Category: FEATURES

Transform your travel goals with Lonely Planet’s new guide

Couple travel travelling

What do you get out of travelling? Are you after personal growth? Wanting to see new things? A change? Whatever the reason, you’re not alone and there’s something to be taken from any and every experience you find yourself in. Lonely Planet cottoned on to this and asked 7,500 members of its dedicated community of travellers from around the world the same sort of question with 92% of respondents saying they see travel as “an opportunity for positive change” 68% saying they now care more about sustainable travel than they used t, leaving 60% who view travel as more of an opportunity for personal growth than they previously did. They’ve even brought out a new book; purposed the help guide travellers on their way to ticking-off some of the more pressing goals they had in mind before jumping on board the plane. Goals are about a life filled with variety and self-discovery. Each goal is enriching in some way, either because it’s about forging stronger connections with the natural world, helping a community clear a coastline of plastic, or spending a week on silent retreat, they say. Every goals contributes to a good trip and vice-versa, so it’s time to start ticking some of them off! To celebrate the release of Travel Goals, Lonely Planet has teamed up with World Nomads to give visitors to lonelyplanet.com/explore-every-day/competition the chance of winning an AUD $5,000 Travel Goals pack – to help inspire them to create positive, life-changing travel experiences.

Painting the road pink: Sydney’s Rose street festival is back

Rose street festival

After a hit the first time ’round, Sydney’s Watson’s Bay Boutique Hotel is painting the road pink with its second Rose Street Fest in Watson’s Bay! With the Sydney skyline as the backdrop to what will be a stunning festival of alcohol and happiness, it’s the kind of thing families, friends and lovers flock to, to wander the aisles, try the drops and enjoy the sun. There’ll be music, food and wine as anyone there over 18 is given a tasting glass with their ticket and free passes to all the vendors the likes of Gilbert wines, AIX, Freeman Vineyard, Mirabeau and more. There’ll even be Blossom Rosé Sparkling Apple Cider pouring, Proud & Punch is sampling its fruity coconut pops as a cooling palate cleanser and the Watsons Bay street food cart will have a rosy makeover piled high with pink desserts and frosé to sample. From 11-7 on 27 October, it’s the best way to welcome-in the summer. Get tickets here.

Styling by the experts: Sabrina Monte Carlo tells us how it’s done

Table setting plates

If there’s one name to know in the world of styling, it’s Sabrina Monteleone-Øeino. The founder of Sabrina Monte Carlo styling, she’s got years of experience in the fine touch to presenting any space, which this year, is honing in on the finer side of things at the Monaco Yacht Show. They’ll be celebrating the launch of the brand’s e-shop; an exclusive distributor St Louis and Lalique’s newest crystal creations alongside Paola Lenti poufs and tables, all staged in a colourful, vibrant space. We spoke to Sabrina for some tips on how it’s done and why she does it! Why do you style?  It just was always natural for me. I remember my parents left one week-end when I was thirteen and my sister and I painted a huge mural in our bedroom and redecorated it all ! What is the guiding principle that drives every styling decision you make? Optimise every corner – every space has to be useful. For example, for our Villa Riviera project we had an area above the garage with the most beautiful view of the garden. We never used it and now it is an outdoor gym! Is there a way people can easily replicate designs they like? Of course, just paint your wall a new colour, add some wallpaper, cushions, carpets – a small change goes a long way. Tell me how you approach each new project. I start with neutral colours and add touches of colour later on. Then I choose a theme, a story – don’t… Read More

Gaming, technology and dance take to the Camden stage in Sydney

Shaun Parker Zone

When Shaun Parker does a show, it makes headlines. The last instalment that was KING as part of the 2019 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras was testament to that. And this theatrical season, the company is back with In The Zone, a production that brings gaming technology and dance together on stage. It’s about mesmerising Airsticks technology which creates sound through movement, alongside outstanding hip-hop choreography from Shaun Parker himself, the Sydney choreographer and Artistic Director of this incredible company.  Performed by Western Sydney street and hip-hop dancer Libby Montilla, In The Zone will take you on a journey into the world of limitless imagination inspired by gaming and escapism. Creating an unforgettable show for all ages, In The Zone is perfect for dance lovers, avid gamers and those ready to witness a breathtaking combination of exceptional choreography and modern technology. The show will premiere at the Macarthur Auditorium, Camden Civic Centre, Oxley Street, Camden, NSW 2570 on Friday 13 September from 7pm. See more at the production’s website.

5 best Latin American places to eat in Sydney

Chula Mexican restaurant Potts Point Sydney THE F posters wall

Whether you are a Latino going travelling in Australia or you’re just going for a holiday there and want to find the best places in Sydney for Latin American recipes, we have you covered. Keep reading to discover the best Latin American eateries in Sydney that can help you feel right at home, even when you are thousands of miles away. Latin American Food in Australia According to REVIEWBOX, globalisation has helped to ensure that no matter where you are in the world, you are likely to be able to find food that reminds you of home. This is true for Latinos who are in Australia, as there is an array of restaurants and eateries that provide traditional Latin American recipes. Food is such a big part of culture and so it is important to embrace different cultures and recipes all around the world, whilst still eating the food that you love from your home country. If you are searching for Latin American dishes in Sydney, such as Ceviche, Empanadas, Cuy, Arepas, Pupusas, Tacos, Tamales, Aji Amarillo, or Feijoada, then here at the places you need to try: INCA’S Restaurant Cafe & Bar In Darlinghurst, Sydney, you’ll find Inca’s Restaurant Cafe & Bar which specialises in Peruvian and Latin cuisines. This place is great for seafood and has excellent reviews online. It is well worth a trip if you want delicious Latin American dishes. Tequila Mockingbird Situated in Paddington, you’ll find Tequila Mockingbird, which is a great restaurant to try out if you are looking… Read More

New Greek haven: OMMA in Santorini is open

Omma Santorini resort 5

There’s this hotel in Santorini Greece, OMMA, that’s worth a visit, if not for anything else, its pool alone! But why limit yourself, right? The hotel is up there with one of the best, offering views, views, views; quality beach access; all the pool time you need and privacy complete with luxuriousness that money can indeed buy you. Complete with views of the Aegean Sea from the back and Caldera views from the front, whilst being surrounded by lush greenery, OMMA is all about giving you the opportunity to take it all in on a sleek double sun lounger with a cool cocktail in hand. But if relaxation’s not your thing and food’s what does it, they’re all about local Santorini and Greek ingredients that are whipped into an arty Mediterranean bliss by Dimitris Stamoudis. Traditional becomes modern with OMMA’s grilled octopus with fava, shi drum with green fricassee and signature ekmek kataifi (cream of pistachios with sour cherry and kaimaki ice cream).  Even the rooms are along the same vibe, offering cave-like existences with the quintessential whitewash against the contrast of striking blues that we all know and love about the Greek aesthetic. See more at the OMMA website: ommasantorini.com

What to do, where to eat in London this August bank holiday

London

The last long weekend in London before Christmas is almost upon us (26 August), so what better to do than eat and drink your way through it? Try these winning ideas from some of your favourites around London. Notting Hill Carnival Feathers, music, drinks, fun, street parties and over 2.5 million people all make-up what’s renowned as one of London’s most Carribbean influenced, excitement-charged street festivals, the city-wide! Plan your route, don’t bring anything valuable and have a time. Little Gay Brother Club kids, queer kids, all kids (over 18) assemble, this is the queer rave to end all queer raves. Though it’ll be back next year, too. LGB is large, sexy, sassy and is open for biz from 10pm-5am. Don’t let him down. Manchester Pride Not in London, yes, but who cares! With acts like Ariana Grande, Kim Petras (who performed at Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras back in march) and Liberty X, there’s no reason to not head North for a bit of gay festivity to celebrate equality, diversity and just have a bloody good time. Coya in Mayfair On Sunday 25th August, they’re putting a Peruvian Carnival spin on their brunch with cocktails, canapés and a party to rival Notting Hill Carnival. Complete with bottomless three-hour beverages, the affair will see guests sip on pisco sours and frozen mojitos whilst tucking into their favourite brunch dishes and more! Avenue restaurant in St James They’re hosting the Pink Clink Brunch, a free-flowing rose affair is launching at Avenue made-up of a seasonal British fare in the form of… Read More

Turn your coffee into a bike: Nespresso and Vélosophy craft beautiful bikes

Velosophy Nespresso bike

Nespresso is one for the environment. Sure, they might pump what could very well amount to over millions of aluminium coffee pods a year, but not only are they not that bad for the environment, but they’ve proved time and time again, the little pods can actually be turned into so many other things. The latest instalment is in the form of partnership with Swedish pushbike manufacturer, Vélosophy, putting what even the designer and founder Jimmy Östholm himself says, is the most stylish bike yet. “We created Vélosophy with a clear purpose –to have a positive impact on the world. I see in Nespresso a strong commitment to sustainability, which is why this has been the dream partnership. We are proud to have co-created a bike that takes on the future. It is beautifully designed, responsibly sourced and sustainably produced,” he said. Taking that typically Scandiavian aesthetic of cleanliness, lightness, quality and durability through dynamic design, the new Vélosophy rides take recycled aluminium from Nespresso pods and use them for the frames of the bikes. Aluminium can be recycled infinitely, meaning that though Nespresso pods might seem to have met the end of their lifespan through making it to a bike’s frame, they can be taken down and reused again at the end of the bike’s life. This all basically amounts to this collaboration as being one of the most sustainable the coffee giant has embarked on yet. The bike’s called RE:CYCLE (obviously) and even includes a capsule-shaped bell and cup-holder basket, allowing the cyclist… Read More

Boozy summer slushies are in London at Mr Fogg’s Tavern

Mr Foggs Tavern

Mr Fogg’s does holistic experiences and drinks well. There’s a lot more about walking into one of the globetrotter’s venues that makes them memorable, too, but this summer, it’s the spiked slushies that are worth raving about. Mr Fogg’s Tavern in Covent Garden, right in the centre of London, is celebrating summer with an elaborate floral display and Cointreau slushie cocktails. As the world gets hotter – thanks, climate change – the bar’s partnered with Cointreau and Mount Gay Rum to install a floral explosion alongside the new additions to the menu, on ’til the end of September. You literally can’t miss it. The joint’s been swathed in a blooming floral display featuring a striking door garland comprised of vivid sunflowers, orange and red roses and intertwined with foliage. To that end, warm up your senses with the floral arrangement and then knock ’em dead with cocktails like Caribbean Ice-Land (£8) featuring Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Angostura Bitters, sugar syrup, coconut and pineapple. If tequila’s your thing, be tempted by the Cointreau Row Row Your Boat (£8), made up of Cointreau, Cabrito Blanco Tequila, Bobb’s Abbots Bitters, sugar and lime juice. Get them – and the whole Mr Fogg’s experience – at Mr Fogg’s Tavern, 58 St Martin’s Lane, WC2N 4EA.

Coming to Buckingham Palace: the Art and Spectacle of George IV

George IV feature

George IV: Art & Spectacle is at The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace from 15 November and it really is one to see. He’s the man who turned Buckingham Palace into a Palace, built the residence in Brighton and amassed collections from around the world in such great volumes that he’s almost like the patron saint of the Royal Collection. What sits inside the Palace owes a lot to the late King (1762–1830), renowned for his Bacchante ways and art promulgation. He was hated by many, but sat at the throne for a long time and for good reason, casting the reach of Britain further in the creative realm than any other. From 1811, George ruled as Regent, due to the decline in the mental health of his father, George III. By the time he came to the throne in 1820, aged 57, he was intensely disliked by a nation tired of his extravagant lifestyle. Today he is perhaps best known as the rotund, gout-ridden, drunken buffoon lampooned by the satirists of the day for his acrimonious marriage to Princess Caroline of Brunswick and his many mistresses. Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, and a period of unprecedented global exploration, George IV: Art & Spectacle considers the Monarch’s public image, taste for the theatrical and exotic, admiration of French style and all-consuming passion for collecting. It will present George as a man of extreme contrasts: on the one hand, a recklessly profligate showman, and on the other, a connoisseur with intellectual interests whose endless… Read More