ISSUE 41 APRIL-MAY 2016
ISSUE 41 APRIL-MAY 2016
Let’s Travel THE MAGAZINE FOR CORPORATE AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS
Spiralling down the WAITOMO CAVES
Ten things to do in CAPE TOWN
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THE MAGAZINE FOR CORPORATE AND LEISURE TRAVELLERS
AUSTRALIA Taking care of Business
THAILAND
Her best secrets
Asia Thailand 6 Bali 21 Macao 22
Asia, Thailand www.letstravelmag.com 5
Food and Culture No social gathering in Thailand is complete without food - in fact, it’s said that the food often becomes the occasion! To go one step further, it’s believed that eating alone is bad luck - hence the avoidance of dishes like starters and mains, and a distinct preference for shared plates.
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hose who have attempted to prepare Thai food at home or watched shows like Masterchef, will know the critical impact that seasoning has to play in Thai food. And no, it’s not all about the heat. Rather, it’s a perfect combination of spicy, salty, sweet and sour that will be the star of the show. If you’ve ever attended a formal Thai event, you’ll know that food presentation is a passion and most definitely an art form. A simple tomato or watermelon can take on a whole new lease of life when dealt to by the deft hands of Thai chefs. If you have the opportunity to watch a Thai chef in action - grab it. Vegetables become flowers, ice becomes art, fruits become decor! Watch what the locals order when dining out in Thailand. It’s generally a range of dishes that includes meat and/or fish, a few vegetable dishes; there are always noodles, in some format…possibly a soup and always oodles of fragrant rice.
The sweets that follow the main can often be as simple as fresh fruit or perhaps one of the fabulous rice desserts the Thais are renowned for. What is important to remember if you’re dining with the locals and don’t want to offend, is that while there’s a raft of food choices on the
table, they don’t mix those foods on their plate. Instead, they will select, say, the chicken and eat that with rice; then perhaps the vegetables, followed by some fish. When it comes to snacking when out and about exploring, and especially at the markets, who can look past spring rolls or skewers of satay chicken!
Asia, Thailand www.letstravelmag.com 7
Thailand’s Top 8 Resorts
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Manathai Khao Lak – Phang-Nga: Against a backdrop of lush mountains, between swaying coconut palms on the gold sand of Bangsak beach lies Manathai Khao Lak, tucked away behind manicured and lush tropical gardens. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or family holiday, there’s something for every guest and occasion at the 158-room Manathai Khao Lak, located in one of Thailand’s most beautiful regions, just an hour north of Phuket. Spacious havens, a massive pool with sea views, authentic Thai dining and the very best of Thailand’s rich culture. Elements of the property’s natural surroundings extend indoors, including contemporary, bright interiors elegantly decorated with wonderful Thai handicrafts. Manathai
Manathai Khao Lak
Khao Lak offers a contemporary haven providing ultimate comfort in each of the Deluxe Balcony rooms. Deluxe Garden rooms are comfortable and contemporary
in design, Junior Suites offer the perfect seaside retreat, the exceptionally appointed Deluxe Suite and Garden Villas are modern, uncluttered spacious living areas
Asia, Thailand www.letstravelmag.com 11
New Zealand Rotorua 28 Waitomo 32 Golden Bay 36
Australia, Hamilton Island www.letstravelmag.com 27
Destination Rotorua
Good Tim Hiking Words and images by Tim Roxborogh
Gardens of the Black Swan Boutique Hotel
28 www.letstravelmag.com New Zealand, Rotorua
Destination Golden Bay
Zatori Retreat By Donna Trott
Zatori Retreat is a beautiful lodge, retreat, conference centre and wedding venue in stunning Collingwood, at the top of the South Island.
36 www.letstravelmag.com New Zealand, Golden Bay
United States of America Utah 40 Nevada 46 Huntington Beach 52 Ohio 56 New Orleans 60
New Zealand, Golden Bay www.letstravelmag.com 39
Destination Utah, USA
Utah The ‘Beehive’ State is the US’s 13th largest and probably most famous for being the base for the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) and where people who want to break land speed records head to…The Bonneville Salt Flats.
40 www.letstravelmag.com U.S.A, Utah
Delicate Arch, Arches Canyon
U.S.A, Utah www.letstravelmag.com 41
Pacific Islands Tahiti 64 Fiji 68
Destination Tahiti
Feel at Home in Tahiti in Rental Property Accommodation
64 www.letstravelmag.com Pacific Islands, Tahiti
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s home-sharing becomes increasingly popular for travellers worldwide, Tahiti Tourisme has highlighted the destination’s rental home offering as an alternative way for Kiwi holidaymakers to enjoy a homely stay on the islands. Ranging from resort studio units for two to beachfront holiday homes and 12-bedroom luxury villas, rental homes are available across the Society Islands including Moorea and Tahiti, as well as the Tuamotus. Tahiti Tourisme Director New Zealand, Robert Thompson, said rental homes offered a great value option for groups or couples wanting to enjoy the Islands of Tahiti in their own comfort and space. “While Tahiti is best known for its overwater bungalows and luxury resorts, there is a whole other side to the destination for those who want more flexible arrangements, especially families, friends and groups who are holidaying together,” Mr Thompson said. “Whether New Zealanders want a bach experience where the lagoon is never more than a few paces away, or a high-level of service with a fully-staffed property, there is a rental home to suit. Most properties have a private pool and a semi-private beach as well as great cooking facilities, while rental cars and activities can be arranged through a remote concierge service.” A one-bedroom apartment in the Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort starts from as little as $830* per week including access to all the hotel’s facilities. Meanwhile the three-bedroom Te Tavake villa on Tahiti’s west coast is priced from $3,948* per week and the five-bedroom beach front Villa Manou in Moorea starts from $6,930* per week. www.tahiti-homes.com or www.tahitinow.co.nz * Terms and conditions apply, subject to availability.
Pacific Islands, Tahiti
www.letstravelmag.com 65
Australia
Australia, xxx www.letstravelmag.com 73
Events The market in Australia for incentive groups and delegates to attend a “special event” is almost without equal. Year round events as diverse as rugby, operas and motor-racing mean that at any time during the year you are able to align your groups with a special event to tie in to a conference or incentive trip. Australia has the climate, diversity and experience to ensure the success of whichever event you wish to align with.
Flemington/ Melbourne Cup Flemington is a backdrop of spectacular grounds, city skyline views and the stunning Rose Garden, matched with switched-on service from Peter Rowland Catering and a host of indoor and outdoor venue options to suit everything from conferences and exhibitions to elaborate dinners and incentives and groups. It is uniquely placed to host anything from intimate to large scale raceday and non-raceday events with 23 race meetings scheduled each year, including the famous four day Melbourne Cup Carnival. Only kilometres from the Melbourne CBD, it’s little wonder this diverse venue continues to have meeting planners excited The race that stops a nation: The Melbourne Cup Carnival is one of Australia’s major festivals and events, held at the famous Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne. It’s more than just horse racing – it is a unique social and cultural tradition dating back to 1861. There are a numerous variety of incentive packages available for you to encourage your clients to partake in…anything from small intimate groups with entry level catering to large groups and exclusive packages for that special incentive with full sit-down dining. The famous Emirates Melbourne Cup (held on the first Tuesday in November) along with three other key racedays, AAMI Victoria Derby Day, Crown Oaks Day and Emirates
Melbourne Cup
Stakes Day, makes the Melbourne Cup Carnival create a celebratory atmosphere unparalleled at any other sporting event in the world. www.melbournecup.com
Flemington also offers limitless options for incentives and groups to enjoy a unique, fun, creative and rewarding event at any time of the year. Whether it be incorporating a racing flavour or making the most of the numerous spaces for activities, let your imagination run wild. Here are three options to consider: 1. A photo with The Cup: Have your photo taken with the Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy. The Emirates Melbourne Cup trophy has returned to the design zenith of the 1930 Cup won by the legendary Phar Lap. This fuller-shaped Cup was reduced in size during the Great Depression and had not been made to the intended specifications until 2010. Give your clients and delegates the once in a lifetime opportunity to have their photo taken with the Emirates Melbourne Cup Trophy (Subject to availability).
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2. A Night at the Races: The Melbourne Cup Carnival creates a party atmosphere unlike any other Australian sporting event – why not recreate this excitement with a ‘Night at the Races’? A phantom race is a fabulous way to entertain your clients and add a fun dimension to the evening’s entertainment. For each race you can name the race, horses, trainers and jockeys. An introduction informs your guests as to the format of the races, how they should place their bets and when the races will run. 3. Hunt for The Cup: The Melbourne Cup has been stolen! Delegates have to follow the clues and solve the mystery within the beautifully manicured and historic grounds at Flemington Racecourse. Take in the multiple historically significant aspects, and watch out for heroes, villains, betting possibilities and more. Hunt for the cup can accommodate groups of up to 1,000, can range from 30 minutes to 3 hours duration, and is suitable for all fitness levels, including walking pace. www.flemington.com.au
The 2016 Bledisloe Cup 2016 will be an unforgettable year for rugby in Australia with a full calendar of matches but none-so anticipated than the All Blacks taking on the Qantas Wallabies for the Bledisloe Cup in Sydney on the 20th August at ANZ Stadium. The rivalry that is the talk of both nations will be alive and fierce as the teams run on to the paddock in the clash for the trophy of trans–Tasman rugby champions…the Bledisloe Cup. What better way to reward your team or treat your clients than the top class hospitality packages now officially on sale. There are many packages to choose from, with an offer perfect for every budget and taste.
All Blacks versus Australia
Each package includes catering, merchandise, entertainment and premium seats to watch the match in comfort. A true experience guaranteed to satisfy. There is the casual offering of The Paddock where you will experience great entertainment at an offsite location with live music and flavours of the trans-Tasman. An abundant grazing menu featuring New Zealand and Australian produce coupled with Australian wines, beer and
National Anthem time
Captain’s Dining
84 www.letstravelmag.com Australia, Events
non-alcoholic beverages will have your guests talking and asking for more. Wrapping it up with a post-match function will end the evening perfectly. Club Wallaby is the perfect option to enjoy hospitality in a relaxed and fun setting, popular with smaller corporate groups. Pre-game entertainment and abundant food and beverage makes for a lot of fun. Enjoy the game in premium seating in the heart of the atmosphere that is the Bledisloe Cup. The best of rugby hospitality can be had with Captain’s Dining, a premium on-site room function with platinum tickets. This experience includes pre- and post-match entertainment and a seated 3-course dinner with beverages, and is the ideal experience for relaxed corporate entertaining. This package entertains with an MC and panel of speakers. The true experience. Be part of rugby’s core with a seat at the Inner Sanctum. Experience firsthand the latest in rugby business from an ARU Director with both on and off field news, whilst enjoying premium food and beverage at a seated dinner. An MC and special guests will add to the memorable nature of this package that you will be talking about for a long time. ARU Hospitality is the way to experience the Bledisloe Cup in 2016. www.rugby.com.au/hospitality/ testmatches or email Brad Samowitz at hospitality@rugby.com.au
House Rules Whether you’re seeking an intimate setting for strategic and team-building experiences, or a spectacular venue to make your corporate event stand out from the crowd, Australia has a host of world-class private residences to choose from. Here’s our roundup, from a beachfront villa in Tropical North Queensland to a whole village in central Tasmania. Douglas. Seated dinners for 70 and cocktail functions for up to 100 are held here, allowing guests to mingle by the pool or step off on to the sand while enjoying fare from Cairns’ Ochre Grill and other local caterers. For overnight visits, the breezy, open-plan three-bedder sleeps six. Boonooloo is just over an hour’s drive from Cairns, and perfectly located to explore the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Port Douglas’s popular dining and cafe scene. Avalon City Retreat
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Avalon City Retreat, Tasmania: This urban chic two-bedroom penthouse, perched atop an office tower in central Hobart, offers the ideal vantage point to survey the Tasmanian capital’s city and across the historic waterfront to the Derwent River. The open-plan living areas of the modular ‘omnipod’ lend themselves to strategic planning sessions and workshops for smaller groups of up to 20. Cocktail-style functions for up to 40 work well in the living area and terrace, and make the most of partnerships with top local restaurants such as Smolt and Astor Grill. The kitchen lends itself to cooking demonstrations so you can kick off a dinner with an introduction to the best of Tasmanian produce, or Avalon can assist in extending your experience with local tours leaving from the pier 200 metres away. For larger events, and an equally spectacular but very different setting, the Avalon Coastal Retreat is a modern property overlooking the ocean one-and-a-half-hours from Hobart.
www.avalonretreats.com.au
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Boonooloo Beach House, Queensland: Already popular as a venue for weddings and private functions, Boonooloo Beach House is relatively new to the business events market. The architect-designed house is an attraction in itself, but the real drawcard is the 120-square-metre deck fronting Newell Beach, looking out across the bay to nearby Port
www.beautifulaccommodation.com/ properties/boonooloo-beach-house
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Tanunda House, South Australia: Set in the heart of the Barossa town of Tanunda, the historic façade of this five-bedroom home opens out to a sleek, modern extension and expansive grounds including a pool and tennis court. The home lends itself to corporate workshops for up to 24 people, with a meeting space abundant in natural light, and a cinema room for presentations.
Boonooloo Beach House
Australia, Properties for Hire www.letstravelmag.com 93
Beyond South Africa 98 Namibia 102
Australia, Hamilton Island www.letstravelmag.com 97
Business Section Abercrombie & Kent 108 Holiday Inn Rotorua 1 13 Norwegian Cruise Lines 1 1 4 Where in the World 1 1 8 New Products 1 1 9
Australia, Hamilton Island www.letstravelmag.com 107 New Caledonia
Norwegian Cruise Lines Twelve milestones for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings in 2016
Seven Seas Explorer Infinity Pool
January: 2016 marks Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) 50th anniversary – celebrating half a century of setting the benchmark for innovative cruising on board the youngest fleet at sea, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 25th anniversary – hailing a number of major milestones for the line including the launch of complimentary WiFi across its fleet, and the introduction of The Most Luxurious Ship Ever BuiltTM, the Seven Seas Explorer®. Marking this important anniversary year, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings announced an investment of US$525 million to further enhance NCL’s and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ award-winning, market-leading ships, which follows a US$50 million refurbishment program across Oceania Cruises’ fleet in 2014. The US$400 million investment in NCL’s 14-strong fleet will see the guest experience further enhanced with the introduction of innovative new restaurants and entertainment, while the US$125 million investment in Regent’s current three ships will see its entire fleet lifted to the platinum standard of the highly anticipated Seven Seas Explorer®.
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Seven Seas Explorer Suite Bedroom
New products
A great pair of cufflinks adds the finishing touch to a stylish look. Head to Crane Brothers not only for a great cufflink selection, but to add finesse to the rest of your look – from socks and ties, to pocket squares and belts. While there, check out the latest Autumn/Winter collection that incorporates an Antipodean twist to American classics. www.crane-brothers.com
Put your best foot forward in these shoes from Working Style. They have a stunning selection of casual and formal footwear in leather and suede. There are lace ups, strapped and slip-on styles in a range of colours. www.workingstyle.co.nz
The fastest drying pyjamas in the world are being pitched as the latest must-have for globetrotters. Scientifically engineered fabric draws sweat and heat from the body and holds little to no odour. They dry 4x faster than cotton, are lightweight, wrinkle resistant and super soft. Anti-microbial technology ensures they stay fresh and odour-free. Available in a range of colours and sizes. www.cool-james.com.au
Patek Philippe’s precious and refined version for women features a generously sized pink gold case, redesigned with more pronounced curves to accentuate its feminine nature. The annual calendar displays the day, date and month as well as a moon-phase display. Featuring white Balinese mother-of-pearl, Arabic numerals in gold and 374 pure diamonds. A precious object whose fresh charm will continue to delight generations to come. www.patek.com
120 www.letstravelmag.com Business, New Products
Australian gentlemen’s clothier, MJ Bale, is now in NZ! Suits, jackets, trenches and other coats, chinos, denims, shirts, ties, hankies – whether your look is smart casual or very formal, MJ Bale offer collections that double-down on masculine elegance! www.mjbale.com