New flights link Hanoi direct to Amsterdam

Vietnam Airlines has officially inaugurated its non-stop service between Hanoi and Amsterdam, becoming the first Vietnamese carrier to operate a direct route connecting Vietnam and the Netherlands.

The new service marks a significant milestone in the airline's international network expansion strategy and further strengthens air links between Vietnam and Europe.The initial flight, VN83, departed Noi Bai International Airport at 3:50 AM on June 16, carrying nearly 300 passengers aboard an Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft.

After a flight time of more than 12 hours, the aircraft landed at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. In the opposite direction, flight VN82 departed Amsterdam for Hanoi at 2:00 PM on the same day.

Vietnam Airlines will operate three round-trip flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

"The inauguration of the Hanoi-Amsterdam service reflects Vietnam Airlines' continued commitment to expanding its international network and strengthening Vietnam's connectivity with key global markets," said Nguyen Quang Trung, executive vice president of Vietnam Airlines.

"This new route not only offers Vietnamese travellers more convenient access to Europe, but also facilitates greater travel to Vietnam for international visitors.

"As the national flag carrier, we will continue investing in service excellence and network development to meet evolving customer demand and further reinforce our role as an air bridge linking Vietnam with the world."

The new route also strengthens Vietnam Airlines' presence in Europe. With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines now operates 12 non-stop routes linking Vietnam with eight major European destinations: Paris, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, Moscow and Amsterdam.

And from July 1, Vietnam Airlines will increase the frequency of its Hanoi–Moscow service from three to four round-trip flights per week.

Familiar faces to open Sanctuary Cove's new enoteca

It is closing in on 40 years since the eyes of the world were on the opening of Sanctuary Cove. 

Owner Mike Gore spared no expense on "The Ultimate Event" back in 1988 with entertainment from Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston and Peter Allen. 

What a time we had, despite the rain. Thanks Patti Mostyn. 

All those years on I'm still writing about the Gold Coast drawcard with top hospo operators Max and Amanda Alfieri to open a new Italian-style wine bar at the resort next month. 

Zio Italian Enoteca will see the former owners of popular Italian restaurant Ioesco will bring their passion for Italian food, wine and hospitality back to the Cove. 

Located in Building Four on Masthead Way, along the village’s main thoroughfare, Zio Italian Enoteca will offer seating for approximately 70 guests, with both indoor and outdoor dining available.

“We are incredibly excited to return to Sanctuary Cove and to be part of [developer] Mulpha’s vision for the future of the Village,” the duo said. “We look forward to contributing to the vibrant dining and lifestyle experience that makes Sanctuary Cove such a unique destination.”

Zio Italian Enoteca will offer a selection of local and international wines, paired with traditional Italian antipasto-style offerings including freshly sliced cured meats, artisan cheeses, crusty breads and seasonal accompaniments. 

As the venue settles into spring, the menu will expand to feature a broader range of authentic Italian specialty dishes. 

“Sanctuary Cove has always been home to us,” said Max Alfieri. “Zio Italian Enoteca gives us the opportunity to share the flavours, traditions and discoveries we have experienced across Italy. From regional wines to time-honoured food traditions, we hope to bring a little piece of Italy to the Cove.”

Wind down with a cocktail or two at Melbourne's hip new hotel

Collaborations are all the range across the drinks business and the hospitality industry.

Melbourne hotel hotspot Hannah St Hotel has just launched a new collab with Malin+Goetz, a hip skincare brand founded in the very hip Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City.

The duo has unveiled The Wind Down by Malin + Goetz, an accommodation experience designed around "comfort, ritual and relaxation".

Here's what the hotel has to say: "Created in partnership with modern apothecary brand Malin + Goetz, the new package transforms an overnight stay into a sensory escape, where slowing down becomes the main event."

Fair enough.

"The collaboration draws inspiration from the shared character of Melbourne and New York."

Melbourne and New York are about as similar as myself and a LooksMaxxer.

But there is a legit link.

Hannah St Hotel occupies a location within the podium of The Queensbridge Building. Like New York's iconic Flatiron Building, The Queensbridge Building has become a defining architectural landmark of its city, creating a natural connection between two destinations celebrated for their creativity, culture and neighbourhood spirit.

At the heart of the Wind Down experience is Soft Flame, an exclusive cocktail developed by Hannah St. Hotel Bar Manager Ryan Brandon. Inspiration is drawn from the scent profile of Malin+Goetz's Dark Rum fragrance.

Guests can choose between two collab experiences.

The signature Wind Down by Malin + Goetz package includes overnight accommodation in a choice of Local, Traveller or Explorer Room types and Skyline or Lookout Corner Suites, plus daily breakfast for two, two Dark Rum-inspired cocktails served in Bar Hannah, nightly turndown service, extended 2pm checkout and a full-size Malin+Goetz Dark Rum candle to take home.

For those seeking an elevated retreat, The Ultimate Wind Down by Malin + Goetz is available exclusively in the hotel’s Terrace Balcony Rooms, the Melbourne Suite and the Hannah Suite.

Alongside all the inclusions of the signature package, Ultimate Wind Down guests can also enjoy cocktails shaken and served in-room on request, creating a private cocktail experience within the comfort of their suite. The premium package also includes a signature Hannah St Hotel robe to take home, "extending the feeling of indulgence".

Packages are available to book and stay from now until August 31, with prices starting from $705 per room for a minimum two-night stay. For online reservations and more info see www.hannahsthotel.com/packages.

* With 188 "uniquely styled" rooms, Hannah St Hotel is part of the Collection by TFE Hotels.

Star chefs set for Bangkok gourmet festival

How about a holiday gourmet experience in the heart of Bangkok?

The return of the World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel celebrates a culinary collaboration between Asia, Latin America, France and the United States from September 29-October 4.

Under the theme The World of Flavours the festival brings together celebrated culinary talents including Álvaro Clavijo, chef and founder of El Chato in Bogotá, Colombia, which has been named the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants.

He will be joined by Julien Royer, chef-owner of Odette in Singapore, holder of three Michelin stars. Odette reflects Royer's vision of refined French cuisine interpreted through an Asian perspective.

Also on board is Josiah Citrin, chef-owner of Mélisse in Los Angeles, awarded two Michelin stars. Citrin is regarded as a pioneer of Californian luxury dining and ingredient-driven cuisine.

"The World Gourmet Festival continues to celebrate the diversity and creativity that define the global culinary landscape," says Torsten Richter, general manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

"We are honoured to welcome Álvaro Clavijo, Julien Royer and Josiah Citrin to Bangkok, where their distinct culinary philosophies will offer guests an extraordinary journey across Latin America, France and the United States."

Colombia offers new experiences for cyclists

Looking for a different cycling destination?

Ride & Seek is promoting a new historic cycling tour in the South American nation of Colombia.

The route travels from the heights of the Andes to the lush Coffee Triangle and sunny Caribbean coast.

Winding from Bogotá to Medellín and Cartegena, the Bolívar tour blends climbs with cruising and culture.

Departures of the three-week tour are now available November 7, 2026, and November 6, 2027, with prices starting at $US11,880 per person based on double occupancy.

“Few places bring together world-class terrain, authentic culture and a passion for cycling as naturally as Colombia,” saysd Ride & Seek founder Dylan Reynolds.

“While landscapes like challenging Andean climbs, rolling coffee plantations and beautiful Caribbean beaches guide the route of our new tour, the country’s enthusiasm for cycling truly gives it its soul - it’s shared by everyday commuters on bustling streets and elite riders who dominate international races.

"Having left its turbulent past behind, Colombia today is open and welcoming, making this the perfect time to visit by bike.”



Along the way, participants stay in restored haciendas and enjoy authentic meals.

The tour includes all accommodation, breakfasts and group dinners, most lunches, nutrition for rides, Ride & Seek kit and water bottle, GPS with pre-loaded routes and guides.



For more information, visit https://rideandseek.com/tour/bolivar-colombia/.

About Ride & Seek

Ride & Seek is a global adventure cycling company that says it offers unique historical-themed itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy and cultural immersion. It offers tours in Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America.

Japanese resorts where you can reach for the stars

The Japanese resort region of Nagano is a long-time favourite for skiers and snowboarders. 

Now the Nagano region, about 250km north-west of Tokyo, wants to become a year-round destination for lovers of the outdoors. 

In a prefecture that boasts mountains as high as 3000 metres, local tourism officials want potential visitors to also focus on forests and the summer ground cover of flowers through hiking, cycling, e-biking, scenic drives or mere sightseeing.

And one highlight to visiting “The Roof of Japan” is to take on star gazing, where the air is clear and crisp and uninterrupted by artificial lighting.

“It’s one of those experiences worth treasuring for life,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organisation.

“There are several hotspots for guests to look into the night’s sky with a telescope; Star Village Achi and the famous Senjojiki Cirque (above) among the best,” she said.

“Nagano is known for its breathtakingly beautiful nature trails, fresh air and clear skies and is open to anyone wanting to lace up the boots for an adventure.

“Australians will soon realise there’s much more to holidaying in Nagano than challenging the slopes on skis or snowboards.”

Recent statistics indicate Australia remains Nagano’s number one long-haul market.

Star Village Achi is said to be the best spot for stargazing in Japan as endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment.

Here, visitors board a gondola from the base of Heavens Sonohara Snow World to Star Village Achi, where there is a café, telescopes and an open field that is perfect for stargazing.

At over 1400 metres, the village is surrounded by the Japanese Alps and light pollution is minimal. 

At 2600 metres above sea level, Komagatake’s Senjojiki Cirque is also a popular destination for anyone wanting to view starry skies. Here, guests can check into Japan’s highest-altitude hotel, Hotel Senjojiki.

At the northern end of the Japanese Alps lies the village of Hakuba, known for its plentiful snow and ski resorts that served as the venues for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

Visitors can take in the scenery of the Japanese Alps from almost anywhere in Hakuba, from riverside parks to mountaintop terraces.

One of the most impressive views of the mountains is from Happo Pond on top of 2000-metre high HakubaHappo One. 

For more details see www.go-nagano.net/en/