LUXURY

N E W Z E A L A N D ’ S O N L Y D E D I C A T E D L U X U R Y T R A V E L M A G A Z I N E 

LUXURY 

RRP $9.95 incl gst 

HOLIDAYS & CORPOR ATE TR AVEL 

Issue 13 Spring 2009 

BHUTAN 

This is the Land of the Thunder Dragon, 

a tiny Buddhist country squashed 

between India and Tibet 

CRUISING THE KIMBERLEY 

Small-ship luxury cruising at its best 

ROTORUA 

A thriving culture and home to some 

of the world’s most beautiful lakes and 

scenery - and it’s right here 

Design 

Hotels 

We find out how this boutique 

chain is winning the world over 

FIJI’S FIRST OVER-WATER VILLAS 

Likuliku Lagoon Resort reviewed 

Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 1 

WIN A ONE NIGHT STAY AT SKYCITY GRAND HOTEL FOR TWO

2 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 3

When Roger and Hayley came all the way from England to tie the knot on Aitutaki, 

they weren’t disappointed. Says Roger, “We’d been planning this trip for two years. 

In this picture, we were following a Californian tradition called ‘trash the dress’, then 

we went snorkeling in our wedding clothes! It was a dream place to go, the people 

are gorgeous ... it’ll stick in our minds for eternity.” 


One tree. One perfect beach. Only one place on earth. Tahiti. 

Call: 0800 955 655 

Click: mondotravel.co.nz 

Visit: your Mondo store 


RRP $9.95 incl gst 

Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 

1 

Editor’s Letter 

Life can get very complicated and we 

can find ourselves becoming wound 

up over the smallest of details. 

This is when we need to stop, step sideways and then 

plunge into observing and enjoying the simple things. 

If you’re a city dweller like me, a weekend in the bush 

or countryside can be the perfect antidote to humdrum 

routines. It encourages you to re-assess, look within and 

then move forward with a clearer vision. 

New Zealand has no shortage of places where you can embrace nature 

and simplicity. By all means, visit some you have not yet explored, but I also 

encourage you to go back to the old favourites with a fresh and open mind. 

Challenge yourself to seek out different experiences and allow yourself to be 

blown away with what you may find. Our Rotorua feature should get you started. 

New Zealand is home to a great many lodges. There is something special about 

staying at small properties – especially the intimate element, such as meeting 

the owners and learning about their passion and vision. It’s good to be around 

people like this, to soak up some of their energy and enthusiasm. It can help put 

the spotlight back on what you wish to achieve in life. 

“Challenge yourself to seek out different 

experiences and allow yourself to be blown 

away with what you may find.” 

Heading to Europe? We take a look at five hot stopovers, while our Style File 

shows you how to pack for the contrasting climates you may encounter from 

stopover to your final destination. 

On your travels you may well notice a new breed of hotel emerging – a 

collaboration between hotel developer and world-class designer. Creative 

designers from the fashion, architectural and art worlds just love the opportunity 

to make their mark on a new hotel. See what makes this trend tick in our Brand 

Insider interview. 

In the end, it’s all about inspiration. Whether you’re drawing it from cutting-edge 

design or from the natural environment, this is one of the greatest of all reasons 

to travel. It’s what we celebrate in every issue, and we hope you enjoy it too. 

Keep broadening your mind through travel. 

N E W Z E A L A N D ’ S O N L Y D E D I C A T E D L U X U R Y T R A V E L M A G A Z I N E 


Issue 13 Spring 2009 

LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel 

Cover shot: Murano Resort, Marrakesh 

Publisher: 

Travel Publications Limited 

Editorial Director: 

Philip Harrison 

Phone: +64 21 477 514 

Email: phil@travelpublications.co.nz 

Editor: 

Melanie Hawkins 

Phone: +64 21 557 579 

Email: mel@travelpublications.co.nz 

Advertising: 

Bonita Burnett 

Phone: +64 21 843 145 

Email: bonita@travelpublications.co.nz 

Contributors: 

Philip Tetley-Jones 

Ben Chandler 

Michael Gebicki 

Pamela Wade 

Paul Rush 

Craig Tansley 

Ange Harrison 

Michelle Taylor 

Creative Director: 

James Rangihika 

Designer: 

HOLIDAYS & CORPOR ATE TR AVEL 

BHUTAN 

This is the Land of the Thunder Dragon, 

a tiny Buddhist country squashed 

between India and Tibet 

CRUISING THE KIMBERLEY 

Small-ship luxury cruising at its best 

ROTORUA 

A thriving culture and home to some 

of the world’s most beautiful lakes and 

scenery - and it’s right here 

FIJI’S FIRST OVER-WATER VILLAS 

Likuliku Lagoon Resort reviewed 

Charisse Joy 

Editorial enquiries: 

Design 

Hotels 

We find out how a boutique chain is 

going beyond expectations long after 

the holiday is over 

WIN A ONE NIGHT STAY AT SKYCITY GRAND HOTEL FOR TWO 

Peter Thornley 

Denise Cohen 

Kiri Price 

Rebecca Avent 

Tim Lamb 

Jackie O’Fee 

Carolyn Hamer-Smith 

Sally Marshall 

Email: info@travelpublications.co.nz 

Contact Details: 

PO Box 559, Shortland Street, 

Auckland 1140, New Zealand 

Phone: 0800 758 759 

Fax: +64 9 300 7511 

Website: www.luxurymagazine.co.nz 

Our preferred retail travel partner is Mondo Travel. 

www.mondotravel.co.nz 

Melanie Hawkins 

Editor, LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel 

Although we endeavour to provide the highest 

level of quality to our content, the views and 

opinions contained within this magazine have 

been obtained from independent sources, and 

Travel Publications Limited explicitly disclaims 

any responsibility for the accuracy, content or 

availability of the information. 


Cover Story 

40 Brand Insider - Design Hotels 

Features 

22 A kingdom high on happiness - 

Bhutan 

25 Rotorua Luxury 

30 5 Unexpected - Rotorua 

36 Small ship luxury cruising - 

North Star Cruises 

70 Express Train under the sea - 

Eurostar 

18 

62 

In Every Issue 

12 Review 

13 Luxury Preview 

40 Brand Insider - Design Hotels 

46 Foreign Exchanges - Brazil 

50 Presidential Suite - Infinity Suite, 

The Langham London 

51 Travel Accessories 

55 24 Hours in - Los Angeles 

56 Style File - Beat changing climates 

in transit 

64 5 Top Stopovers 

72 Celebrity Traveller - 

Denise L’Estrange Corbet 

73 Luxury Found - Directory 

78 Eye in the Sky 

82 Concierge - La Cigale French Market 

30 

22 

Hotel Reviews 

18 The Halkin, London 

32 St. Regis, Bali 

42 Te Vakaroa, Cook Islands 

52 Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji 

58 Fossil Cove, Waiheke Island 

Lifestyle 

62 Great English Gastronomy - London 

68 Heavenly Getaway - The Westin 

Auckland 

64 58 


Review: Spring 2009 

Check out these great events happening over the next couple of months. Ranging from art and culture 

to some of the biggest international events of the year, you’re sure to find something here of interest. 

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race 

For 60 years on Boxing Day, spectators have 

lined the shores of Sydney Harbour to cheer 

on the crews as they begin the gruelling 628 

nautical mile journey to Hobart as part of one 

of the world’s great ocean racing classics. 

www.rolexsydneyhobart.com 

26 December 2009 

Bigger and better for Cathay Pacific 

Luxury Preview 

More fragrant reasons to 

visit Oman 

Join the 60,000 visitors that flock to 

Salalah in the Dhofur region every 

year after the monsoon (from June to 

September) to enjoy the idyllic climate and 

marvel at the gushing springs, spectacular 

waterfalls and strange geyser-like 

blowholes. But mostly, its to experience 

the legendary frankincense that has 

mesmerised us all for generations, from 

the fabled Queen of Sheba, who came in 

search of it, to the Three Wise Men, who 

brought it, along with gold and myrrh, 

when they went calling on baby Jesus. 

Hong Kong is undoubtedly the place to head to or transit through with Cathay Pacific 

Dubai Rugby Sevens 

After a very successful inaugural 

opening at the new purpose 

built sporting venue - ‘The 

Sevens’, Emirates’, this year 

is billed to be even bigger. 

Imagine the excitement of being 

in the middle of up to 50,000 

screaming fans as you watch 

16 of the best Sevens nations 

compete to claim the cup. 

www.dubairugby7s.com 

3 – 5 December 2009 

UBS Hong Kong Open 

Into its 49th year, the Open is 

held at The Hong Kong Golf 

Club, which is recognised as 

one of the leading golf clubs 

in the world. The player field 

includes Professional members 

from the Asian Tour, PGA and 

European Tour. Starting field 

is 144. 

www.ubshongkongopen.com 

12 - 15 November 2009 

Melbourne Cup Day 

London Jazz Festival 

In its 17th year, this is 

London’s biggest jazz festival. 

The ten –day event takes 

place across a range of venues 

from small and intimate clubs 

to major concert halls and 

includes international stars 

like Sonny Rollins. A must for 

lovers of jazz. 

www.londonjazzfestival.org.uk 

13 - 22 November 2009 

offering newly refurbished aircraft and increased capacity. Due to passenger demand, 

from 1 November, Cathay Pacific will increase to a twice daily non-stop service 

between Auckland and Hong Kong with schedules that are designed to provide 

maximum and easy connections throughout the world. And a change from an Airbus 

A340 to a B747-400 aircraft from 13 November (until end February 2010) will mean 

even more seats and a First Class cabin too. 

Even more exciting, from 1 October all flights to and from Auckland will be on Cathay 

Pacific’s newly refurbished aircraft. Changes include fully lie-flat beds in Business 

Class and the innovative fixed back Economy Class seat, which reclines within a fixed 

cocoon shell and means your space will never be impinged on again mid-flight. 

The ultimate European driving holiday 

Sweeping alpine vistas, stunningly engineered hairpin bends, and the most exquisitely 

tuned automobiles known to man. What could be more appealing to the traveller who 

loves to drive and loves to experience the best of Europe? 

Add a selection of luxurious Swiss hotels, and you have the recipe for a holiday like 

no other. 

In 2000, the United Nations declared 

the region a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site for the unique historical legacy of 

its frankincense and today, travellers can 

enjoy it through the souqs that sell it, the 

archaeological sites associated with the 

old routes and a visit to the Museum of 

the Frankincense Land. For more on the 

region, visit www.omantourism.gov.om 

New low fares to LA 

Pacific Blue and V Australia have made it 

easier for Kiwis to book a low fare to the 

USA with online fares now available at 

flypacificblue.com and 

vaustralia.co.nz. For the past four months 

New Zealanders have been able to book 

fares on the Pacific Blue-V Australia code 

share flights via travel agents, but can 

now also go online and book flights. 

Although based in Melbourne, this annual horse racing event 

is celebrated across Australia and brings the entire nation to 

a standstill. A jubilee of fashion, style, Champagne, hats and 

horses, the race takes place in the middle of Melbourne Cup 

Carnival with a number of events before and after the big day. 

www.melbournecup.com 

3 November 2009 

Ultimate Drives have just launched their superb new selection of Swiss driving holidays, 

where they book you into the hotel, provide detailed route maps and arrange the use 

of a superb car. You can choose the excitement of a Porsche 911, Astin Martin, the 

power of a Ferrari 599 or the zippy fun of a Mini Cooper S. 

To find out more, visit www.ultimatedrives.net 

Flights are via a connecting Pacific Blue 

flight to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, 

before catching your LA-bound plane. If 

you book a fare by phone with V Australia 

or through your travel agent, you can 

break your journey in Australia at no extra 

cost. So if you’d like to add on an Aussie 

break, this could be the perfect option. 




Buy your duty free online 

Air New Zealand has launched 

a simple-to-use online store in 

conjunction with DFS New Zealand, 

enabling international travellers 

departing Auckland and Christchurch 

to quickly and easily pre-order tax and 

duty free goods. The new store - 

www.airnzdutyfree.com - allows 

customers to choose from up to 

1,500 products in popular shopping 

categories including cosmetics, 

fragrance, electronics, alcohol and 

confectionery. 

Qantas brings Premium Economy 

to the Pacific 

Luxury takes another leap forward in Asia 

Luxury hotels seem to thrive in Asia. Perhaps it’s the combination of a culture of 

graceful service with some very appealing locations, but there’s no doubt that 

travellers are very well served with top-end hotels. Here are some of the newest 

contenders for your holiday or business travel dollar. 

Luxury hotels seem to thrive in Asia. Perhaps it’s the combination of a culture of 

graceful service with some very appealing locations, but there’s no doubt that 

travellers are very well served with top-end hotels. Here are some of the newest 

contenders for your holiday or business travel dollar. 

New owners, same welcome 

Mooloolaba’s only premier 5-star resort, 

Oceans Mooloolaba Beach Resort, 

is now under new management. 

Expect the same exemplary service, 

fantastic facilities and a location that 

cannot be beaten for your next Sunshine 

Coast escape. 

Every month the store will feature Air 

New Zealand product specials and 

customers will have the opportunity 

to qualify for Airpoints Dollars on 

purchases from DFS New Zealand. 

Rumours Aitutaki is a 

Rumour no more 

The breathtakingly beautiful Aitutaki 

has just got better with the opening 

of Rumours Aitutaki Villas on 7 

September. The three new villas, all 

with private swimming pool, hot spa 

pool for cooler evenings and absolute 

beach front location, are situated on 

the sunset side of the island. 

Imagine long, lazy days revelling in 

the water and evenings spent out on 

your deck enjoying the famous sunsets 

and complete peace and tranquility of 

this special little island. For some great 

opening specials, head to 

www.rumours-rarotonga.com and 

get yourself booked in for a true 

island escape. 

International flights are definitely improved by more legroom, so it’s good to see 

Qantas extending its popular Premium Economy product to trans-Pacific flights. 

Qantas Premium Economy offers you priority check-in and boarding, plus two pieces of 

checked baggage. Onboard are ergonomic seats that are not only extra wide, but extra 

long too. Then there’s the enhanced dining menu complemented by fine Australian 

wines, and personal entertainment screens with on-demand programming. 

Premium Economy is available on selected flights from Auckland and Brisbane to Los 

Angeles and New York (JFK), Sydney and Melbourne to Los Angeles and New York 

(JFK) and from Sydney to San Francisco. 

The America’s Cup is getting closer 

A bit closer to New Zealand, that is. After the most recent Cup, staged in Spain, Cup 

holders Alinghi have opted for Ras al-Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates as the 

venue for the 33rd America’s Cup in February 2010. 

Fred Meyer, Vice-Commodore of the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), says, “This 

is a venue that offers perfect weather and great sailing conditions for a Match in 

February. The authorities have shown tremendous interest in, and support for, hosting 

the America’s Cup; and the country has experience in organising first-class sporting 

events such as ATP tennis, PGA golf and Formula One. They will make a purpose-built 

island available at the Al Hamra Village in Ras al-Khaimah to provide the America’s 

Cup teams, sponsors and fans with an outstanding venue.” 

Now, if only they could arrange for the legal battles to stop and full attention to go 

back on the yacht races. But Cup followers will be taking no bets on the chances of 

that happening. 

Thailand will receive its first Westin resort in 2010. The Westin 

Siray Bay, Phuket will be located on Siray Island, in a private 

cove overlooking the bay and will offer private beach access. 

Staying in Thailand, Langham Hotels International will be 

opening two new properties in Bangkok. You can choose 

between the grand European traditions of the Langham or 

opt for the more modern Langham Place. 

Japan will gain its very first Shangri-La property, with the 

opening of the sumptuous new Shangri-La, Tokyo. With its 

bustling central Tokyo location, the hotel offers guests an 

elegant urban oasis above the city, with stunning views over 

the Imperial Palace and Tokyo city. 

Global recognition for 

Melbourne’s Crown Towers 

Just as Crown Towers has completed a comprehensive A$65 

million enhancement of the hotel’s accommodation rooms 

and suites, the hotel has been awarded three new accolades. 

Crown Towers was named best 5-star hotel and also named 

highly commended business hotel at industry publication, 

Hotel Management magazine’s annual HM Awards. The hotel 

was also named one of the top three city hotels in Australia, 

New Zealand and the South Pacific in the prestigious Travel + 

Leisure magazine’s 2009 World’s Best Awards. 

Ask us about Oberammergau, 

the 2010 Passion Play. 

For an opportunity to stay an extra night, 

book your accommodation in a standard 

2 or 3 bedroom suite for 4 nights or more 

online at www.oceansmooloolaba.com.au 

and receive 1 night free (conditions apply). 

Upmarket, escorted land, cruise, 

riverboat and family journeys. 

Tauck offers over 130 

unique travel experiences 

For brochures and more information call 

Mondo Travel 

0800 955 655 

14 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 15 

worldwide. 

Their journeys reveal the 

essence of each destination 

through first-hand knowledge 

and exploration of the area’s 

history, culture and cuisine.



Viva Las Vegas! 

America’s boldest, brassiest attraction 

never takes a backward step, even in 

recessionary times. So it’s no surprise 

to learn that they’ve just announced a 

massive new development. 

CityCenter is an unprecedented urban 

metropolis situated on 67 acres on the 

Strip between the Bellagio and Monte 

Carlo. The development will add an 

astonishing 6,000 rooms to Las Vegas’ 

inventory of 140,000 rooms. 

Brand new hotels will include the 

61-storey Aria, with 4,004 rooms and 

Cirque du Soleil in residence (their show 

will focus on the life and times of Elvis 

Presley – a true Vegas icon). Other new 

properties include the Mandarin Oriental 

and the all-residential Veer Towers. 

Grape expectations 

Whoever said wine was just for drinking? The recently opened The Vine is the 

only hotel on the Portuguese island of Madeira to exclusively offer Vinotherapy 

treatments containing Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet grape extracts. Known 

for its anti-ageing properties, a Vinotherapy treatment is a surefire way to take 

back the years. 

The most popular treatment is the ‘Red Wine Divine Bath’, involving a full body 

peel, followed by a bath of grape oils, full body massage and a glass of red wine 

of course! Those who favour complete peace and relaxation can further indulge 

in in-room spa treatments where clients will be totally undisturbed. 

More comfort on your flight to Korea 

If you’re flying from Auckland to Seoul after Christmas, you’ll be pleased to learn that 

Korean Air is rolling out upgraded aircraft on the route. The new cabins include brand 

new seats in all classes, with a lie-flat bed if you’re flying in First Class and significantly 

fewer seats (so more space) in Economy. 

Claridge’s brings back glamour 

The famous boudoir from the 1930’s 

and 1940’s is making a comeback. The 

ultra-glamorous ‘Dior Dressing Table 

at Claridge’s’ offers guests a carefully 

curated range of accessories, including 

an elegant cream silk Claridge’s dressing 

gown personalised with guests’ initials, 

high-heeled marabou mule slippers and 

a rose pink cashmere eye mask. On the 

dressing table itself, Christian Dior has 

provided a range of classic fragrances 

including Miss Dior, Diorella, Diorissimo 

and Dioressence – Les Classiques created 

by Dior from 1947 when Christian Dior 

himself said perfume was an outfit’s 

“finishing touch.” 

Further adding to the experience, a 

Dressing Table cocktail menu from 

Claridge’s Fumoir Bar will be available 

featuring cocktails from the 1930s 

including swizzles, daisies, sours and 

juleps, all from the original recipes and 

Palazzo Versace does its bit in style 

The new aircraft will be progressively introduced from 28 

December 2009, with daily services from late March. Your 

In honour of breast cancer research and as a prelude to Breast Cancer month in 

October, Australia’s most fashion-conscious and stylish 5-star hotel, Palazzo Versace 

Gold Coast, called on all couture lovers to Think Pink, don their appropriately 

travel agent will be able to check the seating plans online, 

so make a point of asking and you could book yourself a 

more comfortable trip. 

Just to prove that Vegas culture extends 

beyond showbiz, CityCenter is splashing 

out on the fine arts. A US$40 million 

public Fine Art Programme will see a 

collection of sculptures and large-scale 

installations from artists including Maya 

Lin, Nancy Rubins, Claes Oldenburg, 

Frank Stella and Henry Moore. 

coloured attire and join one of the nation’s leading fashion designers, Charlie 

Brown, for an exclusive fundraising lunch in the hotel’s signature restaurant, 

Vanitas in September. After a similar and successful lunch hosted by Alex Perry in 

July, Palazzo Versace aims to host regular, high calibre designer lunches throughout 

the remainder of 2009. Rumour has it that Akira Isogawa will host a preview 

collection launch mid-October so keep an eye on www.palazzoversace.com for 

confirmation and bookings. 

Luxury meets adventure with 

Aman’s new coastal cruiser 

Book into the Amanwara resort in Indonesia’s Moyo 

Island and you won’t just enjoy the luxury of a stay in one 

of the world’s most exotic tropical resorts, you’ll also be 

able to hop aboard their new 32-metre cruise boat, the 

Eagles N est 

Spring Break package 

Enter Australia without seeing 

a border control officer 

SmartGate uses ePassport data and face 

recognition technology to perform the 

customs and immigration checks usually 

conducted by a Customs and Border 

Protection officer. The two-step process 

offers travellers arriving into Sydney and 

Brisbane another safe, efficient way to 

clear passport control. 

If you’d like to take advantage of this 

convenient automated system, you’ll 

need to be the holder of an electronically 

readable passport and aged 18 or over. 

Amanikan and take part in an unforgettable voyage to 

the home of the Komodo dragon. 

The Komodo Expedition begins with a five-night excursion 

on Amanikan capped by a two-night stay at Amanwara 

where guests can enjoy wall dives from the beach and 

treks to jungle waterfalls, as well as spa treatments and 

a range of water and nature-based activities. During 

the cruise, you may encounter creatures unchanged 

since prehistoric times on a visit to the only two islands 

in the world where the infamous Komodo dragon still 

resides. The journey cruises through the Nusa Tenggara 

island chain to some of the world’s most stunning snorkel 

and dive sites. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Luxury accommodation for 4 nights 

Nightly 3 course meal or Gourmet BBQ of your 

choice prepared by one of our personal chefs 

Bottle of Laurent Perrier Champagne on arrival 

Gourmet breakfast provisions (replenished daily) 

Fresh fruit platter (replenished daily) 

Unlimited wireless Internet access 

2 x 1 hour massages of your choice from our 

Spa Therapies menu 

Selected mini bar items 

from 

NZD$1,795 

inc GST per night 

Valid until December 15 and subject to availability. 

www.eaglesnest.co.nz | admin@eaglesnest.co.nz | +64 9 403 8333 


Bespoke luxury in Belgravia 

The Halkin 

In London, you’re spoilt for choice. Some of the world’s most famous hotel chains have 

their flagship properties here, and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the variety on offer. 

Some of London’s best-kept secrets can be found down discreet side streets in the 

more exclusive districts. The Halkin is a superb example as Philip Tetley-Jones recently 

found out. 

Tucked down Halkin Street, a few minutes stroll from 

Hyde Park Corner, the Halkin doesn’t go out of its way to 

wow you from the street. The Georgian style façade of 

weathered bricks, Portland stone and arching windows 

gives little away. But appearances can be misleading, 

because this is one of those establishments favoured by 

those in the know. Without dropping any names, it’s a 

fact that certain supermodels and international tycoons 

favour the Halkin as their London base. With just 41 

rooms and suites, it offers all the sophistication of much 

larger establishments, but with an intimate style of 

personal service that can’t be easily replicated in more 

grandiose environments. 

Developed by the Ong family, who are also behind the 

legendary COMO resorts in Asia, the Halkin displays a 

captivating blend of European and Asian influences. 

Staff wear a stylish uniform, designed by Armani; and 

Mrs Ong personally chose the oriental antiques that 

decorate public spaces. There’s a sense that every 

detail has been subjected to careful deliberation and 

unwavering quality standards. To give just one example, 

the bed linen is 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton, 

giving a natural but distinctly luxurious touch to your 

night’s sleep. 

Our Halkin experience began with a warmly personal 

greeting at check-in and the offer of complimentary fruit 

delivered to our room. The room itself was decorated in 

soothing tones of pale cream fabrics and honey-gold 

marble, with warm wood panelling adding a classic 

touch to the surroundings. In-room entertainment 

was delivered via 36” flat screen Sony Bravia TV, with 

wireless Internet to hook you up to the Web. 

The bathroom was a delight to the eyes – and 

most of the other senses as well. It’s a generously 

proportioned, all-marble environment with a deep 

tub, separate walk-in shower, anti-mist mirrors and 

generous supplies of COMO Shambhala toiletries. 

These are exclusive to the COMO group and provide a 

subtle reminder of the health-giving philosophy that 

underlies the hotel’s hospitality. 

As always, it was the extra touches that captured the 

essence of 5-star luxury. Returning from late night 

drinks at the trendy Met Bar (another COMO property), 

we noticed that lights had been dimmed in our room 

and slippers had been placed on a small mat by the 

bedside. No need to rummage in the wardrobe! 

Another example: on requesting laundry service for 

some business shirts, these were returned the same 


Nahm 

Thai cuisine with a Michelin star 

If you’re thinking of variations on Pad Thai and the other 

familiar classics, stop right there because the menu at Nahm 

offers a taste of a very different world. 

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW 

THE HALKIN, LONDON 

OUR RATING: 9.1/10 

Australian Executive Chef David Thompson has devoted 

decades to researching and recreating the classics of Thai 

banquet cuisine. Nahm has devised a menu that embodies 

the classic Thai virtues of balance and purity of flavours 

that has resulted in a prized Michelin star – the first to be 

bestowed on any Thai restaurant in Europe. 

A word with the Halkin concierge secured our table at Nahm, 

and we entered the restaurant with our hopes high. The meal 

began with an explanation of the Thai banquet approach and 

although you can order à la carte, it’s well worth going with 

a five-course mini banquet. This entails choosing a sequence 

of dishes from the menu so that you experience a succession 

of flavours – starting with soup and proceeding to salad, a 

stir-fry, a classic Thai curry and relish. 

All the dishes arrive together and diners help themselves. 

With a little guidance from the waiter, we selected a palatefreshening 

soup followed by a crunchy salad with spicy 

prawns. Stir-fried squid with spring onion and chilli delivered 

the classic hot and spicy Thai flavours, contrasting nicely with 

a roast duck curry. The standout was a green curry with 

exquisite salted chicken and fresh Thai basil. Ingredients had 

been carefully blended to tantalise the palate and deliver a 

succession of contrasting yet complementary flavours. 

This is one of the best dining experiences you can look 

forward to in London – a reminder that the British capital is 

now home to some of the world’s greatest chefs. 

COMO Suite 

day, pressed, pinned and folded as if they were brand new. 

There is nothing quite like putting on a crisp new shirt, and 

this level of service makes one feel like a million dollars. 

Breakfast was served in the ground-floor restaurant and 

included an assortment of organic variations on English 

and Continental themes. I enjoyed the delicious homemade 

muesli and fruit selection, and also tucked into some 

perfectly poached, organic, hens’ eggs. The Halkin is also 

home to one of London’s finest Thai restaurants, Nahm 

(see the separate review for more details). 

We were impressed by the Halkin’s fusion of European 

and Asian style, and completely won over by the service. 

The Halkin offers travellers a superb base from which to 

explore the cosmopolitan delights of London, with a 

relaxing ambience that makes one want to stay for weeks. 

Without spending a cent on advertising, it has attracted a 

devoted following who return to its suites time and time 

again. Understated yet luxurious, this is high modern style 

in the best possible taste. 

Room cost: 

Double Room from NZ$880 

per room, per night 

Reservations: For bookings or enquiries please 

call Mondo Travel on 0800 955 655. 

Opened: 1991 

Location: Halkin Street, London. 

Ambience /style: Contemporary British with Asian/Euro 

influences. 

Clientele: Private individuals, international VIPs and a 

sprinkling of celebrities. 60% of guests are repeat customers. 

Awards: Sunday Times Travel Magazine Readers’ Awards 

2008 Favourite Hotels in London; AA 2008 5 Red Stars; 

Visit London Awards 2007 Best Small Hotel, Gold Winner; 

Zagat Guide 2007 Best Thai in London: Nahm; Visit London 

Awards 2005 Small Hotel of the Year; Visit Britain Awards 

of Excellence, Silver Winner. 

Interesting facts: Personally designed by Christina Ong, 

the owner’s daughter. The Ong family is behind the Asianbased 

COMO group of luxury resorts. They couldn’t find a 

hotel they liked in London, so opened their own! 

Room number: 41 guestrooms. 

Room type: Rooms range from King Double Rooms around 

30m 2 , to the premium COMO suites with a king-sized 

bedroom, separate sitting room, bathroom and dining 

table for six. 

Bathroom: All bathrooms have separate bath and shower. 

Sumptuous honey-marble fit-out and COMO Shambhala 

toiletries and accessories come as standard. 

Business needs: Wireless broadband in all rooms, plus 

secretarial services on demand. 

Deluxe Bathroom 

Deluxe Room 

Spa facilities: None on premises, but guests have access 

to COMO Shambhala Urban Escape at the Metropolitan 

London, a five-minute walk away. Two treatment rooms 

offer Asian-inspired holistic therapies such as reiki 

and reflexology. 

Restaurants and bar info: 1 (Nahm, on ground level 

off lobby). 

Stuff for kids: The Halkin is aimed at individual and 

corporate customers rather than family groups, although a 

small family group could be easily accommodated in a suite 

plus separate room. 

‘X’-Factor: A great location, minutes from Hyde Park Corner 

and within easy walking distance of the West End and 

Knightsbridge. A superb base for business or leisure in the 

sophisticated heart of one of the world’s great cities. 

What’s great: Ultra-modern but understated design that 

blends Asian and contemporary European influences. With 

only 41 rooms and suites, service is personal as well as being 

very polished. 

What’s not so great: It may be asking too much in central 

London, but I would have loved a swimming pool to relax 

and catch up on exercise after a hard night on the town. 

Editor’s tip: Ask for one of the King Superior Rooms, which 

face onto the private internal garden. Or treat yourself to 

a Suite and enjoy more space and privacy. 

Website: www.halkin.como.biz 

Reservations: for information or enquiries please phone 

Mondo Travel on 0800 955 655. 


hutan 

A kingdom high on happiness 

Everyone loves a fairytale. Wildly romantic stories of beautiful 

princesses and handsome princes, of brave kings and loyal 

queens all destined to fall in love and live happily ever after. 

Particularly when the fairytale takes place in a mystical kingdom 

tucked away high in the Himalayas and set to a backdrop of 

dramatic mountain peaks, ancient fortresses and far-away 

temples from which the chants of red-robed monks drift across 

the lush, green valleys. This is the Land of the Thunder Dragon, 

a tiny Buddhist country squashed between India and Tibet and 

often referred to as the world’s last Shangri-la. This is Bhutan. 

Story: Carolyn Hamer-Smith 

Photography: Michelle Taylor 


With all the hallmarks of a magical kingdom, Bhutan boasts 

spectacular mountains, virgin forests, pristine rivers, clean, 

crisp air, striking views of the eastern Himalayas, a policy of 

Gross National Happiness (designed to respect cultural and 

ecological integrity while steering economic development 

into quality of life for the people), a revered King and a 

happy, contented people. Bhutan is also a country steeped 

in tradition successfully preserving its ancient culture with 

people continuing to wear traditional dress, consisting of a 

kira for women and a gho for men. 

The country is named after the claps of thunder that shake 

the valley in the monsoonal months and was heralded in 

2008 as one of the most exclusive destinations in the world - 

a major accomplishment for a destination that was closed to 

the world until 1974. Since then, via a measured and cautious 

approach to tourism, Bhutan has successfully limited the 

damaging effects of large-scale tourism and positioned itself 

as one of the world’s most captivating luxury destinations. 

My first visit to Bhutan was undertaken rather bravely, 

in the winter of 2000, and while the bracing night-time 

temperatures were a true test of the intrepid traveller within, 

the days were warm and clear with brilliant blue skies 

affording unrivalled views of the Himalayas. These were 

particularly dramatic as we descended into the western valley 

of Paro. As the plane gradually emerged from the clouds and 

sunlight streamed through the cabin, a staggering expanse 

of snow-capped mountains filled the horizon. Shortly after, 

the plane dipped into the valley below, weaving magically 

between the mountains as if it were not a cumbersome piece 

of machinery at all but a nimble bird darting between trees, 

landing gracefully at the one and only airport in Bhutan. 

For those looking for more excitement, Bhutan’s mountains 

and rivers are adventure playgrounds just waiting to be 

explored. Activities range from white water rafting and 

kayaking to hikes to far-away monasteries with the evening 

spent at a luxury campsite, dinners in the candle-lit grounds 

of an ancient fort, mountain biking on remote off-road 

trails to traditional hot stone baths prepared under the stars 

at night, perfect for those aching limbs after a long day of 

action. There is even the opportunity to learn the loved and 

ancient art of archery from the locals, or take time to enjoy a 

round of nine holes on the Thimphu golf course - at 2500m 

above sea level it is the highest one in the world! 

But there is also a stillness to Bhutan, a peace, something 

bordering on the mystical that is encapsulated by the tiny 

temples perched high on the mountain tops, the soft, lulling 

prayers of the monks that float through your window in the 

early morning and in the distance the soft chime of cowbells 

as yak-herders traverse the rugged mountainside. For those 

looking to experience life on BST, or Bhutan Stretchable Time, 

as the locals call it, then this is the perfect place - enjoy a 

custom-designed yoga retreat, take a Buddhism workshop, 

contemplate life in a morning meditation class or indulge in 

one of the wellness spas offered by the one or two luxury 

hotels tucked away in the surrounding mountain forests. 

In recent years, a scattering of exclusive and beautifully 

appointed properties have opened across Bhutan offering 

travellers the opportunity to enjoy a cross country sixstar 

experience. Thankfully, these have been designed 

thoughtfully and sympathetically, treading lightly on the 

pristine environments in which they reside. Aman Resorts has 

opened a selection of beautiful boutique properties in Paro, 

Thimphu, Punakha and most recently Bumthang in Central 

Bhutan and the secluded Uma Hotel (a member of the Como 

Hotels & Resorts group) commands wonderful views across 

Paro valley and has plans for a second property overlooking 

the upper reaches of the wild Mo Chhu river in Punakha. 

Despite these developments, things happen slowly in Bhutan 

and sometimes not at all, which, for those like me, who, in a 

previous life made a career out of time management, timelines 

and being on time, can be the ultimate test of these well honed 

skills. But the rewards are priceless, opening up long stretches 

of time for conversation to flow, for spontaneous friendships 

to form and for warm, human connections to be made. 

Returning to Bhutan several years later, this time to live, I 

found my most memorable moments to be those in which I let 

time give way and magic take over… a meander by a rushing 

river with a trail of little monks for companions… a visit to 

the vegetable markets for sweet, masala tea with a lovely 

old man who sells me luscious red chillies with a mischievous 

look in his eye, or at the local disco where everyone knows 

my name and I meet a Bhutanese Princess and my lovely new 

friends tell me I don’t need to pay for my drinks, not now, 

or tomorrow, maybe next time, another time, whenever you 

have time… I realise I don’t know the time…. the mountains 

so still, so ancient that they imbue a timelessness into your 

travels and you have no choice but to let go. 

For those who make the effort to journey to this special place, 

so untouched by the harried angst of a far away world, there 

awaits an invitation to drop your worries at the door and 

relax into a gentler pace of life, letting the magic of Bhutan 

wash over you. 

More info 

Getting there: Druk Air flies daily into Bhutan from 

Bangkok, Delhi and Kathmandu. Bookings can only be 

made through a registered Bhutan tour operator. 

When to go: Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures 

and a variety of ancient festivals occur during these 

periods. Avoid the monsoonal summer months of June, 

July and August. 

Must see/do: 

 

dramatically to the mountain side in the picturesque 

valley of Paro. 

 

in a traditional dish of cheese, onions, and red rice. 

 

prepared with the healing waters of local springs. 

Rotorua 

Melanie Hawkins recently went searching for the unexpected in Rotorua. 

Driving into Rotorua on a beautiful winter afternoon, I caught a glimpse of the 

Agrodome and Rainbow & Fairy Springs signs. My mind flashed back to my childhood 

and the wonderful family trips we had to this region. I’m sure that nearly every New 

Zealander has been to Rotorua at some point. It’s our thriving cultural zone, natural 

volcanic wonderland and home to a bounty of beautiful lakes. For this trip, I was in 

pursuit of an ‘unexpected’ Rotorua and was going to be staying 

in three of the region’s most luxurious properties. 

First up was Lake Okareka Lodge by Lebua Hotels and and feminine aspects of the room. Dark wood furniture is 

Resorts. Discreet and hidden away, this exclusive retreat is for softened with light coloured panelled walls featuring a floral 

those wanting privacy from the world and to be surrounded motif. There is much attention to detail in the suites, including 

by nature and tranquillity. Think space – there is so much of the lighting, and all spaces take advantage of the sweeping 

it with the expanse of lake that makes the lodge location on views. An oversized bathroom and large walk–in wardrobe 

a secluded peninsula quite spectacular. There are only three with ample drawers and cupboards to spread out and unpack 

large suites which combined can accommodate up to nine for your stay help to make you feel truly at home. 

guests at a time. A relatively new concept for New Zealand, 

The lodge has a dedicated chef, David Robinson who creates 

Lake Okareka offers only single bookings which are ideal 

personalised breakfasts, lunches and five course dinners 

for extended family groups, couples celebrating an event or 

which form part of the all inclusive tariff. Some of the meal 

indulgent honeymooners. 

highlights for me included an entrée of New Zealand scampi 

Taking nearly a year to renovate, titivate and re-launch as the with Wasabi mayonnaise accompanied by a salad of daikon, 

epitome of luxury, there has been no expense spared at Lake mungbean sprouts and coriander and a delicious dessert 

Okareka Lodge – opulent furniture, silent central heating/air of French chocolate cake with liquorice ice cream – very 

conditioning, multi-room audio system, 800 thread count decadent indeed! 

bed linen, Bvlgari amenities, dedicated spa suite, high-tech 

In places like this, you can’t hep but want to immerse yourself 

gym, baby grand piano, climate controlled wine cellar, private 

in the natural surrounds – whether it be cycling, fishing, 

use of jet ski and outdoor Jacuzzi to name just a few. 

kayaking or walking. I took a short stroll down the road 

The suite furnishings are an interesting mix of sheen and plaid to the start of the Lake Okareka boardwalk and on a crisp 

with the use of light and dark shades to accent the masculine winter morning the area was teaming with native birdlife and 


eautiful countryside portraits. It’s a wonderful idea to be 

able to walk through the reeds and rushes and get amongst 

the local inhabitants while still keeping your feet dry the 

entire time. 

At Lake Okareka Lodge the service I experienced was 

excellent. The 24-hour butler staff are attentive without being 

overbearing and exude a genuine ‘Kiwi’ persona – warm in 

their manner and professional in their service. And being 

on the lookout for ‘unexpected’ elements, I was pleasantly 

surprised when I was presented with a fully valeted car on the 

morning of my departure. It’s these sorts of things that stay 

in your mind and set the ‘exceptional’ apart. 

After checking out, my appetite for the water had been triggered 

and I found myself boarding Pure Cruises’ catamaran, Tiua, 

the only one of its kind on Lake Rotoiti. This luxurious beauty 

is a great way to see what the lake has to offer and combined 

with Tina and Matt’s wonderful hospitality, probably one of 

the best cruises available. We visited the natural hot springs 

located at Manupirua (only accessible by boat), bathed, relaxed 

and enjoyed a wonderful lunch and afternoon onboard. 

Unlock a secret spot 

in Rotorua 

And there are plenty... for a little sophistication and elegance you can’t 

go past Rotorua. The region is home to more than 10 luxury lodges, 

many of which are nestled on the shores of sparkling lakes. Discover 

breathtaking secret spots or absorb the region’s sights in comfort and 

style on a luxury tour. 

Come here and revel in the royal treatment we can offer. You deserve it. 

Visit www.rotoruaNZ.com for more information. 

Next on my list was the famed Solitare Lodge and the scenic 

drive alongside Rotorua’s well known Blue and Green Lakes 

really whets the appetite for the lodge’s location, perched 

commandingly on a private peninsula on Lake Tarawera. 

The arrival here is also discreet and welcoming and all suites 

have glorious views. With the sun glistening on the cool lake 

waters and the unique sound of a tui’s chattering melody 

breaking through the otherwise silent surrounds, you can’t 

help but wind down a notch or two. 

My suite looked out over the lake to Mt Tarawera and beyond 

and as I gazed out to the setting sun, I found myself thinking 

that this historic land formation reminded me of the aweinspiring 

Uluru in Australia’s heartland. If you have ever 

travelled to Uluru and watched the sunlight and shadow play 

on the rock, then you’ll know exactly what I mean. Solitaire 

was New Zealand’s first purpose-built lodge in the 1970s and 

still retains a respected place. Owner, Wayne Tomlinson and 

his wife, Ingrid Jaques, exude a heart-warming charm and 

Assistant Manager, Graeme Fairey, has taken ownership of 

the dedicated New Zealand wine selection and will advise 

matching with your meal. The main lodge lounge has a 

comfortable and homely feel with a roaring fireplace above 

which sits a stunning original painting of the long gone but 

not forgotten pink terraces; the natural formation that was 

destroyed along with the white terraces when Mt Tarawera 

erupted in 1886. 

“...the area was teaming with 

native birdlife and beautiful 

countryside portraits.” 

At Solitare, you can stay cocooned in your suite and emerge 

only when the delicious food is served (my vanilla scented 

French toast and homemade preserves were mouthwatering), 

or you can wrap up and explore the surroundings 

by foot on one of the many walking tracks or by helicopter, 

floatplane or boat – it’s really up to you. 

I wandered down through the bush, observing the brilliant 

lime green moss beds, the morning dew adorning lush green 

fern fronds and the dense undergrowth that puts you in awe 

of how the early settlers brokered their way through the 

difficult terrain. The track emerged onto the stony lakeshore 

with crystal clear and icy cool water gently lapping and a 

view beyond that was picture perfect. 

“...untouched and a fine example 

of a natural wonder to 

be enjoyed exactly as it is.” 

Allow Wayne or one of the boat cruise companies in the 

area to take you on a thrilling jet ride over Lake Tarawera. 

We went early in the morning and encountered heavy mist, 

which made the trip so much more eerie and interesting. 

We explored some scenic bays and then headed to the 

lake’s own ‘hot water beach’. I’m a real fan of the acclaimed 

Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel region but I was very 

impressed with this lake’s sizzling gem. Untouched and a 

fine example of a natural wonder to be enjoyed exactly as 

it is. Lie in the lakeside shallows, dip into a naturally formed 

rock pool or a little further on, rest within a heated stream 

under shady trees. 

Solitaire Lodge is a New Zealand icon and Wayne is planning 

a renovation of the suites soon that will convert some of the 

1970s architecture - considered trendy at the time - into a 

format that is more suited to today and will only add to the 

overall package that Solitare has to offer. 

It had been years since I’d visited the Polynesian Spa and so 

a trip into town was next. With over 130 years of thermal 

bathing history and a world-famous reputation, the spa has a 

number of shared or private pools to choose from containing 

either shallow-spring acidic water or deep-spring alkaline 

water ranging from 36-42°C. I for one could feel the benefits 

of these naturally heated therapeutic waters soaking into my 

skin and inner being and could see why they are regularly 

voted as a World Top Ten medical and thermal day spa by 

readers of Condé Nast Traveller. Spa mud therapies and 

hydro spa treatments are also on the menu and a visit to the 

spa shop is a must as it has one of the most comprehensive 

selections of ranges I have ever seen. 

Feeling relaxed and chilled, it was back on the road and off 

to Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate. The vision of owner, 

26 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 

From top to bottom: Garden Suite at Lake Okareka Lodge, Lake Okareka 

Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 27 

Lodge at dusk, cuisine at Lake Okareka Lodge, Solitaire Lodge

John Sax, was to build not just a lodge but also a wilderness 

and personality and also his way of bringing you closer to 

sanctuary. You certainly get a sense of that on the glorious 

understanding and respecting the land and her abundance. 

drive through native bush on part of the 2500-hectare 

Having only just touched the surface of what Treetops Lodge 

property. You arrive feeling like you really have stepped away 

has to offer, I really do look forward to being able to visit 

from the world. A grand entrance of flowing water, rocks, 

again with more time to really explore this abundant estate. 

native fauna and commanding carved wooden doors adorned 

with ornate trout handles entices you inside to an impressive 

space. Views out to the bush-clad property beyond catch 

your eye but it is the ceiling height that is most striking in the 

grand room and the abundance of artefacts and artwork that 

captures the essence of New Zealand. 

It was the end of my trip and I’d discovered a new Rotorua – a 

plentiful oasis on our doorstep that can give you a different 

experience every time you visit. I suggest you make a trip 

there soon and embrace the beauty and abundance that is 

Rotorua and at the same time open your mind to the lodge 

experience. New Zealanders can be a little shy about this 

My villa was nestled only a short walk from the main lodge 

type of accommodation but we needn’t be. It’s people that 

and elevated so that I really did get the sense of being within a 

add so much to a travel experience and when staying at a 

bush canopy. Slate columns accented the rich furnishings and 

an open fire created a welcome setting to retreat back to. 

The estate has over 70km of hiking trails, mountain bike 

tracks, horse treks and 4-wheel driving plus clay target 

shooting, stream or lake fishing and hunting. You can get 

as innovative as you like and really immerse yourself into 

what this magnificent environment has to offer. Or you can 

stay around the main lodge house and enjoy each room 

that has its own unique appeal – the comprehensive library, 

traditional games room, the day room for quiet reflection or 

Conservatory at Treetops Lodge 

the communal kitchen that serves up a number of tempting 

treats throughout the day. 

I was up for a really humbling experience in the afternoon 

and it was my pleasure to venture out with Chef Eru on a 

walk through the bush. I learnt all about edible plants and 

their other uses for healing and medicinal purposes that 

date back into Maori heritage. We looked for and gathered 

Kareao (Supplejack) vine – the young stems can be eaten raw 

and taste similar to green beans, Horopiko plant – the leaves 

are chopped up and added to food for a hot spicy flavour, 

and Pikopiko fronds from the Manku (Hen & Chicken) fern as 

we slowly made our way to the property’s aptly named Bridal 

Veil Falls. The falls were a truly magnificent sight and added 

a sense of connectedness between us and the land as Eru 

prepared our ‘hangi in a pan’ using Manuka branches to add 

a smoky flavour, Patete leaves to cover the food, followed by 

wet potato sacking. The end result, served with Kawakawa 

lodge you could learn first hand from the owner the intimate 

history about the site and the lodge’s reason for being and 

even share each other’s life stories. Or if cuisine is more your 

thing then you have the opportunity to converse directly with 

the chef and be inspired by their passion. And then there 

are the guests – you never know where in the world they 

may be from. But it’s not all about the interaction either. 

Private dining is offered by most lodges nowadays and if you 

are more into getting some much needed R&R, they won’t 

interfere. It’s at lodges that you arrive as a guest and leave 

as a friend with a host of unique and personal memories of 

your stay. 

leaf tea sweetened with Manuka honey was a delicious 

profusion of flavours that made me exclaim, “This is the best 

hangi I’ve ever tasted!” 

More info 

Lake Okareka Lodge by Lebua Hotels and Resorts 

www.lebua.com/okareka 

Rates start from NZ$5,063 based on 1-2 persons per night 

and includes pre-dinner drinks, five course dinner and full 

breakfast. 

Solitaire Lodge is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World 

brand. www.slh.com/solitaire 

Rates start from NZ$720 per person per night and includes pre 

dinner drinks and canapés, four course evening meal and full 

breakfast. 

Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate is part of Small Luxury 

Hotels of the World brand. www.slh.com/treetops 

Rates start from NZ$552 per person per night and includes 

pre dinner cocktails, four course dinner and full breakfast. 

Part of the charm of this experience was Chef Eru’s knowledge 

Pure Cruise 

www.purecruise.co.nz 

Polynesian Spa 

www.polynesianspa.co.nz 

International flights 

Air New Zealand will launch twice-weekly trans-Tasman flight 

services between Rotorua International Airport and Sydney 

International Airport on December 12. The airline will fly A320 

aircraft on a Saturday-Monday service initially, becoming a 

Saturday-Tuesday service from February 2010. 


Treetops Lodge at dawn

3. Explore the legends of Mokoia Island 

5unexpected in 

Rotorua 

When you think of Rotorua, what do you picture? Is it 

only hot mud pools and geysers and that unique strong 

sulphur smell? Or do you see a myriad of walking tracks 

and mountain biking trails, excellent trout fishing, superb 

indigenous food and luxury lakeside accommodation? 

Rotorua really does have it all and we have put together 

our top 5 unexpected ‘must-dos’ in Rotorua to really 

enhance your next visit. 

Found in the very centre of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island is a 

sacred gem. One of New Zealand’s most accessible native bird 

sanctuaries, this is the place to be for a chance to spot birds that 

are now extinct throughout mainland New Zealand. Keeping 

with a traditional flavour, a Maori guide will take you on a tour 

and share the island’s stories and history while visiting ancient 

landmarks that include pre-European pa and cultivation sites, a 

rock statue and fresh water springs. Sample food infused with 

indigenous flavours beside the Wai Kimihia hot pool, where, 

according to one of Rotorua’s most famous stories, Hinemoa 

and Tutanekai were at last united. 

Mokoia Island Experiences, www.mokoia-island.co.nz 

1. Walk an indigenous food trail 

For over 800 years, Maori have harvested the forest for food and 

medicines. Now you too can learn the secrets of the forest and 

walk with a Maori chef as he collects indigenous ingredients such 

as Pikopiko, Horopito and Kawakawa to prepare a splendid meal… 

with your help of course! Tours can easily be tailored to include a visit 

to a flea market to source further ingredients or a traditional meal at 

your chef’s home. 

Kinaki (Chef Charles Royal), www.maorifood.com 

Treetops Lodge & Wilderness Estate (Chef Eru Tutaki), www.treetops.co.nz 

2. Our very own New Zealand sparkling lakes district 

Did you know there are 16 lakes in the district? With so many activities 

around the lakes, like walking tracks and barbeque areas, it is easy to stay 

on land. However, getting out on the water is something special and there 

is a new way to do this onboard a catamaran on Lake Rotoiti. 

Pure Cruise, Lake Rotoiti, www.purecruise.co.nz 

4. Play golf on a geothermal course 

As if golf isn’t enough of a challenge, why not throw in a few 

natural hazards such as bubbling mud pools and steaming 

craters to really spice things up? The Rotorua Golf Club (or 

Arikikapakapa) is situated in an active thermal area called 

Whakarewarewa, near the central city, and dates back to 

1906, making it the longest-running club in town. Choose 

from an 18-hole, all-weather links course or a nine-hole 

geothermal course for a game with a difference. Rotorua also 

boasts several other world-class courses, such as Hamurana, 

Government Gardens and Springfield. 

Arikikapakapa, www.rotoruagolfclub.co.nz 

5. Fly over a dormant volcano 

Probably Rotorua’s most well known landmark, Mt Tarawera 

erupted in 1886, killing more than 150 people and destroying 

the famed Pink and White Terraces. Today, visitors can fly 

over this forbidding mountain and explore the summit and 

crater. Walk to the crater rim and do a scree slide down into it 

before biking or four-wheel driving back down the mountain. 

Experienced pilots and guides will lead you through the 

unsurpassed beauty, mind-blowing history and exhilarating 

thrills in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Mt. Tarawera NZ Ltd, www.mt-tarawera.co.nz 

This page: Waka on Lake Rotorua 

Opposite 30 page Your from ultimate top to bottom: luxury and Lake corporate and crater travel of Mt Tarawera, resource. Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 31 

Lake Tarawera, cuisine from indigenous food trail, the Rotorua Golf Club

Our St. Regis experience began the moment we touched down 

at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Within minutes of arrival we 

were whisked through the immigration process and chauffeured 

away in the air-conditioned comfort of a new Mercedes. The ride 

to the resort was a pleasant 25 minutes and upon arriving at the 

main entrance we could tell we were in for something special. 

You enter the grounds beneath a massive wooden structure, 

teeming with exotic plant life that’s reminiscent of a modernday 

rain forest. You are then escorted down a palm tree-lined 

driveway to the large open-air lobby with its uninterrupted views 

over the Indian Ocean. 

One noticeable difference between The St. Regis and some of its 

very large Nusa Dua competitors is its size, or rather, its lack of 

size. With only 123 suites and villas, it has a sense of exclusiveness 

that’s lost with some of the monster-sized resorts, which can start 

to feel a bit like a 5-star holiday camp. 

Apart from its boutique size and sense of space, this property 

felt quite different from any I have visited and in fact distinctly 

at variance with what I had expected. The operators seem to 

have cleverly combined the luxurious touches, service and suite 

interiors that you would expect with a brand like St. Regis, but 

through eclectic architecture and design, created a resort that 

stands out. 

The designers had obviously been given a large sum of money 

to spend and told to come up with something stunning. They 

responded with sunken lava rock living rooms in the swimming 

lagoon, complete with rock sofas and chairs, plus an array of 

floating platforms for sunbathing, beautiful sculptures and 

intriguing art pieces. The imaginative effort was inspired and 

so was the execution, with beautiful workmanship and superb 

attention to detail evident throughout the resort. 

Review 

St. Regis - Bali 

Phil Harrison checks into one of Bali’s newest resorts, 

and samples the world’s most irresistible breakfast. 

Very few luxury brands enjoy the pedigree of St. Regis. 

Founded by John Jacob Astor when he opened the 

landmark St. Regis Hotel in New York over a century 

ago, the St. Regis brand has become a byword for 

bespoke service and refined elegance at some of the best 

addresses in the world. 

On this occasion, we would be sampling the delights of 

the brand new St. Regis Bali, the chain’s first resort in Asia 

as well as the first international luxury resort on a prime 

enclave of Nusa Dua beachfront at the southernmost tip 

of the island. 

The main hotel building is home to the resort’s suites, where 

stand-alone villas sit beside an absolute marvel of a lagoon that 

meanders its way to a glorious swim-up bar directly on the beach. 

The two ultra-exclusive house-size Residences and Strand Villas 

are located along the beach. 

Our stay was in a two-bedroom Lagoon Villa and its prime position 

on the lagoon means you can simply roll off your lounger directly 

into the lagoon or cool off in your own private pool complete 

with freestanding bale. 

Each villa is a stand-alone building with its own walled compound. 

Once inside, you enter directly into a 9 x 5 metre open-plan lounge/ 

dining area with pitched cathedral ceiling. Extra-wide plantation 

shutters provide privacy on all windows, while sumptuous thickwoven 

rugs over rich native timber floors add luxury underfoot. 

The mix of quality Indonesian and Colonial-style furnishings 

combine to create a truly remarkable space. 

The two bedrooms are located off the main lounge area, with 

the master at the front and the guest bedroom at the rear. 

Each has its own marble-laden bathroom with double vanities, 

freestanding tub and super-sized rain shower. The interior is 

elegance personified, but with lovely detailing to remind you that 

you’re staying at one of the world’s finest new resorts. 

32 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. 

From top to bottom: Resort façade, lobby, 

33 

Butterfly Garden detail


ST. REGIS, BALI 


Opened: September 2008. 

Location: Prime plot of Nusa Dua beachfront and adjacent to 

the Bali Golf and Country Club. 

Ambience/style: The classic understated elegance of 

St. Regis cleverly infused with a modern take on the best of 

Balinese architecture. 

Clientele: Mix of mainly wealthy European and Americans on 

my visit. 

Kayuputi Restaurant 

Of course, no luxe villa would be complete without a butler’s 

quarters and kitchen area with separate entrance. Following 

in the tradition of their iconic New York hotel, The St. Regis 

Bali features the legendary St. Regis butler service. Trained 

in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet 

unobtrusive service and customise each guest’s stay according 

to his or her tastes. 

Quality dining options are integral to a resort of this nature, 

and this one offered some of the best I have experienced. 

The resort’s signature beachfront restaurant, Kayuputi, is 

a new favourite for the island’s well-heeled elite. Created 

by Executive Chef Oscar Perez, the menu integrates Asian 

flavours and classic Western influences. We’re talking about 

Wagyu beef from Australia and Japan, seafood from local 

waters and a selection of Sturia and Prunier caviar and oysters 

that vary according to the season. But be warned, the oysters 

do not come cheap here. 

In the local language, Kayuputi means ‘white wood’, and the 

restaurant is certainly a vision of white. Its decor provides a 

perfectly modern, elegant backdrop for the tranquil Indian 

Ocean view. Al fresco seating comes with a soft ocean breeze 

and an unobstructed view of the ocean. Guests may reserve 

private cabanas for dining, or settle into a soft white cushion 

inside the high-ceilinged restaurant, where the two-storey 

wine cellar and open kitchen add to the ambience. Within 

the restaurant, an intimate bar area beckons with a sofa deck 

and day beds, offering the perfect spot for the transition 

from day to evening cocktails before dinner. 

Not to be outdone, the hotel’s other restaurant, Boneka, 

offers authentic Asian-style dishes in a relaxing setting. It 

also, in my opinion, offers the world’s best breakfast. First let 

me say that I am nearly always disappointed with this aspect 

of many luxe hotels – but this was truly sublime. The offering 

was enough to tempt the most jaded palate, with steak and 

eggs St Regis style, Wagyu beef, oven-roasted tomatoes and 

eggs any style served on a petite iron skillet. Or perhaps a 

lobster omelette, made-to-order steamed prawn dumplings, 

and some of the best sushi I have ever had. If none of the 

above meets your culinary requirements, you could be 

tempted by the continual table service offerings of tapa-sized 

dishes. This was an unbelievable breakfast experience, and 

one to which I looked forward to each day. 

In the evening, The King Cole Bar honours the legacy of the 

Astors and the brand’s flagship property in New York, the 

birthplace of the iconic Bloody Mary. It was a great place 

to watch the nightly torch-lighting ceremony and enjoy 

a cocktail or three. Home-made delicacies and imported 

culinary treats are available at the Gourmand Deli downstairs, 

or you can take advantage of the Butler Service to enjoy a 

private, in-room barbeque accompanied by your personal 

chef and sommelier. 

No stay would be complete without sampling the rejuvenation 

on offer at the resort’s Remède Spa, set in a serene corner 

of the property surrounded by a koi carp pond. Featuring 12 

treatment rooms, the spa offers both traditional treatments 

and modern Remède therapies. Other facilities include an 

Aqua Vitale Pool, for a full body underwater massage, two 

phenomenal spa suites, and a yoga centre. Believe it or not, 

I also spent some time in the well-equipped, if rather small, 

gym located next to the Spa. 

Bali has no shortage of excellent resorts, but the St. Regis set 

the bar higher still. If you are visiting the island and looking for 

the ultimate in luxury surroundings, polished service and fine 

cuisine, then you must include The St. Regis in your itinerary. It 

exceeded all expectations and is certainly a class above many 

of its competitors. In my humble opinion, it’s far and away the 

best option in Nusa Dua. I can’t wait to go back. 

Room cost: 

Suites from NZ$1015 per night 

Lagoon 2-Bedroom Villa from 

NZ$2700 per night 

Rates exclude service charge and local tax 

Reservations: For bookings or enquiries please call 


Awards: Already on the Condé Nast 2009 Hot List for the 

world’s best new hotels, sure to win many more accolades. 

Interesting facts: In 1934, Fernand Petiot, bartender at The 

St Regis New York’s legendary King Cole Bar, perfected the 

recipe for an unusual vodka and tomato juice cocktail he 

christened the Red Snapper, now commonly known as a 

Bloody Mary. 

Room number: An all suite property with 123 suites and villas 

in total. Even the entry level St. Regis Suite measures in at a 

generous 92m 2 ! 

Room type reviewed: Two bedroom Lagoon Villa. 

Room info: A very respectable 157m 2 , Balinese art is displayed 

throughout and the indoor lighting has been designed to 

be easily adjusted to complement any mood. A bar and 

casual dining table is ideal for a touch of entertaining. Mod 

touches include three (yes, three!) 42-inch LCD TV’s with 

DVD player and Bose surround sound music system. The 

bedrooms feature 300-thread count linens and automated 

blackout curtains. 

Bathroom: Two spacious marble bathrooms with additional 

guest toilet. Both feature dual vanities, large stand-alone 

bathtub, separate rain shower and the convenience of a 

14-inch LCD TV. The bathrooms are stocked with Remède 

bath products. 

Business needs: A dedicated business centre and library with 

latest International papers. WIFI and high speed Internet 

access also available in the Villa, as is a large writing desk off 

the master bedroom if work is a must. 

Spa facilities: Located next to the gym, the Remède Spa is a 

stand-alone facility with a menu that marries several exotic 

therapies with Balinese philosophies. 

Lobby 

Two bedroom Lagoon Villa 

Pool: Each villa comes with a good-sized private pool 

and raised Bale Bengong (Indonesian style gazebo). Also 

direct access to the incredible 3668m 2 lagoon pool, a real 

feature of the resort and the best-designed lagoon pool I 

have ever seen. 

Gym: The Athletic Club features a full complement of state-ofthe 

art equipment. Qualified instructors, yoga and personal 

training programmes are also on offer. 

Restaurants and bar info: Two stand out restaurants and bars 

and deli. Kayuputi Fine Dining Restaurant is undoubtedly 

one, if not the finest restaurant on the Island. I also loved the 

deli offering imported artisan foods, wines and surprisingly 

good coffee. 

Stuff for kids: Great babysitting service and the pool will 

keep them occupied for hours. 

Rewards programme: Starwood Rewards. 

‘X’-Factor: The quality and level of detail in the resort’s 

overall design and layout - different from the norm and 

very impressive. 

What’s great: Hard to single out one particular thing as I was 

impressed by the big three… service level, the overall resort 

quality and the cuisine - its worth going to the resort for the 

breakfast alone. 

What’s not so great: Not a lot. The view from some 

of the St. Regis Suites located in the main hotel block 

are partially obscured by the large white domes of the 

outdoor dining and bar areas. May pay to request a suite 

away from these domes. 

Overall: An absolutely stunning property and a must if you’re 

visiting Bali. It is by far the best option in the Nusa Dua 

region and a fine addition to the St. Regis stable of deluxe 

properties. 

Editor’s tip: For a great evening out, start with a Bloody Mary 

at the King Cole Bar and then spoil yourself with a leisurely 

dinner at Kayuputi… Bali at it’s best. 

Website: www.stregis.com/bali 




Small-ship luxury cruising 

Kimberley Wilderness Cruise aboard True North 

Story: Michael Gebicki 

Photo by Michael Gebicki 

I am between a rock and a soft place, drifting on my back in 

cool, dark water. Scorched red sandstone walls bracket the 

view on one side, pandanus palms stroke the surface on the 

other. Pink water lilies raft together at my feet and at my back 

a waterfall tumbles 10 metres down a rock face. It’s the perfect 

spa bath as designed by Mother Nature - warm, soothing and 

scenic. This is Atlantis Pool, about a kilometre upstream from 

Atlantis Bay along the eastern coast of Western Australia’s 

Kimberley, and it’s moments like this that remind you this is a 

very special place. 

A wild, arid plateau at the northern end of Western Australia, 

the Kimberley is almost three times the size of the South 

Island, yet it has a population of barely 40,000. Only two 

roads cross it, the coastline is inaccessible except from the sea, 

the cattle stations are measured by the million acres and the 

climate, the vegetation and the scenery come from another 

planet. Remote, intense, surreal - the reality of the Kimberley 

leaves you speechless. 

There are plenty of operators that run four-wheel drive 

camping expeditions in the Kimberley – but it’s hot and 

dusty and chances are you’ll be sleeping in a crowded 

campground, which might not respect your need to fall 

asleep before midnight. 

But there is another option because from the waterline, the 

Kimberley tells another story. Between Wyndham and Broome 

the coastline is a wild kingdom of waterfalls that plunge 

straight into the sea, white beaches where crocodiles bask 

in the sun, crystalline waters where sharks nose against the 

stern of your vessel and quiet backwaters where barramundi 

lurk. If comfort is a high priority, nothing beats a cruise. 

I’m signed on for the six-night Kimberley Wilderness Cruise 

aboard True North, from the Hunter River to the port of 

Wyndham, one of several variations on the vessel’s Kimberley 

cruises. From a lonely bush airstrip at the Mitchell Plateau, 

an X-shaped scar 330 kilometres from the nearest town, a 

Bell 407 helicopter collects us and we head out to the vessel, 

with a fly-by of Mitchell Falls en route. It’s truly wondrous, a 

succession of four cascades with blue pools cradled by red 

sandstone gorges in between. You’d be happy to have it as 

your screensaver, but the real wonders are yet to come. 

From the moment we bump down on the deck of True North, 

it’s obvious that this is the sybarite’s expeditionary vessel. In 


Clockwise from top left: Eagle Falls, King George Falls, True North

service since the beginning of 2005, the sleek, all-white, 50- 

metre, 36-passenger vessel lifts Kimberley cruising to a new 

level of luxury. There are also some unusual rules. Don’t hang 

your arms over the side when fishing or a crocodile might 

think it’s a cocktail sausage. 

breathtaking moments every day. 

No sooner have I installed myself in my quarters, bounced 

on the bed and fiddled with my personal DVD player than 

lunch is announced. From the galley come a series of culinary 

wonders, tastefully arranged in a way that would do credit to 

a foodie magazine. 

The next morning, we’re at Rocky Cove in Vansittart Bay and 

we’re having a picnic, but this is no ordinary picnic. As well as 

bathers and towels it involves the Bell 407 chopper and a secret 

destination. It’s a 10-minute flight from the vessel to Eagle Falls, 

where a boisterous river steps down from the escarpment in 

a series of waterfalls with rock pools in between. Each pool is 

clear, cool, edged with palms and iced with foaming water, 

and perfect for swimming. 

There are several vessels that cruise the Kimberley coastline, and 

they do a fine job of showcasing the region, but the helicopter 

is a real point of difference. A helicopter gives access to places 

that are impossible to reach on foot - such as Eagle Falls - and 

the only vessel with its own helicopter is True North. By the 

time we’ve splashed, swum, jumped off the falls and quaffed 

a glass of sauvignon blanc, the crew have prepared a feast of 

scallops seared in the shell, giant prawns, fish streamed in foil, 

salads and fruit. 

On day five we reach King George Falls, the scenic highlight 

of the voyage. Once clear of the sandbar at the mouth of the 

King George River the vessel enters a narrowing gorge with 

50-metre rock walls. After cruising for about an hour upriver 

True North rounds a final bend and the river widens at the 

amphitheatre of King George Falls, where the river above has 

split to create twin cascades with tonnes of water exploding 

at the base and sending a plume of spray into the sky. We 

nose in closer to the western falls. And closer still. We’re 

almost touching the white curtain of the falls. The spray coats 

our arms in tiny, glistening beads of captured light and then 

the nose is swallowed up by the falls and we hover, water 

sluicing across the deck. Half the crew and a few of the braver 

passengers stand at the bow with the water crashing down on 

their heads. The initial impact sucks the breath from your lungs, 

the water pounding down from 80 metres above. It’s a shower 

unlike any other, but then redefining the limits of experience is 

what the cruise aboard True North is all about. 

Cruise cost: 

6-7 nights from NZ$11,200 

per person, Ocean Class 



Sometimes when you travel, you have moments so perfect it takes 

your breath away. It might be an achingly beautiful view, or a meal 

you’ll remember forever. Or the simplicity of rustling palm trees under a 

star-studded sky. Te Vakaroa Villas is a place far away from the rest of the 

world, where these kinds of moments happen every day. 

Situated on the tropical island of Rarotonga, Te Vakaroa is an exclusive, 

boutique hideaway on the shores of Muri beach. All you need to do here 

is choose: an afternoon swim in the infinity pool, or in the impossibly 

turquoise lagoon? The four-poster bed with feather-down pillows, or 

the large balcony day-bed? A meal in the privacy of your villa, or at the 

acclaimed Sails restaurant right next door? 

In each of Te Vakaroa’s six villas, our aim is to provide you with every conceivable comfort and requirement. Enjoy a cocktail 

on a sun-lounger or in the shade of the pavilion. Use the broadband or LCD TV. Listen to music on the iPod docking station - 

or simply enjoy the sound of the waves crashing onto the reef in the distance. 

So come as a guest, but leave as a friend - with memories to treasure forever. 

Phone 682 25590 

tevakaroa@villavacations.co.ck 

www.tevakaroavillas.com 

TE VAKAROA VILLAS 

MURI BEACH, RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS 


From top to bottom: Atlantis Pool (photo by Michael Gebicki), 

King George Falls, Helicopter on True North

Brand Insider 

Design Hotels 

The expectation of luxury travellers is changing as they seek out new experiences that 

will enhance the quality of their lives long after the holiday is over. An innovative and 

exciting brand that has tapped into this new way of thinking is Design Hotels . We 

recently caught up with the founder, Claus Sendlinger for a chat. 

LUXURY: What are the origins of Design Hotels? 

Claus: We founded the business in 1993 as a marketing 

company for contemporary hotels. We started off with a 

modest portfolio of only 10 iconic member properties and 

have expanded over the years by strategically tapping into 

new markets and handpicking a collection of more than 175 

one-of-a-kind hotels in over 43 countries. 

LUXURY: Can you tell us a bit about ‘Made by Originals’ 

and what inspired the concept? 

Claus: Made by Originals is our core message. As I 

mentioned before, people and their holistic hotel concepts 

are our key differentiator. I am proud to say that every 

single member hotel was created by a person of exceptional 

creativity - an Original. Designers, owners, chefs; these 

are the masterminds behind the hotels, the Originals. 

We asked extraordinary characters such as Emanuele 

Garosci, owner of the Palazzina Grassi in Venice, if they 

would like to be part of our global Made by Originals 

campaign and they loved the idea. So, we started a global 

campaign in which we showcase the Originals as they 

really are: authentic, responsible, creative and as real as 

the properties they’ve brought to life. Each Original stands 

for the individual, aesthetic and service-driven experience, 

which their hotel provides. 

LUXURY: Tell us about the culture of a Design Hotel and 

its people. 

Claus: The people behind our member hotels are passionate 

– they love what they do and transport this attitude into 

their properties. So while selecting a hotel, one of the most 

important factors for us is the creative mind behind the 

project and whether or not the ideas and visions fit with 

ours. It’s not just the design that makes a property suitable 

for the brand; the hotel also needs to show it has the right 

personality. The staff and the guests obviously play a large 

part in that, because they give a hotel its soul and character. 

The architecture and interior design need to create the right 

environment for these people to interact in. 

LUXURY: How do you define luxury, especially as it applies 

to Design Hotels? 

Claus: I don’t particularly like to use the word ‘luxury’. To 

me it always connotes decadence and waste. Luxury to me 

translates into quality of life, which is also an underlying value 

for Design Hotels. Luxury is enjoying a holiday with my family 

at a remote beach with like-minded people - does it get any 

better than that? 

Widder Hotel, Zurich 

LUXURY: What interesting trends do you see in the 

worldwide luxury hotel market? 

Claus: Our society is undergoing a value shift at the moment. 

The importance of ‘soft factors’ such as quality of life and 

well-being is growing along with a re-discovery of simple, 

human, even humble values. The human is taking centre 

stage within the spheres of industry and commerce. Hotels 

will have to embrace this development and offer services 

that go far beyond a bed and a bar. They have to be able to 

manage the experiences of their guests. It’s not just about 

sending them to a gallery; it’s more about showing them 

around as well. Future hotels will also be created around 

experiences such as the Ana Yela in Marrakech or the soon to 

open The Other Side in Norway. 

LUXURY: What are the challenges and opportunities you 

face when you look at a new project/property? 

Claus: We receive more than 450 applications for membership 

per year. About 70 percent of them fall through immediately 

because the concepts are either too shallow or the hotel is 

part of a big chain. The real challenge is to pick the right 

hotels for our guests. 

LUXURY: What do you think are the key ingredients of a 

successful property? 

Claus: People with a vision and a holistic concept. 

LUXURY: Do you have any plans to bring Design Hotels to 

New Zealand? 

Claus: Of course! New Zealand is an amazing country 

with unbelievable natural virtues. We would love to have a 

member hotel in New Zealand - so far we just haven’t come 

across a property that fits with our portfolio. So, let me take 

this chance to appeal to all those creative visionaries out 

there: we’re ready to have our socks knocked off by your 

great concepts! 

LUXURY: Any other exciting developments in the pipeline? 

Claus: We have several new member hotels on board such as 

the Kube Hotel and the La Resérve Ramatuelle both on the 

French Riviera, the Sanctum Soho Hotel and the Boundary, 

both in London and the Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali. The Alila 

Villas Hadahaa is just about to open in the Maldives, as are 

the Scarlet in England, the Cosmo in Berlin, and the Palazzina 

Grassi in Italy as well as Firmdale`s first property in New York: 

the Crosby Street. So, there is a lot to look forward to. 

LUXURY: How did you get into the business? 

Claus: I started my own travel and event agency in my early 

twenties. I travelled the world and organised events with 

musicians, DJs, artists and other creative minds. They had 

very specific requirements and wanted to meet like-minded 

people everywhere they went. To find hotels that really 

offered a creative surrounding attracting a cool crowd was 

a major challenge back then. That was the point when I 

decided to bring hotels like this under one umbrella, which 

we called Design Hotels. 

Murano Resort, Marrakesh 

LUXURY: And what do you love about your role? 

Claus: The great thing about my job is that there is nothing 

like a typical week. In all I travel about 150 days a year. 

In the first two months of 2009 I wasn’t in Berlin once. I 

meet a lot of fascinating people and get the chance to visit 

extraordinary places and hotels. That’s exactly what I am 

passionate about! 


Once inside the main entrance of the villa you’re greeted 

with an expansive space. There’s a small bathroom at the 

entrance that also houses full laundry facilities. We were 

on holiday so chose to decline the invitation of clothes 

washing. Further inside there is a full-sized kitchen complete 

with fridge, gas cooktop and microwave. The mini-bar 

houses full-size bottles of beautiful New Zealand wines and 

French Champagne, something we haven’t seen since the 

Burj al Arab in Dubai. Full-size bottles are usually reserved 

for the very high-end of the market, so it’s great to see this 

taking on in the South Pacific. 

Our villa was the 2-bedroom and offered panoramic views of 

the lagoon. Its huge balcony with precariously built-in sofa 

perched off the side was just perfect. We spent much of our 

Our visit with our private chef took us to the local market 

time out here. The living and dining areas were very spacious 

and well appointed. 

Upstairs, there were two bedrooms where the feel is very 

ambient and reserved. The natural lighting is forced through 

large louver shutters that cast light patterns at random spots 

and make for a very mellow effect. We’re not sure what 

brand the beds and linen were, but we should have taken 

note. They were superb. I honestly haven’t slept that well in 

ages. It was very modern, minimalist and functional. Just the 

way I like it. 

Dining option 2: Luxury hamper delivered to your room. 

Perfect for lunch or brunch by the pool. Hampers include 

salads, wine and cooked options. But what we thought was 

great is that you can opt to have your salads pre-prepared, 

but BBQ meats and local seafood are delivered marinated but 

not cooked. The property has a couple of BBQs for this very 

reason, so you can cook your own meals either pool-side or 

on your balcony or ground-floor patio. 

Dining option 3: This is the pièce de résistance... local chef, 

Tim Tierney (arguably the best on the island) comes to your 

room and cooks for you. The cost is up to $450 per couple, 

but well worth the experience. 

Te Vakaroa 

Value, meet Luxury 

All in all, the dining options won’t disappoint. In fact, they 

exceed expectations. In a world of ‘me-too’s’ when it comes 

to hotels and resorts it’s nice to see a young, energetic and 

small property pushing the boundaries and changing things. 

One of our highlights was taking a drive into town where 

James Rangihika recently checked out one of Rarotonga’s 

newest properties on stunning Muri Beach and discovered a 

fantastic addition to this friendly island. 

I’ve stayed in a few luxurious hotels during my time. Some 

have showed incredible levels of service and refinement. In 

almost all instances though, there’s a hefty price tag that 

comes with you for the ride. ‘Value’ luxury is an interesting 

proposition, one that is more important than ever in current 

economic times. It also may be seen to some as an oxymoron. 

Sometimes, but not often, there are properties out there that 

show great value for money. We’ve seen these particularly in 

Asia, but hardy ever in the South Pacific. 

I’ll always grab the chance to go to the Cook Islands. It’s an 

obsession that started some years back and I love revisiting 

each and every time. This was my fifth visit in as many years 

and I’m in a bit of a routine now - at first chance, I head down 

to Avis or Island Rentals and rent a scooter. It’s the only way 

to really see the place. It’s exhilarating (especially at night, 

riding back from a restaurant), and you seem to see more of 

the island, people and culture this way. 

Interestingly enough, Rarotonga is quite an expensive 

destination for the New Zealand traveller, especially if you 

want to do it in style. The average beach-front room will set 

you back upwards of $1000, but in some instances can go as 

high as $1800. 

This is where things start to get really interesting. Te Vakaroa 

is the type of resort that at LUXURY Magazine we have 

come to love. It’s slightly Balinese, with elements of Cook 

Islands look-and-feel and is modern and understated. The 

efficient, but not overpowering service is perfect. It has many 

attributes that even some of the top Rarotongan resorts can’t 

achieve. More on that later. Right now, the biggest attribute 

is its price tag. Just $635 for the one bedroom and $695 for 

the two bedroom. It is the definition of ‘value’ luxury. And 

we’ve found it in Rarotonga. 

And what a find it is. We feel that Te Vakaroa is certainly 

in the top three resorts in Rarotonga. It’s small. Just three 

2-bedroom and three 1-bedroom villas. The 6 villa share one 

large infinity pool and Jacuzzi, which is beautifully designed 

and built right onto the beach. It’s a great part of the beach 

too... just down from the well-known Pacific Resort, Te 

Vakaroa is positioned perfectly on the best part of coast on 

the island - Muri Beach. 

As with many of the small boutique properties in Rarotonga, 

there are no restaurants on-site. This isn’t usually a problem 

as there are many good restaurants on the island... and all 

just a 5-20 minute scooter ride away. Te Vakaroa has thought 

outside the box and offers a selection of cuisine options. 

Here they are: 

Dining option 1: Sails Restaurant next door will deliver each 

course to your room. It feels like a combination of roomservice 

dining and traditional restaurant eating, where meals 

are served course by course as if you were in a restaurant, but 

you’re not - you’re in your room. The result is fantastic. You 

get a memorable dining experience without having to get 

dressed for the occasion! 

we met up with Chef Tim at the local Saturday market. He 

wandered with us and stopped at various stalls to explain the 

local produce and traditional dishes that are still made and 

enjoyed by everyone. It was also interesting to see how some 

of the local fruit and vegetables that we are so familiar with 

in New Zealand differ in Rarotonga because of the climate. 

There was an abundance of freshly picked produce that Chef 

Tim selected and later used in our specially prepared meal 

that evening. If you are into developing your local foodie 

knowledge then this is experience is essential. 

I really enjoyed my time at Te Vakaroa. If what you’re looking 

for is a luxurious, small resort to get away from it all, but still 

close to home and great value, you’ll find it here. You won’t 

be disappointed. Just make sure you allow time to get into 

the relaxation ‘zone’. I could have done with an extra couple 

of days. Two not enough, five OK, but seven would have 

been perfect. 

Room cost: 

From NZ$635 per villa 





TE VAKAROA RAROTONGA 

Opened: March 2008. 

Location: Muri Beach, Rarotonga. 


TRUE NORTH 

ON SALE! 

Ambience/style: Modern apartment style units with 

a beautiful blend of Balinese and Cook Islands furnishings. 

Clientele: Mostly couples looking for time-out. Wedding 

groups and honeymooners. 

Awards: Watch this space. 

Interesting facts: Te Vakaroa means ‘long canoe’. In 

traditional times voyaging canoes were carved from 

felled trees. 

Room number: Three 1-bedroom villas and three 2-bedroom 

double storey villas. 

Room type reviewed: 2-bedroom double storey villa. 

Room info: Spacious fully airconditioned units with living 

area on the entrance level and bedrooms on the upper 

level. Each unit features a full-sized, well-equipped 

kitchen, laundry and large living/dining area with an 

over-sized balcony extending out to views of the lagoon. 

Modern yet relaxed furnishings with touches of Bali and 

Rarotonga throughout. Bedrooms each have super king 

size beds adorned with Egyptian cotton linen, small 

balconies, shutters, insect screens, CD players, large 

wardrobes and ensuites. 

Villa master bedroom 

Gym: No gym on-site but there are numerous under and 

over water activities right on your doorstep. 

Restaurants and bar info: No restaurant on-site but they 

make up for that in other innovative ways. Neighbouring 

Sails Restaurant will deliver meals from their menu straight 

to your villa or order a BBQ picnic hamper or equest Te 

Vakaroa’s specialist chef to prepare your cuisine in-house 

- highly recommended! A tropical breakfast is delivered 

daily to your villa. 

Stuff for kids: No children under 12 years permitted. 

‘X’-Factor: The large outdoor covered balcony extending 

from the 2-bedroom villa is a premium spot to let the hours 

tick by while the balmy breeze floats past and the palm 

trees sway. 

Indoor-outdoor flow 

Bathroom: Each bedroom has an ensuite complete with 

double vanities, shower, toilet and combination of Evolu 

and Living Nature amenities. A third bathroom is located 

on the living floor. 

Business needs: WIFI Internet throughout and the office 

will assist with any other requests. 

Spa facilities: Not on-site but treatments can be arranged 

at a number of private spas nearby. 

What’s great: Love the full-sized bottles of wine in the 

mini bar. Attentive and ‘more than happy to do anything 

for you’ staff. I also loved the lush tropical courtyard-style 

gardens once you step through the entrance gate - gave 

me the feeling that I had entered a secret oasis! Location 

is also ideal with local shops, scooter hire, café and deli in 

close proximity. The property is secure at night with keypad 

code access. 

What’s not so great: The courtyards off the 1-bedrooms 

don’t give as much privacy as the 2-bedroom villa balconies 

but then you have direct access to the inviting pool and you 

can get to know your neighbours easily. 

Overall: A beautiful new resort offering a stunning location 

and excellent facilities. The next best thing to having a 

private villa with plunge pool (which comes at a price), Te 

Vakaroa offers fantastic value for money and should be 

considered for your next trip. 

Editor’s tip: If going with friends, the 2-bedroom is excellent 

value and has ample private space. 

Website: www.tevakaroavillas.com 

There has never been a better time to travel on the revered adventure-cruise ship True 

North. Guests making early arrangements can now benefit from generous incentives 

and, we have also increased our Previous Guest Bonus! So don’t delay - discover now 

why our guests consistently remark “that’s the best holiday I have ever had”! All cruises 

include frequent daily excursions and feature the True North’s unequalled style, modern 

cuisine and an Australian crew. Multiple expedition boats (not zodiacs) encounter 

wilderness in small groups and to add yet another dimension to adventure, the True 

North sails with her very own air-conditioned helicopter! 

Adventure destinations include Ningaloo and the Monte Bello Islands, the Kimberley, the 

Rowley Shoals, West Papua, Papua New Guinea, the Louisiade Archipelago, the Solomon 

Islands, Sydney and the Hawkesbury River and, Kangaroo Island and the Eyre Peninsular. 

North Star Cruises Australia 

PO Box 654 Broome Western Australia 6725 

Pool: 12m infinity pool overlooking Muri Beach lagoon Reservations: for information or enquiries please phone 

with a warm Jacuzzi at one end. 


Telephone: (+61 8) 9192 1829 Facsimile: (+61 8) 9192 1830 

Email: cruise@northstarcruises.com.au www.northstarcruises.com.au 


foreign exchanges 

Brazil 

Each issue, we take a look at a foreign culture and 

point out a few pitfalls for the unwary. 

Before you start 

It is common practice in Brazil to hire a ‘despechante’, or middleman, to help you in your business 

dealings. A despechante will help you navigate Brazilian bureaucracy for a nominal fee. When you 

meet someone for the first time, it is polite to say ‘muito prazer’ (‘my pleasure’). Expressions such 

as ‘como vai’ and ‘tudo bem’ are common forms of saying hello once you’ve met someone and can 

show you’re making an effort to know them. 

Never 

Never bring up topics of conversation such as crime, corruption or deforestation as these are 

sensitive issues. 

Be aware that 

Brazilians pride themselves on their ability to be in control, so acting in a similar fashion will 

improve your relationship and interactions with your Brazilian counterparts. Often you will find a 

number of family members working for the same company so it is important to cultivate and build 

trust in your business relationships. 

Watch out for 

An extensive system of regulations combined with a relaxed attitude to time, which often results in 

lengthy business interactions. It is imperative not to rush this process however, and spend the time to 

continue developing relationships for negotiations to be successful. 

The final word 

The Brazilian method of communication usually entails a lot of overlapping speech and people 

are not afraid to say what they think, so be prepared to be interrupted! 

Source: Communicaid International: Global Communication - www.communicaid.com 



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TRAVEL ACCESSORIES 

FOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER 

Presidential Suite 

The Langham, London 

hard graft 2UNFOLD laptop bag 

What is it? Multi-use laptop bag. 

What makes it so special? LUXURY is already a huge fan of this ingenious 

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Where can you get it: www.hardgraft.com 

Price: Approx NZ$760 

The Langham London has a rich and diverse history dating 

back to 1814. Originally built as a mansion, it was only in 

1863 that it was converted into a hotel, including the first 

ever hydraulic lifts, for the then astronomical amount of 

£300,000. For almost a century, The Langham remained 

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Which brings us to their Pièce de résistance - an infinity bath 

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Proporta USB TurboCharger 3400 

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Samsung TL225 and TL220 

After the depression and World War II, the building took on 

a new role by housing the Palm Court Orchestra, a handful 

of BBC comedy acts and BBC’s library and bar. In 1986, after 

a failed attempt to get the building demolished, the tide 

changed for this grand dame and it was back into the hotel 

game for her. Today, after an £80 million restoration, The 

Langham is again considered one of the most stylish hotels in 

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For those lucky enough to be able to, the only option for 

a truly decadent and luxurious stay is the Infinity Suite. At 

236m 2 , this two-bedroom suite with private entrance lobby, 

drawing room and pantry kitchen hits all the right notes. 

Chromatherapy, a branch of Colour Therapy, projects 

coloured light onto specific areas of the body to stimulate the 

body’s own healing systems. It not only benefits the body 

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Orange: warming, restorative, emotionally soothing 

Yellow: uplifting, toning, fortifying to body and mind 

Green: harmonising, relaxing, balancing, cleansing 

Aqua Blue: cooling, calming, refreshing, cleansing 

Indigo Blue: cooling, sedating, soothing to the mind 

Violet: restorative, regenerating, rejuvenating 

White: sparkling, purifying, renewing 

With all the features that the Infinity Suite offers, one thing 

is for sure; you’ll check out a vastly happier and healthier 

person than when you checked in. And it is that level of 

dedication to the guests’ experience that epitomises a stay 

with The Langham London. 

Nightly rate NZ$12,000+vat 

Delsey Morphos Range 

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Finding luggage that is hardy 

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Price: 73cm high from NZ$899, 79cm high from NZ$999 


Likuliku Lagoon Resort 

Fiji is well known for its seriously luxurious island offerings and Likuliku, meaning ‘Calm Waters’, 

is the newest on a growing list. Phil Harrison makes a trip to discover this new resort. 

The first advantage of Likuliku has to be its convenient location on Malolo Island. Unlike other 

islands in the same price category that can sometime take forever to reach and cut into precious 

holiday time, Likuliku is only 45 minutes away from Denarau Marina by fast cat, or 10-minutes by 

plane into the neighbouring Malolo Lailai with a short 15-minute private boat transfer. 

here you can choose to dine inside, or outside under the stars. 

The restaurant’s beautiful use of brightly coloured fabrics and 

plush cushions perfectly blends with the natural elements of 

stone, wood and marble. Serious attention has been given to 

the interior modeling of this property, starting with the walls 

of the main complex - a clever mix of sand and finely crushed 

coral that creates a stunning look and continues throughout 

the resort. Another design feature I have to mention is the 

ceiling of the upstairs area that is made up of hundreds of 

native mangrove branches that were painstakingly bound 

together into perfect rows. 

With only 46 villas in total, Likuliku is able to offer guests 

the privacy and exclusivity they would expect. We were in a 

beachfront deluxe villa, complete with a cute little plunge pool. 

The villa interior is definitely a step above some of the other 

similarly priced luxury alternatives in the region and the clever, 

open plan, split level layout makes it feel far more spacious 

than it actually is. Think rich native wood floors, plantation 

shutters and gorgeous interiors (refer Everything You Need To 

Know section for more details). 

Or, there is another option which is by far my favourite - 

why not spoil yourself and make a grand entrance by private 

seaplane or helicopter direct onto the island? If you take into 

account the extra time and money the internal air component 

would cost to reach properties located further away from the 

mainland, the cost works out to be surprisingly effective and 

very justifiable. 

Developed by well-known local businessman Tony Whitton, it 

is clear from the very first moment that a huge amount of time 

and money has gone into creating an extraordinary property. 

The resort fans across a picture perfect sheltered lagoon and 

arrival by water is quite novel as it is via a tiny man-made island 

(also home to the super cool Masima bar). Warmly welcomed 

with a song, cool towel and cocktail, perhaps first impressions 

do count as we are informed we could order a drink from 

as early as 8am in the morning or until when the last guest 

decides to leave. (Note to self: ensure I don’t make opening 

time, at least not every day). Immediately to the right was my 

first glimpse of a rare treat and the first for Fiji - Likuliku’s 10 

over-water villas! These are proving so popular one can’t help 

but wonder why it hasn’t been done before. 

Back on land, the main reception area is positioned right in 

the centre of the resort. Designed in the shape of a giant Fijian 

canoe with a striking pitched roof, it is also home to another 

ingenious idea of Likuliku’s - an air-conditioned transit lounge/ 

library complete with changing facilities. How clever is that? 

It’s perfect for if you arrive early and jaded and your villa isn’t 

quite ready. 

But let’s keep moving onto my next favourite thing. Upstairs 

from the reception is the Dua Tale cocktail bar and wine 

lounge, surely one of most stylish little bars in the Pacific. I 

loved the mood lighting and rustic chic design and with my 

nightly pre-dinner drinks and best view in the house, it was 

just what the doctor ordered. Also found on the upper level 

On the food front, the cuisine here is undoubtedly some of 

the best I have sampled in Fiji. Dining is mostly à la carte, 

apart from the traditional Lovo barbeque, which I thought 

was outstanding. It’s not really your typical backyard Barbie 

with choices like Moreton Bay bugs, lobster, mud crabs, tuna, 

prawns, lamb and imported steaks… all cooked to order. 

We had only been on the island for two hours and already 

life was feeling pretty tough with all the decisions of what 

to have cooked up next! The menu changes daily and has 

a real focus on fresh, locally caught seafood and the best 

available imported produce. Apart from the quality, the overall 

presentation also scored highly with me and demonstrated 

the benefit of having a skilled chef in the kitchen rather than 

just a glorified cook that is so often the case, and the downfall 

of some otherwise very good properties. 

If you want to work off some of your overindulgences, there 

is a surprisingly well-equipped and air conditioned gym. 

Or alternatively, try the wealth of, shall we say, much more 

enjoyable activities on offer, like the water sports. As the 

island is surrounded by a fringing reef, it is ideal for snorkelling 

right off the beach. Or you may want to try the diving. There 

is also a selection of island hopping tours available - a great 

way to explore the many beautiful islands of the Mamanauca 

group, especially because Likuliku is so well positioned and 

these other islands are all very close. For those that are only 

interested in using the muscles in their wrists as they reapply 

sun block, sip a cocktail or flip a page in their books, head for 

the stone tiled infinity pool. Or if a little pampering is in order, 

book yourself in for a treatment at the Tatadra Spa. The spa 

is a rather nice way to end another perfect day in this little 

piece of paradise. So for that extra special tropical break with 

the one you love, make sure Likuliku is top of your short list. 

I promise, it won’t disappoint! 

Room cost: 

From approx NZ$920 per villa per 

night, including all meals 



52 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource. Opposite Your page: ultimate Dua Tale luxury cocktail and bar corporate & wine lounge travel resource. 53 

This page: Pool, Beachfront Bure, Over-water Bungalows


LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT FIJI 


24 Hours in: 

Los Angeles 

Opened: April 2007. 

Location: Malolo Island in the Mamanuca Island Group. 

Ambience/style: True Melanesian architecture creates an 

authentic Fijian experience - with a serious dash of luxury 

thrown in. 

Clientele: Couples only property so popular with 

honeymooners. Pleasantly surprised that the age group was 

younger than I expected and not too ‘stuffy’. 

Awards: 2009 Best Deluxe/Unique Accommodation – AON 

Fiji Tourism Awards for Excellence. 

Room number: 46 villas in total - 10 over-water, 18 

Beachfront and 18 Deluxe Beachfront. The deluxe villas 

include a private pool, interior layout and furnishings 

the same. 

Interesting facts: Only property in Fiji with over-water villas. 

Room type reviewed: Deluxe Beachfront. 

Room size: Internal living space a cozy 57m 2 , Deck 22m 2 and 

courtyard 15m 2 . 

Room info: The open plan, split-level design with pitched, 

cathedral ceiling cleverly creates the illusion of space. The 

lower level lounge area has a large L-shaped couch with big, 

comfy, pillows, plasma and DVD and looks out onto the big, 

private deck with covered day bed, plunge pool and beach 

just steps away. On the upper level is the master bedroom 

with king-sized bed, his and her closets along either wall 

and a large writing desk hidden behind a half height wall. 

The subtly positioned halogens around the perimeter was a 

nice touch too. 

Bathroom: A large sliding, hand-carved door behind the 

desk area reveals a stunning and spacious bathroom. I liked 

how the his and her vanities were separated on opposite 

walls and also the stone tiled, extra large rain shower. There 

is a separate toilet with large picture window that looks out 

to a private courtyard with a great outside shower. 

Business needs: If you must, you have free Internet access 

Beachfront Bure 

Beachfront Bathroom 

in addition to the facilities in the private guest transit 

lounge. The private boardroom is for hire and perfect for 

an executive getaway. 

Spa facilities: Tatadra, meaning ‘House of Dreams, is nestled 

against the green slopes of the island with beautiful lagoon 

views and gentle breezes. Choose a Fijian-style massage or 

select any number of natural beauty and body treatments 

from the range of ‘Pure Fiji’ products. 

Restaurants and bar info: Headed by Australian Executive 

Chef Brett Kryskow and his team, Fijiana Restaurant is 

the resort’s centrepiece. The cuisine is fresh and creative 

with an emphasis on local seafood and tropical fruits. The 

dining concept is changing daily in a mini-degustation style 

for lunch and dinner, combined with a variety of themed 

evenings showcasing local and cultural elements. 

Pool: River stone tiled lagoon style, with 20-metre infinity 

edge. Very nice. 

Stuff for kids: Sorry, no kids. 

‘X’-Factor: Has to be the over-water villas. 

What’s great: The quality of the cuisine and the villas 

exceeded expectations. 

What’s not so great: The bedroom area of the villa looks out 

to the neighbouring villa’s pool and deck. Blinds need to be 

pulled for extra privacy, but no big deal. 

Overall: A stunner of a property and a real credit to the 

owners for creating a true, luxury property that is worthy 

of the nightly price tag. 

Editor’s tip: If you haven’t stayed in an over-water villa 

before, try these - even if for just a few nights of your Fiji 

stay. If staying on land, choose from villas 29 through 46 as 

these are on the best section of the beach. 

Website: www.likulikulagoon.com 



No matter how many times you stop in the City of Angels, there is always something 

new and fabulous to try and even more shopping to sample. Sally Marshall spends 

some time in Los Angeles on her way to Europe. 

8.00am To find a good coffee in America is near impossible and Los Angeles is no 

exception. That is unless you find yourself in West Hollywood and near to Joan’s on Third 

(8350 West Third Street)… think Jones the Grocer or Zarbo. Remember to ask for a double 

or triple shot latté; a request for a flat white will be met with total puzzlement. Joan’s has a 

terrific blackboard menu perfect for breakfast or brunch and with the friendly and efficient 

service and locals (many with their little dogs), we squeezed in an extra coffee and enjoyed 

the atmosphere. 

9.30am Fully fortified after a hearty breakfast, it was off to the Beverly Centre (8500 Beverly 

Blvd Los Angeles). It isn’t my favourite mall but it does have all the designers, Bloomingdale’s 

and Macy’s and isn’t too far from Joan’s. With some great shops on the way, we decided to 

pound the pavements rather than cab. With only 24 hours in LA, we flagged hiring a car but 

at all other times, a car is a must. Especially since they valet park everywhere. Just keep off the 

freeways… the 405 is terrifying! Taxis are not easy to find either so make a note when you 

see a Taxi Rank, usually around hotels and shopping malls or sometimes if you are lucky, you 

can flag one down around Robertson Blvd. The blocks in LA can be huge so if you decide to 

walk, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. 

10.50am Into a taxi and off to Culver City where the highest concentration of art galleries 

in Southern California can be found. It’s really worth heading this way if art is your thing, to 

check out and buy some terrific pieces at really good prices. We managed 27 galleries before 

the rumbling of our stomachs and aching of our feet became too much to ignore. 

12.30am Back to Beverly Hills for lunch at The Ivy (113 N Robertson Blvd). With its white 

picket fence and roses, patio dining and paparazzi lined up outside, this is a real LA landmark. 

The place to be and be seen, a gimlet with homegrown mint, limes, and vodka is almost 

compulsory and really, really good! Right in the middle of ‘June Gloom’, we sat inside rather 

than on the famous patio area - think shabby chic, homey and buzzy with lots of flowers 

and knick-knacks. The food is traditional American with Cobb salads, mesquite-grilled fish 

and fried chicken plus the house speciality, crab cakes. The Ivy is quite small so bookings are 

essential - unless you know someone famous. That of course, would be a different story. 

2.10pm After a glut of celebrity watching, we were ready for some serious retail therapy. 

The best place for this in LA is absolutely The Grove (189 The Grove Drive)… in a word, 

AMAZING! It’s a huge ‘outdoor’ mall with all the best shops and a massive Farmers Market 

with food from all over the world. A tramcar, complete with conductor, runs between the 

Farmers Market and the main shopping area. This place is like a cross between adult Disneyland 

and a shopper’s heaven. It’s here you can get Jimmy Choos, Stella McCartney, Abercrombie & 

Fitch and shop at Anthropologie, American Girl Place, Nordstrom or at Barney’s Coop. 

4.30pm With our shopping in hand, it’s a quick stop at The Whisper Lounge (189 The 

Grove Drive) for a cocktail and glass of wine before heading back to the hotel to chill out 

before dinner. Also a great option if you just need a breather between shopping sessions. We 

decided that one last stay at the iconic Hotel Bel Air was a good idea before it closes for a 

massive refurbishment from end September. We will most certainly be back when it reopens 

in 2011 to see how this grand old dame has been spruced up. 

8.00pm Off to dinner at the fabulous Chateau Marmont, the highlight of our stopover. 

Another celeb hangout with plenty of waiting paparazzi, it’s like stepping into a film set from 

the 30’s. Very gothic and intimate, you aren’t even aware that you are in a hotel. The dining 

room is small and romantic with lots of mirrors, chandeliers and banquettes. We started 

with the legendary martinis, followed by a delicious meal and plenty of wine. The terrace is 

gorgeous so try to have your coffee out there. This is a MUST DO if you can get a booking; 

try to do it online before you leave New Zealand for a better chance. 


Layer up! 

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NZ$269 

“BEST RESORT” 

in Vanuatu 

BEST NEW TOURISM 

DEVELOPMENT

A vision that has been in the making for 12 years, Fossil 

Cove is the creation of owners Rosey Eady and David Nicoll. 

Designed by Professor Allan Wild, the house has aptly been 

described as “artisan chic” and has a real pacific feel thanks 

to the interior styling and a stunning collection of art and 

artifacts. Fossil Cove is one of those rare properties where the 

photos simply don’t do it justice. It seriously over-delivers right 

from the moment you catch your first glimpse of it. Let’s start 

with location… Wow! It’s hard to imagine a better setting 

anywhere else on the island. Sprawled across 4.8 hectares of 

prime waterfront looking back to Auckland, the close up and 

uninterrupted views across the water, dotted with clusters of 

islands and isolated coves, is absolutely staggering! 

Waiheke 

Fossil Cove 

No question about it, Waiheke is a gem of an island. 

At only a short 35-minute ferry ride from downtown 

Auckland, it’s easily accessible yet feels a million miles 

away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a whole 

bunch of great beaches, throw in award winning wineries 

and top up with some seriously good restaurants and it’s 

no wonder that Waiheke is the choice of many to relax 

and enjoy the finer things in life… even if it is just for a 

long weekend. Waiheke is also now home to some very 

high-end accommodation and on top of the list would 

have to be Fossil Cove. This will be Phil Harrison’s home 

for the weekend as he checks in and checks out Waiheke’s 

most luxurious private residence for hire. 

The first thing that strikes me about the residence itself is that 

it is a lot larger than I imagined. The slick and modern exterior 

design has been cleverly constructed using a mix of naturally 

weathered timber and local Waiheke stone that blends in 

beautifully with the unique coastal environment. Cleverly 

positioned to take full advantage of the heart stopping views, 

the entire upper level side of the 50-metre property (yes, 50 

metres!) is floor to ceiling glass. Entry through an oversized, 

antique carved door reveals the star of the show (again)... 

the jaw dropping view. As I pick my mouth up off the floor, 

I can’t help but wonder what foreign visitors must think of 

our perfect wee spot in the world when they first open that 

door. It is without a doubt one of the best views I have ever 

seen. And on that note, I think that is enough on the views… 

for now. 

Once inside, the large open plan lounge and dining area 

creates a very spacious environment. The lounge is centered 

around a wall of Waiheke stone and comes with all the usual 

toys, such as plasma TV and Bose surround sound, as does 

the stylish Euro kitchen that is handsomely fitted with quality 

appliances and espresso machine. The oversized and polished 

Travertine floor throughout blends beautifully with the interior 

earth tones and perfectly complements the vibrant art that 

brings the space to life. I particularly liked the grass paper 

and tapa covered walls that added extra texture and warmth 

alongside the Waiheke stone that has been extensively used 

throughout the residence. The stone is a story in itself and 

was painstakingly laid over three months by a skilled family of 

Tongan stonemasons. 

Fossil Cove also has four bedrooms in total on this level, all 

with spacious ensuites. The rooms are located off the main 

lounge/dining area with one master bedroom (with kingsized 

bed) at either end of the property and one bedroom 

(with two singles) alongside each. This clever layout means 

that couples spending a weekend away together can still have 

plenty of privacy and space. The thought and attention to 

detail that has been put into the interior is evident wherever 

you are in the house and the bedrooms are no exception. 

Filled with an eclectic collection of art and treasures from the 

owner’s worldwide travels, each is uniquely styled to reflect a 


different feel. The bathrooms, also in Travertine marble, are 

understated and luxe. Each of the master suites has a deep 

and decadent freestanding tub, perfect for an evening soak 

while enjoying the solitude and dare I say it, views, of the 

distant twinkling lights of the city we’d left behind. 

Downstairs is home to a large rustic entertainment area with 

bar and small separate library that has an interesting selection 

of titles. If the walk down to your own private pebble beach 

sounds a tad too strenuous, relax… there’s a 17-metre 

infinity pool that is heated to just the right temperature. The 

gardens are well worth a leisurely wander or for the more 

energetic, sample one of the nearby bush walks. And if all 

the relaxing has left you restless, the residence has a Range 

Rover at your disposal to explore the island. Just remember 

though that if wine tasting is on the agenda, perhaps it may 

be best to leave the Rover in the garage. There is also an 

onsite helipad for guest’s convenience. 

CHECK-IN 

FOSSIL COVE, WAIHEKE ISLAND 

Location: Park Point, Waiheke Island. 

Ambience/Style: South Pacific meets luxury lodge. 

Number of rooms: 4 

Number of bathrooms: 4 

House info: Simple modern lines, exterior constructed in 

a combination of weathered timber and Waiheke stone. 

Upper level seaward side is a wall of floor to ceiling glass to 

make the most of the view. Interior is warm an inviting and 

a perfect example of understated luxury. 

Business needs: Caters to corporate clients with large 

conference facilities and helipad for easy access. 

What’s great: The unbelievable location! Also liked every 

room having an ensuite and the choice of a private beach 

for exclusive use and an infinity, heated pool. 

What’s not so great: The water went cold after the first 

shower which was a tad annoying. No doubt this is 

easily fixed. 

Editor’s tips: Leave your car at home and make use of the 

Range Rover and take some friends, this place is perfect 

for a group. 

Discover the 

Wonderful 

World of 

Korean Food 

Spice up your life with 

a whole new world of 

culinary delights in Korea. 

Try a hands-on experience 

of making kimchi, Korea’s 

national dish, or enjoy 

the very popular Korean 

barbecue. Every spectacular 

dish is an unexpected 

discovery when you 

visit Korea. 

All in all, Fossil Cove is an exquisite property. It’s absolutely 

luxurious but in a homely, understated and inviting way… 

with not a sniff of pretentiousness anywhere. Pricewise, it’s 

not cheap. But if you take into account the size and quality 

of the residence, it’s the ideal place for a family or group of 

friends to enjoy and share the cost. And it will be well worth 

it for a slice of this Waiheke wonderland… even if only for 

the weekend. 

Ph: +61 2 9251 1717 

Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au 

www.visitkorea.or.kr 

Room cost: 

NZ$3500 per night - exclusive use 



Website: www.fossilcove.com 

Contact: For information or enquiries please phone Mondo 

Travel on 0800 955 655. 

4 nights (5 days) Seoul Food Experience From NZ$1,748 pp twin share 

 

 

 

Tel 372 2506 (within Auckland) Free Call 0800 240915 (outside of Auckland) 

Email: enquiries@fathomasia.com www.fathomasia.com 


Great English gastronomy 

Like Dick Whittington, I had gone to London to seek my fortune. I lived in squats in the early 

days and every pound I earned went on dining out, travelling to France on days off, cook books 

and generally indulging in the youthful antics of a young chef in one of the world’s largest cities. 

This time round, Blakes Hotel London (33 Roland Gardens, South Kensington), where I was 

Executive Chef for three years in the early 90s, was to be my abode. Quiet and hidden away, 

but still close enough to the action, it’s a favourite with royalty, film stars, musicians and all 

the top designers because of its sensational service and hotelier and internationally renowned 

designer Anouska Hempel’s style is experienced from the moment you enter the door of this 

elegant hotel. 

I had four days to catch up with old friends, indulge in my love of food, fashion and art 

and generally have a good time and spoil myself. First up, lunch at the Fat Duck in Bray, 

Berkshire with three friends. Chef Heston Blumenthal has been described as a culinary 

alchemist for his innovative style of cuisine that researches the molecular compounds 

that enable a greater understanding of taste and flavour. The Fat Duck boasts 

three Michelin stars, was voted number two in the world in 2009 and has a list of 

accolades stretching all the way back to its opening in August 1995. But still my 

three non-chef friends were slightly dubious as to what to expect. 

We started with Champagne from the trolley which quickly settled down 

my three companions and once we chose the tasting menu of 13 courses, 

it was game on - nitro poached green tea and lime mousse cooked at the 

table in liquid nitrogen by the waiter; on placing the whole - 150°C mousse 

into our mouths, it shattered like exploding citrus glass, stripping the palette 

of any other flavours. Your palette now belonged to the Chef for the next 

few hours and Heston Blumenthal took advantage of this with red cabbage 

gazpacho soup and pommery grain mustard ice cream; jelly of quail, langoustine 

cream and parfait of foie gras truffle (the oak toast and scented moss was 

simply sensational) and the much talked about snail porridge. To my dinning 

companions, it was a test - the open minded around the table enjoyed the 

adventure of something so unusual and it gave an insight into how we approach 

what we eat. 

Still more followed with roast foie gras, almond fluid gel, cherry and chamomile; salmon 

poached in a liquorice gel, black truffle, asparagus, vanilla mayonnaise and manni olive oil; 

ballottine of Anjou pigeon, black pudding, pickling brine and spiced roasting juices; sardine 

on toast sorbet mackerel invertebrate; the not-so-full English Breakfast of parsnip cereal, nitroscrambled 

egg and bacon ice cream and hot and iced tea. On the sweet side, pine sherbet 

as a ‘Pre-Hit’ before dessert on the menu evoked a trip back in time to the milk bars of my 

childhood. Mango and Douglas fir, bavarios of mango and lychee blackcurrant sorbet, green 

peppercorn jelly. The Mrs. Marshall’s Margaret cornet filled with apple ice cream and ginger 

granite is a fitting homage to Mrs. Agnes Bertha Marshall (1855-1905), who was, without a 

doubt, one of the greatest cooks of the Victorian era. 

This is intelligent, emotionally stimulating gastronomy involving the use of all your senses. Each 

ingredient has its place on the plate and it is the very best you could experience anywhere in the 

world... as close to perfection as you can get. 

What about a place for a light lunch? Try a dozen Colchester oysters and the freshest Dover sole 

simply grilled at Bibendum. Sir Terrence Conran’s creation, Bibendum is located in Michelin House, 

Chelsea and is a good, classic, French, seafood restaurant that has stood the test of time. A light 

and airy room, there is a reference to the Michelin tyre man in the stained glass windows that 

alludes to the building’s past history. Bustling with high-energy service from the front-of-house 

team, expect consistency, comfort, character and class with wonderful cooking and service. 

Renowned chef and travel aficionado Peter ºley 

is our guide to the world of food. His passion for 

new flavours and exotic ingredients has taken him 

to some of the world’s top kitchens in New York, 

Singapore, Japan, France and beyond. 

Afternoon tea is a long and very English institution but not 

something I particularly like. However, the Prêt-à-Portea delicacies 

with a fashionista twist at the Berkeley Hotel, Knightsbridge are 

turning heads. This is an indulgent serving inspired by the themes 

and colours of the fashion world and designers such as Josh 

Goot, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Michael Kors and 

Herve Léger. The menu changes every six months to follow the 

season’s fashion and is served on Fine Bone China by Paul Smith. 

If you don’t feel like leaving your hotel room, they will deliver to 

you aboard a fashionable Vespa. 

For dinner, try the eating counter at L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, 

the perfect place to interact with the chefs. The counter surrounds 

the whole kitchen and simply presented dishes are full of flavour 

and use only the freshest of ingredients. Parmesan cappuccino, 

white asparagus jelly, fresh almonds and citrus flavours; quail 

stuffed with foie gras and truffled mashed potatoes; seared 

scallop fregola and lobster foam; ‘Le White’ a crispy meringue 

spiced red fruit sorbet and ‘creme madame’. The food and service 

was seamless, and sitting at the counter was the best place in 

the house. Le Bar upstairs is a cool place to start or finish your 

evening. Or, head for Hakkasan with its clever design dividing the 

bar from the central dining area. Glamorous wait staff emerge 

with dishes that dazzle with Michelin-star modern Cantonese 

cuisine created by chef Tong Chee Hwee. 

I am pushed to answer when asked which I think is London’s best 

restaurant and enjoyed the most. I have no doubt that Marcus 

Wareing at the Berkeley will be the next three Michelin star chef 

in London. I have eaten his food on more than one occasion 

when he was chef at Pétrus and this is cuisine as haute as you can 

get… Taking simple ingredients and ramping them up to new 

heights, it is, simply, where food is going. 

Peter recommends the following: 

Marcus Wareing at the Berkeley 

Wilton Place, Knightsbridge, London tel: +44 20 7235 1200 

The Fat Duck 

High Street, Bray, Berkshire, tel: +44 1628 580 333 

L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon 

13-15 West Street, London, tel: +44 20 7010 8600 

Bibendum 

81 Fulham Road, London, tel: +44 20 7851 5817 

Hakkasan 

8 Hanway Place, London, tel: +44 20 7927 7000 


Hot 

Stopovers 

New Zealand may seem to be in a remote part of the world 

sometimes but the bonus of that is every time you travel 

to Europe, you can get a whole little side-trip to another 

destination as part of the deal if you want too. And with all 

the choices now available, we want to very much. LUXURY 

has taken the hard work out of the choices for you and put 

together our Top 5 picks for your next sensational stop over. 

Abu Dhabi 

The largest Emitate in the UAE, what can you expect from one of 

the richest places in the world? Expect a warm Bedouin welcome 

to a vibrant, cultural and cosmopolitan emirate. Expect a touch 

less glitz, a lot more tradition and a slower pace than its Dubai 

neighbour. Expect quaint souks alongside neon-lit shopping 

districts. But mostly, expect plenty more development (such as 

Saadiyat Island, a $30 billion project for 29 hotels, three marinas, 

two golf courses, and housing for 150,000 people) that will 

amaze and astonish you on every visit. 

Best place to stay: Emirates Palace - emiratespalace.com 

Insider tip: For a unique cultural experience, be sure to visit to 

the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital - www.falconhospital.com 

San Francisco 

Often regarded as the most European city in the US, this is the 

one city that regularly pips New York as a favourite destination 

for travellers. It’s the sort of place that wriggles its way into 

your heart and before you know it, you are a huge fan. But 

what’s not to love when you can do museums in the morning, 

mountains in the afternoon and mojitos in the evening? Be 

careful though, you may be tempted to stay where you are 

rather than keep going on to your final destination. 

Best place to stay: Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghirardelli Square 

- www.fairmont.com/ghirardelli 

Insider tip: Head to Hog Island Oyster Bar for a dozen of the 

freshest oysters and the best views – www.hogislandoysters.com 

Buenos Aires 

BA (as it is fondly nicknamed) has combined intoxicating 

sexiness and old worlde charm effortlessly. It has cleverly taken 

all the very best bits from its rich history to create a unique 

identity with breathtaking architecture, mouth-watering food 

(especially of the meat variety), delicious wines and the titillating 

tango. It’s a big town with loads to do and plenty of cool cafés 

or coffee shops to pull into and rest your weary feet… if you 

can find a seat amongst all the locals who will already be there 

doing the same. 

Best place to stay: Hotel Faena - www.faenahotelanduniverse.com 

Insider tip: For the best steak, head to La Estancia and order 

an 800g steak with ‘Provensal’ (garlic and parsley) fries and a 

good Malbec - www.laestanciadepalermo.com 

Tokyo 

No matter how many times you go to Tokyo, it will slap you in 

the face, kick you in the stomach and squeeze the breath out 

you… before you’ve even left the airport. It’s like some strange 

planet… but in a really good way. Where else in the world can 

you find a vending machine for anything from umbrellas and 

batteries to hot meals and fresh eggs! One thing’s for sure, you 

will never get bored in this city where billboards cover entire 

buildings and the frenetic pace never lulls for a minute. 

Best place to stay: Park Hyatt Tokyo - www.tokyo.park.hyatt.com 

Insider tip: Get in touch with your traditional Japanese self 

and be transformed into a geiko or samurai at Henshin Studio 

Mon Katsura - www.henshin-maiko.com 

Seoul 

Seoul is likely to be nothing like you imagined. It’s a crazy, 

thriving, cosmopolitan city with wall-to-wall concrete, a gadget 

for everything and a serious passion for food. Yes, food… 

preferably hot and spicy and loaded with gochu (chilli pepper). 

Koreans are overachievers, so expect everything to be bigger, 

bolder and better than anywhere else but still with a healthy 

respect for traditions and the past (both good and bad). Try 

Seoul, it will surprise you in a very good way. 

Best place to stay: W Seoul Walkerhill - www.wseoul.com 

Insider tips: Stop for a pomegranate tea at one of the teahouses 

in Insadong (Antiques Ally), downtown Seoul in the area of 

Jongno-Gu. Also, check out Fathom Asia for some fantastic 

foodie tours. 

Clockwise from top left: Traditional Henna in Abu Dhabi, 

Park Hyatt Tokyo, Hotel Faena Buenos Aires, tram in San 

Francisco, cuisine in Seoul 


WIN a Grand Getaway 

Staying 1 night at the SKYCITY Grand Hotel 

boutique luxury 

Plus enjoy a bottle of Daniel Le Brun Methode Champenoise and 

Chef’s selection decadence platter on arrival, dinner at dine by Peter Gordon, 

breakfast at The Terrace Restaurant and late check-out. Value $500. 

Simply fill out the form and mail in for your chance to win. 

MR/MRS/MISS: 

PHONE AREA CODE: 

PHONE NUMBER: 

FIRST NAME: 

LAST NAME: 

EMAIL ADDRESS: 

An exclusive boutique resort 

built in modern Thai style 

featuring luxury rooms, 

suites and pool villas. 

Located on the shores of 

stunning Lamai Beach on the 

tropical island of Samui, Thailand. 

Call: 0800 955 655 Click: mondotravel.co.nz Visit: your Mondo store 

MAILING ADDRESS: 

MY DREAM DESTINATIONS IN THE SOUTH PACIFIC AND AUSTRALIA ARE: 

Fiji Rarotonga Tahiti Noumea Samoa Vanuatu 

Sydney Melbourne Brisbane Gold Coast Sunshine Coast Cruising 

Don’t send me magazine offers and travel information and deals in the future 

Post completed form to: LUXURY, PO Box 559, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand 

Prize draw terms and conditions: 1. Grand Extravagance Prize Package includes one night’s accommodation for two in a Luxury Room at the SKYCITY Grand Hotel, bottle of Daniel Le Brun 

Methode Champenoise on arrival, the Chef’s selection decadence platter – provided in room on arrival, dinner for two to the value of $150 at dine by Peter Gordon, breakfast for two at The 

Terrace Restaurant to the value of $80.00, late check-out of 1pm and valet car parking at SKYCITY. The prize package must be redeemed by 31/03/2010 and all bookings are strictly subject to 

availability. 2. all taxes, insurance, airport transfers, spending money and other expenses are the responsibility of the prize winner. 3. staff and family members of LUXURY Holidays & Corporate 

Travel Magazine and Mondo Travel are ineligible to enter the prize draw. 4. by entering the prize draw you agree that LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel Magazine may from time to 

time provide you with Marketing information relating to its products and services, where you have provided an email address you consent to LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel Magazine 

providing such information by email. 5. winner’s name may be used for publicity purposes. 6. the prize package is not exchangeable, transferable or redeemable for cash and does not include 


travel to and from SKYCITY Auckland or any other travel related expenses. 8. competition runs from 1 October to 15 December 2009. The prize draw will take place at 10am on 18 December 

OrewaWhangaparaoaTakapunaAuckland CBDMt EdenRemueraKerikeriWhangareiChartwell, HamiltonCherrywood & Devonport Rd, TaurangaNew PlymouthMotuekaRiccarton 

2009. The winner will be notified by email and/or telephone by LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel Magazine. 

✃

Heavenly Getaway 

The Westin, Auckland 

A selfish weekend escape was long overdue for Ange Harrison and what better place 

to head than The Westin Auckland Lighter Quay for a Heavenly Experience. 

Heavenly Escape Reader Offer 

To celebrate 100 million nights of sumptuous sleep, The 

Westin Auckland is offering all the ingredients you’ll need 

for a restorative retreat from only $290 per room, per night: 

- Recharge with the ultimate night’s sleep in Westin’s 

renowned Heavenly® Bed 

- Replenish with daily buffet breakfast in waterfront 

Q restaurant 

- Local newspaper delivery each morning 

- Linger longer with a 4pm late checkout 

Terms & Conditions: Based on double occupancy in a Superior Room. Valid 

until 30 December 2009. Offer and late checkout subject to availability and not 

valid with any other offer. Package is based on seasonal rates & may increase 

during high demand periods. 

For more information please visit westin.com/auckland 

or call +649 909 9000 and quote Heavenly Getaway. 

I was in desperate need for some pampering and relaxation 

and The Westin Auckland prides itself on offering a heavenly 

haven. That was all the enticement I needed and I headed 

straight on over. The Westin experience starts from the 

moment you step into the lobby, with soft lighting, signature 

music and the delicate aroma of their White Tea scented 

candles to lift the spirit… and so heaven on earth begins. 

The calming ambience is continued throughout the hotel 

and its 172 guest rooms and suites, with the use of clean, 

contemporary design, soothing colour schemes and small, 

personal touches of Pacifica and Kiwiana. Every detail of 

every Westin worldwide is based on a core philosophy of 

preserving wellness in travel guaranteed to restore guests, 

mind, body and spirit. So it came as no surprise to me when 

the porter, who was escorting me to my room, explained 

that The Westin is a completely smoke-free hotel (one of the 

first upper-scale hotels to enforce this), which contributes to 

another of their experiences called Breathe Westin ® . 

I spotted it as soon as I entered my room - the Heavenly Bed ® . 

Wickedly inviting, I knew it well and was tempted to hurl 

myself straight into its beautifully made centre. This iconic 

brand is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and was 

unexpectedly the start of a Heavenly lifestyle brand that today 

boasts bath line, travel blanket, robes, dual showerhead and 

dog bed for that much-pampered pooch. Back in 1999 when 

the bed was launched, more than 35 guests called in the first 

week alone enquiring how they could get their hands on a 

slice of their own heaven(ly bed) to take home. You see, this 

isn’t just any ordinary bed… it is made of up 10 layers of 

comfort on a 13” pillow-top mattress and 8 3/4” box spring. 

It’s so popular that the online store offers an interactive retail 

concierge with tips on how to make the bed and look after 

all the components. The ten layers of mattress, feather and 

down duvet, pillows and crisp white cotton have all been 

designed with one thing in mind - the very best night’s 

sleep possible. 

I couldn’t wait to try it out again but first; I had a Signature In- 

Room Spa treatment to sample. I had requested a one hour 

‘restore’ deep tissue massage and am most pleased to report 

that when you ask for a deep tissue massage, that is exactly 

what you get. As my therapist worked away at all the trouble 

spots, I drifted in and out of a state of bliss to the sound of 

the soothing music she had brought with her. It was a very 

good massage and I was sorry when my time was up…. until 

I remembered that I had a Heavenly Bath to soak away those 

last few lingering aches and pains. The bathroom is another 

key part of Westin’s wellness philosophy and is spacious (with 

separate bath and shower), light and includes their signature 

range of white tea aloe toiletries and robe. 

Considering I hadn’t done much in the way of activity, I was 

surprised at the appetite I had developed. I could have joined 

the Unwind Hour before dinner, an evening ritual where 

guests can gather in The Living Room and take part in a novel 

way to celebrate a stay in the ‘City of Sails’ - an interactive 

remote control yacht race. But it was straight to dinner for 

me at Q Restaurant (there is also Toast Café and The Office 

bar, so something for everyone). Keeping with the Heavenly 

Experience, I enjoyed the signature Superfoods menu that is 

specifically designed to feed the body and nourish the soul 

by providing dishes made up from powerhouse ingredients 

rich in nutrients, antioxidants and taste. My meal included 

broccoli and blue cheese soup; green tea infused salmon, 

succulent lamb and a rich chocolate tart. Surprisingly, even 

though there were six courses in total, they were all so well 

proportioned that I didn’t feel as if I had overindulged at all. 

My Heavenly Bed ® delivered all it promised and more and 

feeling recharged I headed for a session at WestinWORKOUT ® , 

a state of the art gym that is open 24 hours and offers free 

weights, treadmills, bikes and cross-trainers. Or, you could 

take advantage of an in-room workout where a treadmill or 

bike will be delivered to your room so that you can exercise 

in privacy. Joggers have not been ignored and The Westin 

Auckland also has a custom-designed scenic route close to 

the hotel, which can include you being accompanied by a 

concierge member if you so desire. And if you are super keen, 

finish off with a dip in the 20m indoor lap pool. The Westin 

Auckland also has tranquil Senses Spa onsite with sauna, 

steam room, massage room and a team of beauty therapists 

to take care of all your spa requirements. 

With its central location, excellent facilities, young and vibrant 

staff, it’s the ideal place to check-in to when you need to 

reconnect with yourself, slow down, relax and just breathe. 

But don’t wait for an excuse to sample the Westin difference, 

go on, do it today, you’ll thank yourself for it. 


Eurostar 

Express train under the sea 

Most New Zealanders first touch British soil when they step off 

the plane at Heathrow. But if you prefer the romance of rail, 

there’s a far more leisurely way to enter the Island Kingdom. 

Philip Tetley-Jones caught the Eurostar Train from Brussels. 

Yes, we’re now under the sea. The view isn’t great but the 

transition is utterly seamless. It’s quite astonishing to think 

that tunnellers have dug their way from the Continent to 

Britain, simply to enable us travel from the heart of Paris and 

Brussels to London, without getting out of our seats. 

At 1.56pm we emerge into the light. We’re in Kent now – 

better put the watch back an hour. My mobile tells me it’s 

time to find a UK network. 

This section of rail line has been upgraded within the last 

decade, so we’re whisked through the rolling English 

countryside at high speed. Hills, roads and other obstacles 

have been bypassed by a plethora of new tunnels. The soft 

thud of air pressure as we enter each tunnel becomes a 

familiar sensation. 

Then, less than an hour after surfacing at Kent, we’re 

approaching the rejuvenated terminus at St Pancras Station 

in London. This fine old Victorian station was criminally 

neglected for many years, but I’m pleased to see that it’s 

been beautifully modernised to cater for European train 

arrivals. Thanks to our pre-boarding customs formalities, 

there’s no need to queue and have your passport scrutinised. 

Simply take your luggage and stroll along the platform to 

the underground arrival hall, complete with all the shops and 

money exchange facilities you could wish for. Transfer to taxi, 

train or Tube line, and you’re on your way. 

Our journey has been refreshingly simple, quick and efficient. 

Travelling from city centre to city centre, we’ve been spared 

the awkward rigmarole of taxis and airports. If you enjoy the 

old-fashioned romance of rail travel, but expect a state-ofthe-art 

experience, travelling by train under the seabed has a 

lot going for it. 

Cost: 

1st class from NZ$321 per adult 



It’s 10.25am on a brisk spring morning. After a week of flitting through France, Belgium 

and Germany, the time has come to cross that narrow but formidable body of water called 

La Manche in French, or the English Channel if you hail from the other side. After many 

years dreaming about the possibilities, a rail tunnel was finally dug in the 1990s and Britain’s 

offshore island status was compromised. 

The international terminal at Brussels Midi train station certainly feels like a real border. There 

are passport controls, immigration cards and comfortable but secure waiting lounges where 

you can relax with a croissant and that morning’s edition of the UK papers. Right on time, 

boarding is announced in a variety of languages and we make our way to the waiting train. 

The seats are comfortable and the amenities comparable to a business class airline cabin, 

with the bonus of a wide-angle vista rather 

than an oval porthole. 

Luggage is stowed, the multi-lingual cabin staff proffer greetings, and right on the dot of 

11.30am we feel the train pull away from the platform. 

Within minutes we’re whizzing through the flat Belgium landscape at close to 200 kilometres 

per hour. It’s a fantastic way to travel, as you have a constantly changing view as well as a 

real sensation of movement rather than the mid-air limbo of a plane cabin. The crew offer us 

drinks and hand out a pristine lunch menu. I opt for the smoked salmon and chicory gratin 

with green salad, followed by the dessert of a Belgian white sugar tart. 

At 11.55am we cross the border into northern France. How do I know? My mobile phone 

tells me it’s seeking a new network and invites me to select a French operator. 

After a brief stop at Lille to take on more passengers, the lunch trolley appears and I enjoy my 

selection with real crockery and a glass of wine (Bordeaux, of course). And all of a sudden, 

we’re heading down a slope into darkness… 

the new travel company 


Designer and founder of 

World, and inspirational 

speaker with Celebrity 

Speakers New Zealand. 

And only just around the corner 

LUXURY FOUND 

There’s a wide range of luxury properties available throughout New Zealand and Australia. We’ve taken 

the hard work out of finding one and given you our top picks, all just around the corner. 

Celebrity Traveller 

Denise L’Estrange-Corbet 

LUXURY: What has been your favourite travel 

experience to date? 

I have travelled the world many times, and love so many 

different cities and cultures, but my most memorable would 

be when Francis arranged for the three of us to spend my 

40th in New York City. I had never been before, and it blew 

me away. There is NOTHING you can’t buy there! We had the 

most brilliant time, and stayed in an enormous apartment, it 

was so special. 

LUXURY: What would your dream escape be 

if money were no object? 

I would LOVE to travel to Greenland, Alaska or 

Antarctica. I am fascinated by the extremes in 

temperature around the planet, and would 

love to see polar bears, orcas and a whole 

host of other species in their natural 

habitat, that you would not normally 

get to see. I would want to do this on a 

Russian ice breaker ship - it would be so 

unbelievable - and such a far cry from the 

places I normally visit. It would be the trip of 

a lifetime. I could be the lay-person’s David Attenborough! 

LUXURY: Who would be your ideal 

travel partner? 

My ideal travel partner would be someone fabulously 

wealthy, a squizzillionaire, who insisted on paying for 

everything! Well, I can dream. If not that, then my 

daughter Pebbles. 

LUXURY: Are you a planner or more a go-with-the-flow 

type of traveller? 

I try and plan things, but they never work, unless I have 

appointments to keep for business. But if no work is 

involved, I make a list of what I want to do, and eventually do 

them, but in no particular order. 

LUXURY: Where will your next trip away be? 

My next trip away will be Europe. I want to try and take in 

Italy this time, although I love Paris, and keep going back 

there! I always stop in Hong Kong on the way, as we fly 

Cathay Pacific, and also as Francis was born there, and has 

shown me all the best places to go. Breakfast is always at the 

Mandarin Hotel, and afternoon tea at the Peninsula. Bliss! 

LUXURY: Any travel tips? 

I have yet to master travel tips. Francis always knows which 

leg of the flight to sleep on, so when he gets off the plane, 

he is up and running. I tend to watch all the movies and 

arrive knackered. 

Visit www.csnz.co.nz to read more about Denise and other 

Celebrity Speakers New Zealand profiles. 

Phone: + 61 7 5449 5000 

Email: info@onthebeachnoosa.com.au 

Web: www.onthebeachnoosa.com.au 

Add: 49 Hastings street, Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia 4567 

LUXURY RIVER CRUISING 

EUROPE 2010 

Portugal 

and 

France 

Enjoy 7 days on the historic River Douro and 7 days on 

Van Gogh’s beautiful River Rhone - combined with 3 

nights in both Lisbon and Paris. 

This fabulous 20 night cruise tour includes: 

7 night cruise aboard both the ms Amadouro and the ms 

Swiss Pearl with all meals, wine with dinner, port charges 

and on board gratuities included * 3 nights in Lisbon 

and 3 nights in Paris with breakfast daily * transfers * 

TGV train from Lyon to Paris * flight from Porto to 

Marseille incl taxes * extensive sightseeing throughout 

Book by 30 Nov ‘09 and pay 

Departures: 2, 30 June; 

25 Aug; 8 Sep & 6 Oct 2010 

from only $11,599 per person 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Countries of the 

Rhine 

and 

Moselle 

Departures: 25 June, 

4 July 2010 

Mondo Travel Riccarton 

47 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch 

Ph: 0800 30 30 80 or 3410 170 

Email: riccarton@mondotravel.co.nz 

Enjoy a uniquely designed 14 day itinerary along the 

Rhine and Moselle rivers through Holland, Belgium, 

Germany and Switzerland, combined with a 5 night tour 

of Switzerland. 

This exciting 19 night cruise tour includes: 

14 night cruise aboard the luxurious ms Amalegro with 

all meals, wine with dinner, port charges and on board 

gratuities included * 5 night tour of Switzerland staying 

in first class hotels with breakfast daily * transfers * 

extensive sightseeing throughout 

Book by 30 Nov ‘09 and pay 

from only $10,199 per person 

Qantas Frequent Flyer Points* awarded 

on cruiseco fly, cruise and stay holidays 

Prices are person in NZD based on lowest available twin share accommodation inclusive of port charges, government fees and on board 

gratuities, and are valid for bookings made by 30 Nov ‘09. Please refer to brochure for full itinerary details and terms and conditions. 

Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes and currency. Subject to availability at time of booking. Cancellation 

penalties and conditions apply. *You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn points in accordance with the 

terms and conditions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. A joining fee applies. Points are not awarded on port charges, government 

fees, on board gratuities and air taxes. 

Peppers on the Point 

Lake Rotorua 

Experience the rich culture of 

Rotorua or simply relax and 

enjoy the tranquillity of the 

stunning location. A fine gracious 

home, exquisitely furnished 

with 9 luxurious suites, where 

quintessential service awaits you. 

Contact details: 

w onthepoint.co.nz 

e info@onthepoint.co.nz 

p +64 7 348 4868 

Timara Lodge 

In the heart of Marlborough’s 

wine region lies one of New 

Zealand’s most exclusive retreats. 

Set amidst 25 acres of manicured 

English-style gardens, choose 

from four charming rooms, enjoy 

fine cuisine and relax… it’s the 

perfect place to unwind. 


w timara.co.nz 

e timaralodge@xtra.co.nz 

p +64 3 572 8276 

Wolgan Valley 

Resort & Spa 

Experience the breathtaking 

beauty of the Greater Blue 

Mountains World Heritage area 

in one of 40 stand-alone suites, 

each with private swimming pool. 

Explore 4,000 acres while enjoying 

a memorable break with distinctive 

dining and spectacular scenery. 


w emirateshotelsresorts.com 

e info@wolganvalley.com 

p +61 2 9290 9733 

Blanket Bay 

Acknowledged as one of New 

Zealand’s finest lodges, there is 

nowhere on earth where there 

are so many activities available so 

close by. Blanket Bay can provide 

you with endless ways to help 

restore your physical and spiritual 

well-being in this spectacular 

corner of New Zealand. 


w blanketbay.com 

e information@blanketbay.com 

p +64 3 441 0115 

Byron at Byron 

Set within a stunning 45-acre 

rainforest and a short drive or 

cycle to the iconic Byron Bay 

township, life here is easy. This is 

a place to indulge, with nurturing 

spa treatments, daily yoga or 

simply relax on the wide-open 

verandahs. 


w thebyronatbyron.com.au 

e reservations@ 

thebyronatbyron.com.au 

p +61 2 6639 2000 

Southern Ocean 

Lodge 

Floating atop a secluded cliff on 

a rugged stretch of coast with 

commanding views of the wild 

Southern Ocean and pristine 

Kangaroo Island wilderness, the 

lodge is a sanctuary of refined 

comfort and Kangaroo Island style. 


w southernoceanlodge.com.au 

e reserve@baillielodges.com.au 

p +61 2 9918 4355 

Motueka River 

Lodge 

This understated boutique 

luxury lodge is situated amongst 

some of the most breathtaking 

countryside in New Zealand. 

First-class adventure, fly-fishing, 

undisturbed relaxation and 

rejuvenation - the choice is yours. 


w motuekalodge.co.nz 

e enquiries@motuekalodge.com 

p +64 3 526 8668 

Fossil Cove 

Superb architect-designed 

contemporary island home, this 

property enjoys 12 landscaped 

acres of panoramic views onto 

the magnificent Hauraki Gulf, 

within a secure private estate. 

Fossil Cove offers the ultimate 

experience in luxury with its own 

private beach and helipad. 


w fossilcove.com 

e info@essenceofwaiheke.co.nz 

p + 64 9 372 2680 


LUXURY FOUND Queensland, Australia 

Queensland has so many exceptional choices for the luxury seeker, it got its own page. 

Here are our top eight picks for your next decadent Queensland escape. 

South Pacific 

LUXURY FOUND 

If you are looking for something special for your next getaway to the Pacific Islands, look no further. 

Here are our top eight picks in the South Pacific that will leave you inspired long after the tan has faded. 

Oceans 

Mooloolaba 

Located on the Sunshine Coast, 

Oceans features state-of-art 2 and 

3 bedroom luxury apartments, 

penthouses and suites. All 

apartments are fully self-contained 

and have stunning ocean views. 

Visit the website for more 

information and virtual tour. 


w oceansmooloolaba.com.au 

e stay@oceansmooloolaba.com.au 

p +61 7 5444 5777 

Palazzo Versace 

Gold Coast 

Elegant, sophisticated and 

glamorous – just what you’d 

expect from the fashion house, 

Versace. Marble, mosaics and 

exceptional craftsmanship provide 

guests with the perfect canvas 

for an unforgettable 5-star 

experience. 


w palazzoversace.com 

e reservations@palazzoversace.com 

p +61 7 5509 8000 

Rumours Luxury 

Villas & Spa, 

Rarotonga & Aitutaki 

World-class luxury villas situated 

on beautiful white sandy, absolute 

beachfront locations of both 

Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Villas have 

private and spa pools, courtyards, 

and full kitchens throughout. 


w rumours-rarotonga.com 

e info@rumours-rarotonga.com 

p +682 75380 

Te Manava Luxury 

Villas & Spa 

Introducing the Cook Islands newest 

and most luxurious private villas. 

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa is 

5-star luxury accommodation, set 

on Rarotonga’s stunning south-east 

coast, offering an exciting new 

choice for the discerning traveller. 


w temanava.com 

e temanava@pacificresort.co.ck 

p +682 20427 

qualia 

Located on the secluded 

northernmost tip of Hamilton 

Island and at the edge of the 

Great Barrier Reef, qualia sets 

a new pinnacle for luxury in 

Australia. Unwind in one of the 

exquisitely appointed pavilions 

and for a truly memorable 

experience, step inside Spa qualia. 


w qualia.com.au 

e reservations@qualia.com.au 

p +61 2 9433 3349 

Hayman Island Resort 

Located in Australia’s magnificent 

Great Barrier Reef, Hayman 

is a private island destination 

presenting a unique resort 

experience of adventure, 

relaxation, tranquillity, indulgence 

and natural beauty. Once you 

arrive, you won’t ever want to 

leave. 


w hayman.com.au 

e reservations@hayman.com.au 

p +61 7 4940 1234 

Yasawa Island 

Resort & Spa 

Immerse yourself in splendid 

isolation on an island in the most 

unspoiled reaches of the Fijian 

archipelago. Amongst the palms 

of this remote island are just 18 

thatched bures offering complete 

solitude and absolute luxury. 


w yasawa.com 

e enquiries@yasawa.com.fj 

p +679 672 2266 

Fiji Beach Resort 

Managed by Hilton 

Everything about Fiji Beach Resort 

& Spa, managed by Hilton, oozes 

effortless luxury. It’s the newest and 

most luxurious 5-Star Fijian resort 

and the only thing you’ll have to 

think about is what pool to lie at or 

what cocktail to order. 


w fijibeachresortbyhilton.com 

w reservations.fiji@hilton.com 

p +679 675 6800 

Sheraton Noosa 

Escape to Noosa’s only 5-star 

resort, and explore your passion 

for comfort and unforgettable 

beachside experiences. Our ideal 

location lets you shop on Hastings 

Street or explore the nearby 

sunny beaches, languid rivers, 

awe-inspiring rain forests and 

Fraser Island. 


w starwoodhotels.com 

e noosa.reservations@sheraton.com 

p +61 7 5449 4888 

Emporium Hotel 

Brisbane’s newest 5-star luxury 

boutique property offers a 

tangible vision of contemporary 

elegance and hospitality. Offering 

individual customised service 

at all levels, the award-winning 

Emporium Hotel looks forward to 

welcoming you. 


w emporiumhotel.com.au 

e reservations@emporiumhotel.com.au 

p +61 7 3253 6999 

The St. Regis Bora 

Bora Resort 

It is the distinctive interpretation 

of personalised service combined 

with the most impressive 

accommodations in the South 

Pacific that elevates the St. Regis 

Bora Bora Resort to a new level of 

splendor with effortless elegance. 


w starwoodhotels.com 

e reservations@stregisborabora.com 

p +689 607 898 

Vatulele Island 

Resort 

Set back from a stunning stretch 

of white sand beach in the heart 

of the South Pacific, this resort’s 

bures provide generous personal 

space together with natural 

architecture to present a new 

standard of luxury in the region. 


e gm@vatulele.com 

p +679 672 0300 

Angsana 

Great Barrier Reef 

Nestled in gorgeous Palm Cove, 

Angsana is paradise redefined for 

nature lovers. On the doorstep of 

the world’s longest coral reef and 

oldest rainforest, the resort is the 

only one in Palm Cove to enjoy 

absolute beach frontage. 


w angsana.com 

e reservations-cairns@angsana.com 

p +61 7 4055 3000 

Bloomfield Lodge 

As one of Australia’s most exclusive 

luxury properties, Bloomfield Lodge 

guarantees nothing but the best 

during your stay. Whether you 

want to explore or simply unwind, 

Bloomfield Lodge offers the 

opportunity to indulge all your senses 

and refresh mind, body and spirit. 


w bloomfieldlodge.com.au 

e bloomfield@tfaustralia.com 

p +61 7 4035 9166 

Four Seasons 

Bora Bora 

On this mystical island with its 

necklace of white-fringed coral 

islets, Four Seasons elevates the 

excitement to redefine a South Seas 

escape. Exotic over-water suites, and 

beachfront villas with pools immerse 

you in ultramodern comforts and the 

spirit of French Polynesia. 


w fourseasons.com/borabora 

p +689 603 130 

Taveuni Palms 

Listed as one of the most luxurious 

honeymoon destinations in the 

world, Taveuni Palms caters to 

couples looking for a secluded 5- 

star experience. Each villa sits on a 

private golden sandy beach, and 

offers a private pool and personal 

staff. Absolute beachfront. Absolute 

privacy. Welcome to paradise. 


w taveunipalms.com 

e info@taveunipalms.com 

p +679 888 0032 


Have We Got A 

Story For You 

SEE JERSEY BOYS LIVE IN MELBOURNE 

JERSEY BOYS tells the story of how four boys from the wrong side of the tracks became one of the biggest American 

pop music sensations of all time – the Four Seasons. Featuring their hit songs “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Walk 

Like a Man”, “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, among others, JERSEY BOYS is a must-see. 

Package includes: 

- Return Economy class airfares from Auckland to Melbourne flying Qantas 

- 2 nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Sofitel Melbourne 

- Complimentary upgrade to next available room category 

- ‘A’ Reserve ticket to JERSEY BOYS 

Package cost: $1095 per person share twin 

(Terms and conditions apply, contact Mondo Travel for details.) 


Call: 0800 955 655 Click: mondotravel.co.nz Visit: your Mondo store

EYE IN THE SKY 

All information refers to international, long haul flights. 

Airline 

Airline 

Frequent flyer information: 

Frequent Flyer Club Name: 

How to Qualify: 

Location of Lounges: 

Reciprocal Rights: 

Preferred Seating: 

Priority Check-In: 

Excess Baggage: 

Royal Orchid Plus (ROP) 

Register on ROP application form 

www.thaiairways.com 

Available at Thai Airways domestic destinations 

in Thailand to Gold Members, Business and First 

Class travellers. Access to over 500 Star Alliance 

lounges worldwide. 

With most Star Alliance carriers. 

Gold Members, First, Business and Economy Class. 

Business and First Class. 

Gold members – have additional 20kg. 

Silver members – have additional 10kg. 

JAL Mileage Bank (JMB)/JAL Global Club (JGC) 

Free to join JAL Mileage Bank 

www.nz.jal.com 

JAL lounges at most airports for First and 

Executive Class travellers. Where JAL lounges not 

available, use of another lounge is arranged. 

Oneworld carriers and other partner carriers. 

Upper tier Japan Airlines & Oneworld members. 

First, Business, Premium Economy, upper tier 

Japan Airlines and Oneworld members. 

JMB Crystal – 10kg/1 piece free. JMB Sapphire/ 

Diamond/JGC – 20kg/2 pieces free. 









Other Benefits: 

KrisFlyer 

www.krisflyer.co.nz 

Most Singapore Airlines destinations, and 

where these are not available those of 

partner airlines may be used. 

With most Star Alliance carriers 

For PPS members. 

For KrisFlyer Elite Gold & PPS members. 

KrisFlyer Elite Gold: Extra 20kgs 

25% tier bonus on KrisFlyer miles, reduced/ 

waived service fees 

Airpoints 

www.airnewzealand.co.nz 

Available at 12 domestic destinations and all Air 

New Zealand international destinations. Airpoints 

Gold Elite and Gold members, Business travellers 

have access to over 500 Star Alliance lounges 

worldwide. 

With most Star Alliance carriers. 

Gold Elite and Gold members. 

Gold Elite, Gold and Koru members. Business/ 

Business Premier and Pacific Premium Economy. 

Gold Elite, Gold, Star Alliance Gold and Koru 

members. 

You can use your Airpoints Dollars to buy 

any seat for sale on an Air New Zealand flight. 

Airpoints Dollars can also be used for car rental, 

hotel accommodation and Koru membership. 


Route Network: 

Seating and Entertainment: 

First Class: 

Business Class: 

Premium Economy: 

Economy Class: 

Entertainment: 

Average Age of Planes: 

New members using ROP registration form receive 

2500 bonus points. New members using on-line 

registration receive 3000 bonus points. ROP 

membership cost is free of charge. 

74 cities (63 International and 11 Domestic). 

On selected routes. 

Pitch: 82” Number of seats: 8-10 

Configuration: 1-2-1 

Angle of seat recline: 180º (flat) 

Seat type: Lie Flat Bed TV Size: 10.4” 

Year this seating type was introduced: 2005 



Angle of seat recline: 170º 

Seat type: Near Lie Flat Bed TV Size: 10.4” 


. 

N/A 


Configuration: 2-4-2 Angle of seat recline: 115º 

Seat type: Standard TV Size: 8.4” 

Audio visual on-demand system. 

10 years. 

Priority boarding for JGC/JMB Diamond/ 

Oneworld Emerald. 

246 international routes, 154 domestic. 

Pitch: 211 cm (83”) 

Width: 59 cm (23”) 

Number of seats: 8 

Configuration: 1-2-1 Angle of recline: 180 

degrees Bed Width: 84 cm (33”) 

Bed Length: 199 cm (78.5”) Personal TV screen: 

48 cm (19”) Aircraft: 777-300ER 

Pitch: 153 cm (60”) 

Width: 49 cm (19.2”) 


Configuration: 2-3-2 Angle of recline: 171º 

Bed Width: 57cm (22.3”) Length: 192cm (75.6”) 

Personal TV screen: 39 cm (15.4”) 

Aircraft: 777-300ER 

Pitch: 97 cm (38”) Width: 48 cm (18.9”) 

Number of seats: 46 Configuration: 2-4-2 

Personal TV screen: 23 cm (9”) 

Aircraft: 777-300ER 

Pitch: 79 cm (31 inch) Width: 43 cm (16.9 inch) 

Number of seats: 115 Configuration: 3-3-3 

Personal TV screen: 23 cm (9 inch) 

Audio-visual-on-demand system in all classes 

offering 132 movie, music, video and game 

channels. 

10 years. 



First Class: 






66 cities, 35 countries. 

Pitch: 71” Width: 35” 



Angle of seat recline: 180º (flat) 

Seat type: Lie Flat Bed TV Size: 23” 





Angle of seat recline: 180˚ 

Depending on aircraft 

Seat type: Lie Flat Bed 

TV Size: 15.4” 


Is this seating type on all planes? B777-300ER 

from NZ. 

N/A 

Pitch: 32” 

Width: 19” 



Seat type: Standard. TV Size: 10.6” 


Over 1000 entertainment options. Choose 

from movies, TV hits, comedies, documentaries, 

news, music, sports, Nintendo games and now 

you can also learn one of 22 languages with 

Berlitz® World Traveller. 

6.2 years. 

26 Domestic cities, 24 International destinations. 

N/A 

Pitch: Lie flat bed 

Width: 22” 

Number of seats: 26-46 

Configuration: 1-1-1-1 


Seat type: Bed 



Is this seating type on all planes? 747 and 777. 

Pitch: 38-40” Width: 17.8-18.5” 

Number of seats: 18-23 Configuration: 3-3-3/3-2 

Angle of seat recline: 9” 

Seat type: Standard TV Size: 8.4” 


Pitch: 32-34” Width: 17-17.8” Number of seats: 

269-324 Configuration: 3-3-3/3-4-3 

Angle of seat recline: 6” 

Seat type: Standard. TV Size: 8.4” 



The individual, on-demand system is available on 

certain routes including movies, TC programmes, 

games and the new audio feature – My Playlist. 

You can build your very own music library by track 

just like your iPod at home. 

6.4 years. 


Airline 

Airline 




Qantas Frequent Flyer 

Asia Miles/Marco Polo Club 


Skywards 

Enrich 


www.qantas.com 

www.asiamiles.com 


Free to join online at www.skywards.com 

www.malaysiaairlines.co.nz 



Qantas Club membership offers a network of 

over 250 lounges worldwide. 

Gold and Platinum members have access 

to oneworld lounges. 

Available at all on-line airports 

Gold Card/Diamond Card members 

get reciprocal Lounge access with oneworld 

airlines 



Emirates and its partner airlines have over 60 

lounges worldwide including dedicated lounges 

in Auckland, Bangkok, Brisbane, Dubai, Frankfurt, 

Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, London, Melbourne, 

Munich, New York, Perth, Paris, Singapore, 

Sydney, Zurich. 

Continental, JAL, South African Airways, Korean 

Airlines and United, Virgin Blue. 

Golden Club Lounges are available at applicable 

cities worldwide. Alternatively dedicated lounges 

nominated by Malaysia Airlines may be used. 

N/A 


Qantas Club, Silver, Gold and Platinum members. 

Yes 


Seating automatically assigned according to 

member preference indicated at joining. 

Offered to all passengers on request. 



Yes 


Gold & Silver members, regardless of class of 

travel. 

First & Business Class passengers as well as 

Platinum, Gold & Silver Enrich members. 




Qantas Club members with carry on luggage 

only can check in at the Qantas Club when 

travelling on domestic services within Australia 

and New Zealand. 

Silver Card members 10KG 

Gold Card members 15KG 

Diamond Card members 20KG 

Use of Business Class check-in counters when 

travelling Economy Class Priority waitlisting 

on flights that are full. Gold/Diamond Card - 

guaranteed seats on flights that are fully booked 

- conditions apply. 



Gold members - have additional 16kgs. 

Silver members - have additional 12kgs. 

Full miles earned regardless of fare paid. Waitlist 

priority. Ability to redeem miles at “The Emirates 

High Street”. Mileage upgrades are confirmed at 

the time of booking. Guaranteed seat reservation 

for Gold members. Priority baggage delivery for 

Gold members 

Platinum Status -100%, Gold Status -50%, 

Silver Status -+5kgs excess baggage allowed. 

Priority check in, Reservation Waitlists, Excess 

baggage allowance, Golden Lounge Privileges. 


141 destinations (including codeshare services). 

65 destinations around the world. 


100 destinations in 6 continents. 

Over 100 destinations across 6 continents. 


On selected routes 


First Class: 



Pitch: N/A Number of seats: 14 

Configuration: Single 

Seat type: Lie-flat bed 

Bed/seat length: 78” Bed width: 22.5” 

Pitch: 60” average 


Configuration: 2-3-2 and 

upper deck 2-2 

Seat type: 8˚ horizontal tilt-bed 

TV Size: 26.4cm/10.4” 

Pitch: 40”with 9” recline Configuration: 2-4-2 

Personal suite Width: 36” Number of seats: 6-9 

Configuration: Individual suites 

Seat Type: Fully flat bed 

Bed length: 81” Bed width: 36” 

Pitch: Herringbone Width: 23.5” 

Configuration: Herringbone layout 

Seat type: Lie Flat TV Size: 15” 

Bed length: 78-81” Bed width: Up to 32” 

Year this type was introduced: 2007 

N/A 

First Class: 


Pitch: 82” Width: 21.6” 



Seat type: Private Suites 

TV size: 23” 


Pitch: 39-48” Width: 18.5” 



Seat type: Lie flat bed 

TV size: 17” 


Pitch: 80” 

Configuration: 8 x Single - 2 x 2 

Seat Type: Lie Flat Sleeper Seat 

Bed length in inches: 80” 


TV Size: 15” 

Pitch: 74” 

Configuration: 2 x 3 x 2 

Seat Type: Angled Lie Flat Bed 

Angle of recline: 9˚ Angled Flat bed 

Year this seating was introduced: 2005 

TV Size: 10.4” LCD 




Pitch: 31”with 6” recline 



Seat type: Slimline TV Size: 16cm/6.4” 

Personal in-seat entertainment and in-seat 

phones are available in all classes. PC power 

is available in Business and First Class. 

Audio and Video on demand (AVOD) is 

available on most aircraft. 

10 years. 

Pitch: 32” Width: 17.45” 

Number of seats: 223-324 

Configuration: 2-4-2 Angle of seat recline: 15º 

Seat type: Standard TV Size: 9” 

Video/Audio on demand, over 50 movies, 100 TV 

shows, 160 plus CD’s 22 radio channels and 83 

games 

10 years. 




N/A 




Seat type: Standard 

TV size: 10.6” 


Over 1000 channels on demand with 

Emirates own cutting edge ICE (Information, 

Communication and Entertainment) system. 

N/A 

Pitch: 34” 


On demand entertainment system, Choice of 

40+movies, 60 short features, 200 music CD’s & 

55 video games. 


5.5 years. 

Less than 10 years. 


Concierge 

La Cigale French Market, Auckland 

I have recently moved into a house in Parnell after many 

years of residing in a city apartment. Since the shift, I’ve 

been revelling in the rediscovery of Saturday morning walks 

down to La Cigale for their popular French Style Farmers 

Market. I can’t believe that I had forgotten about this little 

piece of France right in the centre of Auckland. On most 

Saturday mornings now, I find myself making my way down 

there to stock up for the coming week on beautiful artisan 

breads, cheese that makes your mouth water and fruit and 

vegetables so fresh and bright it’s like you pulled them out of 

your own garden that very day. And of course, there are the 

treats that you can devour right on the spot like freshly made 

Paella, smoked sausages, plump olives, crêpes, traditional 

French pastries…. the list goes on. I cannot extol the virtues 

of this wonderful little market enough and encourage you 

wholeheartedly to visit if it’s not already a regular event in 

your diary. And rest assured, that as you wander around, 

eyes and stomach’s feasting on the fare that surrounds you, 

there is one thing that you can always get in this corner of 

the world that’s rather challenging to find in most parts of 

Europe…. a damn good cup of coffee. Croissant anyone? 

An inside guide 

Location: 69 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland 

Market times: 

Wednesday from 12pm to 6pm (mini market) 

Saturday from 8am to 1pm 

Sunday from 9am to 2pm 

Website: www.lacigale.co.nz 

100 years of travel evolution 

Introducing the future of travel. Available now. 

SIGN UP 

to our e-newsletter online at 

www.mondotravel.co.nz 

Evolution is a great thing. New technologies smooth out processes and service ultimately improves. Essentially, things just get 

better. Mondo is New Zealand’s newest nationwide travel company that has hand-picked New Zealand’s best travel consultants. 

People who love travel as much as you do. And while we’ll take you to the world and back, we truly know the South Pacific and 

Australia like no other. So, are you ready to experience the future of travel? 


Call: 0800 955 655 

Click: mondotravel.co.nz Visit: your Mondo store

LUXURY HAS A 

NEW EXPRESSION 

IN FIJI. 

Now open, the new InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa is located on the white sands of Natadola Beach and features 

an extensive range of golf, diving, leisure, dining and conference choices. Warm Fijian hospitality combines with 

contemporary Pacific Island design to create an idyllic destination for travell ers seeking relaxation, rejuvenation and 

authentic, enriching experiences. 

Do you live an InterContinental life? 

For further information or to make a 

reservation, please call 0800 442 215 or 

visit www.intercontinental.com/fiji 

84 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource.

LUXURY

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