Entries by Helen Hayes

Book review: The Man in Seat 61

Title: The Man in Seat Sixty One Author: Mark Smith Publisher: Random House What’s it all about? Mark Smith is the Man in Seat Sixty-One. No Mark Smith isn’t a fictional spy, he is in fact the man behind the massively popular www.seat61.com website, which offers invaluable advice on worldwide train travel. Following on from […]

Book review – For The Love of A Place

Title: For the Love of A Place Author: Hall Cannon and Miles Refo with Simon Farrell-Green. Publisher: Random House RRP:$79.99 A stay at New Zealand’s luxury lodge, Otahuna is one of those experiences that remain with you forever. Even after many years I can still recall the heady perfume of the spring flowers and the […]

Sneak peak of the new Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve, in Ubud

Mandapa – a Ritz Carlton Reserve, opens September 5, 2015 in Ubud About Mandapa Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; a secluded paradise where lush, rolling hills, the Ayung River and verdant rice paddies create a unique sense of place. Here, the strike of a traditional Balinese gong marks your arrival, followed by a refreshing local drink […]

Cruising – Lindblad Expeditions

Do Europe the Lindblad way Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is giving adventure seeking Australian travellers the chance to rediscover Europe aboard the much-loved National Geographic Orion, choosing from 11 one-week itineraries and 22 sailings as part of its inaugural 2016 European program. After many successful seasons sailing across the seas of Indonesia, the South Pacific and […]

Hotel Review – The Rees Hotel, Queenstown

Where The Rees is located on glassy Lake Wakatipu five minutes away from the centre of Queenstown on the road from the airport, so is easy to get to and not far from anything. The views from the accommodation are something special. Back story The property is named after William Rees, who was the founder […]

Hotel Review – Andaz West Hollywood

Andaz West Hollywood Where The Andaz West Hollywood is on Sunset Boulevard in the ever more trendy West Hollywood area. It is across the road from the Hard Rock Café and very close to The Comedy Store. Back story The hotel’s history dates back to 1963, when western legend Gene Autry decided to build the […]

Review – Dirty Dancing

Six words and the audience at Dirty Dancing lapses into loud applause, whistles and catcalls. Those words? “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” of course. There are many moments like this in Dirty Dancing that has developed a league of fans since the suave and downright sexy Patrick Swayze danced his way across the screen back […]

Hotel Review – Banyan Tree Bintan Resort

Banyan Tree Bintan Resort Where Bintan Island is the largest of the 3200 islands of Riau Archipelago that lay in Indonesian waters near Singapore. It is a favourite weekend haunt of many Singaporeans and expats who want to enjoy a few days break away without stepping on a plane. It is also a perfect place […]

Hotel review – COMO Shambhala Estate Ubud

Where   COMO Shambhala Estate is a short drive from Ubud set in magnificent 9.3. hectares of lush tropical rain forest and manicured lawns and gardens that showcase at least 50 shades of green, from light mossy hues through to dark colours. Back Story The estate is located on the property formerly known as Begawan […]

Review – Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam

The Ship Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam The Cruise From Venice to Barcelona. What’s it like? VENICE is showing off tonight as we sail down the Grand Canal peering at twinkling chandeliers through windows of expensive hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants while gondoliers serenade tourists. Our sleek ship, Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam is taking her […]

Kick up your heels in Chicago

  Chicago sits on the south-eastern corner of Lake Michigan, with a shoreline of 42kms and a swag of white sand beaches which provide a striking contrast to the blue, blue water of the lake. The city was redesigned after being destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871 (caused by a cow apparently), and […]

Vomo’s new look

VOMO Island Resort reopened its doors in March 2015 following an extensive renovation to build on its world-class reputation. All Hillside and Beachfront Villas received a total makeover to bathrooms and bedrooms featuring chic handcrafted furnishings made exclusively for the resort, with bespoke daybeds, coff ee tables, mirror frames, cabana and new decks for the […]