Travel & Lifestyle

The status-obsessed oasis of Las Vegas’ famous Strip may be the typical picture one would get of the unique desert city, but that would be akin to a polaroid that has been violently torn down the middle. Behind the wide stretch of modern casinos and celebrity-endorsed kitchens sits Downtown Las Vegas – the city’s “old…

Sleek and seductive QT Sydney have pounced onto spring with a new cocktail menu, refreshing their popular bar with a completely new list of concoctions across both their hideaway Gowings Bar and Gowings Bar & Grill. Milkwashings, infusions and house-made ingredients are re-taking centre stage for the new program. And it certainly reiterates QT’s playfulness…

It’s been awhile (probably a few weeks, who’s counting?) since we had such an ungodly food creation enter the Australian market, but three separate entities are determined to make us both wince and salivate over the latest franken-food. And it’s a big one, with 7-Eleven, Golden Gaytime and Krispy Kreme coming together to create two…

It’s complicated with Phuket. Much like Bali, the popular holiday destination has many different sides, with some suffering under the weight of overtourism while others shine with untouched pristine beauty. Kata Beach almost sits at a comfortable middle, although it’s much closer to the more relaxed side. Quiet and downbeat, the area boasts direct access…

Aussies flying Economy class in Qatar can now expect to be eating a lot better, as the airline has moved to make substantial changes to their in-flight menu, which includes a 20 to 50 per cent increase in portions and a focus on fresh, local and seasonal produce. The menu change, which was first announced…

David Thompson’s masterstroke Long Chim is all about depth. That much has been touted since the acclaimed chef opened this Sydney outpost in 2016, triumphantly returning home after swiftly building up a reputation as one of the world’s leading Thai food chefs. The shadowy industrial space just off Martin Place is lit like the pulsating…

Sydney Oyster Week (or rather Sydney Oyster 10-days) is upon us, currently running up until 30th September with just about everything a self-respecting oyster lover could want (ie, cheap-as-chips high quality oysters). It’s the first year for this briny celebration, so you can expect the ever-changing Darling Harbour to be showing off their best side,…

Independent airport lounge network Plaza Premium Lounge opened up its latest lounge offering at Domestic Arrivals, Terminal 1 of Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines earlier this month, upping their presence in the airport following their first lounge in Terminal 2 (International Departures). Seen as one of the smarter options for travellers on long…

It must be hard for a property to maintain its own identity in the ever-competitive market of luxury Bali resorts. Some lean heavily on comfort in the hopes for some distinction, while others are generous with dining options and amenities to set them apart. Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu need not try too hard with the…

Fiji has long been known as one of the happiest nations in the world – a title of no surprise to anyone who has ever landed on that eternally gorgeous archipelago of around 330 islands. Those who have been most definitely would’ve come across a foul-smelling, questionable-tasting, muddy-looking drink called Kava. Widely known for its…

Beer fan? You’re going to want to head along to Sydney’s Central Park on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th because a kombi van will be rocking free beer tastings from the country’s best brewers. It’s part of the “The Four Points Road Trip” by hotel brand Four Points by Sheraton, taking a kitted up kombi…

With the release of the Michelin Guide Singapore 2019, one of the most visited destinations in the world has officially leaped forward in the global culinary race with not one but two restaurants awarded with a coveted three stars. This is the first time since the launch of the Singapore edition of the Michelin guide…

Those who have been to Tokyo before would know that the immense Japanese capital has two airports; one more convenient than the other. Narita, probably the best known and most frequented, is furthest from the city, while Haneda is highly sought by visitors as the most convenient of the two. This is largely due to…

Two decades since first opening its unrivalled harbourside location, Matt Moran’s acclaimed Aria is preparing a custom eight-course tasting menu reflecting on the fine dining restaurant’s legacy. Available all throughout October, the milestone-nodding menu will bring back some of the kitchen’s most beloved dishes from the past 20 years, including a modern interpretation of Moran’s…

One of Sydney’s most referenced Japanese restaurants, Saké Restaurant & Bar in The Rocks, is turning 10 in October and has sights set on a milestone menu that will celebrate the kitchen’s strong legacy. Starting things all the way back in October 2009, the restaurant has been an endearing spot for modern Japanese food set…

Sydney’s burger lords are once again about to join forces in Parramatta’s Prince Alfred Square Park for Burgapalooza. And if previous years are anything to go by, burger fiends can expect some of the best damn creations from both legendary burger chefs and some widely acclaimed newcomers. Festival all-stars Down n’ Out, BL Burgers, Burger…

This weekend, after six years of construction, Canada’s capital Ottawa welcomes a new light rail line to its city – the Confederation Line. With 13 stations (a combination of under and above ground), the 12.5 km rail network will connect the city to its O-Train LRT like never before. And it’s just the start of…

There’s a brand new pop-up in Surry Hills, Sydney that is giving you an opportunity to test your magical mettle and see if you really are a witch or wizard at heart, without having to sit under an oversized floppy pointy hat. 

Speyside distillery Craigllachie, known as “The Bad Boy of Speyside” for their famously rebellious nature, is about to make whisky history by doing something no distillery has done before. In short, they’re about to give away a recently uncovered, long forgotten 51 year old whisky (that’d be worth a fortune) for free. Specifically, the traditional…

Melbourne’s Courtney Barnett is hitting the road again in the USA in January 2020, in what will be her first ever solo tour of the country. She’ll be taking in intimate and iconic venues around the countries, accompanied at almost every show with Melbourne-via-Germany artist Hachiku. Hachiku (Anika Ostendorf to her friends) releases music through…

There are many reasons why Bangkok is one of the most exciting cities in Asia, but first and foremost would be the city’s spectacular street food culture. The bustling Thai city is often seen as a reference point for diverse and delicious street food, maintaining a reputation for no fuss curb-side dining that has endeared…

Contemporary comfort food mecca Hartsyard and Newtown brewing legends Young Henrys are collaborating! That’s not really surprising though, seeing as Newtown’s many, many amazing businesses are known to cross roads regularly. What is surprising is that it’s resulted in the two forces coming together to host bottomless lunches. Every Saturday of this month, there will…

Sydney’s acclaimed Rockpool Bar & Grill is about to launch what is being described as Australia’s most exclusive steak tasting dinner and masterclass series. Set for the last Tuesday of every month in the restaurant’s elegant private dining room, Head Chef Corey Costelloe will lead a session of rare and exclusive cuts of beef, none…

A bit of Santa Monica at one of Sydney’s best hotels, a brand new luxury buffet, a vintage Paris-inspired wine bar and an immersive dessert wonderland. These are just a few of things locals and visitors can expect in Sydney over the next few weeks, popping up as the weather (hopefully) warms up for spring….

Quaint, friendly and absolutely delicious. There are many ways to describe the historic British Columbian capital of Victoria, a small city with a very big heart. It’s often referred to as the highlight on any Canadian itinerary – it’s certainly one of mine – and anyone would surely agree once they walk the serene Ogden…

Perth’s dining scene is full of surprises, especially when it comes to the city’s forever-booming scene of premium hotels popping up between all that increasingly present street art, old school nightclubs and refined cocktail bars. One such surprise is UMA Restaurant at Pan Pacific Perth. It’s Peruvian food making use of local produce and sustainably…

Though The Fantauzzo may be one of Brisbane’s hottest hotel openings of 2019, it’s not Art Series Hotels’ first property for the city. That honour belongs to The Johnson, which made its debut back in 2016, making an impact as a clean-cut tribute to the lasting legacy of master abstract artist Michael Johnson. Part of…

It would require no stretch or exaggeration to proclaim Manta a legend in Sydney’s dining scene. The high-end fixture of Woolloomooloo’s illustrious finger wharf has for 9 years now been the first port of call for schmoozy seafood-centric lunches and luscious business dinners thanks to its uncompromising worship of the highest quality produce. Nothing has…

KFC have brought back their fan-favourite special Zinger Pie to all Australian stores nationwide, resurrecting a limited edition classic that the country hasn’t seen since 2013. Once again, the 100% ‘Straya creation will be available at all of KFC’s Australian locations for a very limited time, allowing people to get their mouths around the golden,…

If the way to dad’s heart is through premium alcohol, you’ve got your job all set out for you this year as Father’s Day fast approaches. Three of the most widely recognised and super premium brands have either released new expressions, or are doing something different for Dad Day, in 2019. And they are well…