Exquisite Provence hotel changes with the seasons

After a long, hot European summer, autumn will come as a welcome relief in sunny Provence. 

The hilltop villages here are among my favourites, and we spent many delightful days and nights exploring the region when based in France. 

One hotel that was on our hit list, but never visited, was the Maisons Pariente's stunning hilltop property the 5-star "luxe rural" Hotel Crillon le Brave in the foothills on Mont Ventoux. 

Situated at the heart of the commune of Vaucluse in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France, Hotel Crillon le Brave comprises 12 delightful stone houses in the tiny village of Crillon le Brave (or simply 'Crillon', as it's called by the locals). 

The village is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. 

With buildings interconnected by winding stone pathways, guests are encouraged to indulge in the sense of 'being a local', moving among the hotel's buildings and exteriors as if the village were home.

While there are dozens of villages, market and galleries to be explored, there is always the temptation to enjoy just one destination in Provence. 

The hotel has announced a seasonal transition. 

From searching for the 'black diamond' truffles for which the region is famous to focusing on well-being during a residency with nutritionist and women's health specialist, Claire Borwin, Hotel Crillon le Brave has a range of autumn options on offer. 

There are 26 rooms and 17 suites in all and La Table du Ventoux, where we ate many years ago, but under a different name, if I recall correctly, showcases local flavours. 

For more information on what's happening at Hotel Crillon le Brave check out https://www.crillonlebrave.com/

Or contact www.uniquetourism.com in Australia.

New chapter for revamped Bangkok hotel icon

Many experienced travellers would have fond memories of the leafy Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, one of the storied hotels of Asia.

The grand dame of Thai luxury hospitality is now set for a new chapter after a $US 50 million refurb described by the operators, Minor Hotels, as "an enhancement".

The newly reimagined Anantara Siam was originally opened in 1983 and was designed by acclaimed hotel architect George Wimberley.

The overall transformation has been guided by respect for the hotel's Thai heritage, ensuring that many of its most treasured design elements remain at the heart of the guest experience.

Among them is a striking 100-metre hand-painted mural in the hotel lobby, originally painted by Thailand’s greatest muralist, Paiboon Suwannakudt.

At the heart of the revamp is a "complete reimagining" of all 335 guest rooms, suites and villas.

Every bathroom has been meticulously revamped with elegant marble finishes, bespoke vanities, enhanced lighting and contemporary fittings.

Among the additions to the hotel are the Anantara Garden Pool Suites and Villas, set within lush tropical gardens with private pools and indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Also new is the Jim Thompson Explorer Suite, reimagined through a global partnership with Thailand’s legendary ‘Silk King’, Jim Thompson. It blends Thai heritage with modern sophistication through polished teak floors, painted panelled walls and curated artwork. The two-bedroom suite features an open-plan living and dining area and a private library.

Hungry guests can journey through authentic Thai flavours at Spice Market, contemporary Italian cuisine at Biscotti, Japanese dining at Shintaro, premium steaks at Madison Steak Avenue, vibrant South American cuisine at Guilty Bangkok and handcrafted cocktails at Aqua Bar.

Wellness takes centre stage with "a complete transformation" of the award-winning Anantara Spa.

For more info see https://www.anantara.com/en/siam-bangkok

Sydney gets set to celebrate the Moon Festival

Sydney is getting ready to celebrate the Moon Festival later this month.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, or Moon Festival, is a harvest festival in Chinese culture and celebrations will return to Darling Square this September for two weeks of celebrating family, gratitude and the autumn full moon.

From Saturday, September 19, until Sunday, October 4, the precinct will showcase a program of illuminated installations, live entertainment, free activities and food and drink offerings.

Originating in China, Moon Festival is now celebrated across many countries including Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Japan.

At Darling Square, guests can walk through the illuminated lantern installation, enjoy free lantern decorating sessions, free dancing workshops, DJs and live entertainment, including Emperor Guan and the Moon Goddess roaming through the precinct.

Food retailers across Darling Square are getting involved once again with Moon Festival-themed menu items.



For more information on the program, including activity and session times, please visit the website.

New luxury retreat brings out the big guns

A new luxury retreat has unveiled some big guns ahead of its opening later this year.

The Grand Saddles Lodge, the luxury retreat coming to the Saddles Mount White precinct north of Sydney, has appointed Jason White as executive chef, snaring one of Australia’s leading emerging culinary talents.

White will shape the culinary direction across the Lodge’s signature restaurant, The Hawkesbury, Art Deco-inspired piano bar Ned’s, and in-house dining.

He will be joined by Zoe Brunton as sommelier, overseeing the Lodge’s wine program and Wine Room, while Marlon Kigonya has been appointed hospitality director across the wider Saddles Mount White precinct.

White joins The Grand Saddles Lodge from multi-award-winning regional Victorian destination restaurant Brae, where he was head chef, following experience in some of Sydney’s most acclaimed kitchens, including Firedoor, Spice Temple, Rockpool, Sepia, Sixpenny and Saint Peter, as well as Noble Rot and Bonhams in London, and Fäviken in Sweden.

At The Hawkesbury, White will work with trusted farmers, growers, fishers and makers from the Central Coast, Hawkesbury and further afield, with cooking over fire featuring throughout. 

A keen gardener, White will also draw inspiration and ingredients from the Lodge’s on-site herb and vegetable gardens as they evolve throughout the seasons.

“As a chef, you don’t often get the opportunity to shape a restaurant like this from the very beginning," he said.

"I’ve been fortunate to work in places where the journey and the setting are as much a part of the experience as what arrives on the plate, and that’s what excites me about The Hawkesbury. We have an incredible landscape, exceptional produce on our doorstep and the opportunity to create a restaurant people will genuinely want to travel for.”

Brunton was previously head sommelier at Sydney restaurants Monopole and Olympus, while Kigonya has two decades of experience spanning the Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, Sydney’s Kensington Street dining precinct, Love Tilly Group and Two Good Co.,

# Saddles Mount White is a 28-acre bushland destination located just 45 minutes north of Sydney.  See grandsaddleslodge.com.au

Image: Hannah Harlow

New challenger on the French rail tracks

 

SNCF, for decades the leading railway provider in France, is about to get some serious competition. 

Velvet, a start-up that aims to challenge SNCF on high-speed routes, has secured its operating license, bringing it a step closer to launching four western France services in 2028.

The company plans to launch four non-stop routes from Paris in 2028: Paris-Bordeaux, Paris-Nantes, Paris-Angers and Paris-Rennes.

The license, issued by France’s Transport Ministry, is one of two key authorisations required before a rail operator can commercially carry passengers, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Velvet still needs to obtain a Single Safety Certificate, demonstrating that it has adequate safety-management systems and can effectively control operational risks before its trains can enter service.

The newly granted license nevertheless allows the company to move into a more advanced stage of preparations, including requesting specific train paths from SNCF Réseau, France’s rail infrastructure manager.

“It’s an important step that allows us to go further in preparing our trains, teams and procedures,” said Velvet Ppesident Rachel Picard.

Picard, a former senior SNCF executive, founded Velvet with a business partner and has raised €1 billion ($1.17 billion) from French infrastructure investor Antin Infrastructure Partners.

Part of that funding has been allocated to purchase 12 next-generation Alstom Avelia Horizon trains. The same train is being introduced by SNCF for its own high-speed operations.

Velvet’s arrival is being welcomed by passenger advocates, who say additional operators could help address capacity shortages on some of France’s busiest routes. They point to heavily booked routes such as Paris-Bordeaux and Paris-Lyon, where trains can sell out for extended periods.

France’s high-speed rail market remains overwhelmingly dominated by SNCF despite the formal opening of European rail markets to competition.

Italian operator Trenitalia entered the French market in late 2021 and now operates services linking Paris with Lyon, Marseille and Milan. It is also targeting the Paris-London market, with cross-Channel services planned by 2030.

Adelaide to gain a new luxury hotel

Adelaide will gain a major new hotel before the end of the year.

Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts has officially opened reservations for Crystalbrook Sam (a peculiar name), which will be its first South Australian hotel, scheduled to open in late December. 

Set on Halifax Street, just three streets south of Adelaide Central Market, the luxury hotel will have 196 rooms. 

Described as "equal parts relaxed and lively@, Crystalbrook Sam "is designed as both sanctuary and springboard for exploring the city". 

Hotel GM Kelvin Dodt says: “Guests can settle into Adelaide's lifestyle without leaving the hotel, from spa afternoons and long lunches to a glass of wine downstairs or dinner with views across the city. 

"Step outside and Adelaide is right there: galleries, laneways, markets, neighbourhoods and festival precincts all within easy reach.”

Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts, said: “Crystalbrook Sam represents an exciting new chapter for Crystalbrook as we bring our personality-forward and locally inspired hotels to South Australia. 

"Adelaide has a distinct creative energy and an extraordinary food, wine and cultural spirit. Crystalbrook Sam has been designed to belong here, bringing together locally made art, South Australian produce and generous Adelaide hospitality.”

Matines restaurant will showcase South Australian produce cooked over fire, local oysters and coastal favourites with views across the city and towards the Adelaide Hills. 

Eléme Day Spa will offer massages, facials and restorative treatments, complemented by the hotel's heated outdoor pool and sauna. A fully equipped gym is also available. 

Interiors will showcase a collection of sculptural art, a program bringing together South Australian sculptors and local makers, with works through the lobby, corridors, guest rooms, wellness and dining spaces.

Opening rates start from $275 per night. 

See www.crystalbrookcollection.com/sam