Reimagined Novotel St Kilda starts a new chapter

St Kilda has a new showpiece hotel with the opening this week by hotel owner and hospitality group ERDI of Novotel St Kilda. 

The deal extended a growing partnership with global hospitality group Accor and marks a new chapter for the landmark Fitzroy Street property, which has previously been known as the Saint Kilda Beach Hotel and Rydges St Kilda..

ERDI has played a key role in the development of Novotel St Kilda as part of the broader St Kilda Collective, a partnership between Fortis, ERDI and Ondas, supported by the City of Port Phillip. 

Novotel St Kilda joins ERDI's growing portfolio, which includes Pullman Melbourne City Centre, Novotel Geelong and Mercure Melbourne City Centre.

“This is a significant moment for ERDI and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for this landmark St Kilda property,” said Ricky Jeffs, CEO and executive director of ERDI. 

“This transformation represents a significant investment in both the hotel and the future of this iconic location, and it builds on the successful partnership we have developed across our broader hotel portfolio with Accor.

“Our vision has been to completely reimagine the hotel and create an experience that feels connected to the character, energy and lifestyle of St Kilda. From the redesign of the guestrooms and public spaces through to the new restaurant and expanded events offering.” 

The hotel complex also features the launch of Urban Kitchen & Bar, a stand-alone all-day dining venue. 

“Reopening a property in a destination as iconic as St Kilda is a fantastic opportunity,” said Christos Pavlidis, general manager of Novotel St Kilda. “With the strength of the Accor brand and the vision and support of ERDI behind us, we have a great opportunity to create something really special.”

Novotel St Kilda features 80 completely redesigned rooms and suites. Rooms include 75-inch televisions with Foxtel, Nespresso machines, local minibar products and bathtubs in select rooms, alongside 24-hour reception, self-check-in, secure parking and a light-filled internal garden atrium.

Novotel St Kilda is offering 25% off bookings, starting from just $224 a night with bookings available via novotel.com. 

The Louvre reopens the doors to robbery site

Paris is back to normal with The Louvre Museum this week reopening its Apollo Gallery to visitors, 10 months after one of the most daring museum robberies in modern history. 

The gallery welcomed visitors again - but without the display cases or the French Crown Jewels that made it one of the Louvre’s biggest attractions. 

Museum officials have removed all precious objects while plans are developed for a new high-security vault elsewhere in the museum, news hub Travel Mole reports.

The Apollo Gallery has remained closed since October 19, 2025, when a gang carried out a clever daylight raid that stunned the art world - and security operatives at The Louvre. 

Disguised as construction workers, the thieves used a cherry-picker truck to gain access through a vulnerable first-floor window overlooking the River Seine.

The robbers completed what French Culture Minister Rachida Dati described as a “four-minute operation,” escaping with eight jewels from the French Crown collection worth an estimated €88 million (about US$102 million). 

The haul included necklaces, a tiara, a brooch and other priceless treasures from the Napoleonic era. 

One damaged item, the emerald-studded crown of Empress Eugénie, was later recovered outside the museum but the remaining jewels have so far not been recovered. 

Louvre president Christophe Leribault says the Apollo Gallery is returning to its original 17th-century role as a ceremonial state gallery rather than a jewelery exhibition. 

The surviving Crown Jewels will eventually be moved to a purpose-built, windowless secure room elsewhere in the museum.

A French parliamentary inquiry later concluded that security at The Louvre had been neglected for years, despite repeated warnings that the Apollo Gallery’s riverside windows represented a significant vulnerability.

Despite the absence of the Crown Jewels, the Apollo Gallery remains one of the Louvre’s most spectacular baroque interiors. Its soaring vaulted ceiling, decorated by artists including Charles Le Brun, inspired Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors and continues to rank among the museum’s architectural highlights.

The Louvre is home to more than 33,000 works spanning antiquities, sculpture and painting - from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the classical world to European masters. Its star attractions include the Mona Lisa, as well as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Famous Brisbane watering hole returns with a new/old name

Generations of thirsty Queenslanders knew it as The Fox Hotel but the South Brisbane landmark reopens this weekend as Hotel Terminus. 

The heritage-listed building has been re-born as a four-level dining, entertainment and events destination.

The precinct brings together three distinct venues under one roof: a premium all-day gastropub (Terminus), the vibrant Fox Rooftop, and Vixen Room, an intimate late-night cocktail lounge, alongside function and event spaces

Behind a fully restored façade, the redevelopment includes an 18-metre atrium and a new entrance opening onto Fish Lane, with the developers boasting "a bigger, bolder and distinctly Brisbane hospitality destination".

The transformation has been led by Ghanem Group Hospitality, the team behind a portfolio of some Brisbane’s best-known venues, including Blackbird Brisbane, Byblós, Donna Chang and Iris Rooftop.

A public vote gave the community a say in the venue's new identity and the verdict was clear: restore the original name, Hotel Terminus. The Fox, however, lives on as the rooftop bar’s name.

"Hotel Terminus is a revived venue that’s firmly rooted in where it came from," Ghanem Group Hospitality managing director Nehme Ghanem says. 

"This building has been a favourite gathering spot for Brisbane since it first opened its doors in 1927.

That weight of history is something we have kept front of mind throughout this project.

“The team has done justice to what the venue represents to this city and the entire group is incredibly
proud to be the ones bringing Hotel Terminus back."

The menu is overseen by head chef Lyndon Tyers alongside group executive chef Jake Nicolson. 

So think Moreton Bay bug rolls with coriander labneh and curry sauce, or a classic steak tartare; slow-
cooked stout-braised sticky beef ribs and a tandoori chicken pie with creamed leek and green 
peppercorn jus. 

"The food at Terminus is about doing the classics properly, not reinventing them, just executing them to
a level that surprises people," Tyers said.

"We source the best produce we can and make sure every single plate that leaves the kitchen is held to
the standard Ghanem Group Hospitality is known and loved for."

See https://www.ghanemgroup.com.au/venues/hotel-terminus

Take a stroll through Tokyo's fascinating history

Tokyo may be one of the most technically advanced cities on the planet, but it also has a fascinating history. 

The Japanese capital is showcasing its cultural roots through “Edo Tokyo,” with a renewed focus on the city's historical identity, highlighted by the reopening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum (above) on March 31. 

Before it became known as Tokyo, Japan's capital was called Edo, a fishing village that grew into one of the world's largest cities during the Edo period (1603–1868). 

This era shaped the foundations of modern Tokyo, influencing its urban layout, commerce, arts, food culture, and everyday life. 

Even today, traces of Edo remain woven throughout the city, offering visitors an opportunity to experience history alongside contemporary life.

Following an extensive renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum will host immersive exhibitions, large-scale architectural reconstructions, and storytelling that brings daily acrivities and culture to life. 

Across Tokyo, visitors can encounter living history through a collection of sites that continue to shape the city's cultural landscape:

Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum: Located in Koganei Park, this open-air museum (above) preserves historic buildings from the Edo through early Showa periods, allowing visitors to walk through traditional townhouses, shops, and public buildings.

Ryogoku Kokugikan: The heart of Japan's national sport, sumo. Ryogoku has been closely associated with sumo since the Edo period, when the sport developed as both ritual and popular entertainment.

Kabukiza Theatre (Ginza):  Tokyo's principal kabuki theatre, where visitors can experience a performing art that originated in Edo's lively entertainment districts and continues to captivate audiences today.

Nihonbashi Bridge: Once the starting point of the Five Highways of Edo Japan, Nihonbashi symbolised travel, trade, and connection, and remains a historic and commercial centre of Tokyo.

Rikugien Garden: A classic Edo-period strolling garden, Rikugien reflects traditional landscape design inspired by poetry, seasonal beauty, and refined aesthetics.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has launched the official platform Journey through Edo's Legacy, featuring curated itineraries, historical insights, and travel inspiration focused on Edo culture.

Additional Edo-themed travel ideas and inspiration are also available on GoTokyo.org, Tokyo's official tourism website.

Famous old pub is back with new flavours

It's all change at Queensland’s oldest licensed pub. 

After being closed for over a year of renovations, The Grand View Hotel at Cleveland has just reopened its doors. 

First established in 1851, the Brisbane region pub has undergone a $6 million transformation and will put a focus on food cooked with fire. 

From the signature rotisserie to a Josper Grill, every dish is designed to celebrate flavour and flames.

The menu showcases wood-fired pizzas, fresh house-made pastas, premium seafood, and elevated pub grub, paired with cold pints and coastal views. 

The Grand View overlooks North Stradbroke Island and its new look features upgraded spaces, expanded capacity and revitalised kitchens and bars, all while aiming to retain the venue’s heritage (shown here in 1993).

Highlights include a purpose-built function marquee, an upper dining terrace and a pet-friendly lawn to increase he venue’s versatility for weddings, celebrations and community gatherings.

The "state-of-the-art" kitchen features Australia’s largest rotisserie oven, a Josper rotisserie grill, and an Italian rotary pizza oven. 

There are also new beer lines, and multiple service points, including a dedicated outdoor bar. 

The heritage-listed hallway and Cleveland Room remain untouched but the pub will offer live sports on a large outdoor screen, music Thursday–Sunday, a kid’s play area, and outdoor seating by the bay. 

There is also, sadly, a gaming room, TAB, and Keno. 

Kickon Group CEO and founder Craig Shearer said the project reflects both legacy and the future.

“The transformation is not just a facelift, it’s a safeguard for one of Queensland’s most historic venues, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of the community and a place where new memories continue to be made,” Shearer said.

“We can’t wait to welcome locals and day trippers alike back to the Grand View for a cold beer, great food, and the kind of amazing hospitality that turns a visit into a lasting memory.

“The Grand View isn’t just a pub–it’s a part of Queensland’s story, and we’re proud to keep that story alive for generations to come.”

You can check out more info at https://gvh.com.au/

After 130 years this bathhouse has a new look

After 130 years of welcoming guests to its mineral-rich waters, Australia’s oldest, and longest-running bathhouse this week officially reopened following a $1.7 million refurbishment.

To mark the milestone, Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa has unveiled a series of upgrades including five new private bathing areas.

These modern, unique bathing areas each offer a bespoke experience and were part of a wider renovation by contestants of the Daylesford-based 21st season of Channel 9's The Block.

Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa will imminently feature across several weeks of programming on the renovation series.

Guests can enjoy Private, Sanctuary and Bathhouse Mineral bathing, a new spa treatment menu, a new Apothecary experience where guests blend their own custom body scrub with natural ingredients, a choice of 23 luxe villas, and a locally inspired wellness menu at the Pavilion café as well as bushwalks around the property.

The $1.7 million renovation also included upgrades to the property’s change rooms, an entrance refresh, new tiling, lighting, fittings and fixtures, ceiling restoration, a new audio system to enhance the guest experience and a general refresh of all internal areas.



“Through this restoration, we were very careful to pay homage to the history and heritage of the property - which we know locals hold very close to their heart - whilst modernising various areas to guarantee an elevated experience for our guests," said Belgravia Leisure group chairman Geoff Lord.

“This property plays an integral role in our aim of supporting the health and wellness of communities across Victoria, and we certainly can’t wait to hear the feedback from our guests on the transformation, and of course, I’ll be tuning in to see the property and the region enjoy the national spotlight on The Block.”

See https://hepburnbathhouse.com/

Cruise is back with a bang - and new Australian flavours

 

A celebrity hangout that often boasts the best view in Sydney has reopened after extensive renovations.

Cruise Bar & Restaurant at the Overseas Passenger Terminal offers front-row views of the Sydney Opera House and ferries heading to Circular Quay has just reopened after months of work and boasts it is "arriving with a whole new look, feel, and flavour." 

A hangout for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Justin Beiber and members of Fleetwood Mac, Cruise has been reimagined by award-winning design firm Luchetti Krelle.

So think great vistas (except when a giant cruise ship is docked) a modern Australian menu, and cocktail list showcasing Australian native botanicals.

Head chef Han Chen (ex-Amare, Felix), says his new menu features dishes like bush tomato butter mussels, pan-seared Humpty Doo barramundi with macadamia cream, and confit duck risotto with butternut squash and crispy saltbush.

The Grande Cruise Seafood Tower showcases freshly shucked Royal Miyagi oysters, Australian prawns, scallop ceviche, and scallop mousse zucchini flowers.

The drinks list from Tom Bulmer (Margaret, O Bar, Jane) highlights creations like Lilly Flower with raspberry, lilly pilly, Casamigos tequila, and hibiscus, while the Afternoon Fashion reinvents a classic Old Fashioned with croissant-washed whisky and toasted wattle seed.



Taking over the top floor is Melba’s Rooftop, a new events space named for Dame Nellie Melba - and the namesake of a storied Australian cargo ship.

“Sydney has changed a lot in the past decade, but there’s always been a place for a venue like Cruise,” says general manager John Harvey. “It’s got history, it’s got views that stop you in your tracks, and now it’s got an elevated experience to match.

“We’ve carefully curated an offering that reflects Sydney’s evolving food and drink culture. From the menu to the design, every detail has been considered to create an experience that feels fresh, exciting, and uniquely Cruise.

"This isn’t just a comeback - it’s a statement, and we can’t wait to welcome Sydney back.”

For more details and to view the full menu, see www.cruisebar.com.au

Cruise and Melba’s are a part of the C!NC hospitality group. Discover more at c-inc.com.au.

New Zealand's best address reopens after $25 million makeover

 

Huka Lodge might just be the best address in New Zealand

The world-renowned, century-old luxury lodge on the banks of the Waikato River in Taupō has just reopened the after a NZ$25million refurbishment by owners Baillie Lodges.

Known to Kiwis as ‘the grande dame of luxury lodges’ and a holiday destination for rock stars, royalty and (once) this writer, Huka Lodg is loved by locals and guests alike.

A series of contemporary features have been added as part of the works to time with Huka Lodge’s history.

Guests arriving at the lodge will now enjoy views of the spectacular Waikato River as it flows towards Huka Falls via the floor-to-ceiling windows in the new River Room (below).

New to the main lodge are an expanded dining room and bar, which overlook the river and gardens, while upstairs private lounging areas include The Loft and Piper Room, ideal for intimate dinners, special celebrations or meetings.

Guests can step from the River Room onto the outdoor terrace via large French doors, where a double-sided open fire warms lounging areas and tables for al fresco dining and drinks.

New wellness grounds feature a series of huts taking design inspiration from the traditional Kiwi ‘bach’ or holiday house, that together house a gym along with two spa treatment rooms, a sauna, ice contrast shower and a steaming plunge pool.

Three new bespoke experiences have been introduced to coincide with Huka Lodge’s reopening: The Craggy Range Culinary Escape with food, wine and scenic helicopter flights, the Epic Rotorua culture and adventure day, and the Ultimate Huka Experience with heli flight. 

Baillie Lodges founder James Baillie has led the refurbishment, working with Auckland-based Christian Anderson Architects for the building design and partnering with esteemed New Zealand-born interior designer Virginia Fisher and landscape designer Suzanne Turley, each first appointed by Huka Lodge’s previous, long-term owner Alex van Heeren. 

Baillie said it had been a privilege to have been trusted with the guardianship of Huka Lodge’s heritage and legacy, whilst readying the 100-year-old lodge for a new century of world-class travel.

“My wife and business partner Hayley and I first stayed at Huka Lodge in the early 2000s when we were considering plans for Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, and which would become the Baillie Lodges flagship property,” Baillie said.

“Huka Lodge, its magnificent natural surrounds, the luxury of its design and the impeccable attention to
detail in both amenity and service became a benchmark and central point of reference for us both as we
actioned plans for Southern Ocean Lodge. 

“It’s a great personal and professional honour to have completed this important redesign project for such an iconic property."

Huka Lodge general manager Kerry Molloy said he was thrilled to see the new designs come to life.

“What strikes me the most, having had the privilege to lead Huka Lodge for some 11 years, is that the new designs offer more reason for guests to spend time enjoying these beautiful spaces; dining, drinking or  relaxing with a book and the view,” Molloy said.

For bookings, reserve@hukalodge.com call +64 7 378 5791 or book online at baillielodges.com.au.

Images: George Apostolidis.

The happy hour that runs all week

Everyone loves a happy hour. Now one restaurant group is offering a happy hour that lasts the week.

To mark the opening of its new Sydney venue, Pelicano (above), on Friday, the Rivage Hospitality Group is offering a 40% discount on beverages at its three other eateries until Sunday night.

Armorica, Franca, and Parlar will be the venues hosting the week-long happy hour! And there are no restrictions on times or services.

The offer does exclude items priced at $200 or above, so you won't be getting 40% off a bottle of Penfolds Grange.

Amorica aims to bringing Parisian vibes to Surry Hills, with premium Australian produce used to create classic northern French dishes.

Located in the heart of Potts Point, Franca offers a fusion of French and Mediterranean cuisine, while nearby Parlar celebrates the vibrant flavours of Catalonia.

The reopening of Pelicano, meanwhile, showcases Italian and Mediterranean flavours. 

Formerly based in Double Bay before closing in 2019, it will re-open at the old Hugo's Lounge site on Bayswater Road.

“This iconic venue has always been synonymous with creativity and vibrancy, and I am excited to see it once again become a hub of positive energy and connection,” says Pelicano founder Andrew Becher.

Stay tuned for further information about the Pelicano Nightclub, which is scheduled to re-open on November 8.

For bookings visit pelicano.com.au

  

Let's go clothes shopping; and have a wine or a cocktail

It's an odd concept: a bar/restaurant owned and operated by a clothing manufacturer.

But it has worked in the past and the team from Rodd & Gunn are confident it will work again.

Rodd & Gunn’s remodelled ‘The Lodge’ in Queenstown in Central Otago - described as an "experiential retail space" - is now open after a major refurb.

Initially opened in August 2016, the The Lodge now has a bespoke bar that will showcase cocktails made using spirits from local distilleries on the South Island.

Helmed by executive chef Matt Lambert, the expanded commercial kitchen has a refreshed dining menu featuring dishes ranging from steamed green lip mussels to cacio e pepe and Lake Ohau Wagyu T-bone steak.

Complementing the dining options, Cameron Douglas - New Zealand’s only Master Sommelier - has transformed The Lodge’s beverage offering with a selection of Central Otago and New Zealand’s finest wines. This includes the Rodd & Gunn Central Otago Pinot Noir – the brand’s very first wine launched earlier this year.

The building has views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding peaks.

Visitors can combine shopping with dinner, cocktails at the bar, or New Zealand wine and snacks by the window.

See roddandgunn.com/au/the-lodge-bar/queenstown

What about us? Cook Islands issue appeal to tourists

New Zealand and Fiji are very much on the radar of Australian travellers. Samoa and Tonga less so. And the Cook Islands are sometimes completely overlooked.

With New Zealand allowing quarantine- and isolation-free travel for Australian citizens and permanent residents from April 13, the Cook Islands have also opened up as a potential Pacific Island destination.

“Cook Islanders are waiting with open arms and big smiles to greet their first Australian visitors in just over two years,” said Graeme West, general manager of the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation for Australasia.

“Because tourism is the mainstay of our economy, the last two years has caused significant financial hardship for many people. We are looking forward with much anticipation to welcoming Aussies back to our beautiful islands.”

West describes the Cook Islands as the ultimate South Pacific experience.

"Our tourism infrastructure is well established and offers a wide range of fantastic choices for accommodation, restaurants, and outdoor activities.," he says, pinpointing the spectacular beauty of the lagoons surrounding both Rarotonga and renowned Aitutaki (above).

The Cook Islands has a vaccination rate of 97% of the eligible population but there are some requirements that travellers must comply with.

All visitors over 5 years and 3 months of age (changing to over 16 years of age from May 2) must be fully vaccinated and provide an official International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate (ICVC) issued by the Australian Government.

A supervised RAT within 24 hours of departure from Auckland to Rarotonga is required and currently must be taken in New Zealand. From May 2, Australian visitors can take a supervised RAT or PCR test in Australia 48 hours prior to their scheduled flight time from Auckland to Rarotonga.

Visitors must complete a Cook Islands contact form no more than 96 hours prior to the scheduled departure time from Auckland to the Cook Islands.

From April13, Australian travellers can travel to the Cook Islands via Auckland on Air New Zealand and on Jetstar from June 2.

Air New Zealand’s direct service from Sydney to Rarotonga is expected to recommence later this year.

More information and details on entry requirements at www.cookislands.travel

Go small; go Yarra Valley

With restrictions easing in Melbourne today for those who are fully vaccinated, members of the Yarra Valley Smaller Wineries Association have brought forward their reopening dates and will be offering a range of experiences to Victorian wine-lovers - including picnics, tastings and new menus.

As the Yarra Valley is technically within Metropolitan Melbourne, the extended lockdowns have been particularly challenging for boutique wineries across the region, with many losing close to 90% of their direct cellar door sales over the past two years.

Members of the association are relieved to welcome guests back to their family-run cellar doors from today but all guests will need to provide proof of vaccination and check into each winery as per government regulations.

Some of the re-opening dates vary, so check before you travel.

Among the members are Steels Gate Wines cellar door and restaurant at Dixons Creek, which produces classic Yarra Valley varietals, as well as interesting Iberian wines including graciano and bastardo; Yering Farm Wines, a small, single estate winery, orchard and sheep farm; and Sutherland Estate, run by a former barrister and a former ballerina.

Others include Soumah of Yarra Valley (above), with outstanding wines, an authentic northern-Italian Trattoria and luxury accommodation; family-owned Warramunda Estate; boutique operation Whispering Hills, Brumfield Winery, Killara Estate with breath-taking views; Boat O’Craigo; Kellybrook Winery; Tokar Estate; Seville Estate; Seville Hill, Elmswood Estate and one of my personal favourites Mandala Wines, as well as Payne’s Rise.

For those looking for a feed as well as a wine tasting, Steels Gate Restaurant offers European, Asian and Indian fusion dishes with many of ingredients coming straight from the on-site garden; while Trattoria d’Soumah has a new menu for summer which will include antipasti boards, mains and wood-fired pizzas.

Thailand unveils precise travel reopening plans

I'm holding out for a Pad Thai, a cold Singha or cocktail by the pool at Rayavadee in Krabi and maybe a massage on the beach.

Thailand is one of my favourite travel destinations - and will be one of my first ports of call when Australians are allowed to travel.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has just revealed that the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved a four-phase timeline for the country’s re-opening plan to revitalise the nationwide tourism industry.

The pilot phase from October 1-31 will continue with the four popular beach resorts, which were the first destinations to reopen – beginning with Phuket on July 1, then Surat Thani’s Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao on July 15, and most recently Krabi and Phang-Nga on August 16 linking with Phuket under the 7+7 Extension arrangement.

This phase will also see reopening of new designated areas in Krabi – Khlong Muang and Thap Khaek.

The next phase from November 1-30 will see the reopening extended to 10 other tourism-driven destinations. These include all areas of Bangkok, Krabi and Phang-Nga, and designated areas in Buri Ram (Mueang), Chiang Mai (Mueang, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao), Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung, Na Jomtien, and Sattahip), Loei (Chiang Khan), Phetchaburi (Cha-Am), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), and Ranong (Ko Phayam).

From December 1-31, the reopening will be extended to 20 more provinces which are tourism-driven, well-known for art and culture, or border destinations. These include Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Nong Khai, Pathum Thani, Phatthalung, Phetchabun, Phrae, Rayong, Samut Prakan, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Trang, Trat and Yala.

The third phase from January 1, 2022 onwards will see the reopening of 13 border provinces, including Bueng Kan, Chanthaburi, Kanchanaburi, Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom, Nan, Ratchaburi, Sa Kaeo, Satun, Surin, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani, and Udon Thani.

Meanwhile, foreign tourists can continue to visit the four pilot beach resort destinations under the existing conditions - except for Australians unable to travel without an exemption. I guess we'll have to wait a bit longer.