Luang Prabang lights up for annual festival

Looking for an Asian getaway with a difference?

Every rear on the October full moon, Luang Prabang in Laos lights up for Boun Lai Heua Fai, the Festival of Light marking the end of Buddhist Lent.

After dark, illuminated boats built from bamboo and paper move through the streets of the old town to the beat of drums before they are set adrift on the Mekong River.

Lotus-shaped lanterns line the temples, and thousands of small krathong drift downstream, each one carrying a wish into the current.

This year, the festival falls on October 26.

La Résidence Phou Vao, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Luang Prabang, is offering special packages for the event.

Called The Festival of Light Offer, it pairs a hillside stay with guided access to the parade, the lanterns, and the river itself, arranged by a dedicated guest experience curator (they used to be called concierges).

Every stay booked under The Festival of Light Offer includes:

# Daily breakfast for two at La Brasserie de la Résidence
# Round trip transfers to and from Luang Prabang International Airport or the railway station
# The services of a dedicated guest experience curator for personalized itinerary planning
# A minibar stocked with non alcoholic beverages, replenished daily
# Complimentary shuttle service to and from the old town of Luang Prabang, running from 9am to 9pm.
# A $50 USD resort credit toward dining or spa treatments
# A daily sunset apéritif with wine or cocktails and French canapés for two
# Complimentary laundry for up to six garments daily
# A complimentary three-course dinner for two on stays of three nights or more

Sounds tempting. 

To discover more about the offer, visit https://laresidencehotels.com/phou-vao/offers

Discover Paris' own unique wine-inspired festival

For close to 100 years, the 18th Arrondissement of Paris has celebrated its grape harvest festival. 

Centered on the historic district of Montmartre, overlooking the city and blessed with its own micro vineyard, the Fête des Vendanges will this year run from October 7-11. 

The 93rd edition has the theme "The 18th Arrondissement Leads the Beat".

Drawing nearly 1.5 million visitors annually, the festival is the third-largest event organized by the City of Paris. 

For five days, the entire 18th arrondissement is transformed into a huge open-air stage where music, 

gastronomy, heritage, and community celebration come together.

Concerts, choirs, dances, performances, musical parades, participatory events, and neighborhood
festivities will fill the arrondissement's streets, squares, and iconic venues.

The festival's Taste Trail will bring together producers, winemakers from Chablis,and Auxerre, and artisans sharing their products, craftsmanship, and stories at the foot of the Sacré-Cœur.

The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is promoted as being committed to the values that define it: solidarity, openness, inclusion, and the sharing of knowledge and traditions.

The 2026 edition will also continue its commitment to environmental sustainability through initiatives promoting responsible food practices, waste reduction, sustainable mobility, short supply chains, and the promotion of local expertise.

See Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre : du 7 au 11 octobre 2026

Images: Erwan-Floch & Mathilde Gardel

Leading airline celebrates its 100th birthday

 

Aviation pioneer Lufthansa celebrates its 100th birthday this week. 

The first “Luft Hansa” was founded on January 6, 1926 and had its maiden flight four months later. 

The now global powerhouse was created through a merger of Junkers Luftverkehr and Deutsche Aero Lloyd, the foundation for a success story in international aviation that continues to this day. 

The darkest chapter in Lufthansa’s history was during the Nazi era, when the airline became part of the Nazi regime and played an active role within it. 

Lufthansa is using its 100th anniversary as an opportunity to critically examine its involvement during this time and further address it based on historical research. 

With the re-establishment of the “second Lufthansa” in 1953, the legal foundation of today’s airline group was created. 

In 1955, flight operations resumed, and the journey of the newly founded Deutsche Lufthansa AG began.

"The 100th anniversary of Lufthansa is a moment of pride and reflection," the airline said in a statement. "At the same time, it represents a bold look into the future and the beginning of the company’s second century."

Throughout the anniversary year, Lufthansa will organize a variety of activities and events to honour the history and future of the aviation group.

These include a permanent exhibition at the Lufthansa Group Hangar One at Frankfurt Airport, dedicated 100-year airline liveries, special events, a history book, film and video productions, employee celebrations, customer events, as well as marketing and product campaigns.

The special “100 Years of Lufthansa” emblem will appear on boarding passes, at airports, and onboard Lufthansa flights in many places. 

Outside of airports – including in city centres – a poster campaign will tell Lufthansa’s story.

Besides operating flights under its own brand Lufthansa Airlines, the Lufthansa Group also owns several other airlines, including Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Discover Airlines, Eurowings, ITA Airways and Swiss International Air Lines. 

It is the fourth-largest airline in the world by revenue. 

See https://www.lufthansa.com/

Discover two weeks of Chablis celebrations

Wines from Chablis are perhaps the purest expression of the chardonnay grape; showcasing bright acid and minerality.

While Australia makes a wide range of chardonnay styles, Chablis is revered by aficionados and has a loyal following even as the prices of imported wines have risen. 

This spring, Chablis wines and Merivale are combining for a collaboration that will run from September 29 to October 13. 

A total of 16 Merivale venues will host a Chablis fortnight, spotlighting the classic pairing of Chablis and oysters. 

Guests will be able to choose between six or 12 oysters, paired with bottles of Chablis wines chosen to  showcase the vibrant minerality, purity, and precision that Chablis is known for.

The wines of Chablis are shaped by the unique Kimmeridgian subsoils and cool climate of northern Bourgogne - just along the road from Champagne. 

Merivale venues will feature Petit Chablis’ lively, zesty freshness (perfect for casual enjoyment) to the elegance of Chablis, known for its finesse and minerality, and the depth and complexity of Chablis Premier Cru. 

Australia is the 10th-largest global market for Chablis, with over half a million bottles enjoyed across the country.

Producers to feature include Famille Grossot, William Fevre, Domaine Antoine et Laura Robin, Julien Brocard, Domaine du Colombier (a personal favourite when I lived in France), and Prieure Sainr-Come. 

The venues include Bert's Bar and Brasserie, Newport; Mimi’s, Coogee; Felix, Ucello, Sushi e, Ash Street Cellar and Mumu in Sydney CBD; and The Surf Deck, Collaroy. 

See https://merivale.com/

Bastille Day celebrations will be a few days late this year in Sydney

With Bastille Day inconveniently falling on a Monday this year, Sydneysiders will have to be patient before Sydney’s iconic French festival returns from July 17-20.

The Bastille Festival - four days of food, wine, art and more - will be again be held across the Circular Quay/The Rocks precinct.

For over a decade, the Bastille Festival has been bringing joie de vivre to Sydney's Francophiles.

“Each year, we aim to recreate what we love about France right here in the heart of Sydney,” says Vincent Hernandez, the founder and event directorval Director. “This 12th edition is all about going bigger, bolder, and more immersive - offering Sydneysiders and visitors a true ‘Tour de France’ of flavours, sights, and sounds.”

Bastille Festival 2025 will feature more than 120 exhibitors and over 80 dishes.

Expect crowd favourites like raclette, escargots, crêpes, and macarons, along with international flavours reimagined with a French twist.

“Food is at the heart of French culture, and it’s at the heart of Bastille Festival too,” says Hernandez. “We want every bite to transport you - whether it’s through a traditional regional speciality or a creative new fusion you’ve never tried before.”

Bastille Festival’s wine program is promoted as its most extensive yet.

Eight wine regions will be offering a curated selection of four wines. From Bordeaux to Burgundy, Beaujolais to Provence, Languedoc to the Rhône Valley, and Alsace to the Loire Valley, it sounds a liquid delight.

“Our wine experiences aren’t just about tasting - they’re about storytelling,” says Hernandez. “Each glass is a journey through a region, its traditions, and its people.”

This year, Champagne will take centre stage, with pop-up stations throughout the festival and two distinctive wine bars offering Champagne paired with oysters and seafood.

There will also be mulled wine, spiced hot cider, beer bars, and cocktail stations with 18 bars dotted around Circular Quay and The Rocks.

The program includes over 100 free shows, including live concerts, street theatre, dance lessons, fire performances, acrobatic displays, and more. And entry is free.

See https://bastillefestival.com.au/sydney/

A birthday present from Saffire Freycinet

Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania's leading luxury resort, is celebrating its 15th birthday. 

Fifteen years ago, back in 2010, Saffire reimagined what luxury could mean in Tasmania. 

Now the award-winning lodge marks a milestone anniversary after booking 82,000 room nights. 

To mark the occasion, Saffire is offering a special deal for travellers to reconnect with the wild, restorative beauty of a Tasmanian winter. 

The package is for two guests and includes a guaranteed upgrade to a Signature Suite, all dining and beverages, Saffire’s iconic Signature Experiences, $100 property credit, and late check out. 

Available for a limited time, the two-night ‘15 Years of Leading Luxury’ package is on sale until July 31, for stays from now through to August 31, 2025, with rates from $2,350 per person, twin share.

Federal Group managing director and Chief Executive Officer Greg Farrell said when the company opened Saffire in 2010, Tasmania’s tourism offering was still finding its voice.

“We saw an opportunity to create something that didn’t yet exist here, an experience that would honour the raw beauty of this place while offering the kind of personal, immersive luxury that speaks to the soul,” Farrell said.

“From the beginning, Saffire was never just a place to stay, it was a place to feel, to connect.” he said. 

Looking ahead, Saffire continues to evolve. In 2024, plans were unveiled for the Saffire Villa, an ultra-premium, private retreat set above the main lodge and designed for families, small groups, or corporate escapes. 

It will open in late 2026. 

Luxury Lodges of Australia executive chair Penny Rafferty said Saffire Freycinet was a valued founding member of the collective, which was also established in 2010.

“When Saffire Freycinet opened in 2010 it was a milestone moment for Tasmania and the emerging category of Australian experiential luxury travel. It has continued to grow and evolve over time, both leading and responding to global luxury travel trends," she said. 

"Federal Hospitality has continued to innovate and invest in the Saffire experience over the years, ensuring it is always a compelling choice for new and returning guests.” 

For more info on the offer see 15 Years of Leading Luxury - Saffire Freycinet, call 03 6256 7888 or email stay@saffire-freycinet.com.au

Image: Adam Gibson 

Recognition for fast-growing Vietjet

Vietjet is an airline on the rise.

Vietnam’s leading low-cost carrier, with many flights to and from Australia, has just been honoured in the Forbes Vietnam magazine's list of the 50 best companies in 2024.

This list includes leading enterprises across various sectors that have been listed on the stock market for many years.

Based on audited financial reports in 2023, Vietjet ranked 5th in revenue with VND58,300 billion (approximately $US 2.35 billion), marking a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2022.

This reinforced the company’s strong post-Covid recovery and sustainable growth strategy.

To celebrate the recognition, Vietjet is offering a 20% discount on Eco tickets (excluding taxes and fees) from now until September 15 with the travel period running from now until November 15. Use the code VJ200 when booking through Vietjet's website or apps.

Vietjet has been rapidly expanding its fleet and flight network, with a plan to receive an additional 10 new aircraft in 2024.

The airline is committed to sustainable growth, expanding its routes across Vietnam and internationally destinations in Australia, Japan, South Korea, China, India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia and Taiwan.

I will be flying with Vietjet in October and will present a full report. 

 
Image: Vietjet director/vice president Ho Ngoc Yen Phuong (green Ao dai) receiving the award. 

 

Celebrate scallop season in style

Scallop season has opened in Tasmania and Hursey Seafoods is hosting a scallop celebration in the cute north-west fishing village of Stanley.

The Hursey Seafoods restaurant is showcasing some locally caught special scallop treats, complete with orange roe. Think dishes like scallop spaghetti (above).

The fleet-to-plate celebration runs through to August 5 and with new head chef Adam Giddings featuring some culinary spins on the local cold-water mollusks. 

"We know how much our customers love scallops, and we want to celebrate this amazing seafood by showcasing the best quality scallops in our restaurant - and what better way to highlight them than by having a month-long celebration?" says Mark Hursey of Hursey Seafoods.

"We're also very excited to introduce head chef Adam's culinary talent to our customers. He has been working tirelessly to create exciting new dishes that will display the versatility of scallops. You don't want to miss out on these signature dishes."

For those keen to try scallops with a difference, Hursey Seafoods signature entrée special for the month of July will highlight a taster of scallops served three ways.

The new chef, who has 20 years of experience in the industry, says: "I'm excited to be working with the team at Hursey Seafoods and putting my twist on some classic scallop dishes.

I'll be working with some locally sourced ingredients and creating dishes that truly celebrate the delicious seafood we have right here in Stanley."

The wine list features local favourites from producers including Ghost Rock, Holm Oak and Josef Chromy.  

For bookings call (03) 6458 1103. Hurseys is open seven days for lunch and dinner. See https://www.hurseyseafoods.com.au/