Author: Chris Singh

Chris Singh is an Editor-At-Large at the AU review, loves writing about travel and hospitality, and is partial to a perfectly textured octopus. You can reach him on Instagram: @chrisdsingh.

Nike announces four new running shoes for 2020

Unveiled at the Nike 2020 Forum in New York City, the unstoppable brand will be bringing four new running shoes to the masses in 2020. All part of Nike’s ambition to engineer footwear with measurable performance benefits for athletes, the forthcoming styles are each shaped to bush boundaries in sports and will be released at…

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Over 60 artists announced for HOME Bushfire Relief Art Auction Fundraiser

Taking place at Darlinghurst’s National Art School on Wednesday 12th February, more than sixty of Australia’s leading and emerging contemporary artists will be coming together in solidarity to help raise funds for the Australian bushfire crisis. Officially titled HOME Bushfire Relief Art Auction Fundraiser the one-night-only event will donate 100% of all profits earned from…

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7 tech and lifestyle gifts that will score major points this Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is once again right around the corner, which means you’ll probably want to go out and get your S.O. a gift, right? Far from the typical chocolate and roses (although if you do want some of those, new Aussie service Mr Roses is a good place to start), the things that really get…

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Live Review: Solange transcends at historic Sydney Opera House show

Although she may have cut her planned quad-run at the Sydney Opera House in half, citing health issues, Houston artist Solange was very much in fine-form as she danced across the Concert Hall last night. The first of two shows (the final one being tonight), Solange and her impeccable band managed to perfectly capture the…

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24 hours in Pattaya: Walking Street isn’t the only thing in this resort city

Many tourists unfortunately associate the beachside city of Pattaya with its notorious Walking Street. That’s understandable, but it’s also a massive overlook to what can be a fantastic weekend away from Bangkok’s kinetic social scene. The resort city not only has one of the country’s most spectacular temples, the eternally developing Sanctuary of Truth, but…

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Terrence Malik

Film Review: A Hidden Life is Terrence Malick at his sublime best

Terrence Malick and his mystical signature can be off-putting to some; many, in fact. And that’s completely understandable. The auteur has long been considered a divisive director, but it’d be foolish to deny the unconventional and dreamlike wonder he brings to poignant stories both intimate and large in scale. Although, if you’re not already sold…

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Five new Broadway shows to see in New York City

New York City’s famed Broadway Collection isn’t slowing down for 2020, with five new productions set to open throughout the year. From a musical based on cult comedy Mrs. Doubtfire, to an ambitious show tracking the creative process and indelible work of Michael Jackson, these five are well worth paying attention to for those planning…

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Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo Switch Review: Nostalgia, that is all

Nintendo has leaned heavily on nostalgia to make the Switch one of their most successful systems to date. There’s nothing wrong with that, and for the most part it has worked remarkably well. Ports and remakes have been leading the pack, tiding us over while new IP is few and far between. Yes, it can…

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Famed New York cocktail bar Death & Co. is coming to Australia

Influential New York cocktail bar Death & Co. is the latest institution from the states to plan an Aussie visit, announcing a pop-up tour that will leap across late January and early February at some of the country’s best bars. Brought down in partnership with Australian Venue Co. and Aviation Gin, the pioneering speakeasy-style bar…

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Australia to L.A. return flights are going for as low as $765 right now

Travellers keeping a key eye on cheap flights from Australian the to U.S. today might have noticed a particularly exciting pop-up over at trusty deal-slinger iknowthepilot.com.au. The bargain tracker regularly comes with the goods, but this one seems almost too good to be true. A return flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles on Air Canada…

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Why Chicago International Film Festival is worth travelling for in 2020

In its 55th year of competition, the Chicago International Film Festival – the longest-running of its kind in the USA – once again acted as a beacon for cinephiles the world over, showcasing meaningful works across various genres and countries. Film festivals have long been considered some of the greatest and most impactful destination events…

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Best hostels in the world named at the 17th annual HOSCAR awards

Dubbed the “HOSCARS”, HostelWorld’s annual crowd-voted round-up of the world’s best hotels has been released. Once again, it’s a deep-drive into hostels around the world that are a cut above the average, named across various categories which give budget-conscious travellers greater insight into the quality and reliability of properties. The awards are based on more…

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Lonely Planet launches 300 tours worldwide focusing on sustainable travel

The shift towards travelling more responsibility has been gaining steady traction over the past few years, but never has it felt more pervasive. It’s now common knowledge that socially conscious travel trends resonate with a wider number of people, especially younger generations who have come into a world ravaged by overtourism and careless daily practices….

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How to spend the perfect weekend in New Caledonia

Designated an official Overseas French Territory, New Caledonia is the closest slice of that delicious European lifestyle for Australian travellers looking to escape. The unique blend of its unmistakable South Pacific vibes and prevalent French influences make this major scuba diving and gourmand destination one of the most essential getaways for Aussies who have limited…

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The best ways to spend 24 Hours in Jasper, Alberta

The great Canadian Rockies are, rightfully, always found near the very top when adventurous travellers reveal their bucket list. Why? Well, exploring this immense and memorable part of the world is not just a true journey into powerful natural landscapes, but a path that might just redefine the way you think about travel and its…

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Azerai Can Tho Resort Review: Wellness and relaxation on the Mekong Delta

It’d be tough being the very first Azerai property, being that it’s a brand started by famed hotelier Adrian Zecha and operating under the inevitably high expectations that come with the territory. The award-winning Indonesian stalwart is most famed as the founder of the super luxurious Aman hotel brand, which now boasts acclaimed properties everywhere…

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The ultimate guide to Phuket, for people who can’t stand Patong

If you’ve cringed at the thought of making your way to Thailand’s tourism hotspot of Phuket, then Patong is probably to blame. The island’s resort town and party centre is a constant reference for bad impressions. Although, this garish, hyper-boganised side of Phuket is a far cry from the rest of the island, with many…

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Cruising the Mekong: Best things to do in Can Tho, Vietnam

Can Tho, Vietnam may not be the first city on everyone’s bucket list, but don’t mistake it’s relative obscurity for anything but a lack of exposure. As the biggest city along the famed Mekong Delta, it is now enjoying a swift boost in interest from those looking to explore the diverse country, thanks to greater…

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Everything you should do at Cape Town’s bustling V&A Waterfront

The historic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront is an essential part of any Cape Town itinerary. Shadowed by heaving Table Mountain and populated with restaurants, bars, shops and museums, the port is one of the most visually stunning precincts in the world. From what was once built as a refreshing station in at The Cape of…

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Why Santa Rosa is one of the best weekends away from San Francisco

People talk of some kind of imagined competition between Sonoma and Napa, both highly touted regions of California Wine Country; the reality is that both regions are as the strong as each other. Sure, Napa may just have a prestigious edge to its international reputation, but the much larger Sonoma County, with its 13 AVA’s…

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The Astro Motel Review: Big on personality in Santa Rosa, California

Making the short 2 hour drive from San Francisco to Santa Rosa is always a popular way to start any California Wine Country adventure. After all, the Sonoma County city is one of the best located destinations for anyone wanting to get away to the country side and really dig into some of the most…

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Flight Review: Business Class from Noumea to Sydney with Aircalin

New Caledonia’s flagship carrier Aircalin now have the distinction of being the first ever airline to bring the new-age A330neo aircraft to Asia-Pacific. And of course they’ve used that considerable boost in capacity to enhance their Business Class services between Noumea and Sydney, making the journey for Aussies looking to explore New Caledonia not just…

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Film Review: Bad Boys for Life makes an old franchise feel vital

Bold, brash, and – dare I say – breathtaking, Bad Boys for Life may go down as one of 2020’s biggest surprises. Being squashed into the oft ignored mid-Jan release cycle with reviews embargoed until the 11th hour is not a good sign for any film really, but the long-gestating third outing for 90’s born…

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Telluride Film Festival 2020

Five U.S. film festivals that are worth the trip in 2020

Travelling for arts festivals is one of the most enriching experiences an intrepid adventurer can have. Not only are you able to explore a destination as you normally would, and take in the many sights, sounds and experiences on offer, you also have access to a curated program brimming with creativity. Whether that means you’ve…

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Qatar Airways confirm May launch date for new Dubrovnik flights

As if one of the most popular destinations in Europe wasn’t accessible enough already, Qatar Airways have confirmed 18th May 2020 as the official launch date for a new three-times weekly service to Dubrovnik. Operated with an Airbus A320, the route will join Zagreb to become Qatar Airways’ second destination in Croatia. The service will…

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Merivale have now opened Bar Totti’s in the ivy precinct

Fast becoming an institution in Bondi, Totti’s is clearly one of Sydney’s most in-demand Italian eateries and continues to build a cult following thanks to the fresh ideas of chefs Mike Eggert and Jake Ahrens. Now an energetic spin-off has opened, and this time it’s much closer to the CBD. Taking up residence at ivy,…

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Flight Review: Premium Economy from Sydney to Noumea with Aircalin

New Caledonia’s flagship carrier Aircalin now have the distinction of being the first ever airline to bring the new-age A330neo aircraft to Asia-Pacific. And of course they’ve used that considerable boost in capacity to enhance their Sydney to Noumea service, making the journey for Aussies looking to explore New Caledonia not just more accessible, but…

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Queen will headline Celeste Barber-hosted “Fire Fight Australia” benefit concert

Taking place at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium on Sunday 16th February, “Fire Fight Australia” is yet another massive concert aimed at raising necessary funds to help the country recover from the ongoing bushfires. Announced today, the first batch of artists helping make this a monumental event include Queen, K.d Lang, Alice Cooper and Olivia Newton-John. The…

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Here’s the full list of Oscar nominations 2020: Joker in the lead

With the Critic’s Choice Awards and the Golden Globes now done and dusted for another year, it’s time to look toward the Oscars – up next in an unusually speedy awards season. The list of nominees is always a great way to shape up your viewing to-do list before the early February ceremony, and reflect…

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Here are all the Bushfire Relief food and drink initiatives in Australia

The bushfire crisis in Australia is ongoing, ferocious and will require a long-term strategy of growth and support for those effected. This past week many celebrities around the world have come out and pledged substantial amounts to help with various bushfire appeal funds aimed at supporting a wide range of people and animals who have…

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