TRAVEL

Colosseum Rome 11 Gladiator Icons Airbnb Credit Christopher Anderson

Face your Gladiator II destiny with strength and honor at the Colosseum

17/11/2024

Step into the annals of history and embrace your inner warrior with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become a gladiator at the Roman Colosseum. This unique experience invites you to channel the strength and honour of ancient warriors as you step into the iconic arena known for epic battles and legendary tales. For the first time in nearly 2,000 years, the Colosseum is offering modern-day adventurers the chance to don historically accurate gladiator armour and partake in thrilling challenges that test both skill and courage. As you enter the sacred grounds, you’ll follow in the footsteps of victorious fighters, your destiny shaped by your prowess in battle. The experience begins at sunset, as a patron leads you into the candlelit Colosseum, a sight few have witnessed in modern times. Descend into the hypogeum, the underground chambers where gladiators once prepared for combat. Here, you’ll suit up in armour that reflects your chosen gladiator style—be it murmillo, thraex, provocator, retiarius, or contrarete. Choose your path wisely, for your fate in battle depends on it. As you traverse the torch-lit passages, imagine the footsteps of Maximus and countless other warriors echoing through history. Witness seasoned gladiators clash in a symphony of swords and shields, and prepare yourself for the challenge that awaits. Fuel your body with a selection of modest victuals—grapes, pomegranates, almonds, and walnuts—ensuring you’re battle-ready. Engage in combat training under the watchful eye of a summa rudis, your fate determined by your performance in the arena. Will you rise to the occasion and taste the sweetness… Read More

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Why Egypt should be on top of your travel list

17/11/2024

By James Banham

Embarking on a journey to Egypt is like stepping into a living history book, where ancient wonders and vibrant culture intertwine seamlessly. At the heart of this enchanting destination lies the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), a must-visit for any traveller seeking to delve deep into the country’s rich heritage. Situated on the illustrious Giza Plateau, the GEM stands proudly near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, offering breathtaking views and a unique cultural experience. As one of the largest and most modern museums in the world, it promises an immersive exploration of Egypt’s past. Currently in its soft opening phase, visitors have the rare chance to explore its extensive artifact galleries and exhibition halls, with the highly anticipated King Tutankhamun galleries soon to follow. Beyond the museum, the Giza Plateau itself is a treasure trove of history. Be sure to visit the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids, where you can marvel at the engineering feats that have stood the test of time. For a more comprehensive experience, consider a camel ride across the desert sands at sunset, offering an unparalleled vantage point of these ancient structures. No trip to Egypt would be complete without wandering through the bustling streets of Cairo. Dive into the vibrant bazaars of Khan el-Khalili, where the aroma of spices wafts through the air and artisans display their intricate crafts. Explore the historic heart of Islamic Cairo, home to stunning mosques and ancient streets that echo with stories of the past. For a touch of tranquillity, take a day trip to the… Read More

Why Crete is the digital detox destination you need

13/10/2024

By James Banham

As summer’s vibrant energy gracefully transitions into the calm embrace of Autumn, Seaside A Lifestyle Resort in Crete extends an invitation to travellers seeking the serenity of quiet travel and a much-needed digital detox. Nestled amidst the tranquil and unspoiled beauty of Crete, this resort promises an all-inclusive oasis of calm, ideal for those looking to reconnect with themselves amidst eye-catching landscapes. Autumn heralds a season of new beginnings and resets. The fast pace of daily life often leaves little room for the self-care we truly require. At Seaside A Lifestyle Resort, guests are welcomed to cocoon in comfort, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquillity. This sanctuary is perfect for experiencing the growing trend of wellness travel, particularly among those enamoured with the ‘wellness retreat aesthetic’, which has seen a significant rise in popularity. Here are a few compelling reasons to visit this luxurious resort in Crete, where you can create lifelong memories, experience heartfelt hospitality, and immerse yourself in relaxation and wellbeing, all while enjoying the resort’s dramatic views: Quiet Experiences From sunrise to sunset, Seaside A Lifestyle Resort offers visitors a serene escape where life slows down to a peaceful rhythm. Whether you’re seeking a spiritual connection, a path to self-love, or simply a break from the stresses of daily life, the resort provides a space that fosters peace and tranquillity. Begin your day with a journey to oneness at the resort’s Yoga Shala, a place designed to deepen the connection between mind, body, and spirit. Here, silence is cherished, allowing you to… Read More

New study unveils Britain’s 30 most beautiful buildings

05/10/2024

By James Banham

In a nation steeped in history and architectural grandeur, a recent survey has unveiled a definitive list of Britain’s 30 most beautiful buildings, capturing the hearts and imaginations of residents and tourists alike.

10 best pumpkin patches to visit in the UK this October

05/10/2024

By James Banham

As autumn paints the UK countryside in hues of gold and orange, the allure of pumpkin patches becomes irresistible for both families and avid Instagrammers. This October, capture the essence of the season by visiting some of the most photogenic pumpkin patches across the UK. From scenic landscapes to vibrant festivals, these locations not only offer the perfect backdrop for your autumn snaps but also provide a range of activities that ensure a day filled with fun and memorable experiences. 1. Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire Leading the list with stunning countryside views, Cotswold Farm Park is a haven for those looking to capture the beauty of autumn. With 51,000 Instagram followers and 11,300 hashtags, its popularity is well-deserved. Beyond pumpkin picking, you can meet rare breed animals and explore interactive exhibits. The tractor rides and locally sourced dishes at the café add layers of charm to your visit, making it a quintessential day out. 2. Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex Tulleys Farm, a favorite with 42,300 Instagram mentions, offers a unique night-time experience with its ‘Pumpkin Nights’. The twinkling lights and live music provide an enchanting setting, perfect for photos. This venue is also famous for its Shocktober Fest, blending pumpkin picking with a thrilling twist, ensuring your Instagram feed will be as exciting as it is beautiful. 3. Garsons Farm, Esher, Surrey With its lush green backdrops and a score of 27,400 Instagram points, Garsons Farm is a dream for nature-filled photography. As a pick-your-own paradise, it allows you to harvest everything from… Read More

Tag: Lark whiskey

A New Dawn in Whisky from the House of LARK

by James Banham

Posted: 17/05/2024

Exclusively from the House of LARK, home to Australia’s No.1 Luxury Single Malt Whisky, DARK LARK 2024 emerges as the torchbearer in the New World of Whisky, designed to ignite the night. Best savored with friends, neat, on the rocks, or in an after-dark cocktail, this whisky is crafted to stir curiosity and creativity with every sip. DARK LARK embodies the adventurous spirit that has propelled Tasmania’s LARK to global acclaim since Bill and Lyn Lark crafted the first bottle of single malt whisky at their kitchen table in 1992. This whisky is a divergence from tradition, meant to be enjoyed in a multitude of ways. The 2024 edition of DARK LARK is renowned for its smooth yet complex flavour profile, showcasing Tasmania’s awe-inspiring terroir. The artwork for this year’s limited release features the enchanting Aurora Australis, capturing the ephemeral, celestial beauty best witnessed from Tasmania. As with this rare light show, each bottle of DARK LARK offers an experience that is both elusive and enchanting, with its warm purples and greens playing across your senses. Uncorking a bottle of DARK LARK 2024 reveals evocative aromas of mocha and sultanas, layered with light oak spice and a hint of cherry. The palate is a symphony of flavours: white peach enveloped in crème brûlée, rich blackcurrant crumble, honeycomb, and caramelised pineapple. Millie Tang, Australia’s No.1 bartender and DARK LARK ambassador, remarks, “DARK LARK is whisky done differently. It belongs in cocktails, on ice, and most importantly, in moments shared after dark.” LARK Master Blender Chris Thomson… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, AUSTRALIAN FOOD, FOOD & DRINK

Tags: Australian whiskey, Lark Distillery, Lark whiskey, whiskey

Celebrate the future of Tasmanian whiskey: Lark Distillery’s latest dram

by James Banham

Posted: 11/06/2022

In Tasmania, Australia lies a homegrown success story in the world of spirits: Lark Distillery. And it was thirty years ago recently that it received the first Tasmanian distiller’s license granted in 154 years. Since then it seems, Australian spirits – or, more specifically, Tasmanian – have gone from strength-to-strength. From a makeshift still on a kitchen table, founder Bill Lark’s passion unfurled into a quiet pursuit of excellence that is being recognised around the world. Lark Distillery has grown to become one of the most celebrated and recognised distilleries in the country and beyond, being named as one of four distillers nominated for Worldwide Whisky Producer of the Year at the 2020 International Wine & Spirit Competition. To mark this momentous achievement, The HOUSE of LARK has released two single malts that represent Lark’s rich history paying homage to a legendary Scottish single malt and Lark’s rich Tasmanian roots – Rare Cask Series Glenfarclas and Origins Single Malt Whisky. A little about Rare Cask Series Glenfarclas The direct fire stills impart a rich and recognisable flavour on this spirit, while also being matured in the finest Spanish Oloroso casks, creating a moment of true indulgence. This bottling celebrates the friendship of Bill Lark and John Grant, having been distilled in 1992, the birth year of Lark, then left to mature and blossom through the decades. Get it for $999 A little about Origins Single Malt Whisky This batch is orange blossom, caramel and milk chocolate on the nose, a palate of lemon curd, apricots, and cream,… Read More

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Glenfarcas, Lark Distillery, Lark whiskey

15 May is World Whiskey Day: say hello to a wine and whiskey combination

by James Banham

Posted: 12/05/2021

They’ve combined port, sherry, bourbon, white oak and wine casks from Lark’s Bothwell Distillery with juicy flavours of vibrant berries from the finishing casks. The result is a new, single malt whiskey by Lark Distillery in Tasmania that is worthy of excitement. A limited edition, the new batch of Ruby Pinot Cask Finish has a tantalisingly light and fruit-filled composition with notes of orange blossom and honeysuckle, embodying the characteristics of a crisp Tasmanian spring morning. With mouth-watering inflections of mandarin, maple and meadow honey, this is a compellingly crisp single malt whisky reminiscent of a springtime sunrise in the Tasmanian highlands. Not to mention, its colour and classic Lark bottling make it ideal for the ‘Gram. See more about it at the Lark site.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Australian whiskey, Lark Tasmania, Lark whiskey, Red wine whiskey

Whiskey drinker? Try this Italian ‘Chinotto’ inspired batch from Tasmania

by James Banham

Posted: 16/04/2021

We all know Chinotto, right? That black, carbonated Italian drink that’s a kind of cola? Well, Tasmanian whiskey distillery, Lark, took it upon themselves to turn the eons-old beverage into an alcoholic tipple for the slightly adventurous and have crafted their first, ‘Chinotto’ whiskey. On a brisk Tasmanian afternoon, Head Distiller Chris Thomson was sampling a range of house-made single-malts when one dram, in particular, transported him back to a time where a friend introduced him to the cola-reminiscent beverage. Thomson was overcome with a wave of experimentation and creativity, which prompted him to work with a local producer, OSARE, to pair an elegant single-malt whisky with this rich and effervescent drink. What’s it like? Well, on the nose, you’ll be greeted with fresh vanilla beans, barley wine and scrumptious malted milkshakes. On the palate, hints of charred citrus and cinnamon come into play with nodes of wattleseed and cola. To finish, delighted tastebuds will be met with indulgent and sweet coffee, tingling cola as well as lingering orange oil and dark chocolate. Lark’s ben pumping out quality Tasmanian whiskey since ’92 and this is another example of the greatness that’s coming from their journey. Find out more at the Lark website.

Category: FOOD & DRINK, LIFESTYLE

Tags: Chinotto drink, Lark Chinotto, Lark Distillery, Lark whiskey

ARTS & CULTURE

A Golden Adventure awaits at the Australian Museum with new Machu Picchu Exhibition

21/11/2024

By Danielle Kirk

Sydney, prepare yourselves for a cultural gold rush. From November 23, the Australian Museum is rolling out its latest blockbuster, Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru. This dazzling exhibition is your passport to ancient Peru, featuring 134 priceless treasures from the land of the Incas and 14,000 years of history. Think glittering jewels, royal tomb artefacts, and a VR journey to one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a time machine with all the bells, whistles, and human sacrifice relics you could dream of. Following the success of the Ramses Exhibition at the Australian Museum (fun fact, it became the highest grossing exhibition in the State’s history, selling over 500,000 tickets!), Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru is created in partnership with Peru’s Museo Larco, Museo de Sito Manuel Chavez Ballon, and Neon Global, taking you on a journey through five ancient Peruvian empires, spanning over 3,000 years of rich history. Parts of the collection have only been shown in four other cities around the world, in fact, some of the artefacts have never left Peru before, and now we’re lucky to set sights on them in Sydney. Expect to see the most opulent Andean gold collection to ever leave Peru, intricate ceremonial masks, and objects that whisper secrets of long-lost rituals. For the tech-savvy explorers, the Machu Picchu and the Spirit of the Condor VR experience will transport you above the clouds for a bird’s-eye tour of the legendary citadel. Guided by the… Read More

NGV Architecture Commission 2024: Home Truth by Breathe

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In a bold reimagining of Australian home design, Home Truth by Breathe has been announced as the winner of the NGV Architecture Commission for 2024. This captivating installation takes the form of a labyrinthine house-within-a-house, challenging the notion of ever-expanding home sizes in Australia. At the heart of this design is a powerful message: rethink how we build to create more sustainable, higher-quality, and community-orientated living spaces. Home Truth invites visitors to step into a space that questions the ethical and ecological ramifications of the sprawling, oversized homes that have become prevalent across the nation. An external frame mirrors the silhouette of the average Australian home, which, at 236 square metres, ranks as the largest globally. Nestled within this silhouette is a serene timber structure, representing a smaller, more sustainable living footprint. This juxtaposition of scales is not just an architectural statement but a call to action. By contrasting these two structures, Home Truth shines a light on how smaller, more considered homes could help reduce suburban sprawl, mitigate environmental impacts, and enhance community wellbeing. It is a thought-provoking invitation for audiences to consider alternative, sustainable housing models that could lead to positive lifestyle changes. Visitors entering through the expansive garage door of the larger house find themselves navigating a maze of rooms and corridors, eventually arriving at the intimate timber retreat. This wooden haven offers a space for meditation and reflection, presenting a tangible vision of a more sustainable housing future. Constructed from framing pine and Saveboard, Home Truth uses materials emblematic of current… Read More

LOEWE PRECO SS25 SUNA FUJITA CERAMICS RGB CROPPED 4X5 3 5

Suna Fujita, LOEWE & Melbourne Art Fair to exhibit works

14/11/2024

By James Banham

In an exciting fusion of art and fashion, Melbourne Art Fair has announced a groundbreaking partnership with LOEWE, the esteemed luxury fashion brand renowned for its dedication to craftsmanship since 1846. This collaboration brings to life an exquisite preview of Jonathan Anderson’s renewed partnership with the Kyoto-based ceramist duo, Suna Fujita, marking a world-first exhibition in Australasia. The LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection made its debut with an intimate showcase at LOEWE’s Melbourne Collins Street store, offering an exclusive viewing experience of twenty whimsical ceramic pieces. These delicate works, celebrated for their intricate hand-painted scenes featuring ocean creatures and cosmic animals, seamlessly blend artistry with everyday function, transforming accessories and ready-to-wear items into enchanting works of art. Fair Director Melissa Loughnan expressed her enthusiasm for this creative union, stating, “This partnership is a reflection of Melbourne Art Fair and LOEWE’s shared commitment to supporting living artists and creatives, and an exciting precursor to the 18th edition of the Fair, which promises to be one of our most dynamic and anticipated showcases yet.” The collaboration not only highlights the playful essence of Suna Fujita’s ceramics but also underscores the vibrant art scene that Melbourne Art Fair champions. Launching today, the LOEWE x Suna Fujita collection is available both in stores and online at loewe.com, continuing until 29th December 2024. This artistic venture paves the way for the 18th edition of Melbourne Art Fair, set to take place from 20-23 February 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fair will present a remarkable assembly of… Read More

Labyrinth in Concert comes to London’s Royal Festival Hall

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Prepare to be whisked away to the mystical realm of Goblin City with a legendary twist, as “Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert” makes its grand debut at London’s Royal Festival Hall. On Friday, 28th November 2025, fans of this beloved musical fantasy film will experience a spectacular fusion of cinema and live music that promises to be nothing short of magical. For the first time ever, Jim Henson’s original masterpiece, starring the one and only David Bowie, will come alive on stage with a captivating live band performance. Audiences will be treated to the enchanting melodies of Bowie’s original vocals, accompanied by the band in perfect harmony, all set against the backdrop of the movie projected on a large HD cinema screen. It’s a chance to relive the unforgettable music and adventure that has captured hearts for nearly 40 years since the film’s release in 1986. Produced by Black Ink Presents, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, this unique concert experience is set to enthral long-time fans and newcomers alike. Known for breathing new life into iconic films with live orchestras and bands, Black Ink Presents has previously dazzled audiences with events like Batman, Ghostbusters, and The Nightmare Before Christmas. CEO John Kinsner shares his excitement, stating, “I have always been a huge fan of the groundbreaking collaboration of Jim Henson, George Lucas, David Bowie, and Trevor Jones on this film, and bringing it to fans in a live concert screening experience is a dream come true. Getting to hear Bowie’s vocals with a live… Read More

Why rush to National Art School postgrad show

12/11/2024

By James Banham

Step into the vibrant world of the arts at the National Art School (NAS) as it proudly unveils the 2024 Postgrad Show, a spectacular showcase of over 400 works by Australia’s next generation of emerging artists. Open to the public until 17 November 2024, this annual exhibition has firmly established itself as a pivotal event in Sydney’s cultural calendar, attracting gallerists, collectors, and art enthusiasts eager to discover fresh talent. The Postgrad Show serves as a launchpad for these budding artists, featuring the final bodies of work by the Master of Fine Art (MFA) graduates. This year’s exhibition offers an eclectic mix of mediums including painting, sculpture, printmaking, video, collage, 3D printing, performance, photography, drawing, and ceramics. Each piece is a testament to the diverse themes being explored—ranging from natural and digital ecosystems to identity, the Anthropocene, philosophy, and personal narratives. Ceramics take centre stage with artists like Benjamin Akuila, who delves into themes of construction, authenticity, and plasticity, informed by his Tongan heritage. His work offers a compelling exploration of queer and diasporic identity through hybrid cultural narratives. Meanwhile, Chrystie Longworth uses ceramic forms to navigate femininity, identity, and domesticity, drawing inspiration from historical subversive messages crafted by women in textiles. Her work, with its tactile terracotta and pigment surfaces, invites viewers to experience a subtle play of light and texture. From the drawing studios, Quan Zhu Ma marries traditional Chinese philosophy with contemporary practices, using innovative materials like heated charcoal and ash. His work reimagines traditional ink art, creating a fusion that resonates… Read More