Seating free for all may be coming to an end

An American airline that is notorious for it's free-for-all seating policy is considering changes.

And the reason, you've guessed it, is money.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is known for its open single-class seating policy but could be changing, Travel Mole reports.

Southwest has one economy class cabin with no pre-assigned seating and mostly open boarding. 

Passengers are allocated to one of three boarding groups and it is then first come, first seated, unless you opt to pay a fee for early boarding.

Otherwise it is a bunfight as passengers try to save premium seats for their friends and anyone late boarding on a fuller flight gets a dreaded middle seat.

"Once onboard, simply choose any available seat and stow your carryon items in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you," the airline's website says

Now Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has said the airline is looking at changes.

“We’re looking into new initiatives, things like the way we seat and board our aircraft,” Jordan said this week.

Although, it touts its "simple and user-friendly" seating policy, this restricts the carrier's ability to make more money from fees.

Jordan said a review of passenger seating has resulted in "interesting" results.

“Customer preferences do change over time,” Jordan said.

While rival US airlines, including Delta and United, have introduced fee-paying choices for priority boarding, extra legroom seating, exit rows and others, Southwest has remained steadfast in its simple seating policy with no premium options.

But money talks. Stay tuned.

New wine and food experiences in the Great Southern

It's a long drive from just about anywhere to get to Ferngrove winery in the Great Southern region of West Australia.

But visitors are promised new tasting experiences in this winemaking outpost

Located in Frankland River, Ferngrove Wines has designed three new tasting experiences to be enjoyed at the cellar door, along with new culinary options, Tourism Western Australia reports.



The tasting experiences include an Experience Ferngrove Tasting, a casual introduction to six wines from $10 per person; a two-hour Museum Tasting Experience of special back vintage wines; and a Bespoke Tasting Flight of 10 wines across the portfolio.

The new culinary options, meanwhile, include pizzas, charcuterie boards and barbeque facilities, with the option to purchase meat packs from the cellar door.

 
The large seasonal charcuterie board includes four cheeses, preserves, dried fruit, nuts, olives and crackers.

 
For those who want a remote experience, the Ferngrove chalets have a fully equipped kitchens, barbecue facilities, reverse cycle air-conditioning and a TV. But be warned: there is no wifi out here.

Frankland River is an hour away from the nearest shopping centre so it is recommended you take food with you. All linen is provided and the chalets can sleep up to six people.

Rates start from $140 per night for two. See www.ferngrove.com.au

 

   

All change for Sydney fish stars as they enter the pub business

Seafood restaurateurs and butchers Josh and Julie Niland are going into the pub business.

Their all-new Saint Peter Restaurant will open in July at The Grand National Hotel, Paddington, Sydney.

 
Saint Peter's new home is just down the road from its original location and the restaurant's opening in July will be the first phase for the refurbished 14-bedroom boutique hotel, with the rooms opening later this year.

Saint Peter at The Grand National will have a menu that reflects the ongoing journey of the owners.

From opening as a small fish eatery in 2016 on Oxford St, Paddington, the Nilands’ Saint Peter restaurant has provoked conversation around whole fish cooking, butchery, storing, and processing fish.

Saint Peter's new home will more than double the size of the original restaurant.

The new Saint Peter restaurant, bar, and private dining room are all located on the ground floor of the hotel.

The main dining room is flooded with natural light from an expansive skylight that frames the open kitchen and offers booth and banquette seating, along with a custom-made chef's table for six guests with front-row seats at the kitchen pass.

In addition to the capacity for 40 guests in the dining room and 30 in the bar, Saint Peter will have a private dining room offering bespoke dining for up to 15 guests.

This room will feature a restored heritage fireplace and have its own private entrance on Elizabeth St.

The Grand National Hotel has a rich history as one of Paddington’s favourite pubs.

The bar’s location at the front of the venue has been preserved to ensure that locals still have a welcoming place to meet.

The backbone of the bar menu will be Australian Rock Oysters with a list curated by Josh and the Fish Butchery team.



Lunch will be à la carte and change day-to-day, offering in-room guests, along with the local Paddington community, the opportunity to enjoy the restaurant more frequently.

“I don't want to lose what makes Saint Peter a special place, not only to eat and enjoy as a guest but also for me and our team to work,” says Josh Niland.

“We are excited about the challenge ahead of not just moving into a beautiful home for Saint Peter but also expanding our expression of hospitality to a wonderful bar and boutique hotel."

Julie Niland says: "We are working with some incredibly talented people to develop a world-class wine and cocktail offering. The luxury accommodation has been so beautifully designed that you will think you are in Paris - until you see the quintessentially Paddington rooftops and beautiful gum trees out your window.

"At the heart of Saint Peter remains a commitment to whole fish cooking, where the entirety of the fish is celebrated with Josh’s trademark respect and technique.

"With both a charcoal grill and rotisserie, fish will continue to be viewed and cooked in the same way as meat."

The Fish Butchery at nearby Waterloo will continue to be the processing kitchen for all fish for Saint Peter, while the beverage programme will be crafted by sommelier Houston Barakat.

Reservations for Saint Peter at the Grand National Hotel are now open for August and September. Reservations for July will be released closer to opening once dates are confirmed.

Opening times: Lunch Thursday-Sunday, dinner Tuesday-Saturday.

For reservations hit https://www.saintpeter.com.au/

Images: Christopher Pearce

New rule ensures children flying must be seated next to parents

We've all heard stories about children being allocated seats apart from their parents on long haul flights.

Booking systems are not flawless and parents are not always good at booking online.

Which can create stressful situations airports and on board flights.

In India, however, issues concerning child seats should be thing of the past.

India’s air regulator this week issued a directive to airlines to ensure young children are seated beside at least one parent free of charge.

They should not be required to pay for seat selection if travelling on the same booking, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

It follows consumer complaints that families were unable to book seats together, or had to pay for the privilege.

“Airlines shall ensure that children up to 12 years are allocated seats with at least one of their parents/guardians,” a new DGCA rule said.

Exactly how this will all work remains to be seen.

Image: Hanny Hsian, Scop.io

Bright future envisaged for historic Melbourne hotel site

Major changes are afoot for the historic InterContnental Hotel site on Collins Street, Melbourne.

With part of the building dating back to 1891, the hotel was originally know as the Menzies at Railto when it opened in 1984. 

It became part of the InterContinental group in 2008, and was extensively refurbished,[whilst not changing the heritage structures.

It is sometimes known as the InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto and is part of IHG Hotels group.

The Rialto Building is architecturally significant as one of the finest ‘boom style’ buildings in Melbourne and is an integral part of an exceptional group of late Victorian commercial buildings in Collins Street

Now owners Salter Brothers have announced the achievement of Heritage Victoria Permits with conditions and City of Melbourne support with recommended conditions for the department to consider, to revitalise the hotel.

The site renewal secures the long-term retention and conservation of the well-known Winfield and Rialto heritage buildings, and a new mixed-use development on the site comprising of retail, office, a luxury hotel and a club with meeting and conference spaces, the company said.

"Salter Brothers has worked collaboratively with Heritage Victoria to achieve a design that respects, conserves and evolves these beautiful heritage buildings into future Melbourne."

Commenting on the approval, Paul Salter said “I am incredibly proud of our team in achieving these approvals. I would like to thank Patrick Ness who led the Cox Architecture team and Nick Touzeau from Planning & Property Partners who advised on Heritage Victoria and planning permits.

“We are honoured to move forward with the preservation of the heritage Winfield and Rialto buildings and excited about the dynamic this project will bring to central Collins Street.

"Subject to consideration we look forward to receiving planning approval from the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning”

Major changes to the Briar Ridge wine experience

 

Hunter Valley wine producer Briar Ridge Vineyard has announced a trifecta of new developments for winter 2024.

They include the introduction of a Mystery Vineyard Tour, the enhancement of their family and dog-friendly amenities, and the opening of a new restaurant offering at the cellar door in Mount View. 

The Mystery Vineyard Tour is billed as "a blend of adventure and sophistication" that reveals secrets behind the 50-year-old Mount View vineyard.

Guests can sip on vintage as they explore the vineyards with a dedicated host and then savour some of the Hunter's best with a curated wine tasting in a mystery location within the winery grounds. This is complemented by a cheese and charcuterie plater featuring local and imported delicacies. 

Meanwhile, Estancia Osteria, the new restaurant offering, opened last month, inspired by the rustic charm of estancias in Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. 

The blub says it will "offer diners a culinary voyage through the heart of Italy, the Mediterranean Sea and South America", led by executive chefs Gabriel Rodrigues and James Orlowski. 

Fire to Table cuisine will showcase fresh and seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers, including succulent cuts of meat cooked over embers. 

Both the Briar Ridge cellar door and adjacent wine garden are family- and pet-friendly with complimentary colouring kits to entertain the little ones, children's snacks and a supervised grassed garden with toys and yard games. 

Furry friends can enjoy Pooch Platters featuring dog treats, a A Pooch Hydration Station for a quick hydration and the possibility for well-behaved woofers to join their humans at their tasting table.

 Briar Ridge recently welcomed new winemaker  Andrew Duff (above), who succeeded long-serving winemaker Alex Beckett. 

“I have some big shoes to fill and I’m honestly revelling in the opportunity to make wine off such a significantly important vineyard for the Hunter,” he says. 

“I’m especially eager to be playing with some interesting grape varietals, such as the fiano and albariño."

For more info see www.briarridge.com.au/

Australian winemakers are coming up rosé

 

It is not that long ago that rosé wines were something of a distraction for many Australian winemakers.

A batch of leftover grenache, or shiraz: "fine, let's make a simple, sweet pink wine for the ladies to enjoy at cellar door".

In the wake of the continued success of pale savoury rosés from Provence, however, Australia is now producing rosé wines in a variety of styles; most of them dry, some of them very stylish indeed.

Sydney PR company Blend PR recently week put on a Zoom tasting of four new wave rosés, one each from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia, all made from different grape blends, but all super food friendly.

The wines featured were the 2023 Marchand & Burch, Oliver's Taranga and De Iullis Wines releases and the 2022 Yarra Valley rosé from Handpicked Wines.

It is an indication of just how seriously rosé is being taken nowadays that winemakers Nic Bowen, Corrina Wright, Mike De Iulliis and Peter Dillon all joined for the tasting.



All four wines sit at between $28-30 on retail shelves and all are certainly worth a look. The two wines that saw oak, the Marchand & Burch and Handpicked, are candidates for short-term cellaring, while the other pair were ready to be enjoyed the day they were bottled.

The Marchand and Burch 2023 Villages Rosé is a pale and crisp blend of grenache, pinot noir and shiraz from the Swan Valley, Great Southern and Margaret River.

The Handpicked Regional Selection 2022 Yarra Valley Rosé is 100% sangiovese from the Yarra and is aromatic with mineral notes.

Oliver's Taranga 2023 Chica Rosé is a savoury blend of McLaren Vale shiraz and mencia (with fiano lees in the ferment to add texture and complexity).

The crisp, zippy De Iuliis 2023 Estate Rosé is 60% shiraz, 40% merlot, all from the Hunter Valley.

"Rosé really was an afterthought for a very long time," says winemaker Mike de Iuliis. "Now it is given serious consideration. We used to make rosé from crap shiraz; now we make 3,000 cases and take it very seriously."

Marchand & Burch winemaker Nic Bowen agrees, saying. "There is a real push now to make rosés of complexity and interest. That said, all rosés should be easy to drink. You don't want anything that is too challenging as rosé is a lifestyle wine."

Peter Dillon from Handpicked tried pinot noir for his rosés but found it too "tutti frutti". "What we want is to make a wine that is savoury and interesting, and sangiovese is perfect for that," he says.

Corinna Wright from Oliver's Taranga says her wine showcases "florals and freshness" despite being from a warmer region. .

All four wines are thoroughly modern in style. Paleish, dryish and savouryish.

Get some Lebanese takeaway in, and you have an instant feast with any one of the four.           .   

Top image: Agi Gob, Scop.io 

From bombers and bad guys to a new distillery

What was once one of the most notorious addresses in Belfast has been re-born as a whisky distillery.

The A-wing of Crumlin Road jail, which housed key figures during "The Troubles" in Northern Ireland, has been re-launched as a tourism attraction by its American owners.

Earlier this month, the new distilling operation was officially launched following $50 million investment by US-owned Belfast Distillery Company.

The A-wing will soon produce McConnell’s Irish Whisky, with the first bottles made in the facility expected to be available for purchase in 2029.

The launch has seen the revival of the McConnell’s Irish Whisky brand, which had a 150-year history but shut up shop due to the introduction of prohibition in the US in the 1930s.

The McConnell family had an involvement in the Belfast spirits trade dating back to the 18th century.

Joe Babiec, managing director of Belfast Distillery Company, said the final result had “exceeded expectations”.

It is hoped the venture will give tourism a boost in Belfast, with 100,000 visitors expected each year for tastings and tours.

Also known as HM Prison Belfast, and dubbed Europe's Alcatraz, prisoners held at Crumlin Road included future Irish head of state Eamon de Valera, Martin McGuinness, Michael Stone and Bobby Sands.

Major airline offers big apology

As it clears a backlog of around 30,000 delayed bags, Emirates Airline has issued a rare fulsome apology for its failings.

Airline president Sir Tim Clark admitted that the airline had let down its customers through a lack of contingency planning after the United Arab Emirates was last week hit by storms and unprecedented flooding.

"I would like to offer our most sincere apologies to every customer who has had their travel plans disrupted during this time," Clark said.

"On Tuesday, April 16, the UAE experienced its highest rainfall in 75 years.

"Lashing storm winds and rain disrupted activity across the cities. Our 24/7 hub in Dubai remained open, with flight movements reduced for safety, but flooded roads impeded the ability of our customers, pilots, cabin crew, and airport employees to reach the airport, and also the movement of essential supplies like meals and other flight amenities.

"We diverted dozens of flights to avoid the worst of the weather on Tuesday, and over the next three days we had to cancel nearly 400 flights and delay many more, as our hub operations remained challenged by staffing and supply shortages."

The chaos extended to suspending check-in for passengers departing Dubai, implementing an embargo on ticket sales, and temporarily halting connecting passenger traffic from points across the network coming into Dubai.

"We sent over 100 employee volunteers to look after disrupted customers at Dubai Airport departures and in the transit area, prioritising medical cases, the elderly and other vulnerable travellers," Clark said.

"To date, over 12,000 hotel rooms were secured to accommodate disrupted customers in Dubai, 250,000 meal vouchers have been issued, and more quantities of drinking water, blankets, and other amenities."

But a lot of customers were extremely unhappy that Emirates had no plans to deal with the chaos and were left to fend for themselves in the airport. .

"We have put together a taskforce to sort, reconcile, and deliver some 30,000 pieces of left-behind baggage to their owners," Clark said.

"We know our response has been far from perfect. We acknowledge and understand the frustration of our customers due to the congestion, lack of information, and confusion in the terminals. We acknowledge that the long queues and wait times have been unacceptable."

Among the stranded baggage was that of Australians en route to Gallipoli for Anzac Day events. 

Personally, I'm not surprised. A while back I need information and help from Emirates' PR team. The response was underwhelming and I vowed to avoid them, where possible, in the future.

How Accor wants to reward young Indigenous hospitality talent

Accor, the largest hotel operator in Australia, has announced its new Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship to provide career pathways and development opportunities for young Indigenous talent.

Created in collaboration with various community and higher education partners, including Yugambeh Regional Aboriginal Corporation Alliance and Busy@Work, the Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship aims to redefine career prospects for Indigenous youth in the hospitality industry.

"Our Indigenous Hotel Traineeship is the culmination of significant dedication and support," says 

Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams. 

"Our commitment to this program goes beyond training and education' it's a labour of love. We offer our trainees infinite avenues for career development and growth, a culture of inclusivity that is open to all, and open pathways to travel and work around the world, while respecting and valuing individual personalities. 

"Through this new traineeship program, we know we'll secure incredible talent who will enjoy a rewarding career with Accor.”

The inaugural group of trainees hails from south east Queensland, specifically the Gold Coast and Brisbane regions, with Accor planning to expand the program across Australia from next year.

Over the course of 12 months, the trainees will participate in a comprehensive full-time hotel-based traineeship, with theoretical components delivered by TAFE Queensland. Upon completion, trainees will complete a Certificate III in Hospitality Operations.

The traineeship offers a blend of classroom instruction and practical experience, with three training days per month, complemented by on-the-job training in various departments.

All trainees will undergo three four-month departmental block rotations in food and beverage, housekeeping, and front office, providing them with a complete understanding of hotel operations.

The Accor Indigenous Hotel Traineeship is aimed at individuals aged 17-25. 

The traineeship program forms part of Accor's Indigenous Careers Program, which has placed more than 2,500 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander team members into positions at Accor since its inception in 2015.

For more information visit careers.accor.com

Champagne? Caviar? Luxury?

 

Champagne? Caviar? A luxury island retreat? 

Luxury lodge Lizard Island in Tropical North Queensland has unveiled plans for a special couple of days over a long weekend in June.

Lizard Island - the northernmost resort on the Great Barrier Reef - will pair with family-owned Champagne Lallier and caviar producer Yarra Valley Caviar over the weekend of June 28-30. 

The weekend will include masterclasses, tastings and leisurely dining events. 

Guests are promised some of the finest vintages of the century-old Champagne house, along with caviar from a sustainable aquaculture farm. 

Renowned ceramicists The McCorry Collection will also be on hand across the weekend. 

Lizard Island general manager Mark Leslie said: "Lallier Champagne and Yarra Caviar are two prestigious culinary products whose producers pride themselves on small-scale, sustainable production, and the proof is in the superior - and thoroughly enjoyable - tasting experience.” 

Lizard Island has 40 suites and villas offering access to white-sand beaches and is a founding member of the Luxury Lodges of Australia collection.

Lallier is a 115-year-old Champagne house with its barrel hall in Ay and production facilities in Oger.

See https://www.lizardisland.com.au/

So you fancy a couple of winter nights in the Hunter Valley vineyards?

Fancy a couple of days in the Hunter Valley over winter?

The Hunter's newest premium accommodation destination, The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, has just released a Cosy Escape Package available from now until August 31.

The deal is priced from $243 per night when staying a minimum of two nights in a premium studio retreat and includes breakfast provisions for two people, a wood-fired pizza at Bimbadgen Pizzeria for two, a bottle of Bimbadgen Shiraz, Coco Nib Bon Bon chocolates and late check-out to midday.

The deal is subject to availability and some blackout dates may apply, so it might pay to book sooner rather than later.

The Lane Retreat, Bimbadgen, is set among 15 hectares of vineyards and natural bushlands I've visited and it is impressive. .

It has been developed by property and hospitality group Mulpha Australia and guests also have access to the Mulpha-owned Emma’s Cottage Vineyard boutique winery nearby.

The Lane Retreat offers 60 plush studio retreats with outdoor decks. Each studio retreat has a king bed, a bathroom with double rain head showers and Hunter bathroom amenities, a kitchenette with coffee maker, toaster, microwave and mini bar.

“The Lane Retreat has been designed to offer all the luxury and amenities guests can expect while ensuring the Hunter wine country and the natural environment remain the stars of the show," says Mulpha regional general manager of hospitality, Sophie Andrews.

“It will appeal to anyone looking for a genuinely restful, private retreat to recharge the batteries, as well as for weddings, family functions and corporate retreats just 2 hours’ drive (that's optimistic) from Sydney.

Book online at www.thelaneretreat.com.au

If you think big is beautiful then this is a hotel for you

If you are into cosy boutique hotels look away now.

The newly opened Mercure Icon Singapore City Centre has almost 1000 rooms and is the biggest Mercure in the world.

The midscale Accor new-build hotel has 989 rooms that draw inspiration from nearby Chinatown's colourful façades and the urban vibe of its central business district location.

The lobby (below) is stylised with an LED mural and artworks of the local shophouses by local artist Ripple Root (great name, Ripple).

Billed as being ideal for both leisure seekers and business travellers, the guest rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, or balconies.

All rooms are equipped with eco-conscious amenities, including filtered water dispensers and biodegradable bathroom amenities.

Mercure Icon Singapore City offers six distinct dining experiences. 

Chara Brasserie, an all-day dining restaurant, specialises in authentic Mediterranean buffets alongside Asian and Pacific favourites. At the hotel lobby, Klara Café and Bar offers a fusion of international and local delights, coupled with specially crafted cocktails and drinks.

Debuting in Singapore is L'antica Pizzeria da Michele, a renowned establishment from Naples - a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant that was featured in the Eat, Pray, Love movie. Helmed by veteran French chef Michael Muller, La Table d'Emma offers a blend of Alsace traditions and classic French cuisine in 'La table d'amis' - or 'the friends' table' – fashion.

Guests can enjoy sushi at Ashino, craft beer at Upward Taproom, and coffee at TAG Espresso, which are opening later in the second quarter of 2024.

The hotel's Landscape Deck is an oasis of wellness and serenity, where guests can enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or rejuvenate at the tranquil wellness deck. Fitness enthusiasts are catered for with a well-equipped gym.

Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer of Accor's Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division in Asia, said: “Singapore continues to captivate visitors with its rich cultural heritage and vibrant energy. Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, with its locally inspired design, experiences, and culinary offerings, ensures that every stay reflects the character of this dynamic city. 

"As the world's largest Mercure hotel, this milestone marks a proud achievement for Accor in Asia. We invite travellers to embark on a journey of discovery in the heart of this dynamic city. I am thrilled to welcome Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre to our network."

Carolyn Choo, CEO of Worldwide Hotels, the owner of Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, said: “We are excited to welcome guests to Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre, the new flagship of the Worldwide Hotels group. 

"From the charming shophouses and rich cultural sights, to myriad cafés, restaurants and bars at its doorstep, the Mercure Icon Singapore City invites travellers to live like a local and experience Singapore in its most authentic and vibrant form.”

Room rates start from SGD195++. For more information see https://all.accor.com/hotel/C2S1/index.en.shtm

Multiple cruises cancelled as new ship will not be ready

When you book a cruise on a brand-new ship you are taking a big risk: as thousands of would-be cruisers discovered this week.

Princess Cruises has announced new ship Star Princess’ debut will be delayed by months - and that nine planned cruises have had to be cancelled, Travel Mole reported.

Princess and leading Italian ship builder Fincantieri announced a mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the Sphere Class ship from July 29, 2025, to September 26, 2025.

So bad luck if you have a booking.

“Despite our relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required,” said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises.

The new inaugural sailings of Star Princess will be round-trip from Barcelona and include an 11-day Mediterranean cruise on October 4, 2025, and a seven-day Mediterranean cruise on October 15, 2025.

They will precede a 14-day transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on October 22, 2025, for the ship’s first Caribbean season.

Guests booked on any of the cancelled voyages will be given three options: book any Princess cruise worldwide, including aboard the new Star, sister ship Sun Princess, or any other Princess ship.

Guests who elect to re-book will receive future cruise and onboard-credits depending on the cruise they select.

But customers will also have the option to cancel and receive a full refund, which you'd expect many of them to take.

Star Princess is the second in the new Sphere Class of ships for Princess, following sister ship Sun Princess, which debuted in February.

These ships feature The Dome, an industry-first geodesic feature on the top deck, and The Sphere, the suspended glass Sphere Piazza at the centre of the ship.

Discover some Barossa wine gems - and then linger longer

Schubert Estate makes wines of power and precision, but tends to fly under the radar compared to some its higher-profile Barossa neighbours.

I've been working my way through some impressive wine releases and added their new tasting room to my "to do" list for my next visit.

The pioneering Schubert family planted vineyards along Roennfeldt Road in the Barossa in 1915, selling grapes to many neighbour wine producers.

In 2000, a small parcel was retained, yielding a single barrel of wine carrying the Schubert Estate name and the image of a goose - which the family chose as a symbol of courage, strength, and adventure.

Almost a quarter of a century on, winemaker Matt Reynolds produces artisan wines of style and substance.

The winery recently took out a Double Gold/ Diamond Trophy award at the Sakura Japan’s Women’s Wine Awards. 

For visitors, Schubert Estate "recently opened a magnificent new wine room and three-bedroom luxe residence", reports wine business consultant Howard Duncan.

The Wine Room (below) is open Monday-Friday11am-4pm and at weekends by appointment. The structured tastings include a complimentary sample platter and last for around 45 minutes.

Wines are also served by the glass and bottle, and can be paired with a gourmet platter.

For those wanting to stay awhile, the recently unveiled Residence, a classic old homestead, is set among he vineyards and gardens and offers premium self-contained accommodation for up to six people.

There are three double bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

See https://schubertestate.com/pages/the-residence

Where you must pay $12 just to have a vessel from which to enjoy your wine

 

A key element to enjoying fine wines is using quality stemware.

I know several wine lovers who take their own wine glasses to restaurants to ensure they get maximum pleasure from expensive bottles. Sometimes they will take glasses specific to the variety they will be drinking.

But if you are attending the Clare Valley Gourmet Week then you'll do as you are told.

You will buy a polymer wine tumbler made in the US for $12 and use it. Or else. That $12 is on top of your entry fee, of course.  

Want to bring the wine glass you purchased at last year's event? Sorry. No go. Off with your head.

 
The organisers of Australia's longest-running wine and food festival - celebrating 40 years - this week proudly announced "your passport to the Festival - 2024 Official Gourmet Glassware".

They added: "We're excited to announce our brand-new GoVino Gourmet Glasses, which are durable, shatterproof, eco-friendly, and dishwasher safe! These are available to purchase for $12 at all festival venues (marked on the program) and will be used to serve your wine. Pick up at your first stop and enjoy at events throughout the week.

"Please be aware that due to this exciting change, last year's glasses will not be accepted at any venue."

That's telling them. Hospitality at its finest.

You WILL use an imported glass that is not made from glass. You WILL pay $12 for it even though it can be purchased on line and in retail outlets for far less. You WILL enjoy drinking from a tumbler rather than stemware.

I've asked the organisers for their comments/Whether this is a commercially driven decision or not. I'll let you know. 

# Two very high profile Clare Valley producers have made contact to say they will be ignoring the directive and using their own high-quality stemware for their tastings during the event. “A quality focus is important”. 

New market to lift Sydney beachside suburb

The Sydney beach suburb of Maroubra is to get a new monthly food and goods market featuring more than 100 stalls.

The new markets will be held at Broadarrow Reserve from May 5 and will include a selection of fresh produce, artisan food products, fashion, homewares, crafts, plants, flowers, and art.

There will also be onsite dining areas and a variety of vendors selling foods for immediate consumption.

There will also be a section of the market edicated to vintage and recycled goods.

The markets will be a collab between Randwick City Council and market curators Cambridge
Markets.

Randwick Mayor Philipa Veitch says the new markets will bring together the community and help
boost the local economy.

“Not only will the Maroubra Beach markets activate a wonderful outdoor public space, but they will provide residents with another great event to look forward to each month and give Sydneysiders from outside the area another reason to visit our beautiful beachside suburb,” Veitch said.

“In addition to the markets, there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops at Maroubra Beach for everyone to explore and enjoy.

”“Residents wanted markets that offered a variety of things, from fresh produce to artisan and
general goods.”

Cambridge Markets director Madelienne Andersen said: “We’re so delighted to bring a monthly
market to this beachside location. Markets are such a great way to strengthen community spirit,
bolster local economies and support small business, as well as showcase emerging artisans.

"This monthly event is for everyone to enjoy. Come down for breakfast, lunch or a coffee and browse the incredible array of merchandise on offer. All our stallholders are very passionate and happy to chat with customers about their products."

The markets will run on the first Sunday of each month from 8am–2pm.

Mudgee now offers a chic stay under canvas

Mudgee is a fast-growing gourmet destination and visitors can now enjoy staying in "chic eco tents" with the launch of new accommodation at Parklands Resort Mudgee.

The deluxe addition to Mudgee’s accommodation offering sees guests treated to four poster beds, Mudgee providore provisions, continental breakfast hampers and sunset wines on the deck.

In addition, the eco-tents are pet friendly, so canine friends are welcome to enjoy the stay (for an additional fee).

The 15 brand new eco-friendly canvas tents, known as Mudgee Retreats, boast luxurious four-poster king-size beds with private en suite bathrooms.

As part of the Parklands Resort complex, the Retreats are surrounded by 30 acres of countryside but are close to the town centre. Facilities include access to a private tennis court, indoor pool, fitness centre and heated spa.

With a commitment to sustainability, each of the Retreats have been built using the Eco Anchor foundation system and Eco Decking flooring made from recycled rice husk composite material that provides thermal insulation.

Shaun Ormbsy, Head of Commercial at owning group Elanor Hotels, said “After seeing an increase in demand for sustainable and immersive travel experiences, we developed Mudgee Retreats at Parklands Resort Mudgee as an alternative option for travellers looking for an authentic glamping experience in the heart of Mudgee.

"Our Retreats are ideally located a stone’s throw away from the historic town centre and close to some of the region’s best wineries and restaurants, so guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of Mudgee and then relax at the end of the day in the ultimate in comfort and sustainability.”

Overnight accommodation at Mudgee Retreats starts from $698 per night and includes a continental breakfast for two people.

For more information see https://parklandsresort.com.au/accommodation

Images: Amber Hooper 

Marriott swoops to sign up Japanese hotels

If you've booked into an independent hotel in Japan for the summer season you might just find yourself staying in a Marriott.

Marriott International has just signed a re-branding deal with Japan’s HMI Hotel Group to convert seven existing HMI properties in five major Japan cities.

The deal will see the hotels rebranded to Marriott Hotels and Courtyard by Marriott properties, Travel Mole reports.

The Marriott Hotels properties rebranded are:

Grand Hotel Hamamastu to Hamamastu Marriott in Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto to Kyoto Marriott in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Hotel Crown Palais Kobe to Kobe Marriott in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Rizzan Seapark Hotel Tancha Bay to Okinawa Marriott Rizzan Resort & Spa in Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

The properties planned for Courtyard by Marriott are:

Hotel Pearl City Kobe to Courtyard by Marriott Kobe in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

Hotel Crown Palais Kokura to Courtyard by Marriott Kokura in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

Hotel Crown Palais Kitakyushu to Courtyard by Marriott Kitakyushu in Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

“We are very pleased to welcome these properties to the fast-expanding portfolio of Marriott International properties across Japan,” said Rajeev Menon, president, Asia Pacific excluding China, for Marriott International.

“Conversion continues to drive a robust growth for the company on a global scale.”

The Japanese hotels are located in several of the country’s most popular travel destinations.

Visiting this country? Be very afraid

The US Department of State issues travel advisories for its citizens visiting destinations around the globe.

Its website has several warnings for one particular country that "terrorists have targeted, and could continue to target".

Visitors should "remain vigilant toward their personal security and exercise caution".

They should be "aware that robberies, burglaries, assault, and auto theft are common in larger cities and that foreign visitors in popular tourist areas are targets for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and petty thieves."

Night-time is particularly dangerous. 

"Be careful when visiting bars or clubs in the entertainment areas of major cities, as “bar brawls” and other assaults sometimes occur. You should watch out for drink spiking when consuming alcohol with unfamiliar people".

Which country are are our trigger happy US "friends and allies" talking about? Australia, of course.

Check out the dangers here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Australia.html

Note: As of March 31, a total of 208 people had been killed and 419 people had been wounded in 125 shootings in the US this year. In Australia there has been one mass killing in 2024, in which seven people died.

Image: Juli Bell, Scop.io 

The pitfalls of BYO: always ask first

BYO has been popular with Australian diners for decades. While it may be an alien concept in many other countries, in Australia many eateries offer the option.

BYO stands for “bring your own”, and it means that you can bring your own wine, usually, to a restaurant, whether that business is licensed to sell alcohol or not.

In the 1970s, many small restaurants were able to open without having to pay thousands of dollars for a liquor license. Today, many restaurants do hold a liquor license but still offer diners the choice between BYO and purchasing from the house wine list.

Some offer this option for free, others impose a charge still known as "corkage", even though over 90% of wines in Australia are sold under screw caps.

But corkage can be a source of controversy.

A corkage charge covers the cost of the restaurant's glasses, ice bucket and the assistance of the waiting staff. 

BYO is particularly popular with members of the wine industry, who get to bring expensive wines to dinner without paying a restaurant list mark-up, and with collectors, who can bring older wines from their cellar that would be unlikely to feature on wine lists.

The problem is that restaurants set their own corkage rates and there are no industry guidelines. It may vary from a charge per person, or per bottle. Anything from a nominal $1.50 per person to as high as $50 per bottle in a top-end establishment.

But if you don't check first there can be unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives, as Hunter Valley wine industry personality Leigh Dryden posted on LinkedIn this week.

Dryden works for Hunter wine producers Hart & Hunter, so is familiar with the industry norms.

"We all love a good BYO and we don't mind paying a fair corkage fee especially if we have some quality wine in our cellars," Dryden said.

"A mate of mine and his wife went to a local restaurant here in Newcastle over the weekend, its a reasonable standard, so-so wine list but it had BYO but here is the kicker. "At the time of booking he discussed about bringing his own wine, no worries from the venue, no mention of the corkage fee, upon arrival no mention by the wait staff concerning the corkage fee, paying the bill once again no mention about the corkage fee - the assumption was they may not have one, or choose not to enforce it.

"Sadly this was not the case , after arriving home my mate thought the bill was a little heavy given they had taken their own wine and had not had a big lash out the bill was very overweight.

"On the bill was a fee for $38, so next day he rang the owner of the venue and he was told the fee was for corkage, wooooo this is pretty hot given the average fee in Sydney is around $6 per person.

"After much discussion it was admitted that there had been a mistake and [the restaurant] would reduce the fee to $25."

So a lesson there. Always ask first.

"The fact that no one had made mention what the fee was at any stage is very unprofessional," Dryden says.

"The moral of the story: people are prepared to pay for fair value, they are not prepared to be ripped off, and, more importantly, not suitably communicated to concerning the corkage fee practices."

Image: Yoann Jezequel, Scop.io 

Go West - and double the length of your stay

Fancy a country coastal break in Western Australia?

Seashells Hospitality Group has launched an offer to double the length of your stay at Seashells Broome and Seashells Mandurah properties.

As part of the Double Your Stay offer, prices for a one-bedroom self-contained apartment start at just $130 per night at Seashells Broome for a four-night stay, and $148.50 per night at Seashells Mandurah for a four-night stay.

And the perks escalate from there: reserve three nights and enjoy a six-night retreat, or opt for five nights and settle in for a 10-night escape.

Seashells Broome (top image) is located 300 metres from Cable Beach and has a choice of self-contained one- and two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom bungalows surrounded by tropical gardens and blessed with a resort-style temperature-controlled swimming pool.

Seashells Mandurah is perched on the shore of Comet Bay, providing sweeping ocean or Marina views. Choose from one- and two-bedroom apartments using this offer.

The Double Your Stay offer is available for bookings made between April 17 and May 19 for stays in 2024 and 2025. There are some blackout dates.

There are, of course, some drawbacks: bookings must be pre-paid at the time of reservation and are non-refundable with non-transferable dates. Travel insurance is therefore recommended.

The offer is not valid for Seashells Yallingup and Scarborough due to limited availability.

For bookings call 1800 800 850or visit www.seashells.com.au.

Champagne producer seeks a cutting edge

The Champagne industry is hugely competitive.

You have Champagne houses owned by global conglomerates, family businesses and grower-producers all looking to sell to the same consumer base.

A point of difference can be a key selling tool - and Maison Duval-Leroy hopes to cut through by appointing French fencing champion Manon Apithy-Brunet as its official sabreuse.

The art of sabrage (the flamboyant technique for opening a Champagne bottle with a sabre) has been attributed to the Hussars who fought under Napoleon Bonaparte. 

They are said to have used this method of opening bottles when celebrating their victories.

Now, leading website the drinks business reports that artisan producer Duval-Leroy has launched a video filmed at the Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte, 50km south-east of Paris, showing fencing champion Apithy-Brunet and Louis Duval-Leroy (the sixth generation of the family) perfecting the art of sabrage.

Duval-Leroy says mastering the art of sabrage calls for “a suitable weapon, a steady hand, finely-honed skills and a certain flair”, so naming sabre champion Apithy-Brunet to represent the Champagne house worldwide was “an obvious choice”.

Apithy-Brunet, who just happens to be very glamorous, is a two-time European sabre champion, Olympic teams gold medallist and will compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Check out the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8EF04WfWnE  

Tourists detained for failing to buy in shop

You know when you are on an organised tour and have been deposited at a shop where you have zero intention of buying. 

The shop sells tat, or you have no interest in a carpet. Or an elephant carving.

What if you were then held against your will until you purchased something?

Don't laugh. It's not fanciful/ It actually happened to a tour group in China recently, Travel Mole reports.

This tour group was detained in a bedding shop for hours after refusing to buy goods, during a tour in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan province, the South China Morning Post reported.

Video posted online showed staff at the shop guarding the exit doors and refusing to let the tourists leave unless they made purchases.

The tour group was reportedly detained there for several hours.

The tour was organised by Liaoning Youde International Travel Service and conducted by a local tour operator. Maybe an operator to avoid.

One of the tour guests reportedly complained they had been duped as there had been no sightseeing visits but only stops for shopping

“I hadn’t expected that all of our activities in Xishuangbanna would be about shopping,” the tour guest told the SCMP.

The Xishuangbanna Market Supervision and Administration Bureau said the bedding shop was ordered to cease operations. And the local tour guide, who was not licensed, was fined.

Here's the link: https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3257202/china-tourists-held-captive-mattress-shop-not-buying-turn-new-spotlight-forced-shopping-problem

Image: Rob Sexton, Scop.io

Holiday Inn goes big on the Sunshine Coast

The booming Sunshine Coast region of Queensland is to get a new high-rise international brand hotel.

IHG Hotels & Resorts today announced the signing of a Holiday Inn & Suites property, partnering with Felix Capital to open Holiday Inn & Suites Caloundra Sunshine Coast in early 2028.

Overlooking the beach, the new hotel will form part of a mixed-use development in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

The 160-room hotel will include 33 suites and feature Holiday Inn brand hallmarks including an open lobby, all-day dining restaurant and lobby café, meeting spaces, a fitness centre, outdoor pool and Kids Club.

The hotel's signature will be a rooftop restaurant and sky bar.

Caloundra is a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, and just 35 minutes from Maroochydore Airport.

A light rail with connectivity from Brisbane Airport was recently announced by Queensland State Government, to be completed in advance of the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane.

Cameron Burke, Director of Development, Australasia & Pacific, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “We're delighted to be bringing our Holiday Inn & Suites brand to the Sunshine Coast and thrilled to be partnering with Felix Capital on this exciting hotel in Caloundra."

When the customer is wrong. Very wrong.

 

Times are tough in the hospitality industry. 

Costs are rising, good staff are hard to find and even harder to hold on to, and customers are resisting price increases. 

We've all heard stories, probably from friends, as to how they've booked dinner at a couple of places and will decide later which one to visit. 

They may, or may not, bother to cancel their second reservation. 

Because a lot of people are assholes. 

Which is why many restaurants are now demanding deposits when you make a booking. Non-refundable if you cancel without a reasonable excuse. 

Here's an example. 

A small regional business that I know recently took a booking for 80 people: a group who wanted to get together for drinks after an event. 

That meant the establishment had to halt serving food, drinks and coffees to the public - including regular customers - for a couple of hours. And put on an extra staff member for the bar. 

What happened? Of the 80 people who booked, 33 turned up. 

And they ordered an average of one drink each. 

No apology. Just entitlement. 

So next time you are forced to stump up an non-refundable deposit you can think people like them. 

Image: David Rubin, Scop.io  

Head south for some exclusive gourmet experiences

Time spent on the New South Wales south coast is always time well spent and the Shoalhaven Food Network has just announced a new reason to hit the region.

The Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway will be an an innovative long weekend tour as part of the Autumn Celebration of Food.

Starting by rail from Central Station, Sydney, on Friday, May 31, the event offers food enthusiasts an all-inclusive trip through the Shoalhaven’s gastronomic landscape.

The adventure begins with a “picnic” lunch for the train journey.

Guests will then enjoy visits to some of the region’s top restaurants and venues, including Farmgate in Nowra, Cupitt’s Estate in Milton, Ponte Bar and Dining in Nowra, Swordfish Brewery in Sussex Inlet, Ramox and Gallery at Bundanon, a Jervis Bay Mussels Cruise in Huskisson, and the delights of Berry.

 "Comfortable accommodation" and door-to-door coach transport are promised.

Event Highlights include the Ponte and Pasta Buoy Collaboration Event: a four-course dinner by former The Ledbury chef Sam Smith (a local boy made good) and Thiago De Paiva Menezes (owner, operator and sommelier of Ponte).

There will also be an Indigenous Food and Cultural Experience with Doug Innes-Will at Ramox in Bundanon, and a long lunch at Cupitt’s Estate Winery (above) with a three-course meal hosted by Rosie Cupitt with matched local wines.

Only 40 places are available. The price is $1400-$1700 (inclusive of accommodation, transport, activities and dining). Bookings: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au

For additional details about the Shoalhaven Gourmet Getaway and the 2024 Autumn Celebration of Food, visit website: www.shoalhavenfoodnetwork.com.au

Airlines switch flight routes amid Middle East Tensions

Planning to fly to/from or over the Middle East? Prepare for schedule changes, delays or cancellations.

Qantas is just one of several major airlines to announce the re-routing of its international flights to avoid airspace over the Middle East amid escalating tensions in the region.

The decisions come in response to growing concerns over the safety and security of air travel following Israel's ongoing bastardry (sorry, murderous self-defence tactics).

In addition to Qantas, airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and British Airways have also made adjustments to flight paths.

Qantas has said it will re-route its flights between Australia and Europe to avoid flying over the Persian Gulf and Iraq.

British Airways has announced that it will temporarily suspend flights to and from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qantas's direct Perth-London flights will now stop in Singapore for re-fuelling.

This is due to the extra distance required to avoid "at risk" airspace in the region. Qantas says it could add several hours to the total journey time.

SWISS, meanwhile, announced that "in view of the latest developments in the Middle East, we have decided to suspend SWISS flight operations to and from Tel Aviv Airport (top) until further notice. At SWISS, the safety of our crews and our passengers always has paramount priority.

"We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East as closely as possible. Our specialists are constantly assessing all the available information, and are also in close and regular contact with all the relevant authorities both locally and in Switzerland."

The US, UK Canada and Australia have all issued advisories urging their citizens to stay vigilant and monitor developments closely.

The UK Foreign Office issued an urgent travel warning for more than a dozen countries in the southern Mediterranean and Middle East region.

”There is rising tension between Iran and Israel. Any military action could escalate quickly and could pose risks for the wider region,” it said.

“If you are in the region, or considering travel to the region, monitor news updates and continue to check FCDO travel advice.”

The travel warning covers Dubai, Morocco, Qatar, Egypt and Tunisia. Also included are Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Oman and Lebanon.

In the United States, the State Department issued a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Israel.

Direct Sydney-Santiago flights reinstated

Good news for flyers who hate layovers en route to their final destination.

LATAM Airlines has just announced the re-introduction of direct flights from Sydney to Santiago four times per week, starting from October 28.

This cuts out the tiresome stop in Auckland.

LATAM now offers daily direct flights between Australia and Latin America, departing from both Sydney and Melbourne.

In September last year LATAM re-started Melbourne-Santiago direct flights three times weekly.

The addition of the Sydney-Santiago direct flights completes the schedule.

LATAM originally launched direct flights between Sydney and Santiago in 2019 but paused the services due to the pandemic.

LATAM resumed operations from Sydney to Santiago via Auckland in March 2022 with three weekly services and quickly scaled up to daily flights by December 2022.

The move to reintroduce direct flights will enable up to 1,200 passengers per week to enjoy the convenience of travelling directly from Sydney to Latin America in under 13 hours.

The direct services will have a flight time of 12 hours and 50 minutes.

All LATAM Airlines flights between Australia and Chile are operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring economy, premium economy and premium business cabins

“We’re thrilled to restart our direct flights from Sydney to Santiago to meet the demand of travellers in Australia," said Chris Ellis, LATAM Airlines manager for Oceania.

"This significant milestone for LATAM Airlines brings Latin America closer to Australians, whether they're flying for business, leisure, or cultural exploration.

"From October, passengers can choose from daily direct services between Australia and Chile, including four direct flights from Sydney and three from Melbourne every week, in addition to our flights via Auckland. That’s a wealth of options for our customers.”

From Santiago, LATAM offers connections to over 144 destinations.

For bookings and more information on the direct flights from Sydney to Santiago, please visit LATAM Airlines' website. https://www.latamairlines.com/au

Regional tourism is collateral damage in the Middle East

The Middle East is a huge area - and tourism right across the region is suffering from the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza.

And it is not just flights being re-routed. 

The Egyptian capital of Cairo, for instance, is approximately 450 kilometres from Gaza, but tourism in Egypt has slumped.

My former colleague Peter Lynch was recently in Egypt for Cruise & Travel Magazine's coverage of river cruise specialist Uniworld's Nile cruises on board the SS Sphinx (top image).

He reports that "Egyptians are suffering huge and unfair economic collateral damage thanks to Gaza conflict many miles away".

He added: "While we sailed in tranquillity along the world's longest river, the only evidence of the conflict was the way the Egyptian pound was plunging in value against the Australian dollar. Good news for us - but bad news for our Egyptian friends."

Lynch reports on Egyptologist Ramadan Bassiouny, who has sailed the Nile for 30 years with Uniworld. He has helped thousands of travellers – including hundreds of Australians – discover the  secrets of his country’s centuries-old culture.

“Please tell your people they will be welcomed and it is safe,” he says.

Australians once account for 30% of Uniworld’s two-ship fleet on the world’s longest river. but numbers are dwindling as the goverment warns against travel to the Middle East.

Just FYI, noted gourmet Lynch reports the food is excellent on boards the SS Sphinx. "Stuffed pigeon is the specialty, and the desserts are to die for," he told GOTR.

For details and special offers on Egypt see Uniworld’s website here. Also check out https://cruisepassenger.com.au/

Seriously cool: it is iceberg season

For The Titanic, an encounter with an iceberg ended in tragedy.

But for many visitors to Newfoundland and Labrador, on Canada's Atlantic Coast, getting up close and person with an iceberg is top of their "to do" list.

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of the best places in the world to see icebergs of all shapes and sizes that drift past every spring and summer.

Iceberg season has just launched and icebergs can be seen from land, on a boat tour, or drinking one straight from your cup.

But with 29,000 kilometres of coastline, even a frozen skyscraper can be hard to find. That's why the locals have made life easier for tourists by creating Iceberg Finder - an interactive map that tracks icebergs in real time.

You've got to love the evocative names of some of the local spots where you might o iceberg spotting too. I particulary like Black Tickle and Heart's Content.

You can follow Iceberg Finder on Instagram to stay up to date with recent sightings, photos and information.

See https://www.instagram.com/icebergfinder/ or go to icebergfinder.com

Good news for tourists is that iceberg season is during the warmer months. Newfoundland can be bitterly cold from September onwards. I tried it and survived. Just. 

Image: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism

 

Seoul Searching: Uncovering the mysteries of Korean culture

While many tourists are familiar with the history and culture of countries like Japan, China and Indonesia, South Korea remains something of a mystery. North Korea even more so.

For those who would like to delve a little more into Korean history - let's call it Seoul Searching -  the 2024 Spring K-Royal Culture Festival, in collaboration with the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, will be held in Seoul's historic royal palaces.

Their names are tongue-twisters: Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, and Gyeonghuigung, but they and the Jongmyo Shrine will host events from from April 27 to May 5.

This will be the 10th edition of the festival, which drew over 675,000 visitors last year.

The opening ceremony, themed Love for the People will re-imagine King Sejong the Great's historic proclamation of the Hunminjeongeum script in 1446.

So not an event for everyone, but certainly of interest to history buffs.

Gyeongbokgung Palace will host immersive programs offering insights into the Joseon Dynasty's royal court.

From May 1-5, the Time Travel, King Sejong program will offer a glimpse into palace life during King Sejong the Great's reign, while the Royal Music Concert - Harmony of 100 Court Musicians' Song in Peaceful Times (snappy title that), promises a showcase of traditional Korean musical instruments on May 4-5. Sweet Seoul music. 

The Palace Musical - Sejong, 1446 will return from April 28-30, while Gyeongbokgung's Heungryemun Square will host the K-Heritage Market, offering traditional crafts and cultural products in a lively atmosphere for a more mainstream audience.

There will be several other activiies dotted around the Korean capital. Advance reservations for paid programs can be made via Ticketlink, with free events also requiring reservations.

For detailed information, visit the websites Cultural Heritage Administration Royal Palaces and Tombs Center (https://royal.cha.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do), Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (https://www.chf.or.kr/chf/eng), or K-Royal Culture Festival (https://www.chf.or.kr/fest/en).

It would probably have been easier to have one website, but maybe that is a cultural things. Or maybe not.