Innholdsfortegnelse for May - June 2017 i International Traveller

Leigh-Ann Pow, editorial director OMAN FOR THE FIRST TIME; I AM BEYOND EXCITED TO SEE THE INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY OF LANDSCAPE HERE, AND SPEND SOME TIME (AND PROBABLY TOO MUCH MONEY) IN A SOUK. Daniel Down, acting deputy editor I’m off to Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando to check out the new Avatar world they’ve been building there. I’m an unashamed fan of the film (it’s not just Pocahontas in space) so I can’t wait to see how they managed to recreate sights like the Hallelujah Mountains and the nighttime forests from the best-selling film of all time. Imogen Eveson, sub editor I’m heading to Galicia, the north-west corner of Spain. I’m looking forward to practising my Spanish (only to be confounded by the Galician language instead), and wander the…

RED HOWLER MONKEY There are 14 species of monkey in the park, from the achingly cute little Goeldi’s marmoset, to the black, long-limbed Peruvian spider monkey, but the king of the swingers has to be the red howler monkey, which has a lovely orange coat like an orang-utan and a loud, roaring call that can be heard for miles around, earning it the title of the loudest land animal. JAGUAR Manú is one of the best places to catch sight of South America’s iconic big cat and the best time to spot the jaguar is in May, June and July. This is when a wave of cool air rises up from the Atlantic and hits the Andes causing it to snow, which in turn swells the rivers of the Amazon…

ENJOYING MULTIPLE sparkling swimming pools and fronted by 350 metres of sandy beach, Conrad Bali was designed with both couples and families in mind. Guest rooms and venues are spacious and laid out to maximise those dreamy ocean views, while the resort’s southern area is designed as a family zone with a kids’ club, main pool and lagoon pools. A walk to the property’s northern area reveals Conrad Suites & Villas, an exclusive wing that operates like a private hotel within a hotel. Located in an exclusive wing and accessed through a private entrance, Conrad Suites & Villas offer access to the club facilities and kid-free areas, so it’s an ideal haven for romantic getaways. The suites offer a separate dining room with private bar, dressing room with walk-in wardrobe…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR CITY BEFORE VISITING? Brussels is a wonderful city, with a lot of historic houses and old paved roads. The Grand Place, with its pavements and the golden façades of the houses nearby is a perfect illustration of this. Bring good (running) shoes, as pavements can be hard-going. WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS VISITORS SHOULD DO WHEN THEY ARE THERE TO REALLY OWN THE CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THE BEST OF YOUR CITY? To get the most of Brussels and its various atmospheres, we advise you: wander the Sablon area (both the Grand and Petit Sablon), visit the antiques dealers and taste some Belgian chocolate in the several chocolate factories; discover The Atomium, the spectacular structure created for the 1958…

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR BRUNCH / BREAKFAST? That would be the espresso at Café Einstein on Kurfürstenstraße. Everything just works really well here. The service is exceptional and the coffee is just as good, not to mention the wonderful breakfast. Moreover, the historic background of this bistro plays an essential role in the atmosphere of the place, as it was once owned by the actress Henny Porten. YOUR TOP SPOT FOR LUNCH? Maiden Mother & Crone on Potsdamer Straße is a beautiful restaurant, which offers delicious seasonal lunches with a variety of spices and wine. WHERE WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR DINNER? I love dining at Daitokai located in the Europa Center. This restaurant was founded 30 years ago and in all these years I have not found a comparable…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BEFORE VISITING? Every neighbourhood and borough offers something so different. The beauty of this city is the way it evolves, from the food it offers, the architecture, the fashion of its inhabitants and the energy it exudes. From the gritty and cool Lower East Side, to the lofts of SoHo, from the classy old-world Upper East Side to the art galleries of Chelsea, from the soul of Harlem down to the Gordon Gekko-ish Wall Street, the city offers a different world for everyone. WHAT ARE THE THINGS VISITORS SHOULD DO TO CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THE BEST OF NEW YORK? Taste an amazing and authentic sandwich in the neighbourhood of their choosing, and see a live concert, whether it be…

WIN A THREE-DAY SPA PROGRAM AT SUKHAVATI BALI FOR TWO PEOPLE WORTH $1615 PER PERSON Q. What do you love most about Bali? Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat & Spa conducts unique health and wellness programs focusing on natural ways of healing, combining Ayurveda, yoga, meditation and diet to balance the mind, body and soul. Sukhavati, one of the best spas in Bali, offers an individually prescribed and specialised rejuvenation program as part of its five-star luxury experience. sukhavatibali.com THE PRIZE INCLUDES: • Two nights in Private Villa accommodation, with an Ayurvedic consultation • 90 minutes of comprehensive daily prescribed›Ayurvedic treatments tailored by›an›Ayurvedic doctor • Twice daily yoga sessions • 1x Ayurvedic Facial & Foot Massage • Freshly prepared Ayurvedic dishes for›breakfast,›lunch and dinner • Fresh juices and herbal teas • Fruit…

ETHIOPIA: AFRICA’S RISING STAR YOU’LL STRUGGLE TO FIT ETHIOPIA’S HIGHLIGHTS INTO TWO HOLIDAYS, LET ALONE ONE; FROM THE DIVERSE TRIBES OF THE OMO VALLEY TO THE ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES OF LALIBELA. SEARCH ‘ETHIOPIA’ 8 SIGNS THAT CANADA’S YOUR PERFECT MATCH There must be a reason why more Aussies than ever are flocking to Canada. Well, actually there are eight of them. SEARCH: ‘PERFECT MATCH’ BEAT THE BILL SHOCK Never experience the shock of an international-roaming bill again! We show you the best deals and money-saving hacks so you won’t be scared to use your mobile in far-flung lands. NEW DIGITAL EDITION Subscribe now. Only $9.90 for a six-month subscription. For more visit shop.australiantraveller.com YOUR SHOT Win a $10,700 escape to the COOK ISLANDS How does island-hopping in the Cook Islands sound,…

RAJASTHAN Referred to as the jewel in India’s crown, Rajasthan is a vibrant and colourful land of kings worth a spot on every traveller’s must-see list. From spirited festivals to vast deserts, Jaipur’s pink architecture and breathtaking monuments, no trip to India is complete without experiencing Rajasthan’s magic. Experience it yourself with a 15-day Royal Rajasthan tour from $1999pp twin share GANGES RIVER As India’s most sacred and holy river, the Ganges is an impressive hub for spiritual activity, history and culture. The river is a living deity for Hindus, who bathe in the water to wash away their sins. This revered river is a sight to be seen; its cultural significance astounds. See this and more with a 19-day Jewels of India with Ganges River cruise from $5999pp twin…

“It,s vast and diverse, with everything a traveller could want - snow, sun, sand, shopping, culture, history, art...” BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD USA WHY YOU LOVE IT SO… When it comes to the USA, there’s actually not many bits of it that you don’t love, from the compelling, frenetic cities to the wide open spaces and from the historical sights to the shopping! The sheer diversity of the landscape and what’s on offer there were the things you mentioned time and time again (“Each state is completely different and no two places are the same”), with wildlife, skiing, driving, nightlife, and the breathtaking scenery just some of the choices you were in thrall over. RUNNERS-UP 2. Italy 3. New Zealand 4. France 5. Canada 6. Japan 7. Mexico 8.…

THE 432-ROOM Kā‘anapali Beach Hotel is set on a majestic five-kilometre stretch of sandy beach along the sunny western shores of Maui, making it an ideal setting for a memorable Hawaiian experience. A variety of free, family-friendly cultural activities cements its official status as Hawai‘i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel; immerse yourself in their sunset hula show, live Hawaiian entertainment, hula and ukulele lessons, lei-making, cultural garden tours, lauhala leaf weaving and pineapple cutting. 1. EVERYONE IS WELCOME Romantic and enchanting, the hotel is the perfect Maui getaway for couples. However, for those travelling as a family, the true highlight is that kids aged up to 17 stay free. With oceanfront Family Suites that sleep five, and a free year-round Aloha Passport for the kids, Kā’anapali Beach Hotel provides a family-friendly, value-packed…

I am having a ‘the future is now’ moment as I stand outside Singapore’s Gardens on the Bay complex getting wired up with a Star Trek-worthy headset designed to measure my emotional response to what I am about to see and experience. It’s all in aide of The Singapore Emotion Travel Guide, a groundbreaking, world-first ‘neuro-tourism’ study being conducted by the Singapore Tourism Board (working with Professor Joel Pearson, Associate Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of New South Wales) that utilises the aforementioned electroencephalograph, or EEG, a wireless device that measures the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes located on the scalp. Such activity can be translated into different emotions: excitement, happiness, focus, relaxation, stress. Five Australian families, including my own, are taking part in the study.…

This year marks the centenary of the Russian Revolution, and for more than 100 years Hotel National Moscow has witnessed the country’s political transformation, from imperial reign through to communist rule and the fall of the Soviet Union. Arriving in Moscow, it seems only fitting to stay in a hotel that can match the city’s fascinating history. The doorman, dressed in a long trench coat and polished leather shoes tips his top hat as I approach. “Welcome ma’am,” he says holding the door open with a gloved hand. In the reception, chandeliers hang from high ceilings; large picture windows that look out towards Red Square are framed with thick, luxurious red curtains trimmed with gold tassels; and on the opposite wall a heavily decorated mirror complements the Art Nouveau furnishings.…

RAJASTHAN Referred to as the jewel in India’s crown, Rajasthan is a vibrant and colourful land of kings worth a spot on every traveller’s must-see list. From spirited festivals to vast deserts, Jaipur’s pink architecture and breathtaking monuments, no trip to India is complete without experiencing Rajasthan’s magic. Experience it yourself with a 15-day Royal Rajasthan tour from $1999pp twin share GANGES RIVER As India’s most sacred and holy river, the Ganges is an impressive hub for spiritual activity, history and culture. The river is a living deity for Hindus, who bathe in the water to wash away their sins. This revered river is a sight to be seen; its cultural significance astounds. See this and more with a 19-day Jewels of India with Ganges River cruise from $5999pp twin…

VIENNA SO THEY CAN GET THE MOST OUT OF IT? It’s a very harmonic and aesthetic city; Vienna is the home of some of the best composers in the world: Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Strauss and many more. They’ve written history! Vienna is the second largest German-speaking city (after Berlin) and although it’s really big you never really feel lost. Another special thing is the coffee culture; there are small, cosy coffee houses everywhere, which offer delicious coffee specialities, one of the best of which is the Wiener melange. IS THERE AN EXPERIENCE/SIGHT THAT ONLY LOCALS KNOW ABOUT AND THAT VISITORS SHOULD? Make sure you see the Steinhof Church, one of the masterpieces from Austrian architect Otto Wagner. And have brunch at Manameierei in the Schwarzenbergpark; a very charming bistro at…

THE BEST PLACE FOR BREAKFAST IN ROME? My current favourite place is Pasticceria San Teo, on Via di San Teodoro near the magnificent Circus Maximus. I love this welcoming yet intimate place for its wonderful espresso or cappuccino and perfect pastries, not to mention the great location, between the Aventine and Palatine hills. Last but not least, our family-run Roscioli Caffè e Pasticceria on Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, a bar-pasticceria serving special coffee, pastries in the morning, gourmet panini and tramezzini at lunch, teatime fare in the afternoon and cheese, cold cuts, wines, oysters and Champagne for your evening aperitivo. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR LUNCH? No doubt it has to be Emma, a high-quality pizzeria on Via Monte della Farina, open every day at lunch and dinner in the…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT REYKJAVÍK BEFORE VISITING? Trust the locals: walk around town and engage in conversation with Icelanders. Dive into the laid-back feeling of Reykjavík and be open-minded. WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS VISITORS SHOULD DO WHEN THEY ARE THERE TO REALLY OWN THE CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THE BEST OF THE CITY? That’s a tough one. We would recommend going swimming in one of our wonderful pools; Icelanders have a strange love affair with hot tubs. If the weather is OK then hire a bike to see the best of the city in a few hours, while getting a good bit of exercise. After a nice bike ride it is essential to sink into one of Reykjavík’s craft beer bars and take…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR CITY BEFORE VISITING? Munich has a lot to offer! On the one hand it is full of culture and history. On the other it is a city with Italian flair and lots of nature (Munich is humorously said to be the most northern city of Italy). So it is perfect to explore on foot or by bike (be sure to wear comfortable shoes). WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS VISITORS SHOULD DO WHEN THEY ARE THERE? Go to a Biergarten and enjoy a beer and a pretzl; visit the Allianz Arena and watch FC Bayern; take a tour of the city by strolling across the Viktualienmarkt and climbing the stairs of the tower of the Alter Peter church to enjoy a…

THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW BEFORE TRAVELLING THERE? Be prepared to take the rough with the smooth. As well as great beauty in Puglia there is also industry. Alongside great architecture there can stand some shockingly brutal and often unfinished buildings. Sometimes in order to arrive at the breathtaking historic centres you have to pass through some ugly outskirts of towns and villages. It can be quite challenging at times. YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT AND DRINK IN PUGLIA? I enjoy a cocktail at Farmacia Balboa in the Piazza Giuseppe Pisanelli in Tricase, especially during a festa when the square is brightly lit and the brass band is playing, followed by a meal at the Taverna del Porto down by the sea where they serve the most delicious thinly…

THE WHITBY HOTEL, NEW YORK The Whitby Hotel is the second New York offering from Kit and Tim Kemp’s burgeoning Firmdale Hotels empire. Located in Manhattan, close to Central Park, MoMa and Broadway, the 86 rooms and suites benefit from Kit’s charming, colour-saturated style, as have The Whitby Bar, a hot booking right now, the Orangery and 130-seat cinema. firmdalehotels.com HOTEL VIU MILAN, ITALY Located in Milan’s up-and-coming Porta Volta/Garibaldi enclave, Hotel Viu Milan has a distinctive modern façade, lashings of interior style befitting its fashion capital surrounds, a big deal Michelin-starred chef and the only outdoor rooftop pool in the city. designhotels.com Diyabubula, Sri Lanka SURROUNDED BY SRI LANKAN JUNGLE, DIYABUBULA IS THE PASSION PROJECT OF RENOWNED LOCAL ARTIST LAKI SENANAYAKE, WHO DESIGNED THE FIVE INDIVIDUALLY HANDCRAFTED VILLAS…

Three years of research and development in the making, legendary Italian design house Alessi has produced Alessi for Delta, a serviceware range created exclusively for the American carrier. The chic designs include everything from cutlery, glassware and ceramics to salt and pepper shakers and trays, all of which will be served up to customers in all cabin classes, not just at the pointy end of the plane. Before there was Alessi there was… • Australian industrial design star Marc Newson has a long-standing relationship with Qantas that has seen him design everything from cups and saucers (and plates, bowls and flatware) to the entire interior of its A380s. • British fashion legend Vivienne Westwood was responsible for designing the current Virgin Atlantic uniform, clothing 7000-plus employees in everything from skirts,…

You’re not going there too?” It was an incredibly unlikely coincidence that my father had booked a voyage to the exact same speck of land off the coast of Papua New Guinea that I was heading to on my own voyage just three weeks later. His admission didn’t detract from my excitement. The start of a journey by ship holds a certain romance that you don’t get when travelling by plane or even train. It harks back to a golden age of exploration, of sailing through dangerous waters to reach exotic cultures and lands of mythical beauty. Leaving Cairns, passing through a channel carved through mangroves and chaperoned by a family of humpbacks, I felt the grip of adventure taking hold, even as I enjoyed the view from several storeys…

There’s a remote, mostly inaccessible corner of Peru bordered by mighty rivers and mountains that has been largely left untouched by modern man. From the high-altitude grasslands of the Andes down to cloud forests and thick Amazon jungle, Manú National Park encompasses a unique wilderness that UNESCO recognised as a Biosphere Reserve before declaring it a World Heritage Site in 1987. Its diverse range of habitats, which cover an area nearly half the size of Switzerland, means the park is host to an abundance of life – so much so that late last year it was found to have the highest terrestrial biodiversity of any protected area on Earth. Access to much of the Manú National Park is restricted, such is the desire to keep it completely untouched. However, make…

I’m cruising up Biscayne Boulevard on Miami’s Upper East Side past rows of mid-century motels looking for The Vagabond, and it’s not long before I see the distinctive neon sign out front. A beautifully restored white and blue historic two-storey motel in a formerly neglected neighbourhood, The Vagabond has a drive-in diner and hubcaps on the walls – all a nod to the design of ’50s automobiles. It sits at the heart of the MiMo district, also known as ‘MiMo on BiBo’ (Miami Modern on Biscayne Boulevard), an area that is undergoing something of a renaissance. Originally opened in 1953, The Vagabond quickly gained a reputation as a hangout for Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and the rest of the Rat Pack. Fast forward several decades and the…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HAMBURG BEFORE VISITING? It’s really hard to get tickets for our new landmark: the Elbphilharmonie or Elbe Philharmonic Hall (pictured above). Located next to the Elbe River, it has just opened and is one of the most acoustically advanced concert halls in the world. Make sure you book tickets before arriving in the city. IS THERE AN EXPERIENCE THAT ONLY LOCALS KNOW ABOUT (AND THAT YOU CAN SHARE WITH US)? The Elbstrand is one of the places locals really love. You can get there by ferry, have a drink or a pizza and enjoy the sunset by walking next to the river; many locals come here with their dogs and sit on the sand. Exploring Alster Lake by renting a canoe…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR CITY BEFORE VISITING SO THEY CAN GET THE MOST OUT OF IT? I would recommend, for people visiting London, to do some homework beforehand about what events are taking place during the period they want to visit and the attractions they would like to see. They should ask their hotel’s concierge because they have this information readily available and can tailor the perfect visit depending on what the guest would like to do. During peak times, we advise booking these activities in advance to avoid any disappointment. WHAT ARE THE THREE ESSENTIAL THINGS VISITORS SHOULD DO TO REALLY OWN THE CLAIM THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THE BEST OF LONDON? Sightseeing in London with your very own private guide. Visit Buckingham…

WHAT IS THE ONE THING PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE DALMATIAN COAST BEFORE VISITING SO THEY CAN GET THE MOST OUT OF IT? The Croatian coast has over 1000 islands and reefs and the Adriatic sea on the Croatian side is very clean and clear. In the summer, seawater reaches 25 degrees Celsius and it’s very pleasant to swim in – and, due to the high salinity and mineral content in the sea, it is very beneficial for your skin. The best beaches in Dalmatia are around the towns of Makarska, Brela and Tučepi. WHAT ARE THE THREE THINGS VISITORS SHOULD DO WHEN THEY ARE THERE TO SEE THE BEST OF DALMATIA? Dubrovnik, the town of Korčula and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split (Split evolved around this Roman palace of…

While a villa in Tuscany is a fine thing, a B&B just over the border in the Ligurian hills with magnificent views – and not far from the jaw-dropping coastline dubbed the Italian Riviera – is perhaps even finer. Living not like a local but with locals is the genuine dolce vita. We are in search of our own slice of the sweet life as we leave the freeway just after Carrara, an hour and a quarter out of Florence, and begin an ascent that would make the peloton of the Giro pause for thought. Every hairpin bend helps to create a sense of anticipation. What are we going to find at the end of our climb? The GPS becomes a little confused by some classic Italian road planning; a…

Most people wouldn’t register Chattanooga as a must-see city when it comes to planning their visit to the States, not when the likes of New York and Los Angeles are there to suck up so much oxygen. But this Tennessee city has much to offer those who deviate south, not least a peach of a boutique hotel. The Dwell Hotel is the brainchild of Seija Ojanpera, who studied medicine and worked on humanitarian projects around the world before finally indulging her childhood dream of starting a hotel. “I have loved hotels since I was a child,” she says. “I am fascinated by the idea that you can create an experience for so many different types of people. Hospitality is in my blood, and I have always treated guests who visit…