Twenty-three 'surprises' for '23

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1. Wink wake-up

Da Nang City’ has added a playful element to its buzzing hotel scene. Wink Hotel Danang Centre offers a trendy interpretation of affordable luxury for the young and young-at-heart. 

The action takes place in the Wink Space on the 19th floor with a sky lobby where guests can self check-in, enjoy a drink at the 24/7 Wink Bar and stock up on snacks, drinks and supplies at convenience store prices in the Grab & Go area. 

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2. Wild luxury

(©Bamurru - Kerry Lorimer)

March to April is the Green Season and the time that Bamurru Plains puts on show-splitting storms, called in the Aboriginal language 'bangerrang'. The local magpie geese (bamurru) come to the party to enjoy the pickings.

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Join one of Australia's most celebrated chefs, Christine Manfield, on a three-night / four-day South Australian safari packed with purpose, bursting with culinary delights, and brimming with outback adventure.

It’s no secret that South Australia packs a flavourful punch when it comes to good food and wine. Add Christine’s passion for tuning into the cycles of nature, eating seasonally and supporting the people contributing to the food on your plate. Her continuous thirst for learning about and giving back to the biodiversity of the land that sustains us, and her well-seasoned appetite for adventure travel, combine on this safari to give you this in spades.

Find out more...

3. Western Australia Tops Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2023 Hotlist

Driving to Purnululu from Mimbi Caves along the Gibb River Road in the Kimberley. (©Lonely Planet)

Global travel authority Lonely Planet has unveiled its 30 must-visit destinations in its Best in Travel 2023. Western Australia illuminated the coveted journey list for its wide-open spaces, city adventures, amazing reefs, beaches, gorges, lakes and monoliths that provide the wondrous backdrop to a plethora of road trips. 

Western Australia is among six global destinations in the journey category alongside cities in Europe, Canada, Africa and Colombia, and is one of two Australian locations in the Best in Travel category.

Read more...

4. Digging for black gold on an island

Best fun ever!

Join truffle dogs on a hunt for rare black truffles in Tasmania for those who just want a truffle story, a hunt but no lunch. This experience takes you into the trufferie to unearth a truffle with your own hands. After unearthing this hidden treasure you are invited to sample a tasting of truffle products. 

Want lunch too?

Join a  Summer Siesta Truffle Hunt experience, where you are invited to unearth a truffle with your very own hands. Follow your hunting experience with a fresh truffle pizza amongst the truffle trees, accompanied with your choice of a glass of Tasmanian gin, wine, or beer. Enjoy this two-hour long experience and soak in the afternoon sun on a picnic rug, by the fire pit or under the cover of our open tour shed and enjoy the reward of your truffle hunt, shaved on top of a cheese pizza. Valid from Dec to Feb 28.

Here's a tour: a World Heritage islands of the sub-Antarctic voyage will call on Macquarie Island which, at latitude 55 degrees, sits halfway between Tasmania and Antarctica.
 
Deep in the Southern Ocean, the World Heritage islands of the Australian and New Zealand sub-Antarctic are home to rare seabirds and marine mammals which have thrived in rugged isolation. Our small ship expedition, with its complement of Zodiacs and Xplorer tender vessels, will take guests up close to these desolate islands - the last landfall before Antarctica. This is seal and penguin country, almost certainly will become a popular voyage amongst hardy explorers.

Book or find out more...

This is for those who like to soak up the atmosphere of a destination as they travel.

Staying or travelling - as the name suggests - guests may travel across India, exploring experiential bungalows, waterfronts, havelis, and more. 

Start in the north, then wrap the experience by travelling down to southern India. Unwind in picturesque plantations and taste authentic delicacies in local homes. Anything is possible.

More information...

7. Och aye! Come and eat!!

Scotland is home to some incredible varieties of food; from succulent seafood and traditional hearty haggis, to colourful vegan dishes and delicious locally sourced ingredients, there is a wealth of food to try. Surrounded by plentiful seas, and with lush mountains, fertile lands and varied weather, Scotland can grow natural produce on its doorstep and supply goodies to the many restaurants and markets across the country.

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties with Whisky Sauce (©Macsween)

Haggis!

When you think of Scottish cuisine, haggis springs to mind. 

Love it (or think you might hate it!) haggis is one of Scotland's most traditional and famous dishes, and full of flavour. Of course this delicious combination of meat, oatmeal, onions, salt and spices needs neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) to make the full meal - and is usually served up with a very welcome dram or two of Scotch whisky. 

Perhaps haggis isn’t the prettiest of foods, but it definitely makes up for that with its flavoursome taste.

Find out more about Scottish food...

8. A curious State

From ancient underground sinkholes you can dive into... 

...to world-class wine and beach coves that look imported from Europe - South Australia is where the curious come alive. 

That's the thing about South Australia, it's a place for those who want a little more. 

This state wants to give you a little more, by finding out what makes you curious. Tell them what intrigues you – what excites you – so that they can give you a local’s insight. Think travel tips, local itineraries, travel blogs, amazing photography, flight deals and so much more!

Make contact here...

SIX Pink places in Asia You Need to Add to Your Must-See List

SIX places that are pretty in pink! From a pink beach to a baby pink palace, to the stunning sight of the pink cherry blossom in Japan, these places are truly pink. Life always looks rosy in these pretty pink-hued destinations.

Life always looks rosy in pretty pink-hued destinations.

See them all...

10. First-timer's guide to the Philippines

El Nido (credit Guiliano Gabella)

Travelling to a new destination is an exciting prospect - sometimes even life-changing - but of course, it always pays to embark on your new adventure prepared with some insider knowledge.

Here are a few useful hints and tips that every first-time visitor to the Philippines should keep in mind during their stay.

Aerial view of Manila (Image by Renato Marzan)

International travellers mostly enter the Philippines via its bustling capital, Manila, but don’t be put off if your preferred final destination in the country seems a little off the beaten path. 

Manila offers frequent flight connections, including low-cost options by Cebu Pacific and full-service flights by Philippine Airlines, to most parts of the Philippines from some of its remote and unspoilt islands to the country’s more popular and well-known hubs. 

  Find out more...

11.Tasty Territory

(Cooinda Lodge)

Visiting the Top End, ditch the dining room for an open-air market or dine under the stars and feast on fresh flavours prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Take a sunset cruise, book a bush tucker experience or join a foodie tour to taste your way through the Northern Territory. 

You’re guaranteed fresh with barramundi, mud crab and other NT seafood featured on Top End menus. Darwin is close to Asia, so dishes here are often prepared with Thai, Malaysian and Indonesian influences to name a few. Darwin’s Greek and Indian heritage also shine through in its restaurant offerings. 

(Nitmuluk tour)

In the Red Centre, try Aboriginal bush tucker dishes made from native fruits and berries; choose a steak or burger from one of the many bistro style venues or take your seat at a five-star dinner experience on a sand dune as the sun sets behind Uluru.

Is your mouth watering?

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12. Japan's winter trail

A snowy escape by foot or snowshoe, and enjoy a magical perspective on this winter escape

 Kyoto-based tour operator Oku Japan is offering a unique way to go off the beaten path. The small group, guided Winter Nakasendo Trail tour invites visitors to walk or snowshoe village to village on the loveliest part of the famed Nakasendo Trail, which linked Kyoto and Tokyo during Japan’s feudal period.

It was the ‘road through the mountains’ followed by feudal lords and their retinues, samurai warriors, merchants, and travellers, along which there were 69 ‘post towns’, where people could stop and rest before continuing the next leg of their journeys. On this tour, guests spend five days walking along the loveliest parts of the trail, enjoying the peace and serenity of the winter landscapes. Depending on the depth of the snow, guests will use snowshoes to follow the route.

Interested?  Here's more...

13. Montana beckons

Mission Mountains (credit Western Montana’s Glacier Country)

Experience the magic of the ‘Old West’ and relive the gold rush era at Bannack State Park, the site of Montana's first major gold discovery in 1862. Wander wooden boardwalks lining the deserted street and peak into 50 buildings that remain - and you can explore inside many of them. Grasshopper Creek still flows nearby and the cemetery and gallows remain. Summertime living history demonstrations including panning for gold and free daily tours make this a lively destination. This National Historic Landmark has a campsite, bird watching, bicycling, hiking, and a rental teepee.

Winter in Yellowstone (credit Dan Avila)
 

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But wait, there's more!!

14. Tastes of Malta

Explore Malta! 

This Mediterranean archipelago boasts over 300 days of sunshine and is a UNESCO listed capital, 

Influenced by neighbouring Sicily and North Africa, Maltese cuisine is the definition of Mediterranean.

Get your tastebuds going with MORE...

15. Need 17 reasons to visit the Maldives?

The Maldives seem like a distant dream for many, but upmarket glossy magazine Signature Luxury Travel has identified 17 wonderful indulgences, which should impress and inspire everyone.

Whether it's overwater villas... (above)

...or next-level Borderless Dining, there is enough for everyone to bring home many priceless memories.

Discover the other 15 reasons...

16. Secrets and Surprises

• a country that does not really exist
• an island which is Spanish for six months of the year and French for the other six
• a hotel room whose bedroom is in France and whose bathroom is in Switzerland
• one of the very few territories on earth not claimed by any country
• a Norwegian territory whose natural resources any country can exploit
• a railway in Germany that belongs to Belgium
• a surprising Italian exclave in the heart of Switzerland, 
• a city consisting of a 14-storey skyscraper,
•  and, an Austrian valley only accessible from Germany ...

...and much more

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If the whole world seems too big - how about specialising in this well-known city?

Where can you peer inside Richard Burton’s tent? Whatever happened to Bedlam? Where can you praise God, buy meatballs and have a sauna? What’s in the House of Dreams? and much more...

Explore this, and many more...

17. A city of music

Hamamatsu's musical roots began with organs and pianos. The city's musical history started in 1887 with the establishment of the reed organ company, Nippon Gakki, now known as Yamaha.

Hamamatsu Museum of Musical Instruments opened in 1981 and is the only one of its kind in Japan with a huge collection of musical instruments from around the world. Showcasing impressive antique European pianos and gamelan from Indonesia alongside famous Japanese brand musical instrument makers pieces, including rare synthesizers, drum machines, and so much more...

...such as, just moments from the Hamamatsu station there is a tower shaped like a harmonica known as ACT CITY, it is identified as a symbol of the city of music. The complex houses a range of halls and hosts all manner of musical performances and concerts and events, from local to international acts. One of the halls is known for its pipe organ and impressive audio equipment. The complex also features outdoor areas like the Chopin Hill park area.

Learn more...

18. Ireland's ancient east

There's nothing quite like the feeling you get as you step inside a 5,000-year-old monument. Or the jaw-dropping coastal view from the top of a 13th century lighthouse. But this is what Ireland's Ancient East is all about: experiencing history from the inside out. 

Ride the waves across to Spike Island in Cork, known as Ireland's Alcatraz, and once the largest prison in the world.

Walk in the footsteps of the Vikings through the narrow streets and medieval treasures of Waterford. Or take a moment on top of the mystical Hill of Tara in Meath, dwelling place of the gods. A trip around Ireland's Ancient East brings history to life against a backdrop of unforgettable scenery. It's time to peel back the past...

Discover even more...

19. Off the rails

The Indian Pacific has enhanced its transcontinental journey, with several exciting new Off Train Experiences on offer for guests travelling on this epic odyssey between Sydney and Perth.  

The experiences will vary between the Eastbound and Westbound journeys, and are now being added to other all-inclusive experiences that are part of the journey. 

These new Off Train Experiences complement the current experiences in Broken Hill, Adelaide, the Blue Mountains, Kalgoorlie, Cook and Rawlinna, creating more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the rich history, breathtaking beauty and exciting cultural scenes that make up an important part of this exceptional rail journey.  

Learn more about the Indian Pacific or make a booking here.  

Make more plans...

20. France on wheels

How can you have more fun in France?

Make a booking, join a group, hop on a bike - and off you go on roads flanked by vineyards, along country lanes, through centuries-old villages. When the day is over, settle down to enjoy the world's best food and wine.

How?

Simply contact HERE...

21. Whisky fit for a Queen

Take a rundown flour mill in small NSW country town on the banks of the Murray River, purchased for just a dollar. Then, after a lot of hard work and a dash of genius, in little over a decade, it  becomes Corowa Distilling Co, attracting worldwide attention with inclusion in the official Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and countless awards.

Dean Druce, the founder, believes that there’s a little bit of the Murray River in every bottle. Starting from the pristine snowy mountains of the Great Dividing Range, the famous Murray River flows past Corowa on its 2,500km journey. Lending some of its purity to the whisky, the river imparts something special into the flavour of the Corowa drop.

Drop in online HERE and learn more...

22. Belmond offers a Villeggiatura

Villeggiatura is the Italian expression of a long and indulgent holiday. And often those stretches of pure relaxation follow on from true moments of exhilaration.

Nowhere does it better than the Amalfi Coast.

More details of relaxing holidays from Belmond...

23. Getting your etiquette right

Few things are more embarrassing. New country, unfamiliar food, cutlery we can't decode...

You love the in Asia- after all, it is one of the best parts of travelling - and the diversity, the colours, the multiple plates, the irreplaceable flavours and aromas from country to country, even region to region. 

But with new food comes new customs.

With that in mind, Secret Retreats wants to share with you some of the common courtesies and food manners in Asian homes, so you can be prepared

They have created a quick guide to dining in six different Asian countries. By the time you arrive, you’ll know everything you need to be an impeccable dinner guest. 

Secret Retreats want to help out...
 

You’re welcome!