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.
I’ve never seen a grown man cry at the thought of leaving a resort, but such is the specialness of Sheraton Resort & Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji. The five-star is one of three Sheraton properties in Fiji, but it’s the only one that’s on an outer-island. You catch a lengthy boat ride from Port Denarau…
While plenty of premium hotel brands crowd the loud and live streets of Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Renaissance is bravely carving its own identity in the growing Ala Moana neighbourhood with Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa. The new 39-floor luxury hotel opened earlier this year and has already become a popular place to…
When director Baz Halpin and executive producer Bernie Yuman approached two-time Academy Award-winning actor Sir Anthony Hopkins, I doubt they expected him to say yes to their proposal. Yuman, a Vegas veteran, was manager to Siegfried and Roy from a very young age and stuck by the legendary performers’ until their last day. He even…
Greenwashing is far too common these days. Shallow attempts at being eco-conscious are expected of just about every business now, and not all of them rise above the bare minimum. I’m cynical about it. I’ve heard the sustainability tagline thousands of times over. But there’s something about the 1 Hotel brand that’s hooked me. Its…
In Australia, the iPhone 16 Pro 128GB will cost $1,799. The base model iPhone 16 128GB will cost $1,399. On average, most of these models will see a price drop of up to $100 compared with last year’s iPhone 15 lineup.. It’s not much, but it’s a meaningful step Apple has been working up to…
Wouldn’t it be amazing if every Trump International was reflagged, refurbished and stripped of any and all political connotations to make way for a much better, less divisive hotel? Much like Hilton, Trump International has the immense privilege of location. Look at any Trump International property across the USA and they are almost always in…
The Penny is one of only several premium hotels in Brooklyn. And of course, it’s in Williamsburg. Brooklyn’s most attractive neighbourhood for trendy locals and visitors hogs the lion’s share of Brooklyn’s best hotels, while a few others are located over in Dumbo. There’s reason for this. You won’t find luxury hotels in Bushwick (yet)…
The Golden Age of Hollywood is a well-worn aesthetic that’s often too broad and hard-to-define, written on paper like it’s some magic spell conjuring up enough good-will that designers can afford to be lazy. “it’s just like, Hollywood glamour, ya know?” For some, it means high-waisted and ostentatious with just enough raunchiness to tease the…
Chinese manufacturer Dreame Technology introduced its first robot vacuum in January 2022. The brand then exhibited at Berlin’s annual IFA a year after. Now, look through the market in Australia and you’ll see the name pop up everywhere, typically playing in the premium space with super high-end robot vacuums. That’s a lot of growth in…
We’ve seen some pretty strange things from behemoth spirit labels before, but this one takes the stream of alcoholic cinnamon bombs. The fun-loving folks at Fireball Whisky have introduced an actual Fireball Bubbler to celebrate Footy Finals season. Yes, you read that right. It’s just like those bubblers that you never drank from in high…
Sitting at the edge of New York’s Theatre District is CIVILIAN, one of Manhattan’s newer hotels and a nice balance between designer charm, premium accommodation and – what is perhaps most important in New York right now – affordability. New York always so desperately needs more hotels to accommodate the constant influx of visitors that…
The Prince Kitano New York is almost the mid-way point between the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building. It’s also just a 500-metre walk from Grand Central Station and, on the way, Bryant Park. You’ll only walk a short distance to get to the picturesque edge of East River with its many vantage points, and…
The Historic Hotels in America is a program that recognises over 300 hotels across the Americas, noted for their heritage value and deep connection to local stories. Many of these stories are retold beautifully to guests, expressing the building’s age through design, amenities and dining experiences. Some – the best ones – have so much…
Dubai is only 190 years old. Yes, the famously futuristic city really hasn’t been around that long. It started as a humble fishing village in the early 18th Century and has sprouted up to be a symbol of ambition and power, offering an experience unlike anything else in the Middle East. Or the world. It’s…
It’s now become an age-old debate: Apple vs Android. Which is better? More stylish? Offers better value for money? Has the better camera? This confected battle between Apple and Android has been given many angles over the year. The fiercest two seems to be over the camera and the operating system. Plenty of people prefer…
It’s official, the Pro is the way to go when it comes to new-age of Apple. As Techradar reports, last year’s Pro Max had a 23% share of iPhone sales in the US in March 2024, while the Pro had 22%. Trailing behind was the 15 proper with 14% and then the iPhone 15 Plus…
Named for the Theta brain waves produced during deep relaxation, the latest Kimpton hotel to open in New York City is a welcome escape on the edge of the Theatre District. It’s sister, Kimpton Hotel Eventi, is just a few blocks from Empire State Building and is often referenced as one of the best value…
Coming from Australia, it’s always fascinating to see just how different hospitality concepts are in the USA. Particularly New York City. I always return with ideas on how to change a city like Sydney and make it much more the world-class destination it pretends to be (it’s getting there, just not there yet). That said,…
Staying anywhere in Manhattan will break the bank. I don’t care whether it’s a budget hotel, a mid-range or a luxury stay. If you want to stay even one night in Manhattan, you’ll need a hefty savings account. Blame the cost of living, of course. Visiting New York City is prohibitively expensive right now, but…
He calls it “raging”. But there’s been a few words that have shaped this explosive performance style over the years. “Lit” “Turn Up” (or T.I’s twist, “Turn It”) “Crunk” Decades ago, a mosh pit at a hip hop concert would be a bit confusing to see. Even if Onyx was on stage shouting “Slam,” you…
Let’s face it. Everyone is leaving purchases until the very last minute these days. Festivals and live music, clothes and shoes, new technology. In this economy, we’re down to the wire when it comes to our spending habits. And so you haven’t got dad a Father’s Day gift yet, have you? Not to worry. You’ve…
Every so often, music journalism is given a little spark with a big personality and a fresh idea. There aren’t many people around who can flip the traditional interview style with their own little twists and turns and carve out a one-of-one identity. But that’s exactly what nationally-nominated music journalist Tait McGregor has done with…
After his Until Dawn tour was cancelled last year, The Weeknd has finally set a set of new dates for his Australian tour. And it’s looking like you’re in for a bit of travel if you don’t live in Sydney or Melbourne. Australia’s two major cities will get two shows each, with The Weeknd leaving…
For decades, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was one of the most dreaded entry points in the USA. No one I’ve spoken to likes flying into L.A., and at its best, the furiously busy airport is a functional failure. At its worst, it’s a nightmare. But things have finally changed in 2024, the first full…
There’s nothing quite like New York’s Lower East Side. Casually referred to as the L.E.S, this section of lower Manhattan is where you’ll find many of the city’s best beats, from Katz Deli and Russ & Daughters, to world-renowned cocktail bars like Superbueno and Double Chicken Please. Fanning off from the narrow strip of Sara…
Three of the USA’s biggest and brightest cities, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York, each have their own unique style of pizza. Yes, you read that correctly. Los Angeles has a signature pizza style, and it’s only now gaining traction outside of The Golden State. The classic New York slice is so ubiquitous that you’d…
Everywhere I look, Vegas is full of Deadheads. The deathless hype that surrounds Americana icons The Grateful Dead knows no bounds. Or age. At any given moment, Las Vegas is full of just about every type of person you can think of, all of whom have descended upon this great city to let loose and…
Welcome to ‘Dining Icons’ where our writers take a look at some of the world’s most iconic food and drink experiences – both reputable and under-the-radar – and report back to answer the simple question: is it worth it?. For our first edition, we’re taking a look at Giorgio Baldi, an Italian restaurant just outside…
Dominant mattress-in-a-box brands like Koala and Emma have helped take what was once a niche offering for bed-and-mattress buyers and push the category forward. To the point where I don’t think anyone would bother heading for a furniture store and buying a mattress anymore. That goes double for renters. You buy one online, it’s shipped…
While a spate of skyscraping new-builds has given Downtown L.A. a much-needed kick into modernity, Santa Monica hasn’t added much to its hotel count over the last few years. The city of Santa Monica has around 40 hotels, including a few eye-popping grand dames like The Georgian Hotel (with its unforgettable candy blue exterior), the…
