Browse the latest travel places review in Asia, Europe, Africa and America
Dazzling dining views at Harbour Bar and Kitchen, Park Hyatt Sydney, Australia
Harbour Bar and Kitchen Restaurant at the Park Hyatt Hotel in Sydney, Australia, gives you dazzling, iconic waterfront views, perfect for sunset dining. Watch a sky change colour against magical architecture of the Sydney Opera House, as city night lights switch on and dusk falls. Park Hyatt's Harbour Bar and Kitchen is the perfect Sydney setting to enjoy fine food.
Located directly across from the Sydney Opera House, under Sydney's Harbour Bridge in the Rocks, Park Hyatt's Harbour Kitchen & Bar is open for lunch or dinner. Serving tantalizing, internationally-inspired, Australian cuisine from a wood-fired oven, rotisserie and char grill.
Perfectly positioned where boardwalk meets ocean, this is your opportunity to soak in a beautiful atmosphere while enjoying preliminary cocktails at the bar. People-watching here is fascinating; romantic strollers pass by, business walkers-and-talkers relax, tourists marvel at such amazing views along the boardwalk - why not arrive early and enjoy a walk yourself?
In the bar you can enjoy a martini, cocktail or boutique beer in classic elegance - a chic interior by creative designer, Tony Chi. Floor-to-ceiling windows showing off a most iconic Sydney view creates a light and airy ambience, complemented with jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.
Moving into the restaurant area of Harbour Bar and Kitchen doesn't mean you forgo the harbour view and Opera House. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows blissfully continue into the eatery! All the worries of the world fade away as you succumb to a luxurious first class dining service. Your friendly wait-staff lay napkins upon laps, as you choose from an exquisite seasonal menu.
The tantalizing dishes have been carefully engineered by Executive Chef, Andrew Mckee, hailing from Park Hyatt Asia fame. I recommend an entrée of summer pork terrine - as much for the artistic colour and presentation, as for the exquisite taste. Mains offered are such delicious dishes as wood-roasted barramundi, Tasmanian wilderness beef short rib, or Byron Bay Kurobuta pork. While seated at your water-facing table, glance behind to watch the Chef and his kitchen staff prepare their amazing cuisine in the open-plan kitchen. Or glance ahead to gaze at water sparkling views - what a choice!
The sommelier is at hand to recommend complementing wine from an extensive walk-in cellar of imported and local wines. Offering expertise from his French homeland, the sommelier's wealth of knowledge is astounding. The Pastry Chef, Fabien Berteau, has designed a fine dessert selection for your heavenly pleasure. I tried the Black Forest dessert consisting of 70% Valrhona organic chocolate topped with kirsch flavoured cream - yes, this incredible dessert comes thoroughly recommended by me.
Don't miss the present weekday lunch offer. Including main meal, glass of wine, dining service of luxury and divine views, plus valet parking - for $AU39.
Harbour Bar and Kitchen, Park Hyatt Sydney, is the perfect Sydney dining experience, a special dining encounter you won't want others to know about. But now you do. Enjoy...
Modern Japanese cuisine with shochu or cocktails is a fine art at Tokonoma Japanese Restaurant and Bar in Surry Hills.
One of the only Sydneybars to serve Japan's native shochu-based drinks, the trendy and ambient Tokonoma Bar and Restaurantalso offers amazing Japanese-styleseafood.Here, a unique contemporary dining experience awaits you.
Tokonoma Bar and Restaurant is conveniently located amidst central Sydney in the trendy hub of downtown Surry Hills. This is where Sydney's beautiful people frequent for after-work drinks and weekend catch-ups - and with flattering low-lit gold tungsten lighting we're all beautiful people, darling! As the venue of choice for events by glossy magazines GQ and Vogue, local celeb spotting is possible. Aussie starlet Ruby Rose lists Tokonoma amongst her favourite eateries, and if Madonna came to Sydney, London's trendy Zuma would surely be in danger of second place on her business lunchtime list.
Sydney's Tokonoma Bar and Restaurantis definitely a dining nightspot of the times. Certain anonymity is granted with their trendy high booths so grab one if you can - then feel like you've reserved your own private dining room complete with a private bar. Enhancing your dining pleasure is smooth timber-lined decor, house DJ designed music, cocktails infused with fruits-of-the-world and, of course, beautiful waiting staff to help with your dining selection.
With divine cocktails, good food, and conversation flowing, the rest of the room is soon forgotten. For a more traditional buzzing atmosphere there is also a table dining area. Waiting staff are exceptionally fun and friendly, and impressively informed about the Japanese menu. The menu lists items from a selection of the bars within Tokonoma, and Toko, the sister bar and restaurant next door.
Drink: Very new to Sydney, and what Tokonoma proudly pours best in the city, is the native Japanese shochus and tonics. I'm talking antioxidant aplenty and no calories. Try the blood orange and honey tonic, otherwise known as pure heavenly liquid bliss on rocks of ice. Or for something fun from the bar, try a Rabuba martini with a divine infusion of rhubarb and passion fruit cocktail - your taste buds will thank you.
Eat: The Tokonoma dining menu highlights fine selections from the sushi bar, robata grill, the signature tasting menu, and outlines meat and seafood dishes aplenty.
Many Sydneysiders recommended I try the dish called ‘hiramasa no sashimi to karikari buta' which translates as ‘kingfish sashimi drenched in truffle oil, feathered with fine pork belly crackling, and baby shiso', which translates as ‘extremely worth trying'.
The Japanese miso marinated black cod is a favourite dish of mine, and Tokonoma's ‘hata no saikyo-miso yaki' certainly lived up to my hopeful expectations. Ever so blackened and perfectly crisp on top, the succulent flesh of white codfishmade my mouth water on sight alone.
A red meat selection called ‘Ami yaki ro-su niku no wafu sauce' is a great dish to try, presenting as petite cubes of juicy scotch fillet steak soaked in glorious wafu sauce and garnished with garlic crisps.
The dessert list shows creative twists on the usual offerings of brulee, pudding and fondant. How can one not try a pear and white chocolate spring roll accompanied with sesame brittle and pear sorbet? It's easily washed down with a fine dessert wine.
A visit to Splash Day Spa on Australia's Gold Coast is a purely indulgent way to escape a bustling world; immersing yourself for a few hours in a cosy, underground oasis. Below Surfers Paradise, you can let your body and mind be restored...
There are two entrances to Splash; one is off the mall of Chevron Renaissance, and the other (is the entrance I prefer,) hidden lower than street level, so you feel like you're entering a secluded and sacred den - exclusive to those ‘in the know.'
Walking into the reception, complete with sparkling chandelier, a premonition of glamorous pampering is definitely hard to avoid. Infamous Dermalogica products adorn the walls and a friendly receptionist offers a large comfy lounge area to rest in, followed by a tour of the Spa. Grant Robinson, who runs the spa, has recently returned from Dubai (home of the 5 star Spa experience) - an influence that is noticeable when glancing around the Spa in the luxurious detailing throughout the dimly lit bathhouse. The Spa boasts temperature plunge pools, massage-jet hydrotherapy pools, large steam rooms and sauna, pampering rooms for massage and facials, and a lounge bar with complimentary tea and healthy nibbles, if you fancy. Beauty treatments and enhancements are on offer in the Splash clinic. The change rooms are equipped with everything a 5 star hotel Spa would provide - gown, slippers, chilled lemon water for the day and preparation products to help you return to the real world later, like hair dryer and products.
I arrived early and spent some time rejuvenating in the heat and weightlessness of a 38 degree pool, (fyi official relaxation temperature) and sauna. I held my breath and attempted the cold pool in between, for the circulation health benefits from rapid temperature change- it's a definite pick-me-up.
Time passed too quickly and I was called for my renewing facial. Led into a facial room, resting upon comfortably cushioned table, and listening to the soothing sounds of trendy Norah Jones, the therapist embarked on 55 minutes of face therapy. Dermalogica products cleansed me, and micro-exfoliated my skin. Any pain from extractions was forgotten with a flowing neck and shoulder massage using oil-free massage balm. A hand massage (you get to choose hand or feet) took away my tension, and a multi vitamin power mask worked it's magic while a heavenly head massage finished the treatment - much to the opposition of my mind and body which could have stayed in the blissful facial trance forever....
My verdict: If Surfers Paradise is party city central, then Splash Day Spa is definitely where I'd take myself to rest the next day.
Q1 Spa in Surfers Paradise, on Australia's famed Gold Coast boasts the indigenous inspired Mali Mapi mud treatment and exfoliation. Which, if I didn't know better, was the real meaning of the word "dreamtime..."
On a rainy summer's day I found myself aimlessly wandering Surfers Paradise's urban jungle - through busy streets chock of fast paced business suits, designer shoppers and daytime neon lights. My destination: the Q1 building. Aka: ‘The Tallest Building in the Southern Hemisphere' as any local will proudly recite, following with it would have been ‘the world,' but Dubai trumped that idea.' In fact Q1 is the 25th tallest building in the world, higher than the NYC Chrysler, and I am impressed it would be compared to the Burj Khalifa, having before stared up at the colossal tower, wondering if Jack threw his magic beans into the foundation cement - it's that high!
So to get my bearings, I glanced up. Glistening through rainclouds was a bright white spire piercing the heavens above a skyline of scrapers. It was a magnificent sight and I scanned my eyes to the building attached. 322.5m is noticeably not as high as the Burj Khalifa of 828m. Perhaps no vertigo feeling will hit you on sight, but you will definitely feel a sense of international glamour. To be precise, I was entering an award-winning Spa.
Pettina, the manager, warmly greeted me and directed the way to an exclusive change room, complete with private shower and WC. With robe and slippers provided for the day, I was escorted to a soothing Jacuzzi for bubble soaking before my treatment began. The warm temperature and back-massaging jets immediately lifted any stress. Time vanished, I was escorted to a treatment room where massage therapist Fi introduced herself and described what the Mali Mapi experience was all about.
Fi tells me a female pharmacist, having studied native Australian flaura and fauna befriended a female indigenous elder and together they established the brand Li' Tya. Meaning ‘of the earth' Li'Tya's signature mud treatments, exfoliating salt scrubs and Australian native bush essential oils have been inspired by and created in harmony with traditional aboriginal cleansing rituals. Together they have presented this to the world, and Q1 proudly represent the products in all spa treatments.
Fi holds out a palette of purifying body mud and lemon myrtle desert salt samples, detailing the benefits of each, and I get to make my selection. Every treatment at Q1 Spa begins with a smoke ritual, where burning leaves give off an aroma of whatever you select. There is no foul burning smell, more an incensing aroma enveloping and immediately creating a calming bush-like atmosphere.
My feet are cleansed in warm, scented water. Heated oil is expertly massaged into my ligaments. I chose the detoxifying salt, which is hydro active and rubbed into my skin to rid dead cells, working on balance and purification. I have the option of a hand or foot massage, and I choose hands. The mud is painted onto my body and I am cocooned in a thermal cloth, while my pores absorb nutrients. The mud is deeply cleansing, and grounds my toxic system. While a regenerating Australian native peach hair mask is massaged into my scalp, my mind too easily picks up on calming music where I recognized faint kookaburras laughing. A female indigenous accent is mixed to modern soothing instrumental sounds on the soundtrack. Breathing in gum scented air, and am transported to the muddy banks of a lost lagoon where life stands still for a moment. I am purified, cozy and feel completely free from the world outside. I also can't help imagining life on earth 40,000 years ago, and the indigenous cleansing rituals before an important night. Next up is Vichy shower time, where water drops emulating rainwater is set to 38 degrees temp, and washes away the mud. 60 minutes have passed too quickly. I am robed, and led upstairs to the Relaxation room with detox tea and quiet time.
I float out of my ‘dreamtime' into the real world... Concrete streets again, damn - take me back to Q1 Spa please!
Australia's Gold Coast is famous for neon lights, stripclubs, and for being an overall bling-tacky-bling city, so finding the Verve Restaurant with a charm and sophistication completely opposite takes me unaware, and reminds me that stereotypes are always fun when broken.
Nestled in the backstreets of Broadbeach Waters, the Verve eatery is situated in an area just far enough from the main drag to see distant flashing lights, and quiet enough to be a surprising elegant delight for passers by. From a dark pathway outside, I look in through an open-air window to a vibrant hub of a warm glowing atmosphere, buzzing with energy. Friends are chatting together after post-work days, and colleagues laughing into the night in pleasantly small groups. Charismatic tungstens highlight a slightly oriental décor; I'd call it ‘cosy-mod.' Deep ruby red walls, trendy bamboo lightshades, a central wooden Buddhahead art peice, and the comfortable feeling that comes from wooden tables and a pure white candlelit table setting. The dining area is large enough to absorb group energy, at the rear is the bar, and behind this an open window previewing the kitchen, where Chef and staff are hard at work creating fine delicacies for the evening.
Shelly Greaves, the welcoming owner, smiles a lot; she is happy. Greaves tells me reservations are recommended here, as the place has become not such a best-kept-secret. Glancing at a wall adorned with awards, I can imagine that would be so. From the wine list I sip my Ferngrove Merlot (byo is allowed) and read that the Restaurant and Caterers Association 2009 gave The Verve an accolade for Best Informal Dining. Head Chef Jay Jorgensen won the Gold Coast Signature Dish twice, and this is proudly displayed along the walls, beside about ten other winning and finalist certificates.
On presentation of a modern cuisine menu (European principles with Asian influences,) I spy fresh oysters for starters; always a safe choice when close to the sea - which I am by about 500 metres. I can feel the salt in the air.
For Entrée I order pan seared scallops, which are indeed succulent, however my vote goes to my guests choice; Ricotta, Pea and Pistachio Dumplings - Ooh the words makes my mouth deliciously water, this entrée truly is divinity in a dumpling. My dinner guest does well choosing a main from the recently updated menu; Market fish. This arrives as a serving of scallop and bacon boudin blanc, with du puy lentils, soy beans, kombu and tomato froth selection - simply delectable (I taste this as well, it's my duty). I believe I choose the winning course; roasted duck breast. All the soft pieces of meat are tempura-ed together into a brick - no bones. Rare-cooked slices are layered on plate. Potato is pressed into a cube of palate ecstasy, then cinnamon orange and cardamom poached pear pieces accompany the duck, and jus gras juices complement everything on my plate.
The desserts were too hard to decide upon, so we shared Coverture white chocolate bavarois with cherry sauce and flambé Italian meringue, and Roasted Stone fruit with passion fruit glace and chrysanthemum flower syrup. Melting in mouths. There is a cheese board listing 8-10 cheeses from around the world, but we are too full...
The Verve is a Sophisticated award winning restaurant, reasonably priced for a fine dining experience. I would recommend this eatery to anyone who wants to live in the now, unwind in a happy, vibrant atmosphere, listen to suave sounds and laughter, be reminded that life is good, food exists for pleasure and restaurants exist to remind us of that - well, this one certainly does.
Byron Bay on Australia's noth coast of NSW is considered the country's yoga capital due to the the many yogi's who flock to the area seeking sun, surf, health and like minded people. Incorporating yoga into your own holiday will rejuvenate your soul, and Bikram yoga is worth looking into. It's a hard, sweaty class, but the health benfits are numerous and the after glow is guaranteed, as is the happiness that comes with having successfully lasted a 90 minute workout.
The Byron holiday package includes unlimited yoga classes for one or two weeks, with option of three classes a day. There is plenty of accommodation nearby which you'll need to arrange yourself. The studio resides opposite a beach (in summer a swim after class will be your life saver.) Byron Bay is one of Australia's most holistic destinations for the health conscious traveller. Aura and psychic readings, massage, organic foods and naturopaths are in abundance and all part of a chic hippy culture. The town is full of trendy cafes, outdoor pubs and activities like surf lessons, and kayaking. Whale watching whilst on a bushwalk up to the lighthouse is not to be missed.
Located in Marina Mirage on Australia's famed Gold Coast, the world's first luxe designer hotel from fashion label Versace is the five-star award winning Palazzo Versace Hotel. Entering the hotel foyer, weekend high-tea diners are seated under giant chandeliers, sipping tea from signature Versace print teacups. This is indeed a fancy affair..
Glancing around the hotel it is impossible not to recognize Versace's signature design everywhere, right down to the smallest of details. Some people call this trademark décor over the top or tacky, some call it sublime high fashion. Either way, the fine decor unmistakably a Versace hotel and I feel at the height of fashion simply standing in the foyer.
Surrounded by a renaissance splendour of Italian classical design and architecture, the avant guarde hotel prides itself on extravagance and over-the-top attention to detail. Marble floors have been imported from Benedictine monks in Italy, all china and cutlery imported from Europe for example a chandelier from Milan's state library hangs over the very opulent foyer. The hotel also boasts the second largest pebble mosaic in the world, which definitely makes for an impressive driveway.
Guests can expect rooms to be adorned with Donatella Versace's signature furniture and accessories. Fashion photographs decorating the walls are a who's-who of the fashion world. And as for the bathroom, treats are first class including complementary cosmetics and perfumes, slippers and then for sleeping there's a pillow menu for guests to choose from. How luxurious!
Around the outdoor lagoon pool, a ‘water salon' has been created where custom made Versace cabanas and daybeds are adorned with Versace cushions and guests can relax and sip French champagne in the privacy of their own cabana.
With a luxurious spa, mouthwatering restaurant and a white sandy beach imported from nearby Surfers Paradise, a stay at the Versace Palazzo is as good as it gets in luxury on Australia's Gold Coast.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is a winter warming paradise in Australia’s Blue Mountains. The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat in the Blue Mountains is a wonderfully heart-warming city break during Sydney's cold winter months.
Although a wonderful site in it's own right, the monotony of Sydney's grey buildings against dull winter skies can motivate you to head off for a weekend - perhaps into the picturesque Australian country-side; such as a quick two-hour drive to The Blue Mountains where The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is located.
Relax in the scenic landscape of Australian gum-trees, mountains and valleys, fresh crisp air, and chill-axed arty people. Yes - this is the home of many creative folk - musicians and craftsman, woodcarvers, candle-makers and bakers, who show off their wares in shops and markets dotted in towns around the mountainsides. Australian painter, Norman Lindsay, made the area famous when he based his studio and home in The Blue Mountains - watch the DVD called Sirens starring a young Hugh Grant, Elle Macpherson & Portia Di Rossi for an insight into the local artists inspirations.
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat embraces the surrounding countryside into the Hotel's décor and lifestyle. Reminiscent of an English cliff-side manor, the hotel is situated at the peak of a mountain. Gorgeous floral drapes frame enormous windows with views of an entire town and valley; where the three-sisters rock formation live. In what seems like two seconds, you can drive to the Three Sisters rock formation, which should really be classified as the eighth wonder of the world!
Although I was slightly distracted during my visit (by the cold weather and the melting hot chocolate in a nearby chocolate gallery), I was still struck by the amazing natural beauty of the area. I arrived to low clouds floating just above a green tree-lined valley with the three rocks (sisters molded in time, according to indigenous stories) rising stoically above. When the fluffy white clouds beckoned me I strolled to a viewing platform and watched them swirling below.
It is this breathtaking view you'll see in the distance whilst enjoying breakfast at The Mountain Heritage Hotel. The health conscious can sip a detoxing herbal tea and feast on satisfying Bircher muesli, while guests who prefer a traditional brekkie can stick with a full continental buffet breakfast with coffee, juices, bacon, eggs and mushrooms galore. Relax and read your newspaper with fellow guests or head to the country-themed sitting rooms, with open-log fire and winter Christmas decorations for Christmas in July.
Hotel décor is country style. Flora and fauna paintings adorn walls, floral drapes frame frosty windows, and low-lit lamps create a calming ambience. Spacious rooms exude a homely feel with open fireplace and luxe lounge sofa, and also comprise reverse air-conditioning, full-length mirror and flatscreen TV with DVD. The bathroom is conveniently stocked and features a deluxe spa bath.
Yulefest
The Mountain Heritage Hotel and Spa Retreat is credited with bringing Yulefest, a traditional celebration of Christmas in July to Australia, so you could rightly expect a song and dance about this! Well, a few songs at least, for the hotel boasts a feast and carols, with visit from a present-laden Santa as part of the Yulefest Celebrations and Dinner Experience. A delicious five course meal including turkey and trimmings, mulled wine and bon-bons, piano serenade, cabaret show and glass of good dessert port is why guests keep returning.
Spa Sublime
On the grounds to the hotel, but a separate entity, Spa Sublime offers massage, facial and hot-stone therapy to complete your rejuvenating weekend. Working with Australian Indigenous products to complement your surroundings and create heaven-in-a-room for your spa treatment, Spa Sublime is only 90 minutes away to total serenity. Try the calming hot-stone massage, where a trained masseuse utilizes the temperatures of warm stones smoothed over your aching muscles. Great if you've spent the day bush trekking!
Nearby
Nearby cafés and eateries are a-plenty. Visit The Common Ground Café for a unique and healthy dining experience. The Common Ground is a community project, co-op style eatery, serving healthy organic and gluten free foods. The interior is just like a giant tree house - this craftsmanship is not to be missed!
Services swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, air-conditioning
Gibraltar Country Club Hotel and Spa in Australia's Southern Highlandsis a stylishly modern Sydney city escape, set amongst rolling greenery, sunlit lakes and lush pines. Of (golf) course - It also happens to be a golfers paradise!
Gibraltar Country Club Hotel & Spa is located in Bowral - an antique town, filled with arty people and scenic views. Annual flower shows bring yearly visitors to what is considered one of the prettiest café and garden communities in Australia. Gibraltar Country Club Hotel & Spa, easy to find, is enormous on sight. Perched majestically on a beautiful golf field, it's easy to see why not only golfers are attracted to weekends away here.
Quite modernly styled, Gibraltar Country Club Hotel & Spa has only recently opened - meaning everything in the vicinity is new and shiny. Friendly staff greet you at reception with a guided tour of the grounds. Adorning the walls is a collection of mostly Australian themed etchings, paintings and drawings - hand selected by the hotel owner. An owner, who clearly has design taste, for he played a large role in the entire hotel décor. Simple stylish elegance and comfort are designed into your stay. Spacious rooms face directly out to the golf course landscape, with artwork, heavenly bed, large deluxe spa bath, flat screen TV and all the typical modern trimmings highlighting your happiness.
Restaurant and bar
In-room dining is available, or dine at the Gibraltar Grill, where a perfectly cooked succulent steak awaits - if you choose, from the grill. Meet the locals at Harvey's Bar on weekends.
The Gym
New equipment is decked out in the gym, including exercise bike, treadmill and weights. Rolled towels and reclining lounge give that added hotel glamour, and an indoor heated pool is perfect if you've spent the day on the course. What a great way to unwind!
Weddings & Business trips
Enormously high ceilinged conference rooms are available for functions and weddings, if your trip is for this reason - you are in for a treat. All function rooms look out over the magnificent golfing grounds. Sip your tea, and watch the sun catch light from the duck's favorite lake, while your meetings are underway.
Day Spa
The hotel spa is appropriately named The Bowral Day Spa. Appropriate that is, because you will want to spend all day here. Walking into a low-lit lounge to fill in your information-form and sip detoxing tea, your therapist soon escorts you to a personal room for changing. It's the little details like a soft lux dressing gown and slippers which make such a difference! Treatments compliment natural surroundings by embracing ancient indigenous techniques and products, as inspired in the Australian LI'TYA range. LI'TYA uses mud powders, local infused oils like lemon myrtle or bush rose. Serenading your senses are ancient indigenous chants set to modern beats and piano sounds. At your choice, treatment will begin with a welcoming smoking ceremony from Australian bush barks. I tried the hot stone massage on my visit. Stones from the west of Australia's land have been hand crafted, and are heated to 38 degrees before the therapists glides them over my body, kneading away any tension and inducing a relaxed state of mind. Pure Bliss!
Nearby
Vineyards
The Southern Highlands region, being one of Australia's most picturesque tourist destinations, wouldn't be complete without quintessential romantic vineyards scattered throughout. I visited the Centennial Vineyards for a spot of wine tasting, with afternoon lunch at the Centennial Vineyards Restaurant. A dessert wine aptly named 2009 Autumn Late Harvest Chardonnay, (which yes, I selected because of my namesake!) won numerous awards and accidently found itself purchased by me for later consumption! Well, who could resist sweet wine offering a beautifully balanced palette of white peach, nectarine, and subtle caramel/vanilla aromas!
The Centennial Vineyards Restaurant offers European barn style elegance; with high beams, antique farming equipment and wagon wheel props embedded in the decor to create an amazingly charismatic ambience. Dine on fine delicacies, I recommend The signature Highland tasting platter, as you glance out a window showing baby lambs and sheep roaming sunlit vineyards.
Illawarra Flyover
Imagine walking through the tallest of age-old trees at extraordinary heights!The Illawarra Flyover is a 45-minute walking track raised up in the air, set inside a beautiful tropical rainforest stretch. First take a peaceful stroll through the flora and fauna at land height, soaking in nature. Then embrace your innerCrouching Tiger Hidden Dragon for the ascent into the air. If you love views, climb the central tower to experience a magnificent sight of rolling green hills and leafy green forest, which stretches out to the distant ocean. Not for those who experience vertigo, as sometimes the footpath moves with the breeze...however all the more fun for the slight thrill-seekers among us!
Getting there:
The Southern Highlands are an easy hour and a half away from Sydney city; unless you're travelling at peak ‘weekend escape time' being 6pm Friday night, in which case definitely include traffic time in your itinerary. Or opt for the easy 2-hour train rides which stops in the heart of Bowral town.
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, parking, hotel restaurant, hotel bar, room service, business services, internet access, golf course, tennis courts, air-conditioning
BOOK NOW
The Marriott hotel’s Lattouf hair and day spa, on Australia’s sparklingGold Coast in Queensland, combines an intoxicating infusion of the senses in order to create a perfect signature candle therapy massage. The Marriott hotel’s Lattouf hair and day spa is where amazing aromas, serene sounds and magical massage become like art.
Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, the Marriott hotel sits on a glistening canal. If you arrive early, you might perch on a comfortable outdoor sofa to enjoy a moment of recreated tropical paradise within a city of sun. Or perhaps, seat yourself inside and soak in the elegance with air-chilled interiors. Lattouf Spa is located on the level 1, accessed only by lift, along with a state of the art gymnasium. The spa offers an abundance of hair indulgences and relaxing spa treatments, plus Jacuzzi, steam-room and sauna within a lovely five-star setting.
Antique wooden doors and burning candles frame Lattouf’s spa entrance, to immediately induce in guests a sublime relaxation state within the beauty den. On arrival, friendly staff will seat you, offer a soothing tea such as peppermint and liquorice, take your details, and escort you to a candle filled oasis treatment room - or into the modern hair salon, depending on the booking.
I enjoyed a Lattouf signature treatment; the pure Lattouf candle massage for intense hydration. A melon and fig infused candle was melted into oil, then expertly massaged and absorbed into my skin. While the candle aroma lingered, meditative soft tunes played on in background. Candle therapy works well for unwinding, with gliding elbows and kneeding hands on pressure points all the more smooth and sensual. Guests choose the candle scent to be burnt during massage. On offer are Lattouf exclusive aroma’s such as vanilla cinnamon and clove, or lemon and green tea, or Patchouli, aniseed, with ylang ylang – sounds like a hard decision? It is.
I recommend The Marriott Hotel Lattouf Hair & Spa to anyone seeking a spa which sparkles - a purely relaxing and indulgent day on the Gold Coast of Australia.
Contact tel: 1300 36 3737
Services spa, swimming pool, fitness equipment, near beach, parking, hotel restaurant, concierge, air-conditioning
BOOK NOW
If you have an experience - we want to know about it! Please get in touch, as our writers, videographers and photographers are roaming the globe in search of the next amazing experience to feature, & we may have an ambassador near you right now.
Reviewsinternational.com headquarters is located in the very chic & stylish town of Bangalow, just outside of Australia's scenic Byron Bay.
HQ contacts: