Thailand & Singapore: Xavier

Where am I – Thailand & Singapore

Destination – Khao Lak, Phuket & Singapore

Duration – Twelve nights

Suitable for – for anyone who desires a combination of both luxurious relaxation and is intrigued by unique cultures! Khao Lak is a very family-friendly resort destination as well!

Khao Lak - JW Marriott Resort & Spa 

Nestled in the pristine beauty of Khao Lak, Thailand, the beachfront JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort offers an array of luxurious facilities and provides a truly indulgent experience for guests seeking relaxation and recreation, located approximately one and a half hours north of the island of Phuket. What I found particularly fascinating is that the resort is home to the longest swimming pool in South-East Asia which extends for 2.5 km, winding around the resort facilities and pool access suites! It features spacious rooms with elegant furnishings and modern amenities where guests can enjoy the spa, a refreshing dip in the expansive pool, or make use of the fitness centre. Many local activities are also on offer for those who would like to explore the Andaman Sea through snorkelling or diving excursions, however, I opted to relax at the resort for the majority of my time in Khao Lak! One of my favourite things was simply enjoying a fresh coconut in the swim-up pool bar! 

I spent 4 nights at this luxurious beach resort with my family in a 2-bedroom pool access suite. Located adjacent to the resort are a selection of a few local beach cafés, as well as options for a local massage which were very relaxing!! We also ventured into the town of Khao Lak to spend some time at the local Bang Niang markets which offered some local street food and shopping, where I indulged in mango sticky rice and smoothies! 

Dining at JW Marriott Khao Lak & Restaurant Highlights 

One of the best features of the resort is the plethora of diverse culinary options. The resort hosts multiple restaurants, each catering to different palates. From local authentic Thai cuisine to international flavours, you can enjoy a delightful gastronomic journey. A highlight was the breakfast buffet which had so many delicious options it was hard to choose! 

Delicious onsite restaurants & cafés: 

Ta-Krai: features the rich aromatic flavours of authentic Thai cuisine offering traditional dishes made from local fresh ingredients — this restaurant was particularly memorable given we were able to observe a traditional Thai dancing performance throughout the dinner. 

Olive: combines fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a menu filled with delectable dishes inspired by the coastal cuisines of Italy and the Mediterranean cuisines. Similarly, the café Sala was a fabulous lunch option offering Mediterranean and delicious food by the pool.  

Sakura Japanese Restaurant: This Japanese restaurant had very unique modern dishes that were unlike others I had seen anywhere else before including unique flavours of maki rolls and other delights which were great sharing plates allowed us to taste the different signature dishes, with a view of the sunset over the Andaman Sea. 

Infinity Pool Bar: provides a refreshing escape for guests seeking light bites and creative cocktails as well. 

Surin Beach — Twinpalms Phuket

After a fabulous and relaxing time in Khao Lak, we headed back to Phuket island for a 4-night stay at Twinpalms in Surin Beach. Surin Beach is nestled on Phuket’s west coast and is known for its pristine sands with crystal clear waters and lush greenery, creating a tranquil yet more urban atmosphere than Khao Lak.  

Located about 100m from Surin Beach, the Twinpalms Resort, a member of the Small Luxury Hotels group, was a fabulous hotel that combined contemporary and local interior design offering an array of fabulous facilities. The resort features a stunning pool area, a massive fitness centre and 2 onsite restaurants called Oriental Spoon and the Wagyu Steak-House, the former of which housed the delicious buffet breakfast with great views over the local bay. During our stay here, we had a massive 2 bedroom duplex with a private pool which was so nice to be able to enjoy the privacy of the hotel. 

One of the great services that the resort offers is daily complimentary fruit platters in the mid-afternoon. Everyone was gathering around the pool bar and the bar with plates of tropical fruits was a small gesture that everyone was loving at the hotel! 

On one of the days at Surin Beach, we decided to explore the beach clubs that are affiliated with the hotel, located only a 15-minute shuttle bus ride away such as the famous Catch Beach Club and Lazy Coconut. They are a great way to enjoy some lovely pizzas while enjoying a vibrant atmosphere with local DJs playing tropical music, while watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea. 

The hotel is located within fairly easy proximity, about 30 minutes, from the Phuket Old Town. The Old Town is known for its famous Sunday Markets which attract many visitors and locals from around the large island of Phuket. i found the old town to be a charming district showcasing Sino-Portuguese architecture. The stunning street of Soi Romanee has been dubbed as one of the prettiest streets in the world. The narrow streets are lined with colourful and well-preserved buildings which host a vibrant mix of cafes, boutiques, art galleries and temples with the market extending through the Thalang Road, captivating with local crafts and cuisine. Given the extent of culinary options, I opted for some delicious gyoza and dumplings at these bustling markets and fresh guava juice out of the plethora of fresh fruit stands. We also visited the well-known Patong Beach which is a bustling town full of nightlife and shopping, however, I would personally avoid staying in Patong and instead opt for some of the nearby towns like Surin Beach. 

Singapore — Clan Hotel

After a fabulous time in Thailand, we caught a flight from Phuket to Singapore, which I was highly anticipating as I had been excited to explore this famous metropolis. I was initially amazed by the sight of the Jewel in the Changi Airport, the iconic waterfall with lush foliage houses inside the airport terminal. It is simply astonishing how such a famous monument can exist inside an airport terminal! 

We then headed to the hotel for our 3 night stay at the new Clan Hotel, by Far East Hospitality, which only opened in lockdown in 2021. This stunning hotel is situated above the Far East Square which features buildings and shops dating back 170 years, located on the prominent Cross Street. The views from the hotel overlook the many skyscrapers and fabulous skyline that Singapore has to offer, inspired by the crossroads of culture and commerce which invites the guests to enjoy the combination of both historical charm and modern luxury. 

The hotel offers a welcoming tea ceremony for guests to enjoy on the day of arrival during their stay with a lovely tea master. We tried the unique Oolong tea and traditional Singaporean pastries which was a great way to engage guests in cultural experiences, so we went back several times throughout the stay to enjoy the tea and pastry in the lobby! The rooftop infinity pool and rooftop gym (located on level 30) overlooked the surrounding skyline and provided a lovely place of retreat to cool off in the heart of the bustling city! 

During my time in Singapore, one of the best experiences was eating at the Lau Pa Sat markets. I highly recommend these markets to anyone visiting Singapore as they offer delicious cheap street food from many cuisines around the world in the heart of Singapore. All the locals and tourists were visiting this bustling food market and we enjoyed a selection of various food including Japanese and Korean food for 2 nights in a row — we ended up going 2 nights in a row given how delicious the food was! I really enjoyed cruising around Chinatown to explore the fascinating markets and diverse cultures of people, architecture and cuisines in Singapore, particularly with all the decorations with the upcoming lunar new year of the Dragon. 

On the first full day, we explored the Marina Bay Area walking past many famous monuments such as the City Hall, Fullerton Hotel, Helix Bridge, and Art & Science Museum on the way to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. I had booked us in for sundowner drinks for late afternoon which allows you to visit the rooftop without having to pay for the entry fee to the swimming pool area — highly recommend! This rooftop offers sweeping 360º views of the entire Singapore skyline. I enjoyed a pizza and an Aperol spritz on the top of the building before we ventured down to The Shoppes Marina Bay Centre which has a luxurious shopping centre with many worldwide brands where I enjoyed doing some shopping.  

Following some shopping, we ventured over in the late afternoon to the Gardens By the Bay where we visited the fascinating Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, some of the world's largest indoor greenhouses with diverse species of flora. The super trees have a fabulous light show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm each night which was great to see and highly recommend for visitors to Singapore, located in the beautiful gardens. 

The second full day was another fun day where we visited Sentosa Island for a delicious açai bowl brunch at the Tanjong Beach Club. I found it so fascinating how Singapore has built the entire Sentosa Island from reclaimed land and made it resemble a natural pre-existing beach town. The beaches there were super lovely with lots of dining options, beach clubs and activities. After a fun morning at Sentosa, we made our way back to enjoy the facilities at the Clan Hotel, before exploring the famous Orchard Road shopping strip for some more shopping and dinner on our last night in Singapore. I was amazed at how many shopping centres there are along this road which was a great way to end our time in Singapore! Overall, Singapore was a place I would love to revisit one day given the extensive options of activities to do in this thriving Metropolitan hub. 

Virgin Voyages: Hugh

Where am I – Virgin Voyages ‘Resilient Lady’

Destination – Burnie, Tasmania

Duration – Two night getaway, Melbourne return

Suitable for – Couples, singles and groups of friends. The ship is adults only (18+), with a strong focus on good food, unique experiences and a vibrant day / to night life.

Highlight – I felt the two night voyage was a great option for anyone new to cruising, and the timing (just pre Christmas) was a fun way to wrap up the year. Sailing from and to Port Melbourne made the whole experience as stress free as can be (I travelled home on the tram, virtually door to door!) And actually journeying out of Port Philip Bay itself was an unexpected treat - we watched the sun going down over the city from the prime vantage point of The Dock House; situated at the rear of deck 7 with an expansive indoor outdoor layout. Once you’re settled, you can order a variety of mezze treats straight to your sunbed as the spray from the ocean occasionally mists over the deck to keep you cool. Perfect!

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – With only two nights to play with, we had our work cut out to visit every single restaurant and bar on board (there are over 20!) but we made a valiant effort!!

Pink Agave (Mexican) was an absolute standout for quality of the food (as good as anything you’d have on land) and the attentive service. I loved the decor of Extra Virgin (Italian), and we had some fabulous aperitivo sitting at their bar pre dinner one night. Would definitely have returned here for a proper sit down meal if we could have secured a reservation. Next time.

The sophisticated surrounds of The Wake (steak & seafood) made for a very glamorous brunch venue. Surprisingly I managed a morsel here (not to mention a morning mimosa), after sneaking in an earlier breakfast at Razzle Dazzle - with it’s outrageous & vibrant decor living up to the name.

We had the obligatory snack pizza at the aptly named Pizza Place. Even managed to squeeze in a few treats in The Galley; Virgin’s version of a buffet, featuring a mix of shops and food-truck-style carts specialising in everything from bento & ramen to burgers & tacos.

Really the only major venue we didn’t at least sample was Gunbae (Korean BBQ), which by all accounts a lot of fun. (*Hot tip, we did pop in here with some takeway breakfast as they opened the restaurant for overflow seating and it was great to get away from the hustle and bustle of the much busier Galley.)

And the only dining disappointment (for our group) was the laboratory-like Test Kitchen; loved the concept, but none of us particularly enjoyed the cuisine.

*You can make dinner reservations (limited to one venue per evening) in advance of your sailing date…and this is highly recommended as they do book out, especially for these shorter sailings. Walk in / waitlist are a possible backup but not guaranteed.

Life on board – With such a large ship, there’s always somewhere new to explore. I particularly enjoyed some of the quirkier design aspects - like the ‘muscle beach’ vibe of the top deck Training Camp. As well as features not found on many (any?) other cruise line; like the barbershop Stubble & Groom, the in house tattoo parlour Squid Ink, and the bookable private karaoke rooms.

Our Sea Terrace (balcony) cabin was compact but very cleverly designed. Heaps of storage and a convertible bed / sofa which was a great bonus when getting together with friends to make multi use of that space. We didn’t really utilise the hammock on the balcony…but I daresay for a long sunny day at sea, this would be the perfect spot to enjoy a good book!

Scenic Eclipse: Hugh

Where am I – on board the 6-star Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse.

Destination – Central America

Duration – Thirteen day “Central American Discovery” voyage from Panama City to Loreto, Mexico. Cruising the Pacific and the Gulf of California.

Suitable for – Couples, singles, groups of friends and family. Anyone with a sense of adventure, and a taste for luxury! Scenic accept children over 12yrs but there’s not a lot on board which would likely engage them.

Highlight – Sunset, Isla Tortugas (Costa Rica.) The staff opened up the back of the ship, set up a floating pontoon and put on an impromptu bar and dj - the absolutely perfect end to a big day; dangling our feet in bathtub warm water, sipping on French champagne and watching the sun go down.

Another unforgettable moment came when sailing the waters off Mexico; we got the call to get on deck, where Discovery Team members were on hand to point out huge pods of dolphins cruising along with us (along with a variety of different whales, including a blue whale sighting - which has been a lifelong dream of mine.)

The wildlife was varied and impressive throughout. I’ve never seen manta rays jovially flipping out of the water (seemingly just for our amusement), or birds diving in to the water to catch flying fish. And can tick both those off the list now!

On our voyage, we visited Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala & Mexico - often areas that are only accessible by boat and remain relatively untouched by mass tourism. What a treat!

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – Would certainly recommend that as soon as you embark (even before you head to your suite) you ask your butler to direct you to the maître d where you will be able to request dinner reservations for your voyage. And after this…head up to the spa to lock in a treatment or two, especially in demand are any days you may have exclusively at sea.

All dining is included at every venue onboard, but reservations are essential for Lumière (French fine dining), Sushi @Koko's (limited to just 18 diners per sitting) and the Night Market @ Koko's (a rotating roster of specialty cuisine, for just 8 guests - we could only get in for one evening, and it was certainly a standout experience!)

Keep an eye on the daily updates as well; for limited capacity activities like yoga, pilates (as well as wine and whisky tastings!)

We didn’t partake; but if the helicopter or submarine are of interest those are also essential to pre book, though you aren’t able to specify a date or time (as those are weather and location dependent)

Suite – We got to indulge in the very luxurious surrounds of our very own Grand Deluxe Verandah Suite (40m2), with two (two!) of our very own butlers on call 24hrs a day to see to our every whim - not that we were at all demanding. They did very kindly ensure our minibar was stocked at all times though with our gin (and tonic) of choice.

Though we were spoilt for choice in terms of dining venues on board, it was also lovely to get breakfast set up on our verandah one morning. And it was super charming to arrive back to our room late one night, Easter Sunday, to find a selection of Swiss chocolate laid out for an in suite Easter egg hunt!

Life on board – The ship caters to a fraction over 200 guests to just under 200 staff. With a guest to staff ratio of nearly 1 to 1 the service levels are naturally very attentive, but also friendly and familiar.

They operate an open bridge policy, so you’re welcome to venture up anytime and have a chat to the captain. They are obviously proud of how technologically impressive the ship is, and how nimbly it handles some challenging conditions - we were very thankful to chat about their oversized stabilizers when we encountered a tiny patch of rough seas!

This openness extends to the expert Discovery Team who are onboard travelling with you and always happy to answer any and all questions you may have. From historians and geologists, to archaeologists and photographers - what a job that must be.

One of my favourite spaces was the Observation Terrace on Deck 5, which opened straight out on to the best section of deck, and offered a tranquil getaway to curl up with a good book. The Lounge Bar was also where you would find us of an evening, working our way diligently through the cocktail list!!

Silversea Arctic Cruise: Cati

Where am I – Arctic Expedition Cruise aboard the Silver Wind, from 30 July to 11 August 2023

Destination – Svalbard (Norway) Greenland & Iceland; a total of 2,033 nautical miles

Duration – Thirteen days

Suitable for – A Silversea Expedition Cruise is suitable for the discerning traveller with an intrepid sense of adventure, and a taste for luxury!

Silver Wind

Crew onboard: 239 | Guest Capacity: 274 | Suites: 149

Refurbished in November 2021, Silver Wind is a luxury Expedition ice-class ship which is small and intimate enough to go where others can't. In addition to the ice-strengthened hull and technology upgrades, Silver Wind received environmental improvements such as new reverse osmosis system for producing potable water, an advanced wastewater treatment plant, new food waste treatment technology, and fuel-saving boilers. A big ducktail was also added on the back of Silver Wind to improve the performance and stability of the vessel. Once the dry dock work was completed, the suites were refurbished, including new walk-in showers, and public spaces were refreshed.

Features:

• 4 Dining options: The Grill, La Terrazza, The Restaurant & La Dame

• Pool Deck

• Fitness Centre

• Panorama Lounge (one of my favourite parts of the ship to while away an afternoon at sea.)

• Zagara Beauty Spa

• Dolce Vita Bar

• & the Observation Library

30 July: Early morning charter flight from Oslo to Longyearbyen.

Weather: High 9°C Low 6°C

Welcome to the Arctic – Spectacular, dramatic, yet desolate scenery. Land of the Midnight Sun.

Svalbard is a deserted archipelago full of other-worldly landscapes, polar bears, walrus, whales, seals, reindeer, foxes, hares and ice. Beyond the vast glaciers, towering mountains and rare wildlife, what makes Svalbard unique is how barren it is.

Once on board, on this first day, we were introduced to our Expedition Leader Iggy Rojas and his Team and informed about what to expect in the days to come.

Cati’s Birthday. What a treat! Spoilt at dinner that night by my fellow companions (7 ladies) and then upon returning to my cabin, I was welcomed with cake, champagne and balloons which had been set up by my Butler and Cabin Steward.

Every night, passengers receive a Daily Chronicle which offers a wealth of information regarding the weather, activities, entertainment, dining options and contacts onboard as well as the Programme for the following day.

Lectures and Information sessions are also telecast to the cabin TV. There was no lack of options for enjoying live entertainment, games, reading, listening to lectures, exercising in the Gym, relaxing in the Wellness centre or, of course, eating and drinking!

As you can imagine, I took full advantage of the Sauna.

31 July: At anchor Ny-London, Svalbard

A lone Polar Bear was spotted in the sparse vegetation along a hill top. We couldn’t move too close to the shore so as not to interfere with the bear in its natural habitat.

Whenever we ventured out in the Zodiacs, we were greeted with a hot toddy (hot chocolate with Baileys, Kahlua, Amarillo, Rum or Whisky) upon our return to the ship…….Yum!

01 August: At anchor Texas Bar, Svarlbard

Texas Bar (no-one knows why it was called Texas Bar) is nestled on the north side of Liefdefjorden, not far from Monacobreen which is a glacier in Haakon V11 Land on Spitzbergen, Svalbard.

02 August: At anchor Julibukta, Svalbard and then later in the day at Lilliehöökbreen, Svalbard.

Evidence of a whale at sea, but I could only see the water spraying out from its blowhole – sadly no breaching.

03 August: At anchor Gaffelbreen, Svalbard and later at Poolepynten, Svalbard

Today, no Zodiacs could go ashore but we spent several hours watching the antics of a young polar bear trying to “socialize” with a group of Walruses.

Despite being enemies, the walruses weren’t perturbed by the presence of this lone bear – safety in numbers undoubtedly.

04 August: A pleasant visit to the Bridge to meet the Captain and some of his Team along with the Hotel CEO who provided an insight into the amazing operations required for providing food and removing waste.

At sea: (choppy & grey) en route to Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

05 August: At sea: en route Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland.

When not going ashore, there was always a great opportunity to attend the talks given by the expert Expedition Team on Flora, Fauna, Geology, History of Arctic Explorers and Local Culture.

06 August: At anchor Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland.

Warmer weather! High 13°C Low 10°C

Here we were able to visit a small Inuit community comprising approx. some 460 inhabitants. It amazes me how these people willingly choose to live in such isolated and desolate locations!!

In bygone times, they would have survived by hunting narwals, seals, polar bears and muskoxen – which they still do today – but tourism is gaining importance.

07 August: Cruising Scoresby Sund Fjord, Greenland and then anchor at Bjørne Øer (Bear islands)

Glorious day!

Scoresby Sund (named after William Scoresby, an English Explore) is the largest and longest fjord system in the world. It’s a labyrinth of islands, fjords and ice.

The area is rich in Arctic wildlife, hosting musk oxen, arctic foxes and a wealth of marine life including whales, belugas, walrus and seals as well as several species of sea birds, including King Eiders, Atlantic Puffins and several species of geese.

Several Puffins were spotted today perched upon the rugged cliffs or riding the waves!

The waters of the fjords are often glassy and calm, save for the vast icebergs which calve off the vast glaciers which drain from the Greenland Ice Sheet into the fjord.

No two mountain views are the same - such is the staggering geological variation.

We ventured out in the Zodiacs passing immense icebergs and even walked out onto an icefloe - “walking on water” 😊

Sunsets at 23:45 – Stunning!

08 August – 09 August: Still cruising Scorseby Sound.

Once again out in Zodiacs to visit an abandoned village. Heaps of bones (and sadly rubbish) to be seen. I spotted an Arctic Hare. Evidently mosquitoes proved to be a problem for some – luckily not me.

10 August: At sea. En route to Reykjavik, Iceland

Pack and prepare for disembarkation.

11 August: Disembarkation Reykjavik.

Silver Wind is a small enough vessel that it could dock at the pier in the centre of Reykjavik.

I spent the day exploring the main part of Reykjavik and the Reykjanes Peninsula. Travelling on a local bus between the Keflavik airport and Reykjavík, there is a striking backdrop of churning seas and expansive lava fields.

It’s well worth exploring off the beaten path in this region to discover its hidden gems and magnificent landscape.

At the time of my visit, Iceland was holding a week-long Gay Pride celebration – hence the streets were painted the colours of the rainbow and even Stewards on Icelandair were wearing rainbow scarves.

I took in the amazing atmosphere whilst partaking some delicious street food (Fish stew served with pumpernickel bread and a glass of local beer – scrumptious! )

What an unforgettable experience I was fortunate enough to have had!

Los Angeles: Hugh

Where am I – the City of Angels!

I’ve always been a fan of LA - what’s not to love; great weather, shops, (a surprising amount of culture) and super food!

Destination – LA

Duration – Five nights (spread between West Hollywood & Venice Beach)

Suitable for – There’s certainly something here for everyone

Highlight – The collection of art on display at the LACMA (LA County Museum of Art) is astounding - and in 2024 it’s set to get even more impressive with a significant expansion project currently underway. Just next door is the Academy Museum, La Brea Tar Pits (and for car enthusiasts, the Petersen Automotive Museum - one of the world's largest automotive museums.)

A highlight of every visit of mine to LA is also the fantastic Getty Center. And this time we also made it up to Runyon Canyon and the Griffith Observatory to join the throng of locals and tourists alike, taking in the amazing views across the whole breadth of the city and getting a little early morning fresh air.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – We had a lot of great food. From elevated Mexican at Gracias Madre, fine Italian at Bacari W. 3rd to some truly great tapas at Teleferic Barcelona (Brentwood.)

One real standout for me though was Downtowns ‘Grand Central Market.’ Especially the handmade pupusas from Sarita's, well worth joining the queue.

Lost in translation moment – Venice Beach boardwalk on a sunny afternoon (any day of the week)…an immersive, uniquely Californian experience. The parade of true neighborhood characters has to be seen to be believed. It’s wonderful!

Insider tip – There are nearly 16 million people claiming Hispanic heritage in the State of California - so you won’t struggle when trying to find authentic, reasonable and delicious Central and South American cuisine. We loved El Carmen in West Hollywood for it’s very buzzy atmosphere (and $13 Margs!)

Though it’s certainly easiest to make the most of your time here with the use of a car, it is possible to get about without one. We were based in West Hollywood and Venice Beach - two locations that are easily explored on foot.

Fun fact – For a city that experiences a fair amount of derogatory comments on it’s lack of culture, it’s actually home to more museums than any city in the U.S, including New York!

PALM COVE: MICHELLE

Where we are: Palm Cove for 3 nights (BRT office getaway!)

This paradise is perfectly situated between Cairns and Port Douglas and is easily accessible from Cairns Airport, only 30mins away. With its relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere, it is the perfect beach side holiday for singles, couples, and families of all ages.

Where we stayed: Alamanda Palm Cove by Lancemore

With views of the golden sand beach fringed with palm trees from the balcony of our 3-bedroom beachfront suite it was G&T time!! Our room was a spacious double story apartment with a full kitchen and plenty of living space to accommodate the whole BRT family for the next 3 nights.

To Do: Palm Cove is an excellent base to further explore Tropical North Queensland with easy access to iconic attractions such as the Great Barrier Reef, Mossman Gorge and beyond to the Daintree Rainforest. Enjoy meandering along the esplanade through local boutiques, wonderful cafes, and restaurants.

Highlight: During our stay we hired a car and drove to Mossman Gorge for the day. Our 2-hour drive to the Rainforest visitor centre was truly scenic as we cruised up the coastline past several small townships. The visitor centre had ample parking and was flooded with visitors as tour buses arrived one after the other. Surprisingly though it did not take long to get our entry tickets and be on our way through the forest breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the peace and tranquillity of this natural wonder.

Fav meal/drink: Palm Cove is dotted with lovely cafes to sit out and people watch. A favourite was breakfast at Chill Café serving up amazing coffee, super fresh juices and an all-day breakfast menu!

Fun fact: Not far from Palm Cove and well worth a visit is the visit the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly flight aviary in the southern hemisphere!!

Next time: So much to see and do up here and with only 2 days we did not even scratch the surface. Next time, must sees include the Kuranda Heritage Market, open every day with stalls offering a wide range of locally produced souvenirs. A trip on the Skyrail cable car to marvel at the lush forest from above and then to catch the train back down and enjoy views of the gorgeous landscape along the way. Also kayaking out to Double Island (Ellis Beach) for a day of snorkelling, beachcombing, and picnics.

Peru: Sian

I spent 2 fabulous weeks exploring the many highlights that Peru has to offer, and it certainly lived up to my high expectations. The colour and culture is evident everywhere, and the diversity of scenery amazed me. We traveled from the Amazon jungle, to the unique and fertile Highlands of the Sacred Valley, before travelling to Lake Titicaca, the Colca Canyon & finishing in the charming desert city of Arequipa. Below are some of my highlights.

Sacred Valley of the incas

The Sacred Valley of the Incas was a highlight for me! Accompanied by amazing scenery, the region really shows off the culture and history that makes Peru so unique. We flew into Cusco, but to help acclimatise to the high altitude we went straight to the sacred valley to spend the following 2 nights at the stunning Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba. We spent a full day sightseeing which included colourful Pisac market and the village of Mismanay where Condor Travel are supporting the local community through education and work opportunities. They provided us with a delicious lunch and we donated some items to their village from Australia.

I love how authentic Peru still is; especially in the Sacred Valley where the distinct colourful clothing is very much part of their culture & not something put on just for tourists enjoyment. This is what really stood out for me - colour and culture in spades!

Insider tip - Altitude and altitude sickness is often a concern for travelers visiting Peru, but there is tablets you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing symptoms. I always recommend avoiding alcohol whilst at high altitude and take some hydralyte sachets with you to put in your water bottle every day. They’re lightweight to pack & works a treat!

machu picchu & cuzco

Unsurprisingly the Unesco listed ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was a huge highlight for me, and exceeded my very high expectations! There is a very popular 4 day Inca trek which you can do to travel to Machu Picchu, but our group took the quicker option of the Vistadome train. Our day started early by catching the train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientas, which is the main town at the base of Machu Picchu. This was a really comfortable service as we traveled alongside the river with some enjoyable scenery in full view from the expansive dome windows. The excitement grew as we then jumped on the bus from Aguas Calyantes; winding up the mountain until we reached the entrance gates to Machu Picchu. The location is really beautiful, surrounded by lush mountains, which adds to the awe-inspiring ancient Inca city. The way that it was built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, makes Machu Picchu an engineering marvel. We spent the morning exploring with our guide before heading on to Cuzco in the afternoon, but we definitely recommend staying overnight at Aguas Calyantes & returning to Machu Picchu at sunrise to really maximise your experience.

The Peruvian government are now capping the number of daily visitors to protect the ancient site.

From Machu Picchu our final stop in the Sacred Valley was the charming city of Cuzco. Cuzco is actually South America’s oldest continuously inhabited city! The city itself is much larger than I expected, but the historic centre is lovely - with charming streets and atmospheric colonial buildings framed by the dramatic Ande’s mountains.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) - You can’t go to Peru without consuming their famous pisco sour cocktails! We did a pisco sour making course in Cuzco which was a lot of fun. Favourite meal was definitely Peruvian fish ceviche. Yum!

arequipa

Arequipa was a surprise highlight for me! The charming city centre is Unesco World Heritage listed and has beautiful baroque buildings made from sillar stone (white volcanic rock), which is what gives the city its nickname ‘White City’. Arequipa is surrounded by 3 volcanoes, the largest of which is El Misti making for a dramatic backdrop to the pretty city. I loved wandering the streets in the pedestrian-only centre, and visiting Santa Catalina Monastery. Not only the monastery a photographers dream with its brightly painted buildings, but it’s arguably one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Peru. Built in 1579, it served as a cloister for Dominican nuns from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, and still houses a small religious community today. I loved getting lost in the brightly coloured streets that link the 3 cloisters.

Insider tip - When shopping for souvenirs; Silver is cheaper in the Sacred Valley/Cusco whilst baby alpaca is cheaper and better quality in Arequipa so you can plan your souvenir shopping accordingly. Also I found the quality & variety better at Aguas Calyentas Market compared with Pisac Market.

Fun fact - Guinea Pig is a delicacy in Peru and they eat it on special occasions such as birthdays. We did give it a try but I found it tricky to eat because there are so many bones. The high altitude provides excellent conditions for growing produce - Peru grows 3,500 varieties of potato and 55 varieties of corn which comes in all colours including yellow, purple, white, and even blue!

Africa: Hugh

Ngorongoro Crater - Tanzania

This collection of photos were shot the morning we descended to the crater floor of Ngorongoro. Up early to catch the first light of day, all disgruntled thoughts about being shaken out of bed quickly dissipated the moment we saw the lions returning home from the hunt & the clouds rolling over the surrounding mountainsides. We weren’t the only people here by any stretch of the imagination but the floor of the crater is massive and it’s very easy to get a little corner seemingly to yourself.

You really get a sense of this being the literal birthplace of humankind (just west of the Crater are the 3.6 million year old Laetoli footprints.) And no time of the day enhances this otherworldly feeling than the very early am.

Okavango Delta - Botswana

Well I could easily fill a whole blog post with pictures and memories from our time in the Delta - one of the best experiences of my life. We were fortunate enough to be based at the incomparable Kadizora Camp; situated in a remote corner of the Northern Okavango, our time here was unforgettable. At such an intimate camp, the wildlife is around every corner (and often found crossing your path on the walk back to tent after sundown.) Both experiences on the water, on a boat and also traditional Mokoro canoe, were highlights. Seeing elephants bathing at dusk, hearing hippos mating in the surrounding bushes and crocodiles slipping in to the water on your approach…amazing!

South Luangwa - Zambia

This was an unexpected delight for me - with zero expectation of what Zambia had to offer, lets just say it blew me away. We were based right on the river side, so our evenings were spent revelling in the sound of numerous (and vocal) hippos gearing up for their night as well as elephants casually walking through camp.

Relatively untouched by mass tourism, you get to revel in a sense of true wilderness here. And also have the opportunity to venture out on a walking safari…which I haven’t been able to partake in anywhere else and have been assured (despite the ever present hyenas) that its perfectly safe to do…memorable at least!

Of all of the wonderful experiences here, I must be honest and say that I didn’t love the night safari (another uncommon thing to do), from the minute we spotted the leopard. Up until that moment it was a thoroughly enjoyable and very unique way to see the wildlife as they geared up to hunt (something you can’t really do in many other parts of Africa, where come sundown it’s back to camp.) Due to the obvious excitement that comes hand in hand with witnessing this rather elusive big cat, came a certain level of (I felt) intrusive spotlight & vehicle action as the poor (injured) leopard tried to evade a pack of lions on the prowl.

Cape Town - South Africa

What a city! Of course, one of the standout experiences was a trip up Table Mountain (note to self, not the most confident when it comes to cable cars - particularly of the revolving kind!! Next time I might opt for the hiking alternative.)

A day out at Robben Island, notorious as the gaol housing Nelson Mandela during apartheid as well as a visit to the District Six Museum, which commemorates the forced movement of 60,000 inhabitants of various races in District Six - were enlightening experiences.

We stayed down on the V&A waterfront which would definitely be recommended. Such a refreshing change to be able to safely get out and explore on foot with no rogue wildlife to be concerned about (except the cute Rock Hyrax/Dassie - much like our Quokka - that inhabit Table Mountain.) We were amazed at the great value fine dining on offer here, and lovely drinking spots by the waterfront.

India: Hugh

Where am I – Rajasthan, India

We spent an extraordinary two weeks travelling around Rajasthan - from Delhi and Agra, to a tiger safari at Ranthambore. A highlight stay in a 16th-century fort surrounded by sand dunes (Khimsar), romantic Udaipur and the iconic cities of Jaipur & Jodphur. We even trekked out to the former medieval trading centre of Jaisalmer, a long day of driving there and back but so worth the experience of this golden citadel in the dunes.

We did this trip independently, with the delightful company of our private driver throughout and local guides at every stop along the way - booked with our longstanding Indian experts and collaborators; Trailblazer TBI.

Highlight - So hard to pinpoint just one, so I’ll narrow it down to three! First up would just have to be our time spent at the Taj Mahal, it’s iconic for a reason. First glimpsed by us from the Mehtab Bagh gardens, directly across the hazy Yamuna River, I was (pleasantly) surprised at how serene and otherworldly the 17th century mausoleum complex feels - despite being very familiar with it from countless photos, books and clients that I have sent there over the years. Finding a quiet spot (not as hard as you would imagine) and just taking it in was a real treat. We took sunset drinks from a shabby local rooftop bar, the Saniya Palace, which had an unforgettable view out across the rooftops of the old town towards the minarets and dome in the near distance. This sticks in my mind all these years later as an unforgettable moment - watching the sun go down and the monkeys scamper across the roofs as the call to prayer echoed all around (nb. they didn’t stock alcohol but were only too happy to dash down and find some refreshing cold beers from somewhere on request.)

Side note; almost as impressive as the Taj (and much less visited) is the so-called ‘Baby Taj’ (Itmad-ud-Daula.) Also situated on the banks of the Yamuna, just 10mins away, this mausoleum was constructed a few years before the Taj itself and is a perfect jewel box of arabesque design.

My next highlight would be the afternoon we spent rambling around the incredible Amer Fort (30mins from Jaipur.) It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site of absolute wonder that brought out the child in me - I loved the rambling ramparts and the sheer overwhelming size of the hilltop fort, perfectly complimented by ornate interiors and gorgeous courtyards and gardens. The history of this residence of the Rajput Maharajas is so intriguing, and I just could not get enough of the complicated tales of their lives (particularly the women) spent behind these walls. Speaking of walls, the Jaipur Wall which criss crosses over the surrounding Aravalli hilltops brought to mind a strong comparison to the Great Wall of China - and was yet another thing to love about our time here.

And of course, as anyone who has spoken to me about India will know, I loved every minute spent in lakeside Udaipur. From our wonderfully atmospheric hotel on the shore of the lake itself, the Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel (definitely recommend a room with a view & dinner on the rooftop to make the most of it’s picturesque location.) To the mighty and impressive City Palace, which conveniently looms large just behind the Jagat Niwas. It’s also a great city for getting out on foot and strolling around the interesting streets filled with boutiques stocking local art, and surprising little temples that crop up at every corner. Nb. the ability to walk independently without being hassled is a rarity in this part of India so it was a pleasant change of pace to be able to get out and explore ourselves.

I also snuck in a couple of hotel inspections here, one of which was to the Taj Lake Palace (perhaps best known these days as the secluded lair of Octopussy, from the 1983 Bond film shot here - more on that to follow.) The moment you step off the hotels private boat as you arrive you are struck by the tranquillity (and beauty) of this gorgeous property, certainly a unique and unforgettable place to stay.

We had a lovely boat trip on Pichola Lake, stopping off at Jagmandir island (home to a 17th century palace) and one evening we dropped in at a funny little bar that was advertising Octopussy showings…we were the only patrons that night but they happily obliged, projecting the movie on to a big screen in the middle of an empty bar, while the family took their evening meal with us.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – We stuck to a veggie diet for the duration and that worked well for us; I never got over the variety of dishes (we even had a “McPaneer” - not a culinary highlight but when in… ‘Rome.’) One of my favourites meals was actually at a rather uninspiring hotel in Agra, Who would have thought?! Any opportunity we could get a meal outside or on a rooftop we of course jumped at. When staying at the atmospheric Khimsar Fort Hotel we were lucky enough to have the walls of the fort all to ourselves as the sun went down and we had a couple of “Kingfisher” beers pre dinner in one of the corner turrets.

Lost in translation moment – Well of course this happened most days! You don’t travel to India to feel like you’re back at home. We had the fabulous assistance of our driver and local guides who were always available to field any queries and iron out any kinks. Not that we encountered anything too dramatic. In fact, I’d say on the whole the entire trip was less confronting & challenging than I had perhaps prepared myself for.

My partner and I usually got mistaken for brothers which was a laugh for us. And tattoos are obviously a bit of an oddity in India as everywhere we went we were swamped by friendly photo requests. I don’t know how many families have a lovely smiling collection of pictures of us, but it would be a lot!

Insider tip – Pack a pair of old socks and have these with you on days when visiting temples and the like, as you’ll be asked to take off your shoes. You’ll need some loose change handy to pay the person looking after the shoes and most monuments etc will charge a nominal amount for a photo fee, so have that ready to go as well.

We did a safari at Ranthambore National Park, on the lookout for the elusive tiger (which we did not spot.) I’d go with reasonable expectations, particularly for those clients that have had the good fortune to visit Africa beforehand, as it’s a very different experience. We had a great time bumping around in an open topped jitney vehicle, trying to spot wildlife and on the prowl of course for a glimpse of one of the big cats. A lot of the fun was in the searching and we weren’t too disappointed not to be lucky enough this time around. An unexpected high here was the Ranthambore Fort in the middle of the NP, this made the day and was like something straight out of the pages of the Jungle Book.

Fun fact – When in Jaipur we would highly recommend an evening at the Raj Mandir movie house, the opulent art moderne theatre is a symbol of the city. We splurged on some (inexpensive) premium seats up in the royal circle; during intermission we had access to a cute little bar area. Great fun watching a Bollywood blockbuster with the huge crowd that shouts and sings along for the entirety.

Tasmania: Hugh

Just before the borders closed and the world went in to covid19 lockdown, I was fortunate enough to spend a long weekend with friends in Tasmania. Exploring Hobart is always fun; we stocked up on local goodies at the Salamanca Markets, enjoyed a gastropub lunch at Tom McHugo's and savoured some delicious dinners at Susie Luck’s (Southeast Asian with a twist) and Pancho Villa (Mexican.)

Hobart gives Melbourne a run for top brunch contender with the likes of Pigeon Hole and the quirky Machine Laundry Cafe. We also sampled a few drinks at Preachers bar, Shambles brewery, the Winston…and In The Hanging Garden; a sprawling ‘cultural’ centre with a massive open air bar at its core.

And of course, to top it off we also spent time at the one of a kind (and sometimes downright bonkers) MONA Museum of New and Old Art - reached by leisurely boat ride along the Derwent.

Three Capes Track

The real reason for our visit - with Hobart as a pleasant bookend - was to venture forth on a multi day hike through the Tasmanian wilderness, embarking on the Three Capes Track; 48 kilometres of cliff-hugging wildness in Australia's far south-east.

I just cannot recommend this experience enough! It packs a scenic punch, offers plenty of solitary moments for quiet contemplation, is a sufficient challenge to be rewarding but remains manageable enough for most levels of fitness. The trail is limited to a max of 48 walkers per day, so you get to know your travelling companions but never feel on top of one another. Oftentimes we had the path to ourselves for hours on end without coming across anyone other than the wildlife.

Even though we undertook the walk during the height of summer, sunshine and clear skies were not guaranteed. Either side of our four days they had endured some unseasonably bad rain yet fortunately (for us) the weather gods were smiling down and we had perfect conditions. Would definitely recommend for the best chance of getting similar weather that this walk be undertaken during the peak months of December through April.

The track itself is maintained to such a high degree that you just could not improve upon anything. Along the way the trail masterminds have created 40 story seats which give a fascinating insight into the diverse flora, fauna and turbulent local history.

And the cabin facilities, basecamp for each night, have been sensitively designed to leave an eco friendly footprint with maximum comfort and all of the modcons you could need; including fabulous kitchen and shared living areas that highlight the surrounding landscape, intimate bunk rooms, and even at one of the cabins a hot shower!

We chose to ‘rough it’ by doing the walk independently, with cabin accommodation at three sites along the way. This does mean carrying your own supplies; all-weather appropriate clothing, meals and snacks to survive for the four days. It’s also possible, for those that crave a few creature comforts (and don’t fancy lugging around their worldly possessions!) to do the walk with upgraded lodge accommodation. This also means that three course evening meals are prepared for you…which sometimes would have been rather nice I won’t lie!

You begin and end your Three Capes adventure at the World Heritage listed Port Arthur convict settlement. This was my first time visiting the compelling site, witness to some major historical and more recent tragic events that have helped shape the spirit of our nation. Entry is included with your track passes and I’d certainly recommend arriving early to spend some time here.

Hawaii: Sian

Where am I – Island hopping in Hawaii

Kauai – known as the garden of Eden island and for good reason. We absolutely loved our time on Kauai for its natural beauty, laid-back vibe and extremely friendly locals. A perfect place to hire a car and explore the natural wonder of Waimea Canyon – known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

Maui – One of the most popular islands in Hawaii, and for good reason. We hired a car and loved driving the road to Hana, known as one of the top scenic drives in the world. Next time we visit we’ll try and tear ourselves out of bed at 2am to watch sunrise at the top of Haleakala volcano. The historic town of Lahaina was great for gift shopping and dining. The rooftop bar/restaurant at Fleetwood’s on Front Street in Lahaiana was really enjoyable for a leisurely lunch or happy hour.

Waikiki – Busy, buzzy Waikiki was a perfect place to finish the holiday for retail therapy and fine dining restaurant options. I enjoyed staying at The Modern Honolulu which was just far enough from busy Waikiki Beach to be relaxing, but close enough that we could walk to restaurants for dinner. We visited Pearl Harbour for our history fix and shopped up a storm at Waikele factory outlets!

Highlight – A helicopter flight in Kauai

90% of the island is inaccessible by car so this was an amazing way to get a bird’s eye view of the beauty of the island and especially the famous Na Pali Coast.

Fav meal – A lot it turns out!

Our favourite fine dining experience was at Senia Restaurant in China Town Honolulu. Their Charred Cabbage signature dish was divine! Highly recommended, as well as The Pig & the Lady Vietnamese restaurant next door.

For food trucks: the fresh banana bread we picked up on the road to Hana drive that was still warm. Acai bowls were always delicious with fresh fruit. We also loved The Fresh Shave shaved ice which was refreshing and packed with delicious flavours – ‘the Chevron’ coconut & lime was my favourite.

Insider tip – There’s a 1 mile trail at Kalalau Lookout (behind the fence on the left when looking out to the ocean) which gives you amazing views down the Na Pali Coast. When sightseeing on Kauai, always head off early in the morning because the clouds start to close-in and rain falls around lunchtime onwards. It can’t be the lush beautiful island that it is without all of the rainfall it receives!!

Fun fact – No building on Kauai can be taller than a palm tree by law.

Greece: Hugh

Where am I – Greek Island hopping!

Starting off with a few nights in surprisingly captivating Athens. True that it’s suffered from the effects of economic and social trouble over the last few years. But we found the city lively, diverse and literally jam packed with fascinating sights around every corner. Not to mention the food!!

We then headed south to Santorini (just as jaw dropping as the photos imply!) Charming Paros. And buzzing Mykonos. All three islands offered something completely different and only gave us more of a desire to head back as soon as possible to check out some of the others!

Destination – Greece

Duration – Two weeks

Suitable for – Absolutely anyone & everyone. Particularly great for couples / honeymooners.

Highlight – Paros all the way. Such a laidback alternative to its bigger, busier neighbours. By day we used the local bus to get around and visit ancient inland villages and out of the way beaches. And at night we ventured out on foot to stroll around the old towns of Parikia and Naoussa; bursting with cute wine bars, traditional Greek restaurants and boutique stores. Atmosphere plus plus plus.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – Must line up and try the Kalamata Pita from Kostas (Athens.) Cheap, cheerful and delish! For a sunset dinner in Santorini try any restaurant in Imerovigli (the best spot on the island to see the sun go down.) We had a very special dinner at La Maison there. And Lola Bar in Mykonos was a lot of fun for a good night out (half the fun was finding it!)

Lost in translation moment – Trying to get on and off the Greek ferries. It is manic and disorganized chaos and you can only give up and go with the flow! Essential to have someone meet you at the pier rather than wait forever and a day for a taxi. A lesson learned the hard way.

Insider tip – If you feel up for a wander, do try the Caldera hike from Fira to Oia (2-5hrs.) A rewarding experience with some incomparable views of the island. Definitely best accomplished first thing in the morning. Grab a well earned bite to eat when you get to Oia, then take the bus back!

Just off the coast of Mykonos, renowned for its nonstop party vibe, you’ll find the island of Delos. This sprawling archaeological site is the mythological birthplace of Apollo and offers hours and hours of easy (and fascinating) rambling opportunities amongst the ruins. The famous lions on display are replicas, head inside the museum to see the originals (from 600BCE.)

Fun fact –Inhabited for over 4,000 years, Athens has operated under every known form of government; monarchy, democracy, socialism, capitalism, even communism.

India: Sian

Where am I: Exotic India
Exploring the chaos and colour of this amazing country whilst being impeccably hosted by Oberoi Hotels and Trail Blazer India.

From the bustling city of Delhi where we explored Old Delhi by Rickshaw, we then caught the train to Agra to see the highlight Taj Mahal. The train was a really local experience as you see so much life at the station – it’s busy, hot, sometimes a tad confronting but I loved it. We then continued to the Pink City of Jaipur where we explored the fairytale grandeur of the Amber Fort & Jaipur’s most-distinctive landmark, the Hawa Mahal which was constructed in 1799 to enable ladies of the royal household to watch the life and processions of the city below.

Our final stop was the very cosmopolitan city of Mumbai where the disparity of wealth was extremely evident; the most expensive residential building in the world is right next to the slums. Mumbai was a bit of a surprise for me and I really enjoyed it.

Highlight – The Taj Mahal has always been on my bucket list and it didn’t disappoint. Staying at the Oberoi Amarvilas Agra which has views of the Taj Mahal from each room made the experience even more special! A couple of surprise highlights were visiting Chand Baori, an ancient stepwell, and taking a tour of the slums in Mumbai.

Fav meal – So many delicious vegetarian curries and I especially loved all of the Naan & Roti breads. Delicious!

Lost in translation moment – certainly a lot of eye-opening moments involving very blasé public toileting.

Insider tip – A sunrise visit to the Taj Mahal is a must! When the temperature is cooler and tourist numbers are much lower, you almost have the place to yourself and should manage to take the odd photo without anyone else in it.

Fun fact – India is the only country with a bill of rights for cows. Cows are believed to be holy in Hinduism, and the Constitution has a set of rules in place that prevents the sale and slaughter of cows. They’re everywhere in India!

Croatia: Hugh

Where am I – Unforgettable Croatia. Checking out the vibrant towns of Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik. As well as the stunning UNESCO listed Plitvice Lakes National Park. And a week spent sailing around and exploring in depth the islands of Vis, Brac, Hvar & Korcula. Every day was just sublime!

Highlight – The atmospheric town of Stari Grad, Hvar. Complete perfection! Full of picturesque winding alleyways, friendly locals & laidback konoba (Croatian taverna.) All wrapped up on an idyllic little harbour far from the madding crowds of Hvar, Split et al.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – Favourite meal would have to be a particularly great Bosnian feast in Dubrovnik at the oddly titled ‘Taj Mahal.’ Runner up would be all the great seafood enjoyed basically everywhere!

We spent many an afternoon sampling some great craft brews. As well as a fair few of the two biggest local beer producers Karlovačko & Ožjusko.

Lost in translation moment – Basically every time we ordered a drink / meal! The service standards are a little different than back home and you’ll frequently find yourself crying out for some attention. They’re not particularly attentive but we quickly discovered the benefit of this; nobody is ever rushing you to finish up and move on, so you’ll have plenty of time to kick back and enjoy watching the world go by.

Insider tip – Be sure to hang out under the Lotrščak Tower in Zagreb at midday. And be ready for a surprise! Climbing up the Bell Tower in the heart of the old town of Split is highly recommended but I would get there first thing to beat the crowds and the heat of the day. And pack some water appropriate footwear as there are a lot of sea urchins hanging around in all the popular swimming spots!

Fun fact – Zlatni Rat is the most famous of all the Croatian beaches. Though it’s known as the ‘Golden Horn’ it’s actually constantly changing shape due to winds, waves and sea currents.

Crystal Crusing Alaska: Ceri

CRYSTAL CRUISE – aboard Crystal Symphony. Tastefully decorated the ship has been kept in perfect order, the overall feel of the ship is timeless elegance without there being too much ‘bling’. Many of the crew had been with the ship since its inaugural sailing and now boasts 3 generations of the same family working on board together. Crew ranged from all nationalities but mainly European and South American. Exceptionally friendly feel to passengers and crew. One elderly lady on her 110th cruise with Crystal!!

Exceptional restaurant outlets – main dining room is the Waterside restaurant which boasts exceptional service with advice given on choices. Sommelier attended each table for advice on wines being served each night. Marketplace buffet restaurant on the 11th floor my pick for breakfast each day with stunning views. The Bistro – deck 6 coffee and cake and a whole lot more open all day for drinks and self serve snacks. Trident Grill open all day for snacks ie hamburgers, chips adjacent to Silk on the Lido deck 11

Speciality restaurants - Silk offering Asian influenced cuisine (my least favourite as felt it was Asian with an American twist) Prego (Italian /Mediterranean influenced) signature mushroom soup served in a bread basket. Churrascaria, this is the marketplace restaurant where at night a buffet with South American influences and fish and meat cooked on skewers and served at each table. Umi Uma amazing Japanese restaurant, most delicious and varied menu. Their Black Skinned Cod signature dish divine!! **On a 7 night cruise guests can enjoy two visits to these restaurants subsequent visits are charged at USD30.00 per person

4 sea days (2 consecutive) passed easily with plenty of onboard activities, interesting lectures, spa activities such as ladies pamper party, movies, Golf lessons, Bridge, Jewellery making classes, Bingo...in fact something for everyone!

JUNEAU– Alaska’s capital city. Established in the Gold Rush the town still resembles this, offering a blend of past and present with narrow streets and wooden buildings. Easily explored on your own. The current Salmon Fishing industry is apparent and arguably the best of Alaska seafood can be enjoyed here. Main street an easy walk with plenty of restaurants and bars to visit for a true Alaskan experience. A new boutique Brewery offers local brew but limits the amount you are able to purchase to 3 drinks per person. Easy walk into centre of town, where it’s easy to book onto a Hop on Hop off Bus for transport around the town with stops at Mendenhall Glacier, and the Salmon Fisheries two highlights not to be missed ( approx. USD50.00 incl National Park entry fee) Good walking track to the Glacier taking approx. 30 minutes

Not to be missed a visit to the Red Dog Saloon and Tracy’s Crab Shack both founded during the Gold Rush and not much has changed since then.

A pre-paid shore excursion I would recommend from here is a visit from here to a Musher Camp – which requires a helicopter ride onto the Glacier. Only here, can you experience an authentic Dog Sledding Camp

SKAGWAY – home of the White Pass scenic Railway. Another Gold Rush Town. Quaint and the historical centre well worth a wander through. The ship docks in town and it’s an easy walk to visit this on your own. Skagway is the home to the oldest brothel in Alaska, museum tours are held here each day. I elected to take the Ship excursion here, Sawtooth Mountain Rainforest Hike, operated by Packer expeditions. Excellent guides who were quite alternative in their approach. Very caring of all abilities within the group. We were met at the port and walked through town to the famous White Pass Railway train where we travelled just two stops (10 minutes) before commencing our hike. The hike of around 3 hours was through beautiful rainforest alongside a fast flowing river - not a loop track but still really enjoyable - water and snacks handed out twice by the guides during the course of the walk which was much appreciated!

GLACIER BAY & HUBARD GLACIER - two consecutive days at sea with the most incredible Glacier sightseeing I’ve experienced. Glacier Bay; sailed into the bay at around 8am and left around 1230 stunning must see inclusion for any Alaska travel. Margerie glacier stunning and still reaching the water where most others have retracted to the point where they no longer reach sea level. Parks and wildlife ranger on board for full commentary. The weather was perfect cold but clear sunny skies – the number of cruise ships allowed in Hubbard Glacier is limited and has to be accompanied by a Ranger. Arrived at Hubbard Glacier at around 11 and stayed in really close proximity until we left at around 1pm amazing!!!!!!! The best yet with the loud crack as some of the glacier cracked away and fell into the sea causing waves and movement of the ice packs that filled the immediate area.

SITKA – ‘Paris of the Pacific’ (formally known) This was easily my favourite Alaskan town – it felt genuine with a real year round population living here – pretty setting with a wonderful natural harbour too small for the cruise ships to dock at. Originally settled by the Russian’s, many of the quaint shops still stock Babushka Dolls and Russian Christmas memorabilia. There is a Russian Orthodox church in the centre of town now also a museum open to the public. The Sitka City tour shore excursion was everyone’s favourite therefore recommended for a good overview and history of the Town

KETCHIKAN – Salmon Capital of the world. When we docked in Ketchikan four other Cruise ships were already in port – the foreshore promenade was a mass of passengers joining their pre-booked shore excursions. Ketchikan is another destination easily explored on your own. Though we didn’t catch sight of any bears here we did see many eagles. I thoroughly enjoyed my self guided walk along the Ketchikan Boardwalk and visited all the buildings now predominantly souvenir shops, took the funicular to the Cape Fox Lodge – a hotel overlooking town, and walked back to the ship after covering the majority of hilly Ketchikan. There is a complementary shuttle bus running on a regular basis from all the tourist spots in town back to the wharf.

PRINCE RUPERT – here I elected to take another organised hike of the Butze Trail, a walk that could easily tackled on your own though the guide provided an interesting insight into the local indigenous population of the Tsimshian Tribe the original settlers of the area. Two ladies on the ship took a taxi from the wharf and then joined us on the hike – a very cost effective way of doing this CAD15.00 each way -rather than paying for the shore excursion. We gave way to being on Bear lookout here, for potentially seeing wolves!

VICTORIA – Vancouver Island. Our last port of call and a destination that has always been on my wish list. I chose to make an independent visit to Butchart Gardens sharing a taxi from the port a journey of approx. 40 minutes at a cost of CAD50.00 – shared by 3 this was a reasonable way to travel to the gardens. Entry to the gardens CAD32.00 – we spent 2 hours here, and this was the minimal time frame – ideally a 3 hour visit should be recommended. Stunning display of flowers and a comparable love story to the Taj Mahal this was built from an old gravel quarry – the before and after photos were really interesting.

Following the gardens we had coffee at the Empress Hotel then spent the afternoon walking along the promenade and exploring the retail outlets in the shopping mall near the harbour. I returned to the port on the wrong shuttle and was taken to the Carnival ship! Crystal shuttle was complimentary I paid CAD 10.00 whoops!

ALASKA lived up to expectations, certainly for scenery and Glacier viewing. The only guaranteed way to see the much promised Black and Brown Bears is to take a flight sightseeing tour, recommended and offered as an excursion from the cruise. Whales and Dolphins followed the ship and were seen in abundance. Otters were only seen in the Vancouver Aquarium. Bald Headed Eagles were seen in most of the destinations.

August was an excellent time to visit as the rivers were bursting with Salmon returning upstream to spawn. Apparently, a month later, there are many dead Salmon floating in the rivers offering more Bear viewing opportunities as they come to fish for these. Good destination for families as plenty of First Nation history together with possible wildlife experiences unique to this part of Canada and Alaska.

Scenic Europe River Cruise: Hugh

BUDAPEST CITY STAY

I spent a couple of days before I joined the cruise exploring this fabulous city. It’s easily and safely traversed on foot, bike or on one of the oldest metro systems in the world. And there is a lot to take in! From it’s humble 4th century origins as an area contested by various tribes on the banks of the Danube to it’s more recent (and undeniably turbulent) 20th century history. It now sits proudly - Buda and Pest united - to form this magnificent ‘Paris of the East.’

I particularly enjoyed walking along the banks of the river where you will come across the ‘Shoes on the Danube Bank’ memorial, a particularly poignant reflection on a tragic moment of the cities Jewish past. It is sited near to the gothic splendour of the Hungarian parliament building, perhaps one of the most photogenic buildings in the world!

As horrifying as it sounds, the ‘House of Terror’ museum was a real highlight for me. The thoughtful and sometimes harrowing exhibits that deal with the fascist and communist past of Budapest are located within a building which at one time housed the secret service of both those regimes. It is also a very beautiful memorial to the people who were incarcerated here.

To get some perspective (and a spot of fresh air) I’d recommend a hike up Gellért Hill, which dominates the city skyline and offers a welcome green respite from the bustle of the city streets.

And a visit to Budapest absolutely must take in one of the many bath complexes, elaborate temples to health and wellbeing that straddle a patchwork of almost 125 thermal springs. I spent time at the sublime Szechenyi Thermal Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe and a meeting spot for what felt like half the city!!

RIVER CRUISE BUDAPEST TO MUNICH

The Scenic Pearl was docked at an enviable position - right across the river from the parliament building. An absolutely unbeatable spot for our first evening, spent lapping up the view over a leisurely and extravagant dinner, the first of many!

The ship boasts a modern, chic fitout (grey palette, lots of stainless steel and glass.) With only 159 passengers onboard (and a staff of 59) it never feels crowded and on day one the service is attentive and personalised without being over the top. Most time is spent divided between the sundeck, the crystal dining room and of course the panorama lounge (where we worked our way through all of the cocktails on the extensive menu.) Not much time was spent in the suite itself though it was spacious enough to while away a few hours on the private outdoor balcony - summoning snacks and drinks to the room courtesy of our ever courteous butler.

Cruise highlights for me were the charming town of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. A memorable day spent at Cesky Krumlov. And of course the extended time we were able to spend in glorious Vienna.

We got to explore the little town of Szentendre, a short distance from Budapest and home of a vibrant artist colony of the last century. Known for its colourful homes and winding cobbled streets it was particularly lovely to get to experience a slice of small town Hungary.

Wending our way along the mighty Danube we came to Vienna the following day. Here we made full use of the ships full complement of (electric) bikes to zip around the city independently. In the evening we were treated to our own private recital of classical music, featuring the likes of Strauss and Mozart, at the fabulously ott Palais Liechtenstein.

One of the finest mornings we spent docked at Durnstein, tucked away at a bend of the river this picturesque village is watched over by the ruins of a 12th century castle. Supposedly this is where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned - found by the wandering minstrel Blondel who travelled from castle to castle in the region, singing up to castle walls in search of the King. The walk up the hill to the ruins was moderately strenuous but definitely best enjoyed first thing before the village comes alive and the streets become crowded.

We enjoyed a fantastic summers day in UNESCO listed Český Krumlov, an almost unbelievably pretty medieval town dominated by the enormous castle complex and made up of a labyrinthine old town which is bound on all sides by a horseshoe bend of the Vltava river. Lots pf atmospheric local restaurants and good old fashioned Czech pubs can be found here, with everyone spilling out on to footpaths and making the most of the lazy river and the European summer sunshine.

We rounded out the week at the university town of Passau which known for its baroque architecture. And yet another immaculately preserved old town, Regensburg. Our visit here happened to coincide with a jazz festival, so the streets were alive with merriment and activity. The perfect end to a balanced week of leisure, exploration and indulgence.

Vanuatu: Michelle

Where am I – Lazing in the South Pacific on beautiful Vanuatu.

Based on the main island of Efate, the main international gateway into Vanuatu for 1 week of adventure into untouched rainforests and lush tropical beaches. Face-to-face encounters with ancient tribes, climbing amazing waterfalls, snorkelling and diving spectacular reefs is all on offer in Vanuatu!

Highlight – Swimming in the bluest water I have ever seen at the Blue Lagoon. Run by a local tribe, a small entry donation gives you all day access to swing off the rope swing into the lagoon to your hearts content.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) – If you’re feeling adventurous there are many opportunities to buy local food from small mobile vendors at the local markets held around Port Villa almost every day. Vanuatu's national dish - Lap Lap consisting of yams and banana soaked in coconut cream creating a paste which is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an earth oven. Lap lap has a pudding-like consistency and we ate it with chicken. We also loved the array of fresh tropical fruits and fresh fish (Poulet) on offer everywhere.

Lost in translation moment – Driving around the island was a little tricky at times. We had hired a car for a few days to get around the whole island to explore but at times found the roads very badly maintained so a little stressful in a hire car. Also locals are not the best drivers and drink driving is very common in Vanuatu (especially on national holidays) so you need to be extremely cautious or avoid driving on these days.

Insider tip – I would definitely recommend pre-organising all your sightseeing prior to arrival into Vanuatu. There is so much to see and being able to spend the day with a local meeting the different tribes as you venture from Waterfall to rainforest is not something you would want to miss. The tours can book out very quickly as cruise ships frequently are in.

Fun fact – They invented bungee jumping! From early April on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, the locals begin to build high wooden towers (around 20 to 30 meters) and until about the end of May, village men and boys dive from these rickety structures with vines attached to their ankles. Nanggol, as the ritual is known, is seen as a precursor to bungee jumping and the country has even sought royalties from modern adventure firms for stealing their tradition!

Destination – Vanuatu

Duration – 1 week

Suitable for – Families with young children will particularly love this destination!

Uluru: Ceri

In June 2019 I chose to take a break from our Victorian winter and travelled to Uluru for 4 days.

The Jetstar direct flight between Melbourne and Ayers Rock, departing at 0945 and taking just 3 hours a convenient and perfectly acceptable airline choice, especially as the Viva Holidays  economy holiday ‘wholesale package airfare’  included, meals and 20kg check in luggage, providing a seamless start to my winter break.

AAT Kings have an enormous presence in the centre, with all flights into Uluru being met by AAT Kings large comfortable coaches for transfer to the Uluru Resort – a purpose built complex of accommodation, restaurants and shops catering to every visitor to the centre.

The transfer takes approx., 10-15 minutes depending on your accommodation, I chose to stay at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel and this is the first accommodation complex as you reach the resort.

I primarily chose this property as having just undergone a refurbishment and the complimentary upgrade to an Uluru view room allowing for clear ‘distant’ views lived up to expectations. The room was spacious and the soft refurbishment evident.

The 1st floor accommodation affording the views, is set in several blocks within the resort and can only be accessed via steps therefore not the correct choice for all clients. These rooms also faced the main access road into the resort which was surprisingly busy not only with coaches but the grey nomad camping brigade – June & July being a peak time to visit!

The Emu Walk apartments is a reasonably priced apartment  complex and perfect for families on a budget, located alongside Desert Gardens. Lost Camel again predominantly apartment style another well priced option here. Outback Pioneer is a more budget style of accommodation and located the furthest from the airport – this property does have a lively bar popular with all visitors and backpackers alike.

Sails in the desert has always been considered the most deluxe accommodation option at the resort – the actual guest rooms were not obviously more superior than Voyages (in fact were smaller) but lift access is available here. The public areas have a definite more deluxe feel and the restaurant outlets offering the most superior menu and wine list catering to the most discerning of guests. 

The better restaurants in all the resort hotels  get booked out – it is advisable to pre-book especially for Sails to avoid disappointment.

Sightseeing

To visit Uluru itself a National Park entry permit must be purchased , at a cost of $25.00 for a consecutive 3 days use – this is an easy online procedure https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru

I chose an AAT Kings  Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset Tour for our first night. We were collected from our accommodation at 1445hrs and taken to the Uluru Kata Tjuta visitor centre for an initial introduction to this historical land. Here the Tjukurpa Tunnel takes the visitor back to the beginning of time with historical documentaries and explanation of the Anangu Law. A visit here ensures a full understanding and respect for the area and the importance and significance to its custodians.

There is also a shop selling original Aboriginal Art pieces and wood carvings – well worth a visit. Following this we were taken by coach and the stories of the various faces of Uluru were fully explained.

A short walk to a picturesque waterhole completed the visit, before being taken to a viewing point away from Uluru where we experienced a stunning sunset over the magnificent rock – together with champagne and canapes a highlight end to the informative evening.

The following morning we participated in another AAT Kings  Sunrise at Kata Tjuta Tour – formally known as the '“Olgas.” Collected at 0610hrs we were taken by coach to the foot hills of the expansive rock formation and to a viewing platform at the western dune where a box breakfast was served while watching the sunrise over Kata Tjuta and also Uluru in the distance. Warm clothing essential as a very cold 4C when we started this tour.

Following sunrise we were then taken to the Valley of the Winds walking trail  - a fabulous 3 hour guided walk – stunning clear sunshine this was a highlight of my trip to the centre.

Our free day we elected to return to Uluru, and hired bicycles to cycle around the base of the rock – a flat easy 9.5 kilometres – I especially enjoyed no tour time restraints.

As last year was the final time visitors were being allowed to climb Uluru, it was especially busy with queues of visitors lining up to conquer this. However after visiting the Tjukurpa Tunnel experience we elected not to participate in the climb in respect for Anangu Law, it also looked quite steep and difficult!

Our final tour again operated by AAT Kings was the ‘Night at the Field of Light’ - a spectacular art installation closely located to Uluru which visitors walk through once night falls .

Prior to the walk – sunset is enjoyed with pre-dinner drinks and canapes giving the opportunity to talk to others and compare ‘Red Centre’ holiday experiences. A delicious 3 course gourmet dinner is then served under a star filled sky on shared tables of 10 accompanied by an interesting talk by an astronomer.

Having visited Uluru in a fairly mainstream way with AAT Kings and certainly appreciate  this AAT product is perfect for many clients, I especially liked the option for using a more boutique operation and SEIT Outback Tours answers this. Most tours are operated by Mercedes Benz 4 wheel drive 11 seater vehicles ensuring a  maximum group of 10 passengers in the group. The pros and cons of various options we can definitely discuss with you and arrange something to suit your specific needs.

Uluru complex itself is a credit to the ownership employing predominately first nation personnel throughout. The Kulata Academy Café is highly recommended for light meals and bakery products. The café operated  by students from Ayers Rock Resort's National Indigenous Training Academy, a terrific concept for their step into hospitality.

All in all a terrific highlight of our Uluru visit.

Japan: Monica

Where am I - Japan (on this trip I was privileged enough to visit Tokyo, Kamakura & Kyoto.)

Such an enormously varied and diverse country; you could visit every year and see and experience something entirely new!

Highlight – Hard to choose between Kyoto (city stay) and Kamakura (beach and hiking trails). In Kamakura loved the hike on the Daibutsu Trail through forest (approx. 2 hours) and Komachi Dori street - the street leading from Kamakura Station, 360 metre long stretch of food, souvenirs, designer clothes, galleries and cafes.

Also, just on the outskirts from Kyoto a must is a visit to Arashiyama. First take train on subway to Kyoto Station and then hop onto the JR Line to Arashyama. About 20 min. Visit the bamboo groves and Tenryuji temple (Zen temple with gorgeous gardens and ponds. Really old weeping cherry blossoms which would look amazing during blossom season.) Just as beautiful is autumn to see the Maple trees. Note: Visit here first thing in the morning to avoid crowds.

Recommendation (fav meal / drink) - Important for coffee lovers, the Arashiyama branch of Kyoto’s artisanal % Arabica chain occupies a superb position overlooking the Hozu-gawa River, just upstream from the Togetsu-kyo Bridge. The coffee is some of the best in the city and the location is great. There’s only a tiny outside sitting area, but that hardly matters when you can just carry your cup to the riverside and enjoy it while watching the boats float by. In case you’re wondering, the name is pronounced ‘Percent Arabica’. There are two other Arabica branches in Kyoto – % Arabica Higashiyama (pass this one on the Kyoto and Lanterns Tour) and % Arabica Fujii Daimaru.

Another food favourite is the Japanese Pancake referred to as Okonomiyaki. Which we sampled at every opportunity!

Lost in translation moment – Every moment provides an iconic “Lost in Translation” opportunity.

Insider tip – In order to try and spot a Geisha or Maiko (trainee Geisha) in Kyoto head to the Gion Kobu district between 5:30 -6pm where they are jumping into waiting vehicles to be taken to nightly engagements.

If looking for a grocery store or food market just head to a train station where they are located under them.

Fun fact - Size wise, fits into the state of California , bursting at the seams with 130 million people.

Chicago: Michelle

Greeted by friendly staff as we checked in to Air New Zealand's newly refurbished lounge prior to our flight we were treated to a range of delicious food and drinks. Coffee promptly delivered after ordering with the ipad self-service system. Sleek design which is open and spacious yet offering enough privacy to unwind before flight.

This design theme continues as we stepped on board our 777-300 wide body aircraft to Auckland. Operating 3 cabins - business, premium economy and economy. Business class set out with the inverted seat pattern to offer every seat an aisle access and fully lie flat seats. I was struck mostly by how much bigger the seats in premium economy were. Leather seats set out in a spacious 2-3-2 configuration provide much more width (19.3 inch) and pitch (41 inch) than I had envisioned.

Transferring through Auckland Airport to our next flight was a breeze and we were soon stepping on board the new Dreamliner to Chicago, Air NZ’s newest direct route. This flight operates 3 times a week with seats available in business, premium economy and economy. Economy also has the added benefit of Air New Zealand's SkyCouch which is well worth the upgrade, especially if you are travelling with kids!

15 hours later we landed in the Windy City (which isn’t windy at all) of Chicago. Our hotel of choice was The Viceroy, located in the upscale neighbourhood known as the Gold Coast. With its stately homes and high rise apartment buildings it proved as a great base to further explore this enigmatic city. The Viceroy Chicago is housed in a 120 year old, art deco building with a rooftop pool & bar offering city skyline and lake Michigan views. Boutique style accommodation provide spacious, well appointed, retro chic décor giving us everything you would expect from a 5 star accommodation.

After a quick nespresso (offered in room amenity) we were ready to hit the town (surprisingly I know after such a long flight!!) We headed to Chicago’s most famous steak house, Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse, known for their larger than life steaks and old school hospitality (all male waiters.) After dinner we continued on to yet another famous location, this time known for its music - Kingston Mines, the largest and oldest operating Blues club in Chicago.

After a refreshing sleep and hearty breakfast at the Pancake House located steps from the hotel, our first day in Chicago started with enjoying the panoramic views of the city from Sky Deck Chicago. Buzzing up the 103 floors in less than 60 seconds you definitely feel on top of the world. If you’re game you can step out onto the “Ledge”, a glassed in platform hanging out over the city skyline of Chicago. A great way to gain a birds eye view of the city and structure a plan on best how to fit everything in!

A stop at the Chicago Theatre we were guided through a building steeped in history on the daily tour operating at midday from the lobby. Next, time for lunch at Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta on the Chicago Loop for Chicago’s famous deep dish pizza. Invented in Chicago this pizza is more like a pie by Australian standards with toppings piling up inches in the deep pan.

Our afternoon was spent on Segways exploring the city with Absolutely Chicago Segway Tours. As a complete Segway novice it didn’t take long to gain confidence with the instruction and pre tour Segway practice with our friendly guide. We then scooted out to explore Grant Park and Buckingham Fountain before buzzing back though Michigan Avenue famous for its outdoor art installations, statues and monuments on our 2 hour tour.

After a much deserved break from too much fun we ventured back to our hotel to get ready for our visit to yet another icon The Green Mill. Heaving with people even on a Thursday night we found ourselves a booth and a couple of drinks to sit back and enjoy the tunes from the 30’s and 40’s jazz era while watching couples of all capabilities dance the night away in what used to be the club of choice for the infamous Al Capone.

To commence our second day we started with a visit to the historic hotel – Palmer House. Built by Potter Palmer for his wife Bertha back in 1871, only to burn down 13 days later and be rebuilt again as the most luxurious hotel of its time. Operating the first ever elevators not only does the hotel boast it’s proud history of architectural feats but also the long stream of past presidents, performers and authors (Oscar Wilde stayed here). A timeless hotel with the walls adorned with original paintings from Monet (Bertha and he were friends) it definitely has the wow factor to impress as you enter the lobby with the most amazing ceiling fresco. Rooms (all 1641 of them) are well appointed and offer a glimpse into the past while giving the guest all the modern conveniences they are accustomed to.

To continue on with the art them of the day we walked to the nearby Art Institute of Chicago, passing past the Historic Route 66 Sign for a quick phot opportunity. Across the road we entered and were greeted by our guide for our tour of one of the oldest and largest art museums in the USA. Soaking up all the information our guide was divulging upon us we visited the institutes American art wing, modern & contemporary wing & impressionist wing. A full day could easily be spent here and highly recommend the Public Tour. Alternatively you can do a self-guided tour with headsets available to give you the insight into the numerous masterpieces curated by the gallery.

Moving on from the Art Institute we spent the afternoon on our free Chicago Greeter Tour of Millennium Park. By registering at least 10 days prior (they are busy), Greeter visits as they are known are operated by enthusiastic volunteers and totally customisable on what part of Chicago you most want to see. With our Tour of Millennium Park our Greeter first met us in the Chicago Cultural Centre to show us it’s two beautiful stained glass domes before stepping across the road the Millennium Park. The park hosts free music events in the summer of an evening along with open air cinemas. Filled with all sorts of gatherings it is a lively town square with a difference. The most notable of attractions here is the Cloud Gate structure affectionately called “The Bean” by locals. The sculpture reflects the skyline of Chicago in its mirrored appearance while visitors try to get the best selfie picture.

Another night, another show to attend. This city really doesn’t sleep with all the clubs, bars, music venues, theatre performances (Broadway shows have their pre performances here) there is so much to see and do! We went to a late night improv show (starting at 11pm) at the Second City. Having never attended an improv show before I was totally in hysterics during the 60 minutes of witty humour and highly recommend.

Day three was focusing primarily on Chicago’s architecture. A quick trip up to another observation tower, this time 360 Chicago and Tilt. Instead of standing on a glass platform at height over Chicago to get your kicks you can tilt outward from the John Hancock building, 1000ft over Magnificent Mile!

Chicago is a city of firsts and you soon learn how it’s history has shaped how most of our cities operate today. With its uplifting architecture you soon realize why it is regarded as “the most beautiful city in the world” as it is absolutely astounding! To experience the history and appreciate all these man made beauties we set out on the Chicago Foundation’s Architectural River Cruise. Named in the top 10 tours of the USA this was a definite highlight to my time in Chicago. The 75 minute cruise along the Chicago River educates you on the history of Chicago and how it was rebuilt after the Chicago fires. Our expert guide informed us on the varied architectural wonders as we wound our way down the river. Noting that the first high rise was designed by a native Chicagoan after the fires with its steel frame, buildings from here on could only go up as you gaze in wonderment at so many unique and beautiful buildings.

To finish off our day we geared up our tastebuds to discover a local foodie paradise in Chicago’s West Loop on the Chicago Food Planet’s – Gateway to the West Loop Food Tour. With its chequered history this neighbourhood is now well known as the hottest place in cuisine and also the home of Facebook, Google and where Harpo Studios (Opera) used to be based. Offering a great insight into the neighbourhood (used to be a rough meatpacking district) our guide introduced us to some of the best restaurants and food I have experienced. Catering for palates the West Loop is definitely the place to go for foodies. If you don’t do the Food Tour I really recommend venturing here as it houses the best restaurants in Chicago.

Restaurants recommended are;

Bonci Pizza - Rome-based Italian import selling scissor-cut slices featuring distinctive toppings, sold by weight.

161 N Sangamon St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Kuma's Corner - Owners Mike and Rick combined three of their favorite things: burgers, beer and metal. Their ethos is simple: Support Your Community. Eat Beef. Band Your Head.

852 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Nonna's & Formento's - Owner John Ross and Executive Chef Todd Stein bring a sense of warmth, family and unforgettable food that is reminiscent of Sunday family dinners at Ross' grandma's house.

925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

Cemitas Puebla- Family owned restaurant specializing in traditional Poblano foods, using recipes that can be traced back to Tony Anteliz’s family in Puebla, Mexico

817 W Fulton Market

While in town your stay wouldn’t be complete without seeing either a hockey or basketball game. We watched the Chicago Bulls play at the United Centre for a great sporting experience filled with entertainment and what you would expect from a sporting arena.

For our last day in Chicago we were treated to a unique gospel experience at the House of Blues. The Gospel brunch included local talent performing both traditional and contemporary songs. Before and during the show there is the endless buffet of food and complimentary mimosas! Don’t miss the signature chicken and waffles which are more delicious than you would expect. Dance it all off as you wave your napkins in the air throughout the highly energetic and engaging performance.

Overall the time spent in Chicago was a whirlwind and you could easily spend 4-5 days here whether it be connecting through to another destination or as a stay in its own right. The easy accessibility with the direct flight on Air New Zealand will increase numbers to this fabulous city as word gets out on how truly special it is.