Perfect products for pampered pooches

Albi the Staffy cross was a little odoriferous.

Pongy, in fact. Some would say stinky.

He'd worn out his welcome on the bed after a regime that included swimming in seaweed-infested water, rolling in unmentionable piles of smelly stuff and sweating in front of the fire.

So urgent action was needed.

The team from Outback Tails recently launched its Dog Grooming Range and offered to send some to Albi in his role as an influencer.

Now Albi may have been a bit wiffy, but he is very keen on grooming products formulated with natural ingredients and "infused with the essence of the Australian outback".

As a thoroughly modern dog, he enjoys eco-friendly, sustainable and natural pet-care products.

So he jumped into the bath and was given a full scrubbing. The result was a fragrant dog - smelling like a quality gin, my wife said - although probably not for long.

The Outback Tails Grooming Range features: Natural Dog Wash (RRP $34.99); Natural Dog Conditioner (RRP $34.99) and Paw and Skin Repair (RRP $22.99), ideal for when you have been scrambling over rocks by the beach.

These doggie luxuries are infused with botanicals including Finger Lime, Paperbark Oil, Kakadu Plum, Tasmanian Pepperberry and Native Bush Mint, and are promoted as being much better for your hound than harsh chemicals.

Founder and creative director Jessica Knight was inspired by the resilience and spirit of her Golden Retriever, Bonnie, who faced a severe autoimmune disorder. Witnessing Bonnie's need for a toxin-free lifestyle to maintain her health and vitality ignited a journey to craft the perfect grooming solution tailored to her delicate needs.

Albi is a little more robust, but does now smell good. 

You'll find all the details here: https://outbacktails.com/collections/natural-grooming-range And your canine companion will almost certainly be grateful - as are our noses - and reward you with a wagging tail.

 

A gourmet excuse for a weekend in Queenstown and Central Otago

Been meaning to visit Queenstown and Central Otago?

Why not time your trip to coincide with a gourmet experience at recently re-branded Rosewood Matakauri, one of New Zealand’s top luxury lodges?

Burn Cottage winemaker Claire Mulholland and executive chef Jonathan Rogers are set to host a gourmet weekend at Rosewood Matakauri from September 6-8.

The weekend will be a showcase of the acclaimed biodynamic wines of Burn Cottage, as well as of seasonality and local produce.

The presenting pair are both fanatical about the local terroir, promising a food and wine love letter to Queenstown and Central Otago.

Rogers’ Matakauri menus change every day. 

“It’s an incredibly rewarding way of cooking,” he said. “What I cook is dictated by my local community - the farmers, the growers and purveyors who supply the lodge, and this is what this wonderful weekend will showcase.”

Rosewood Matakauri has a stunning location on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and views of the Remarkables Mountain range and Cecil and Walter Peaks. 

Guests for the two-night weekend will arrive on Friday afternoon and enjoy a tutored wine tasting of different varietals and vintages from the Burn Cottage cellars. A relaxed and unstructured a la carte dinner will follow.

The food and wine events kick off on Saturday with a cooking demonstration in the morning and a grand finale dinner that night - a five course tasting menu matched to the premium Burn Cottage wines (vineyard above). 

The tariff for two nights is NZ$2180.00 per person, based on double occupancy (not cheap, but it is a special spot) and includes two night’s accommodation at Rosewood Matakauri; pre-dinner aperitif; full daily breakfast, and complimentary non-alcoholic minibar, cooking demonstration; tutored wine tasting of Burn Cottage wines with winemaker Claire Mulholland; a la carte dinner on Friday evening
and five-course tasting menu dinner on Saturday night with Burn Cottage wines to match.

For reservations at Rosewood Matakauri call +64 9407 0065 or email matakauri.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com

A long-term chillout in Thailand is now a lot easier

Ever thought of spending a few months in Thailand, chilling out on the beach?

Visa issues have, until now, made that difficult, but the Thai government is delivering changes to make it easier, the Skift travel news website reported.

In an effort to boost Thailand tourism numbers, ordinary tourists visas can be extended to up to 60 days, along with the possibility of extended stays for post-grad students and remote workers.

And government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said travellers from more countries will be eligible for visas on arrival.

The validity of visas for self-employed "digital nomads" and other remote workers will be extended to five years, with an unbroken stay of up to 180 days. 

The “Destination Thailand Visa” will now allow a 180-day maximum stay per visit, extendable for another 180 days, with another THB 10,000 ($270) fee.

Previously, digital nomads were entitled to only two 30-day stays. 

Wacharonke noted that this measure targets remote workers, freelancers, and those interested in learning Muay Thai and Thai cooking skills. .Also, foreign students can stay in Thailand for an additional year after graduating.

The tourist visas will be available to visitors from 93 countries, up from 57 currently. The new policies will kick off this month.

Thailand welcomed 14.3 million tourists for the year to date. In 2019, pre-Covid, it welcomed a record 39.9 million arrivals.

Image: Winsor Dobbin

The most unlikely surfing destination in the world: Munich

When you think about great surfing destinations you probably think Hawaii. Or maybe Bells Beach in Australia, Jeffreys Bay in South Africa or Biarritz in France.

But what about Munich? Yes, Munich in Germany.

The capital of Bavaria, home of Bayern Munich and the Oktoberfest, also has an unlikely surf scene thanks first to a natural river wave and now to an artificial surf lagoon that is pumping out ocean-like waves on command.

First there was the Eisbachwelle: the largest, best and most consistent city centre location for river surfing.

The strong waves on the Eisbach river at the entrance to the Englischer Garten (park) attract surfers and onlookers from around the world. People have been surfing here for over 50 years.

The man-made river forms a standing wave about one metre high. The water is cold and shallow, making it only suitable for experienced surfers.

E2 Wave, meanwhile, is the little sister of the Eisbach Wave and it’s located only a few hundred metres downstream. This wave is more mellow and not as powerful and steep.

And now Munich is to get its own serious surf park with ocean-like waves (below).

Endless Surf, the wave technology featured at O2 SURFTOWN MUC, recently showcased its first waves.

From high-performance to beginner waves, the technology is capable of crafting waves to suit all surf levels, offering training potential for athletes while also making the dream of surfing attainable for those living far away from surf-producing coastlines.

"This is a game-changer for the future of surfing" says Leon Glatzer, a professional surfer who was among the lucky few to experience the first waves in his home town.

"It was incredible to experience the power that Endless Surf holds while working alongside their engineers to customize waves. They've already created insane wave settings and have barely scratched the surface in terms of possibilities with this wave-generating technology."

Endless Surf president Paul Chutter says: "Witnessing the flexibility of our technology in action is a special moment. Not only for the dedicated teams behind this project, but for numerous destinations worldwide set to showcase our technology. The vision we've had from the start is proving itself and we're only just getting started."

This project is the first of over a dozen in development worldwide for the Vancouver-based company that is a brand under WhiteWater, the world's largest supplier of aquatic attractions.

With finishing touches now being added to Germany's first surf park, the grand opening of O2 SURFTOWN MUC is slated for this summer, when public surf sessions will be available.

For more information visit EndlessSurf.com

Are you ready for a new era of RTDs?

Want to enjoy a pre-mixed drink on the beach, or maybe take a cocktail to a concert?

Meet what is being billed as the world’s first resealable RTD in a fully recyclable tetra pack carton - from Mandatory Twisted by Queensland-based Mandatory Spirits Co.

Enjoying spirits from a smaller version of a milk carton might seem a little weird, but it actually makes a lot of sense.

If convenience and sustainability are important to you then Mandatory Twisted might be worth giving a go.

The non-carbonated vodka premix comes in a resealable carton perfect for anti-spiking at festivals or public gatherings.

It is also easy to drink in a "mindful" way, as you can just seal it back and put it in the fridge for later.

The tetra packaging can be fully recycled into building materials and the drinks, while tasting quite sweet, contain zero added sugars, all natural flavours and just 72 calories per serving.

Mandatory Twisted comes in Dark Fruits & Vodka and Passionfruit Vodka Punch (I preferred the dark fruits, poured over ice, very chilled). Just 4.4% alcohol but a very decent aperitif or thirst quencher.

Available now for $20 per four-pack or $120 for a 24-pack at First Choice Liquor Stores.

 


Mandatory Spirit Co is Australian owned and its drinks are promoted as preservative-free, gluten-free, and Vegan-friendly.

The new Prisma Pak packaging produces a 6.5x lower carbon footprint than traditional packaging like plastic bottles, glass and cans.

So if you'd like to say goodbye to glass, plastic, and cans - your on a winner.

“As we embark on this groundbreaking journey, I am thrilled to launch our revolutionary sustainable range of flavoured vodka RTDs, meticulously crafted and thoughtfully packed in a sustainable carton," says Mandatory Spirit Co co-founder Mark Collins.

"This innovation not only redefines convenience but also emphasises our unwavering commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption. With this world-first initiative, we aspire to inspire a new era of conscious drinking, where every sip reflects our dedication to both taste and the planet.”

Mark's a bit excited, but he has reason to be.

For more information see the Mandatory Spirit Co website mandatoryspiritco.com.au

Perth Airport in chaos as flights are cancelled

Flying in our out of Perth Airport this weekend? Good luck with that.

The airport in one of the most remote cities on earth has been in chaos this morning with no planes allowed to land or depart as officials deal with a serious fuel supply issue.

Our Brisbane correspondent was a victim this morning with a family trip to Perth starting with boarding as usual.

They then rported: "All flights into Perth cancelled due to a refuelling problem at Perth airport. We have had to disembark. And now we wait. And wait."

An estimated 70 flights were cancelled or delayed before the airport said the issue had been resolved around lunchtime, local media reported.


“Refuelling operations have recommenced at Perth Airport,” the airport said in an afternoon statement. “We will now work with our airline partners to help clear a backlog of flights and get passengers on their way. Please contact your airline for updates on your flight.”

QF10 from London to Perth was diverted to Karratha because of the Perth Airport fuel problem. You can imagine how delighted those on board were. 

A Perth Airport spokesman confirmed that aircraft could not re-fuel due to a problem with load pressure in the fuel lines at the facility.

“Perth Airport is currently experiencing a significant fuel supply issue which is impacting the ability to refuel aircraft,” the spokesman said before the issue was resolved. 

“Passengers should contact their airline for information about their flights. Perth Airport is working with external experts to fix the problem and we apologise for any inconvenience.”

The joys of flying in 2024.