Special cocktail marks Christmas period

Every hotel in the competitive Sydney hotel market needs a point of difference. 

In the case of the Radisson Blu Plaza Sydney, where I stayed very recently, one of those points of difference is a close association with Sydney boutique distillery Archie Rose. 

The five-star hotel aims to add a little sparkle for guests over the Christmas holiday period with a special cocktail as it prepares to celebrate its first Christmas with new-look luxury rooms following the completion of a recent $13.5 million re-design.

The Radisson, home to the landmark Bentley restaurant and acclaimed Distillers High Teas, has launched the Gin-gle Bells, a Christmas cocktail featuring the hotel’s signature ‘Out of the Blu’ gin created at Archie Rose.

The tailored gin was specially blended by Radisson Blu’s General manager,  Peter Tudehope, director sales Terry Oomens and head chef Oswin Riberiro.

The gin has been paired with the flavours of Christmas including oranges, cherries and cinnamon.

 

Ribeiro’s gin making ability may be a new talent but his cooking expertise will be showcased through his special, four-course Christmas dinner. 

This will include stuffed turkey ballotine with brussel sprouts, baby carrots and classic Christmas pudding to delight traditionalists. 

GM Tudehope said: “The Christmas season in Sydney really is hard to beat, and I hope our guests and Christmas shoppers will enjoy all that we have planned during the lead-up to the season and over the fabulous Christmas week.”

 

The Radisson Blu has also launched special holiday season accommodation packages. 

 

To make a booking for the Christmas Dinner or special Festive High Tea call 

 02 8214 0000. 

Is it time to consider boycotting holidays in the US?

By this time next week, the United States may be run by a man who is a sexist, racist, raving lunatic.

Donald Trump's pussy grabbing, border wall-building eccentricities have been well documented, but it appears there are still enough crazed, gun-loving Americans to possibly elect him as a president. 

I'm no fan of Hillary Clinton and her dubious business practices and it amazes me that the "greatest nation on earth" has produced two such unappetising presidential candidates

There are already many reasons not to visit the US. Chief among them are the ill-mannered minimum-wage slaves in charge of "security" at US airports, and hands constantly out for tips anywhere from hotels and restaurants to airports. 

Everyone wants an extra buck or two. 

Our plans for a holiday to the music capitals of Memphis, Austin and Nashville are now on hold.  

Given Australia's own morally bankrupt government and many faults, including illegal treatment of refugees, we are, of course, in no position to lecture other countries on politics. And we vacation in many politically dubious locations. 

And given most Australians want only copious cold beers and cheap massages on holiday I suspect many will see a boycott demand as ludicrous. 

Some thinking Australians, however, might want to consider whether they want to help provide jobs and boost the economy of a country where over 50% of voters want to be led by a Klu Klux Klan-aligned Trump. 

After all, Canada, led by charming and urbane Mr Trudeau, is a very good North American holiday alternative if the grotesque Trump does triumph next week. 

Over to you. 

Flinders Island emerges for its moment in the sun

The big island of Tasmania has established itself as one of Australia’s major tourism destinations. 

King Island is riding a boom after the construction of two new world-class golf courses and now Flinders island is waiting emerge from the shadows. 

Flinders Island sits between the Australian mainland and Tasmania: one of a small cluster of islands in Bass Strait.

It has rugged mountains to attract climbers and walkers, pristine beaches calling to hardy swimmers, and a range of bird life to fascinate ornithologists. 

Like Tasmania, it is a gourmet paradise. Visitors can sample local honey or hot sauce, and some of the purest rainwater on earth. 

There is even a boutique winery. 

Until now, Flinders Island has been a well-kept secret, an untamed wonderland flying well under the radar. 

Now the island´s 900 locals want to share their crayfish, wallaby, mutton bird, lamb and dry-aged beef, fresh fruits, vegetables and preserves. 

Spurred on by the growing popularity of local seafood, Flinders Island is launching an annual Crayfish Festival in March 2017. 

For full details visit: www.visitflindersisland.com.au

One place that is well worth a detour - to avoid

Imagine a city that is one big slum. 

Think piles of rubbish piled up to knee deep, some of it smouldering. See piles of used tires at the side of the road.

Consider burnt out and crushed cars left at the roadside, and packs of mangy dogs. 

Throw in roads that are dusty and rutted, and blocked in places by piles of rocks, and shanty town after shanty town.

Hundreds of abandoned half'constructed buildings are layered in graffiti and filth. There is even a street market split by a railway line, where traders pack up their goods and move back when a train approaches.   

This is Juliaca in Peru, a blot on the landscape that you have to traverse on the Interoceanic Highway between Peru and Brazil, and to visit Lake Titicaca. 

I have spent time in Cuidad Neza in Mexico City and Khayelitsha outside in Cape Town, two of the worst slums in the world. 

Both look like St Barts compared to the tragedy that Juliaca, which our guide tells us is a centre for smuggling illicit goods in from Brazil and Bolivia. 

There are several poor towns in Peru, but Juliaca is in a league of its own and definitely a place you would not want to stop. 

The traffic sometimes grinds to a complete halt on the dirt roads - although an alternative route does take you through some slightly less confronting neighbourhoods.

Lonely Planet reports it is a place where "daytime muggings and drunks on the street are not uncommon."

The city of Juliaca is the capital of San Roman Province in the Puno region of south-eastern Peru - and a major transport hub, including an airport. 

There is nothing here for travellers, unless, perhaps, they are looking for drugs. Move on. Quickly. Enjoy Lima, Cusco or any number of other Peruvian wonders. 

One of the most colourful markets in the world

Every Sunday, members of the tribes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas descend on the small, dusty town of Pisac for the local market.

Many walk long distances to reach the market, and several wear traditional custumes. 

The market specialises in local fruits, vegetables and meats, along with local ceramics and items made of alpaca wool. 

It is a riot of colour and I hope you enjoy these photos. 

The author is a guest in Peru of Contours Travel. 

With 40 years of experience, Contours Travel is Australia’s most experienced and longest running Latin American travel wholesaler and agency, specializing in tailor-made, small group itineraries and special interest tours in Mexico, Cuba, Antarctica, South America, Central America and the Caribbean Islands. 

Director Ted Dziadkiewicz first explored the area as an overland bus driver in the mid-1970s, and he maintains a strong, hands-on focus on the business. 

Learn more at: http://www.contourstravel.com.au

New look for urban Sydney apartments

Like the idea of staying in a New York-style loft apartment?

If so, you'll probably enjoy Mantra 2 Bond Street right in the heart of Sydney, which has just undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment which has transformed the guest experience into what is aimed to be an "urban oasis".

Award-winning architecture/design firm Arkhefield drew inspiration for the new design from Mantra 2 Bond Street’s urban locale.

More than 120 guest rooms have been rejuvenated with a pendant lighting feature acting as a focal point in the refurbished studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments.

New gourmet kitchens and textured soft furnishings feature throughout, including new lounge chairs, upholstered bedheads and new window furnishings.



Mantra 2 Bond Street general manager Neil McDonald said his team saw a gap in the market to create a sophisticated yet welcoming hotel offering in Sydney’s CBD.

“The hotel’s open-plan rooms are instantly evocative of Manhattan style and the large windows in each apartment bring in lots of natural light and increase the sense of space,” he said.

Mantra Group chief executive officer Bob East said the refurbishment demonstrates the group’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience at their properties through regular upgrades.

“This extensive guest room refurbishment complements the hotel’s new urban fit out of its Memento Bar & Kitchen one year ago,” he said.



Memento also has an American theme with a range of excellent hamburgers - but beware it closes at 8pm early in the week.

Mantra 2 Bond Street occupies a prime location on the corner of George and Bond Streets in Sydney in the heart of the CBD and financial district.

It is extremely well equipped for long or short stays with kitchen facilities and plenty of space, while the location is superb.




A big thumbs down, however, for cheapskate charging for wifi. Otherwise, very impressive.

Rates start from $340 per night in an executive studio apartment, from $400 per night in a one-bedroom deluxe apartment or from $550 per night in a two-bedroom deluxe Apartment.

Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au