TRAVEL

The Seville Fair: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

30/06/2024

The Seville Fair, known in Spanish as “Feria de Abril de Sevilla,” is one of the most vibrant and celebrated events in the Spanish calendar.

a man and woman standing on a dock with a table and chairs and a straw roof

Why a trip to Tahiti’s got your name on it

29/06/2024

By James Banham

With colourful reefs, long white sand beaches and some of the most striking blue waters imaginable, The Islands of Tahiti already provide countless reasons to visit. If that wasn’t already enough to persuade you to book a trip right away, several exciting updates and new openings throughout the beautiful islands will surely do the trick. From luxurious resort reopenings and new dining experiences to sustainable practices, these developments promise to enhance the allure of the tropical paradise for travellers worldwide. Whether you’re a regular visitor eager to try something new or a first-timer exploring the lush landscapes, turquoise waters, and welcoming hospitality of the Tahitian people, these exciting updates are bound to inspire you to start planning your trip. Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts Reopening on October 1, 2024 Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts is set to welcome travellers starting October 1, 2024, following extensive renovations. The refreshed resort will feature air conditioning and Wi-Fi in all accommodations whilst maintaining its unique “Robinson” charm. Guests can anticipate delightful surprises in line with the “Pearl Resorts” ethos while enjoying the pristine pink sand beaches, stunning lagoon, Bird Island, and the warm hospitality of the hotel’s team members. Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Opening in August 2024 The new Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa will open its doors in August 2024 on the former Le Meridien property. Offering overwater bungalows with glass floors and beach villas with direct lagoon access, the resort promises an unparalleled stay. Guests can look forward to gourmet dining, wellness and… Read More

Apes Hill Barbados: The Ultimate Multi-Generational Luxury Retreat

22/06/2024

By James Banham

In a world increasingly valuing quality time with extended family, multi-generational luxury breaks have soared in popularity, and Apes Hill Barbados is emerging as the premier destination that truly has it all. This idyllic Caribbean resort is set to enchant visitors with its new activity programme for spring and summer 2024, coinciding perfectly with Barbados’ excitement for the ICC T20 World Cup. A Haven of Activities Under the Sun With over 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Barbados is an active vacationer’s dream. At Apes Hill, guests can indulge in a myriad of activities designed to cater to every age and interest. Picture yourself enjoying sunset yoga sessions, partaking in lively couples golf tournaments, or pushing your limits in invigorating boot camps. For those with a competitive edge, padel tennis events await, while nature lovers can explore the island’s beauty through gully walks. Families are well-catered for with children’s movie evenings, cooking demonstrations, sports camps, and even freshwater fishing excursions. Sunil Chatrani, executive chairman of Apes Hill Barbados, encapsulates the resort’s ethos: “We are cultivating a new sense of luxury island living here at Apes Hill, and our new activity programme only adds to the exceptional lifestyle we are offering.” Luxurious Family-Friendly Accommodation Nestled among Barbados’ natural coral and lush foliage, Apes Hill’s three-bedroom courtyard villas offer an unparalleled stay. Each villa boasts a private swimming pool with breathtaking ocean views, ensuring guests enjoy the perfect blend of privacy and social space. Designed to capture natural light and breeze, these villas provide an ideal sanctuary for… Read More

Top 10 most disappointing attractions in Australia

16/06/2024

By James Banham

From iconic landmarks to unforgettable experiences, Australia undoubtedly boasts some of the world’s most stunning tourist attractions, drawing in millions of visitors and locals each year. However, not everyone shares the same enthusiasm when visiting these famous sites, with some finding the attractions less impressive than anticipated. To help you decide which tourist spots are worth your time, the language learning experts at Preply analysed Tripadvisor reviews to examine the language used by visitors to describe both positive and negative experiences at major destinations. They started by compiling a list of Australia’s top 25 most popular and renowned landmarks and then analysed the number of 1, 2, or 3-star reviews to identify which attractions may leave you feeling underwhelmed. 1) The Ghan, Adelaide to Darwin Disappointing for 20% of visitors Taking the top spot as the most disappointing landmark in Australia is The Ghan, with a surprising one-fifth (20%) of visitors left feeling underwhelmed. Running between the northern and southern coasts of Australia, The Ghan is famed for being one of the world’s most renowned passenger train journeys. Although an overwhelming number of reviews boast an ‘excellent’ experience, those who rated the experience between 1-3 stars highlighted the overcrowdedness, lack of sleep, and the experience not being ‘up to scratch’ for the luxury cost. 2) Bondi Beach, Sydney Disappointing for 18% of visitors Bondi Beach, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, claims the title as the second-most disappointing tourist attraction in the country, with a staggering 18% of reviews deeming it disappointing. Famous for its clear blue ocean, soft golden… Read More

Best place to watch theatre in Athens: discover the city of Athens Lycabettus theatre

06/06/2024

By James Banham

Nestled atop the majestic Mt. Lycabettus, overlooking the enchanting city of Athens, lies a cultural gem that has captivated hearts for decades – the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre. This summer of 2024 marks a momentous occasion as this iconic venue reopens its doors after years of anticipation, beckoning both locals and tourists to experience the magic of open-air performances in a setting like no other. A legacy of musical splendour For years, the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre has been a cornerstone of Athens’ cultural scene, hosting legendary concerts that have left an indelible mark on the city’s musical history. Imagine the thrill of witnessing performances by renowned artists such as Radiohead, Björk, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, and many more against the backdrop of the starlit Athenian sky. It’s a venue steeped in history and melodies that resonate through time. A grand revival Originally envisioned by the esteemed architect Takis Zenetos in 1965, this architectural marvel has recently undergone a grand renovation, breathing new life into its hallowed stage. Following a spectacular reopening in September 2023 with a magnificent concert by Greek composer Stavros Xarchakos, this summer heralds the true debut of the theatre’s renaissance, promising a lineup that will set the city abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Summer extravaganza Operated by Technopolis Athens, the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre is set to dazzle audiences with a vibrant program of over 50 nights of concerts catering to diverse musical tastes. The summer season kicks off with collaborations with esteemed music festivals like Plisskën Festival… Read More

Tag: Sunset Boulevard review

Theatre review: Sunset Boulevard, Melbourne

SUNSET BOULEVARD AUSTRALIA 2024 Sarah Brightman 01 PIC CREDIT DANIEL BOUD

by THE F

Posted: 16/06/2024

The latest production of Sunset Boulevard at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre is a mixed bag, encapsulating both the brilliance and pitfalls of adapting a classic film into a stage musical. The much-anticipated lavish new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, SUNSET BOULEVARD, starring musical theatre and international superstar Sarah Brightman, is now playing in Melbourne. Audiences have been offering standing ovations for the spectacular show, currently gracing the stage at the Princess Theatre. A season at the Sydney Opera House will follow from August 28. Tickets are on sale at sunsetmusical.com.au. Marking her return to the theatre after more than three decades, Sarah Brightman stars as Norma Desmond, the iconic role that catapulted Glenn Close to Broadway stardom and recently earned Nicole Scherzinger an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the West End. Alongside her will be critically acclaimed Australian actor and performer Tim Draxl in the role of Joe Gillis, a role last played on stage in Australia by Hugh Jackman in 1996. Joining Sarah and Tim on stage in the role of Max Von Mayerling is stage and screen veteran Robert Grubb, with the role of Betty Schaefer brought to life by emerging leading lady Ashleigh Rubenach. Musical theatre performer Jarrod Draper takes on the role of Artie Green, while established theatre actors Paul Hanlon and Troy Sussman play the roles of Cecil B. DeMille and Sheldrake, respectively. At select performances, the remarkable Silvie Paladino will assume the role of Norma Desmond. The extremely talented ensemble cast includes… Read More

Category: LIFESTYLE, CITIES, MELBOURNE, THEATRE

By James Banham

As part of Sydney Festival 2022, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs presented a sellout season of Night of the Soul in the majestic ambience of The Cutaway at Barangaroo. The audience, comfortably reclined on yoga mats and cushions, was immersed in a live performance against a backdrop of towering columns and ancient sandstone walls, resonating with sonic choral beauty. In 2024, this magic will be revisited with a rare performance of one of the most sublime a cappella works ever written—Sergei Rachmaninoff’s hauntingly beautiful All-Night Vigil (also known as his Vespers). This sublime concert will be presented in a specially crafted, dream-like environment at Sydney’s iconic Town Hall, on Saturday, July 20. Much like the 2022 experience, the audience will be invited to find the sweet spot between active listening and meditation. The exceptional voices of over 100 singers from the Choirs’ renowned Symphony Chorus will unite as a living, breathing instrument, interspersed with solos from special guests: mezzo-soprano Hannah Fraser, tenor Louis Hurley, and saxophonist Nicholas Russoniello. For this immersive performance, conductor and Artistic Director Brett Weymark has reimagined Sydney Town Hall, creating a unique acoustic environment by removing much of the ground floor seating. The choir will be positioned centrally, surrounded on all four sides by yoga mats where attendees can recline, letting the sumptuous music wash over them. Traditional seating will also be available around the perimeter, on stage, and in the galleries. Best known for his heart-achingly beautiful piano concertos and lush symphonies featured in films like Brief Encounter and Shine, Rachmaninoff had… Read More