TRAVEL

people snorkeling in clear blue water near a beach

Exploring the Maldives: an eco-conscious paradise at Nova Maldives

21/05/2024

The Maldives, an archipelago of 26 atolls scattered in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, is a dream destination for many travellers. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life, it offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s lap. Among its spectacular islands, Nova Maldives stands out as a beacon of eco-conscious luxury, dedicated to preserving the ocean’s delicate ecosystem. Nova Maldives, cocooned on its own island in the South Ari Atoll, provides a private and eco-friendly island experience. This resort invites guests to rediscover their inner selves and foster meaningful connections with nature and others amidst a soft-luxury setting. Surrounded by a vibrant marine ecosystem, Nova is renowned for its spellbinding marine experiences, offering unique opportunities to watch whale sharks and manta rays in their natural habitat from over 30 spotting points. In celebration of World Ocean Day, Nova Maldives has announced a lineup of activities spearheaded by Afaa Abdulla, one of the Maldives’ few female diving instructors and a visionary PADI Professional dedicated to female empowerment, conservation, and environmental awareness. Afaa, a remarkable 22-year-old conservationist, has a deep connection to the ocean, having grown up on a northern Maldivian island. Trained under the esteemed Zoona Naseem, the Maldives’ first female PADI Course Director, Afaa aims to share her profound love for the ocean with travellers who are captivated by the sea’s allure. From June 6th to June 9th, Nova Maldives will host thematic briefings, presentations, and guided activities to educate guests on the region’s ecology. Topics include the biology of whale… Read More

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Best budget city breaks in Europe revealed

17/05/2024

By James Banham

Leading the list is Warsaw, Poland, which has been ranked first thanks to its lack of tourist tax, the cheapest hotel prices and one-day public transport tickets!

Airbnb unveils Icons and their extraordinary experiences

13/05/2024

By James Banham

Over the past half-decade, Airbnb has captivated travelers with over 90 unique stays and experiences inspired by iconic landmarks like Barbie’s Malibu DreamHouse, the Home Alone house, and Shrek’s Swamp. Today marks a new chapter in Airbnb’s story as they introduce Icons, a groundbreaking category of exceptional experiences hosted by luminaries from the realms of music, film, television, art, sports, and beyond. Unveiling the First 11 Icons Prepare to step into a realm where dreams converge with reality as Airbnb presents the inaugural 11 Icons, each promising an unparalleled adventure: Enhancements for Travelers and Hosts In addition to these awe-inspiring experiences, Airbnb is rolling out enhancements to elevate the guest and host experiences: For more details on the latest offerings and updates from Airbnb, visit the official announcement. Dive into a world of unparalleled experiences with Icons, where every adventure is an opportunity to unlock extraordinary moments that linger in your memory forever. Get a taste of it at the Airbnb site or app

A holiday with Renaissance Tours

07/05/2024

By James Banham

Renaissance Tours are Australia’s leading provider of special interest and cultural excursions, you know the kind; they build trips around ancient things. And this year, they’re delighted to announce a winter and spring tours program, offering unprecedented access to some of the world’s most inaccessible and cherished destinations. With a focus on unique encounters and expert insights, travellers will have the opportunity to explore vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and historic sites across both domestic and international tours. Among the highlights is the “Lands of the Saltwater People” tour led by the esteemed Bundjalung curator, artist, and activist Djon Mundine OAM. This August, participants will be immersed in the rich art and culture of Australia’s Top End, enjoying exclusive access to events such as the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair and the Yirrkala in northeast Arnhem Land. For those intrigued by ancient civilizations and landscapes, September brings “A Road Less Travelled” with archaeologist Iain Shearer. This expansive 19-day adventure through Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan will uncover the region’s breathtaking scenery, historic religious art, and groundbreaking archaeological sites. Adventurers can also look forward to exploring Oman’s scenic beauty and historical depth on “The Frankincense Route” tour this November, led by renowned scholar Dr. Alex McKay. From Muscat’s vibrant capital to the serene desert of Wahiba Sands and beyond, this 15-day tour promises an unforgettable blend of art, architecture, and heritage. Additional exciting opportunities include traversing the ancient and sacred landscapes of Mungo and Mutawintji National Parks, experiencing the tranquil gardens of Japan from Hokkaido to northern Honshu, and… Read More

Memphis hosts World Champion Barbecue cooking contest this May

01/05/2024

By James Banham

The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, celebrated for sparking the vibrant spirit of Memphis in its annual display of culinary mastery, has unveiled an enthralling lineup of entertainment and educational sessions set to take Liberty Park by storm from May 15-18, 2024. Now in its 46th year, the contest promises an even richer experience, marked by nightly entertainment on the Cattlemen’s Main Stage featuring Barbecue Sauce Wrestling, performances by Marcy Playground, Ingram Hill, and DJ MicTee from K97. The revered contest, known for gathering the crème de la crème of barbecue enthusiasts, expands its offerings with the introduction of expert-led grilling demonstrations at The Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to learn from barbecue luminaries such as Moe Cason and Chris Lilly, ensuring a blend of savory learning experiences with the fun of sampling. Adding to the allure, The McCormick Demo Stage and The Cooker Caravan with Heath Riles BBQ will offer culinary tips and behind-the-scenes access to competition teams, while The Kingsford Tour of Champions and BBQ Alley promise interactive tasting adventures. The VIPit Experience elevates the barbecue pilgrimage to luxury, allowing aficionados an exclusive peek into the world of competitive barbecue guided by industry giants. Memphis in May continues to champion the future of barbecue, with The Future of Q and partnership efforts highlighting the talents of junior pitmasters and aspiring chefs from the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis. These initiatives underscore the event’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of barbecue greats while celebrating the rich… Read More

Tag: Happy hour Sydney

Meet Jane: Sydney’s place for the best happy hour

by James Banham

Updated: 22/04/2023

Foodies of Sydney, brace yourselves for the ultimate Happy Hour experience! Starting from May 1st, Jane founder and executive chef, Tristan Rosier, brings to you “Jane – Sydney’s Best Happy Hour” – a culinary and beverage experience unlike anything before. Running between 5pm and 6pm Monday to Friday, and with extended hours of 4pm to 6pm on weekends, Jane’s Happy Hour boasts an array of sensational snacks under $15.00 and drinks starting at just $6.00. And with the Covid-safe measures in place, you can enjoy all these delights in a beautiful, elegantly-lit atmosphere. One of the key selling points of Jane’s Happy Hour is the award-winning RHUBI Mistelle, a handcrafted rhubarb aperitif from Victoria that serves as the foundation of some of the most extraordinary cocktails on the menu. The signature drink, The Australiano, priced at just $6.00, is a popular favourite created with RHUBI Mistelle, Regal Rouge vermouth, bitter citrus, and mandarin. The drinks list also includes other imaginative cocktails, such as White Possum G&Ts, RHUBI and Soda, chilled red wine, VB, and the in-house special, Jane Martini. In addition to the remarkable drinks menu, Jane’s team of chefs serve up the perfect pairing of locally sourced, Australian inspired snacks or larger share dishes with highlights set to include Sydney Rock Oysters, Duck Croquettes, marinated Port Lincoln sardines with kingfish Nduja, Lamb Dumplings and the famously delicious Kangaroo Tartare. Priced between $2.00 and $15.00, the snacks have been curated to showcase a range of flavours from all over the region. For enthusiasts seeking the… Read More

Category: CITIES, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE, SYDNEY

Tags: Happy hour Sydney, sydney

ARTS & CULTURE

Opera Australia doing 500 tickets for $35

10/05/2024

By THE F

Opera Australia is rolling out the red carpet for younger audiences with its innovative Opera for Under 35s program! A fresh initiative that aims to breathe new life into the traditional art form of opera. In a bold move to attract a younger demographic, OA is offering an enticing deal of 500 tickets priced at just $35 each. This special offer marks the launch of a program dedicated to making opera more accessible and appealing to the under-35 crowd, starting with the Australian premiere of Edward Dick’s acclaimed production of Tosca. Scheduled to mesmerise audiences firstly in Melbourne at the Margaret Court Arena on May 24, followed by a season at the iconic Sydney Opera House starting June 25, Tosca is set to be a landmark event. This initiative is not merely about offering discounted tickets; it’s a comprehensive program designed to cultivate a deeper appreciation for opera among young Australians. Registrants of the program can look forward to a 15% discount on tickets to most OA performances year-round, alongside exclusive further discounts for select shows, with some tickets available at the low price of $35. Additionally, members will receive invitations to special behind-the-scenes events including meet-and-greets with artists, all at no additional cost. Jo Davies, OA’s new Artistic Director, expresses her excitement about the program, highlighting it as a strategic move to lower financial barriers and make opera accessible to all, especially during tough economic times. This approach not only preserves but also propels the art form forward by ensuring it remains relevant and… Read More

National Portrait Prize in State Library of Queensland this winter

09/05/2024

By James Banham

The National Portrait Gallery’s esteemed National Photographic Portrait Prize of 2023 is set to grace the State Library of Queensland, marking a prestigious period from May 11 until July 7, 2024.

New gallery in Sydney: A Secondary Eye opens

07/05/2024

By James Banham

Led by Jesse-Jack De Deyne, a specialist with extensive experience working in the secondary market for Australian Indigenous art and Boris Cornelissen, former Contemporary Art Specialist at Sotheby’s London and Hong Kong, A Secondary Eye was founded in 2020 with a focus on further developing the secondary market for art and collectibles in Australia.

Ballet Flamenco – Sara Baras Voces Suite Flamenca cred Santana de Yepes I

Flamenco Festival London 2024 is back

05/05/2024

By James Banham

This year’s festival is brimming with anticipation, featuring ten UK premieres and showcasing a constellation of flamenco’s brightest stars.

Dutch piano virtuoso returns to the Sydney Opera House

30/04/2024

By James Banham

Mark your calendars and prepare to be enveloped in the soul-stirring sounds of Joep Beving, as the maestro makes his grand return to the Opera House this July. After mesmerising audiences in previous years, Beving is back with a bang, ready to unveil the mystical realms of Hermetism across two spellbinding shows on Monday, 22 July 2024. Each performance promises an experience akin to a spiritual odyssey, underscored by Beving’s deeply introspective, neoclassical sound that has captivated millions globally. This year, the enigmatic Dutch pianist is set to elevate his musical narrations to unprecedented heights, blending his artistry with an awe-inspiring audio-visual spectacle developed alongside the innovative minds of Boris Acket, Merijn Versnel, and Roxanne Percobic. Hermetism, drawing inspiration from Beving’s 2022 album, invites you on an enchanted voyage exploring the essence of spirituality, the elusive nature of time, and the depths of the inner self. This isn’t just a concert; it’s an invitation to transcend the ordinary, led by a masterful storyteller who’s rediscovered his love for the piano and transformed it into a source of universal connection and wonder. Joep Beving’s remarkable journey from personal loss to streaming stardom is a testament to the power of music to heal, unite, and inspire. With over 200 million streams on Spotify and a place among the giants of post-classical composition, Beving’s return to the Opera House isn’t just an event; it’s a pivotal moment in the world of contemporary music. As Ben Marshall, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Music, aptly puts it, “Joep describes… Read More