Are you ready to go skiing in Saudi Arabia?

Snow skiing in Saudi Arabia may sound an absurdity - but it will soon be a reality.

The Arab nation with a very dubious human rights record this week announced plans for a new mountain tourism destination in the futuristic city of Neom.

Trojena will feature a ski village and ski slope, as well as wellness resorts and an interactive nature reserve. 

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the Trojena project is set for completion in 2026.

“Trojena will redefine mountain tourism for the world by creating a place based on the principles of ecotourism, highlighting our efforts to preserve nature and enhance the community’s quality of life, which is aligned with the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030,” said Prince Mohammed, who is also the chairman of Neom’s board of directors.

“It also confirms our commitment to be part of the global effort to protect the environment. 

"Trojena will be an important addition to tourism in the region, a unique example of how Saudi Arabia is creating destinations based on its geographical and environmental diversity."

Trojena will be a first-of-its-kind experience with retail outlets and restaurants as well as a man-made freshwater lake and a vertical village that will merge technology, entertainment and hospitality facilities. 

“Trojena represents  Neom's values and bold plans as a land where nature and innovative technologies come together to form a unique global experience,” said Neom CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr.

Trojena expects to attract 700,000 visitors and 7,000 residents by 2030. The project will create more than 10,000 jobs, says a press release. 

Trojena will be made up of six districts: Gateway, Discover, Valley, Explore, Relax and Fun, all of which will be designed to offer activities catering to a variety of tastes and needs. 

The region is characterised by clean air and climatic diversity, where temperatures drop below zero in winter. 

Trojena is situated in the centre of Neom, 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Aqaba coast, in a mountain range with the highest peaks in Saudi Arabia at approximately 2,600 meters above sea level. 

Neom is planned to be a "smart city" home and workplace for more than one million people from around the world.

Intrigued? Read more at www.neom.com

When wine and art make fine bedfellows

Montalto is well known for several reasons; primarily the excellent pinots and chardonnays crafted by Simon Black, as well as its spectacular location on the Mornington Peninsula. 

Now Montalto has partnered with the team at the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery to present a new series of lunchtime events that explore artists, and their art, in a relaxed environment overlooking the Montalto Sculpture Trail. 

Each event will showcase a renowned artist in conversation as they discuss the artist’s background, inspiration, techniques and work (both completed and upcoming) over a long lunch in The Restaurant at Montalto.

On Thursday, March 24, Montalto welcomes Patricia Piccinini in conversation with Danny Lacy (Gallery Director from MPRG) for the inaugural Contemplating Art event. Piccinini is a Melbourne-based artist who produces sculptures, photographs, videos and installations.

For the second event in the series, Hiromi Tango is joined by Emma Burrows on Thursday, May 12. 

Tango is an established interdisciplinary artist, based in northern New South Wales. Emma Burrows is a neuroscientist and change agent for equity in STEM. Together, they have recently launched an exhibit, Wheel at Science Gallery Melbourne. 

Part installation, part living lab, this human-sized rainbow hamster wheel explores how physical exercise can benefit our brain and protect us against mental health conditions.

For more information, or tickets to the above events: https://montalto.com.au/news-and-events/  

The new series complements Montalto's long-running BOOKS & IDEAS, presented in partnership with The Wheeler Centre. T

The next two events feature Stephanie Alexander (sold out) and Christos Tsiolkas (almost sold out), while the 19^th season of the Montalto Sculpture Prize  runs until the end of  April. Details  here: https://montalto.com.au/montalto-sculpture-prize-2021-winner/

Sail Croatia: sip back and relax

It sounds like the perfect break: sailing the calm waters off the coast of Croatia while visiting wineries along the way.

Sail Croatia has launched a Sailing Croatian Wineries Route with travel and accommodation on their private yachts.

The seven-day voyages run from April to October this year.

Guests are able to follow Sail Croatia’s recommended route, or if they prefer, can create a personalised itinerary with the help of their local skipper, the cost of whom is included in the package.

The recommended route departs from Split and takes guests through some of the most prominent wineries in Dalmatia.

These include specialist white and red wine producers in destinations such as Solta, Bol, Hvar, Korcula, Vis and Stari Grad.

Notable experiences include Lipanovic Winery in Vis which houses its wine in a World War II military tunnel, and Bire Winery in Korcula, where wine has been produced for over 2,000 years.



Guests will also have the chance to experience some distinctly Dalmatian traditions, including sampling wine that is aged underwater.

Prices start from €370 per person and offer private sailings onboard yachts ranging in size from six to 10 people. The fare includes return airport transfers, insurance and wifi.

Grant Seuren, Sail Croatia director, said: “Passengers can simply sip back and relax on our new wine tour. We’ve ensured these sailings have a completely flexible itinerary, so guests can create the perfect holiday to suit their taste and palate.

“Dalmatia is a stunning backdrop to our wine tour, boasting everything from dramatic vineyards perched on the top of cliff faces, to stunning waterfront wineries, to secluded village estates dating back for centuries.

“Whether you’re a connoisseur with a nose for your favourite grape, or someone who simply enjoys a glass of chilled white wine as the sun goes down, our sailings will leave you with lifelong memories and a wealth of wine knowledge.”

For more information visit https://www.sail-croatia.com/yacht-experiences/private-yacht-tours

Girl power: Meet a new Hunter wine producer

The Hunter Valley has welcomed a new wine company - launched by an entrepreneur with 20 years of wine industry experience. 

Female-owned and -run Wild Ren Wines is the brainchild of Renee Burton, co-founder and previous co-owner of Gundog Estate with her ex husband Matt. 

Burton said she is is proud to be the creator, director and CEO of her own wine business. 

“I’ve lived and breathed the wine and tourism business for years, working on joint projects or other people’s passions," she said. 

"Wild Ren Wines is 100% me and it’s my message to my two daughters and other girls out there that you can take control of your destiny.” 

Situated at Peppers Creek Village, Wild Ren’s cellar door is designed to emulate an intimate wine bar vibe and there are plans for private group tastings and regular exclusive events. 

The boutique shopping village location is also home to artisan speciality providers, gifts and homewares and a café, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon. 

Burton is working with close friend and winemaker Scott Comyns to produce wines that include semillon, semillon/sauvignon blanc, shiraz, gruner veltliner, rosé, vermentino, sangiovese and GSM with chardonnay, pinot noir and a fortified in the pipeline.

Carrying labels featuring the namesake Wren created by Hunter local Krysten Jade, Wild Ren Wines are available exclusively through the cellar door and on the company’s website. 

“We want people to feel connected and inspired by Wren Wines - to drink the wine and feel emboldened to change their world for the better,” Burton said. 

Renee has plans that Wild Ren Wines will create a program for young female entrepreneurs to help build their self-esteem and encourage them to realise their potential. 

“I’m passionate about playing a part in developing the next generation of girls, encouraging them to dream and giving them the tools and tactic to be fearless and courageous in taking control of their own destiny.” 

See https://wrenwines.com.au/

Airline to the aid of Ukraine refugees

European low-cost carrier Wizz Air is coming to the rescue of refugees from Russia's attack on Ukraine. 

The Hungarian-based airline says it is offering Ukrainian refugees up 100,000 free seats on flights in continental Europe departing from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia or Romania in March, Travelmole reported. 

“Wizz Air is committed to helping the refugees reach their final destinations, wherever that may be,” the airline said.

“Wizz Air has already added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to Europe to help support the movement of refugees as necessary.” 

Wizz Air said it knew many refugees are already in transit and could be stranded in other locations so was offering €29.99 “rescue fares” on other flights, excluding those to the UAE, Iceland and the Canary Islands.

Ukrainian refugees may book the flights by visiting the website https://wizzair.com/#/rescue

Passengers will be required to provide their Ukrainian passport or ID card number when booking and at check-in.

The airline has suspended its Ukraine flights but said it has added larger planes and extra flights from border countries to the rest of Europe to help support the movement of refugees to their final destinations.

Right on target: Meet the Messi Burger

Hard Rock Café has announced the global launch of its new menu item: the Messi Burger.

The burger is, allegedly crafted by the Argentine soccer superstar himself, and is available for fans to order at Hard Rock Café locations worldwide.

Messi is too busy playing for Paris St Germain to man the pans, but the burger pays tribute to his ideal burger components.

The new burger features "a juicy double stack of the finest ground beef patties" along with provolone cheese, sliced chorizo, caramelized red onion, and Hard Rock's signature, spicy, smoky sauce served on a toasted brioche bun with shredded romaine lettuce and vine-ripened tomato.

And If you want to get really Messi, the burger can be topped with a fried egg for a small fee.

"It is an honour to take our partnership with world-renowned soccer star, Lionel Messi, and the LIVE GREATNESS campaign to the next level with his very own take on Hard Rock Cafe's Legendary Steak Burger," said a very excitable Jon Lucas, COO of Hard Rock International.

"We are excited to welcome Hard Rock and Messi fans to our turf to try the burger inspired by Messi's very own favourites for a unique and unforgettable experience."

Hard Rock Café operates cafes around the world, including cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Paris and Sydney.

For additional information visit https://www.hardrockcafe.com