Exclusive
Australia
TRANS-TASMAN TRAVEL
SET UP YOUR WINE CELLAR
PINK DIAMONDS: WHY INVEST NOW
CONTENTS SIGNATURE TRAVEL 6
Travel news
The latest updates across the world of travel, from dining innovations to hotel openings and inspirational podcasts.
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Exclusive Australia
The new luxury travel trend? Fly private, stay in exclusive villas, charter a yacht.
20 T rans-Tasman bubble The Australian and New Zealand hotels letting you holiday and self-isolate.
26 I t’s all Orange Top activities, events, restaurants and wineries in the Orange region of NSW.
28 S afari from your sofa Spot elephants, lions and hippos from the comfort of home.
Cover Image Pool time at Pretty Beach House, NSW © Luxury Lodges of Australia
TIPS & TRICKS 30 S haken and stirred Our latest quarantini cocktails.
32 S ip, savour, swill, repeat How to step up your wine game at home, from cellar to glass.
34 D IY home beauty The salons and brands offering remote skincare solutions.
38 S erenity now Bliss out – virtually – at these international wellness retreats.
42 R easons to think pink Why you should invest in pink diamonds – now!
46 L iving beautifully Spark joy by surrounding yourself with beautiful things.
48 H armonise your home How to add feng shui elements.
50 C reate a signature scent Tips to make home fragrances.
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EDITOR'S LETTER
www.signatureluxurytravel.com.au CEO & Group Editor Cathy Wagstaff cathywagstaff@signaturemedia.com.au Editor Natasha Dragun General Manager Tina-Louise Jackson Associate Publisher Cara Wagstaff Head Designer Gemma Kightly Digital Managers Samantha Rowntree, Lisa Wagstaff Guest Contributor Natarsha Brown Business Development Colleen Hinch, Jess Loudon, Managers Nicola McClean, Howard Shaw, Virginia Shirley Advertising Enquiries sales@signaturemedia.com.au General Enquiries admin@signaturemedia.com.au +61 2 9406 4400 Signature@home is published under the Signature Luxury Travel & Style umbrella. Signature Luxury Travel & Style is Australia’s leading and highest circuited travel magazine, reaching more than 230,000 high-net-worth individuals quarterly.
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s I write this, I’m on my first work trip in more than three months. I had planned to be in the Maldives, but I’m more than excited to be in Canberra instead. Having a hiatus from travel has given me such renewed appreciation for the industry – the big things, like the incredible tourism and hospitality operators battling to bring back business. And the small things, like settling into the crisp sheets of a luxury hotel, eating out, being able to visit a gallery. I don’t think I’ll ever take these experiences for granted again. While I’m still loving the virtual innovations allowing global roaming in lieu of international travel, I’m also loving the local opportunities now back on the agenda. In the second issue of Signature@home, we spotlight some of these, from private jet jaunts, to retreats where you can holiday and self isolate at the same time. We also continue our series on quarantini cocktails, look at investing in pink diamonds, talk to an antiques expert about surrounding yourself with beautiful things, and find out how to boost your wellbeing with tips from the world’s top hotels and resorts. While we’re bringing back the print edition Signature Luxury Travel & Style in August, the good new is that the monthly edit of Signature@home is here to stay. See you in July!
Ntsa
EDITOR
natashadragun@signaturemedia.com.au @ndragun
FOLLOW US Published by Signature Media PO Box 1825 Chatswood NSW 2057 Australia
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WANT MORE? For more inspiring luxury lifestyle features, head online to our website, signatureluxurytravel.com.
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Travel
Explore Australia in serious style, then prepare for your next luxury holiday around New Zealand.
GLASS HALF FULL Amsterdam’s waterfront Mediamatic ETEN has set up individual greenhouses where diners can enjoy a meal with stunning views of one of the city’s canals, while remaining separated from one another. The four-course menu is plant-based and dishes are served up on large wooden planks, so wait staff don’t come into contact with diners.
The future of food
Restaurants the world over are shifting their business models to match the current demand for socially-distant eating experiences. Here’s how fine-dining establishments are meeting the moment with fresh concepts – and rapid innovation.
Table for one Owners of Bord for En – which means “table for one” – Linda Karlsson and Rasmus Persson (the latter a trained chef) believe the future of dining is singular. Opened on 10 May, the one-table, one-person restaurant is located among a Swedish meadow and has no wait staff; instead, a three-course, drink-paired vegetarian meal is delivered via a basket strung up from the couple’s kitchen window.
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Fine dining drive-through
Tasty Michelinstarred burgers
For 70 years, Seattle’s Canlis has been a beacon of fine dining. Today, it has reinvented its business structure and narrowed down the menu: in the AM, it sells bagels and sandwiches; in the PM, burgers and salads, all via a drive-through operation.
One of the world’s most highly regarded eateries, Noma meals are usually an elaborate affair of tasting menus dished up in a Copenhagen dining room. The venue now operates a casual wine garden serving cheese and veggie burgers – no reservation needed.
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AN AUSTRALIAN COMEBACK In line with government regulations, many of the nation’s Luxury Lodges are reopening, led by WA’s Cape Lodge on 29 May. These are places that combine everything travellers are looking for: a serene and secluded setting, small numbers of guests and style to spare. Pretty Beach House 1 June 2020 Lake House 5 June 2020 Spicers Peak Lodge 12 June 2020
RESTAURANT IN ROOM In Sydney and Canberra, Ovolo Hotels has launched ‘Restaurant in Room’, offering two guests the chance to dine in one of their stylish rooms. Menus are three or five courses, with cellar lists and martini trolleys making socially distant rounds. Add on an overnight stay.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef July 2020 Lizard Island 1 July 2020 Mt Mulligan Lodge 10 July 2020 The Louise 1 August 2020 Capella Lodge 30 August 2020 Longitude 131° 1 September 2020 Bamurru Plains 1 March 2021 El Questro Homestead 1 April 2021 Silky Oaks Lodge 1 April 2021 Arkaba 1 April 2021 Southern Ocean Lodge 2022 (closed for rebuild)
Other notable openings: Halcyon House 2 July 2020 Jackalope 26 June 2020 InterContinental Hayman Island Resort 1 September 2020 *Note: Dates are subject to change based on changing travel restrictions.
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Expand your Horizons
From discovering the music of West Africa to debunking stereotypes in the American Deep South, these podcasts will take you out of your living room or morning commute and into other worlds.
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Field Recordings
Portland, Unpacked
This podcast asks audio-makers to turn on their microphones and “stand silently in fields (or things that could be broadly interpreted as fields)”. Recent episodes have taken listeners to a cloud forest in Ethiopia to hear colobus monkeys, and a bird’s nest in Iceland’s Seyðisfjörður.
“Portland is the town the US watches,” states local Proud Mary cafe owner, Nolan Hirte, in Portland Unpacked – she’s one of the many colourful characters featured. The series reveals the layers that make up Oregon’s largest city, showing off its vibrant food, music, coffee and design culture.
Afropop Worldwide
The New Paris
This podcast takes listeners around the world – to everywhere African music has gone – to sample its sounds. From ’70s Brazilian soul to heavy metal in Botswana, let Cameroon-born host Georges Collinet transport you to places you’d have never guessed African rhythms have reached.
This podcast exposes the innovative aspects of a city often labelled as resistant to change. Each episode focuses on a certain topic or theme – dating, climate change, feminism, cinema – and features interviews to take a closer look at the people and ideas changing French capital.
Cool climate wines and destination dining. Rediscover a full spectrum of events and experiences in Orange NSW, all year round.
orange360.com.au
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ViINNOVATIONS rtual Our favourite ways to stay in touch with the world – virtually.
Facetime with andBeyond guides
Master the Artistry of Gin
andBeyond has extended its range of virtual safaris to help fund conservation initiatives in the reserves that it manages. Enter &Beyond Connect, a new series of face-to-face chats with guides, available for private groups at a number of locations and priced from US$100 to $200 for one to two hours.
Pioneers of the gin masterclass in Australia, Bass & Flinders Distillery, have debuted an At Home Gin Masterclass Kit focusing on native Australia botanicals, like strawberry gum and pepperberry. Create your own uniquely Down Under concoctions from the comfort of home.
Enjoy a moment of calm in Tassie
RENT A PERSONAL HAPPINESS GUIDE Book an meeting with a Finnish Happiness Guide as part of Visit Finland’s Rent A Finn. Live broadcasts take online adventurers to the land of saunas, reindeers and the Northern Lights, all while teaching lessons of happiness and calm. The series also focuses on five Finnish lifestyles areas, including relaxation, food and fitness.
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Tourism Tasmania’s ‘Moment of Calm’ series is hoping to “soothe furrowed brows”, burnt out by the stressors of current daily life. The social media campaign invites virtual visitors into scenes of serenity in the state, such as breathing in the fresh air of Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park or soaking up the views from Bruny Island’s Neck Lookout.
Travel through song One&Only is celebrating The Joy of Travel through its exclusive playlist with Spotify. The curated collection was selected by friends and families of the brand, including fashion designer Emilia Wickstead and culinary personality Giorgio Locatelli. From well-known classics to rousing road-trip anthems, the chosen songs aim to evoke personal memories from past sojourns.
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CLICK HERE
eskcare.com
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AUSTRALIA’S
most exclusive EXPERIENCES Post-coronavirus, the trend for luxury travel (minus the crowds) sees families and small groups of friends flying private, staying in exclusive villas and chartering yachts across Australia.
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STAY IN STYLE Cascading water features, tropical gardens, shimmering views – you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from Azure ultravilla on the Sunshine Coast. Part of the Luxico portfolio of upscale rentals, the property sleeps eight, with perks like a cinema, wine cellar, infinity pool, spa, gourmet hamper on arrival and concierge on call.
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Opening image: Blissful views from Luxico’s Azure ultravilla 01 Road tripping around Tassie with Ultimate Driving Tours 02 Hunter Valley Helicopters 03 Take to the water with Ahoy Club
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JUMP BEHIND THE WHEEL Australia has its fair share of epic road trips – made all the better when you’re sitting behind the wheel of a luxury sports car. Specialising in Tasmanian adventures Down Under, Ultimate Driving Tours experiences unite shiny cars with upscale accommodation, fine food and motorsports events. Fuel your wanderlust indeed.
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CHARTER A CHOPPER Why drive to the Hunter Valley from Sydney when you can chopper there? Your sky-high charter chariot can whisk you to NSW’s premier whine region from the state’s largest city – when you arrive, linger over a champagne breakfast before touring top cellar doors and taking a scenic spin over vines to your lunch setting: five courses with matched wines, of course.
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TAKE TO THE WATER Channel your inner James Bond on an Ahoy Club superyacht, whether cruising around the Whitsundays with an intimate group of friends or exploring the Kimberley with your family. Private chefs, sommeliers, watersports butlers‌ you’ll want for nothing on one of these charters.
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GRAB A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW Private jets, exclusive accommodation, memorable meals – an aircruise with Bill Peach Journeys offers a glimpse of Australia that is as lofty as it is luxe. Trips vary in length, taking in destinations ranging from the Great Barrier Reef to Kakadu, the Kimberley to the Flinders Ranges.
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JUMP TO THE FRONT OF THE QUEUE Well, skip them altogether when you charter a private plane or chopper through ExecuJet. The company’s concierge team is on call to craft a bespoke travel itinerary for your group – or come up with your own, then journey in style.
04 04 Soak up the Flinders Ranges with Bill Peach Journeys 05 Charter a chopper or plane with ExecuJet 06 & 07 One Fine Stay’s Pacific Retreat in Sydney’s Palm Beach
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ENJOY A CITY ESCAPE Want to leave the big city behind, without actually leaving it behind? One Fine Stay’s Sydney portfolio includes the dreamy Pacific Retreat, which sleeps 12 people over three levels, each with unbroken views across the infinity pool and Palm Beach. There’s really no reason to retreat from this cocoon, but if you do, call on your private concierge to get you a reservation at that exclusive restaurant and your chauffeur to get you there smoothly.
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BLISS OUT IN BYRON In northern NSW, Byron Bay is home to some of Australia’s most exclusive accommodation. Not in the least the jaw-dropping, timberand-glass Beach Box from A Perfect Stay. Bring along nine of your closest friends to enjoy sweeping coastal views from the 10-metre pool, then ease into evening barbecues around the outdoor firepit.
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08 & 09 A Perfect Stay’s Beach Box in Byron Bay 10 Champagne in Journey Beyond’s Chairman’s Carriage 11 Ocean Alliance opperates a fleet of superyachts around Australia
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HIT THE RAILS There’s plenty of drama to be had in the Australian outback, and it’s best absorbed from the comfort of the country’s most opulent train experience. Enter the Chairman’s Carriage, a private addition to either the Ghan (Adelaide to Darwin) or Indian Pacific (Perth to Sydney). In addition to four spacious cabins, the carriage comes with a dining room and lounge, plus your own team of staff delivering highly personalised service.
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ISLAND HOP IN THE GREAT BARRIER REEF Dive, swim with dolphins, watch turtles hatch on the sand… these are some of your daily diversions on a Great Barrier Reef cruise with Ocean Alliance. The company’s fleet of superyachts is hard to beat – take your pick, then float between destinations including Fraser Island, Lady Eliot Island, Fitzroy Reef and Hervey Bay, with world-class food and wine, watersports and exclusive experiences along the way.
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Far-Flung
RETREATS With the Trans-Tasman travel ‘bubble’ on the horizon, we check in to top Australian and New Zealand hotels, resorts and lodges that let you holiday – and social isolate at the same time.
Kauri Cliffs Bay of Islands, New Zealand Kauri Cliffs’ 22 suites sprawl across more than 2,400 hectares of farmland in the Bay of Islands region – it’s fair to say, social distancing is in its DNA. Even more exclusive are the brand new Residences: three four-bedroom villas set in a separate enclave to the main lodge. Ideal for families and groups of friends travelling together.
Pretty Beach House New South Wales, Australia
Hermes Estate Luxury Retreat New South Wales, Australia One of Australia’s newest hotels, Hermes sits on a leafy two-hectare estate adjoining the Never Never River in New South Wales’ sleepy town of Gleniffer. The opulent property is available for exclusive rental only: just four guests, a butler, chef and spa therapist. It’s a 45-minute drive here from Coffs Harbour, but we highly recommend making the most of the private helipad to chopper in.
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Just 100 kilometres north of Sydney, but a world away in terms of laid-back atmosphere, this lodge comes with style to spare. Got a group of friends? Book out the four pavilion-style suites, which configure into one communal house – with private pools, stellar views and gourmet food on demand.
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H OT E L S
Lake House
Kauri Cliffs © Robertson Lodges Pretty Beach House © Luxury Lodges of Australia Lake House © Luxury Lodges of Australia Picnic Island © Carmel Boyd
Victoria, Australia This acclaimed Daylesford property is as well known for its setting – on a vast property in the heart of Victoria’s spa country – as its food. Book the Retreat, which offers private accommodation for up to four guests, and is set apart from the main lodge and restaurant, with private parking and extra luxuries to boot.
Picnic Island Tasmania, Australia Want absolute seclusion in one of the most beautiful parts of Tasmania – indeed, Australia? Picnic Island sleeps just one group of 10 guests on a slip of windswept land off Tassie’s east-coast Freycinet National Park. There are luxe eco-lodges, dramatic views, wilderness aplenty – and not much else. The retreat is totally unstaffed, so this is exclusivity at its finest.
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Otahuna Lodge
Maruia River Retreat Murchison, New Zealand Secluded and surrounded by native forest on the banks of a river, Maruia is the ultimate natural antidote to city life. Until mid-October, its seven villas are available exclusively to 14 guests travelling together, with diversions ranging from forest bathing and sunrise yoga to guided hikes and river rafting. Disconnect, recharge and rejuvenate.
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One of the first NZ lodges to reopen, Otahuna’s ‘Lord of the Manor’ package allows you to hire out the entire luxe property. Which means you and nine friends have exclusive run of the Victorian mansion, set on immaculate grounds south of Christchurch. Enjoy calming walks through the countryside, then return for gourmet meals and fireside wine.
Maruia © Boutique Hotels & Lodges NZ Matakauri Lodge © Robertson Lodges
Tai Tapu, New Zealand
Matakauri Lodge Queenstown, New Zealand The whole of this property is spectacular, but the Owner’s Cottage is particularly beguiling, if only for its jaw-dropping setting overlooking Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, just outside Queenstown. The private alpine retreat comes with space to sleep eight, paired with a spacious lounge, hot tub, full kitchen and dining room. Cook up a storm, or call on your chef for in-villa meals with a dreamy mountain backdrop.
Part 1 of our ongoing Trans-Tasman hotel series: Come back next month for more ‘bubble’ favourites.
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IT WAS ALL
Orange
Just 250 kilometres west of Sydney, Orange unites fine food and wine, bucolic countryside and luxury accommodation. Could this be the ultimate destination
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Within easy reach of Sydney, Orange is fast developing a reputation as one of Australia’s top wine districts – with local vintages regularly winning national and international awards, it’s easy to see why. This recognition, paired with the region’s already stellar standing as one of NSW’s most cutting edge destinations for wining and dining, puts it firmly of Australia’s foodie map. Orange purveyors patchwork the countryside, occupying charming villages and postcard-perfect countryside. At tempting as it is to linger in cellar doors and gourmet restaurants all day (and all night), there are plenty of other diversions to entertain, from adventure activities – think cycling and bushwalking – to shopping in bijou boutiques with plenty of local character (and characters).
elevated Mount Canobolas promises milder temperatures to alleviate the heat, while languid afternoons give way to balmy evenings and cicada harmonies. A rich tapestry of deep reds, burnt oranges and warm yellows colour the landscape every autumn, giving leaf-peepers reason to linger against a backdrop of clear blue skies. And as winter approaches a stillness descends on the Orange region; the landscape rests, although it’s not idle. Frosted mornings and sprinklings of snow are followed by bright sunshine days that filter the crisp mountain air. Produce goes to ground and hearty vegetables fill your bowl, as you sip red wine and gather around a country bonfire, sharing stories and laughter with friends and family under starry, crystal-clear skies, celebrated annually during the region’s annual Winter Fire Festival.
Seasonal sensations
Festival time
Green and gold shine bright in spring, with the bud-burst of heritage parks and gardens and happy brilliance of undulating canola fields illuminating the countryside. Visit in summer, and
Celebrating its third year in 2020, the three-day Orange Winter Fire Festival (31 July – 2 August) showcases Orange and its surrounding villages at their winter best. Friends and families
Click here to discover the full spectrum of events and experience the Orange region has to offer.
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S A FA R I
Safari from your sofa
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While there’s nothing like being on safari IRL – spotting elephants, lions and zebras from dawn to dusk – there are still ways to experience the world’s great wilderness areas from home.
andBeyond’s Africa andBeyond’s Bringing Africa Home is designed to inspire you to experience Africa with all your senses: Watch live-streamed safaris, cook up fare from across the continent, browse African-themed videos, listen to African music, chat with rangers. Private offerings available.
Ele time with Anantara
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Singita’s game drives Luxury South African resort Singita Game Reserve offers live-streamed safari drives, on the lookout for lions, rhinos and baby elephants with the resort’s resident photographer. Viewers can join in on the action at Singita’s Instagram page. 01 Elephant spotting on safari © Lili Koslowski/Unsplash 02 Hear me roar © Wade Lambert/Unsplash 03 A pair of giraffes © Harshill Gudka/Unsplash
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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort has been rescuing and rehabilitating elephants for decades. A live-stream captures the gentle giants bathing in the Mekong River near the Golden Triangle of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
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Tips
Want to make a signature home fragrance? Thinking about investing in pink diamonds or antiques? Skin need a little TLC but can’t get to a salon? We have a few ideas...
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Shaken & STIRRED In our ongoing quarantini series, here we present two cocktails that are perfect for the cooler weather. Any weather, really…
Never Never Ginache Sour Awarded for making the World’s Best Classic Gin, among other accolades, South Australia’s Never Never Distilling Co. knows a thing or two about making tasty gin cocktails.
Ingredients Serves one
• 60ml Never Never Ginache Gin • 30ml lemon juice • 20ml sugar syrup • Egg white • Orange peel twist
Method Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker without ice to emulsify the egg whites. Add ice and shake hard. Strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with orange twist.
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Tea Party for One Dreamed up by the mixologists at Lord Lygon within Melbourne’s Zagame’s House hotel, this multilayered cocktail is as sophisticated as it is sippable.
Ingredients Serves one
• 45ml Hennessy VSOP Cognac • 30ml lemon Juice • 15ml Earl Grey tea syrup • Mumm champagne
Method To make syrup, boil 1 cup of caster sugar with 1 cup of water until sugar dissolves. Add 3 Earl Grey tea bags and set aside to cool. Shake cognac, lemon juice and syrup over ice in a Boston shaker. Strain into a martini glass or coupe. Top with champagne. Garnish with lemon wheel.
02 01 Never Never Distilling Co.’s delish Ginache Sour 02 A Tea Party for One at Zagame House’s Lord Lygon
World Gin Day falls on 13 June. Jump online to join the world’s first digital Fever-Tree Gin & Tonic Festival, live-streamed from 5:30 to 7pm. 31
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A P P R E C I AT I O N
SIP, SWILL, SAVOUR, REPEAT Responsible for more than 350,000 bottles of wine – the largest hotel collection of its kind in the world – the sommelier team at Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo know a thing or two about sipping, cellaring and savouring top drops. Read on for their tips on upping your wine knowledge (and cellaring experience) at home.
What steps should you take when tasting a new bottle? First, bring the wine to the right temperature: 10 to 12 degrees for whites, and 17 to 19 degrees for reds. Open the bottle about 30 minutes before serving: this will give it time to aerate, which is good for most wines. If it’s a big white or a red, using a decanter is a great option. But be careful – older wines don’t handle rebottling very well, so if you use a decanter, you’re drinking the whole thing! How do you choose the right wine glass? Ideally, the bowl shouldn’t be too big – 20 centilitres is good. A big glass can go well with a young wine, which can handle lots of aeration, but it may wear out an older wine.
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01 The hotel’s wine cellar is the venue of choice for top Monaco events 02 Rare and exclusive bottles star 03 The hotel’s wine collection is the largest of its kind in the world 04 Preparing for wine tastings. All images © MonteCarlo Société des Bains de Mer
What does the ideal wine cellar look like? It’s a highly personal choice. If nothing else, you can stick to the following breakdown: 20 per cent champagnes, 30 per cent whites and 50 per cent reds. The rest is up to you. It also depends on what your goal is. If the idea is to keep the bottles for more than 20 years, you’ll want to go with grand crus. Otherwise, most wines on the market can keep for up to 10 years. What makes a good cellar, in terms of temperature and humidity? You should be aiming for 13 to 15 degrees and at least 70 per cent humidity. If you have an underground cellar, one that is naturally cool and humid, then that’s perfect. Otherwise, there are air conditioners made specially for wine cellars, which will allow you to achieve an ideal, self-regulating atmosphere. You should also make sure that there isn’t too much vibration.
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STEP UP YOUR
Beauty Routine
While spas and salons have begun to reopen across Australia, getting a booking is another matter – demand is high and spaces are limited. The good news is you can kick-start your beauty routine from the comfort of your home.
Get a virtual skin assessment
Create a customised skincare routine
Consult experts over the phone
At Onda (Naomi Watts is a co-owner), facilist Nicole Manning is one of Sydney’s most in-demand therapists. She has taken her services into cyberspace, providing 20-minute virtual consultations so you can discuss your skincare needs, concerns and goals, and walk away with tips on which products to use in your daily routine.
Australian-made, crueltyfree skincare brand ESK is all about tailoring products to your specific skincare needs, whether that’s due to age, pigmentation or fine lines. Head online to take the brand’s results-driven skincare quiz to get a customised beauty regimen delivered to your inbox in a matter of minutes.
One of the world’s most luxe skincare brands, La Prairie, now has a team of beauty advisors standing by to take your call. The Swiss company’s complimentary bespoke phone consultations introduce you to the latest collections and innovations, while recommending products to add to your personalised skincare ritual.
Do up your face over FaceTime
Pamper with a virtual facial
Beloved purveyors of beauty, Mecca now offers personalised consultations via FaceTime. Book in for a 15-minute makeup pow wow or a 45-minute skincare analysis, hosted by those normally offering advice on the store floor. Trust us – you’ll leave your screen looking completely fabulous.
No two formulas are the same at QED Skincare, where your prescription to incredible skin is customised right down to the last floral scent. And you don’t need hours to see results – the brand’s 20-minute facials are as effective as they are invigorating. Sign up for one via Zoom with owner Shosh Eisner.
Glow from the inside out
Help your skin radiate from the inside, out, with a little help from top-of-the-range New Zealand manuka honey, shown to help support general wellbeing and immune function. This liquid gold is packed with antioxidants, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties, all ideal for giving you a glow this winter. Try it in this turmeric and manuka latte.
Ingredients (serves 1)
• 1 heaped tsp turmeric latté blend • 1-2tsp Waimete manuka honey • Dash boiling water • 250ml oat milk • Cinnamon, to dust on top
Method
Combine turmeric latté blend and honey in a glass/mug. Add a dash of boiling water and mix until it forms a paste like consistency. Top up with heated oat milk. Dust with cinnamon. Serve and enjoy.
01 Radiant skin © Shutterstock
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It'sGETtime to PERSONAL Caring for your skin is personal. It makes sense that the products you use are tailored to your specific needs – in fact, there’s evidence.
Great skin is not simply a matter of DNA – your daily habits have a big impact on what you see in the mirror. As do the skincare products you use, which should be as individual as your dress sense. Enter Evidence Skincare (E.S.K), a range of Australian-made, evidence-based, cruelty-free products designed to target your specific skincare needs. “People are no longer looking for products that just smell nice and feel good,” says the brand’s co-founder Dr Ginni Mansberg. “The products need to work for individual needs. Users are becoming better informed and more confident, and expect tailored service and solutions, rather than the onesize-fits-all treatment of yesteryear.” To help clients discover what products best meet their needs, Dr Ginni developed a results-driven skin quiz – in a matter of minutes, you’ll have a bespoke beauty regimen emailed to your inbox. While no two remedies are the same, here are five common skin concerns and the E.S.K products that might work best for you.
ISSUE: Ageing After sunscreen, retinal is the must-have ingredient. According to the evidence, it’s the most effective, least irritating form of vitamin A, binding to skin receptors to stimulate collagen growth and cell turnover, both of which slow as we age. Vitamin C is known for repairing and protecting the skin from sun damage, which prematurely ages the skin. PRODUCTS Ultimate A, Smooth Serum, Reverse “C” Serum ISSUE: Pigmentation
ISSUE: Rosacea
This is one of the hardest skin concerns to manage. Two things that will improve the chance of getting good results are 1) patience (some ingredients take two to three months to start working) and 2) using ingredients that target multiple de-pigmentation pathways at the same time. Vitamins A, B3, C and 4-n-B all target one of the four pathways. PRODUCTS Enlighten, Ultimate A+, Reverse “C” Serum
There’s no cure for rosacea, only management options. First is the avoidance of the main stressors, which are often sun exposure, extreme temperatures, stress and spicy foods. Vitamin B3 has good evidence for helping manage some of the symptoms, as does vitamin A, which works particularly well for pimples and visible capillaries. PRODUCTS B Quenched, Ultimate A
ISSUE: Acne
ISSUE: Dry
In order to treat acne most effectively, the actives should not strip, dry or irritate the skin, as this further compromises the skin barrier and sets treatment back. While vitamin A is the frontline ingredient for treating acne, most forms, except retinal, are irritating or ineffective. PRODUCTS Ultimate A+, Hydroxy Overnight Mask, Smooth Serum, B Calm
Concerns about dry skin increase as the weather turns cold and the amount of moisture in the air drops. Management tips include: avoiding soaps that dry the skin; protecting the skin from the cold and wind; avoiding long, hot showers; and applying moisturisers ASAP after showering. Vitamin B3 also has good evidence for repairing the skin barrier. PRODUCTS B Quenched, Hydroxy Overnight Mask
skin
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Serenity now While domestic travel is back on the cards, it may still be some time before jetting off to your favourite international wellness retreat is a reality. In the meantime, here’s where (and how) you can bliss out – virtually.
thailand
thailand
Kamalaya Koh Samui
Chiva Som, Hua Hin
If you’ve been to this applauded wellness retreat, you’ll no doubt be longing to go back. If you haven’t, now’s your chance to do so – for free. The resort’s online wellness series offers unprecedented access to guided meditation, fitness sessions, healthful cooking classes, and seminars on topics like the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.
This health haven delivers one of the most comprehensive wellness programs in the world, with dozens of specialists on call to offer advice on everything from naturopathy to neurodynamics. Now you can access their services through online video consultations, which means one-on-one metabolic breathing sessions, functional exercise classes and meditation moments.
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indonesia
Escape Haven, Bali Dreaming of your next Bali holiday? Popular women-only retreat Escape Haven has developed a six-week virtual getaway, delivering invigorating workouts alongside meditation, workshops on Ayurveda, healthy cooking classes and self-care rituals you can indulge in at home. You’ll also get access to an extensive library of wellness videos, interviews and workbooks.
01 Yoga at COMO Uma Canggu 02 A blissful COMO moment Images © COMO Hotels & Resorts
new zealand
india
Australians may soon be able to seek serenity in New Zealand. Until then, keep your physical and mental health in check with Aro Hā’s inspiring virtual programs. Among them is the new podcast Adventures in Wellbeing, led by global experts in mindfulness, nutrition and self-care. The brand is also lset to launch virtual retreats, designed to bring the health resort to your home.
While there’s nothing like visiting Ananda in person, surrounded by soaring mountains, overlooking Rishikesh and the Ganges River Valley. The next best thing is connecting with the retreat’s specialists through its daily Wellness Diaries. Make a pineapple face mask, try a session of hatha yoga, whip up an immunity-boosting elixir or get tips on calming ways to start your day.
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global
Known for its holistic approach to wellness, The Farm has partnered with the Naluri coaching app to provide all the tools and support you need to build long-term healthy habits. Sign up for personalised around-the-clock access to doctors, psychologists, nutritionists and fitness coaches, as well as nifty tools to track your behaviours as they change over time.
Brand new COMO Shambhala By My Side brings together the holistic expertise honed across the entire COMO group of hotels and resorts. Think, thoughtfully created wellness experiences led by internationally accredited specialists in easy-to-follow video tutorials. For more in-depth or specific needs, book private consultations with nutritionists, naturopaths, physios or a life coach.
Aro Hā
The Farm at San Benito
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Ananda in the Himalayas
COMO Group
S I G N AT U R E
Win
/ CO M P E T I T I O N
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8 reasons to THINK PINK Looking for an investment immune to stock market fluctuations? It’s time to think pink – diamonds, that is. Here’s why. 01 Argyle pink diamonds © Rio Tinto
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1.
They’re incredibly rare and precious
Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine in the Kimberley of WA is the source of 90 per cent of the world’s pink diamonds. Of the 10-15 million carats of rough diamonds produced here every year, less than 0.001 per cent are gem-quality pinks.
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/ J E W E L L E RY
They defy market fluctuations
These gems have shown remarkable stability in value, making them the ideal investment when there’s volatility in other markets. During uncertain economic times, there’s merit to investing in hard, tangible assets.
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They’re an allowable investment
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7.
You’ll be part of an exclusive club
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They are very easy to sell
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And they’re about to become rarer
The Argyle mine will close at the end of 2020, with its supplies dwindling to the point of no longer being commercially viable. This means the finite number of these stones on the market will become even more sought-after – and expensive.
Their value is on the rise
Many dealers estimate that the value of pink diamonds has increased more than 400 per cent over the last 15 years – Rio Tinto says that figure is closer to 500 per cent, although the actual price paid for gems at its annual tender is top secret.
They appreciate above market averages
All pink diamonds, not just the big stones, have continued to appreciate well above market averages, increasing in double-digit value every year, and reliably beating the stockmarket.
Pink diamonds are an allowable investment for those with self managed superannuation funds, meaning you don’t need to have your entire super portfolio in stocks and bonds – but also rare high-ROI gems.
Fly to any city in the world an you can buy a one-carat white diamond within an hour of touching down. Quality pink diamonds are much more difficult to source, with some dealers searching for months to find the perfect stone.
If you find the gem of your dreams, perhaps have it turned into a piece of jewellery, and can then bear to part with it, high demand means pink diamonds are – unlike many other investments – very, very easy to sell.
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A REASON TO
Sparkle
The rarest of their kind in the world, pink diamonds are a dazzling addition to any luxury investment portfolio – especially now, during times of economic uncertainty and with their main source about to dry up.
Investment ESSENTIALS If you’re dazzled by pink diamonds, the Australian Diamond Portfolio offers end-to-end solutions to potential investors, from education to sourcing, storage, insurance and sale, if that’s the end goal.
Image © iStock
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ine jewellery and gemstones seem to be coming out on top of the coronavirus lockdown, with many investors seeing precious, “tangible” assets as a safer store for their money than the currently volatile stock market or property. The brightest jewel in the investment crown is undoubtedly the pink diamond, which is not only one of the most dazzling precious stones in the world, but is also incredibly rare – and about to become even more in-demand. Around 90 per cent of pink diamonds are currently sourced from Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, a place of such unique geology that it causes this “fluke of nature”, according to Anna Cisecki, executive director of the Australian Diamond Portfolio. The conditions here unite to somehow create these blushing jewels – “somehow”, because no one really knows what gives them their colour, unlike other diamonds where trace minerals are responsible for hue. Since it opened in 1983, the Argyle mine has produced more than 865 million carats of rough diamonds. Only one-tenth of one per cent of gems mined are pink, however. They’re already one in a million – quite literally – and with the mine closing at the end of 2020, their scarcity is set to see values skyrocket. “Over the last 15 years, the value of pink diamonds [up to 50 times the price of their white equivalent] has
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DIAMONDS
increased more than 400 per cent, steady at 11 per cent per annum,” says Cisecki. “The next 10 to 15 years could be even more rewarding.” Cisecki’s company offers end-to-end solutions for pink diamond investors, from education to sourcing to sale. She says that above and beyond the beauty and rarity of these gems, they’re particularly popular during times of economic uncertainty as they offer a “quality hard investment”. “Not all diamonds are a good investment,” Cisecki says, pointing out that many white diamonds are just not that rare. “For an investment, diamonds need to have an intrinsic rarity, as pink diamonds do. As a result, the value of pink diamonds may plateau, but it never falls,” she says. “They don’t experience the price volatility of equities or even gold. Their value has show consistent stability in growth.” It’s important to note that not all pink diamonds are created equal – like other gemstones, there are variations in the richness, brightness and vibrancy of colour, with the stones graded along a spectrum of shades that ranges from Faint to Light to Fancy Intense and Fancy Deep. While you can expect to pay millions for top-quality stones – the most expensive pink diamond ever sold was a US$50.4 million Fancy Vivid pink diamond, just shy of 19 carats – you can also enter the market for as little as $20,000, says Cisecki. A sparkling investment indeed.
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S I G N AT U R E
/ D E CO R AT I N G
THE ART OF
living beautifully
There’s nothing like walking into your home, taking a deep breath and feeling completely relaxed and at peace, surrounded by beautiful things that make you smile. This is the mantra collector Chris Hughes has followed for most of his life, having fallen in love with “stuff with soul” at a very early age. Now the co-owner of Brisbane’s glorious The Antique Guild, Hughes started collecting at the tender age of 10. His fascination began with tea parties, when his parents pulled crockery – “too good to use on a day-to-day basis” – from the back corner of cupboards. “I’d be given a plastic cup to drink from. But I wanted the cup with the gold rim,” he says. He began to collect silver cutlery, then dining sets. But not the kind you squirrel away. “I don’t want a cupboard of things never used. I want to experience the beautiful pieces I buy.” To Hughes, collecting antiques is about being enveloped by things you enjoy – things that come with a story
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1. Determine what you like and what’s important to you, whether that’s silver, glass, paintings or porcelain. What excites you?
Collecting 101
Decorating your home with beautiful things can inspire happiness. Here’s how to spark joy by surrounding yourself with pieces that have a story – and soul.
2. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find something you like straight away. A lot of collecting is about the joy of the hunt – about finding that one special thing when you least expect it. 3. Look in high-end stores, even if you don’t plan to buy anything. In any upscale boutique you’ll find pieces that are massively overpriced, and others that are wildly underrated. Educate yourself so you can determine which is which. And talk to the dealers – they hold a wealth of information. 4. Don’t buy pieces and expect to sell them for a profit in six months. Like other markets, the value of antiques fluctuates with demand and trends. 5. Remember: collecting can become an addiction. Many people (like me) become antiques dealers to fuel this addiction.
01 Chris Hughes has been collecting since he was a child 02 Hughes blends different styles and textures at home 03 Collecting silver is a passion project All images © Chris Hughes 02
become a hoarder – it’s about seeking out pieces that bring you immense joy.” This means blending different styles, textures and pieces to create a warmth that flatpack furniture just can’t bring. and create an atmosphere that is “You’re not going to leave Ikea furniture uniquely yours. “Your collections should to your kids,” says Hughes. “From a give you an individual style – your home sustainability standpoint, this kind of doesn’t have to look like everyone else’s. disposable furniture is terrible as well.” I love it when I look around and a piece As to the idea that antiques are sparks a memory, reminding me where only for your grandparents? “I think I was when I found it and why it has collecting beautiful things is particularly become so special.” attractive to millennials,” says Hughes. Although collecting may seem the “Younger generations have such a antithesis of popular home decluttering unique expression and are always trends, Hughes believes that there looking for ways to be individual. With is actually a lot of synergy between antiques, you get to express yourself his ethos and that of Marie Kondo. – and own a piece of history that will “Collecting doesn’t mean you have to retain its value.”
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Harmonise YOUR HOME Want your home to hum with all the right energy notes? Read on for five feng shui tips from the interiors team at luxury boutique Melbourne hotel Zagame’s House.
Test the waters
Where’s your bed at?
Qi gets pooled with water, so the peaceful movements of a fountain are like the distribution of good energy. Place the water feature outside your front door, with water flowing toward the house to invite positive energy inside. Ensure water is always free-flowing, and doesn’t become stagnant. The sounds of the water should not be heard in your bedroom (which can affect sleep quality).
Ideally your bed should be in the ‘commanding position’: you can see the door from your bed, but you’re not directly in line with it when lying down. Try placing the bed diagonally from the door. If this is not possible, place a mirror so you can see the door while lying. Freestanding mirrors are great for this purpose as you can easily move them to get the right positioning.
Slow Down the Qi
Get rid of joyless clutter
Once Qi energy is in your home, you want it to move gracefully throughout as many rooms as possible. If you have a front door that directly leads to a back door or big window, the Qi can quickly shoot through your home without maintaining its presence. A workaround is to slow the Qi down by having artworks on the wall, a patterned rug or even a round table at the entrance.
It’s easy to accumulate things. Sadly, joyless clutter can act as an energetic anchor that drags you down and prevents good things from happening. It can also cause stress – that feeling when you have to deal with a pile of tobe-folded clothes or a drawer of… who knows what. You don’t need to Marie Kondo your home – but make sure your surroundings “spark joy” in your life.
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Inject some greenery Plants embody life energy in feng shui, as they connect to nature and bring vibrancy, vitality and health into your home. Ensure you can take good care of your plants and have ample space and light. If you’re new to gardening, try something like the Chinese money plant (Pilea Peperomioides) – not only are they hard to kill, they’re also #instafamous and super cute.
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01 Add greenery to your home to inject positive energy © Shutterstock 02 Zen rooms at Zagame’s House come with feng shui principles in mind 04 Earthy elements instil a sense of calm to your living spaces © Shutterstock
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HOW TO CREATE
AFOR Signature Scent YOUR HOME Scents not only impact your emotions, but also your mood, concentration and memory recall. Here’s how to create an unforgettable signature aroma in a matter of minutes.
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F R AG R A N C E
Or make it yourself
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Three simple ways to make your own home fragrance diffusers. AIR FRESHNER: Half fill a small jar with baking soda (great for absorbing odours) then add 10 to 20 drops of your favourite essential oil. Or, blend a few that mingle well together: try eucalyptus and lemon, or rosemary and lavender. Place gauze over the top and secure with an elastic band.
02 01 Fragrant blooms © Alex Seinet/Unsplash 02 Scented candle © Bannon Morrissy/Unsplash
1. Set the mood Different aromas inspire different emotions. Do you want to be uplifted and energised? Do you want to focus? Or do you want to relax and unwind? If the former, think notes of citrus – if the middle, go for mint. The later? think wood, leather and lavender.
2. Go natural While store-bought candles, incense and air fresheners add an instant aroma to your home, for a lingering, natural scent, look to nature. Flowers – yes. But also pine cones, sandalwood, cedar fronds and even bunches of herbs (lemongrass and mint are favourites).
3. Create layers Like everything in your home, moderation is key. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have multiple scents through your rooms. In general, try and keep notes similar. That said, certain aromas work better in certain spaces: fresh citrus notes are great in bathrooms and kitchens, while robust rose and frankincense are ideal in bedrooms.
REED DIFFUSER: You’ll need a glass jar with a narrow opening for this one. Combine equal parts warm water with vodka, and then add 20 drops of your favourite essential oils. Pour into your jar, then add in a handful of clean cooking skewers. In a day or two, the liquid will start to move up the sticks. SIMMER SCENTS: Want an immediate aroma? Pop a pot of boiling water on the stove, turn down the heat, and add in a few of your favourite fragrant ingredients: think eucalyptus leaves, lavender blossoms, ginger, citrus or pear peels. Your home will smell gorgeous in a matter of minutes.
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