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Sunday, September 21, 2014

Settling in nicely ... at stunning Dormy House, Broadway

Just had lunch in the Potting Shed... delightful, as is the whole hotel. The Cotswolds' Dormy House recently re-opened after extensive refurbishment, with a fabulous spa. Take a look ...












Sunday, July 27, 2014

Sundowner at Elie, Scotland

Elie, Fife, Scotland ©Alison Plummer
Writing about travels in Scotland  – time out in Elie is a joy! Lovely holiday rental cottages, cafes, delis, and everyone's favourite, The Ship, a great harbourside pub ...

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Sunsail celebrates forty years

www.sunsail.com.au
Whether you prefer walking the ancient walls of Dubrovnik, lazing on the white sand beaches of St Lucia, or observing the Temple of Poseidon perched above the Saronic Gulf, we’re certain you’ll find something to inspire your next sailing adventure.


Sunsail offers a wide choice of sailing holidays with over 800 yachts in 27 locations.















For more information on sailing holidays, visit www.sunsail.com.au <http://www.sunsail.com.au>   or speak with a member of the Sunsail Team on 1800 803 988



www.leboat.com.au

Le Boat
Le Boat is proud to be Europe’s No.1 boating holiday specialist, offering a fantastic selection of self-drive cruising itineraries along Europe’s beautiful rivers, canals and lakes.

The long March to October cruising season ensures plenty of sunny days to enjoy the unique history, culture and heritage of your cruising region. Lie back and relax or step ashore to explore the remote hilltop villages, world-renowned vineyards, ancient castles and country markets that line the route.

From couples to parties of 12, we have the biggest and most modern fleet in Europe that can cater to all tastes and budgets – and best of all, on nearly all routes no boating experience is necessary as we give hands-on boat and route briefings before you set off.

From the Shannon in Ireland, through France's Canal du Midi, all the way to the Masurian Lakes in Poland, discover a different side to Europe on your next holiday with Le Boat.



Thursday, July 17, 2014

Escape to Cambodia with Raffles Hotels & Resorts



Raffles Grand Hotel d'Ankor, Siem Reap
les Hotels & Resorts
SPECIAL 25% OFF WITH BED AND BREAKFAST AND GUARANTEED UPGRADE IN PHNOM PENH & SIEM REAP UNTIL 31 OCTOBER 2014 
July 2

Cambodia a destination with awe-inspiring temples, an ancient culture and fascinating stories to tell, delicious cuisine and beautiful scenery is the perfect choice for a relaxing getaway. Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh and Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor in Siem Reap are two luxury hotels synonymous with the destination. Both have recently won TripAdvisors Travellers Choice Awards for hotels with exceptional service in Cambodia.


New for winter 2014 is the Charm of  Siem Reap and the Charm of Phnom Penh which includes:
Guaranteed late check out until 6pm
25% discount in the hotels bars and restaurants
Stay 3 nights and enjoy a complimentary 50 minute Khmer traditional massage or a complimentary lunch at Cafe dAngkor for two people at Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor or a complimentary lunch for two people ar Restaurant Le Royal at Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Valid for new bookings until 31 October 2014


Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor is the place to stay in Siem Reap as it has the best location in town - overlooking the Royal Gardens and opposite the Royal Palace. It is only a short distance from Angkor Wat - the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire and its astonishing temples.  Back at the hotel, take a dip in Cambodias largest swimming pool  inspired both in design and size by the ancient bathing pools of the Khmer Kings in Angkor, and enjoy a traditional performance of Khmer dances and martial art on the Apsara Terrace.



Raffles Hotel Le Royal dates back to 1929 and is one of the best addresses in Phnom Penh. An elegant French colonial building, it is an excellent base from where to explore this fascinating and colourful city. At Raffles, relax by the swimming pool surrounded by lush gardens and dine at Restaurant Le Royal with is fine-dining French and Khmer cuisine or at the à la carte Café Monivong with its Asian and European dishes.



Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh

For bookings for Raffles Hotel Le Royal, please call +855 23 981 888 or email bookus.phnompenh@raffles.com and for bookings for Raffles Grand Hotel dAngkor, please call +855 63 963 888 or email bookus.siemreap@raffles.com. For further information, visit www.raffles.com



For further information or to book visit



Raffles Dubai Ranked Number One on Tripadvisor.com

The prestigious Raffles Dubai takes on the coveted number one position on the renowned travelling site TripAdvisor.com, competing with 472 hotels in Dubai. Categorized as a landmark property, Raffles Dubai has gained vast recognition within the local as well as the international market due to its great guest dedication and service standards.










Friday, June 13, 2014

Pop to popism, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Summer 2014




Roy Lichtenstein In the car 1963 
Oil and magna on canvas, 172 × 203.5 cm, Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, purchased 1980 © Roy Lichtenstein Foundation. Licensed by Viscopy, Sydney


Martin Sharp  Still Life: (Marilyn) 1973
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, 117 x 91.5 cm National Gallery of Australia
© Estate of Martin Sharp







Pop to popism

1 Nov 2014 – 1 Mar 2015
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney



The most extensive exhibition of pop art to be showcased in Australia, Pop to popism will be presented at the Art Gallery of New South Wales as part of the 2014-15 Sydney International Art Series. 

The Sydney International Art Series, which is managed by the Governments tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, is now in its sixth year and continues to be a signature event on the Sydney and NSW Major Events calendar.

Art Gallery of NSW Director, Dr Michael Brand said: 'Pop to popism is among the most expansive and ambitious exhibitions ever undertaken by the Gallery and will consume an entire floor with over 200 works on display by 70 artists including Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Martin Sharp and Brett Whiteley.

This will be the most comprehensive survey of pop art to be seen in Australia and reflects the decisive role played by pop in the development of contemporary art, Dr Brand said.

The exhibition will present Australian pop artists alongside their international peers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe and extends beyond the period of classic pop art into the eighties, giving audiences an insight into pops enduring legacy both here and abroad, he said. 

Pop art was defined as popular, witty, sexy, gimmicky and glamorous. The movement exploded in the 1950s and 60s, exploring the pop culture world of advertising, film, television, music and mass-produced consumer goods. It irrevocably broke down the boundaries between high culture and popular taste, changing art forever. 

The exhibition explores both classic pop art and the new wave of artists in the 1970s and 80s who built on the legacy of classic pop to both celebrate and critique consumer culture. These artists include Jeff Koons, Howard Arkley, Cindy Sherman, Richard Prince and Tracey Moffatt.

The works featured in Pop to popism have come from 35 lenders around the world and include such icons as Andy Warhols Triple Elvis 1963, Roy Lichtensteins In the car 1963 and his first ever comic book painting Look Mickey 1961, David Hockneys Portrait of an artist 1972, Robert Indianas Love cross 1968 and Howard Arkleys Triple fronted 1987.

'Pop to popism is a fine example of the Governments commitment to generating world-class exhibitions exclusively for Sydney, said Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Andrew Stoner.

'The Sydney International Art Series has attracted more than 1 million visitors to our exceptional art museums, the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia, since its inception.

'In addition to enriching the cultural fabric of the city, the Sydney International Art Series has delivered more than $80 million in visitor spend to the NSW economy with about 100,000 interstate and overseas visitors coming to Sydney specifically to see the exhibitions, he said.

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the Sydney International Art Series continues to be a major drawcard for visitors to Sydney during summer.

'The Sydney International Art Series is just one of the wonderful events the NSW Government supports through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Our city hosts a spectacular summer season of events and celebrations, so its fantastic time to visit Sydney and take in some excellent exhibitions, Ms Chipchase said.

Pop to popism will run from 1 November 2014 to 1 March 2015 at the Art Gallery of NSW, and will be shown in conjunction with Chuck Close prints: process and collaboration at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia from 19 November 2014 to 9 March 2015, as part of the Sydney International Art Series.


1 Nov 2014 1 Mar 2015
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney

Saturday, May 31, 2014

Aqua Expeditions Appoints David Thompson Executive Chef Aqua Mekong




Aqua Expeditions has announced the appointment of celebrated Australian culinary identity and Michelin-starred Chef, David Thompson as Executive Chef of the Aqua Mekong river cruise ship scheduled to launch on 30 September 2014.

Aqua Expeditions was the first adventure travel company to introduce 5-star luxury cruises to the Amazon River in Peru on Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon.

Aqua Mekong will be the cruise operator’s first vessel in Asia, taking guests on a journey on the Mekong River, between Cambodia and Vietnam on a 7-Night Expedition Cruise, 4-Night Explorer Cruise and 3-Night Discovery Cruise.



David Thompson gained an outstanding reputation for innovation and creativity in cuisine excellence in Australia starting with Sydney restaurant, Darley Street Thai, which he opened in 1991 and was voted Best Thai Restaurant for eight consecutive years in The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide, before going on to continued success with Sailors’ Thai in Sydney’s The Rocks, opened in 1995.

Next came Nahm London where, in 2002, Thompson secured the first-ever Michelin star awarded for Thai cuisine. Two years later, he moved to Bangkok and opened the renowned Nahm Bangkok, recognised in 2012 and 2013 among the 'World's 50 Best Restaurants' by Restaurant Magazine UK.

Aqua Expeditions CEO and Founder, Francesco Galli Zugaro said, in announcing David Thompson’s appointment, he was “determined to identify the very best and most creative Chef in the region for my second river destination,” to continue the acclaimed culinary excellence being achieved by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, Executive Chef of Aqua Amazon and Aria Amazon.

 "As Asia's top ranked chef on 'San Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants,' David is the perfect fit for the exclusive Aqua Mekong, because his unique culinary experience and first-hand knowledge of Asian ingredients and palates will enable us to provide guests with the authentic experience they expect from an Aqua Expeditions cruise,” Francesco Galli Zugaro said.

With a reputation for first-class cuisine influenced by Southeast Asia, Thompson will create an exclusive menu for Aqua Mekong guests, combining the culinary traditions of Mekong River culture with the freshest local ingredients plucked from the markets of Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

"Working with Aqua Mekong will be an exciting challenge and the food will be based on the cooking of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the countries which depend on the Mekong River,” David Thompson said.

“I look forward to setting sail."

The 3-Night Discovery Cruise is priced from US$3000 per person twin share including:
Suite accommodation
All meals while onboard Aqua Mekong
All excursions
Beverages (non-alcoholic, house wine and beer)
Transfers to/from vessel and meeting points in Saigon and Siem Reap
Entrance fees en route
Internet wireless
For further information and reservations, call 1800 243 152 (Toll Free) or visit www.aquaexpeditions.com




Source: Press Release