CRUISING
BEAUTYOrnamental
JAPAN’S SAKURA BLOOM
BONUS
VIDEOS INSIDE
Every window faces the world
A new wave of international interest in New Zealand property is emerging. With changes to the Active Investor Plus visa, qualifying overseas buyers can now purchase premium homes here.
Through New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty, your property is positioned across a global network spanning 86 countries – reaching high-net-worth buyers already connected to our brand.
When the world looks toward New Zealand, we make sure your home is in view.
EXPERIENCE
3 Decades in the making
For over 30 years Cruise World have been curating amazing contemporary, luxury, expedition and boutique small ship experiences to exotic destinations around the globe. Let us chart a course to your next travel adventure. With our experienced team, you’re in safe hands.
PERSONAL
It’s Personal, because how You travel matters
We enjoy promoting our wonderful products but more importantly we love finding you the experience that suits you best. Our personal touch ensures we deliver on our motto ‘right guest, right voyage’.
PASSIONATE
Best Ideas, Best Deals
Cruise World travels the world in search of the best products available and our team are here to help navigate a world of experiences. Let our passion fuel your excitement.
BY DESIGN
Enjoy
You deserve to enjoy your entire travel experience, right from the booking and planning through to your departure date. Travel is one of life’s great adventures and we believe the lead up to and anticipation of your holiday should almost be as much fun as the holiday itself.
MADE IN NZ
Support Local
We sell travel all over the world but we are proudly a New Zealand owned and operated family business. We support and work closely with our New Zealand based travel agent partners.
Ten hotels. Endless ways of wonderful.
From The Dorchester in London to The Beverly Hills Hotel in Los Angeles, ten extraordinary hotels share one rare feeling, a sense of grace, a certain way of life.
Each has been chosen by Dorchester Collection for its singular spirit. These are places where extraordinary individuals gather, ideas ignite, and legacies take shape. Wherever you stay, something exquisite always meets you there.
Dorchester Collection. The setting changes. The feeling never does.
FAIRWAY MAGNET.
THE NEW STANDARD IN STRAIGHT.
In the new G440 K driver, we’re taking forgiveness farther than ever. Its combined MOI is our highest ever and makes the G440 K our straightest and most forgiving adjustable driver to date. For you, that means longer, straighter drives — and shorter approach shots from the fairway to the green.
CG SHIFTER
A movable, 32-gram back weight dials in ball flight in three positions (Fade, Draw, Neutral).
DUAL CARBONFLY WRAP
Lightweight carbon sole and crown save mass, helping move the CG lower and deeper for more ball speed and distance.
Not One, but Two Amazing
Amazing Cruises
Cruise & Golf France on
the Seine
Saturday 14 August – Thursday 26 August 2027
Our French Cruise & Golf adventure includes Paris, Bordeaux, then on to the River Seine to Normandy.
• A welcome in Paris with one night in the “City of Love”
• TGV train to Bordeaux, staying four nights at the Le Grand Hôtel InterContinental Bordeaux
• Golfing at Cabot Bordeaux Médoc (Les Vignes & Les Châteaux) and Saint-Émilion
• Sightseeing with wine tastings at Château du Tertre and Château Pichon Longueville
• Embarkation in Paris for an 8-day cruise on the Seine
• Cruising into Les Andelys, Rouen, Le Havre, Caudebec-en-Caux, and Vernon
• Golfing at Étretat, Vaudreuil, and Le Golf National, host of the 2024 Olympics
• Tours of Château Gaillard, Honfleur, the Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches, and medieval Rouen
Cruise & Golf Europe on the Danube
Sunday 29 August – Sunday 5 September 2027
For our second cruise adventure we are on to the Danube – a uniquely “special” river which flows through ten European countries, more than any other river in the world.
From Germany’s Black Forest, through central Europe to the Black Sea. The Danube offers premier river cruising, passing through iconic cities such as Vienna and Budapest, romantic landscapes, and centrally located, accessible ports.
• Depar ting on a 10-day cruise from Vishofen after a city tour of Regensburg, Germany, onto Passau, then Linz, with the option to visit Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart
• Cruising through Vienna and Bratislava, with a grand final in Budapest
• Unique golf experiences at :
– Quellness & Golf Resort Bad Griesbach, Bavaria, Germany
– Adamstal Golf Club, Vienna, Austria
– Penati Legend, Bratislava, Slovakia
– Botaniq Máriavölgyi Golf Klub, Budapest, Hungar y
Our Cruise & Golf France and our Cruise & Golf Europe Tours can be booked as a stand-alone package or combined as one magical three-week European journey.
Our cruise partner, AmaWaterways has been carefully selected for a truly magical experience.
European Golf Tours and Cruises
Contact denise@parnz.co.nz or kim@parnz.co.nz for all details and registration forms.
Adamstal
CRUISING
59 CRUISE THE WORLD
Magical sights, tastes and experiences await. Discover them from the sublime comfort of your floating five-star hotel.
104 ELEVEN OF THE BEST
World showcases cruises that should go on your bucket list.
108 OCEAN OPULENCE
Explora Journeys is rewriting the luxury cruise story. Tricia Welsh takes us onboard the Explora II
114 ROMANCING THE MIGHTY MEKONG
Cherryl Browne takes a slow-moving riverboat journey deep into the cultural heart of Vietnam’s verdant Mekong River Delta.
18 WELLNESSDORCHESTER STYLE
Dorchester Collection: esteemed hotels and residences, each chosen for its character, cultural significance and ability to offer a healing oasis from the stresses of modern life.
26 ROLEX, PATEK, OMEGA …CSAPEK?
Bani McSpedden showcases lesserknown independent timepieces that are upsetting the status quo.
32 SEDUCTIVE SCENTS: ICONS OF DESIRE
World showcases your must-have fragrances.
36 THE ITALIAN ART OF LIVING
Italian décor design has long balanced innovation with restraint, combining technical precision with an instinctive sense of comfort.
44 DESTINATION: ART
Gow Langsford Gallery's move to the Auckland suburb of Onehunga marked a defining new chapter in the renowned art dealer's story.
122 WINTER WARMERS
With chilly days on the way, Clive Weston suggests some truly worldclass tipples to warm you up.
132 FOOD FOCUS: CENTRAL OTAGO
World’s recent dining recce to the deep south highlighted three topclass food and wine destinations.
140 BLUE BY YOU
Automotive photographer Royce Rumsey turns his camera on the very beautiful Ferrari 'Azzurro la Plata' SF90 XX Stradale.
146 THE ALTER EGO
Rolls-Royce celebrates the tenth anniversary of the Black Badge.
148 THE RACING BULL
Liam Lawson's 2026 Racing Bull stands as a masterpiece of refined performance.
150 TRANSFORMATIONAL!
Evo is the next wave of versatile motor yachts, embodying Italian design flair and ingenious 'transformer' technology.
156 A TROPICAL ADVENTURE
Part of Fiji's allure lies in its easy access from New Zealand: around three hours by plane to a tropical island paradise.
162 FROM HEAVEN
Part temple to Vietnamese craft, part jungle fantasia and wholly unforgettable: Tricia Welsh explores the InterContinental Danang Resort.
169 SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
Brook Serene’s portfolio of luxury boutique accommodation continues to gather awards for all the right reasons.
174 RIVERSIDE RELAXATION
A serene setting, the South Island Maruia River Retreat promises to warm your body and soul.
182 ORNAMENTAL BEAUTY
Celebrated for centuries as a symbol of renewal and hope, the sakura, or cherry blossom, is Japan’s most famous tree.
192 ANOTHER ITALY
Patrick Smith visits Puglia, a sundrenched, sea-lapped region that is one of Italy’s most unique and least spoiled destinations.
200 NEW LIFE FOR OLD WAYS
Invaded over millennia by Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Spanish, Sicily has a rich and colourful culture where old traditions still flourish.
208 INSIDER’S GUIDE TO ROME
Sixth-generation Roman hotelier Andrea Spalletti Trivelli offers a personal guide to a four-day stay in the Eternal City.
216 FIVE-STAR ITALY
Tricia Welsh discovers a world of luxury, history and elegance in Italy’s Palazzo Margherita Hotel.
PUBLISHER
Don Hope
don@hopepublishing.co.nz
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Desmond Frith
d.DESIGN
www.ddesigns.co.nz
EDITORIAL
Patrick Smith
Des Frith
Tricia Welsh
Erica Cassidy
Cherryl Browne
Joanne Frith
Tom Hyde
Bani McSpedden
Jeni Bone
Clive Weston
Royce Rumsey
Jacquie Boer
Parris Fotias
Madi Macdonald
PHOTOGRAPHY
Getty Images (Unless otherwise stated)
PRINTING SCG
©Hope Publishing 2026
No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.
The opinions expressed by contributors to Hope Publishing publications are not necessarily those of the publisher.
Box 1199 Shortland St Auckland 1140 64 21 622 868 Advertising rates upon request. ISSN - 1175-0545
Ornamental
WELLNESS,
DORCHESTER COLLECTION INCLUDES SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ESTEEMED HOTELS AND RESIDENCES, EACH CHOSEN FOR ITS CHARACTER, CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE AND ABILITY TO OFFER A HEALING OASIS FROM THE STRESSES OF MODERN LIFE.
ounded in 2007, Dorchester Collection brings together iconic properties around the world, including The Dorchester and 45 Park Lane in London, Coworth Park in Ascot, Le Meurice and Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, Hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan, Hotel Eden in Rome, The Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles, and The Lana in Dubai (with future openings in Tokyo and Dubai). Every address is noted for its exceptional service, timeless style and a deep connection to the culture it calls home. And then there are the spas…
THE DORCHESTER SPA
London’s The Dorchester Spa offers a rare moment of cool, calm precision. A place shaped for those who move at pace and live with intent, it invites guests to pause, reset and re-enter the world with a new clarity. Treatments by worldrenowned experts, a serene atmosphere and thoughtful touches come together in a space where luxury feels quiet, focused and instinctive. This is a rebalancing within the city’s rhythm, a gathering of energy before stepping forward again.
THE SPA AT 45 PARK LANE
The state-of-the-art spa is a new world of wellbeing for guests of the hotel, offering a range of luxurious treatments from Dr Uliana Gout, of
London Aesthetic Medicine, and ishga, alongside innovative private training with Intelligent Design. The spa includes a beautiful 20m indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and relaxation lounge.
THE SPA AT COWORTH PARK
Set among wildflower meadows and whispering trees, The Spa at Coworth Park is a place of calm and caring, where Nature restores, care renews, and comfort comes naturally. Floor-to-ceiling glass brings the landscape indoors, where every detail reflects Coworth’s signature blend of countryside, service and comfort. Here, time slows to the pace of nature, inviting guests to reconnect, recharge and rediscover the simple luxury of feeling well.
LA MAISON VALMONT POUR LE MEURICE
Two interconnecting spaces, one 360-degree experience. On the ground floor, La Boutique is what Valmont calls a ‘beauty laboratory’ — a golden gem nestled among the colonnades of rue de Rivoli, where Valmont skincare, fragrances and art combine in one beautiful space. Upstairs at Le Spa, guests are invited to discover the exceptional results of Valmont’s world-renowned treatments, performed by expert therapists.
DIOR SPA PLAZA ATHÉNÉE
As a once-beloved guest, it was only fitting that Christian Dior’s first Europe spa should be at Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris. Here, guests find a serene sanctuary dedicated to reviving youthful radiance, offering beauty treatments designed to deliver both immediate glow and lasting rejuvenation. Tranquil treatment rooms, steam rooms and an elegant relaxation room create a haven of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
THE SPA AT HOTEL BEL-AIR
Tucked away behind layers of green, The Spa at Hotel Bel-Air is almost hidden. No huge windows. No spectacle. Step inside and the city drops away. The space is private, deeply serene, and purposefully discreet. Treatments are highly personalised and results-led, from microcurrent facials to oxygen therapy and massage. Heated tables. Gold-painted walls. Music tailored to the mood. The spa is a reset, a hideaway in which to leave the noise behind, without having to leave the city. Facilities include seven treatment rooms and one fully private enclave; separate male and female steam rooms; a nail suite; and the Joseph Hair & Beauty salon. The fitness centre is open 24 hours and built for guests who expect best-in-class.
THE EDEN SPA
The Eden Spa is a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Rome. With three private treatment suites, a calming relaxation lounge and a modern fitness studio, it offers personalised treatments using Valmont and HöbePergh products. Whether for energy or relaxation, guests can pause, reset and feel their best in an elegant, quiet setting.
AN ELEGANT RELAXATION ROOM CREATE A HAVEN OF CALM AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY.” ‘‘
CLUB 10 FITNESS & BEAUTY CENTRE
On the tenth floor of Hotel Principe Di Savoia, Club 10 Fitness & Beauty Centre is a world of tranquillity, with a 10.5m indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art Technogym and a rooftop terrace with views of the new Porta Nuova district sparkling in the distance.
THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL SPA
The Beverly Hills Hotel Spa offers a calm retreat within the life of the hotel. Treatments draw on both modern techniques and classic rituals designed to restore balance before an evening in the city or after days on the move. It is a space for guests to pause, refresh and return to the pace of Beverly Hills feeling entirely themselves.
DIOR SPA THE LANA
Suspended above the city on the 29th floor, Dior Spa The Lana is a sanctuary of light, balance and calm. Each treatment space offers privacy and peace, with sweeping views over Dubai and interiors shaped for quiet restoration. The menu includes exclusive Diorituals, combining deep massage, semi-precious stones and advanced skincare with the elegance of Dior’s Prestige line. Guests can also explore LED therapy, Dior microabrasion and bespoke beauty services, supported by wellness supplements and fresh-pressed juices. This is wellbeing with perspective, delivered at the highest level. ▪
www.dorchestercollection.com
CHUAN SPA CORDIS, AUCKLAND
STEP INTO CHUAN SPA AT CORDIS AUCKLAND AND THE PACE OF THE CITY QUIETLY FALLS AWAY. AN AWARD-WINNING SANCTUARY OF CALM, CHUAN
SPA INVITES GUESTS ON A DEEPLY IMMERSIVE JOURNEY OF RESTORATION,
WHERE
TIME SLOWS AND WELLBEING TAKES CENTRE STAGE.
Guided by the ancient philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, each experience begins with intention. A personalised consultation allows expert therapists to understand your individual balance, tailoring treatments that flow intuitively and respond to the needs of your body and mind. Signature Chuan massages, facials and rituals are designed around the five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal and water — gently restoring harmony through touch, breath and energy.
Recognised internationally for excellence, Chuan Spa is not simply a place to be pampered — it is a destination for intentional wellbeing.
The experience extends well beyond the treatment room. Slip into the warmth of the outdoor heated pool and spa, where steam rises softly into the open air, inviting deep relaxation in every season. Move between the sauna and steam room, allowing heat to soothe muscles, encourage circulation and release tension, before resting in moments of quiet stillness. Every space has been designed to calm the senses, from muted tones and gentle aromas to the hushed rhythm of water and warmth.
Recognised internationally for excellence, Chuan Spa is not simply a place to be pampered — it is a destination for intentional wellbeing. Whether enjoyed as a restorative spa day, a prelude to a luxurious stay or a dedicated wellness escape, each visit encourages reconnection with self.
At Chuan Spa at Cordis Auckland, wellness is experienced slowly, deeply and meaningfully — an award-winning ritual of balance, serenity and renewal in the heart of the city.
ROLEX, PATEK, OMEGA … CSAPEK?
WHILE LONG-ESTABLISHED BRANDS STILL DOMINATE THE LUXURY WATCH MARKET, SOME LESSER-KNOWN INDEPENDENT MODELS ARE UPSETTING THE STATUS QUO. WORDS: BANI MCSPEDDEN.
CSAPEK TIME JUMPER
This jumping-hour beauty comes in gold or steel, its shape inspired by a flying saucer. Adding to the appeal, a half-hunter-like cover, lavishly worked with guillochage, can be flipped open to reveal the workings.
The latest Swiss watch industry report highlights the humble timepiece’s migration from tool to treasure and reveals a remarkable development: Rolex now accounts for a staggering 33 per cent of all Swiss watch sales. Add the privately owned Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Richard Mille and these luxury powerhouses now command 49.1 per cent of the market.
The 2025 Morgan Stanley/LuxeConsult report on the state of the Swiss watch industry shows second-place-getter Cartier the best performer for a 'group' brand (Richemont) at 8.7 per cent, while for almost everyone else it's a struggle —apart, that is, from a posse of brands you mightn't be as familiar with, a group known to enthusiasts as 'the independents'.
HAZEMANN & MONNIN SCHOOL WATCH
Paying tribute to a founding piece made by the watchmakers, avoids a traditional display altogether, chimes the passing of time on the jump of the hour hand positioned at 12 o’clock.
Unlike your Omegas and IWCs and Tag Heuers, there’s nothing cookie-cutter about this lot; rather they're the wild children of watchmaking, producing highly individual pieces with names you've never heard of. And they're on the march.
MB&F, Urwerk, Kudoke, Holthinrich, Massena Lab, Krayon, Raul Pages, Petermann Bedet, Atelier Wen, Johannes Kallinish, Trilobe, Konstantin Chaykin, and Sartory Billard are just some of the brands finding favour amid a world of sameness. For the aficionado who already has a Submariner, Explorer 11, GMT-Master, Cartier Tank or Santos, here are watches to re-ignite the passion.
Unlike more conventional timepieces, their forte is individuality, and as such they appeal to male and
BERNEY YEAR OF THE PANDA
Big impact from a tiny ring-shaped specimen from young Swiss brand Berney. Sculpted in gold and enamel, decorated with 128 diamonds, the movement unashamedly quartz.
A three-dimensional satellite hour module shows the hour, with each component under the sapphire crystal designed not just to measure time but to cast distinct shadows.
OTSUKA LOTEK NO.5 KAI
FAM AL HUT MOBIUS
The product of contemporary Chinese watch design, a capsulestyle movement houses a dual-axis tourbillon, the layered cogwork housed in an elongated case unlike any other. Winner of the GPHG 'Audacity' prize.
THE BEHRENS ORION ONE
Boasts newly designed and developed patented lever type winding and setting mechanism with twin rollers displaying the hours and minutes. Housed in a multi-faceted steel case.
CHRISTOPHER WARD MR JONES CELESTIAL MOONPHASE.
British watchmaking collaboration features what must be a first : swallows circling a dial of clouds to indicate the time. The movement powers a moon-phase display accurate for 128 years.
GREUBEL FORSEY NANO FOUDROYANTE
Winner of the Mechanical Exception prize. Crafted in white gold, houses 428 components; the mechanism divides each second into six segments, the dial permanently orientated to 12 even as the on-board tourbillon rotates.
VUITILAINEN SOUYOU
Winner of the Artistic Craft category, man-sized at 39mm with a manual-wind movement, the platinum case frames a dial in Japanese lacquer, a discreet second time zone display in the centre.
2025 WATCHMAKING OSCARS, THE GRAND PRIX D'HORLOGERIE DE GENEVE, SHOWED JUST HOW EFFECTIVE THE MINNOWS HAVE BEEN IN CAPTURING THE ATTENTION OF BOTH WATCH LOVERS AND EXPERTS.”
female devotees alike. Many also offer opportunities for bespoke touches, given they're often the result of a more hand-made approach than the industrialised big brands. Whereas such small fish might normally fight to be recognised, a glance at the 2025 watchmaking Oscars, the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve, shows just how effective the minnows have been in capturing the attention of both watch lovers and experts. Herewith, some of the names making a name for themselves in the hallowed halls of watchmaking. ▪
SEDUCTIVE SCENTS: ICONS OF DESIRE
VERSACE CRYSTAL EMERALD
EAU DE PARFUM (OPPOSITE PAGE)
Sparkle with Versace’s Crystal Emerald Eau de Parfum. Sparkling bergamot and juicy peach dance with pink pepper, blooming into a dewy green rosebud, jasmine, and raspberry sorbet heart, before settling into creamy tonka, white musk and soft incense. Radiant floral elegance.
GUERLAIN ABSOLUS ALLEGORIA
TABAC SAHARA (ABOVE)
Discover the allure of Guerlain Absolus Allegoria Tabac Sahara. Smoky golden tobacco entwines with tangy raspberry and red berries, warmed by sensual ambergris, amber and vanilla. A nocturnal desert dream of pink dunes under starlight.
VALENTINO BORN IN ROMA DONNA
PURPLE MELANCHOLIA (TOP RIGHT)
Indulge in the enigmatic allure of a seductive symphony of purple florals and deep amber, evoking passionate melancholy in every exquisite drop.
TOM FORD FIGUE ÉROTIQUE (RIGHT)
Surrender to temptation with Tom Ford's Figue Érotique. Lush green fig leaf and zesty bergamot ignite a salty-sweet Kadota fig laced with creamy ylang-ylang, melting into warm muscovado sugar, licorice and earthy woods. Pure sensual burst.
KILIAN PARIS HER MAJESTY (LEFT)
Command the throne with Kilian Paris Her Majesty. Velvety white peach and luscious rum entwine with regal Damascena rose, grounded in warm ambrette and woody elegance. A sovereign chypre of radiant power.
EMPORIO ARMANI POWER OF YOU (BOTTOM LEFT)
Unleash your inner strength with Emporio Armani Power Of You. A vibrant burst of juicy passion fruit melts into creamy frangipani and warm vanilla, radiating bold, irresistible confidence.
YSL BEAUTY LIBRE BERRY CRUSH
EAU DE PARFUM (BELOW)
Crush the rules with YSL Beauty Libre Berry Crush Eau de Parfum. Juicy raspberry and bright mandarin ignite a bold floral heart of lavender and orange blossom, melting into creamy coconut, bourbon vanilla and sensual musk. Unapologetically vibrant freedom.
Poliform Joan sofa and Owen armchair.
THE ITALIAN ART OF LIVING
ITALIAN DESIGN HAS LONG BALANCED INNOVATION WITH RESTRAINT, COMBINING TECHNICAL PRECISION WITH AN INSTINCTIVE SENSE OF COMFORT.
Few brands express that philosophy as consistently as Poliform. Since the 1970s, the Italian company has collaborated with leading designers to create furniture defined by clarity of form, meticulous craftsmanship and enduring proportion.
Today, Poliform’s collections extend across the entire home, from living and dining to kitchens and wardrobes, creating interiors that feel unified rather than assembled. Each piece reflects the brand’s quiet approach to refinement, where material quality, comfort and architectural simplicity take precedence over decoration.
POLIFORM LEOPOLD DINING CHAIR
DESIGNER: Jean-Marie Massaud
Jean-Marie Massaud’s Leopold chair embodies the designer’s characteristic balance of softness and structure. The enveloping backrest flows into slender arms, creating a sculptural silhouette that remains light around the dining table. Fully upholstered, the chair combines tactile comfort with refined proportions, bringing a relaxed elegance to contemporary dining spaces.
POLIFORM OWEN ARMCHAIR
(OPPOSITE PAGE)
DESIGNER: Jean-Marie Massaud
Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, the Owen armchair explores comfort through gentle, embracing forms. Its softly curved profile and generous seat create an inviting place to pause, while the restrained detailing keeps the piece visually calm. Owen works equally well as a standalone lounge chair or paired within a living space.
THE ESSENCE OF POLIFORM’S APPROACH: ELEGANT, CONSIDERED FURNITURE DESIGNED TO BECOME PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE.”
Designer Jean-Marie Massaud.
POLIFORM JOAN SOFA
DESIGNER: Emmanuel Gallina
Emmanuel Gallina’s Joan sofa reflects a thoughtful approach to contemporary living. Defined by generous volumes and precise tailoring, the design balances comfort with architectural clarity. Deep seating and soft cushions encourage relaxation, while the clean lines ensure Joan sits effortlessly within modern interiors.
Available in New Zealand through Studio Italia, Poliform’s designs bring this distinctly Italian sensibility to contemporary homes. Sculptural seating, refined dining pieces and generously proportioned sofas create spaces that feel both composed and deeply comfortable.
Designs by Jean-Marie Massaud and Emmanuel Gallina capture the essence of Poliform’s approach: elegant, considered furniture designed to become part of everyday life.
From lakeside villas in northern Italy to contemporary homes overlooking New Zealand’s coastline, Poliform’s designs are conceived for a life well lived. For those curious to experience the collection firsthand, Studio Italia’s Auckland showroom presents a carefully curated selection of Poliform living, dining and wardrobe systems within an architectural setting that reflects the brand’s refined approach to contemporary living. Visitors can explore the range online or at Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street, Grafton, Auckland.
www.studioitalia.co.nz
Poliform Joan sofa.
Flexform Groundpiece sofa.
GROUNDPIECE
When Antonio Citterio designed Groundpiece for Flexform in 2001, the sofa quietly redefined how living rooms were used. At a time when seating was typically more upright, Groundpiece introduced a lower, deeper profile that encouraged a more relaxed way of inhabiting the home.
Its generous proportions allow the sofa to function almost like a daybed, reflecting a shift towards more informal living. Large goose-down cushions offer exceptional comfort, while a slim metal base lifts the upholstered volumes subtly above the floor, giving the design an architectural clarity despite its softness.
Groundpiece was also conceived as a highly adaptable modular system. Upholstered armrests can be replaced with leather-clad storage units, shelving or side tables, allowing the configuration to evolve with the space.
More than two decades later, Groundpiece remains one of Flexform’s most recognisable and enduring designs. The collection is available in New Zealand through Studio Italia. Visitors can experience the range at Studio Italia, 25 Nugent Street, Grafton, Auckland. ▪
www.studioitalia.co.nz
Designer Antonio Citterio.
Installation view, Gow Langsford Onehunga: Max Gimblett – The Open Door, 2025.
DESTINATION: ART
TWO YEARS AGO, GOW LANGSFORD LAUNCHED ITS FLAGSHIP ART GALLERY IN THE AUCKLAND SUBURB OF ONEHUNGA, A MOVE THAT MARKED A DEFINING NEW CHAPTER IN THE GALLERY’S STORY. PHOTOS: SAM HARTNETT.
When the new Gow Langsford gallery in Onehunga was first announced, some art-watchers were hesitant. For many in Auckland’s art community, the suburb was unfamiliar territory, as most dealer galleries traditionally settled in the city centre.
But for Gow Langsford director Gary Langsford, finding the Onehunga building “after a decades-long search” was a dream come true.
“Having spent a lot of time in New York in the early 80s, and visiting the great galleries that were in Soho at the time,” he says, “I had always imagined creating a great international space here in Auckland. It just took thirty-seven years and several other locations to get there!”
Onehunga has a rich cultural history, shaped by a diverse community, longstanding musical traditions and a growing network of creative spaces that contribute to Auckland’s wider arts landscape.
‘‘
FINDING THE ONEHUNGA BUILDING
‘AFTER A DECADESLONG SEARCH’ WAS A DREAM COME TRUE.”
‘‘
I HAD ALWAYS IMAGINED CREATING A GREAT INTERNATIONAL SPACE HERE IN AUCKLAND.”
John Pule, Haia, 2024.
Gow Langsford Onehunga Gallery
Gow Langsford
Onehunga opening event..
Dale Frank, 2025, installation view.
Dale Frank, 2025, installation view.
ABOVE: Lee Bae, The Form Before, 2026 BELOW: David McCracken, Attraction and Transmission, 2024
The building was originally commissioned in 1958 by Polish businesswoman, philanthropist and arts patron Helena Rubenstein. Gow Langsford has refurbished the building, preserving its strongest architectural features while modernising the interiors to meet the needs of a contemporary gallery. The result is one of the largest commercial art spaces in Australasia, with spacious exhibition galleries, private viewing rooms, dedicated studios for emerging and established artists and an extensive visual arts library.
The gallery opened its 2026 programme with the work of internationally acclaimed Korean artist Lee Bae. Known for his monumental charcoal
pieces that balance material intensity with meditative restraint, Lee Bae’s exhibition marked a significant moment for Gow Langsford. Hosting an artist with a strong international presence in Onehunga has reinforced the gallery’s commitment to presenting world-class contemporary practice here in New Zealand.
The scale of the space allows the gallery to host well-attended public openings on Saturday afternoons, fostering dialogue between artists,
Lee Bae, The Form Before, 2026.
collectors and the wider public. These events have helped build a vibrant audience base and affirmed the gallery as a cultural hub.
Gow Langsford’s more than 30 represented artists, both local and international, are enthusiastic about the new space.
“There is clearly an appetite for bigger, more expansive shows,” Langsford says, “challenging artists to think about the space in new and exciting ways.”
As the Onehunga gallery celebrates its second anniversary, it is clear that Onehunga has not only met expectations, but exceeded them. The past two years have brought internationally significant exhibitions, record visitor numbers and an ever-expanding programme of events. Most importantly, they have reaffirmed the belief that art lovers will travel for quality — that great art creates its own destination. ▪
www.gowlangsfordgallery.co.nz
Grace Wright, Grand Illusions, 2025.
Defining Luxury in Auckland.
Thoughtfully curated luxury residences.
www.onesaintstephens.co.nz
ph. 09 379 0001
em. living@onesaintstephens.co.nz
A GLOBAL STANDARD
A RARE LOCAL OPPORTUNITY
At the highest point in Parnell, only two penthouses remain at One Saint Stephens. Complete and beautifully resolved, they command iconic Auckland views and combine generous scale, elevated craftsmanship and quiet sophistication. Created for buyers accustomed to the calibre of exceptional global residences, they offer a rare opportunity to secure
a completed penthouse of genuine distinction. A carefully considered collection of resident amenity –from the beautifully appointed bar, lounge and dining spaces, to the basement car parking allocated to each resident, along with the sauna, soak pool, steam room and heated outdoor pool – add a rare sense of ease, privacy and occasion to everyday living.
Introducing Stratahouses, a completely new way to live.
Featuring two distinct but connected spaces, commanding an entire level of a highly considered six-storey building. This revolutionary design concept transcends previous approaches to creating luxury apartments.
Large-scale luxury residences with complementary ‘live’ and ‘play’ spaces offering unique opportunities to create an amazing one-of-one home.
The ‘live’ space is a welcoming oasis, a haven of uncompromised luxury that would grace the most upscale home. The complementary ‘play’ space is a generous blank canvas ready for you to express your individuality and creativity. The two spaces combine seamlessly to create apartments that are completely unbound, the first luxury residences as exceptional and individual as you are.
Designed by
‘‘In the course of conversations with owners of grand homes, an important truth emerged – no two definitions of the ultimate home were the same.
The stratahouses at Remuera are a response to that. Beyond generous proportions and refined materials, they offer something rarer – the freedom to shape your surroundings in a way that reflects your individuality.”
– Martin Cooper, Developer, Experiences by Coopers
“At 336 Remuera we set out to design homes that stand apart for their scale, craft, and clarity of form – a genuine alternative to the freestanding luxury home. The design prioritises liveability and quality in every detail, creating homes that feel natural, generous, and lasting.”
– John Irving, Studio John Irving Architects
Private appointments at the 336 Remuera experiences suite are now welcomed.
www.336remuera.co.nz
em. living@336remuera.co.nz ph. 09 520 4356
www.onesaintstephens.co.nz
em. living@onesaintstephens.co.nz
CRUISE THE WORLD
MAGICAL SIGHTS, TASTES AND EXPERIENCES AWAIT. DISCOVER THEM FROM THE SUBLIME COMFORT OF YOUR FLOATING FIVE-STAR HOTEL.
WORDS: ERICA CASSIDY.
‘‘
PLEASURE IN THE DETAIL
When you have spent 185 years refining the art of ocean travel, the word 'icon' takes on new meaning. With a fleet of four iconic Queens, each bearing Cunard’s distinctive black and red funnel, the line delivers old-world glamour and its renowned White Star Service — the hallmark of luxury at sea.
AS EVENING FALLS, RETREAT TO THE GRILLS LOUNGE, WHERE ATTENTIVE WAITERS REMEMBER YOUR FAVOURITE PRE-DINNER COCKTAIL.”
Inspired by the first Grill Room aboard Aquitania in 1914, the Cunard Grill Suites continue the tradition of intimate, exclusive dining once reserved for First Class passengers. Now the pinnacle of personalised luxury at sea, these suites are the largest and most exclusive accommodations on board. Guests enjoy spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, fresh flowers, and complimentary in-suite dining, while Queens Grill suites also feature private butler service. Royal Suites command sweeping views from prime positions near the bow, while Grand Suites feature expansive wraparound balconies and marble floors. For the ultimate wow factor,
the multi-storey Grand Duplexes tucked high on Queen Mary 2 offer extraordinary space and dramatic ocean views.
Grill Suite guests have exclusive access to a collection of refined spaces. Fine dining is found in the Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurants, where menus highlight scrumptious dishes such as Devon crab cannelloni or Dark chocolate ganache with salted caramel ice cream, prepared with the finest seasonal ingredients. Guests can also enjoy delicate handmade pastries during the daily tradition of afternoon tea. Soak up the sun in the serene Grills Terrace, then, as evening falls, retreat to the Grills Lounge, where attentive waiters remember your favourite pre-dinner cocktail. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a simulator on Queen Mary 2 and the putting green and driving range on Queen Anne
Cunard offers myriad itineraries across the globe, including two extraordinary World Voyages departing in January 2028. Queen Anne embarks on a 111-night western circumnavigation with maiden calls to Lautoka, Fiji, and Halong Bay, Vietnam, while Queen Elizabeth heads east on a 113-night adventure with overnight calls in Cape Town, Hong Kong, Yokohama and more. From the picturesque ports of Europe to the sun-drenched islands of the Caribbean and beyond, every journey unfolds with the timeless elegance that has defined Cunard for nearly two centuries. ▪
WORLD VOYAGE 2028
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth
An Iconic Cruise Line, offering an Iconic Journey
Queen Elizabeth returns Down Under in 2028, on her first World Voyage in a decade. Savour the full 113-night journey or enjoy shorter segments to and from Sydney exploring Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands and the Americas. Step on board the beautiful Queen Elizabeth for an adventure of a lifetime.
Nights
Queen Elizabeth
18 Jan 2028 – 09 May 2028
Departs Southampton, England, UK
Arrives Southampton, England, UK
SHORTER LINE VOYAGES
SOUTHAMPTON TO SYDNEY (Q803D)
67 nights, 18 January to 25 March 2028
Onboard Queen Elizabeth
Itinerary Highlights:
Overnight stays in Cape Town, Singapore, Yokohama Evening departures in Tenerife, Durban, Nagasaki
SINGAPORE TO SYDNEY (Q804E)
29 nights, 25 February to 25 March 2028
Onboard Queen Elizabeth
Itinerary Highlights:
Overnight stays in Hong Kong, Yokohama Evening departures in Busan, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Rabaul
HONG KONG TO SYDNEY (Q805A)
24 nights, 01 March to 25 March 2028
Onboard Queen Elizabeth
Itinerary Highlights:
Overnight stays in Yokohama Evening departures in Busan, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, Yokohama, Rabaul, and Airlie Beach
CAPE TO CAPE In Caviar Slyle -
Rarely does a single journey connect such faraway wonders as the vivid white icebergs of Antarctica with the intricate mountaintop ruins at Machu Picchu and a transit through historic Panama Canal — let alone do it in gorgeous, intimately scaled luxury. In celebration of Seabourn’s 40th year of cruising in 2028, the expertly curated 120-day Cape to Cape World Cruise showcases their signature luxury smallship exploration aboard Seabourn Quest. Traversing cultural, historical and natural wonders across five continents and 23 countries, the voyage stops at more than 38 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with extended stays in special destinations.
A new multi-day Seabourn journey transports passengers through Cusco to Machu Picchu, the
legendary lost city of the Incas. A winding train ride through Sacred Valley is followed by a shuttle to the top of the mountain, and an expert tour of this magnetic and sacred place that feels connected to something larger than life. There’s time for unhurried exploration of Peru’s archaeological wonder of the ancient world, before comfortable transportation back to re-join the cruise. Overnight tour opportunities include Easter Island and Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), as well as multiple maiden calls for Seabourn’s ocean fleet, such as Robinson Crusoe Island and Santa Clara Island in the South Pacific, Nightingale Island in the south Atlantic, and Garibaldi Glacier in Chile.
The dramatic landscapes of Antarctica always astound, where mirror-like inky water reflects the
‘‘
TRAVERSING CULTURAL, HISTORICAL AND NATURAL WONDERS ACROSS FIVE CONTINENTS AND 23 COUNTRIES, THE VOYAGE STOPS AT MORE THAN 38 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES, WITH EXTENDED STAYS IN SPECIAL DESTINATIONS.”
crisp teal sky and mountainous icebergs, broken only by the occasional breach of rare marine life as it passes by. Join a guided Zodiac tour to explore wildlife in its natural habitat. Enjoy Champagne and caviar on the ice, serenaded by live music, or take the opportunity for a life-changing Polar Plunge, a signature Seabourn experience. Willing passengers exit from the ship door onto a Zodiac and leap straight into the ice-cold water wearing a harness for safety.
And, of course, everything onboard is included, from the luxuriously appointed all-ocean-front suites, most with private veranda, to world-class dining, entertainment and gratuities. These stunning ships deliver a private yacht-like atmosphere and personalised service, for a truly unforgettable safari at sea. ▪
Cape to Cape in 2028
120-Day World Cruise
26,000+ miles * 58 Destinations * 23 Countries * 5 Continents
WORLD CRUISE
MIAMI TO LONDON
Seabourn Quest
7 January 2028
Ask about shorter sectors of the World cruise
Unlock a world where luxury meets exploration onboard Seabourn Quest as she begins Seabourn’s 40th anniversary in 2028, sailing 26,000 miles across five continents on this 120-day journey filled with cultural hidden gems and immersive expedition experiences found off the beaten path. Every day is a discovery, every detail is refined, and every moment is yours to savor. Sail across continents in stylish comfort with immersive experiences, intuitive service, and a close-knit community of curious travellers. Incredible moments await beyond the horizon with Seabourn on the full world cruise or choose a shorter world cruise segment itinerary.
YOUR SEABOURN CAPE TO CAPE WORLD CRUISE INCLUDES:
Seabourn Journeys and overnight tour opportunities in iconic destinations like Machu Picchu, Easter Island, and Port Elizabeth
Up-close exploration including Zodiac tours, onshore exploration, and more, guided by our expert team
Bucket-list wildlife viewing of marine life, the Big 5, and more
Overnights and extended stays in marquee cities of South America, Africa& Europe
Complimentary Signature Events like Caviar on the Ice and Polar Plunge
Exclusive Included Amenities
• Seabourn Journey to Machu Picchu
• Enjoy up to US$6,000 Shipboard Credit per Veranda Suite
• Enjoy up to US$10,000 Shipboard Credit per Penthouse Suite and above
• Upgraded Stream Wi-Fi packages, powered by Starlink (2 devices)
• Included Round-trip Business Class Air
• Unlimited laundry, eco-friendly dry-cleaning alternative, and pressing onboard
• 1-night pre-cruise hotel stay in Miami Complimentary Expedition Experiences*
• Zodiac® tours
• Guided onshore exploration
• Commemorative Polar Parka
AMA WATERWAYS
MEMORIES PAR NONE
Imagine sailing into port and then teeing off onto the sun-drenched fairway of a top-ranked golf course along the Seine or Danube rivers. With AMAWaterways’ Concierge Golf Program added to either your ‘Magna on the Danube’ or ‘Impressions of the Seine & Paris’ seven-night river cruises, you can play a round at up to five championship courses. Experience the iconic Paris Saint-Germain, ninetimes host of the French Open; Racing Club de France la Boulie in regal Versailles; the Pannonia Country Club, host of the Hungarian Open; or Golf Club Adamstal in Austria, named one of the world’s most beautiful courses by Golf Digest. Enjoy concierge service including club care, delicious à la carte lunch with ice-cold beer and wine at the course, with luxury transportation to and from your gorgeous floating hotel.
AMAWaterways have partnered with Smithsonian Journeys to host intellectually minded travellers on a deeper exploration of Europe and Asia. Each Smithsonian Journey has two experts onboard to open a world of knowledge, and host specially curated excursions. These life-long archaeologists, art historians, scientists and anthropologists provide thrilling context and behind-the-scenes expertise along the way. Options include an exclusive guided visit to Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, with its captivating collection of antiquities dating back five millennia; Neuf-Brisach Citadel, the UNESCO-
listed masterpiece of military engineering in Breisach Germany; or Mozart’s house in Salzburg, where the beloved composer was born.
Europe’s winter landscapes offer some of the most magical vistas, as the snow-dusted castles, vineyards and cities seem to glow in the icy air. There are few
‘‘EUROPE’S WINTER LANDSCAPES OFFER SOME OF THE MOST MAGICAL VISTAS, AS THE SNOW-DUSTED CASTLES, VINEYARDS AND CITIES SEEM TO GLOW IN THE ICY AIR.”
more romantic experiences than wandering amongst the sparkling lights of Europe’s historic Christmas markets. Enjoy traditional gingerbread and vin chaud under Strasbourg’s luminous Gothic cathedral while browsing the twinkling market stalls for artisan crafts and old-world foodie treats. In Vienna, the market wraps around an open-air ice rink, creating a winter wonderland that’s alive with carol singers and festive stalls. When you return to the festive warmth onboard your AMAWaterways ship, enjoy mulled wine and gingerbread soufflé as you glide past glittering fairytale villages decked out for Christmas. ▪
Barranquilla to Cartagena
8 DAYS | MAGDALENA RIVER
From pp in standard stateroom $5,103
COMPLIMENTARY LAND EXTENSIONS AVAILABLE VALUED UP TO $7,020 PER COUPLE for departure 13 May 2026
Kampong Cham to Ho Chi Minh City
8 DAYS | MEKONG RIVER
2-FOR-1 LAND PACKAGE AVAILABLE SAVING UP TO $3,930 PER COUPLE for departure 31 August 2026 From pp in standard stateroom $3,655 *or vice versa
and conditions apply. Prices quoted are in NZD and are accurate as of 24 February 2026
EFFORTLESS EXPLORATION
Wanderlust connoisseurs with time and boundless curiosity will fall for Explora Journeys’ inaugural 128-day voyage of contrasts, 'Endless Worlds', in 2029. Spacious, ocean-front suites become homes at sea aboard EXPLORA I as she sets sail from Dubai beneath a golden sun. Visit India’s bustling spice-scented ports and the dazzling cacophony of Southeast Asian cities, immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage and explore myriad turquoise beaches in the Maldives, Bali and prehistoric Komodo Island. The journey continues with overnights in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Stop at Easter Island, one of the world’s most remote natural wonders, then Chile and Peru, with a visit to Machu Picchu. Transit through the legendary Panama Canal, uncover artrich Cartagena and the idyllic beaches of the Caribbean, before stopping in Miami, New York, across the Atlantic towards the Azores, and on to Barcelona.
EXPLORA III will be the first ship in Explora Journeys’ elegant fleet to journey through Asia, immersing guests in a rich culture that feels both ancient and modern. Shimmering neon cities and vibrant street food, quiet harbours and jagged volcanic landscapes, ancient shrines and serene temples that invite spiritual contemplation. See Kyoto’s autumn blaze of maple and gingko, spend Chinese Golden Week in Shanghai, or wonder at the cherry blossoms in Shimizu and Nagoya.
EXPLORA V will debut in the Mediterranean’s gorgeous quiet season, when the sun-baked crowds disperse for a slower pace and cooler rose-gold light. From the colourful markets and mosques of Istanbul to the vine-laced hilltops of Sicily, this is a meaningful time to visit.
Guests aboard EXPLORA I can combine the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco with luxury ocean travel. Docked in the heart of Monte Carlo, guests have the ultimate vantage point with optional threeday access to the Grandstand T2, exclusive access to the F1 Paddock Club™ — often frequented by A-list celebrities and the legendary drivers themselves — and the chance to observe teams at work during the Aramco Formula 1® Pit Lane Walk.
Whatever the voyage, Explora Journeys redefines ocean travel with its signature “Ocean State of Mind”, a philosophy that connects guests with the sea, themselves and one another. ▪
SOUTHERNMOSTComforl-
With no permanent human residents and home to the world’s largest icebergs, Antarctica is the closest thing on earth to another planet, and the furthest one can travel from the traditional tourist route. To call it a bucket-list destination is an understatement; Antarctica is a wondrous place that changes its visitors forever.
Considered an essential rite of passage for many intrepid explorers on their way to Antarctica, the infamous Drake Passage has traditionally been traversed by sea, adding several extra sailing days to your cruise. Although the actual crossing is less arduous than its reputation would suggest, thanks to modern weather monitoring, there is a new alternative for travellers who are time-constrained or want to avoid a potentially rough passage.
Silversea offers a world-first opportunity for passengers to skip the Drake Passage and fly directly to Antarctica on their Antarctica Fly Cruise itineraries. The experience includes a hotel stay in Santiago, followed by a direct charter flight to Puerto Williams, Chile, where guests will bookend their luxury Antarctica expedition voyage with a one-night stay at what is undeniably the coolest — and southernmost — hotel postcode on earth, The Cormorant at 55 South. This new, purpose-built Silversea hotel bears the name of the majestic and adventurous Cormorant bird, and the latitude of Puerto Williams. Designed to immerse guests in the picturesque wilderness with panoramic windows, high ceilings and natural colours throughout, The Cormorant at 55 South is an exclusive game-changer for Silversea’s luxury Antarctic expeditions.
From there, passengers take a chartered flight to King George Island, Antarctica, a seamless journey across the Drake Passage that would have taken months for the original explorers a century ago. What could be a days-long stepping stone to the ‘real’ cruise is now a
streamlined, pleasurable experience, and yet the best is still to come.
Venturing deep into the untouched Antarctic wilderness, the soundtrack to the icy continent is a reverent quiet. Mirror-like inky water at just above freezing point gently laps against the ship as she glides past skyscraper icebergs, abundant marine life and the occasional cacophony of seabirds. Our least explored continent is truly awe-inspiring, and life aboard each purpose-built Silversea expedition ship is first-class luxury. ▪
WORLD OF WONDER.
Here’s to the eternal wonders and unforgotten stories that endure in Asia. Venture deeper to uncover gilded temples, vibrant markets fragrant with spices, and landscapes that feel like living poetry. From the golden temples of Thailand to the cultural capitals of Japan and the towering groves of Singapore, journey through past and present as you claim your place in a timeless saga of epic discovery. To Finding More.
SILVER NOVA, HONG KONG
HIMEJI, JAPAN
RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES
LUXURY SELECTION
Imagine sipping a flute of vintage Champagne aboard your luxury riverboat, knowing that your spacious waterfront suite is being unpacked by a private butler as you sail towards your first port of call. Your only decision is where to spend the evening. Snuggled on your king bed with room service as the gorgeous landscapes drift by outside, lazing in the heated pool with a cocktail as you daydream about tomorrow’s destination, or a Michelin-level dinner prepared à la minute from local ingredients?
Riverside Luxury Cruises have won multiple awards since their launch in 2022, and at the heart of their philosophy is the luxury of choice. Some travellers want everything taken care of upfront with a premium all-inclusive fare that combines a perfectly curated itinerary and pre-booked shore excursions with dining, beverages and onboard activities. Other travellers prefer their independence, waking each day with the flexibility to decide where to go at each destination and book shore excursions when they need them, while enjoying
the certainty that their food and beverages are included. Riverside's legendary shore excursions are often hosted by the proprietors, such as at a family truffle farm in Grignan, or an alfresco lunch beside the centuries-old olive groves at Château d’Estoublon.
Each ship is essentially a sumptuous floating hotel, with sweeping staircases, expansive skylights, sparkling chandeliers and an abundance of marble. Dining is exceptional, and often inspired by the itinerary. Along the Danube, think Viennese-style beef tartare with blood sausage croquettes, quail eggs with caviar, crispy Hungarian suckling pig or fragrant paprika ice cream. The Vintage Room, which seats 10 to 12 guests, offers a tasting menu with ever-changing, coveted wine pairings such as Bollinger La Grande Année Brut 2014 and NuitsSaint-Georges Clos des Fôrets Saint Georges 1er Cru 2021. A passenger favourite is the outdoor barbecue lunch, serving perfectly grilled steak, luscious giant prawns and lobster tails alongside freshly shucked oysters, local cheeses, wine and craft cocktails.
Itineraries are designed to be modular, with a variety of cruise lengths that can be combined to create your own bespoke longer cruise. Aboard your sumptuous Riverside Luxury Cruise, the choice, always, is yours. ▪
Riverside Luxury Cruises brings modern elegance to Europe’s most famous rivers, pairing generous space and warm service with the feel of a boutique hotel. With three to 21-night itineraries on the Rhine, Rhône, Danube, Moselle, and Main, each voyage offers the freedom to explore at your own pace—whether on a unique excursion or complimentary bike. Evenings stretch longer here, thanks to extended stays that allow guests to savour the local culture and vibrant nightlife. An onboard pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and spa elevate wellness along the way. Riverside uniquely offers flexible cruise fares and shorter modular itineraries, from standard Full Board through to Premium All-Inclusive fares with a complete program of shore excursions
TIMELESS TRADITIONS OF THE MOSELLE & UPPER RHINE
7 days
Departs 06 Jul & 02 Nov 2026
From Trier (Riol) to Basel/Huningue
5 days
Departs April–May, September–November 2027
From Vienna, Austria to Passau, Germany
SCENES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE WITH RHONE DELTA
4 days
Departs April–November 2027
From Avignon, France to Avignon, France
DANUBE RIVER DANCE
Do you enjoy personalised service? Do you appreciate the interplay of culture and nature as much as an uncompromising culinary experience? The all-suite Riverside Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy offer spacious suites equipped with king-size beds, marble bathrooms, and a dedicated butler. Riverside’s dining is unparalleled, with up to four restaurants on each ship serving regionally inspired, locally sourced, and award-winning cuisine made a la minute. Take a look at the Mozart—double the width of an average river cruise ship, it’s something special.
MOZART RAVEL DEBUSSY
Riverside Luxury Cruises – HIGHLIGHTS
• Unparalleled service – Butler service in every suite
• Michelin-level award-winning cuisine – Dining a la minute with wine and beverage pairing
• Exclusive, immersive excursions including choice of Signature and Uniquely Riverside experiences
• All-suite, modern, spacious ships
• Flexibility – Something for Everyone with a wide variety of itineraries, trip length, destinations, amenities and excursions
• Operates in English
• Larger suite sizes
• No Single Supplement in select suite categories
• 8 x Interconnecting suites
• Gratuities included
• Smaller numbers of guests onboard, and small group shore excursions
• Indoor pool, fitness centres, spa treatments
Riverside– Debussy
BRILLIANT VOYAGES
Fine crystal is known for its exceptional brilliance, which draws in surrounding light to elevate both everyday moments and special occasions. Like its precious namesake, Crystal has been enhancing the art of ocean travel for over three decades.
Sweeping sea views, sumptuous interiors and discreet butler service are part of the everyday experience aboard its elegant fleet, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, and new ship Crystal Grace, expected from June 2028. All three ships offer exclusive, high-end dining experiences including the only Nobu restaurant at sea by legendary chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa. At Umi Uma, passengers can dine on black cod miso and grilled Chilean sea bass. Osteria d’Ovidio features an exclusive menu by Michelin-rated brothers Raffaele and Massimiliano Alajmo. Dine on modern steakhouse cuisine at global streetfood sensation Beefbar. Dessert connoisseurs will love the slow-churned Florentine gelato from Badiani, founded in 1932 by the Pomposi family.
Crystal are known for their enriching shore excursions. Take a charter flight over Alaskan glaciers, join a cooking class in the Caribbean, or float in a hot-air balloon over vineyards in Bordeaux.
For travellers wishing to complement an overseas holiday with a few nights at sea, indulge in a truly exceptional long weekend or sample a cruise for the first time, Crystal has curated a menu of three- to four-night Short Voyages. For a taste of Europe, sail from vibrant Barcelona along the French Riviera to wander the old town of Toulon before arriving in Monte Carlo. Dip your toe in the Caribbean with an enchanting route from San Juan, Puerto Rico via the gingerbread houses and laid-back vibe of Saint Martin at Marigot, and the tiny volcanic island of Roseau, through pulsing Bridgetown before finishing in Barbados. Wonder at glorious autumn foliage along America’s eastern coast, leaving New York and sailing through Nova Scotia and Cape Breton, stopping to wander art-rich Charlottetown and Les Îlesde-la-Madeleine, Quebec before arriving in Montreal. Floating from port to port in their sumptuous hotel at sea, guests can spend their days by the pool with a book, perfecting their golf swing, enjoying a game of pickleball or dining in one of the ship’s world-acclaimed speciality restaurants. ▪
Fort Lauderdale — Fort Lauderdale
17 NIGHTS FROM $12,600 PP 9 - 26 FEB 2027
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY
Fort Lauderdale — Lisbon
24 NIGHTS FROM $16,000 PP 19 MAR - 12 APR 2027
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY
Rome — Rome
23 NIGHTS FROM $25,300 PP 20 MAY - 12 JUN 2027
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY FOR
Sail Away on our New Combination Voyages
Curated voyages that promise a continuous journey of deep destination discovery.
These sailings o er even more time to enjoy our award-winning restaurants, see dazzling entertainment, venture out on thrilling excursions, indulge in our beautiful spa, and enjoy the superb service that has made Crystal’s cruises exceptional for more than three decades.
Barcelona — Copenhagen
29 NIGHTS FROM $26,900 PP
21 JUN - 20 JUL 2027
CRYSTAL SYMPHONY
San Diego — New York City
25 NIGHTS FROM $17,200 PP 9 AUG - 3 SEP 2027 CRYSTAL SERENITY
YOUR SAILING INCLUDES:
UNLIMITED BEVERAGES*
MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS
SPECIALITY DINING*
24-HOUR IN-SUITE DINING
BUTLER SERVICE
BROADWAY-STYLE SHOWS & TED-STYLE TALKS
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES: PADDLE TENNIS, PICKLEBALL & GOLF PLUS MORE
UNLIMITED WI-FI
GRATUITIES AND MUCH MORE
*Please visit crystalcruises.com/amenities for terms and conditions
Valparaiso — Fort Lauderdale
23 NIGHTS FROM $16,500 PP 29 NOV - 22 DEC 2027
CRYSTAL SERENITY
GRAND VOYAGES REGENT
If travelling makes us storytellers, then imagine the book you will fill aboard one of the new all-inclusive Grand Voyages by Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, spanning five continents across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, Australia and New Zealand. A luxurious, light-filled oceanfront suite becomes your home for a few months, with myriad exquisite dining options and warm, discreet crew detail so that you can just relax, wander and wonder as each new experience unfolds.
Grand Arctic Expedition is a 92-night voyage that departs New York in Spring, sailing through Europe to London. Take in the volcanic islands of the Azores, Portugal, pedal the chocolate-box canals of Amsterdam and spend a magical overnight in Bordeaux including dinner at the storied Château du Tertre if you choose. Summer under the Arctic’s midnight sun, with endless days to explore Scandinavia’s vibrant cities, including a maiden call at Hamina, Finland. Wander to the star-shaped fortress at its centre, and enjoy a Finnish cinnamon roll while you take in the fascinating history of this pretty circular town.
Grand Mediterranean Odyssey visits northern Africa, the Aegean and the Mediterranean across 82 nights.
Stop in the bright blue waters of Tangier, Morocco and visit the Cave of Hercules, where the mythical Roman hero is said to have rested. Wander the marble-paved squares of Dubrovnik’s old town, drink Greek wine at a clifftop tavern in Santorini, and stroll the ancient ruins at Ephesus under the guidance of an expert archaeologist. Guests can combine Grand Arctic Expedition with the Grand Mediterranean Odyssey to spend half the year at sea.
Sail under a giant sky with your morning espresso as you play bocce ball with fellow travellers. Enjoy long alfresco lunches of grilled fresh seafood, perfectly aged steak or plant-based delicacies, each perfectly matched with a fine wine. Spend nights on your private balcony with worldclass room service and the blanket of stars above. And of course, feel the excitement as you wake to the sun coming up over each new port of call.
Regent’s new Concierge Collection also allows Regent guests to bookend certain cruises with exquisite accommodation. These handpicked 3-night stays curate the world’s most iconic hotels with guided tours that are carefully designed to immerse guests deep into the art, culture and cuisine of each magical region. ▪
ROTORUA (TAURANGA)
(LYTTELTON)
TUSCANY (LIVORNO) SAVONA
SEVILLE (CÁDIZ)
(CIVITAVECCHIA)
BASTIA (CORSICA)
PALMA DE MALLORCA
(LIVORNO)
PALMA DE MALLORCA
CAGLIARI (SARDINIA)
(SICILY)
THE LANGUAGE OF LUXURY
There are certain exquisite words in the Japanese language that have no English translation, and it is that poetic, distinctly Japanese way of life that captivates guests aboard Mitsui Ocean Fuji and her new sister ship, Mitsui Ocean Sakura
Japan’s most sumptuous fleet offers spacious alloceanfront suites, most with private verandas, blending luxury and comfort with timeless elegance. Their ships are petite enough to stop in smaller ports for deeper exploration and immersive local experiences, with local guides who speak fluent English as well as Japanese. Each itinerary showcases the incredible natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage of this storied country.
Embrace wabi sabi, the beauty of imperfection, in the aged patina of a centuries-old teapot at a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or in the gnarled branches at a Bonsai tree farm. Step inside a sakagura, a sake brewery, and learn about the five tastes of this beloved drink. Enjoy komorebi, the twinkle of sunlight through ancient trees; hanafubuki, the snow-like flurry of falling pink cherry blossoms; or kouyou, Japan’s blazing autumn
foliage that rustles with kogarashi, the delicious cool winds that signal the coming of winter. Sip local beer under lantern-light, marvel at sparkling fireworks and vibrant float parades, and surrender to the foot-tapping taiko rhythm of matsuri season.
And, of course, no cruise would be complete without exceptional onboard food. Hokusai Fine Dining is helmed by one of Japan’s most celebrated chefs, Kiyomi Mikuni, and serves 'Japonisée', which blends Japanese flavours with traditional French cuisine. Indulge your betsubara, the legendary second stomach the Japanese reserve for sweets, and batankyuu, the art of dropping into a deep sleep at the end of a perfect day.
Every guest is treasured like family; every possible need is met; and the soul of Japan is woven into every detail thanks to the ancient custom known as omotenashi. This warm and heartfelt hospitality sails to the proverbial heart of Japan in a way that no other cruise can.
Whichever cruise you undertake aboard Mitsui Ocean Cruises, you will remember it with natsukashii, that nostalgic feeling that holds treasured memories in your heart forever. ▪
Authentic, and immersive Japan encounters await...
Mitsui Ocean Cruises delivers a new cruise experience. Inspiring Voyages to connect with people and natural wonders, and treasured customs of Japan.
MITSUI OCEAN FUJI is Japan’s most luxurious, all-suite cruise ship with inviting spaces, beautifully presented cuisine, lively entertainment and unique port of calls – all delivered with sincere ‘omotenashi’ serivce, aniticipating your every need.
Summer Cruising Festivals &
9 Nights
30 July to 08 August 2026
Veranda
Southern
9 Nights
16 August to 25 August 2026
Veranda
Tokyo to Tokyo
7 Nights
25 August to 01 September 2026
Veranda
8 Nights
19 September to 27 September 2026
Veranda from A$7,880pp share twin
OCEANIA CRUISES
With a chilled wine or hot chocolate in hand, elbows on the mahogany handrail and a heart full of memories from the day’s exploration, there are few more beautiful places to spend an evening than on the private veranda of your Oceania Cruises stateroom as you sail to your next port of call.
With the launch of Oceania Sonata™, a masterpiece in design, Oceania Cruises have composed an entirely new class of ship that orchestrates artful ocean travel. While she retains Oceania’s signature intimate small-ship feel and hallmark commitment to exceptional dining, Oceania Sonata is a symphony in residential-style luxury at sea.
Spacious, all-veranda accommodations are furnished with elegant details, light-filled living and dining areas, lavish marble baths and expansive verandas. New for Oceania Cruises are the sumptuous Horizon and Penthouse Deluxe suites with sweeping sea views and opulent design. All suite guests have the services of a discreet and attentive 24-hour Butler.
HITTING THE HIGH NOTES
Guests know to expect artistry when it comes to onboard dining. Every detail is informed by Oceania Cruises’ signature promise of The Finest Cuisine at Sea®, from top-shelf favourites such as The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill and Toscana to relaxed openair dining at Terrace Café. Oceania Sonata carries this promise even further with several debut concepts, including Nikkei Kitchen, which explores the vibrant blend of Peruvian flavours with Japanese culinary techniques. La Table is an 18-seat chef’s table — the only restaurant at sea with the seal of approval from Maîtres Cuisiniers de France, a globally revered institution dedicated to upholding the excellence of French gastronomy. Cocktail aficionados will love the inventive mixology available across myriad onboard bars and lounges. Guests can toast with a botanical spritz in Horizons as the sun goes down, watch their Old Fashioned prepared tableside at Opus Lounge or taste any number of barrel-aged favourites.
Oceania Sonata will sail her inaugural season from August 2027 with a range of itineraries through Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America.
In keeping with its focus on sophistication at sea, Oceania Cruises now exclusively welcomes guests aged 18 and older on all new reservations for future voyages. ▪
LUXURY TRAVEL FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
There is a magical moment that wanderers dream of, when you roam beyond the guided tours and find your way to somewhere truly special; a hidden gem that deepens your understanding of the local culture and satisfies that deep curiosity for meaningful travel.
With Roam by Tauck, the century-old, guided travel pioneer is offering something transformative for
ROAM BY TAUCK JOURNEYS ARE CAREFULLY CURATED WITH A GENIUS “HALF-ON, HALF-OFF” RHYTHM.”
younger travellers who seek these gorgeous moments of unguided adventure but are too time-poor for fullyindependent planning. After two years of targeted research into the needs and desires of this underserved market, the result is a programme of exceptional small-group journeys that move at the pace of busy, experience-hungry professionals.
Launched for luxury travellers in their 40s and 50s who are too young for traditional escorted tours, Roam by Tauck journeys are carefully curated with a genius “halfon, half-off” rhythm. Guests have the benefit of Tauck’s time-forged local expertise and relationships, with afterhours entries and access through doors that would be tough to pry open independently. Expert pre-planning allows guests the freedom to enjoy an abundance of time and independence to roam.
With an average of just 16 like-minded guests, these journeys are less structured than a traditional land journey or cruise sightseeing, with the flexibility to choose for yourself. The result is a bespoke luxury adventure, in sumptuous hotels in unique destinations, or aboard a gorgeous floating hotel that makes even the moments between each destination a pleasure.
Roam by Tauck’s inaugural season of land, river, and small-ship journey’s span five to eleven nights, with five itineraries available in 2026. A further seven journeys have been added for the 2027 season, including Iceland, Tuscany, Sicily and Malta, South Africa and Mozambique, Japan and New Zealand.
Pedal through Mexico City’s Roma and Condesa before a sunrise balloon ride over Teotihuacan; learn how to dance a Viennese waltz with a private lesson at the Palais Pallavicini; kayak beneath Frances’ Dordogne’s castles; or pair vineyard hikes with private tastings along the Douro. Linger three to four nights in retreat-like stays, savouring late mornings and spa time, while still choosing vigorous add-ons like guided mountain biking, white-water rafting, or nature treks. This is true luxury travel rewritten for the next generation of wanderers. ▪
It’s Travel with a Plan, not a Script
Roam by Tauck delivers all the benefits of expertly guided travel –the access, insight, and stress-free ease – without your days feeling overscheduled. Rooted in Tauck’s century-long legacy of award-winning discovery, these dynamic small-group journeys give you the freedom to indulge, explore, and recharge – your way. Each Roam by Tauck journey includes Signature Moments – extraordinary, shared experiences that bring your small group together, but half of your time is yours to shape, leaving space for curated choices and the freedom to explore on your own, follow your curiosity, or simply take a holiday breath.
ROAM by Tauck – Highlights
• Designed for travellers in their 40s and 50s
• Very small groups (average 16 guests)
• “Half - on, half - off” touring philosophy
• Signature Moments & VIP access
• Longer stays, slower rhythm
• Land, river, and small - ship options
• Shorter, lifestyle - friendly itineraries
• More active, immersive experiences
• Premium accommodation with a sense of place
• Backed by Tauck’s 100 - year expertise
SAN SEBASTIAN & RIOJA
Land Journey
7 day/6 nights, Aug – Oct 2026 departures
Itinerary highlights:
San Sebastián, Getaria, Laguardia, Elciego
Signature Moments:
Taste and wander your way through San Sebastián; Hike a coastal stretch of the Camino del Norte; Guided hike through Rioja’s famed vineyards; Savour regional flair and authentic cuisine inspired by Michelin-starred master Chef Francis Paniego
BORDEAUX & THE DORDOGNE
Land Journey
8 day/7 nights, Sep – Oct 2026 departures
Itinerary Highlights:
Bordeaux, Arachon, Saint-Émilion, Brantôme, Sarlat-la-Canéda
Signature Moments:
Private visit to Lascaux II – a beautifully crafted replica of the original caves, and prehistoric cave art; Climb the Dune du Pilat - Europe’s tallest dune; Kayaking beneath the Dordogne’s Chateaux; Michelin Star Dining at Les Glycines
MEXICO CITY & SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE
Land Journey
7 day/6 nights, Oct – Nov 2026 departures
Itinerary Highlights:
Mexico City, Teotihuacan, San Miguel de Allende
Signature Moments:
Private cooking and margarita making class; Private Tour and rare access at the Museum of Anthropology; Balloon ride over the pyramids of Teotihuacan; Gastronomic experience at Filigrana inside the Cauduro building in Mexico City
ELEVENOF THEBEST
WORLD SHOWCASES CRUISES
THAT SHOULD GO ON YOUR BUCKET LIST.
CRYSTAL CRUISES AN ARCTIC VOYAGE
14 nights – Reykjavik return 07 – 21 August 2027
ABOARD: Crystal Symphony HIGHLIGHTS: Arctic voyage from Reykjavík exploring glaciers, wildlife, and colourful coastal towns such as Nanortalik, Sisimiut, Nuuk, Paamiut and Tasiilaq.
MITSUI OCEAN CRUISES FIREWORKS & ISLAND RHYTHMS
7 nights – Yokohama return 03 – 10 July 2026
ABOARD: Mitsui Ocean Fuji HIGHLIGHTS: Yokohama, Nakatsu, Yeosu, Shimonoseki, Aokata.
CUNARD NORWEGIAN FJORDS WITH MICHEL ROUX
12 nights – Southampton return 13 – 25 November 2026
ABOARD: Queen Anne
HIGHLIGHTS: Go in search of the Northern Lights, late evening calls in Tromsø and Narvik with Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
AMAWATERWAYS GRAND DANUBE
14 nights – Vilshofen to Giurgiu v.v. March – November 2026 & 2027 departures
ABOARD: AmaBella, AmaVerde, AmaMagna, AmaRudi
HIGHLIGHTS: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia. Sail through centuries of history and culture on an unforgettable voyage along the Grand Danube. From the storybook villages of Bavaria to the regal splendour of Vienna and Budapest, and onward to Bulgaria and Romania.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS AN EXTENDED JOURNEY FROM FJORDLANDS TO STORIED CITIES
16 nights – Southampton to Copenhagen 17 August – 02 September 2026
ABOARD: Explora III
HIGHLIGHTS: Sail from Southampton through Norway’s stunning fjords and vibrant Nordic cities, from Mandal and Bergen to Flåm and Copenhagen. Continue to Tallinn, Stockholm, Riga, Visby, and Rønne before a memorable finale back in Copenhagen.
CRUISE
OCEANIA
CRUISES TASMAN SEA EMBRACE
17 nights – Perth (Fremantle) to Auckland
07 – 24 January 2027
ABOARD: Oceania Riviera
HIGHLIGHTS: Perth, Busselton, Albany, Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne, Picton, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland.
SILVERSEA FESTIVE SOUTHEAST ASIA ODYSSEY
16 nights – Singapore return 19 December 2027 – 04 January 2028
ABOARD: Silver Muse
HIGHLIGHTS: Christmas & New Year sailing, Phuket, Langkawi, Penang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Singapore, Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur), Malacca, Singapore.
RIVERSIDE LUXURY CRUISES RHÔNE RHAPSODY WITH RHÔNE DELTA & CHÂTEAUNEUF-DUPAPE
7 nights – Avignon to Lyon 2026 & 2027
ABOARD: Riverside Ravel
HIGHLIGHTS: Riverside Signature Event, Tain-I’Hermitage, Viviers, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Avigon, Tarascon, Arles.
SEABOURN KIMBERLEY EXPEDITION: WATERFALLS & WANJINAS
10 nights – Darwin to Broome 01 – 11 July 2027
ABOARD: Seabourn Pursuit
HIGHLIGHTS: Zodiacs, Cultural Tour, Hiking, Snorkeling, King George River, Vansittart Bay, Ashmore Reef, Hunter River, Swift Bay, Montgomery Reef, Freshwater Cove, Talbot Bay, Lacepede Island, Broome.
REGENT SEVEN SEAS ICONIC SKYLINES, STARRY NIGHTS
16 nights – Bangkok (Laem Chabang) to Tokyo 02 – 18 March 2027
ABOARD: Seven Seas Explorer
HIGHLIGHTS: Sihanoukville, Ho Chi Minh City, Cam Ranh, Hong Kong, Taipei (Keelung), Okinawa (Naha), Osaka.
TAUCK BUDAPEST TO THE BLACK SEA
12 nights – Budapest to Bucharest v.v. Apr – Jun, Sep 2027 Departures
ABOARD: ms Esprit
HIGHLIGHTS: Dinner at a palace in Bucharest, passage through the Iron Gate on the Danube River, a visit to the city of Pécs in Hungary, and a choice of bicycle excursions in Budapest & Belgrade.
It’s rare that a company can insert a new chapter in a long-established genre like luxury cruising. But that is what the Aponte family, owners of MSC — one of the largest shipping companies in the world — has done in recent years with the creation of Explora Journeys.
With the goal of offering travelling guests luxurylifestyle experiences through its “ultra-elevated ocean travel”, they have managed to break through the already high expectations of luxury cruising, raising it to a whole new level. By partnering with aspirational global companies such as Steinway, Rolex, Illy coffee and Davidoff cigars, their small fleet of ultra-luxury ships offers travellers bespoke experiences and an intimate sophisticated world at sea.
OCEAN OPULENCE
EXPLORA JOURNEYS IS REWRITING THE LUXURY CRUISE STORY. WORDS: TRICIA WELSH.
Explora has even created its own glossary: rather than cruises, it offers ‘journeys’; onboard staff are not crew, but ‘hosts’; and shore excursions have become ‘destination experiences’.
I am booked on ‘A Journey of Volcanic Vistas and Catalonian Culture’ on Explora II, travelling from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona via Naples, Trapani (Sicily), La Goulette (Tunisia), Carloforte (Sardinia) to Valencia, and disembarking in Barcelona.
On arrival, there is no queue, and I am seamlessly transitioned to ocean-facing suite 10041 on Deck 10 — via the Explora Lounge, where staff are dispensing welcome glasses of Champagne. The ship has 461 ocean-facing suites — all beautifully
appointed and spacious; more like oceanfront homes with furnished balconies. On this particular journey, we are just 790, including seven Kiwis. The ratio of guests to hosts — 1.25:1 — is one of the highest at sea.
My suite is nothing short of spectacular: vast, elegant and ingeniously designed. An entrance corridor leads to a king-size bedroom separated by sleek Japanese-style doors from a chic lounge with a marble dining table for those who prefer to entertain 'at home'.
A walk-in dressing room, complete with makeup desk, is next to a marble bathroom with a
generous-sized glass-panelled shower recess, Frette robes, Dyson hairdryer, and Mandala Blue toiletries. Every detail whispers luxury. Wireless charging pads beside the bed add a thoughtful, modern touch.
In the lounge, a plush corner sofa, curated library, Illy espresso machine, chilled Rosé, and even a TechnoGym kit await. Wrapped in a palette of mocha, cream and chocolate, the décor feels deliciously sophisticated, the very definition of refined comfort at sea.
Aboard Explora II, public spaces exude a serene, contemporary European glamour. Soft neutrals,
ABOARD EXPLORAII , PUBLIC SPACES EXUDE A
tactile natural stone and mood lighting set the tone, while sweeping layouts blur the lines between indoors and the open sea. From artcurated lounges to sophisticated bars and sundrenched pool terraces, each area is impeccably designed to elevate the journey into an elegant ocean lifestyle.
On my first night onboard, I dine at the elegantly casual Med Yacht Club. It draws dishes from all corners of the Mediterranean; from Spain, Greece, Italy, France and North Africa. I can’t resist the prawns baked with saganaki, chargrilled octopus and pan-fried sea bream topped with king prawns
BUT WHAT A TREAT TO DINE IN ANTHOLOGY WITH DISHES CURATED BY CULINARY DIRECTOR FRANCK GARANGER.”
win me. Another time, I enjoy a seafood fettucine followed by fall-off-the-bone slow-braised Rhodes-style lamb shank kritharaki on a bed of orzo and topped with feta cheese.
Next morning, we are given a water-salute welcome as we cruise into the ancient port city of Naples. Our first destination experience is to the archaeological site of Pompeii under the gaze of Vesuvius, the still-active volcano that covered five towns at its base with thick volcanic ash in 79AD. Some 22,000 residents of Pompeii perished in the eruption, the ash preserving many items and, indeed, some people. The plaster cast of a woman who tried to shield herself from the blast is indeed a sobering sight.
I particularly chose this itinerary as several of the ports were unknown to me. Pompeii had been on my bucket list for years, so this was the perfect opportunity. And who wouldn’t want to discover a little of Tunis, gateway to North Africa, with its rich heritage, ancient, colourful medina, magnificent original mosaics and tilework on display in the Bardo Museum? Who could pass up the chance to wander the charming streets of the 16th-century blue-and-white beachside city of Sidi Bou Said? Or Sardinia? Valencia?
Amongst Explora II’s six restaurants and 12 bars and lounges, there’s never a shortage of dining inspirations. Emporium Marketplace offers allday dining with global flavours and live cooking stations. All restaurants require bookings, and it’s best to do this when you first board. Only one restaurant has a surcharge — Anthology — but it’s worthy of a Michelin experience.
It’s not all aged rib-eye steak at Marble & Co restaurant. The signature starter of crushed fingerling potatoes with Normandie butter with Oscietra caviar is a knockout. I sample
the caramelised pork and insist on just a halfserve of 45-day aged Black Angus steak with Brussels sprouts and artichoke salad. Black-andwhite photography on the walls gives it a strong masculine feel.
Classic French dishes feature on the menu at Fil Rouge: beef tartare, Marseille-style seafood soup and fresh Maine Lobster on a vegetable risotto — all beautifully executed and presented. If you like white-linen table service for breakfast, Fil Rouge is open with an à la carte menu of fresh juices, cereals, fruits, eggs such as shakshuka and their highly recommended signature dish: a toasted French brioche base topped with creamy spinach, a perfectly poached egg, rich yuzu-Hollandaise sauce, and a generous dollop of Baeri caviar.
I lunch several times on delicious pan-Asian fare at Sakura: perhaps a delicious Singapore chicken salad, sushi and sashimi or a beautifully presented Bento box.
But what a treat to dine in Anthology, with dishes curated by culinary director Franck Garanger. These reflect the best premium produce paired with wines from all over Italy; choose seven courses from groups of three appetizers, starters, mains, etc, with amuses bouches and palate cleansers thrown in. I dine on lobster draped in crisp apple and topped with caviar, scallop cannelloni with truffle, lobster ravioli, the best Wagyu beef I’ve ever tasted, with porcini-stuffed Swiss chard and truffle potato, and finish with a mille-feuille and a petits-fours trolley selection. Naturally, portions are small-but-exquisite morsels bursting with flavour and beautifully presented. Hard to resist a second visit! ▪
www.explorajourneys.com
Mekong Princess
ROMANCING THE MIGHTY MEKONG
WE TAKE A SLOW-MOVING RIVERBOAT JOURNEY DEEP INTO THE CULTURAL HEART OF VIETNAM’S VERDANT MEKONG RIVER DELTA. WORDS: CHERRYL BROWNE & ERICA CASSIDY.
rom the moment the tropical sun hits your face each morning until the last cicada song fades into the balmy night, life on the Mekong River is a laid-back dream. Far from the noisy bustle of teeming Southeast Asian cities, days revolve around the rich biodiversity of its toffee-coloured water.
We marvel at tiny canals dotted with water lilies in full bloom; elegant French colonial buildings and houses perched on stilts to weather the rising and falling river; soaring coconut palms and vast emerald rice paddies; winding lanes and sleepy islets where multi-generational families make artisan crafts to a soundtrack of folk music, and children run out to say hello. There are colourful floating markets and sampan boats heavy with coconuts, tropical fruit and seafood harvested using age-old methods.
There is no better way to experience the Mekong Delta than on an all-inclusive cruise aboard the gorgeous, French colonial-style riverboat Mekong Princess. With just 14 luxurious suites — each with a French balcony and full-sized en suite bathroom — Mekong Princess hosts a maximum of 28 passengers. Her relatively petite size means that as well as navigating the mighty Mekong, Mekong Princess can duck into smaller tributaries such as the Saigon, Soai Rap and Vam Co rivers, Nuoc Man village and the Cho Gao canals. She is also the only river vessel licensed to tie up overnight in the heart of Can Tho, with its thriving night markets.
The all-Vietnamese and -Cambodian crew of 30 are warm and attentive, providing unobtrusive
service with exceptional attention to detail. A refreshing face cloth and ice-cold orange juice are always waiting as you step back into the cool comfort onboard after a day of exploring in the tropical heat. Later, perhaps, sip a gin and tonic beside expansive windows in the temperaturecontrolled Ramvong Lounge while that day’s footwear is taken care of with a complimentary clean. A mix of exceptional French-Indochine and international cuisine is prepared onboard, providing an authentic gourmet experience that’s a perfect complement to the inclusive foodiethemed shore excursions.
Each 12-night Mekong Majesty cruise-and-stay package includes a leisurely seven-night river cruise through the Mekong Delta, bookended with pre- and post-cruise accommodation in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City.
In Siem Reap, the gateway to the ancient, aweinspiring temples and saffron-robed monks of Angkor Wat, your package includes three nights’ luxury accommodation at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Two days’ entry to the Angkor temple complex, with driver and guide service throughout, allows time for a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat, with its beehive-shaped towers, and visits to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple, Banteay Srei and Ta Phrohm, woven with colossal
OPPOSITE PAGE (TOP): Basking in a pink sunset, the Mekong Delta docked in Can Tho. (BOTTOM) The Ramvong Bar & Lounge aboard the Mekong Princess.
tree roots. An optional farm-to-table restaurant cooking class or a half-day tour to a fishing village on Tonle Sap lake, are worth considering.
In Angkor Ban, the day begins with a blessing ceremony by local monks before setting sail. Mekong Princess passengers have the heartwarming opportunity to volunteer at a local school, where children have walked for miles each day to participate and who love to sit and read with visitors, to learn different accents and practice their English. This dedication to making a difference is evident both on and off the riverboat, with a no-plastics policy, and an arrangement that donates unused ship soaps to local orphanages and recycles onboard newspapers into schoolbooks.
Phnom Penh is known for its dazzling Silver Pagoda, home to Cambodia’s Emerald Buddha and solid-gold Maitreya Buddha — covered with more than 9,000 diamonds — but there’s so much more to explore, too: for example, riding through bustling streets to the Royal Palace and the National Museum to learn about the history of Cambodia, so influenced and impacted by many cultures through the centuries.
There are few experiences more poignant than visiting Choeung Ek, the 'Killing Fields' that hark back to Cambodia’s darkest days under Pol Pot and Khmer Rouge. An optional excursion takes in the city’s emerging art scene, where vibrant urban murals, cultural graffiti and stunning exhibitions highlight the resurgence of Cambodian art and culture that was laid waste last century.
come aboard to perform Cambodia’s graceful Apsara, which originated in the 17th century. The performance provides much-needed sponsorship for their local orphanage.
Beyond the bustling cities, each stop along the delta offers up its own unique blend of craftsmanship and history. On Ben Tre Island, every part of the coconut tree is used to generate food and income, from bottling coconut milk to shaping their shells into beautiful utensils. Perhaps most beloved are the sticky sweet coconut candies, reduced to a syrup over an open fire and then hand-shaped and wrapped.
Some villages are dedicated to growing and weaving silk on timber looms; others dig up indigo, famed for its luscious blue colour and used to hand-dye fabric. Yet another village moulds and fires rich delta clay into bricks for the building industry. Not far from the Cai Rang floating markets, noodles are hand-made using
BEYOND THE BUSTLING CITIES, EACH STOP ALONG THE DELTA OFFERS UP ITS OWN UNIQUE BLEND OF CRAFTSMANSHIP AND HISTORY.”
Further along the Mekong, a group of dancers
ancient techniques, while in another, rarely visited, village, hand-held heat pans are used to bend and shape wood into the traditional flatbottomed boats known as sampans. All shore excursions are exclusive to Mekong Princess, and travel deep into local culture and customs for thoughtful experiences that are genuinely off the beaten path.
OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE): A saffron-clad monk at Angkor Ban Monastery, Cambodia; conical hat-making, Cho Moi, Hoa An; floating market, Can Tho river, Mekong Delta; wet market, Can Tho, Le Binh, Mekong Delta.
In Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Mekong Princess is the only cruise ship small enough to sail under the bridges of the Bassac River and dock for the night right in the middle of the city at Saigon Port. Known for its exciting energy, mouthwatering street food, dazzling lights and traffic cacophony, Ho Chi Minh City is also home to the gorgeous Central Post Office with its vaulted roof, designed by Gustave Eiffel. Jump onto a night-time street food tour in a repurposed open-top Russian jeep or wander the rabbit-warren streets to find icecold craft beer. Perhaps browse local boutiques
and shopping malls then, cocktail in hand, watch the sun set over passing sampans.
Wherever you go there are tales to be told about the ‘River of Nine Dragons’ — so named because of its nine winding arms that stretch deep into the Vietnamese jungle before plunging into the South China Sea. Some of the stories are mythical, many of them historical — ancient even — but together they weave the charming cultural tapestry of the Mekong River. ▪ www.cruiseworld.co.nz
ABOVE (CLOCKWISE): Chrysanthemum fields, Hoa An, Mekong Delta; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; The author at Nokor Thum, Angkor Wat. Dragon dance welcome, Can Tho, Mekong Delta. OPPOSITE PAGE: Canal boat, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre, Mekong.
CHILLY DAYS ARE ON THE WAY, SO WE FELT IT TIMELY TO SUGGEST SOME TRULY WORLD-CLASS TIPPLES TO WARM YOU ON THE INSIDE. WORDS: CLIVE WESTON.
WINTER WARMERS W
hether recuperating from a frosty May day’s duck shoot or sitting cosily on a favourite fireside armchair, we at WORLD have the solution: a 'no tricks, no gimmicks' selection of 10 winter warmers, comprising five iconic wines and five beguiling spirits. Each has history, charm, provenance, quality and pedigree on its side. We’ve gone to old-world locations in pursuit of classic Ports and Madeira; Scotland for single-malt whiskies; and to France’s Armagnac and Cognac regions for some exquisite nightcaps. We’ve also included a couple of superb, sought-after New Zealand reds as table-wine alternatives. Are you sitting comfortably?
FRANCE
COGNAC MARTELL
In 1715, age 21, Jean Martell left Jersey and settled in Cognac. Three hundred and eleven years later, his drive for excellence still inspires the house of Martell. After Jean’s death, his widow, Rachel, managed the Maison for nearly 30 years. From the late 18th century and throughout the 19th, undisputed product quality helped spread the distribution of Martell Cognacs to all corners of the globe. Not surprisingly, Maison Martell is considered among the 'fab four' of Cognacs, alongside Courvoisier, Hennessy and RemyMartin.
COGNAC FRAPIN
In addition to the four large Cognac houses, there are smaller, high-quality Maisons recommended by the regional tourist association as "not to be missed". Cognac Delamain is one; another is Cognac Frapin. Frapin is still in original family ownership and today’s 21st generation can trace their vine-growing and distilling history back to 1270. This 240-hectare estate, located within the official, demarcated sub-region of Grande Champagne, is considered the finest.
ARMAGNAC DELORD
Located south of Bordeaux and west of Toulouse in the lower foothills of the Pyrenees, France’s lesser-known Armagnac region produces excellent brandies and Eaux de vie. There are various grades of Armagnac, so the trick is to discover the finest. Among the best is Armagnac Delord, with its origins dating back to 1893, when an itinerant distiller named Prosper moved from farm to farm distilling white wine into Armagnac. His sons Gaston and Georges established Maison Delord Frères, selling their Armagnacs throughout France and the USA. In 2020, family heads Jerome and Sylvain bought today’s family estate, 75 hectares of organic land and a mansion with a cellar and outbuildings.
FRAPIN CHATEAU FONTPINOT XO
Distilled and aged in the family’s Château Fontpinot cellars. Delightful on its own, cellar master Patrice Piveteau describes its fruity flavours as pairing well with desserts or a simple cheeseboard. It’s a gorgeous autumnal gold with warm orange highlights. Aromas of candied dried fig and apricot, marzipan, hazelnut, nougat and attractive rancio tones deliver a rich and complex palate with dried and candied fruits in a long finish.
MARTELL CORDON BLEU XO
Launched at the prestigious Hôtel de Paris in Monaco in 1912, Martell’s flagship Cordon Bleu was served aboard the Queen Mary on her maiden voyage; on the grand Orient Express train and on the first Concorde flight in 1977. It was also enjoyed at the wedding of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco. Vibrant, rich and complex, with fresh orchard fruits, candied plum and apple, its spicy fruit notes explode on the palate with a long, rich, elegant finish.
ARMAGNAC DELORD XO
A complex bouquet of vanilla and prunes with delicate notes of wood and an exclusive nutty rancio taste. This Armagnac expresses the essence of Maison Delord.
SCOTLAND
GLENFARCLAS SINGLE HIGHLAND MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Established in 1836, in Speyside, northeast Scotland, Glenfarclas is renowned for its aged Highland Single Malt Scotch whiskies. Far up the slopes of Ben Rinnes, fed by the melting snows of winter, crystal spring water bubbles up from the granite below, a key ingredient in all Glenfarclas single malts. A rival distiller wrote in May 1912: “Of all the whiskies, malt is king; of all the kings, Glenfarclas reigns supreme.” The Grant family’s fifth generation, John Grant, heads up the business. He personally travels to a single Sherry bodega in Spain to select the finest European oak casks, previously used for the maturation of fine Oloroso Sherry.
12YO ISLAY SINGLE MALT, TEQUILA FINISH CASK STRENGTH, LIMITED EDITION
Lagavulin hand-selected casks from Mexico for a deluxe tequila finish, a first for the 209-year-old distillery. At a natural cask strength of 56.4 per cent, it’s the first time Lagavulin has ever released an experimental whisky at cask strength. However, from the pinnacle of Islay distilling it isn’t just experimental — it’s a sought-after limited edition that drove collectors wild upon release. Bright as pale sunlight, aromas of Padrón pepper, stone fruit, white chocolate and charred pineapple, and a palate of stewed plums, orange peel and oaky spices with salted popcorn and toffee on the finish.
LAGAVULIN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY
Dating from 1816, Lagavulin distillery is named for its home village on the isle of Islay, off Scotland’s remote west coast. A Lagavulin hallmark is its slow distillation in unique pear-shaped pot stills. Pale and peaty are two oft-used descriptors of Lagavulin whiskies. The judges clearly approve: Lagavulin regularly wins gold medals in international competitions.
GLENFARCLAS 12YO HIGHLAND SINGLE MALT
Forty-three per cent and matured in old Oloroso casks. Vibrant amber-gold. Fresh and light on the nose, sherried fruit combine with spicy sweetness; a hint of sappy oak. The palate is full-bodied, with delightful sherried fruit and deliciously sweet and spice sensations. Finishes long and flavoursome.
TASTING TIP:
If contemplating enjoying luxury Single Malts, Cognacs or Armagnacs neat, just add a couple of drops of still water to lift the aromas and allow the spirit to breathe. You’ll be amazed at what a difference this makes.
MAN O’ WAR, WAIHEKE ISLAND
Located on Auckland’s doorstep at the east end of Waiheke Island, the Man O’ War experience is well worth the trip. A car ride — or for the more adventurous, a heady descent down the zipline — brings you to Man O’ War restaurant and a tasting of beautifully crafted wines await.
MAN O’ WAR 'IRONCLAD' 2023
Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot handharvested from distinct vineyard blocks. Fermented separately and aged in French oak barriques, 35 per cent new, for 18 months. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and dark plum meet violet and lavender florals, with savoury notes of cedar and dried tobacco. This is a rich, concentrated but elegant style, supple enough to enjoy now but with the integrity and depth to reward patient cellaring over the next five to 10 years.
CRAGGY RANGE, HAWKE’S BAY
The Peabody family sought an ideal site on which to create a wine estate from untouched land. Under rugged hilltops, they established Craggy Range — winery, visitor centre, multi-award-winning restaurant and high-end accommodation. Craggy Range wines are renowned for their freshness, purity and elegance and made from grapes grown on distinctive parcels of land, notably in the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay. Free-draining soils and warm, sunny days produce wines with depth, structure and complexity.
Man O’ War, Waiheke Island
Craggy Range,
Hawke’s Bay
CRAGGY RANGE LE SOL SYRAH 2023
Since its debut, Le Sol has achieved the perfect balance between intensity and floral finesse; a fine, single-site example. Grapes harvested from the stoniest soils are hand-managed. The result is aromatic purity, a luscious yet elegant mid-palate with fine tannins: Syrah in its purest form. Approachable on release, its age worthiness is unquestionable.
PORTUGAL
WARRE’S PORT
Established in 1670 and the first of the great Port houses, Warre’s offers the gamut of classic styles: youthful Ruby, aged Tawny, Vintage Character, Late Bottled Vintage and Warre’s Vintage. In declared years, the wines of Quinta da Cavadinha are an important component of Warre’s Vintage. In years between declarations, the wines are released as single Quinta Vintage Port.
WARRE’S QUINTA DA CAVADINHA VINTAGE 2010
Low-cropping old vines deliver grapes of superb concentration and structure. Family owner and cowinemaker Charles Symington reports: “Floral aromas and notes of ganache with hints of red current and kirsch. Beautifully rounded fruit on the palate produces a fine, silky texture with polished tannins providing poise and balance.” Decant a few hours before serving. Enjoy on its own or with chocolate desserts and blue cheese.
RAMOS PINTO PORT
A distinguished house originating from the late 19th century when Adriano Ramos Pinto, aged just 21, established a strong export market in Brazil. By the early 20th century, the brand accounted for half of all wines exported to South America. Other export markets followed. Over time, the business acquired vineyards in the Douro Valley, enabling it to carefully manage its production quality and consistency from vine to glass.
RAMOS PINTO 20 YEARS QUINTA DO BOM RETIRO
From Quinta do Bom Retiro, one of the oldest vineyards in the region. A blend of 20-year average-age tawny wines. Tawny in colour. Aromas of grapefruit, apricot, almond, hazelnut and cocoa bean, with old-oak
aromatics of cinnamon, caramel and coffee. The palate is smooth and dry. Elegant, complex and delicious. Lightly chilled as an aperitif, it can also accompany cream-based desserts that are not overly sweet. Perfectly pairs with dried fruit and nuts.
HENRIQUES & HENRIQUES MADEIRA
Henriques & Henriques, established 1850, is based in Câmara de Lobos on the south coast of the Portuguese island of Madeira, southwest of the mainland. Madeira wines vary from dry to very sweet and are produced from traditional grape varieties – Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia. They undergo a unique process whereby the wine is deliberately oxidised through heat and ageing. They are fortified and the finest styles will age for decades, if not for a century or longer.
HENRIQUES & HENRIQUES MALVASIA
20 YEAR MADEIRA
A dark-coloured but bright wine with golden streaks. Aromas of dried fruits, caramel, honey and a hint of earthy wood. The palate has a luscious, velvety texture and the taste is sweet, displaying notes of raisin, honey and vanilla. Fresh acidity lifts the experience with an excellent, long aftertaste. ▪
Amisfield
Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen
FOOD FOCUS: CENTRAL OTAGO
WORLD’S RECENT DINING RECCE TO THE DEEP SOUTH HIGHLIGHTED THREE TOP-CLASS BUT CLEARLY DISTINCTIVE CENTRAL OTAGO FOOD AND WINE DESTINATIONS. WORDS: CLIVE WESTON.
ith international wine tourism taking off, it was only a matter of time before forwardthinking New Zealand wineries would elevate the total visitor experience. We were particularly impressed with three excellent food and wine destinations. If time permits, we’d recommend you try all three!
Ayrburn
OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHEF JOHN PICKENS AND HIS TEAM PREPARE HAND-CRAFTED CUISINE USING SUSTAINABLY FARMED INGREDIENTS SOURCED IN AND AROUND THE FOUR COASTS OF THE SOUTH ISLAND.”
MORA WINES & ARTISAN KITCHEN
Located just outside Arrowtown at 265 Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen has a fun, family-friendly feel.
Owner and executive chef John Pickens and his team prepare hand-crafted cuisine using sustainably farmed ingredients sourced in and around the four coasts of the South Island. The food is described as “Honest, comforting and social.”
Chef Pickens learnt his craft cooking on yachts around Europe, the Caribbean and America before returning to New Zealand and settling in Queenstown, establishing Artisan Catering with his wife Debbie before opening Mora’s Artisan Kitchen. He has earned several accolades including 2019 Outstanding Chef of the Year. In 2021, the restaurant was recognised as People’s Choice of the Year at the Queenstown Hospitality Awards.
While the Mora Wines Cellar Door is ideal for a pre- or post-lunch tasting, the Kitchen is open seven days for breakfast from 10am, and for lunch until 5pm. Bookings essential.
AMISFIELD
Chef Vaughan Mabee has helmed Amisfield restaurant since 2012. Before that he worked at the renowned three-Michelin-starred Martin Berasategui restaurant near San Sebastian, Spain, and at the everpopular Noma in Copenhagen.
Sustainability and innovation are key drivers for Vaughan, who prefers to source ingredients from local producers who share the same ethos. The restaurant prides itself on welcoming guests warmly and delivering hospitality in a spectacular setting.
Amisfield is located very close to Lake Hayes, at 10 Arrowton-Lake Hayes Road, an easy drive from Queenstown. Not only has Vaughan been rated a 'Three Knife Chef' at the 2025 Best Chef Awards, but the Cuisine Good Food Awards consistently rate the restaurant at the highest Three Hats level. Amisfield was also named American Express Restaurant of the Year from 2021-2023 and again in 2025.
Amisfield’s meals are not to be rushed. So consider the $395-per-head light tasting lunch menu, which highlights Chef Mabee’s creativity and makes for an unforgettable experience. There is also an à la carte menu. Lunch Wednesday-Sunday from 12pm-3pm. Reservations recommended.
Take your time over dinner, at $595 per head; the varied dishes extend the tasting theme further still. Wednesday-Sunday with bookings at 7pm and 8pm. Reservations essential.
Of course, the full collection of Amisfield wines is available to further stimulate and delight the tastebuds. Naturally, guests are very welcome to taste at Amisfield Cellar Door and join the Amisfield Wine Club.
Chef Vaughan Mabee.
AYRBURN
Proudly boasting a 160-year history, Ayrburn, established in 1864, was one of the earliest farms in the region. So protecting Ayrburn’s heritage buildings has been a priority, as its revitalisation sees it morph into an ultimate high-end food and wine destination, a mustvisit in the Queenstown area. Each of the old restored farm buildings is themed differently but exists under the overarching Ayrburn umbrella.
Ayrburn’s flagship restaurant is Billy’s, named for William Paterson, who emigrated from Ayr, in Scotland, to New Zealand, where he established his farm on land now called Ayrburn. Set in William Paterson’s restored and reimagined original homestead, Billy’s
offers a daring modern Chinese menu — a nod to Arrowtown’s deep Chinese heritage (the first Chinese settlers arrived in Arrowtown in the 1860s). Patrons can dine either in the homestead, or in the bespoke glass conservatory for an immersive dining experience under a starlit Otago sky.
Among the sophisticated beverages offered throughout the property are Ayrburn single-vineyard wines from the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Bendigo sub-regions of Central Otago. Enjoy Ayrburn wines over a meal in any of the dining spaces or participate in a hosted tasting in the onsite Barrel Room. An alternative option is a self-guided tasting of Ayrburn Wines in the Manure Room. And if you fall in love with them, why not join the Napoleon Club? ▪
BLUE BY YOU
AUTOMOTIVE PHOTOGRAPHER ROYCE RUMSEY TURNS HIS CAMERA ON AN INCREDIBLY FAST AND VERY BEAUTIFUL FERRARI 'AZZURRO LA PLATA' SF90XX STRADALE.
Amongst Ferrari cognoscenti, the two colours most immediately identified with the Modena marque are 'rosso' and 'Giallo Fly' (red and 'fly' yellow). When it comes to the blue hues, the most notable Ferrari colour is the deep 'N.A.R.T Blue'. Aside from the famous 'Admirals' Series I Monza, light blue performance Ferraris were largely unheard of. Until now.
The Azzurro la Plata Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale shown here was recently acquired by a very prominent Ferrari devotee. And in the most fashionable and exclusive of collector car gatherings in Ferrari-intense Southern California it has created a sensation with headturning appreciation by even the most jaded of car enthusiasts.
It is important to note that in Italian culture, lighter blue hues are associated with royalty, prestige and power—used in dignitary vehicles, flags and even prominent sports teams’ nicknames. So it is entirely appropriate the colour of this highly exclusive offering in the XX Progamme should be the striking and regal 'Azzurro la Plata'.
The 20-year-old XX Programme’s charter is to provide F1-derived track-application examples of Ferraris and has resulted in the famous and iconic FXX, 599XX, FXX-K, and most recently, the SF90 XX (like the magnificent example shown here). The XX history started with the FXX version of the Enzo (c.2005), followed by the 2009 599XX and Evo (track versions of the 599GTB). In 2015 the FXX-K version of the LaFerrari was offered, followed by the FXX-K Evo two years later. The SF90 XX is the first street-legal iteration of the XX liveries.
The track- and road-ready (and legal) SF90 XX is limited to just 799 examples. Its 790hp 4.0L twin-turbo V8 and three motors provide 1,016 Italian stallions of power—launching the car to 100km/h in just over 2.3 seconds and 200km/h in an incredible 6.5 seconds, with a 322 km/h top end.
THE REAL IMPACT OF THIS INCREDIBLE FERRARI LIES IN THE AREA BEYOND ITS IMPRESSIVE TECHNOLOGY AND DRIVETRAIN — THAT IS, ITS JAW-DROPPING BEAUTY. PERIOD!”
The SF90 XX’s ‘double century’ top end is the result of the aforementioned prodigious power combined with its radical aerodynamics (with twice the downforce of the standard Type F173 SF90). It’s fixed rear wing (resulting from its power) is the first one since the F50. It is aided by an active ‘Gurney’ flap. Thermal loads and grip management are achieved via the cooling vents populating the hood and quarter panels.
Of course, carbon fibre is used throughout the car, keeping its weight to around under 1,600 kilos.
But, let’s face it: The real impact of this incredible Ferrari lies in the area beyond its impressive technology and drivetrain — that is, its jaw-dropping beauty. Period! ▪
Royce Rumsey roycer924.exposure.co/blue-by-you?
A work of technological art, with carbon fibre used throughout the car, keeping the weight down.
THE ALTER EGO
ROLLS-ROYCE CELEBRATES THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS BLACK BADGE MODELS. WORDS: DES FRITH.
From the very beginning, Rolls-Royce has been defined by elegance, craftsmanship and supreme engineering.
In 2016, the marque established a dedicated space for a bolder, more daring expression of its identity-one that could coexist alongside its contemporary yet classically inspired and globally celebrated identity. From this ‘Black Badge’ was born.
Black Badge motor cars introduced vivid new colours and technical materials, matched by a more powerful, agile and sonorous dynamic character. It was tailored to those who wanted to drive — to wield the power of a Rolls-Royce themselves — rather than be chauffeured.
To signal their commitment to this 'disruptive' group, designers cloaked the marque’s most precious assets — the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet figurine, Pantheon grille and double-R ‘Badge of Honour’ — in black.
Black Badge models were also given another distinction: the mathematical symbol for infinity, marking the birth of a separate universe within Rolls-Royce. The symbol evokes the seemingly endless surge of power delivered by Black Badge-tuned V12 engines and honours Sir Malcolm Campbell, who piloted the Rolls-Roycepowered Blue Bird K3 hydroplane to a record-breaking 130 mph in the 1930s, carrying the same emblem and expressing the same audacious spirit.
THE
In the glamorous realm of Formula 1, where cutting-edge innovation meets high-stakes elegance, Liam Lawson's 2026 Racing Bulls (VCARB 03) stands as a masterpiece of refined performance. This sleek, more compact machine — narrower, lighter by 30kg, and nimbler — delivers effortless agility on the track, powered by the advanced Red Bull Ford hybrid power unit.
At its core is a sophisticated hybrid system blending a 1.6-litre turbo V6 engine with a powerful electric motor. The engine provides roughly half the thrust, while the electric side — now dramatically enhanced — contributes the other half. It cleverly captures energy during braking (regenerative charging), storing it in a high-capacity battery for instant deployment as a surge of electric power. This near 50/50 balance, running on fully sustainable fuel, creates seamless, explosive acceleration with a cleaner conscience.
Smart active aerodynamics replace the old overtaking aid, automatically adjusting the wings: open for blistering straight-line speed, closed for superior grip in corners. Drivers like Lawson can strategically unleash extra electric boost to glide past rivals with poise.
For Lawson, our Kiwi sensation, this machine promises unparalleled performance, blending raw power with green innovation — a true icon for the elite circuit lifestyle. ▪
TRANSFORMATIONAL!
EVO IS THE NEXT WAVE OF VERSATILE MOTOR YACHTS POWERING TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND, EMBODYING ITALIAN DESIGN FLAIR AND INGENIOUS 'TRANSFORMER' TECHNOLOGY
IN ONE SLEEK SEMI-CUSTOM PACKAGE.
The yachting public and marine media were captivated in Cannes by the world premiere of the revolutionary Evo R4 Icone, which the brand described as “a tribute to the past and a leap into the future, offering unmatched onboard comfort, sportiness, and bespoke customisation”.
The annual Cannes Yachting Festival showcased more than 700 vessels, 140 of them making their debut in this most picturesque seaside city at Europe’s largest onwater boat show – a veritable market of international boating pulchritude.
Moored amid the motor yachts in Cannes’ Vieux Port, the Evo R4 Icone was distinguished by its anthracite hull and geometric glazing. This is not just another white boat.
Coinciding with the Evo’s 10-year anniversary, the R4 Icone is an upgraded iteration of the original 13-metre R4: one metre longer at just over 14m, a more aggressive bow, redesigned air intakes, and larger hull-side windows for illumination below deck in the lounge and two double cabins.
The R4 Icone impressed with its muscular stance, console design, which draws on automotive cues, ergonomic furniture in black and orange, and the stern fitted with Besenzoni’s XT system that extends and transforms the aft deck into a water-level terrace for leisure and launching watertoys.
Twin Volvo IPS 650 engines, each with an output of 480hp, power the R4 Icone, providing a burst of speed up to 40 knots (74km/h).
For a decade, Evo has sought to inspire on-water adventure and expand the onboard experience.
Made in San Giorgio a Cremano, near Naples, the Evo range comprises day cruisers ranging from six to 24 metres.
Characterised by sharp, geometric lines and straight bows, the brand’s hallmarks are hydraulically opening sides that convert the cockpit into a beach club at the touch of a button, plus a stern platform that serves as a swim platform, boarding ladder and tender lift.
Designed by naval architect and engineer Valerio Rivellini, whose trademark approach is to blend classic and contemporary, functionality and innovation in yacht and industrial projects, the Evo range is represented in Australia and New Zealand by Sydney-based dealer, Boatology.
Boatology founder Zain Moloobhoy was quick to embrace the Italian marque, saying, “Evo Yachts represents everything that I love about boats: stunning design inside and out, incredible engineering, an exhilarating driving experience and, most importantly, a platform for pure joy.”
On his visit to Sydney International On-Water Boat Show in November last year as guest of
Boatology, Rivellini spoke of Evo and its imminent arrival Downunder, appealing to a new generation of “thalassophile” (sea lover) seeking something beyond the basic.
“You can choose anything you want and adapt the project around your activities,” he explained.
Starting the line-up is the 43-foot Evo R4, which offers thrilling performance and versatility. Expanding two hydraulic 'XTensions' bulwarks to turn the beach area into a 25sq m terrace, it can convert from a sleek cruiser to a private island in just 30 seconds.
An additional 'Transformer' platform can attach to the transom and can rotate 270 degrees to support boarding and disembarking, diving, or simply relaxing at the water’s edge.
Then there’s the R6, which Rivellini described as “one of the most beautiful boats on the market”.
The Evo V8 is “a masterpiece, with a lot of influence from sailing yachts”.
But it’s the Evo R4 Icone that fits perfectly into the Australian and New Zealand boating lifestyle, he said.
“In these regions, boating is closely linked to an outdoor, active way of life, with owners spending long periods on the water, often in more demanding marine and weather conditions.
“True to the Evo philosophy, the R4 Icone version developed for the Australian and New Zealand markets features a fully enclosed deckhouse that creates a protected, air-conditioned environment. This allows the boat to be enjoyed comfortably even in more challenging sea conditions, while also providing shaded and cooled living areas.
OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: The wedge-shaped weapon may look intimidating, but designer Rivellini says it’s designed to be “easy and reassuring to operate”. BOTTOM: The main deck lounge features modular sofas that can slide, fold and rotate to transform from sunpad to lounge or dining space.
Naval architect and engineer Valerio Rivellini.
The R4 Icone version developed for the local market features a fully enclosed deckhouse, creating a protected, air-conditioned environment.
Seasoned boat owners and newcomers to boating will be equally enchanted, according to Rivellini.
“It’s a boat that immediately resonates with experienced owners because it is the result of extensive design knowledge combined with real, hands-on onboard experience. Seasoned boaters will particularly appreciate the technical choices made, with reliability and safety in mind.
“In addition, like the entire Evo range, the R4 Icone can be highly customised in terms of layout and configuration, allowing owners to tailor the boat precisely to their lifestyle and expectations.”
Rivellini drew on his experience in yacht and automotive design to devise the clean, minimalist design language of the R4 Icone.
“While the boat is technically complex, this complexity is intentionally hidden behind simple, well-balanced geometries that give the R4 Icone a strong, sporty and confident character without visual overload,” he shared.
This design approach, he said, was consistent both inside and out. “The careful selection of materials, fabrics and finishes, together with the faceted surfaces and panel geometries, creates a sense of dynamism and aggressiveness while maintaining elegance and refinement.”
“Every electronically controlled system on board is backed up by a physical control, ensuring that all functions remain operable even in emergency situations. Hydraulic systems are deliberately simplified and avoid the use of sensors – often the weakest point in such systems – relying instead on mechanical limit switches for maximum reliability.”
The R4 Icone’s unique appearance and simplicity of systems will reassure those new to boating.
“They will appreciate the generous and wellorganised spaces, the attention to detail and, above all, the simplicity and intuitiveness of use,” said Rivellini. “The boat is designed to be easy and reassuring to operate, allowing everybody to enjoy boating with confidence from day one.”
The Evo range of motor yachts is available through Boatology, located in Drummoyne, NSW, which also represents the Cantiere Mimí range of Libeccio ‘gozzo-style’ motor yachts, designed, too, by Valerio Rivellini. ▪
www.boatology.com.au
Proudly Sharing the Fijian Spirit.
A Fiji made retail story rooted in culture, craftsmanship and community
At the heart of Jack’s of Fiji lies a celebration of local creativity.
Gallery of Fijian Art & Design showcases original works by Fijian artists, offering an authentic connection to culture and storytelling.
Each piece supports local talent and keeps Fiji’s artistic
Ethically farmed in Fiji and thoughtfully designed, Fiji Mabe Pearl reflects craftsmanship shaped by the ocean and sustained by local communities. Fiji Mabe is exclusively available at Jack’s of Fiji retail outlets.
A TROPICAL ADVENTURE
PART OF FIJI'S ALLURE LIES IN ITS EASY ACCESS FROM NEW ZEALAND: AROUND THREE HOURS BY PLANE TO A TROPICAL ISLAND PARADISE. WORDS: DES FRITH.
PHOTOS: The Hilton and Tourism Fiji.
The Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa on Denarau Island places you in the heart of it all — a sprawling escape with private beach access and modern suites boasting ocean views from their terraces; some with plunge pools or kitchenettes.
The resort is a haven of refined relaxation. Laze by one of nine pools — Fiji’s largest pool complex, including an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the Pacific. Claim a lounger in the exclusive Koro adults-only zone, sip cocktails from the poolside bar, or glide across calm waters on a complimentary kayak or stand-up paddleboard. The private beach invites leisurely strolls as yachts sail by towards nearby Port Denarau Marina.
‘‘
ISLAND-FRESH FOOD
FEATURES IN THE RESORT’S RESTAURANTS. DINE ON GRILLED LOCAL SEAFOOD DRIZZLED WITH COCONUT CREAM, WITH OCEAN VISTAS.”
Island-fresh food features in the resort’s restaurants. Dine on grilled local seafood drizzled with coconut cream, with ocean vistas, or tuck into succulent steaks and Fijian-spiced bites at beachfront grills. Breakfast buffets brim with fresh pastries and classics like kokoda — raw fish marinated in lime and coconut — or go à la carte with a made-to-order omelette. Evening highlights include private beach dining under the stars or the traditional lovo feast from an earth oven, with pork, banana-leaf-wrapped fish, and smoky root
vegetables, often accompanied by a live meke dance performance telling ancient stories through rhythm and song.
Beyond the resort gates, Denarau’s prime location unlocks a world of great excursions and activities. A short stroll or complimentary shuttle brings you to Port Denarau Marina. Board a luxury catamaran or yacht for a full-day of island-hopping to the Mamanucas. Swim in secluded bays, snorkel vibrant reefs alive with tropical fish and turtles, and enjoy a gourmet picnic with chilled champagne on a powdery sand beach. Thrillseekers can add jet-skiing, parasailing, or deep-sea fishing charters.
Sunset sailings offer canapés and sparkling wine as the setting sun turns the horizon into a riot of pinks and golds.
Golf enthusiasts don’t have far to go for a round or two at Denarau Golf & Racquet Club, an 18-hole par-72 course designed by Eiichi Motobashi — perfect for a morning tee time followed by lunch in the clubhouse. Several tee positions make the course accessible to all skill levels.
Cycling is a scenic way to discover the area. Guided e-bike tours venture into nearby foothills or sugarcane fields, pedalling through rural landscapes, villages and dense countryside just a short ride from Denarau. It’s ideal for those looking for gentle adventure with island backdrops.
Exploring further afield, adrenaline-seekers can go rafting on the Upper Navua River in the highlands of Viti Levu. This full-day excursion
OPPOSITE PAGE: Family fun, and relaxation for all, at the beachside Hilton Fiji, along with great local cuisine, onsite activities and offsite excursions.
PHOTO: Chris McLennan.
(with transfers from Denarau) navigates thrilling Class II-III rapids through a dramatic gorge lined with waterfalls and dense rainforest — pristine wilderness protected as a conservation area. It's a thrilling experience blending fast-moving action with natural beauty. It’s a full but rewarding day out.
Port Denarau’s waterfront precinct, open daily from morning till late, has Fiji's largest collection of boutiques, selling everything from jewellery and surf wear to handicrafts, perfumes and highend souvenirs. Jack’s of Fiji is renowned for its authentic Fijian crafts and treasures such as hand-carved wooden masks and tanoa bowls, intricate tapa cloth artworks, colourful sulus and 'bula' shirts, Pure Fiji coconut oils and soaps, and exquisite pearl jewellery sourced from local farms.
Back at your resort, torch-lighting ceremonies evoke traditional rituals; learn kava etiquette and sample an earthy brew from a coconut shell; hear stories of chiefly life; or catch evening meke shows. Visits to a nearby village are easily
arranged, offering respectful glimpses into communal warmth (dress in a sulu and experience unscripted hospitality).
Whether teeing off at dawn, cycling through cane fields, rafting wild rivers, shopping for one-of-a-
‘‘
BEYOND THE RESORT GATES, DENARAU’S PRIME LOCATION UNLOCKS A WORLD OF GREAT EXCURSIONS AND ACTIVITIES.”
kind pieces, or simply unwinding with a seaside spa treatment using Pure Fiji oils, the Hilton Fiji is the base for a multi-faceted luxury escape — with no jet-lag and endless variety .
Bula vinaka! Rejuvenation awaits — Fiji style. ▪
FROM HEAVEN TO THE SEA
INTERCONTINENTAL DANANG SUN PENINSULA RESORT IS PART TEMPLE TO VIETNAMESE CRAFT, PART JUNGLE FANTASIA AND WHOLLY UNFORGETTABLE. WORDS: TRICIA WELSH.
Perched on a private crescent of Bai Bac Bay, InterContinental Danang resort tumbles down 39 hectares of the Son Tra Peninsula in four dramatic tiers: Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea, stitched together by 365 steps and a sleek, wovenfibre funicular that glides through the forest to a 700-metre sweep of beach. It’s a cinematic reveal: pagoda rooflines, black-and-white colonnades, splashes of citron and vermilion and the East Sea blazing beyond.
This is celebrated architect and landscape designer Bill Bensley at full, playful volume.
Bensley’s concept began with research rather than whimsy. He scoured Vietnam’s architectural vernacular — temples, palaces, lantern-lit streets — and then distilled it into a contemporary ode to place. Even the smallest flourishes carry a narrative thread: carved screens and ceramic tiles nod to imperial artistry; monkey motifs wink at
‘‘
A HIGHLIGHT IS LUNCH AT TINGARA, A MODERN JAPANESE RESTAURANT WHERE CHEF ISOZAKI BOASTS THE ONLY MICHELIN STAR AWARDED FOR TEPPANYAKI CUISINE.”
the peninsula’s charismatic simian residents; and sightlines frame the sea as reverently as a shrine. He visited dozens of temple complexes from Hanoi and Hué down to Hoi An to “get it right”, then wove the peninsula’s primate lore into the design language.
Rooms, suites and pool villas are staged for theatre: deep soaking tubs and daybeds for two, hand-turned timber, lacquer and silk and terraces that feel suspended above the treetops. Choose a Club category and you unlock the Club InterContinental Lounge on the Heaven level, a serene, high-perched aerie where breakfast is unhurried, afternoon tea is ritual and sunset cocktails come with horizon-spanning views and a hush that feels deliciously exclusive. Private beach zones, a dedicated Villa Host, and thoughtful
little extras elevate the sense of being quietly looked after.
Dining here is both destination and adventure. La Maison 1888, housed in a villa that channels colonial-era romance, is the headline act: Central Vietnam’s celebrated Michelin-star address helmed by chef Christian Le Squer. Expect French technique executed with wit and precision, a deep cellar and dishes that are equal parts memory and surprise. The private dining room is the sort of place where you swirl a glass and forget time. With its glass-walled viewing area into the open kitchen, everything is presented with a little theatre – particularly when knowledgeable and entertaining sommelier Armedeo Bellini is in full flight.
A highlight is lunch at Tingara, a modern Japanese restaurant where chef Isozaki boasts the only Michelin star awarded for teppanyaki cuisine. Take a ringside seat above the teppanyaki cooktop and watch as he deftly prepares edamame croquettes, herb-grilled tachiuo fish with fermented tomato sauce, buckwheat soba noodles, melt-in-themouth certified Kyori beef, his signature fried rice with minced shrimp – and a finale of soy sauce ice cream with Vietnamese single-origin chocolate galette. All served with sparkling tea, if you choose. Nearly all ingredients are flown in from Japan – including the water to cook the rice!
Just as iconic is Citron, the resort’s all-day ode to Vietnamese flavours, where nón lá (those conical straw hats) booths cantilever out over the cliff for goosebump views with your bún bò. The breakfast buffet is the most vibrant and appealing I think I have seen anywhere, with a clever mix of Vietnamese and western food – with banh mi, pho and noodle stands making dishes to order.
Down on the sand, Terra Mare keeps things languid with char-kissed seafood and coastal grill favourites, while the 50m-long, aptly named L_o_n_g Bar, with atmospheric automated punkah fans, deals in beachy bites and tall, tinkling cocktails. For a nightcap, slip into Buffalo Bar — dark, dapper and perfect for a proper digestif. And if you’d like dinner with a moving plot twist, book the Nam Tram Dining Journey: a progressive feast served course-by-course as your private funicular cabin glides from mountaintop to shore.
Wellness is tuned — quite literally — to harmony. Mi Sol Spa takes its name from musical tones and leans into sound therapy, vibrations and frequency-based rituals to reset body and mind. Treatments unfold in a lush, lagoon-ringed sanctuary; step out feeling light, as though the jungle exhaled for you. Beyond the spa, the resort’s daily rhythm includes yoga and tai chi, non-motorised water sports, tennis, a modern Soar Gym, cinema evenings and Planet Trekkers kids’ club — the sort of programming that lets families and couples both find their groove.
Yet the true heart of InterContinental Danang is the landscape that cradles it and it is the only resort in the country located in a nature reserve. Son Tra — 'Monkey Mountain' — is home to the critically endangered red-shanked douc langur, a painterly primate with russet leggings and a wise, sunrise-tinted face. The resort’s masterplan was intentionally compacted to let nature flourish, and conservation shows up everywhere: sensitive siting, guest education (including a Discovery Centre) and quiet corridors where the real locals traverse the canopy.
Spotting a douc family at dawn, dozing and nibbling in the trees beside the tram line, is as gasp-worthy as any design moment, and underlines why the property treats the forest like its most precious amenity. Take a tour of the resort’s wildlife with resident naturalist Mr Quan. He believes there are, perhaps, only 1,000 of the rare doucs left in Vietnam, the resort being home to some five families, whose preferred diet is the leaves of tropical sweet almond trees that thrive there. His team has built monkey ladders and bridges in the canopies to enable them to travel safely above the forest floor.
What does a day look like here? Wake to cicadas and sea light in a villa perched in the 'Sky'. Ride the Nam Tram to brunch at Citron or lunch at Tingara, then laze away the heat along that palegold arc of private sand. As afternoon breezes lift, retreat to Mi Sol for a sound-bath ritual or to the Club Lounge for a tea service that feels like a cloud. Come evening, dress up for La Maison 1888 or kick off your shoes at Terra Mare while the surf keeps time. End with a nightcap at Buffalo Bar or a
moonlit walk; in the inky trees, something rustles, and you remember you’re sharing this beauty with beings older and rarer than any of us.
This is Bill Bensley’s great strength: turning a resort into a story you can live inside. At InterContinental Danang, the chapters unfold by elevation and sensation — Heaven to Sea, design, cuisine, wellness, wildlife — until the narrative resolves into something simple: a place where luxury feels joyful and deeply local. In the morning
you’ll ride the funicular again; because you can, because it’s fun and because, as it glides into the greenery, the peninsula whispers back that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
If your measure of indulgence is design with soul, dining that’s genuinely destination-worthy and a resort that treats its setting as sacred, this jungleto-sea playground is the place to be. ▪
SMALL BUT PERFECTLY FORMED
BROOK SERENE’S PORTFOLIO OF LUXURY BOUTIQUE ACCOMMODATION CONTINUES TO GATHER AWARDS FOR ALL THE RIGHT REASONS.
The Brook Serene collection of small luxury hotels seems to have found a winning formula; a group culture with a focus on comfort, setting, ambiance, hospitality and attentive service.
At the 32nd annual World Travel Awards 2025, for instance, the five-star George hotel on Park Terrace, Christchurch, was again named New Zealand’s Leading Boutique Hotel. The adjoining Residence at The George took out Oceania’s Leading Luxury Hotel Villa and Hulbert House in Queenstown was deemed New Zealand's Leading Lodge. The Residence at The George, what’s more, was a contender for World’s Leading Luxury Villa 2025.
Since 1993, the World Travel Awards™ have been recognised as the “ultimate hallmark” of industry
THE RECOGNITION ACROSS SUCH A WIDE RANGE OF AWARDS WAS A TESTAMENT TO “THE PASSION, PRECISION, AND PERSONAL SERVICE OUR TEAMS DELIVER EVERY DAY.” –BRUCEGARRETT ‘‘
excellence across every sector of travel, tourism and hospitality. But they are not the only awards body to have recognised Brook Serene during 2025: Hulbert House was named New Zealand’s Best Boutique Hotel at the LuxLife Hospitality Excellence Awards, and Boutique Hotel of the Year, Otago, at the Oceania Travel & Hospitality Awards; the Regent of Rotorua took out Best Luxury City Centre Hotel 2025, North Island, at the Leaders in Luxury Awards; and The George was named in the top 10 for Best Hotel in New Zealand at the 2025 Travel + Leisure Awards.
At the time, Brook Serene managing director Bruce Garrett said the recognition across such a wide range of awards was a testament to “the passion, precision and personal service our teams deliver every day”.
Earlier in the year Brook Serene had honoured 12 of its long-standing staff who together had put in more than 200 years’ service at The George. Garrett described such longevity of service as rare in the hospitality industry and said it “speaks volumes for the culture we’ve nurtured here at The George. People are at the heart of our guest experience; their passion, professionalism and genuine care are the reasons our guests return.”
OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT):
Artwork features throughout The George; Degustation dining at The Regent Room Restaurant & Bar, Regent of Rotorua; The Hennessey Room in The Residence at The George; 32nd World Travel Awards: Bruce Garrett (centre), managing director, Brook Serene Boutique Hotels with Amy Aryani (left), director of rooms and Jean-Pierre Joncas (right), GM of Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort.
WORLD checked in to The George on a recent visit to the Garden City. The welcome at reception was warm and genuine. Our room, we were pleased to find, was the Park Suite, an elegant space overlooking Hagley Park. Cold fruit juices soon arrived and we sat in armchairs beside a coffee
OUR BRAND DRIVERS ARE: 'BOUTIQUE', 'DESIGNER ELEGANCE', 'SPECIAL LOCAL CUSTOMISATION', 'QUALITY FIT FOR PURPOSE' AND 'SERENITY'.” ENOUGH SAID.”–BRUCEGARRETT
table displaying a neat stack of glossy magazines (WORLD included, we were pleased to note) for our reading pleasure. A Nespresso coffee machine sat on the wet bar beside the door, and overhead cabinets held an assortment of liquors, craft beers, wines, snacks and soft drinks.
A Ralph Hotere lithograph hung on one wall, a nod to The George’s art collection, which includes the largest private collection of the late Dunedin artist’s works in New Zealand, along with pieces from acclaimed Christchurch artist Bill Hammond and others (you can book a tour through the collection, enjoying a glass bubbly en route; it's a civilized kind of place).
We dined very well that evening at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, 50 Bistro, and took a walk in the park, just across the road, before bed. Our bedroom, separated from the sitting room
The Hotere Wall in the lobby of The George, part of the extensive Hotere Collection.
by sliding doors, was large and comfortable — as was the bed, which faced a smart TV loaded with a library of complimentary movies. The en suite, behind smoky glass walls, included dual rain showers and a spa bath.
Next morning after breakfast we caught up with Bruce Garrett, who has been with the company since 2005 and seen it expand from a single hotel to “a small collection of carefully curated properties”.
Brook Serene, formed in 1998 to manage the newly acquired George Hotel, was named by the hotel’s owners as a way of connecting the company to their vision for it. “With the Avon River across the road, and envisaging the hotel as a peaceful oasis in the city,” Garrett said, “the name 'Brook Serene' felt appropriate."
Today, the company describes itself as “a discerning curator of authentically local boutique hotels. Set in some of New Zealand’s most beautiful locations, each hotel is absolutely oneof-a-kind. Highly personalised service, tranquil ambiance and rich local flavour are hallmarks of each property”.
This statement, Garrett explains, “helps guide us in selecting suitable properties and then setting about delivering our brand promise. Our brand drivers are: 'boutique', 'designer elegance', 'special local customisation', 'quality fit for purpose' and 'serenity'.” Enough said. ▪
www.brookserene.com
From premium Executive Room elegance and comfort, to dining in style at the award-winning 50 Bistro at The George.
Relaxalion RIVERSIDE
A SERENE SETTING BY THE MARUIA RIVER, CHARMING ACCOMMODATION, CARING SERVICE AND A CURATED WELLNESS AGENDA: THIS SOUTH ISLAND RETREAT PROMISES TO WARM YOUR BODY AND SOUL.
PHOTOS: Clem Boer, Molawin Evangelista, Bare Kiwi & Nancy Zhou.
When was the last time you really relaxed and let yourself be pampered? And when was the last time you were able to feel at peace and nourished in every way?
Maruia River Retreat is about half way between Christchurch and Nelson. And while it does have its own airstrip, most guests arrive by car, travelling from the south through the verdant Lewis Pass, from the north via Murchison, or from the West Coast along the stunning Buller Gorge.
Established in 1989 as a mecca for fly fishermen, the retreat takes in 1.5 kilometres of river frontage and each villa has its own clear view of the Maruia River. On a clear day from your villa you might even catch sight of the brown trout for which the river is famous. Over the past seven years, Lasse and Cristina Holopainen have lovingly developed the retreat to encompass a broader wellness theme.
The couple emigrated from the Philippines after senior careers in the finance and electricity sectors and establishing a very successful network of yoga schools. Lasse and Cristina have combined their awareness of the stresses of leadership and business with understanding of the power of physical and spiritual balance. The result: Maruia River Retreat now caters for anyone seeking clarity, mental calm, grounding and connection to place.
Every aspect of the property has benefitted from their heartfelt care and attention to detail. From the moment you arrive, service is exemplary –and genuine. The owners welcome you in person
and while your luggage is being taken to your villa, you’re introduced to their personalised retreat itinerary, which includes forest bathing, a guided forest walk, sauna and pre-booked wellness treatments.
The retreat accommodates up to 12 guests, catering for singles, couples and small groups. Everyone has plenty of privacy, but also an opportunity for a pre-dinner conversation over a cocktail in the lovely guest lounge if they wish.
Every part of Maruia River Retreat seems designed to foster relaxation and wellbeing. This extends to the feeling of towels and linen; the exquisite bespoke scent in the shared lounge spaces by the stone fireplace; the handcrafted sauce jugs; the form of the bowls that nestle into your hand as you eat; and the visual presentation of each and every element at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
This is a place that nourishes in every way. Meals are expertly prepared by Lasse and served with refinement. The menu is adjusted each day to allow for seasonality, availability from the retreat’s garden and hives, and the chef’s choice of offerings. This includes freshly baked breads, honeycomb from the hives, and the freshest fish, seafood, and meat. Vegetarians and those with other dietary requirements are catered for.
OPPOSITE PAGE (Clockwise): Cristina Holopainen, retreat host and yoga teacher. A guided forest walk led by one of the owners is offered to all guests. Private forest bathing in the river hot tub and forest sauna. Lasse Holopainen, chef and nature guide.
Local wines and spirits are served, but attention has also been paid to a comprehensive range of non-alcoholic drinks. Balance is key in all aspects of the dining and hospitality experience.
But it’s the stillness and natural environment that are at the heart of the Maruia River Retreat experience. The sounds of the swiftly flowing river and native bird life follow you throughout each day, while the setting provides a stunning backdrop to activities like swimming in the outdoor magnesium pool, forest bathing in the stream-fed outdoor spa, or stepping out of the infrared chromatherapy sauna nestled among the beech trees.
You could say Maruia River Retreat is a love affair with New Zealand nature, and both
Cristina and Lasse are gifted storytellers as they introduce guests to the environment, its trees and plants. Their ongoing efforts to be as ecofriendly as possible are clear in their sustainable energy initiatives, food choices and innate resourcefulness. They know they are stewards of this place and their time here will one day be part of an ongoing legacy of care.
For now, guests can enjoy everything that Cristina and Lasse offer as hosts in this very special place. ▪
www.maruia.co.nz
ABOVE: Maruia River Retreat overlooks the Maruia River. OPPOSITE PAGE (CLOCKWISE): Tataki - Southern bluefin tuna, black sesame seeds, and ponzu sauce; guest lounge; Ode to the Sea — New Zealand scampi, wasabi pearls and salmon roe; pre-dinner cocktails provide an opportunity for guests to mingle.
More Than Golf!
A Japanese Cultural Experience
Experience Japan in Cherry Blossom Season Playing some of Japan’s finest golf courses
Golf Tour of Japan
1-15 April 2027
Experience Japan in Cherry Blossom Season, Golfing with PaR nz Golfing Holidays on their annual Japanese Golf Tour.
Here’s why!
Spring in Japan is simply magical. For a few fleeting weeks each year, delicate cherry blossoms (sakura) blanket cities, mountains, and fairways in soft shades of pink. A season that symbolises renewal and hope for the Japanese people with unforgettable photography opportunities and a vibrant, festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
The PaR nz luxury, fully hosted 15-day Golf Tour of Japan is More Than Golf! It is a truly unique cultural experience with golf being a ritual of beauty and world-class hospitality. Eight championship courses are included – many in Japan’s Top 100.
This is one of PaR nz’s ‘Signature Tours’. Limited places are available due to a high demand for golf in cherry blossom season. Secure your spot early for April 2027.
For all details and registration forms contact: denise@parnz.co.nz or kim@parnz.co.nz
BEAUTY Ornamental
THE SAKURA, OR CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE, IS JAPAN’S MOST FAMOUS TREE. IT BLOOMS IN NORTHERN SPRING AND HAS BEEN CELEBRATED FOR CENTURIES AS A SYMBOL OF RENEWAL AND HOPE.
Sakura bloom for about two weeks, and because of their ornamental beauty and impermanence (blink and you may miss them) they are a national fixation among Japanese. Every year their season in bloom attracts millions of tourists from all parts.
Sakura feature white, pink and red flowers. They thrive, we are told, in well-drained soil and require lots of sunshine. Different varieties bloom at different times, but most hit their peak from late March to early April.
Just as spring brings the promise of a new start, the fragrance of sakura blossoms is associated with spiritual renewal, which is celebrated in different ways. They are a topic of everyday conversation, of course, and it’s common to see people photographing a bloom from every angle.
To celebrate the bloom, cherry blossom festivals are held in cities, parks and gardens across Japan — and even worldwide, in art forms ranging from traditional illustrations and paintings to wallpaper and tattoos.
Cherry blossoms are associated with clouds because they appear and then suddenly disappear almost without notice, reflecting a Buddhist concept that recognises both beauty and life’s inherent mortality.
CHERRY BLOSSOMS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH CLOUDS BECAUSE THEY APPEAR AND THEN SUDDENLY DISAPPEAR ALMOST WITHOUT NOTICE, REFLECTING A BUDDHIST CONCEPT THAT RECOGNISES BOTH BEAUTY AND LIFE’S INHERENT MORTALITY.”
OPPOSITE PAGE: Cherry Blossom Park, Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP: Mount Fuji with morning fog and autumn leaves at Lake Kawaguchiko.
BOTTOM: Delicate cherry blossoms frame the view of Himeji Castle, regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle architecture.
ABOVE: Cherry trees in bloom in the town of Yoshinoyama during the spring blossom season.
That idea goes back to the Heian period (AD 794–1185) and, ever since, cherry blossoms have been an important theme in Japanese literature (the 11th-century story The Tale of Genji, for example, sometimes considered the world’s first novel) and art; even engraved into Samurai swords.
Today, in the Academy Award-nominated documentary The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom, survivors of Japan’s catastrophic tsunami in 2011 were interviewed as they began to rebuild their lives, just as the cherry blossom season began.
The tradition of hanami (flower viewing) is one of the most cherished experiences for visitors to Japan. To do it right requires some homework. Firstly, note that the season changes slightly every year and is different from prefecture to prefecture. Be flexible.
It’s also worth noting that popular urban areas especially, like Tokyo and Kyoto, are predictably crowded. But if you really want to get into the spirit of the season and to stand out from the crowd, consider donning traditional costume and have your picture taken at, say, Fuji Five Lakes, in Yamanashi prefecture, with Mount Fuji in the background.
Alternatively, Yoshino, in Nara prefecture, may be the most famous cherry blossom site, as it features the bloom of more than 30,000 sakura, which appear like a magnificent carpet spreading across the Kii Mountains surrounding the town.
The largest tree on Mount Yoshino is illuminated every night from dusk to midnight. Evening viewing is called yozakura. It features lights and lanterns attached to branches, creating the effect of blossoms glowing in the dark.
Of course, most visitors arrive in Tokyo, where one of the most popular spots is Ueno Park, home to more than
TOP: The Fire Festival, which is based on a story depicted in a historical scroll over 400 years old, is held during cherry blossom season.
ABOVE: Shunyo Bridge in Hirosaki Park is a popular spot from which to enjoy the spectacle of flowering cherry trees in all their glory.
OPPOSITE PAGE: The ancient Miharu Takizakura 'Waterfall' sakura tree in Fukushima.
LEFT: Cherry blossoms illuminated after dark along the Meguro River in Nakameguro, Tokyo.
1,000 trees adorning museums, ancient shrines and placid ponds.
Cherry blossom festivals are everywhere. Japan Airlines, Visit Tokyo and Travel Japan are just three online sites that can help you decide where to be, and when, to get the full experience.
‘‘
THE FIRST FESTIVAL TO COINCIDE WITH THE FIRST BLOOMS IS IN OKINAWA, THE SOUTHERN ISLAND THAT KICKS OFF THE BLOOMING SEASON BEFORE IT DRIFTS NORTH, REACHING THE MAIN CENTRES BY LATE MARCH.”
The first festival to coincide with the first blooms is in Okinawa, the southern island that kicks off the blooming season before it drifts north, reaching the main centres by late March.
But wherever you go, you’ll be warmly welcomed by picnics and barbecues, live music, wonderful food and tea ceremonies beneath the trees. Enjoy saki and buy t-shirts for the family back home.
Each year the Japan Meteorological Corporation releases its forecast for peak bloom times in each prefecture. Check out the aforementioned websites for details. ▪
www.japan.travel
ANOTHER ITALY
PUGLIA FORMS THE LONG HEEL OF ITALY’S BOOT, A SUN-DRENCHED, SEA-LAPPED REGION THAT’S ALSO ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST UNIQUE AND LEAST SPOILED. WORDS: PATRICK SMITH.
The old town and harbour at Gallipoli.
Bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian to the west, Puglia (aka Apulia) is known for its whitewashed villages, its sandy beaches and rocky coves with crystal-clear waters, its olive groves, Baroque architecture, ancient traditions and laid-back lifestyle. Sitting out on the easternmost edge of Italy, its culture has evolved through a mix of Greek and Byzantine, Norman and Spanish influences. If you’re looking for slow living, rustic cooking and warm hospitality, Puglia more than fits the bill.
Among Puglia’s many picturesque southern towns and villages is Presicce, almost at the bottom of the heel in Puglia's Salento region. Listed among I Borghi più belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages of Italy), Presicce is about midway between the two coasts — around 15-20 minutes in our rental car to the nearest beaches.
It was here we would spend most of our time in Italy, sharing an airy, whitewashed villa with our Europe-based sons and their partners. The house was everything we’d dreamed of during a long New Zealand winter: large and comfortable with plenty of room (and bathrooms) for everyone to do their own thing. We breakfasted on a broad, sunny terrace overlooking the crenelated tower of 17thcentury Cassa Turrita, and had candlelit dinners on another terrace overlooking the Old Town.
The villa’s rustic front doors opened directly onto a narrow tiled street in Presicce’s centro storico, or historic town centre.
We’d flown with son Ben from Milan to Brindisi, picked up our rental Fiat and driven the 120 kilometres to Presicce. We arrived after dark, dropped our bags at the villa and set out to find dinner. It was now 9.30pm but the lights were on and several outdoor tables busy at Trattoria Salento Curti Vecchi, a family-run place specialising in typical dishes of the region. It was already autumn in Italy but here in the far south of the country the night was balmy and the setting, under lights strung above Piazza Giuseppe Villani, ridiculously romantic.
Toby and Jara and Ben’s partner Giulia arrived in the following days and together we’d explore Presicce’s backstreets and hidden courtyards, its Baroque churches and palaces, sample its pizzerias, cafes, bars and shops and sit over tiny cups of caffè ristretto at tables in the nearby Piazza del Popolo (People’s Place), with its imposing church of Sant’Andrea Apostolo. Below the piazza are underground tunnels that once housed trappeti, the olive oil mills for which Presicce was famous.
The village all-but closes down between about 1pm and six in the evening, but wandering through the lanes in the afternoon we would hear the hubbub of Italian family life continuing through shuttered windows. Sometimes we’d all pile into the car and take off to the beach.
IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SLOW LIVING,
RUSTIC
COOKING AND
WARM HOSPITALITY,
PUGLIA MORE THAN FITS THE BILL.”
From Presicce it was easy to reach western beaches like Marina San Gregorio, where we could swim and laze and then watch a glorious sunset as we sipped glasses of Aperol Spritz and snacked on olives, arancini, taralli, cheese and prosciutto at a beachside restaurant. At Salve we parked our beach umbrellas near what turned out to be a turtle-hatching area and were asked to help steer any tiny hatchlings through the sand to the sea. None seemed ready to face the light of day.
OPPOSITE PAGE: The unique domed 'trulli' houses of Alberolbello. RIGHT: Polignano a Mare, a cliffside town perched dramatically above the Adriatic.
On the Adriatic coast south of Otranto we found the Marine di Melendugno, five seaside villages with some of the most spectacular beaches and cliffs in Salento. We walked the coastal track at Melendugno past limestone caves, strange weather-sculpted pillars and colonnades, and dramatic sea pools like the Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry) that begged us to take the high leap into its lapping blue water. We left that jump to the younger members of our party.
Puglia is certainly a region full of contrasts: sea and land, limestone and turquoise, ancient and modern, all bound together by warmth, wine, whitewash — and a good deal of olive oil. From Presicce we managed to sample a few of Puglia’s more interesting towns and villages, some lovely beaches, unforgettable sights and sunsets, and much good food and wine…
BARI
Bari, on Puglia’s northern coast, is its largest city and regional capital, a lively port and university town with fewer tourists than some other centres.
It’s not without charm, though, particularly within its Bari Vecchia, the maze-like Old Town filled with narrow lanes and laundry hanging between balconies. On the so-called 'Strada delle Orecchiette' you may still see women hand-making orecchiette pasta for sale on street tables, although this traditional practice has largely been regulated out of existence. A couple of well-recommended eateries in Bari Vecchia are Al Pescatore (traditional seafood) and, for a typical Puglian taverna experience, La Uascezze.
Modern Bari, meanwhile, boasts elegant 19thcentury boulevards, smart shops, cafés and theatres and many good restaurants offering everything from pizza and panini to regional pasta and elegant seafood dishes.
The Lungomare Nazario Sauro is a long, beautiful seafront promenade. Here you’ll find Bari’s only five-star hotel, the Grande Albergo delle Nazioni, with its popular rooftop pool and spa. Smaller but with lots of old-town charm is the elegant Palazzo Calò in Bari Vecchia.
From Bari it’s not too far to Trani, famous for its cathedral by the sea and medieval streets, and Polignano a Mare, a dramatic cliffside town perched above the Adriatic.
VALLE D’ITRIA
South and inland from Bari is the Valley of Itria, home to some of southern Italy’s most distinctive and attractive villages. Stretching between Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Cisternino, the valley is famous for its rolling hills dotted with trulli — the conical, whitestone houses unique to villages like Alberobello, where they have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status.
The countryside is a patchwork of olive groves, vineyards and dry-stone walls, with narrow country lanes winding through villages perched on hilltops. Each town has its own personality: Martina Franca is elegant and Baroque; Locorotondo is immaculate and whitewashed; and Cisternino is known for its atmospheric lanes and fornelli pronti, small butcher shops that grill meat to order.
Food and wine are central to life in the Valle d’Itria. Local specialties include capocollo di Martina Franca (orecchiette with tomato or turnip greens) and excellent white wines such as Locorotondo DOC, a crisp, dry white that’s great with raw or grilled seafood, fresh cheeses, and fritti, the small, crispy, freshly fried snacks that are hard to resist at aperitivo time.
Peaceful and scenic, the Valle d’Itria offers a slow pace of life and some of the loveliest rural scenery in all of Puglia — perfect for wandering, tasting and recording.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Cars and pedestrians share Presicce’s narrow streets in the old town; villa terrace, our daily breakfast spot; roomy living beneath high domed ceilings; piazza dining at Trattoria Salento Curti Vecchi, Presicce; the Baroque Basilica de Santa Croce, Lecce; 'rustico leccese', a tasty snack typical of Lecce.
BRINDISI
Brindisi was the starting point for our stay in Puglia. You can also fly into Bari, and, like Bari, Brindisi is an historic Adriatic port city that has long served as a link between Italy and the eastern Mediterranean. This made Brindisi a key hub during Roman times and you can still find traces of that history throughout the city.
Brindisi’s old centre is all narrow streets, elegant piazzas and churches that present a blend of Romanesque, Baroque and medieval architecture. Among notable landmarks are the Roman Column, which once marked the end of the Appian Way, and the Castello Svevo, a fortress built by Frederick II of Swabia. Brindisi has a relaxed coastal vibe; in the evenings locals like to stroll leisurely along the promenades beside the sea in a ritual Italians call passeggiate
Like other places in Puglia, fresh fish, seafood pasta and local olive oil all feature prominently on menus and the city’s trattorias provide an authentic taste of this southern region. Less touristy than Lecce or Gallipoli, Brindisi seems to have a quiet elegance. This, along with its long maritime history, makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the Adriatic coast and the wider Salento region.
If you’re planning on staying over, the Grande Albergo Internazionale, an elegant old four-star hotel in the city centre, seems to be the spot, with elegant rooms close to landmarks.
LECCE
We had driven through Lecce on the way to Presicce and returned to spend the day in what’s often called the 'Florence of the South', a place of lively Baroque architecture built from golden Lecce stone that takes on a soft glow in the afternoon sun. Ornate façades, sculpted cherubs and grand entrances on palaces and churches give the historic centre an almost theatrical quality.
If we hadn’t found Presicce, Lecce, also a short drive to both coasts, would have made an ideal base for exploring the wider Salento peninsula.
At its heart is the Piazza del Duomo, a striking square dominated by the cathedral and its soaring bell tower. But Lecce’s iconic masterpiece is the Basilica di Santa Croce, with a façade so intricate it’s almost like lace. We wandered the narrow streets of the Old Town and found artisan workshops, many small, atmospheric cafés, and boutiques selling the papier-mâché figurines that are a local craft. Lecce also boasts a Roman Amphitheatre, partially buried beneath the modern city but still used for concerts and events.
Food in Lecce’s myriad cafes and restaurants reflects Salento’s rustic, comfort-driven cuisine. Local favourites include Ciceri e tria (crispy pasta with creamy chickpeas) and rustico leccese (puff-pastry case filled with béchamel, mozzarella, tomato, and pepper), a delicious local snack we enjoyed with cold glasses of beer at a busy street side cafe.
OTRANTO
Otranto, a seaside town about 80 minutes from Brindisi airport, has the distinction of being the easternmost town in Italy and so the first place in the country to see the sun.
Otranto is famous for its beautiful beaches, like the very popular Baia dei Turchi and Porto Badisco, a quieter deep-blue cove where we spent much of the day dipping in and out of a translucent sea.
The town also has a dramatic history, fabulous medieval architecture and, a must-see, the stunning 12th-century mosaic floor in Otranto Cathedral. The Old Town sits above the sea guarded by a massive fortress. It’s a whitestone labyrinth of narrow lanes, arches, cafés and artisan shops. Below the old town walls, the harbour puts on a dazzling display with its shifting crystal-clear water.
Otranto is famous too for its food — especially seafood. One seasonal specialty is Ricci di mare, but if you’re not into sea urchin, Frittura di paranza (mixed fried fish) is a safer bet. The area also produces some fine Primitivo, Negramaro, and Salice Salentino wines.
GALLIPOLI
One Sunday we drove up to Gallipoli — not the Turkish/ANZAC one; this Gallipoli sits on Puglia’s Ionian coast and seemed, at least on our late-season trip, to be very popular with Italian weekend tourists.
The Old Town occupies a small island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. There are narrow lanes, Baroque churches and sea views at every turn.
Gallipoli is famous for its Byzantine castle, Castello Angioino-Aragonese, which sits at the entrance to the island, surrounded almost entirely
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Roman amphitheatre, Lecce, still used for concerts; the deep blue 'Cave of Poetry', Melendugno; beachside at historic Gallipoli.
by the sea. You can wander through its vast halls and endless corridors, but its best feature is the panoramic view from the ramparts across the Ionian Sea and Old Town.
This is a fishing port, so fish, octopus and other seafood are on every menu. We bought fresh sea bass at the fish market near the castle and took it home to eat on our villa terrace in Presicce, washed down by a cool bottle of local Verdeca. Perfetto! ▪
NEW LIFE FOR OLD WAYS
INVADED OVER MILLENNIA BY GREEKS, ROMANS, ARABS, NORMANS AND SPANISH, SICILY HAS A RICH AND COLOURFUL CULTURE WHERE OLD TRADITIONS STILL FLOURISH. WORDS: TRICIA WELSH.
In recent years, many Sicilians who left the island in their youth for better opportunities elsewhere have been returning: their love for Sicily brought them home. Today, these prodigals are ensuring their homeland’s culture and strong-held traditions are not only kept alive but will thrive.
Lawyers, bankers, financiers and creatives have returned to their roots and now offer traditional ventures, establishing artisan wineries and running gorgeous accommodation in restored farmhouses and gracious palazzos.
'AGRITURISMO'
With a doctorate in landscape architecture, years teaching in Versailles, Milan, Palermo and Naples,
and a glittering career working with celebrated gardener Gilles Clément, Fausta Occhipinti could have chosen a sleek city life. Instead, she returned to her family’s crumbling estate in the hills near Vittoria, in southeastern Sicily.
“I chose this place because it was beautiful – the stone walls, the vineyards, the olive groves,” Fausta says. “Here, people had kept the traditions alive. For me, that was incredible. I wanted to build something, stone after stone, that would keep that knowledge and beauty alive.”
The Occhipinti family has been in the area since the 17th century, once owners of vast farmlands. Like many Sicilian families, they abandoned agriculture in the 1970s for city jobs as lawyers, architects and engineers. “My sister and I were the first generation to come back,” Fausta says with quiet pride. “We opened up this world again to the rest of the world.”
Every cent Fausta earned teaching at university went into restoring the abandoned baglio (farm buildings). She worked alongside local craftsmen, reviving the old framework of the buildings, protecting the stone textures, conserving water and refusing to use plastics. She restored 12 former farmhouses into charming, airy, rustic-chic retreats, blending whitewashed walls, antiques and local ceramics with serene vineyard or pool views to become Baglio Occhipinti. On a clear day, you can see Mt Etna.
Fausta’s sister, Arianna, studied wine-making in Milan but missed the land back home. Returning to Sicily, she established her own vineyard and winery, Occhipinti, using the ‘bush vine’ method of planting where vines are not trellised but bound to tall chestnut wooden stakes from Mt Etna. She has featured on Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy programme.
Fausta’s partner, lawyer Franzo Boscarino, left Milan and returned to Noto to open a family hotel, Casa Vendicari, and a seafood restaurant.
Fausta Occhipinti
FARMHOUSE TO BIO-RESORT
Trained in pharmacy and specialising in herbal medicine, Maurizio Tedesco spent years working in his family pharmacy in Aragona, yet the pull of the land and a desire to revive ancestral traditions inspired a bold new chapter.
In 2016, he unveiled Fontes Episcopi, a refined bio-resort set within a mid-19th-century farmhouse once owned by the noble Genuardi family. Abandoned for years, the estate was sympathetically restored over four years into an intimate 11-room retreat while maintaining its historic character.
The surrounding hectares once again produce organic vegetables; he produces his own coldpressed extra-virgin olive oil and makes flour from the ancient grains that grow near the Valley of the Temples of Agrugento “in the last existing garden of Aescculapius.” Guests dine on authentic Sicilian dishes prepared by local mamme (mothers) — from sardines a beccafico and handmade artichoke pasta, to classic cannoli.
But Fontes Episcopi is more than a place to stay. “I have learnt to be a farmer, a breeder and a host,” Maurizio says. “Here, our guests travel without moving, experiencing the soul of Sicily — its flavours, traditions and the human warmth that defines our island.”
A PALAZZO IN NOTO
For Cristina Summa, Noto has always been more than a destination — it is a lifelong love affair. Though raised in Turin, childhood summers spent with her grandmother in this honey-hued Baroque jewel of southeast Sicily shaped her destiny. “I always knew I would return,” she says, “to protect its beauty and share its culture.”
After a high-profile career that included work on the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Cristina chose a more intimate ambition: to create a refined “home away from home” for discerning travellers. That vision became reality in 2007, when she and her husband discovered a private wing of the magnificent Palazzo Nicolaci, once home to a Sicilian prince. Painstakingly restored over two years, its frescoed ceilings and curated antiques reopened in 2009 as Seven Rooms Villadorata.
In 2012, she transformed a ruined rural estate into Country House Villadorata, a serene 25-hectare retreat defined by olive groves, silence and sustainability. “Authenticity matters,” she says. “So does respecting nature and the local community.”
Cristina Summa
Maurizio
Tedesco (centre)
ETNA HIDEAWAY
When Guido Coffa left a successful career as an automotive engineer in the US, he never imagined returning to the foothills of Mount Etna. “It was a shaping experience,” he recalls, “but Sicily was calling.”
In 2007, he took over a semi-abandoned farm in Zafferana Etnea, where lava-stone buildings lay in ruin and vineyards were long neglected. After five years, Monaci delle Terre Nere opened with just six rooms. Today, it is an acclaimed eco-bio resort and wine estate, offering 24 suites and villas across 25 hectares of terraced gardens, olive groves, vineyards and rare-fruit orchards. “It’s an elegant hideaway on the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano,” suggests Guido.
Even the resort’s menus celebrate Sicily’s
Guido Coffa
biodiversity. “We follow the philosophy of Slow Food,” he explains. Fresh coastal fish, estategrown produce from its two-acre garden and heritage ingredients such as Bronte pistachios and Nubia red garlic reflect a commitment to reviving authentic Sicilian flavours.
“We are custodians of our history, and traditions here are stronger than globalisation,” he adds.
ESSENCE OF SICILY
After studying in Bologna, Viviana Buscemi returned to Sicily and, in 2004, with her husband Salvatore and later business partner Peppe Mendola, founded Essence of Sicily alongside Fili Farm at Diodoros Garden. Together they revived the site, abandoned for 40 years, within Agrigento’s historic Archaeological Park. Today,
the garden flourishes as a living stage for authentic encounters with Sicilian culture.
Essence of Sicily curates experiences that celebrate the island’s traditions, flavours, and landscapes. Guests can wander Fili Farm, cook with organic produce, enjoy luxury picnics amid ancient olive groves and take guided tastings of citrus, cheeses, wines and artisanal cured meats. Every activity connects travellers with the farmers, artisans, and time-honoured practices that keep Sicily’s heritage alive.
“Farming traditions are part of our identity. By sharing them, we preserve them,” she explains. Through Essence of Sicily, visitors don’t just taste the island, they experience its rhythms, stories and enduring soul — guided by a team devoted to keeping Sicilian culture vibrant, accessible, and unforgettable. ▪
Viviana Buscemi
RO ME INSIDER’S GUIDE TO
SIXTH-GENERATION ROMAN HOTELIER ANDREA SPALLETTI TRIVELLI OFFERS A PERSONAL GUIDE TO A FOUR-DAY STAY IN THE ETERNAL CITY.
WORDS: TRICIA WELSH.
Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares.
Sixth-generation Roman hotelier
Andrea Spalletti Trivelli takes quiet pride in his noble heritage and the transformation of his ancestral home into a refined Roman retreat. Born and raised in Villa Spalletti Trivelli, a stately 1901 residence in the Quirinale district, Andrea recalls pony rides in the garden and earning €5 an hour as a delivery boy when the villa first opened to guests.
Once home to royalty and intellectuals, including Queen Marguerite’s lady-in-waiting, the villa has been lovingly restored into a boutique hotel (www.villaspalletti.it). With just 12 elegant suites, Italian gardens, rooftop hot tubs, a Jacuzzi, spa and salons filled with Flemish tapestries, Persian rugs, antique prints and family photos, it retains its aristocratic charm.
Andrea now runs the hotel with his sister Raimonda, while their parents manage the family winery in Umbria. A stay here is less a hotel visit and more a glimpse into a living Roman legacy. We persuaded Andrea to share his advice for a Four-Day Guide to his beloved Rome.
DAY 1: GET LOST IN THE CITY
There’s no better way to discover Rome than by wandering its streets, getting blissfully lost in its layered history. From Villa Spalletti Trivelli, head toward Sant’Andrea al Quirinale, a magnificent church designed by Bernini and once the Popes’ private chapel when they resided at nearby Quirinale Palace.
Continue down into Monti, passing the bustling Colosseum and Roman Forum, and make your
way to Piazza di San Gregorio. Here, tucked within Celio Park, is the peaceful baroque gem of Oratorio di Sant’Andrea al Celio. From there, climb to Aventine Hill and visit the serene Giardino degli Aranci for sweeping views of Rome, and peek through the famous keyhole for a framed view of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Cross the Tiber into Trastevere to explore the quiet 10th-century Chiostri di San Cosimato, once a Benedictine monastery. For lunch, try Da Enzo al 29 (Via dei Vascellari), a classic Roman trattoria, or Roma Sparita (Piazza di Santa Cecilia 24), beloved by Anthony Bourdain, with its rustic charm and alfresco dining.
Don’t miss the historic Antica Farmacia di Santa Maria della Scala (23 Piazza Della Scala), Rome’s oldest working pharmacy, hidden near the Botanic Garden. Then stroll back across the river to the vibrant Campo de’ Fiori market. Nearby, step into the shadowy Passetto del Biscione to admire ancient frescoes, before visiting Piazza Navona and the underground ruins of the Stadium of Domitian.
End the cultural loop with a visit to San Luigi dei Francesi to see Caravaggio’s masterful paintings of Saint Matthew. Finally, unwind and recap Rome’s 2,700 years of history with a stylish cocktail at Salotto 42 (Piazza di Pietra). If you’re staying at the villa, finish your day with a seafood dinner at Matermatuta or enjoy a traditional Roman meal at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali.
OPPOSITE PAGE: One of the elegant salons in ancestral Villa Spalletti Trivelli, now a small boutique hotel; Villa Spalletti Trivelli’s stunning rooftop by night; a classic Roman trattoria, Da Enzo, is perfect for lunch.
DAY 2: THE ROMAN SEASIDE & VINTAGE SHOPPING IN MONTI
Escape the crowds of central Rome and discover the ancient harbour city of Ostia Antica, just 25km away. Once a vibrant port of Imperial Rome, this remarkably preserved archaeological site offers an immersive glimpse into daily life in the 1st century AD. Explore ancient baths, temples, markets, multi-storey apartments, vivid mosaics, and an amphitheatre still used today. Peaceful and uncrowded, it’s ideal for history lovers or families and easily reached by car or via the Roma-Ostia train.
After your archaeological adventure, head toward the coast for lunch by the sea. Between Ostia, Maccarese and Fregene, you’ll find an abundance of charming beachside venues. Recommended are La Baia, an exceptional seafood spot in the picturesque fishing village of Fregene, and L’Osteria di Maccarese, a cosy eatery housed in the old stables of Maccarese’s Castle of San Giorgio.
Back in Rome, spend the afternoon vintage shopping in Monti, exploring boutiques such as Cavalli e Nastri (Via del Boschetto 140) and Pifebo (Via dei Serpenti 141). Finish the evening in Piazza Madonna dei Monti with a relaxed beer or spritz by the fountain, or indulge in a full-on aperitivo at refined wine bars Fafiuchè or Vino al Vino instead of dinner.
DAY 3: A ROMAN CEMETERY, MONTEVERDE & CENTRALE MONTEMARTINI
Begin the day with a visit to the Scavi Vaticani, beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Book in advance to explore this rarely seen first-century Roman cemetery, believed to contain the tomb of St Peter, one of Christianity’s holiest sites.
OPPOSITE PAGE – TOP: The ancient harbour city of Ostia Antica is just 25km from Rome. CENTRE: Osteria di Maccarese is a cosy eatery housed in a castle’s old stables in the seaside village of Maccarese. BOTTOM: The Scavi Vatican beneath St Peter’s Basilica is believed to contain the saint’s tomb.
can stroll the gardens in Rome’s largest park, Villa Doria Pamphili.
From sacred ruins to open air, head to Monteverde and stroll through Villa Doria Pamphili, Rome’s largest park, filled with sculptures, fountains like the Venus Fountain and tranquil corners such as Belvedere Lake. This is where Romans like to stroll, jog or walk their dogs.
For lunch, enjoy a memorable meal at Il Cortile (Via Alberto Mario 27), a family-run gem since 1929, known for its wine list and Roman classics such as tonnarelli with clams and bottarga.
In the afternoon, descend to the Ostiense district to explore Centrale Montemartini, a former power plant turned museum where classical Roman statues are dramatically displayed among industrial turbines — a surreal blend of ancient and modern.
Wrap up the day in Monte Testaccio, the heart of Roman culinary tradition. Feast on rigatoni alla gricia or abbacchio (suckling pig) at Flavio al Velavevodetto (Via di Monte Testaccio 97) or sample the superb spaghetti carbonara at Pecorino (Via Galvani 64). End the evening with a world-class cocktail at Drink Kong, a neon-lit bar in Piazza di San Martino Ai Monti, consistently ranked among the world’s best.
You
DAY 4: GOLF, HISTORY, WINE AND ARCHITECTURE
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round at Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta, Italy’s oldest course, nestled amid aqueducts and Roman ruins along the Appian Way. Non-golfers might opt to bike the Appian Way, exploring the countryside before ending at Tellenae Winery, where Giuliano Manfredi offers tastings of his exceptional Malvasia wines, typical of Rome.
GOLF ENTHUSIASTS CAN ENJOY A ROUND AT CIRCOLO DEL GOLF DI ROMA ACQUASANTA, ITALY’S OLDEST COURSE, NESTLED AMID AQUEDUCTS AND ROMAN RUINS ALONG THE APPIAN WAY.”
In the afternoon, explore Quartiere Coppedè, a whimsical architectural wonder comprising 26 small palaces and 17 villini between the two streets; Via Salaria and Via Nomentana, which blend art nouveau, Gothic and baroque styles. Don’t miss the Frog Fountain, Spider Palace and Fairy House, all centred around Piazza Mincio.
Prefer classic beauty? Visit Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza, Borromini’s 16th-century baroque masterpiece. Then cross the river to Prati, a stylish, less touristy district filled with lively bars and restaurants. Built by Piedmontese in 1883, it was once the countryside estate of the wife of Emperor Domitian. Dine at La Zanzara, Il Sorpasso, or Trio Dinamico (an oyster lover’s dream) and mingle with locals in this elegant Roman neighbourhood. ▪
The whimsical architecture of Quartiere Coppedè. Biking the ancient Appian Way.
Circolo del Golf di Roma Acquasanta. Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza.
Boutique Luxury in Queenstown
Perched above Queenstown with sweeping views of Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountains, Hulbert House is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience steeped in elegance and history. A beautifully restored 1888 Victorian villa, this boutique hotel offers an intimate and tranquil escape, where each of the eight individually styled suites and one Queen studio, invites guests into a world of timeless charm.
The warmth of the team, combined with thoughtful touches such as nightly turn-down service, indulgent breakfasts, Bath Butler experience, and curated local recommendations, creates a stay that feels personal and utterly luxurious. Whether you’re nestled by the fireplace in the inviting Palm Lounge or relaxing on the veranda taking in the memorable landscape, Hulbert House offers an oasis of calm just moments from the vibrant heart of Queenstown.
Perfect for romantic getaways or those seeking a retreat from the everyday, Hulbert House seamlessly blends sophistication with heartfelt hospitality, making it one of the most dreamy places to stay in New Zealand. Here, every detail is designed to make you feel at home, while the setting ensures you never want to leave.
hulberthouse.co.nz
FIVE-STAR ITALY
TRICIA WELSH DISCOVERS A WORLD OF LUXURY, HISTORY AND ELEGANCE IN ITALY’S PALAZZO MARGHERITA.
Palazzo Margherita, nestled in the charming town of Bernalda in Basilicata, southern Italy, is a beautifully restored 19th-century palazzo owned by acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola.
Built in 1892 by the Margherita family, the palazzo holds personal significance for Coppola, as Bernalda is the birthplace of his grandfather, Agostino Coppola. In 2004, Coppola purchased the property with the aim of transforming it into a luxurious boutique hotel that celebrates his heritage and the region's rich culture.
The restoration, undertaken in collaboration with renowned French designer Jacques Grange, preserves the palazzo's original architectural features, including hand-painted fresco ceilings, marble floors and antique furnishings. You have to remember to keep looking up, at the exquisite ceilings and chandeliers – many made in Murano. The interiors exude an elegant blend of Italian classicism and North African influences, reflecting Coppola's diverse family roots.
Surrounding the palazzo is a lush walled garden. This serene two-hectare oasis, with archways and fountains, provides a tranquil setting for guests to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
Palazzo Margherita has just nine uniquely designed rooms, including three garden suites, each equipped with modern amenities and complimentary minibars.
There’s a swimming pool, a private screening room showcasing Coppola's curated collection of Italian films and complimentary bicycles for exploring the town.
Dining at Palazzo Margherita is a culinary journey through Basilicata's rich gastronomic traditions. The on-site restaurant serves daily changing menus crafted from locally sourced, organic ingredients, many harvested from the palazzo’s own gardens. Guests
can also participate in cooking classes to learn traditional recipes.
Guests can enjoy breakfast in an eat-in kitchen, sip cocktails at the Cinecittà Bar, or dine in a sidewalk café and pizzeria facing the town square of Bernalda.
The palazzo is an integral part of the local community – population approximately 12,000 – and is just one of five Coppola Family Hideaways. It holds a Michelin Key for the second year running.
The hilltop town is a 10-minute drive from the beautiful Ionian Sea; a bit further afield is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings. ▪
www.thefamilycoppolahideaways.com
TWO PASSIONS. ONE SEAMLESS STAY IN Queenstow
THE REES SKI & TEE PACKAGES
B uild your Queenstown playbook with curated packages at The Rees Hotel Queenstown. Choose from Lakeview Hotel Rooms through to spaciou s Apartments. Daily breakfast at True South Dining Room. Complimentary car parking. Complimentary late check-out until 12 noon. From first tracks to final putts. Your next escape starts here. Scan to explore the collection.
Book direct & mention THECUT at events@therees.co.nz or book now at www.therees.co.nz
