Taiwan lights up for the end of Lunar New Year

If Taiwan has been on your travel "to do" list then next week might be a good opportunity.

The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in Chiayi County from March 3 to 15. 

Diverse offerings include the chance to stand beneath a 21-metre tower of glowing light while drones paint the night sky, fireworks burst overhead, and the sounds of Irish tap dancers fill the air. 

Taiwan Lantern Festival is one of Asia's most beloved annual celebrations - marking the end of the Lunar New Year . 

Each year it rotates to a different city and this year's theme is "Glow with Taiwan, Light Up Chiayi". 

The festival has 12 official "must-see" attractions. The centrepiece is "Glow of Alishan", a towering 21-metre main lantern synchronized to a full sound and light show. 

International artists include France's Cavalcade of White Horses and high-energy Irish tap dancers, along with the Taiwanese Paper Windmill Theatre, and the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group.

Chiayi is accessible by high-speed rail with the Chiayi HSR Station connected to Taipei in under 90 minutes. 

See more at 2026taiwanlanternfestival.org/En 

Tourism Authority of Thailand ups its tech game

With tourism in Asia increasingly competitive, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has relaunched an updated ‘Amazing Thailand’ app. 

The new version integrates AI technology and secure payment solutions, offering a "worry-free travel experience", TAT says.

The Amazing Thailand app now features tools for every stage of a travel experience including planning, booking and making secure payments.

An AI-powered chatbot (oh no!) aims to make real-time recommendations based on prompts and user preferences.

The app suggests suitable itineraries, places to stay, dining, activities, plus traveller safety tips, local newspaper The Nation reports.

The newest version of the Amazing Thailand app can be downloaded from March 15, 2026.

Kittipong Praphathong, deputy governor for Digital, Research, and Development at TAT, said the new app is a key step in developing Thailand’s national digital tourism platform. 

It strengthens the country's global tourism competitiveness and supports local businesses with sustainable economic opportunities.

Head to Slovenia for a monastic experience

Fancy sleeping in a former monastery? Slovenia can deliver that.

Mekinje Monastery has introduced a distinctive new hospitality concept - an overnight stay designed as a retreat into silence, simplicity and the culture of the mid-20th century.

Conceived for individuals and couples seeking respite from the pressures of modern life, constant connectivity and digital noise, the program offers an opportunity to slow down and reconnect. 

Guests stay in renovated monastic rooms furnished with restored pieces from the former Kamnik monastery.

The interiors echo the 1950s with the architectural and cultural landmark said to offer "dignified presence and contemplative ambience".

The rural location is surrounded by greenery and overlooking the Kamnik–Savinja Alps.



An essential part of the experience is discovering the monastery’s history - dating back to 1300 - and the lives of the monks and nuns, including Ursuline and Poor Clare sisters.

Visitors can explore exhibitions, join guided tours of the monastery and chapel and discover herbal products from the monastery garden. Mornings begin with a simple herb-infused breakfast featuring seasonal ingredients.

Additional experiences can be arranged in advance, including herbal and culinary workshops, orchard visits, guided tours and options dedicated to calming body and mind - from yoga and meditation to sound and mindfulness workshops.

Overnight rates start at €70 per person and curated multi-day packages are available – from experiences celebrating traditions beneath the Kamnik mountains to family retreats tailored monastic packages for seniors.

See https://monasterymekinje.eu/

Photos: Blaž Muc

So you'd like to stay on your own private Tasmanian island?

Looking to enjoy one of Tasmania's most exclusive destinations? 

After extensive renovations and the construction of a new primary suite, Picnic Island Tasmania has officially re-opened this month as an exclusive private island experience.

Availability is limited to 100 nights per year to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem (and resident Little Penguin colony). 

Picnic Island is located 800 metres offshore from Coles Bay near Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay on Tasmania's east coast. 

“This week we celebrated with the extraordinary people who helped make this vision a reality: architects, builders, local artisans, experience providers and producers, conservation partners, and Tasmania's tourism community,” said Picnic Island co-owner Mark Israel. 

“Their commitment to doing things right, rather than simply doing things quickly, has created something special. Now we're ready to share it with guests seeking an authentic connection to place.”

The property now accommodates up to eight guests across four luxe spaces: the newly built primary suite and two fully renovated copper-clad structures. 

No expense has been spared here. Think a dedicated island host and skipper, a private chef showcasing Tasmanian produce, and a selection of premium Tasmanian wines and spirits. 

A new Tasmanian-built boat is available for marine excursions and transfers to and from the island. 

The property operates off-grid through advanced solar systems and rainwater collection. 

“We’re not trying to recreate a five-star hotel on a remote island," says co-owner Elisa Yu. 

"We’re offering something more valuable: complete privacy in a place where nature still dictates the rhythm. The transformation guests experience emerges organically when they connect with this extraordinary place.” 

The bad news: the all-inclusive rate is $16,000 per night for the entire island for up to eight guests. With a three-night minimum stay. 

For more info see www.picnicisland.com.au.

Anantara hotel brand to make Australian debut in Perth

Anantara, a leading high-end hotel brand in Asia, is set to make its Australian debut in Perth, the capital of Western Australia. 

Minor Hotels, the hotel brand owner and operator, this week signed up for the Anantara Perth Hotel in the Burswood Point precinct.

 

The expansion will bringing Anantara’s Thai-inspired hospitality to one of Australia’s fastest‑growing capital cities.

The hotel will anchor the $3.8 billion Burswood Point development, which will open in 2032. 

Anantara Perth will become a flagship destination on the Swan River waterfront with the new-build. property to be developed by Golden Sedayu, a partnership between Perth’s Golden Group and Agung Sedayu, one of Indonesia’s leading property developers. 

The hotel will have 150 contemporary guest rooms and suites, two destination restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness centre and an Anantara Spa. 

Anantara Perth will join a collection of over 50 Anantara properties. Minor Hotels also operates Australian properties under its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands. 

"We are delighted to introduce Anantara to Australia. Perth is experiencing rapid development across its urban and tourism landscape, creating the ideal environment for a property of this standard," said Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels. 

"Anantara Perth represents our commitment to expanding world-class luxury experiences into new markets.”

Burswood Point is being promoted as "a world‑class entertainment, tourism, and residential destination". 

Qantas unveils new seasonal flights to Las Vegas

 

Qantas today announced it will be the first airline to operate a non-stop route between Australia and Las Vegas.

The new seasonal Sydney–Las Vegas service will run from December through to March 2027 and will save customers up to five hours in travel time by eliminating the need for connections through another US city.

Las Vegas becomes the 101st destination on the Qantas network and the airline’s eighth city across North and South America, joining Los Angeles, San Francisco, Honolulu, Dallas, New York, Vancouver and Santiago.

Available for booking from today, the service will operate during some of the city’s biggest global events and expos including the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest and most influential tech show, and as Vegas plays host to the National Rugby League’s (NRL) annual season kick off: Las Vegas Festival. 

For the past two years the airline has operated charter flights in partnership with NRL from Australia’s East Coast to Las Vegas to get Aussie fans to games. Flights took off this week and, for the third year, in a row are fully booked.

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace said strong customer demand for international travel is driving the airline's expansion of seasonal services to destinations like Las Vegas.

“Australians' appetite for international travel continues to be incredibly strong." Wallace asaid. 

"Rome and Sapporo have shown us there's real demand for seasonal services to destinations people want to visit at certain times of year, and we're continuing to expand those direct connections around the world.

"Our historic fleet renewal is giving us the flexibility to deploy aircraft where we see demand, opening up route possibilities that simply weren't there before."

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said Qantas’ new non-stop service was a testament to the strength of the Australian market for Las Vegas.

“Australia has consistently ranked as our second-largest overseas market and our top international market without a nonstop flight," Hill said. "More than 250,000 Australians visit each year, drawn by the breadth and depth of experiences Las Vegas offers. We are grateful to Qantas for their partnership and confidence in our city.” 

* Sydney (SYD) to Las Vegas (LAS) will operate as QF55, with the inaugural flight taking off on December 29, 2026 and initially operating until March 12, 2027.The new route will operate on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft three times per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
Economy return fares start from $1,099.

Calling golfers who love their wine and food

 

Calling all lovers of luxury, Tasmanian food and wine, and golf. 

How about three nights at delightful Country House, dinner, Pooley wine experiences and the chance to play two of the best golf courses in Tasmania? 

The the inaugural Prospect Epicurean Open from April 19-22 might be of interest. 

The experience includes a three-night stay at Prospect Country House - just across the road from owners the Pooley family's cellar door - and rounds of golf at 7 Mile Beach and Royal Hobart Golf Club.

From seasoned low handicappers pros to weekend enthusiasts, the event is designed for golfers of all skill levels. 

After the golf, participants can retreat to the heritage comfort of Buscombe's Restaurant and Prospect Country House in the Coal River Valley for a five-course degustation dinner, Pooley wines, and the quiet of the very pretty 1830s estate.

Mathew Goggin's 7 Mile Beach (above) is one of Australia's newest top-rated courses and participants will be led by pro golfer Scott Laycock and John Davis from Tasmanian Golf Experiences. 

Davis will also host the 18 holes at Royal Hobart Golf Club. 

The experience includes all transfers, accommodation, curated meals, Pooley wines, green fees and pull buggies included. All you need is a toothbrush and your golf clubs. The price is $3,150 person.

For full details email Lisa Pooley at lisa@prospectcountryhouse.com.au or check out https://prospectcountryhouse.com.au/

Launceston gets a direct air link with Canberra

Tasmania has gained another air link with the announcement of the first direct flights between Launceston and Canberra to be operated by Link Airways.

With flights scheduled for times a week throughout the year, the new service means travellers from the ACT and regional NSW can now fly direct to Northern Tasmania and UNESCO City of Gastronomy Launceston.

It makes it much easier to visit attractions including Cataract Gorge and the Tamar Valley wine region, as well as the iconic Cradle Mountain and Derby Mountain bike trails further afield, Tourism Tasmania announced.

The new service - which takes off from May 6 - will add 14,000 seats annually to Tasmania's air capacity and lands in time for Tasmania's Off Season tourism campaign.

Flights are on sale now from $339. Link already offers flights between Hobart and Canberra. 

Book via Link Airways at https://www.linkairways.com/ or a travel agent.

Link Airways has partnered with Velocity Frequent Flyer, the loyalty program of Virgin Australia.

Skytrans is mining an unlikely new destination

Fancy a taste of the Outback and one of rural Australia's biggest mining communities?

Regional airline and air charter company Skytrans Australia, a part of Avia Solutions Group, has just announced it is expanding its regional aviation network with a new air route between Sydney and Cobar.

Cairns-based Skytrans is a leading operator in the Australian regional aviation market and says its is "committed to long-term sustainable growth, continually expanding its turboprop fleet and adding new regional routes".

Weekly flights from Sydney to Cobar will initially continue until mid-May 2026. 

The route will be serviced by 36-seat Dash 8-200 aircraft based in Sydney, which also operate the recently launched Skytrans services between Sydney and Lord Howe Island.

“This new charter service to the Copper City, renowned for its rich mining history and heritage, reinforces our ongoing commitment to strengthening the delivery of reliable and affordable air services to rural, regional and remote communities,” said Skytrans Chief Commercial Officer Richard George.

“It is an exciting opportunity and a genuine privilege to continue to extend our flight network into the regions, strengthening partnerships and supporting the ongoing development of regional communities and their economic wellbeing.”

Skytrans operates a fleet of 13 Dash 8 turboprops and Airbus A319 jets across Australia.

Cobar is a town in Outback New South Wales, whose economy is based mainly upon base metals and gold mining. The town is 712km north-west of Sydney.

See www.skytrans.au  

A Margarita with the Matildas? Sydney pubs go large

A decade ago a regional women's soccer tournament would have attracted a proverbial man and a dog to watch in Australia. 

Now the Matildas are a box office drawcard and pubs across Sydney are planning watch parties for the  
AFC Women’s Asian Cup, which runs from March 1-21. 

Solotel pubs are turning up the volume with venues including Sackville Hotel, The Golden Sheaf and The Woodstock offering live, big-screen action. 

In celebration of the tournament, Margs for the Matildas will be flowing with $12 margaritas during every Matildas match.

 Plus, fans at The Clock in Surry Hills can enjoy a free margarita in partnership with Patrón Tequila for the first Matildas' goal in each game they play (subject to conditions). 

Here are some of the venues getting in on the fun:

The Clock, Surry Hills; Sackville Hotel, Rozelle; Golden Sheaf, Double Bay; Public House, Petersham; The Woodstock, Rooty Hill; Kings Cross Hotel, Potts Point; The Albion, Parramatta; The Erko, Erskineville. 

Bookings are recommended. 

So you really, really like to eat steak?

Are you one of those people for whom too much steak is not enough?

Melbourne bistro 98 Lygon St Bar & Bistro, in Brunswick East, has just launched a weekly bottomless steak deal starting from Wednesday.

So think unlimited premium, dry-aged grass-fed porterhouse, sliced thick, served rare and your plate refilled until you surrender.

Diners will enjoy their steak feast with frites and peppercorn sauce for $69 per person. 

Selected cellar pours, and large-format bottles offered by the glass on the night offer a wine and food matching experience.

Co-founder Ben Clark says the concept was designed to feel like a proper night out.

“Wednesday is a night people already enjoy dining out," he said. "This was about generosity, quality and creating a midweek ritual people look forward to.”

The format also reflects the venue’s broader approach to hospitality, says co-founder Simon Aukett.

“It’s indulgent without cutting corners,” he says. “The full experience, done properly, week after week.”

Bottomless Steak launches Wednesday, February 25, and will run weekly. Seats are limited, bookings are essential.

See www.98lygonst.au 

Penfolds wins court action against Chinese copycat brand

Treasury Wine Estates has secured a major intellectual property court victory in China against copycat wine operator Rush Rich.

 
TWE won more than US $10 million in damages after a long fight against the wine brand accused of trying to pass its wines off as Penfolds releases.

A Chinese court of appeal ordered the defendants behind the Rush Rich brand - branded in Chinese as “奔富酒园” - damages, a statement from the Australian wine company said.

The first two Chinese characters in the name are identical to Penfolds’ Chinese brand name “奔富,” (or Ben Fu) and the English name Rush Rich is widely seen as a literal translation of those characters, Chinese wine website Vino Joy said.

The copycat bottles also featured white labels with bold red lettering and numeric product names - hallmarks of Penfolds’ signature look.

The long-running dispute traces back to 2012, when the company behind Rush Rich applied to register the “奔富酒园” trademark and began selling wines under the name.

By 2016, the brand had established a major presence on the Chinese wine scene.

In its statement, Treasury Wine Estates said the use of the similar name and branding was likely to mislead consumers and undermine the Penfolds brand.

"TWE takes intellectual property protection extremely seriously," the company statement said.

"Protecting our brands safeguards consumers, preserves the integrity of our portfolio and defends the Penfolds heritage and reputation built over generations.

"Our approach is deliberate and sustained, combining legal enforcement, regulatory engagement, technology enabled authentication and consumer education."

Head off the beaten track for a reason

 

Holidays with a purpose are all the rage.

A lot of people want to learn, or gain a new skill, when they travel.

To meet this growing demand, World Expeditions has unveiled a new series of expert-led journeys under its Curated Adventures portfolio, responding to growing interest in "immersive, passion-driven travel experiences led by recognised authorities in their fields".

From photography and food to cultural immersion and wildflower walking, these one-off departures aim to deliver cultural exchange and the opportunity to travel in the company of an expert who opens doors others cannot.

“Special interest travel continues to surge because it offers the ultimate form of personalisation,” says Jaclyn Beagley, manager for Curated Adventures. 

“These journeys are built around passion - photography, food, culture and nature - and led by people who are true experts. Travelling with someone who deeply understands a place transforms the entire experience.”

The new line-up includes three distinctive, small-group departures:

Sri Lanka Food & Photo Adventure with Alan Benson

Celebrated photographer Alan Benson, whose work has featured in books by Luke Nguyen, Kylie Kwong and Jimmy Barnes, leads this immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s vibrant markets, tea country and wildlife reserves. Travellers can snap stilt fishermen at sunrise, wander spice-scented kitchens and explore lush tea terraces, all while refining their photographic eye. September 13-24 from $5990 per person twin share excluding flights.

Benin and Togo with Richard I’Anson

Award-winning travel photographer Richard I’Anson hosts a visually rich journey through Benin and Togo, two of West Africa’s most culturally compelling destinations. There is a focus on vibrant festivals, traditional ceremonies, daily village life and striking architectural landscapes. January 15-17, 2027, from $9590 per person twin share excluding flights.

Drakensberg Wildflower Trails – Women’s Guided Walking Tour

Timed for peak bloom, this women’s walking adventure explores South Africa’s uKhahlamba-Drakensberg UNESCO World Heritage Site with expert mountain guide Shaen Adey, who has more than 30 years of local knowledge. Flexible day walks traverse alpine meadows and sandstone escarpments alive with seasonal wildflowers and birdlife. Comfortable lodges will provide space to unwind between walks. November 29-December 6 from $5,590 per person twin share excluding flights.

“These journeys are about travelling with curiosity and purpose,” says Beagley. “They offer perspectives and stories that stay with you long after you return home.”

For full itineraries and further information, see worldexpeditions.com/Curated-Adventures.

Brisbane says cheers to a new sports bar and eatery

 

Brisbane sports lovers have a new destination with the opening of Gas Hound Bar & Kitchen. 

The venue offers modern Australian bistro dining and sports energy in a new space at Newstead’s Gasworks Plaza. 

It is the latest venue from from local industry heavyweights Hallmark Hospitality and will feature electronic dart boards, pool tables and televised live sports. 

With a wood-fired oven as the kitchen’s centrepiece, executive chef Jason Flett has created a seasonal menu. 

“At its heart, Gas Hound serves classic pub fare but we’re elevating it with premium ingredients and beautiful presentations,” Flett said.

“We make everything from scratch - for example, hand-crumbing and pan-frying our chicken schnitzels - to give our food that extra bit of love and attention.

“About 50% of our menu will be cooked over flame in the wood-fired oven, including our steaks, to 
open up more flavour and add a touch of smokiness.”

Hallmark Hospitality director Cade Hopman said that Gas Hound’s drinks menu pairs premium spirits with modern twists on classic cocktails. 

“Highlights include the punchy Sure Fire, a tropical, ginger-spiked Margarita, the crisp and savoury Steel Tip martini, and Deep Pocket, a rich, slow-sipping take on an Old Fashioned,” Hopman said.

“Our cocktail and drinks offering is crowd-pleasing, designed to suit everything from casual catch-ups to big nights."

The revamped venue was formerly home to retro supper club Maggie May. 

Image: Markus Ravik

Otahuna Lodge offers a chance to be Lord of the Manor

Ever considered hosting a special occasion where you have an entire luxury property to yourself, your family and friends?

Historic Otahuna Lodge outside Christchurch in New Zealand has just launched its "Lord of the Manor" package.

Whether you're looking to celebrate a milestone birthday, family reunion or a memorable workplace retreat, weekend dates in 2026 are now open.

The Lord of the Manor package (available from May 1 through October 15) can be reserved at the rate of $NZ 9995 per night (weekday nights) or $11,995 (Friday and Saturday nights).

All Lord of the Manor bookings enjoy the following inclusions for up to 10 guests:

# Accommodation across five suites and two master suites

#·Pre-dinner drinks with canapés

# A four-course, set menu dinner

#· Matched wine pairings with every course

# Continental and cooked breakfasts.

Up to six additional guests (for a maximum of 16 people) can be added at a rate of $600 per additional person per night.

It is a remarkably stylish property celebrated for its architecture, award-winning gardens and sophisticated cuisine. A special place to stay.

For full details see www.otahuna.co.nz/

Black & Ginger pays tribute to Lily with a premium shiraz

Out on one of our motorcycle road trips we always come across interesting winemakers with their own unique stories, reports two-wheeling correspondent Rod Eime. 

Hadyn Black at Black & Ginger in Victoria's Grampians region is just one such character.

Along with wife Lucy and business partner Darcy "Ginger" Naunton, the trio kicked off in 2015 with the purchase of a tonne of shiraz grapes from the Pyrenees, while their own vineyard took shape.

"We started B&G in 2015, with that single tonne of shiraz. At the end of 2016, we bought a rundown vineyard with a rundown house on it," Hadyn tells us as we sit in his rustic wine shed just off the main road and grafted onto Barney’s Bar & Bistro.

But that's just a hint at the real story.

"My mum Lily had recently retired, and so she spent as much time up here as she could, doing everything from helping me clean up the house, strip the horrible wallpaper, repaint, and clean up the garden. Then we’d get stuck into pruning and fixing the vineyard," Hadyn tells us. I can see his throat is getting a bit lumpy. "We managed to only properly prune a couple of rows at the top of the vineyard. We picked our grapes in 2017; most were sold, but we kept all the fruit from the rows Mum helped properly prune for ourselves. 

"Mum and Lucy and a couple of our mates helped pick it, and the fruit was fantastic. It was fermenting away nicely in the winery when I got a call that Mum had very suddenly passed away. So we named the resulting wine 'Lily’s Block' in her honour. We only release the wine under her name when it is good enough, so it is not made every year. The label is pink, an obvious choice given her favourite colour was pink, I also added her signature to the side label."

Lily and Hadyn

As well as Lily's Block, the small-batch wines have been well received, getting some great scores from wine writers and a couple of medals at wine shows.

Find the BLACK & GINGER WINE SHED at:
3447a Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal, Victoria, 3381

Puppetry magic to shine at QAGOMA

Love The Muppets and Sesame Street? You might want to make a date with Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art later this year.

A new exhibition exploring the storytelling The Jim Henson Company will run exclusively at QAGOMA from September 12, 2026, until April 18, 2027.

‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’ will offer "an immense and immersive journey" through the creative process behind some of Henson's cherished characters. 

Founded by Jim and Jane Henson in 1955, the company has left an indelible imprint on entertainment, education and popular culture globally as seen in the much-loved series Fraggle Rock and Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, the treasured fantasy worlds of The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth, the iconic characters of the Muppets, and the residents of Sesame Street.

‘Unparalleled in scope, the exhibition will celebrate The Jim Henson Company’s extraordinary legacy, highlighting the specialist work of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop - creative studios in New York and Los Angeles where artists and makers revolutionise the art of puppetry," said QAGOMA director Chris Saines. 

‘The Gallery is privileged to be working closely with The Jim Henson Company, whose influence on generations of storytellers continues as a family-led force pioneering contemporary puppetry for screen and stage.’

In a world-first, the exhibition will include the Great Hall set from the Emmy Award-winning television series Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, taking audiences behind the scenes of a working puppeteer’s film set.

A curated film program in the Gallery’s Australian Cinémathèque will showcase productions developed by the Company and brought to life by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop.

Across GOMA’s ground floor, ‘Make, Believe, Magic’ will explore the craftmanship of The Jim Henson Company’s creatures, the art of their performance, and new directions for puppetry supported by digital technology.

The opening weekend of ‘Make, Believe, Magic: The Worlds of The Jim Henson Company’, coinciding with Brisbane Festival in September, will feature special discussions, performances and screenings. Exhibition tickets go on sale from June 1.

For more info see www.qagoma.qld.gov.au

Florentino offers a nod to the past, and the future

It's all change at what used to be known as Grossi Florentino, Grossi Grill and Cellar Bar.

The Melbourne dining icon has returned to its original name: Florentino after the exit of Guy Grossi and his team..

Founded in 1928, the venue on Bourke St is one of Australia’s longest-standing dining institutions. Edition Group, the new owners have revealed the plans under their custodianship.

“Florentino is one of Australia’s most significant dining institutions," says Rebecca Yazbek, founder and CEO of Edition Group.

"Taking on its custodianship carries enormous responsibility, but also opportunity. Our focus is on honouring what has made the restaurant so important while reinvigorating the venues to ensure Florentino secures its place at the forefront of Australian dining once again.”

Located within a heritage-listed building, Florentino will operates as a three-venue precinct comprising Florentino Dining Room, the renamed Café Florentino (previously Grossi Grill), and Cellar Bar.

Florentino Dining Room remains the flagship restaurant within the building with chef Michael Greenlaw and executive chef Brendan Katich at the helm. The menu remains grounded in traditional Italian cuisine. Dining is offered through three-, five- and seven-course menus.

Dishes from Greenlaw and Katich’s menu include: coral trout with king crab, zucchini and bisque; Sher wagyu with potatoes, truffle, black garlic and Chianti; and a range of house-made pastas including caramelle filled with caramelised onionn and risotto al tartufo with black truffle and mushrooms.

Greenlaw said the menu focus has been on continuity.

“Our intention has been to respect what Florentino represents while allowing the menu to reflect the quality of produce and producers we have access to today. It’s about continuity, shaped by seasonality and precision rather than reinvention,” he said.

The dining experience is supported by a wine program led by group sommelier Steve Senturk, exploring regions including Piedmont and Sicily.

Café Florentino marks a return to the restaurant’s origins. It was under this name that former owner Rinaldo Massoni first established the venue’s Italian identity. Cellar Bar, meanwhile, will continue as an all-day wine and pasta bar.

Yazbek has ideas for future design changes across the venues, but says that will be undertaken gradually and with consideration for the heritage-listed building.

Florentino Dining Room is open for lunch Wednesday to Friday from 12pm, and for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5.30pm. Café Florentino is open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 12pm, and for dinner Monday to Saturday from 5pm. Cellar Bar operates Monday to Saturday from 11am until late, offering all-day service.

See https://florentino.melbourne/

Lark celebrates and innovates

 

There was a double celebration at the Lark Distillery tasting room in Hobart this week with a function to welcome new CEO and managing director Stuart Gregor, and a sneak peek at an innovative new premium whisky range to be launched in April. 

The tasting room has been given a major makeover with some clubby chic spaces upstairs for private tastings and small groups, in addition to the downstairs area and the garden overlooking the Hobart waterfront. 

The Davey Street cellar door's newly refurbished spaces mark a new era for the home of the brand that started Tasmania's whisky boom. 

"It was so special to share the occasion with industry friends, long-standing partners, media and members of our extended whisky community," the Lark team said. 

Guests at the tasting facility can discover the full Lark collection, from signature expressions to rare venue exclusives, alongside guided tastings, masterclasses and a newly unveiled museum experience. 

The venue is open daily, 11am–7pm, at 14 Davey Street in downtown Hobart. 

Here are some images I took on the night, including one of founder Bill Lark with former Four Pillars founder Gregor.  

See https://larkdistillery.com/

Family-friendly Vietnam tips from local experts

 

A record number of Australians are flocking to Vietnam to enjoy the culture, food and sunshine.


BestPrice Travel, a leading Vietnam-based tour specialist, has unveiledits choice of the best places for all ages to explore: from culture-rich cities and the vibrant culinary scene to beautiful beaches and idyllic islands

Its top five family-friendly destinations are here: 

Hanoi: Culture and Cuisine for curious families

With over 1,000 years of history, Vietnam’s capital city (top image) immerses guests in culture and heritage. From the vibrant markets and French colonial architecture of the Old Quarter to the scenic shores of West Lake, this is a city that inspires the senses. Family-friendly food tours introduce iconic local dishes such as pho (noodle soup), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls) at trusted venues to ensure peace-of-mind for parents, while local experiences such as water puppet shows and cyclo rides will delight curious explorers.

Ninh Binh: Nature, Heritage and Slow Travel

In the Red River Delta, just 1.5 hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s urban buzz. In this scenic region, families can cycle through a landscape of lush rice fields, valleys and mountains at Tam Coc-Bich Dong, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” take scenic boat rides, and get back to nature in national parks and wetlands. Rich culture can be discovered in Hoa Lu, which served as Vietnam’s capital city in the 10th and 11th centuries.

Danang: Beaches, Theme Parks and Easy Access

On Vietnam’s sun-soaked central coast, Danang is one of its most family-friendly cities, thanks to its long beaches, exciting attractions and modern infrastructure. Parents and kids can spend endless days relaxing on the sandy shore, which is lapped by warm seas, or head into the Ba Na Hills - home to cable cars, a theme park, and the iconic Golden Bridge, which appears to be held aloft by a giant pair of hands. As the sun sets, the illuminated Han River is an enchanting place to take an evening stroll.

Phu Quoc: Island Escapes with World-Class Entertainment

Phu Quoc is a tropical island jewel that has become one of south-east Asia’s tope family destinations. Known as the “Pearl Island,” it offers a wealth of attractions and activities for Australian travellers, including beautiful beaches, thrilling water sports, and a 7.9km over-sea cable car - the world’s longest. 

Nha Trang: Resort comfort for all ages

A popular beach destination on Vietnam’s scenic south-central coast, Nha Trang is known for its calm seas, year-round climate and outstanding attractions for all ages. Family-oriented hotels such as Radisson Blu Resort Cam Ranh (above), provide international-standard accommodation, easy airport access, and child-friendly facilities, including a water park. Guests can discover the wonders of the ocean with island-hopping boat trips and snorkelling excursions, and families have plenty of opportunities to enjoy world-class cuisine, including fresh seafood.

# For Australian families, Vietnam is more accessible than ever. Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air and Jetstar provide direct services departing Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth with connecting flights from other capital cities. BestPrice travel is offering Australian families a great deal with an early bird 10% discount on a selection of bookings made by April 30. View eligible tours here: https://www.bestpricetravel.com/en-au/vietnam-tours/family-holidays

For more info visit www.bestpricetravel.com 

Virgin Australia leads in a timely manner

 

Australians love to complain about flight delays - often with good reason.

Just the other day two of my wine tasting regulars were four hours late getting back to Tasmania after a Jetstar debacle. 

Virgin Australia, however, is celebrating after over 80% of its domestic flights in January left on time.

Virgin delivered best-in-class operational performance in January, leading Australia’s major airlines on both on-time performance and flight completion metrics, new data from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) shows.

The data, based on scheduled domestic flights, shows Virgin Australia achieved an 82.7% on-time departure rate in January, building on strong December results with an improvement of 8.2 percentage points month-on-month.

After posting the highest average completion rate of the major Australian airlines in 2025, Virgin Australia maintained its reliability in January with a 99.1% completion rate, demonstrating consistent operational performance during the busy peak summer travel period.

Virgin Australia CEO Dave Emerson said the January results reflect the dedication and teamwork of Virgin Australia’s people across every part of the operation.

“After a strong finish to the year in December, our team raised the bar yet again in January,” Emerson said.

“Summer is one of the most important times of the year for our guests. Millions of travellers rely on us to reconnect with loved ones or take a well-earned break, and we’re incredibly grateful for their trust.

“Leading the major Australian airlines in January with the highest departure on-time performance and the lowest cancellations is a testament to the efforts of our people across the entire operation.

“We know how important it is to get our guests to their destination on their desired day of travel, and with fewer than 1% of scheduled domestic flights cancelled during one of our busiest months, our results show we are consistently delivering on that commitment.”

Over the past 12 months, Virgin Australia has recorded an average completion rate of 98.3% and an average departure on-time performance of 77.6% for its scheduled domestic flights.

Meet Tasmania's new waterfront seafood festival

The Hobart waterfront will welcome a new seafood festival over the March long weekend to celebrate world-class Tasmanian seafood, local producers, and the waterfront community.

Tasmania's Seafood Festival will e hosted by fishing royalty Mures Tasmania, and sponsored by TasPorts. The free three-day festival will aim to turn Victoria Dock into a buzzing waterfront playground with food and drink stalls, live entertainment and family fun.

The new festival will run from Saturday, March 7 to Monday, March 9, starting from 11am daily and will bring together seafood producers, fishers, chefs and waterfront folk. 

From barbecued fish and Cajun-style seafood parcels to fresh paella, woodfired pizza, tacos, chowder, parmesan wheel pasta, oysters and bubbles, the menu will have widespread appeal. 

The Victoria Dock seafood punts will also operate throughout the event while Tassie beverage producers will be offering spirits, wine, beer and non-alcoholic options. 

The main stage will host a program of seafood carving, tastings and interactive presentations including a whole tuna carving, oyster shucking competitions, meet the producer sessions and complementary tastings. 

“We have long seen the potential for a large-scale seafood event in Tasmania,” said Will and Jude Mure,
the directors of Mures Tasmania. 

“Guests can watch free live demonstrations from Industry professionals, taste beautiful local seafood, take part in competitions and win prizes, while the kids enjoy hands-on activities and entertainment.

"This first year is just the beginning, and we hope to grow the festival over time into one of the country’s leading seafood events.”

For more info see mures.com.au/tas-seafood-festival.

# Mures Tasmania is a family-owned and -operated seafood business established in 1973 and located on Victoria Dock, Hobart. Mures catches, processes and serves premium local seafood directly from its own vessels Diana and Selkie and hosts several restaurants.

Berlin hits the heights with new hotel openings

Berlin is booming with a wave of new hotels scheduled to open throughout 2026.

The German capital currently has 93 hotel chains with a total of 197 hotels offering over 25,000 rooms.

By the end of the year that will increase to 95 brands and 205 hotels, news hub Travel Mole reports.

Among the new openings will be the Estrel Tower (top image), along the riverside promenade of the Neukölln shipping canal.

At 176 metres with 45 floors of accommodation, it will become Germany’s tallest hotel building. The property will offer 522 rooms, suites, and serviced apartments, alongside co-working areas, a gallery, spa facilities, and extensive meeting infrastructure.

Lifestyle-focused concepts also continue to drive Berlin’s hotel expansion. The Me and All Hotel Berlin East Side by Hyatt brings 227 rooms, co-working spaces, and a 24/7 fitness concept near the East Side Gallery along the Spree river.

Irish lifestyle brand Dean Hotels also entered the Berlin market with The Dean Berlin in Charlottenburg. The 81-room property focuses on "design-led hospitality and social dining", anchored by the all-day restaurant Benedict.

Another lifestyle-driven addition is Radisson RED Berlin Potsdamer Platz. The design-forward hotel is due to opening in late 2026 inside a listed former Siemens building. The 249-room property blends heritage architecture with contemporary branding.

The Cloud One, part of the Motel One Group, will open later in the year with 344 rooms and a rooftop bar. The hotel is targeting younger urban travellers seeking stylish yet affordable accommodation.

Several established properties are undergoing transformations. The former Novotel near Tiergarten will reopen as Clayton Hotel Berlin Tiergarten, a repositioned four-star property with 274 rooms.

Scandic Hotel Berlin City West will become the brand’s third Berlin property following an extensive renovation, with reopening slated for late 2026.

Hotel de Rome at Bebelplatz, meanwhile, is scheduled to relaunch in 2027 as Four Seasons Hotel Berlin.

Adaptive re-use is also prominent with The Knast, a boutique hotel currently under development in Lichterfelde, transforming a former prison into a hospitality experience with restaurant, bar, and event spaces.

Ocean Berlin at Rummelsburger Bucht is a large marine park featuring an aquarium and interactive exhibits. The complex will include a hotel with approximately 170 rooms, with the entire project expected to open at the end of 2026.

Near Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER), the Ramada Encore by Wyndham Berlin Airport will expand accommodation capacity with a new-build property offering 271 rooms.

From wine to cider: all change in Tasmania

All change for fermentation guru Jasper Marais. 

A change of fruit; a change of valley, a change of beverage. 

The South African-born former Riversdale Estate winemaker has swapped from making wine in the Coal River Valley of Tasmania.to signing up as chief cider maker for Willie Smith's in the Huon Valley.  

Marias has spent nearly 20 years in winemaking and "brings a hands-on, minimal-intervention approach grounded in great fruit and a sense of place".

"After 19 years as a winemaker, my passion for fermentation science led me to the cider world," Marais says in an email released by Willie Smith’s. 

"The time felt just right to explore new drinks and the artistry of cider making, and there’s no better place to do it than Tasmania’s deep south, working with exceptional organic fruit grown with respect for the soil, the land, and the apples themselves.

"Andrew Smith's team behind our fruit gets this right at every step, which makes my role simple. 

"Keep the ferments clean and happy and the result is ripper cider. Minimal intervention, letting the fruit and terroir shine."

How does his previous experience shape the way he approaches cider making?

"My approach is to let the product lead with as much natural character as possible. In short, it is about choosing the right varieties for the job and blending them to create the best liquid, without adding anything we do not grow."

Marais says he is enjoying working in the Huon Valley, the southernmost municipality in Tasmania.  

"The place is incredibly beautiful and reminds me of home in Cape Town and surrounds, with mountains, rolling green hills and fresh fruit growing all around,": he says. 

Willie Smith's is a fourth-generation apple business situated on 115 acres 30 minutes south of Hobart.

See https://www.williesmiths.com.au/ 

# Info provided from a Willie Smith’s promo email. Their grumpy PR wasn’t happy and accused me of “grabbing” the details. 

Emirates remembers its roots during Ramadan

 

Emirates may be global airline brand but it still holds on to its Emirati traditions.

During the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan, Emirates will share thousands of iftar boxes for fasting customers both onboard and at boarding gates.

It will also offer complimentary Emirates prayer mats, screen a range of religious content and popular TV shows on ice, and present traditional Ramadan dishes in its lounges.

For the comfort of all fasting customers, complimentary iftar boxes to help break the fast containing water, laban (yoghurt-based drink), a banana, and dates are distributed at select Emirates boarding gates during iftar time.

For the month of Ramadan, customers breaking their fast across all cabin classes to select destinations will be offered nutritionally balanced Ramadan meal boxes.

Iftar meals are served in bespoke boxes designed by Emirates to represent the geometric design of traditional Islamic art.

The meal boxes include traditional dates, light bites of hummus, moutabel or muhammara with Arabic bread, a chicken mossakan sandwich or herbed chicken sandwich, sweet treats of chocolate almonds, baklawa pistachio mamoul or baklawa pine seed cashew, and laban.

Emirates’ Ramadan boxes are served in addition to the regular hot meal service.

To ensure the highest levels of accuracy for fasting Muslim passengers, Emirates uses a tool to calculate the correct timings for imsak (the time to commence fasting) and iftar while inflight, based on the times of the sunrise and sunset of the location the flight is passing by using the aircraft’s longitude, latitude, and altitude.

When the sun sets, passengers will be officially informed of the iftar time by the captain.

Emirates also has special keepsake prayer mats on all flights, which are available by request to cabin crew.

Across the seven Emirates lounges in Dubai International Airport (DXB), an array of Arabic sweets, dates and coffee will be offered during Ramadan.

How to combine Auckland city chic with Waiheke Island spirits

Fancy sampling a two-day experience that showcases some of the best of Auckland?

voco Auckland City Centre, an urban hotel in the heart of New Zealand's biggest city, recently launched its 'Sip, Stay & Sail' Package, a two-night experience that combines city style with the artisan flavours of lovely Waiheke Island.

The package includes ferry and bus transfers, world-class distillery dining, and gin tastings including the new and exclusive Bar Albert Gin, crafted in partnership with Waiheke Distilling Co.

Voco Auckland City Centre’s Sip, Stay & Sail package includes: 

# Two nights of contemporary comfort at voco Auckland City Centre.
# Return reserve ferry transfers with Fullers360 to Waiheke Island.
# Eastern Explorer Lunch Package for two at Waiheke Distilling Co., including coach/bus transport and culinary experience featuring a signature gin tasting board, choice of G&T or vodka soda welcome drink, starter, shared Napoli-style pizza, seasonal salad, and a signature cocktail.
# $50 Bar Albert voucher to enjoy two Bar Albert x Waiheke Distilling signature cocktails at the hotel's vaunted rooftop destination.
# Breakfast for two at the hotel’s Mozzarella & Co. trattoria both mornings.

The package is available Wednesday through Sunday until March 31 with a minimum two-night stay required.

The experience is priced from $599. Rooms are subject to availability and blackout dates apply.

For bookings and more information, visit auckland.vocohotels.com.

Red or white? Choose your month

Like chardonnay? Choose May. Prefer red wines? Select late July.

The Adelaide Hills Wine Region in South Australia has just released the highlights of its program for festival activities over the next few months.

CHARDONNAY MAY - May 1-31 2026
The month of May sees a focus on the cool-climate chardonnay wines crafted in the Adelaide Hills. During all of May, cellar doors across the region will hold a series of special tastings, themed dining experiences, new releases and aged wines from the cellar.

 
WINTER REDS - Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July 2026
This long-standing winter weekend festival attracts thousands of visitors every year in the last weekend of July. Winter Reds celebrates the many different red wines produced in Adelaide Hills. A weekend of open fires, live music, hearty meals, great wine and good company.

WINE SHOW LUNCHEON - Friday November 27
Each year, over a long lunch, the trophy winners from the Adelaide Hills Wine Show are announced and guests get the opportunity to taste each trophy winner over a sumptuous lunch and share the winemakers' delighted surprise as the winners are announced.

For details see www.adelaidehillswine.com.au

Image: Ben McMahon

 

Zema Estate unveils new winemaker

Coonawarra standout Zema Estate has named just the fourth winemaker in its 44-year history. 

Lewis White joins the family-owned producer from Rymill Coonawarra. 

White is described as "reinforcing its long-standing commitment to regional knowledge, continuity, and hands-on family involvement".

Since releasing its first vintage in 1982, Zema Estate has worked with just four winemakers - Tom Simons, Greg Clayfield, Joe Cory, and now White - all of whom have lived and worked locally. 

Lewis has more than a decade in Australian winemaking, most recently as head winemaker at Rymill Coonawarra, a role he had held since 2020.

He has a Bachelor of Wine Science degree from Charles Sturt University and has worked across Coonawarra, Tasmania, McLaren Vale, the Hunter Valley, the Adelaide Hills, and internationally in the UK. 

Lewis said he was drawn to Zema Estate’s clear sense of identity and long-term approach.

“Zema Estate has a strong reputation in Coonawarra, and I’ve always respected the quality and consistency of the wines,” he said. “It’s an exciting opportunity, and I’m really looking forward to getting stuck into the 2026 vintage in a few months.”

Nick Zema (pictured with White) said the decision reflected the winery’s long-held belief in nurturing local expertise and maintaining strong ties to the region.

“In 44 years, Zema Estate has had just four winemakers, following the first 18 years of our family making the wines ourselves,” Nick said. “Each winemaker has been a local, deeply connected to Coonawarra." 

Salted Egg to offer a new take on vibrant Asian flavours

Salted Egg is a Melbourne eatery known for its buzzy vibe and vibrant Asian flavours. 

Now the Flinders Lane restaurant is undergoing a flavour re-shaping with the arrival of well-travelled Sean Thomas as executive chef. 

Thomas is aiming to take the restaurant into a new chapter, beginning with a new menu shaped by his training in both south-east Asian and Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Thomas has worked at Melbourne icons MoVida, Gingerboy, Sezar and Shukah and travelled through Asia before cooking at fast-paced Madame Hanoi in Adelaide. 

He will be overseeing food at both Salted Egg and The Q rooftop bar in the Quincy Hotel. 

“South-east Asian flavours and spices that made Salted Egg such a favourite remain at the heart of every dish, with exciting new dishes that highlight Australian produce also featured,” he says. 

“We’ve also introduced some Asian-fusion influences into the menu - modern interpretations that may not be traditional but stay true to the distinctive flavours of Asia.”

The chef recommends the Shark Bay scallops with fermented chilli butter and pickled fennel, and the Skull Island king prawns grilled in a dry laksa paste with rich coconut cream and crispy curry leaves (see below). 

In addition to the à la carte menu, the restaurant has added a set menu option for guests who’d like their tasting journey chosen for them across breakfast, lunch and dinner service.  

“The chilli scrambled egg (outstanding!) remains a favourite on the breakfast menu but the new eggs Florentine with yuzu hollandaise and our take on French toast are just too good not to try,” Thomas says. 

“Salted Egg is all about big flavours, vibrancy, and pace. “It’s a fun, fast-moving kitchen with a great team, and the food needs to deliver impact. Guests come here for an experience, and consistency and energy are everything.”

“Today, we’re also excited to announce that a flavour packed adventure is on the horizon as we take Salted Egg’s vibrant energy and bold flavours to the Top End, with Salted Egg Darwin set to spice up the local food scene later this year.”

The eatery's popularity will see it open a Darwin outlet later this year. Stay tuned.   

Salted Egg Melbourne is open seven days a week for breakfast. Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday. Bookings via OpenTable.

Images: Kristoffer Paulsen

Discover a special gourmet tour of Asia

Looking to mark a special occasion in style? Or just feel like splurging?

H4U Travel, an Australian boutique luxury travel specialist, has announced the launch of Flavours of Asia by Private Jet, an eight-day, seven-night culinary journey designed for discerning travellers. 

If you are looking for special food, wine and travel experiences this might be up your runway. 

Departing in late April 2026, the fully hosted adventure combines private jet travel, Michelin-starred dining and Michelin key hotel experiences, along with behind-the-scenes chef activities. 

Travellers will board a chartered Gulfstream G550 private jet and explore some of Asia’s iconic culinary destinations, from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and on to Macau, with luxury accommodation and bespoke experiences at each destination. 

Highlights will include six Michelin-starred tasting menus designed exclusively for this journey, featuring intimate chef and sommelier interactions, market tours, wine tastings and private cocktail masterclasses.

There will be private jet transfers between destinations with gourmet inflight dining and premium beverages, along with stays at luxury properties including Fairmont Singapore, Hotel des Arts Saigon, Grand Lisboa Palace Macau (top image) and Raffles Hotel Sentosa.

“This is not just travel, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime culinary narrative woven through Asia’s most celebrated gourmet spaces,” said Adam Geneave, CEO, H4U Travel.

“Guests will enjoy privileged access to Michelin chefs, and sommeliers, all while travelling in the utmost comfort and privacy.” 

Bookings are open (maybe have your black Amex card handy) at https://www.h4utravel.com.au/flavoursofasia