific. There are also two-bed, two-bath Hilltop Family Suites, and a couple of grand Lodge Suites with working fireplaces.

First Class Stays

HPELIBUSAPED QUE VERIASP ITATESTIS AS A VOLOREPE VOLOREP RESTINUM QUI TE NUSDANDIT VOLUPTA TEMODIT, SITAS MODIT DIT IN PERIS A

UPGRADE To holiday with friends or family, shift up to the Owner’s Cottage, which sleeps up to eight. Its rooms feature fireplaces, large en-suites, walk-ins and private balconies with ocean views. A vast open-plan kitchen and dining space, plus two smaller living rooms with fireplaces, make it the perfect spot to socialise after a day of golfing or exploring. A generous stone terrace and hot tub complete the space.

DINING The menu compliments the rural environment, with most ingredients sourced locally. An onsite vegetable garden provides some of the seasonal produce, and the pastry chef makes the bread and goodies in-house. The scent of melting chocolate lingers when he whips up a batch

of his legendary cookies.

SPA A dedicated spa, situated on the hillside overlooking the lodge, offers three treatment rooms and a lengthy pampering menu. As you relax into your treatment, you’ll be enjoying breathtaking views over forests and snow-capped mountains.

NEARBY The Art Deco city of Napier is worth visiting for its impressive architecture and noteworthy back-story. Much of the original town was destroyed in an earthquake in 1931.

The locals got busy and within two years had erected a whole new town that reflected the artistic values of the time. It’s now hailed as one of the world’s best-preserved examples of 1930s architecture.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Part of the Cape Kidnappers’ experience is the wine, and the owners go out of their way to provide guests with the perfect pairing at every meal. All you have to do is ask. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.capekidnappers.com ROOMS 22 luxury suites and one Owner’s Cottage STYLE Luxury farm lodge DRESS CODE Casual by day, a little dressier at night CHILDREN Very welcome. There’s a kids menu, kids accommodations and even a nanny on-hand.

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EXPERIENCE THE HEALING POWER OF WATER IN THE SALTY TROPICAL WARMTH OF THE ANDAMAN SEA OR IN THE PROPERTY’S FRESHWATER POOLS.

Kamalaya

Body mind and spirit healing on Koh Samui OVERVIEW This award-winning wellness sanctuary in Koh Samui, Thailand, offers a lifechanging holiday. Centred around a cave that was once used by Buddhist monks as a place of spiritual retreat, it’s surrounded by lush greenery and cascading streams, with views out over tropical white sand beaches.

There are 11 wellness programs on offer, with a team of international naturopaths

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working closely with guests to tailor personalised health programs.

WHAT’S SPECIAL At the heart of Kamalaya is the calling of founders John and Karina Stewart to serve and inspire others. The couple met in 1982 in the Himalayan jungles. The idea for the retreat was born out of John’s decades of spiritual studies and Karina’s background

as a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. Inspired by the concept of holistic wellness, Kamalaya restores peace to the body, mind and spirit.

ROOMS There are 75 villas and suites, from cosy and comfortable hillside rooms to two-bedroom beachfront villas. Expect tasteful natural materials inside the rooms, with traditional Thai artworks and an emphasis on serenity.

All rooms have sea or garden views.

UPGRADE For a little extra space, there are a number of beautiful suites and villas to choose from.

Penthouse Pool Suites, for example, take up most of Kamalaya’s top floor, and offer

First Class Stays

outstanding sea views from tree-level, private balconies and private infinity pools. The more isolated beachfront villas offer direct beach access and most have private pools.

DINING There are two restaurants to choose from at Kamalaya - Amrita cafe and Soma Restaurant - and both offer a fusion of East meets West with a lean towards healing.

Unsurprisingly, food is an integral part of the retreat and the ingredients are fresh, organic, locally-sourced and detoxifying.

Both eateries cater to vegetarian and vegan needs but there’s also meat, seafood and dairy options. The Alchemy Tea Lounge supplies a host of teas, tonics and elixirs brimming with medicinal properties.

John’s decades of spiritual studies and Karina’s background as a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine come together at Kamalaya.

SPA At Kamalaya, you’re permanently at a spa!

Massages, body treatments, therapies and an extensive range of spa services are included in the retreat’s wellness programs. You can also arrange for Kamalaya’s experienced naturopaths to tailor a plan to your needs.

NEARBY Koh Samui does not get boring quickly. From the Big Buddha on the coast, to the elephant sanctuaries inland, there’s something for everyone on this tropical paradise.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER The retreat has a range of visiting local practitioners who can be booked for special treatments, including an astrology and palm reader, a crystal surgery practitioner and a clairvoyant spiritual teacher. • NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.kamalaya.com ROOMS 75 accommodations comprised of both whole villas and suites STYLE Wellness retreat and spa DRESS CODE comfort is king CHILDREN Allowed but not recommended

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Mangoes Romantic getaway in Vanuatu

OVERVIEW Mangoes perches atop a steep cliff overlooking a tropical lagoon, yet is within walking distance of the heart of charming Port Vila in Vanuatu.

WHAT’S SPECIAL Vanuatu offers all the excitement of other popular Pacific islands like Fiji and Tahiti, but without the tourist season crowds. This tropical haven is perfect for a secluded romantic getaway, and it’s strictly adults-only.

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ROOMS There are three styles of luxury bungalow on offer, 29 in all, some with their own private plunge pools and all at least 40sqm in size.

Muted colour palettes and natural materials adorn the interiors and private balconies.

UPGRADE Double the size of the bungalows, the Garden View Pool Apartment is a sumptuous space with large showers, a living room, balconies and a fully-equipped kitchen. The

various spaces are joined by a private courtyard with a pool and sun-lounging area.

DINING Set amidst a verdant tropical backdrop, Mangoes Restaurant and Bar serves up local produce in a relaxed garden environment.

The cuisine blends Western flavours with Caribbean influences, using the freshest regional ingredients. There’s an extensive selection of Australian and New Zealand wines available.

First Class Stays

DESPITE ITS AWAY-FROM-IT-ALL FEELING, MANGOES IS CLOSE TO ALL THAT PORT VILA AND VANUATU HAVE TO OFFER.

When holidaying with children doesn’t appeal, the secluded, cliff-top bungalows of Mangoes could be the answer.

SPA The resort does not have its own spa, however there is a selection of local day spas within walking distance, including the Volcanic Earth Spa, where guests can enjoy a traditional heated volcanic ash bath to detoxify the system.

NEARBY Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu and so there’s no shortage of activities around.

Some of Vanuatu’s best diving and

snorkeling can be found nearby. Explore the nation’s rich heritage by visiting the many nearby villages and native reserves.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Hideaway Island, accessible only by boat, and around 20 minutes away is the perfect spot for a day trip to marvel at the clown fish colonies, learn to scuba or relax on the beach. Experienced divers will revel in the host of dives on offer, including two different man-made wreck sites. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.mangoesresort.com ROOMS 29 deluxe bungalows STYLE Boutique resort DRESS CODE Relaxed, just like Vanuatu CHILDREN Strictly forbidden (except in the restaurant)

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Le Meridien Bora Bora

A sanctuary not just for human guests hankering after beauty and serenity, but also for turtles.

OVERVIEW There’s no road access to Le Méridien Bora Bora, giving it a sense of unspoilt isolation.

The white sand beach looks across Bora Bora Lagoon to Mount Otemanu.

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WHAT’S SPECIAL Apart from the position, and its iconic overwater bungalows, Le Meridien’s drawcard is the Bora Bora Turtle Centre.

What started with a guest bringing an injured turtle to the hotel has developed WORDS NICOLE LENOIR-JOURDAN

over 16 years to be a turtle sanctuary, nursery, observatory and coral nursery.

ROOMS This was first resort to offer overwater bungalows, and they are the reason many visitors choose Le Meridien. Each bungalow features a large section of glass in the floor through which fish can be seen both at night and during the day. Large ladders lead from the bungalows into the lagoon where you can swim, play and snorkel. For those who prefer their rooms on land, there are 18 beachfront bungalows, each with their own private water access and hammock.

UPGRADE The two-bedroom Pool Beach villas are located on the beach side of the interior lagoon and feature a grand furnished

First Class Stays

BEACH OR OVERWATER PAVILIONS ALL ACCESS THE LAGOON WATERS AND THE RESIDENT TURTLES.

terrace and plunge pool. Inside are two large bedrooms, each with ensuite, and a connecting living room. The villas can accommodate up to eight people, as four adults staying with four children.

DINING The premier restaurant is Le Tipanie, which overlooks the interior lagoon and serves Polynesian, Asian and Western cuisine. For casual meals, there is the beach sand-floored Le Te Ava. The Miki Miki bar is the spot for a cocktail as the setting sun colours Mount Otemanu.

SPA The Manahau Wellness Centre overlooks the lagoon and the lullaby rhythms of the waves enhance the relaxation of the treatments. The spa products are 100 per cent Polynesian. Most are made fresh daily

Take a complimentary cruise around the lagoon on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe, called a pirogue. from fruit enzymes, anti-oxidants, sea salt minerals, tamanu oil and monoi oil, which is a traditional Polynesian cosmetic made by steeping Tahitian gardenia in pure coconut oil.

NEARBY Dive, snorkel, or challenge your fears by swimming with sharks. For a free treat, take a boat to the Bora Bora Yacht Club for a swim with friendly rays, followed by a drink and a snack.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER Spend a lazy few hours on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe or pirogue. Le Meridien Bora Bora offers a complimentary guided lagoon tour on a pirogue, 11 to 3:00 every day. Sun bathe, feel the warm wind on your skin and take in the sights as you gently drift. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.marriott.com/hotels/ travel/bobmd-le-meridien-bora-bora/ ROOMS 99 STYLE French Polynesian with an accent on the French.

DRESS CODE Sunglasses and sarong CHILDREN Children are welcome, and they love getting up close to the turtles.

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St Regis Bora Bora

Casual glamour, world-class food and amazing snorkelling.

OVERVIEW To sum up - Nicole and Keith honeymooned here. Expect maximum glamour with Thaistyle overwater and beach villas, a fleet of butlers and a Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant, all set on a sprawling 44 acres.

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WHAT’S SPECIAL The private butlers are easy to get used to, and the dining is incredible, but what you’ll find nowhere else is St Regis Bora Bora’s Lagoonarium, with two huge Napoleon fish.

These intricately patterned gentle giants, WORDS NICOLE LENOIR-JOURDAN

also called humphead wrasse, grow up to two metres long and it’s a real treat to swim with them.

ROOMS The huge, air-conditioned overwater villas feature hand-carved Polynesian sculptures and wooden décor. The Italian-marble bathrooms have both rain shower and bathtub. Step down from the balcony directly into the balmy blue waters of Bora Bora. Some villas also offer a private plunge pool, a hot tub or an outdoor shower.

UPGRADE The Royal Estate Villa is the ultimate stay.

Set on a secluded cove it offers three bedrooms, private swimming pool, jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The Villa is part of a four-night Royal Regis package that includes helicopter transfers, in-room chef, red rose

First Class Stays A BOAT SERVICE WILL TAKE YOU TO THE MAIN TOWN OF BORA BORA, BUT WHY BOTHER WHEN STAYING PUT OFFERS THIS?

flower bath, a bottle of Petrus Grand Vin de Pomerol (one of the most expensive wines in the world) and a personalised fireworks show.

DINING The must-do dining experience is at Lagoon by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

This unique restaurant is set on a glass floor. Beneath you sharks swim by as dinner is served. The menu puts its focus on seafood, naturally. Bora Bora’s first sushi restaurant is at St Regis. Sushi Take was conceived by acclaimed chef Kioshi Ogawa.

For Polynesian-style raw fish, try Te Pahu, which serves a terrific poisson cru. Children love the Italian options at Far Niente.

SPA Miri Mir spa is a Clarins spa nestled on its own private island in the Lagoonarium. The

It’s a real thrill to swim with the resort’s two 2-metre humphead wrasse; delicately patterned, gentle giants. therapists offer traditional and contemporary Tahitian and Pacific Rim treatments, incorporating local ingredients such as monoi oil, tamanu oil, pure mother of pearl, and luminescent pearl powder.

NEARBY Go ashore to the main island for Villa Mahana, rated the best restaurant in Bora Bora. Book well in advance to enjoy authentic French Polynesian cuisine in a gorgeous little house. (Not a great place for vegetarians.)

FIRST CLASS INSIDER There is a scheduled boat service to the main town of Bora Bora for shopping and eating. Steer clear of Bloody Mary’s, which has a great history but is now an overrated tourist trap with awful food and dismal atmosphere. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ bobxr-the-st-regis-bora-bora-resort/ ROOMS 101 STYLE Asian contemporary DRESS CODE smart casual, dress up for dinner at Lagoon by Jean-Georges Vongerichten CHILDREN Children are welcome and there is a kids club.

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Four Seasons Bora Bora

Luxury, ease and enough tropical fish to make Nemo fell right at home.

OVERVIEW Bora Bora is a 50-minute flight west of Tahiti. Set on the north-east side of the lagoon, the Four Seasons Resort offers opulent luxury and incredible views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu. It’s popular

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with romancing couples, with and without children.

WHAT’S SPECIAL The Sanctuary is the Four Seasons own inner lagoon and it teems with more than

100 colourful species of marine life.

Snorkelling here is like a real life version of Finding Nemo. There is daily fish and octopus feeding. We expect fine service at a fine hotel, but the service at the Four Seasons Bora Bora is another level. Nothing is too much trouble and done with a genuine smile.

ROOMS There are more than 100 overwater bungalows with traditional thatched roofs.

Four of the bungalows have plunge pools, but the best swimming option is to step down from the bungalow into the lagoon, which you’re likely to have all to yourself, as everyone else is by the pool.

The Presidential Suite has three bedrooms and an infinity pool. It was rumoured to be the honeymoon home of Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux. They

First Class Stays

FOUR OF THE BUNGALOWS HAVE THEIR OWN PLUNGE POOL, BUT THE INNER LAGOON ITSELF IS ONE LARGE, BEAUTIFUL PLUNGE POOL OF TROPICAL MARINE LIFE.

joined a bevvy of celebrities who have journeyed to Bora Bora. Less pricey are six other private beach villas.

DINING The true romantics’ dinner experience is to dine on the private island about 100 strokes away from the main resort - by canoe. Also on offer are four restaurants where one can sample Polynesian, French and Asian specialities. The sun setting over the lagoon as seen from the Sunset Bar is the perfect end to a day on Bora Bora.

SPA The cathedral-style spa is the soul of the resort, and sits surrounded by tropical palms and the pristine Pacific waters. The Kahaia Haven Ritual is a must–do with a body scrub enriched with Tahitian black pearl powder and vanilla, followed by a

The must-do spa treatment is a body scrub enriched with Tahitian treasures black pearl powder and vanilla. massage and calming facial using products rich in antioxidants and plant extracts.

NEARBY The Resort’s marine biologist will host you on a half-day excursion to some of Bora Bora’s secret snorkelling spots where you can swim over coral gardens, and get close to manta rays and black tip reef and lemon sharks. Swimming with sharks is a magical

experience and once in the water with these creatures you can appreciate their true beauty.

FIRST CLASS INSIDER The Four Seasons can organise a helicopter charter flight over turquoise water dotted with dolphins and sharks. Or tour a neighbouring island for an insight into black pearl or vanilla bean production. •

NEED TO KNOW WEBSITE www.fourseasons.com/borabora ROOMS 107 STYLE Lagoon chic DRESS CODE a frangipani behind the ear and a pareo wrapped around the body.

CHILDREN family friendly

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A few quick questions Nicole Lenoir-Jordan: PR maven, travel writer, novelist, surfer.

First up, the important question how do you swing an airline upgrade?

Gone are the days when there were plenty of spare seats in First or Business class that allowed for an upgrade, that is, if you knew the right person or dropped the right name.

Seats not taken by Frequent Flyers are nabbed by those prepared to pay for an upgrade. That makes the best way to upgrade to bid for it.

Travelling in off-peak periods, and definitely not in school holidays, improves your chances: so voracious is the Australian appetite for travel that you’re lucky to even purchase a business class ticket during high traffic times, let alone score an upgrade.

What’s the most luxurious hotel you’ve stayed in? It has to be the Royal Suite at The St Regis Kauai. Total luxury, huge and with the most magnificent views of the ocean and the mountains in the background. I could wax lyrical about the beds, the marble whirlpool bath opening to ocean views, the signature butler service, the cloud-like mattress but for me the clincher was getting a better room than George Clooney. Apparently he stayed in the Presidential Suite during his stay there when he made The Descendants, one level down from the Royal.

What’s coming up next in luxury travel? Some will have us believe it is space travel but after speaking to Australian astronaut Andy Thomas, I’m dubious. A few million dollars will buy you a stay on a space station, but turning a billionaire

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experience into a luxury travel market will take some doing.

What are the hot destinations right now? Australians love to venture off a welltrodden path and many early adopters will be heading to Columbia’s Cartagena where the sunset transforms 400-year-old houses with a wash of glowing colour. Others will discover Estonia’s Tallin with its mishmash of spires above picturesque medieval streets.

There’ll be a resurgence of safari travel to Kenya. We represent Angama Mara, which is built where Out of Africa was filmed. That alone will put some lustre back on the romance of safari. Eastern Europe will get even hotter and more will discover Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Championships in Wales (I competed and came 18th!); a man who made magic honey on Lord Howe Island; a concierge who packed for royalty at a property in Sydney and so much more.

Is PR really absolutely fabulous?

If you have a penchant for bubbles and air kisses, love to travel and socialise with everyone and anyone, and love a good yarn, yes it’s truly fab, sweetie darling. •

What is on your wish list? My top three? I’d love to stay at the Tierra Hotel and Spa in the Atacama desert, do a walking safari at Angama Mara in the Masai Mara and surf at San Sebastian.

Best travel tip? Always book a car to pick you up at the airport. It’s comforting to have someone waiting for you at the other end to whisk you to your hotel and give you some insider knowledge while you sit stunned with jetlag in the back seat.

What do you look for when representing a client? I love researching so I can always find a great angle for clients. I have made such great finds: the International Flirting Festival in Wales, and the World Bog Snorkelling

Nicole Lenoir-Jordan’s Five Star PR has represented airlines, hotels, destinations, cruise liners and safari lodges across five continents and 15 years. She’s also a travel writer and recently finished work on her first novel.

RESTAURANT & BOUTIQUE HOTEL WHALE BEACH

P +61 2 9974 5599 | enquiries@jonahs.com.au | jonahs.com.au

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Travel the length of Chile, from the barren beauty of the Atacama and Altiplano of the north, via the lakes and volcanoes of the Lake District, to the spectacular mountains and glaciers of Patagonia in the south.

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On this thrilling journey, discover the heart of the Inca Empire at Machu Picchu, encounter the colourful Quechua people and venture onto Lake Titicaca to meet the Uros people on their floating islands.

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