Departures Australia Autumn 2021

DEPARTURES TRAVEL HOTEL

DEPARTURES TRAVEL HOTEL HAPPENINGS 24 Madrid Match-Up Both abutting the Spanish capital’s museum-packed Golden Triangle, a pair of blockbuster hotel debuts go head-to-head. ARCHITECTURAL PEDIGREE SUITE TALK ON THE MENU SPA CREDS HEAD TURNERS BONUS REEL Aussie Jewels From left: the Sequoia Lodge, in Piccadilly Valley; a Fabulous room at the new W Melbourne The unique topography of Australia is reflected in the myriad different and alluring accommodations available around the country, a reputation strengthened by a quartet of recent and coming-soon openings. In the chic but edgy refines of the Victorian capital’s fashion district, W Melbourne (w-hotels.marriott.com) – the brand’s second Australian outpost – has 265 rooms and 29 suites, in categories such as Wonderful, Fabulous and Mega, where the eclectic decor is inspired by the street-level newspaper kiosks that date back to the 1960s. Across in New South Wales, later this year will see the 121-key Porter House Hotel (mgallery.accor.com) debut. Part of the MGallery collection of boutique residences, Porter House will be housed over nine floors of a 36-storey tower on Castlereagh Street and will feature a swimming pool and fitness centre, two restaurants and a fourth-floor bar with art gallery. Taking a step into nature (though only a short drive from Adelaide), the 14-suite Sequoia Lodge (sequoialodge.com.au) in South Australia is beautifully poised above the Piccadilly Valley, with a plethora of onsite amenities complemented by the surrounding vineyards in one of the country’s premium winemaking areas. Lastly, across the water, The Tasman (marriott.com) in Hobart enhances the burgeoning hospitality credentials of Australia’s outlier state. The 152-key hotel in a beautifully preserved historic building boasts high ceilings, state-of-the-art technology and vigilantly restored features with a modern interpretation of Art Deco style. A new twist on old classics – a very Australian theme. – John McNamara MANDARIN ORIENTAL RITZ MADRID The long-awaited reincarnation of a storied belle époque hotel, with 153 rooms and suites Clean-lined and contemporary, with lighthanded baroque touches Avant-garde toque Quique Dacosta's locavore dishes, enjoyed under a glass canopy ceiling in the historic Palm Court A white-marble indoor swimming pool, “experience showers” and a steam room In a turret, the 188sq m Royal suite, with goldtrimmed furniture and a cloud-sky mural in the bedroom After-hours tapas and tipples in the the romantic Ritz Garden, mandarinoriental.com FOUR SEASONS HOTEL MADRID 200 guest rooms in the Centro Canalejas complex, a series of seven magnificently restored historic edifices Warmly modern with soothing yellows and blues, and grey-marble bathrooms Andalusian cuisine by Michelin chef Dani García, served in a top-storey space with a rooftop terrace A four-level spa with glass-walled pool area and a sunny relaxation terrace with vast city views The lobby, with soaring green-marble columns and artefacts from the 1920s-era bank it once occupied VIP lounge and a dedicated personal shopper at the boutique-laden Galería Canalejas, fourseasons.com – CW CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: © SEQUOIA LODGE, © MARRIOTT, © FOUR SEASONS, © MANDARIN ORIENTAL PLEASE CHECK THE LATEST GOVERNMENT ADVICE BEFORE BOOKING TRAVEL OR DEPARTING ON ANY TRIP

Antarctica THE FINAL FROZEN FRONTIER Pure and pristine, this is a frozen world few have had the privilege to experience. Antarctica is the most isolated continent on Earth. Its frozen mountains, great glaciers, and stunning icebergs offer an experience like no other. Tread on ice two-kilometres thick in the awe-inducing Antarctic landscape, and witness the dramatic battle that wildlife wages against the elements, and sometimes each other. On an expedition cruise with Hurtigruten, you’ll visit penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula, see sea lions, walrus, seals, and whales, and learn about the region’s history of exploration and whaling. Some of our itineraries also take in the Falkland Islands and the rich wildlife of South Georgia, also known as ‘the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. With one of the lowest CO 2 footprints of all expedition voyages to this region, embark on an adventure onboard the world’s first hybrid-powered ships, MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, or the newly refurbished MS Fram. Come and explore the most remote wilderness in the world with the experts who know it best. ANTARCTICA IS WAITING FOR YOU EXPLORE TODAY Call 1300 146 564 or find your expedition at hurtigruten.com.au 11920