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How do you remake a landmark without compromising its essence? The new Ritz Paris pulls it off in rare style, writes Susan Skelly. Arriving at the Ritz Paris is like turning up at a private mansion for a soirée you’ve spent weeks anticipating: a high-wattage welcome, a spritz of joie de vivre, a sense of…
A discerning clientele expects the best wines money can buy. And many of these are in the VIP cellars at Crown Towers Melbourne, reports Susan Skelly. A kid in a lolly shop has nothing on Chris Crawford, Crown Melbourne’s General Manager Beverage, in his wine vault. Hidden behind a door of latticed steel, this is an Aladdin’s…
New Zealand bridges the great divide between ancient geography and modern gastronomy. Gliding through New Zealand’s majestic Milford Sound is the awe-inspiring highlight of a leisurely trans-Tasman cruise On a Sunday night against the electric 21st-century backdrop of Sydney, the MS Noordam is escorted out of Sydney Harbour by a flock of unruly seagulls, bound for…
Laucala Island, Fiji’s most luxurious tropical island escape, is rolling out the red carpet in readiness for a re-opening, in the wake of Cyclone Winston. If anyone needed an energy drink in recent months it was the glamorous South Pacific island of Laucala, the private paradise on the northern fringe of the Fijian archipelago, introduced…
Why Melbourne brings out the fashionista, foodie and culture vulture in all of us… The plan for Excess All Areas’ visit to Melbourne this month was simple: there was no plan. Hop on a plane and let fate dictate for 48 hours. Here’s what was especially rewarding about a guerrilla hit on Victoria’s capital… 1….
How do you mend a broken heart? If you are Wendy Whiteley you find solace in nature and a shovel. How often is it that overseas visitors tip the locals off about treasures right on their doorstep? That happened this week as German friends enthused about the “secret garden” Wendy Whiteley has spent two decades…
24 hours in Bangkok: how to spend them? Try a mash-up of road, river, retail and rooftops In Bangkok you need to hit the ground running. There’s no time to waste. Metropolitan by Como sends a car to meet the late afternoon flight from Sydney to Suvarnabhumi Airport for speedy luxe transport to the check-in…
Why afternoon tea might still be the best chill pill going The Ritz London rolled into Sydney this week, ahead of a national roadshow, with a reminder of just how perfect afternoon tea can be. Flagging the iconic hotel’s 110th birthday celebrations – and a northern summer season of packages that incorporate Ascot, Wimbledon, Highclere Castle…
The 11th generation of the famous glassmaking family, Maximilian Riedel is already known for introducing stemless wineglasses. Now he is dispensing with the champagne flute. Maximilian Riedel is contemplating a topic close to his heart: shape. It’s a conversation that roams across eggs, flowers, women, chairs – as well as the wineglasses his family is…
The Port City is the perfect pit stop for those who like food, fun and sun. Susan Skelly had it on her radar when in WA recently. Here’s her hit list. Where to eat & drink in Fremantle Bread in Common 43 Pakenham Street This bakery, cafe and wine bar epitomises the West’s new food culture….