Afternoon high tea on the right side of the tracks

It's certainly not the 5.10pm to Blacktown.

For those who like the train trips to be stylish and fun, The Vietage by Anantara has announced the introduction of a second railway carriage to operate a daily return journey between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon from May 15.

Building on the resounding success of the existing carriage running every day between Da Nang and Quy Nhon, the new custom-designed addition will offer "a timeless luxury travel experience through south-Ccntral Vietnam".

The five-hour journeys meander through the scenic Vietnamese countryside.

With 12 reservation-only seats in private booths of two, the carriages have big picture windows to reveal the stunning views.

A sit-up bar gives guests the chance to watch mixology masters in action as the on-board hosts create rail-inspired cocktails and mocktails.

There is also a dedicated spa area for 15-minute head-and-shoulder treatments.

An sumptuous afternoon tea experience features taste tempters like poached Bai Dai lobster and Dalat caviar along with finger sandwiches, pastries, cakes and traditional scones with all the trimmings.

An artisanal cheese and charcuterie platter rounds off the occasion.

Refreshments include a tea selection from the Vietnamese tea brand Epicurean Sao, ethically-sourced local coffee from La Folliet, plus free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails and soft drinks.

An à la carte menu also offers premium wines and champagnes for pre-order, while caviar fans can purchase extra portions on board.

Guests will be hoping to view a water buffalo, Vietnam’s national animal, as the train makes its way through the country.

Guests travelling from Nha Trang to Quy Nhon can enjoy combination accommodation experiences with Anantara Quy Nhon Villas for a luxury beachside break.

A number of packages are available but this excess does not come cheap.

A one-way ticket aboard The Vietage by Anantara between Nha Trang and Quy Nhon costs $US420 per person, including luxury afternoon tea, a 15-minute head and shoulder treatment, free-flowing wines, cocktails, beers, mocktails, soft drinks and a selection of local tea and coffee.

The Vietage by Anantara departs from Nha Trang every afternoon arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the evening. It then continues up to Da Nang, arriving after midnight.

Running in the opposite direction, The Vietage by Anantara’s additional carriage departs from Da Nang every morning, arriving at Dieu Tri station in Quy Nhon in the early afternoon and then onto Nha Trang for a mid-evening arrival.

It sounds spectacularly good. For details see https://www.thevietagetrain.com/

Experience the Aurora in all its winter glory

Winter in Hobart is the perfect time to explore Tasmania's night sky, alive with vibrant stars and the ethereal Aurora Australis that projects hues of purple and green glows.

One of Hobart's leading hotels, The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, has just launched its "Skygazer'' Experience.

The new offering is led by Tasmanian photographer and Aurora chaser Luke O'Brien, who will offer participants an intimate photography lesson, showcasing the stunning features of the southern night sky - subject to local weather conditions.

The Aurora - often too subtle for the naked eye - , its celestial presence is best viewed through digital lens photography. Travellers will be rewarded for bracing the dropping mercury with a hot spiced apple cider and a Waverley Mills soft Merino wool scarf to rug up in.

'"Skygazer" experience inclusions are a night sky photography session with Tasmanian photographer Luke O'Brien; transfers to and from the locations selected by the photographer; spiced Tasmanian apple cider; Tasmanian Waverley Mills merino wool scarf and The Aurora Chaser's Handbook for guests to take home as a keepsake.

Comprising three linked buildings - Heritage, Art Deco, and a new contemporary design wing - The Tasman is the first Luxury Collection hotel in Australia.

For an overnight stay at The Tasman, rooms start from $350 per room per night.

Check out www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hbalc-the-tasman-a-luxury-collection-hotel-hobart

The "Skygazer" Experience' is bookable from June 1-August 31 from an additional $580 for an individual experience, or $450 per person for a group experience, bookable via the hotel concierge at 03 6240 6000.

Another airline bites the dust

Heading to Vanuatu over the next few days?

Hold your horses.

Air Vanuatu has cancelled all flights to and from Australia and New Zealand and reportedly gone into administration.

Hundreds of passengers have been left stranded across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific

Last month, a former Minister of Infrastructure and Public Utilities reported that Air Vanuatu was facing a serious situation of bankruptcy.

Brisbane Airport said it was aware that Air Vanuatu would not operate flights on Thursday and Friday, and advised passengers scheduled to fly with the airline not to travel to the airport.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office later said it was aware of reports the airline had entered voluntary administration.

"We are conscious of the impact this situation has on travellers, ticket holders and the industry and on behalf of the Vanuatu tourism industry extend our apologies to anyone affected," the tourism organisation said in a statement.

"We are in contact with Air Vanuatu and the Vanuatu government and will share updates as they become available."

Port Vila-based Air Vanuatu has been in business for over 40 years and has fleet of six aircraft.

The Vanuatu Daily Post newspaper reported that the airline board has been disbanded and that Ernst & Young had taken over as administrators.

The airline website said only: "Due extended maintenance requirements on our Aircraft the following services listed below are impacted. We are working with our partner carriers to minimise the disruption to our guests."

It showed all flights over the next three days to and from Australia and New Zealand as "cancelled".   

 

Cruise ship staffer goes on stabbing rampage

When you get onboard a cruise ship the last thing on your mind is that you might be stabbed by a crew member.

Except that is what happened when a staffer on the Norwegian Encore allegedly went beserk.

Ntando Sogoni, 35, a South Africa national, is in FBI custody after allegedly attacking several people with a pair of scissors during an Alaska cruise this week, Travel Mole reported.

He was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and could face up to 10 years in jail..

Sogoni was taken to the on-board medical centre for evaluation after he was spotted by other crew members trying to deploy a life raft.

While there, he reportedly attacked a security guard and a nurse in an examination room.

He then went into another room, grabbed scissors and stabbed a guest and two other security officers.

FBI Public Affairs Officer Chloe Martin said there were no life-threatening injuries.

“This was an isolated incident, and no threat to other passengers,” she said.

Sogoni was handed over to the FBI in Juneau, Alaska.

A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors, the US Justice Department said in a statement.

Big Apple has more millionaires than any city on the planet

Where would expect to find more millionaires per square kilometre than anywhere else on the planet?

The city with the highest number of resident millionaires with liquid investable wealth of $1 million US or more is New York.

In fact, the US leads the pack, with 11 cities in the top 50 of the 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report, published annually by international wealth migration specialists Henley & Partners in collaboration with global data intelligence firm New World Wealth.

A stunning 349,500 millionaires, 744 centi-millionaires (with investable wealth of over $100 million), and 60 billionaires live in the city.

Hot on its heels in second place is Northern California’s Bay Area, encompassing the city of San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

The Bay Area has enjoyed one of the world’s highest wealth growth rates, increasing its millionaire population by 82% over the past decade, and is now home to 305,700 millionaires, 675 centi-millionaires, and 68 billionaires.

Tokyo, on the other hand, which led the pack as the world's wealthiest city a decade ago, has suffered a 5% decline in its resident high-net-worth-individual (HNWI) population over the past 10 years, and now sits in third place with 298,300 millionaires.

City-state Singapore has climbed two places to fourth with 244,800 resident millionaires, 336 centi-millionaires, and 30 billionaires.

London, the wealthiest city in the world for many years, continues to tumble down the rankings (thanks Brexit), and now sits in fifth place with just 227,000 millionaires, 370 centi-millionaires, and 35 billionaires - a decline of 10% over the past decade.

By contrast, Los Angeles, home to 212,100 millionaires, 496 centi-millionaires, and 43 billionaires, has jumped up two places over the 10-year period to sixth place and has enjoyed a notable 45% growth in its wealthy population.

Paris, the wealthiest city in mainland Europe, retains its seventh place on the ranking with 165,000 resident millionaires, while Sydney ascends to eighth position with 147,000 HNWIs, after experiencing exceptionally strong wealth growth over the past 20 years.

Dr Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, says a key factor driving growth in the world’s wealthiest cities has been the strong performance of financial markets in recent years.

China has established a notable presence on the latest rankings, with five cities in mainland China making the list.

Andrew Amoils, had of research at New World Wealth, says Shenzhen is the world’s fastest-growing city for the wealthy, with its millionaire population exploding by 140% in the last 10 years.

In the Middle East, Dubai takes the crown as the wealthiest city in the region, with impressive growth of 78% in its millionaire population over the past 10 years.

Read the full 2024 World’s Wealthiest Cities Report..

Image: Darya Mead, Scop,io

Thai tourism is booming

Thailand has welcomed more than 12 million foreign tourists during the first four months of this year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand announced.

But, surprisingly. Australian visitors do not rank among the top 10. 

  
The TAT said 12,127,447 foreign tourists entered Thailand from January 1 to April 30, an increase of 142.87% from the same period last year.

TAT said the top nationalities s that visited Thailand during the first four months were: 2,351,909 Chinese; 1,569,856 Malaysians; 767,210 Russians; 679,481 South Koreans and 643,587 Indians. 

Then came Laotians, Germans, Britons, Taiwanese and Americans. 

The TAT said it expected some 8.27 million foreign tourist would enter Thailand in the second quarter from April to June and the number of arrivals would rise 29% from the same period of last year.

Leading winemaker stands down after 17 years

Paul Hotker is standing down as Bleasdale senior winemaker after 17 very successful years in charge.

Hotker has been a key figure in establishing the Langhorne Creek winery as one of the most consistent and best-value wineries in Australia.  

It was announced today that Hotker will hand the senior winemaker reins Matt Laube, but will stay on with the Potts family as a consultant. 

Bleasdale is one of Australia's longest-operating wine producers with a track record dating back 174 years. 

Laube has worked alongside Hotker as the operations winemaker for the past 15 years, so is fully conversant with the Bleasdale ethos and history. 

As he steps into the senior winemaking role, he will be assisted by Sam Rowlands, who has been promoted to winemaker as part of a long-term succession plan. 

Bleasdale employed Laube after he did vintages at Yalumba, Bay of Fires in Tasmania and in Oregon. 

Hotker has great confidence in Laube's skills. 

“We know how each other thinks, preferences and approaches to wine," he said. 

"We always look for the positive in each vintage, vineyard, and barrel, what it brings to the blend and how we can improve the result. For 90% of the time, we’re on the same page, and the other 10% involves some robust discussion, but we’re mates, so we get there in the end.” 

Former Nautilus winemaker Hotker has established himself as one of Australia’s leading winemakers, and during his leadership the Bleasdale team has collected over 80 trophies and 300 gold medals for Bleasdale and its clients.

Robert Edwards, chair of the Bleasdale board for the past 10 years, believes Hotker has displayed an unparalleled commitment to getting the wine right during his tenure at Bleasdale.

“During Paul’s career at Bleasdale, the winery has won many awards and trophies, including the 2018 Halliday Winemaker of the Year, the 2019 Jimmy Watson Memorial Trophy, the 2018 Max Schubert Trophy, and the 2024 Halliday Winery of the Year," he said. 

"This is no easy feat, Paul and his team have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of our wines each and every year.” 

Cracking the code of Pina Colada in a can

A bar quality cocktail for $11? You must be dreaming.

But Curatif, makers of award-winning pre-mix cocktails in a can, today release their new Piña Colada cocktails for $45 for a four-pack. Perfect for a night in beside the fire. Or after you've been caught in the rain.

Think fruity pineapple, roasted coconut, and coconut cream tones. 

Oh, and rum from two of the top estates in the world: Appleton Estate Signature Rum and Ron Colón Salvadoreño. 

"Our latest cocktail has been a labour of love that we've loved labouring over," says Curatif founder and managing director Matt Sanger. 

"Coconut is having a real moment and it’s great to see a resurgence of this most loved and nostalgic cocktail. 

"A Piña Colada can be a hard one to crack in a ready-to-drink format because of the complexity of the ingredients. 

"But while staying true to the authenticity of the recipe but we have mastered a Piña Colada that is truly bar quality. 

"What sets Curatif apart is our use of real ingredients - the freshest of pineapples, the creamiest of coconuts and the delicious blend of quality rums.

“The Piña Colada has been our most requested cocktail - we've released a few different iterations in The Club (Curatif’s subscription program) over the last couple of years and it's developed a cult following. There's not many cocktails that are so evocative, so fun, and so irreverent and giddy as a Piña Colada." 

The good news: the GoTR tasting team felt it really did taste like a quality cocktail. It’s vibrant, joyous and seriously refreshing. Thumbs up. 

Curatif’s Piña Colada joins the canned cocktail line-up of Tommy’s Margarita, Archie Rose Espresso Martini, Bar Bambi Amaretto Sour and Savile Row Cosmopolitan. 

Available from curatif.com or bottle shops with a RRP of $45 for a four-pack. 

Astro aims to add pan-Asian panache to Barangaroo

I remember when the Barangaroo precinct was going to be a green space on the fringe of the Sydney CBD.

A recent visit revealed that is has instead become a high-rise playground centred around a casino where there is more shade than light. Such a missed opportunity, but very Sydney. 

That said, Barangaroo is home to several much-admired restaurants with the latest arrival to The Streets of Barangaroo is Astro, billed as a "modern Asian BBQ restaurant inspired by the izakayas of Tokyo and the barbeque eateries of Seoul".

Pan Asian restaurants have a spotty history so we shall see.

Astro sits on the former SOOT site (it was a Korean barbecue joint), and is open for lunch and dinner offering "casual, izakaya-style dining accompanied by fun Japanese 80s ‘City Pop’ tunes".

So clearly a lover of Bruce Springsteen and the Allman Brothers is not the demographic.

Astro is the latest venue from David Bae and Kolture Group with the name Astro coming from Astro Boy, the first popular anime created based on manga that brought Bae joy in his youth.

“As a child, I was happily glued to the TV watching Astro Boy with friends and family," he said. "Fast forward to today and I feel we are all so glued to the hustle of the rat race that we’ve forgotten how to balance work with fun.

"I wanted to create a venue where you can unwind at lunch or after work eating incredible izakaya-style dishes, combining the communal atmosphere that Yakiniku or Korean BBQ brings, while knocking down some refreshing highballs and just having a damn good time.”

Following on from his recent success with Matkim, executive chef Jacob Lee shifts gear from fine dining to semi-casual with a lunch menu that focuses on donburi bowls.

The dinner menu offers a selection of izakaya-inspired small dishes, yakiniku (barbecued meats) and rice and noodle dishes.

Astro’s drinks list features a selection of fun cocktails: Shiso Sexy is a mix of vodka, coconut, pistachio and shiso; and Full Moon, a combination of gin, lychee, shichimi and green tea.

The Streets of Barangaroo is a Sydney waterfront precinct and home to over 90 food and beverage, lifestyle, fashion, wellness, curiosity and convenience outlets.

Astro is open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch from 12pm-3pm and dinner from 5pm-10:30pm. See astrosyd.com.au

James Halliday announces his retirement

James Halliday AM, Australia's most influential and longest-serving wine writer, today announced his retirement.

Just a month after giving up his weekly column in The Australian newspaper, Halliday issued a statement saying that he will be stepping back from his wine writing and tasting commitments.

"As James steps into this new chapter, he will be using this time to compile a lifetime of wine memories – a project that we look forward to sharing," Wine Companion magazine announced.

"His contribution to the Australian wine landscape is unparalleled, and we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge his monumental career."

.A co-founder of Brokenwood in the Hunter Valley and founder of Coldstream Hills in the Yarra Valley, Halliday is recognised as having been a major figure in the Australian wine industry for over four decades.

He worked as an author, critic, wine judge and business owner - and his ratings could make or break a wine producer.

“Late last year I made the decision that I was going to seriously cut back on my work commitments,” he said in a statement.

“Having turned 85 I wanted to fully focus on what I want to do, and that is writing about 50 years of great wine dinners I’ve attended or staged.

“This work has no deadline, has no space constraints, and is something that has been simmering in my mind and heart for the past half-decade as my ‘swansong’.

“Recent health issues have made me wish even more for this to have my sole attention.

“So, while my fondness for writing is undiminished, and with my family’s support, I will be quiet on the wine media front until I can share the birth of my last child.”

Halliday wrote his last column for The Weekend Australian on April 6, handing over to Nick Ryan and founded the Halliday Wine Magazine. His annual Halliday Wine Companion is the bible of the Australian wine industry.

Shades of Bordeaux from Margaret River

Margaret River has often been described as "the Bordeaux of Australia".

The region has a reputation for its cabernets, as well as Bordeaux-style blends.

Much like Bordeaux, Margaret River's Mediterranean climate has strong maritime influences from the confluence of the Indian and Southern Oceans. There are also similarities between gravelly soils an limited vigour.

As in Bordeaux, cabernet franc and petit verdot generally play minor roles as components of a Margaret River blend, but winemaker Michael Kerrigan gives both those varieties a chance to shine in their own right as part of the Hay Shed Hill bock series, wines made from the estate vineyard in Wilyabrup.

The 2022 Hay Shed Hill Block 8 Cabernet Franc and 2022 Hay Shed Hill Block 10 Petit Verdot both retail for $45 is purchased direct online.

"It is a thrill to work with blocks of fruit that express their terroir," says Kerrigan. "These wines represent the best of Hay Shed Hill.

"The blocks themselves have specific characteristics of aspect and slope that make them distinctive"

Both wines are made in tiny quantities and I preferred the cabernet franc with food (a rabbit stew) and the peitit verdot without food. Which is strangely counter intuitive. 

The fragrant cabernet franc is medium-bodied and has lot of length (think varietal intensity and terrific tannin structure), while the petit verdot is released as a varietal only in years with long, mild March and April temperatures, enabling the late-ripening variety to mature. The 2022 has distinctive violet/pepper aromas and brisk acidity. There are dark berry and currant notes to the fore and a rich, supple finish. 

A fascinating exercise to compare the pair.

See www.hayshedhill.com.au

Flash sale on Sydney hotel prices for Vivid season

Sydney hotel room prices can go through the roof when major events are on.

I had to cancel attendance at a conference when Taylor Swift scheduled concerts at the same time and before I had booked hotel. Bye bye conference.

Vivid Sydney, renowned for its stunning light installations, interactive exhibits, and live performances, will run from May 24 to June 15, 2024, so hotel prices will almost certainly be higher than usual.

To celebrate Vivid, one Sydney hotel is actually dropping its prices.

Oaks Sydney Goldsbrough Suites (above) is offering guests a very special limited-time offer.

Starting today, for 48 hours only, guests can enjoy enjoy 30% off their stay, with prices starting at $269 per night.

The offer ends at midnight on Wednesday and is valid for travel until June 30.

Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites is a group of more than 60 properties in Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates, India and Qatar, and is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA). www.oakshotels.com

Flight nightmare: Poo to the left of you; chunder to the right

It is every airline passenger's nightmare: a mass outbreak of food poisoning on board a flight.

Dozens of passengers fell ill with a gastro-type bug during a long haul flight from Mauritius to Germany over the weekend, Der Spiegel newspaper reported.

About 70 of the 290 passengers on board reported discomfort with nausea and vomiting.

They were aboard Condor Airlines flight DE2315 bound for Frankfurt.

The plane landed without incident with emergency services waiting on the tarmac.

“Condor has already initiated an investigation into the case to get to the bottom of the cause,” and airline spokesperson said. 

It is not clear whether he was making a bottom joke. Probably not. 

Condor is a German leisure airline established in 1955

More hotel choices at Melbourne Airport

Travellers flying in or out of Melbourne Airport are about to get more choice with the imminent opening of two new hotels.

Novotel (above) and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotels will open on July 1 and will be the first new-build hotels in the precinct in almost 20 years.

Owned by Melbourne Airport and operated by Accor, the hotels will food and beverageoptions, F&B offerings, a co-working space, Higher State - Melbourne’s first airport health and wellbeing club - and conference and event facilities.

The dual-branded Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport will offer travellers all the faciiities of a city hotel within easy walking distance of the terminals.

The $230 million hotel development has been designed by high-profile FK Architects with interiors by Woods Bagot.

There will be a total of 464 guest rooms split across Novotel (248 rooms) and ibis Styles (216 rooms) located within The Hive precinct.

F&B options will include Small Holdings Cafe, for coffee and pastries, Boccata Restaurant and Wine Bar for more substantial Italian fare and Amber State Taphouse & Kitchen, a modern gastro pub.

Guests at both properties will be able to use Higher State, which features an indoor heated swimming pool, sauna, massage and fitness centre - perfect after a tiring flight.

 

“As the countdown begins to the launch of Novotel and ibis Styles Melbourne Airport, we're thrilled to be working with Melbourne Airport to deliver the first internationally branded hotels to open at the airport in more than 20 years," says Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams.

"Not only will the new-build hotels provide more choice for travellers seeking a place to stay, they will also offer a welcoming hub for the workers in the airport precinct."

Stuart Verrier, Melbourne Airport’s Head of Property Development and Asset Development, said “We’re excited to bring these new hotels to Melbourne Airport and give more choice to travellers and airport workers alike.

“Melbourne is now Australia’s largest city, and these hotels are essential for the growing number of people visiting our city, many of whom need a night before or after a long flight.

"But more than that, they also offer dining, wellness, conference and co-working facilities that provide a reason to come out to Melbourne Airport - even if you’re not flying.”

For further information see all.com. Direct hotel links for Novotel and ibis Styles.

Qantas to pay up to customers it let down

Qantas will $100 million as a civil penalty for breaking consumer laws and make amends to 86,000 passengers it booked on flights that it cancelled or failed to operate without adequate notice.

These included some so-called “ghost flights” that it did not have any intention of operating.

Under a settlement agreed to with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian national carrier will commence a projected $20 million remediation program for impacted passengers.

Affected passeners will receive payments ranging between $225 and $450.

Subject to the approval of the Federal Court of Australia, Qantas has agreed to pay the civil penalty.

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the agreement represented "another important step forward" as Qantas worked towards restoring confidence in the national carrier.

“When flying resumed after the Covid shutdown, we recognise Qantas let down customers and fell short of our own standards," Hudson said.

"We know many of our customers were affected by our failure to provide cancellation notifications in a timely manner and we are sincerely sorry. The return to travelling was already stressful for many and we did not deliver enough support for customers and did not have the technology and systems in place to support our people.

“We have since updated our processes and are investing in new technology across the Qantas Group to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

“We thank the ACCC for their co-operation in reaching this outcome, which means we can compensate affected customers much sooner than if the case had continued in the Federal Court. We are focused on making the remediation process as quick and seamless as possible for customers.”

Consumer organisation CHOICE said reimbursment in situations like this should be automatic. 

“Qantas agreeing to pay $120 million dollars and admitting it misled consumers after ACCC court action is a significant result,” CHOICE said. “The proposed settlement sends a very clear message to all airlines and travel service providers that misleading consumers about cancellations does not fly.

“CHOICE is pleased to see compensation included in the settlement. Over 80,000 consumers have had their travel plans derailed by Qantas’ behaviour over a number of years and these payments are already well overdue. We’ve heard from countless consumers about having to fight tooth and nail to receive refunds or compensation from airlines for delayed or cancelled flights.

“Consumers should not need regulator action to receive compensation when it’s owed.”

Details about how to lodge a claim: www.qantasremediation.deloitte.com.au

Be ultra-vigilant: these are the pickpocketing hotspots of Europe

Anyone who has spent time in Europe know that you need to be vigilant 100% of the time in major cities.

From opportunists to well-organised gangs, pickpockets and bag snatchers are ready to ruin your holiday.

Put a bag by your feet for moment and it can be gone. Leave you wallet on a café table for a second and some fleet-footed cretin will be running away from you at top speed.

Someone bumps into you on the Metro and you can be minus your money. Leave your handbag dangling carelessly and someone riding a motor scooter will swoop in seconds.

New research has found that some of the most popular tourist spots in Europe go hand-in-hand with some of the worst pickpocketing statistics on the continent, Euronews reports.

The study by UK-based travel insurance company QuoteZone has created a league table of pickpocketing capitals around the continent, looking at each country’s top five tourist attractions.

I'm not sure how scientific the research was, but Italy came out on top, with the highest proportion of victims in any country across the continent, followed by France and Spain.

Although many cities and towns across Italy attract hordes of visitors year-round, Rome was found to be the worst for pickpockets - many of whom, it so happens, are not Italians at all.

Overall, QuoteZone found that there are 478 pickpocketing mentions for every million British visitors to Italy’s top tourist attractions.

The capital’s iconic Trevi Fountain (top image) came out on top in that country-specific ranking. Also in Rome, the ancient Colosseum and the Pantheon were found to be particular hotspots for pickpockets.

Outside of Rime, the Duomo di Milano in Milan and the Gallerie Degli Uffizi in Florence were also reported as having the highest numbers of stolen personal items on online travel reviews in Italy. From experience, Naples is also a place to be on your toes. 

All five of the top attractions monitored are in Paris - and the Eiffel Tower was, perhaps unsurprisingly, found to be the most risky for tourist theft. Other places in the French capital to be extra vigilant are the Arc de Triomphe, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Musée d’Orsay and Louvre Museums.

Next came Spain and Germany with Las Ramblas in Barcelona a thoroughfare where you need to beware.

In Germany, the worst pickpocketing spot is the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone, says that while it’s unfortunate that so many attractions in Europe pose a risk, there are steps you can take to lessen the worry.

“It is essential always to remain vigilant, leave valuables, like expensive jewellery, in a safe in the hotel and always travel with a secure cross-body bag with zips to secure phones and wallets or even a money belt,” he advises.

“Try never to leave personal belongings unattended because travel insurance companies require travellers to take ‘reasonable care’ and could reject insurance claims for theft if items have been left alone.

"It is also important to remember to get a police report for the loss or theft of an item if you’ve been pickpocketed, as this will support the insurance claim.”

The top 10 European countries to be mega-aware, according to this survey: 1. Italy, 2. France, 3. Spain, 4. Germany, 5. Netherlands, 6. Portugal, 7. Turkey, 8. Greece, 9. Poland, 10. Republic of Ireland.

Image: Irish Grace Jimenez, Scop.io 

Thais get spicy with aggressive and critical tourists

Thailand is generally seen as a laid-back tourism destination but Thais officials are starting to crack down on bad behaviour and, more controversially, criticism.

On the holiday island of Phuket, the governor and senior police officials will hold a meeting with the consuls of a dozen countries to discuss measures to tackle the rise in crime perpetrated by foreign tourists and expats, Travel Mole reports.

This follows the arrest of a British tourist for the alleged assault of a taxi driver that followed an argument over the taxi fare.

The taxi driver made a police complaint and the tourist, named only as Graham by police, was tracked down on the Phi Phi islands and brought back to Phuket.

He is accused of slapping the driver and grabbing him by the throat. He could potentially face jail time and be deported.

More concerning is the growing trend towards acting against anyone criticising Thailand, particularly online.

Regular readers will remember that las year an American blogger was jailed and forced to apologise for online criticism of a Thai hotel.

And now Tourist Police have warned a British tourist identified as Mr. Thomas, against posting videos criticising the country on social media, citing the potential harm to the nation's image and security, Asean Now reported.

The deputy inspector of Mae Hong Son Tourist Police, Lt. Col. Suwit Boonyaphen, said that Mr. Thomas's videos were critical of Thai public and private agencies.

Mr. Thomas was tracked down at his residence in Pai district where police urged him to understand the potential consequences of his actions. He was ordered to delete all his videos hosted on YouTube and other social media platforms and was taken to the police station to be interviewed.

He was warned that if he continues posting "potentially harmful material about Thailand" online, he could face prosecution under Thai law.

Mr Thomas has now apologized on YouTube.

Our Thai correspondent says visitors should be reminded that defamation is a criminal act in Thailand, and the truth or fair criticism are not absolute defences. So visitors should be very, very careful.

Image: Winsor Dobbin

Experts map a new direction for Printhie Dining

Printhie Wines, located at Nashdale, outside Orange in New South Wales, has just given its Printhie Dining restaurant a complete makeover.

The Printhie team has worked with leading chef Justin North and hospitality industry publicist Stephanie Airlie - who work together as AKIN Hospitality - to re-open the eatery "with an exciting change of direction".

"The team has worked closely with the renowned chef Justin North to redefine the restaurant's destination dining experience to reflect the distinct seasonal evolution of Orange and to highlight Printhie's proud connection to this region," the Swift family, owners of Printhie, said on LinkedIn.

"Over the past few months we have been privileged to work with Printhie Wines on a new concept for its on-site restaurant, Printhie Dining," North said.

"With a renewed direction and vision for the restaurant, the unveiling of its new menu is a celebration of contemporary regional dining that offers a connection to place and the distinct seasons of Orange.

"Drawing inspiration from the Swift family’s rich agricultural history spanning four generations in the region, the menu will showcase ingredients sourced directly from the property, regional producers, purveyors and gathered from the surrounding area.

"Together, we have created a new dining experience that features an abundance of high-quality, locally sourced produce."

Printhie Dining opened in 2022 and the wine producer is a member of Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia.

 

“I am honoured to be working alongside the Swift family and passionate Printhie team developing the next evolution of Printhie Dining," says North.

The four-course set menu features a selection of entrées including cured rainbow trout cone

with in-house ponzu and salted cucumber. Other menu highlights include poached Murray

cod and cured pork jowl with anise-myrtle sauce; dry aged duck breast with a pepperberry 

jus and confit leg pressé. 

Fig leaf ice cream and apples cooked in bottle brush syrup picked from the Printhie estate create a standout dessert to finish.

The drinks list has also been updated to feature a selection of cocktails and the wine list has

been extended to include back vintages no longer available to the general public as well as a

selection of European and Australian wines.

The Wine Bar at the cellar door welcomes guests from Wednesday to Sunday, offering

cheese and salumi platters, freshly shucked oysters, and a rotating selection of weekly

seasonal dishes.

Printhie Dining is open for lunch Thursday to Sunday. See https://printhiewines.com.au/dining/ 

Top image: Emily Swift and Justin North

Winter is party time in Margaret River

Cabin Fever, which is Western Australia's longest-running winter festival, returns to the Margaret River region from July 12-21 for its eighth instalment. 

Cabin Fever Festival celebrates winter in the south west with more than 40 events each July and festival organisers are promising "all the fireside good times that punters have come to expect from the 10-day event". Tickets are now on sale. 

Returning favourites include Street Eats at Chows Table, Wine's a Drag at Bungalow Neighbourhood Social, the Cheese Toastie Battle in The Cabin, Shelter the Storm at Shelter Brewing Co and Blazing Brews at Beerfarm. 

New events for 2024 include an Emily Taylor Yum Cha collab with The Goose in Busselton, Cabernet Society at Vasse Felix, a wine pairing with no-frills grocery items at Skigh Wines and a Munchies and Magnums party at the new Busselton Pavilion.

“The events put forward by venues become more imaginative and fun each year, and this year's program is no exception,” event co-director Erin Molloy said.

“Choosing between the Bushman's Ball at Lenton Brae and a cult cabernet event at Vasse Felix, or between a Cuban Rumba party at Rustico and fiery party at Swings creates a serious case of FOMO for consumers.

“It's so fun to see the region alive and thriving in the middle of winter with so many activations and events to choose from - it's a far cry from the winters of hibernation from a decade ago.”

Tickets will be on sale now at www.cabinfeverfest.com.au.

A bucket list helicopter tour experience in Japan

So you plan to visit Japan and want to go beyond standard visits to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

How about a bucket list helicopter and hiking experience exploring the Southern Alps region from Shizuoka?

Shizuoka Prefecture is a popular destination situated midway between Tokyo and Nagoya, but away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

A proposed helicopter tour includes views of Mount Fuji and surrounding peaks, as well as stops at a mountain onsen resort, the Travel Mole news portal reports. .

The itinerary also includes a stay in traditional ryokan inn and a visit to Japan’s most remote whisky distillery.

The four-day Japan Southern Alps National Park Adventure Tour from DMC Local Network Service Shizuoka will be the first of its kind in Japan’s Southern Alps National Park when it launches in September.

Starting from Shizuoka Station, the tour begins by private car to the Nihondaira Yume Terrace where guests check in to the spectacular nearby Nipppondaira Hotel (below) for dinner and an overnight stay.

Depart the next morning from the hotel’s heliport to the summit of Mount Ogochidake, which has an elevation of around 2,000 metres.

After descending by helicopter to an elevation of around 1,000 metres, a private car will transport guests to the photo gallery at Sawarajima Lodge.

The gallery showcases the Japanese Southern Alps in images across all four seasons.

Guests will also visit and taste at the local Ikawa Distillery, where whisky is made at a high altitude using mountain water.

The distillery remote and not usually open to the public.

After an overnight stay at the lodge, the tour moves on by private car to the Senmai-goya Hut at an elevation of 2,500 metres, where guests will ascend by foot to the summit of Mount Senmaidake.

Guests then visit the Sumatakyo Onsen - which is nestled in the mountains - to soak in the hot springs.

They will then enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner and an overnight stay at a local ryokan.

On the helicopter tour’s final day, guests will stroll through the Sumatakyo Valley, where they will visit the spectacular Yume no Tsuribashi Suspension Bridge - known as the ‘Bridge of Dreams’ (top image).

The experience does not come cheap, however. 

Helicopter tour prices start from ¥920,000 (around $9,000 Aus) per adult including taxes, based on two adults sharing a room. The price is inclusive of the helicopter experience, private car/taxi transfers and three nights’ accommodation.

Qantas issues apology after app security failure

Qantas has issued an e-mail apology to frequent flyers after this week's security issue with its Qantas app.

Thousands of flyers reported accessing info and tickets of other travellers when signing on to the app. Some could even print boarding passes for travellers other than themselves.

"On Wednesday we experienced an issue with the homepage of the Qantas App," the Australian airline said in the message.

"We want to apologise to all our impacted customers and assure you that the App is stable and operating normally.

"We have now identified the root cause and can confirm that this was a technology issue, and there is no evidence of a cyber incident.

"Qantas takes the security and privacy of our customers' data seriously and we want you to know that we have done everything we can to fully understand what went wrong so we can prevent it happening again.

"If you have upcoming travel, there is nothing you need to do. You can check your flight details at anytime on the Qantas App or website as usual.

"We will contact you directly if we determine that your sensitive travel information has been incorrectly displayed to another person.

"Please accept our sincere apologies."

New release a tribute to winemaker's Mum

Experienced winemaker Ben Riggs usually makes wines for his Mr Riggs label that suit his own palate.

For one recent release he's made an exception, however, eschewing his beloved McLaren Vale to make an impressive Adelaide Hills pinot noir for one special person: his mother.

The $35 Mr Riggs Valerie Pinot Noir honours his mother Valerie, the Matriarch of the Riggs family, pictured above.

The name Valerie is of French origin meaning ‘strong, brave, valiant’.

"My mother is over 90 years old and still going strong," says Riggs. "She sees the positive in most things in life, has perhaps kept her youthful."

With over four decades of winemaking experience, the former Wirra Wirra chief winemaker started his own label in 2001 and has a reputation for bold, flavoursome reds.  

 

The 2023 Pinot Noir (above) is part of the Mr Riggs Regional Series and is made from fruit grown on a Woodside vineyard: a cool-climate site planted on heavy clay.

Due to the cooler vintage, the fruit was picked in late April, in the early hours of the morning to help maintain natural acidity. The grapes were crushed directly into open fermenters, with 15% kept as whole bunch to add texture and complexity as well as a little bit of tannin weight.

Pair it with roast chicken or a ripe, soft French cheese, where something a little magical happens.

It is bright, aromatic and very food friendly. I liked it a lot. 

$35. https://mrriggs.com.au/ 

Nando's forgets it is in the hospitality business

 

I love a Nando's peri-peri chicken meal. Extra hot. Preferably with a side of fries and some coleslaw. 

Unfortunately, the South African fast food company has forgotten that the food business is also the hospitality business. 

Nando's refuses to accept cash for any purchases in Australia.

It is firm about its policy: 

"No order will be processed without payment and no cash payments will be accepted," it says.

So Nando's just lost me and - I suspect - a whole lot of other customers. I have credit cards up the wazoo. A debit card, too. 

But sometimes I have cash and want to spend it. 

And I am not keen on being told that legal tender is not acceptable. And there are old folk, poor folk, who maybe want to spend some small change.

So Nando's, you're cancelled.

It's so simple. There are a lot of businesses selling chicken in many guises.

If Nando's doesn't want your cash then you can just walk straight back out and find another local business open to all forms of payment. One that caters for its customers. 
    

New luxury hotel to transform trendy Brisbane suburb

The hip inner city Brisbane suburb Teneriffe is to be home to a new five-star hotel project.

Teneriffe is just 3km north-east of the CBD and was the location of Australia's largest submarine base in World War II. It has been transformed from industrial precinct to a trendy lifestyle zone. 

It has been chosen by IHG Hotels & Resorts and Kokoda Property to bring the Kimpton hotel brand to Brisbane in 2028.

It will form part of Kokoda Property's $1.5 billion mixed-use development comprising hospitality and retail facilities, commercial offices and multiple residential towers as part of a lifestyle precinct.

Kimpton will offer approximately 155 guest rooms, including marquee suites "that will cater to celebrity guests and VIPs".

The hotel will feature a 200+-seat signature restaurant and bar on level 14, a spa with multiple treatment rooms, fitness centre and 618sqm of flexible indoor and outdoor event space.

The Kimpton will boast absolute waterfront access and views, including an infinity pool overlooking the Brisbane River and an open-air Garden Terrace bar.



“We couldn't be more excited to bring our Kimpton brand to Brisbane, particularly in such a strategic location that perfectly aligns to the aspirational ethos of the brand," said Cameron Burke, director of development, Australasia & Pacific, for IHG Hotels & Resorts.

"Kimpton has an ardent global following amongst the lifestyle-led and socially inclined, which will resonate strongly as part of the Skyring Terrace precinct and within Brisbane's luxury hotel market. We're thrilled to be partnering with Kokoda Property in pursuit of our common vision to elevate the hospitality space in south-east Queensland."

Founded in 1981 in San Francisco by Bill Kimpton, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is billed as the fastest growing relaxed luxury brand globally.

IHG currently has 53 hotels operating under eight brands in Australia, including InterContinental, Kimpton, Vignette Collection, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza, voco, Holiday Inn Express and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts.

All change at landmark Sydney hotel

All change at one of Sydney's leading heritage hotels: Hotel Woolstore 1888. 

The hotel's new owners, Shakespeare Property Group, have inked a deal with Accor that will see the property join its portfolio of Handwritten Collection hotels this month. 

The landmark Darling Harbour property was originally built in 1888 and is the fourth-oldest of 21 surviving wool stores in Sydney. The former Ovolo property is known for its contemporary design and industrial-chic interiors with modern and pop art on the walls. 

First opened as a hotel in 2013, the four-level sandstone and brick building boasts 90 guest rooms, a  neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar, a private dining room and meeting space, but has never really cut through a competitive space.

Shakespeare Property group vice president for hospitality assets and investments Richard Saab said: “Partnering with Accor to operate Hotel Woolstore 1888 under its Handwritten Collection brand was an ideal choice for us as we really want the original character of the hotel to shine.

“Handwritten Collection offers flexible brand standards, which is perfect for boutique hotel owners. It enhances the guest experience with a few light brand attributes, while still allowing us to benefit from Accor’s high standards of hospitality and globally renowned sales, distribution and loyalty platforms.

“The centralised operations and support team operated by Accor provides strong efficiencies for our hotels managed by the group.”

Hotel Woolstore 1888 is the fifth hotel that Shakespeare Property Group has partnered with Accor on in Australia, following Pullman Cairns International, Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort, Novotel Sunshine Coast Resort and Peppers Marysville.

The hotel is located in a prominent inner-city location on the corner of Pyrmont and Murray Streets in Darling Harbour, just behind the Novotel Sydney on Darling Harbour and the soon-to-be redeveloped Harbourside Shopping Centre, currently a building site.

Handwritten Collection is a global portfolio of unique hotels and there are just two Handwritten Collection hotels in Australia right now: Hotel Morris Sydney and Wonil Hotel Perth.

See ALL.com

A most unusual wine tasting with a Eurovision theme

Calling all adventurous wine lovers in Melbourne.

Fancy combining the spirit of Eurovision with a tasting of wines from the likes of Slovenia, Moldova, Greece and Georgia?

With small bites and a hip tattooist thrown into the mix?

Put the night of Thursday, May 9, into your diaries for Collingwood’s Into The Vines Wine Tasting Series kicking off Eurovision fever at Into Coffee from 6pm.

There will be the chance to sample up to 24 international wines that are not the usual suspects, along with Really Nice Poke - a Melbourne poke tattooist offering wine-themed tattoos, a masterclass hosted by wine educator Jay Bessel, and small bites curated by chef Boris Portnoy.

So maybe not for Nannas who like a quiet Moscato.

The showcasing of wines from lesser-known European wine regions will put a spotlight on rare varieties and bring a little funk to the tasting table.

Because production is limited, many of these wines are usually only available ‘on-premise’ - fine restaurants and wine bars, or specialised boutique bottle shops - but this event will also offer a rare opportunity to purchase them directly.

Among the importers being showcased will be Small Story: Germany and Austria; Romwine: Romania and Moldova; Vinous Wines: Georgia; DejaVu: Greece and Felixir: Slovenia.

Guests can choose from two experiences at booking: the tasting experience which allows them to try over 24 wines during the evening ($20) or a masterclass and tasting experience ($45)– where they can try the 24 wines in the tasting at their leisure, and also participate in an interactive "edutainment".

On arrival, guests will be given a tasting card, a glass and an introduction to all of the importers, and then they are invited to move through the room discovering and purchasing the wines.

On theme, there will be a voting station where they can give their 12 points to their favourite country’s wine.

I'm told tickets are selling fast. Check out:

https://events.humanitix.com/into-the-vines-eurovision-united-by-wine

Heritage-listed Launceston building to be transformed to a five-star Pullman hotel

A heritage-listed building in Launceston - Tasmania's second city - will be transformed into a five-star hotel. 

The new Pullman hotel on the site of the former Wellington Square State School promises "cutting-edge accommodation, dining and meeting facilities". 

Tasmanian urban regeneration specialists Red Panda Property announced today that Accor, Australia’s largest hotel operator, will manage its first hotel project, a Pullman in the heart of Launceston, under a hotel management agreement.

Designed by one of Asia-Pacific’s leading design practices, DKO, the $45 million Pullman Launceston will convert a former educational building into a luxe 139-room hotel. 

The project - on a hillside on Wellington Street overlooking the city - is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, marking the debut of Accor’s Pullman brand in Tasmania.

The hotel tower will be the second tallest building in Launceston, with views of the city and adjacent Tamar River. The top of the hotel will feature a rooftop bar showcasing local produce and wines from the nearby Tamar Valley.

Red Panda Property is a Tasmanian real estate development company that specialises in urban regeneration projects. Its projects include residential, commercial, retail, and cultural developments. 

Red Panda Property owner and director Andrew McCullagh said the project would significantly elevate Launceston’s tourism infrastructure while delivering economic and cultural benefits to the local community.

“Preserving Launceston’s heritage was our foremost consideration, and our plans to regenerate the area will enable visitors to enjoy a rich combination of history and modernity in the one precinct," he said.

“With the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and Royal Park as neighbours, we will build a natural linkage to other recent developments and the Seaport precinct, where guests can take river cruises.

“We anticipate Pullman Launceston becoming a food and entertainment hub for the region, with the rooftop bar being a ‘must visit’ venue for both locals and travellers.

“This is our first hotel development, and we are very pleased to be partnering with Accor, who have unprecedented experience working in the Launceston market.”

Pullman Launceston will be Accor’s sixth hotel in Launceston. 

“This will be an outstanding hotel and the international brand recognition of Pullman will help attract tourists and conferences to Launceston," said Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer PM&E, Adrian Williams.

“With nature and food-based tourism being such powerful drivers of travel, Launceston and Tasmania has so much to offer domestic and international travellers.

“The Tasmanian brand is globally admired as being synonymous with excellence, purity, sustainability and premium quality, and with Launceston attracting new direct air services, we believe the arrival of the Pullman can further energise the state’s tourism sector.”

Launceston, Australia’s third oldest city, is renowned as a gateway to world-class walking and adventure activities, as well as for its rich food and wine culture. In 2021, Launceston was named as a 

UNESCO City of Gastronomy, one of only 36 cities worldwide.

Accor has 19 international brands across Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, such as Sofitel, MGallery, Art Series, Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Peppers, The Sebel, Mantra, Handwritten Collection, Novotel, TRIBE, Mercure, BreakFree, ibis, ibis Styles and ibis budget, as well as Ennismore’s SO/. See ALL.com

Another airline with a grog monster pilot

Add JAL to the list of airlines having issues with boozy pilots.

A Japan Airlines flight from Dallas to Tokyo was cancelled over the drunken escapades of a pilot, industry travel portal Travel Mole and the Mainichi Daily newspaper reported.

The JAL captain was on a layover in a Dallas hotel last week when his disruptive behaviour led to police being called by a hotel employee.

The pilot was given a warning for his disorderly conduct.

Japan Airlines then cancelled the Tokyo flight due to the need to assess the captain’s "physical and mental wellbeing". A replacement pilot could not be found in time for the morning departure. 

The airline said the unnamed pilot began drinking during dinner with flight crew colleagues and continued in the hotel bar and then his room until at least 2am.

The 157 passengers booked on the flight were later re-booked on an American Airlines flight to Tokyo. Which might not have pleased them.

See GoTR passim for previous pilots on the piss.