Travel Blog

2 June 2020

Food is synonymous with travel. For most of us, it's an opportunity to discover exciting new flavours, sample regional specialities or simply enjoy lengthy al fresco lunches or balmy evenings under the stars. Food has the power to instantly bring back the smell of the air, the warmth of the sea breeze and that feeling of relaxation experienced whilst on holiday. Be it freshly baked Italian bread, zesty fish tacos or a dazzling gazpacho, there is nothing more reminiscent of a place than its

2 September 2019

Beyond the Big Five: insider tips from a safari guide. Sean Savage saw this when he was 14, and other scenes like it when he was growing up in South Africa. His family lived in Johannesburg and spent most of their holidays camping in remote parts of Kruger National Park some 400km east. ‘If my mom saw a baby elephant, the trip was made,’ he recalls. From this early start, Savage was hooked on South Africa’s vast range of animals. He eventually got a job as a field guide and n

2 August 2019

March to a different drum in South Africa. Take a unique insight into South Africa with these slightly unusual travel experiences to help you have a once-in-a-lifetime holiday. When you think of South Africa, what comes to mind? Table Mountain? Sure. Kruger National Park? Definitely. Robben Island and the Apartheid Museum? Of course. Those are all worthwhile sights to check out, but there’s also a different side of South Africa that’s worth exploring. It’s a side that not ma

29 May 2018

The beaches in Barbados are characterised by fine white and golden sands, turquoise waters and idyllic bays. Ranging from natural, untouched beaches to those thrumming with water sports and beach bars, the best beaches in Barbados have something for everyone. The beaches in the south of Barbados are undoubtedly the most visited and popular. Given the fact the capital city of Bridgetown and other beloved resorts are found in the south, coupled with calm waters and wide beaches, this is

29 May 2018

Old world wines (European) offer as much variety as their differing places of provenance. But regardless of their country of origin, they all share one very important attribute. Unlike new world wines, which have been produced in an era when wine is tasted in insolation, old world wines were originally created to be paired with food; where local grape would complement local cuisine. For a wine tasting holiday, why not consider this selection of classic destinations, in Europe and the wider Medi

28 May 2018

CALIFORNIA COOL: Proper Hotel, San Francisco’s hottest new boutique stay It took four years to revive an early 1900s flatiron-style building in San Francisco’s Mid-Market neighbourhood into one of the coolest new luxury boutique hotels in San Francisco. The San Francisco Proper Hotel markets itself as “a collage”, melding together a historic listed building with a “modernist-flavoured” reimagined interior by renowned designer Kelly Wearstler. The hotel, wh

16 February 2018

 "Chef's Table" tours will run in India. Each six-day trip includes luxury car transfers, private culinary walking tour, visit to the local market and a cookery workshop at a locals home, private organic farm experience, visit to the famous spice market, and selection of dining experiences from the different regions of India in addition to a tasting menu at Masala Library.    Delhi has learnt to preserve its cultural history, appreciate distinctiveness and create a

16 February 2018

"Chef's Table" tours will run in Iceland. Each five-day trip has a similar itinerary with luxury car transfers, explore the purity of nature, visits to local farms & villas, geothermal baking experience, beer tasting at a microbrewery, diner at a locals home, cookery workshop, cultural & gastronomic walking tour and a signature dining experience at a secret location.   Iceland is a country of sharp contrasts. A place where fire and ice co-exist. Where dark winters ar

16 February 2018

"Chef's Table" tours will run in France. This four-day trip includes luxury car transfers, a choice of hotels, visit to a local market, cookery workshop, private guided walking tour, wine and local produce tasting, and dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant.  A GASTRONOMIC JOURNEY THROUGH FRANCE Chef's Table France will run in Paris.  Paris is instantly recognizable and one of the world’s best-loved cities. All the best elements of France converge here: leafy bo

16 February 2018

Chefs table tours - Based on one of seven themes, Wonders, Wilderness, Art, Style, Gastronomy, Wellness and Extremes, you can choose from one of our unique and extraordinary holidays. Escape for the weekend or take an around the world trip of a lifetime.  "Chef's Table" tours will run in Argentina. This eight-day trip includes luxury car transfers, a choice of hotels, private culinary walking tour, visit to the local market and a cookery workshop with a gastronomic expert, pr

1 January 2018

Spectacular Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, provides a stunning backdrop to the Chamonix Valley. Known as the ‘Ski Capital of the World’ and situated just over an hour from Geneva, Chamonix is one of the most inspiring and challenging ski destinations on the planet, and a mecca for off-piste skiers and boarders. Snowboarding legend Xavier de la Rue is a regular visitor, scoping out extreme backcountry slopes for Red Bull movies, while record-breaking ultra runner Killian

14 November 2017

FIRST LOOK: The Louvre Abu Dhabi is now open. After ten years in the making, the highly anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi has finally opened its doors to the public. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to become the world’s newest ‘wonder’. Whether you’re into art galleries or not, you can’t help but be awestruck by the jaw-dropping Louvre Abu Dhabi architecture and its one of a kind, beautiful design. Built on reclaimed Saadiyat Island in central Abu Dhabi, the spectacula

14 November 2017

Venice bans giant cruise ships and Venetians are thrilled about it. The Italian government has banned giant cruise ships from sailing into Venice’s Grand Canal in what is a monumental moment for Venetians who love their city. Currently, the giant cruise ships are allowed to sail within a few hundred yards of St Mark’s Square and World Heritage Venice’s historic centre on their way to the lagoon city’s international passenger terminal. Under the new rule due, large shi

14 November 2017

Emirates launch new First Class Suites to raise the uber-luxe seat stakes (again). Emirates have upgraded their Boeing 777/300ER First Class Suites in spectacular fashion to raise the uber-luxe seat stakes yet again. Welcome to the new airline seats that most of us will probably never fly in. Sigh! Emirates new ‘multi-million dollar’ First Class Suites are the latest game changer for aviation, with floor to ceiling sliding doors and design features inspired by the Mercedes-Benz

13 November 2017

Travel back to the 60s in JFK's retro hotel. The Big Apple’s international gateway is hoping to recapture the glamour of aviation’s Jet Age aka the 60s when flight attendants wore stylish uniforms, cocktails were served and consumed any time of the day and travel was apparently faster. Plans are underway to restore the TWA (Trans World Airlines) center in New York and transform it into JFK’s retro hotel. This isn’t just a touch of the 60s guys, this is an all out

6 November 2017

Singapore Airlines' new First Class cabin is so spacious it makes your bedroom look like a closet. Is that a First Class seat or is it an entire cabin? Singapore Airlines has unveiled a new product for its A380 that’s so spacious it’ll make your bedroom look like a closet. The product was unveiled today as part of a four-year development program based around the theme of “Space made personal, experience the difference”. The new cabin offerings provide more spa

6 November 2017

More than just pad Thai:Discover some of Thailand's other culinary masterpieces. Thai cuisine is more than just pad thai, green curries and mango sticky rice – the varied topography of the land is echoed in its culinary spread, with an array of cuisines and recipes to tickle your tastebuds all over the country. And you’d be a total fool not to venture from your usual favourites and be a little adventurous with what you put in your mouth, trying all the different local cuisine

12 October 2017

In search of true happiness : 48 hours in Copenhagen You’ve probably seen the annual reports declaring Denmark the happiest place on earth but can it really be true? We found out in just two days. What does this tiny Scandinavian nation have that we don’t? Day One Breakfast means many things to many people but in Copenhagen, breakfast de rigour must have a pastry in it somewhere! Just try and resist the cinnamon scrolls, fluffy fruity tarts or delicate chocolate treats at Torvehal

11 October 2017

Uluru - 4* Emu Walk Apartments Only 20km from Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort’s Emu Walk Apartments offer the luxury of modern, fully serviced apartments with all the practicalities of home. Emu Walk Apartments offers one and two bedroom self contained apartments making it the perfect choice for families or couples and friends travelling together. Indigenous design elements are showcased throughout the well equipped separate kitchen, living and bedroom interiors. An Indigenous artwork by region

11 October 2017

An elegant sanctuary above a distinctive harbour city One of the most famous sights in the world greets you as you awake from the soothing comforts of your luxurious bed. The stunning Opera House glows a pearlescent white against the blue of the sky and the sea, while the Harbour Bridge stands majestically for all to see. The city is a palette of exuberant colours, all vying for your attention. Such is the spectacle from your room at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney.   You walk the narro

11 October 2017

4* Mantre Bond Street Mantra 2 Bond Street, with its executive apartments and penthouses, gives you great access to all the shops you could want, the financial precincts and of course you're only a short trip away from trendy suburbs like Surry Hills, Bondi and Manly. Take it all in as you overlook the Harbour from the rooftop's heated pool and spa. Perfectly positioned in the heart of Sydney, just 20 minutes from the airport and one minute from the train station, Mantra 2 Bond Street