Tourism Authority of Thailand organises latest Single Journey trip featuring luxury cruise on Pattaya bay

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently organised the third ‘Single Journey’ trip to Pattaya under the theme of ‘Secret Rooftop’, as part of nine new routes specifically designed with single travellers in mind.

Held on 6 March, the trip started in mid-afternoon at Pattaya’s Laem Bali Hai Pier with a short shuttle boat ride to Ocean Sky, Pattaya’s new rooftop bar, restaurant and cruise ship that took 125 participants out on Pattaya bay for a sunset dinner cruise. The number of participants has been limited, as it is a pilot project to promote to solo travellers. The event started with ice-breaking activities, including an interactive quiz game that offered them the chance to win fun prizes, followed by a premium buffet dinner on the Ocean Sky’s top floor Rooftop Bar. This allowed everyone an opportunity to take in the sunset while enjoying a live musical performance by the Serious Bacon band.

Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn, TAT Governor, said, “The ‘Secret Rooftop’ event was organised according to the Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration (SHA) and the strict public health measures for hygiene and social distancing, which helped ensure a safe and memorable experience for all participants. TAT continues to maintain COVID-19 protocols for travel in the new normal.”

In partnership with Drive Digital, the ‘Single Journey’ tours around Thailand have been launched to accommodate a new demographic that has recently emerged, as travel behaviour has changed during the new normal with solo travel growing in popularity.

Pattaya Mayor, Mr. Sonthaya Khunpluem, said, “We are delighted to be involved in and support TAT’s activities that encourages tourists to have new travel experiences in Pattaya. Single Journey showed that Pattaya can cater to new normal experiences.”

Under the ‘Single Journey’ initiative, TAT created nine tour routes to various stand-alone and twinned destinations around Thailand, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai, Lop Buri and Saraburi, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Loei, Chumphon and Surat Thani, Phuket, Ayutthaya, and Bangkok. Each is designed to give solo travellers the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals with similar travel preferences and join in tourism activities together.

The ‘Secret Rooftop’ tour was the third in the series that began with the launch of the inaugural ‘Single Journey’ dinner cruise along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, held on 20 December, 2020. The pilot trip, hosted by renowned fortune teller and Feng Shui expert Chang-Tosaporn Sritula, was organised in partnership with Grand Pearl Cruise, and took about 100 Thai travellers to nine riverside Buddhist temples to make merit, pay homage to Buddha, and ask for blessings.

This was followed by a second trip last month to Ko Khai in Phang Nga that targeted beach and nature lovers and allowed participants to enjoy the Andaman coast and its scenic beauty. Highlights included beachside recreational activities and cool music performances; all conducted while strictly adhering to safety, hygiene, and social distancing measures.

Overall the project has been positively received by both the public and media with mentions on 150 social media pages that saw the #เส้นทางคนโสด hashtag ranked number one on Twitter at the press launch. The project has also generated over 20 million impressions in total, with more than three million engagements across all channels.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Kids Fly Free at Melbourne Star for school holidays

From Friday, 2 April to Sunday, 18 April 2021, Melbourne Star is offering a complimentary child ticket with every full-price ticket purchased.

Pricing: Buy one adult ticket and receive a free child’s ticket @ $36.00

Buy one child’s ticket and get a free child’s ticket @ $22.00

Children 4 and under do not require a ticket to fly.

Book online on melbournestar.com/kids-fly-free

Sky High Tea

Parents can now let their teenagers step it up with an indulgent Sky-High Tea with a sparkling softie! Delightful bites sky high crafted by Peter Rowland. Yummy sweet and savory canapés, including Peter Rowland's famous chicken sandwiches.

Minimum age requirement - 12 years old.*

With prices starting from $41 per guest (based on 10 guests/cabin), it is the perfect way for teenagers to party in style with their friends.

Book online on melbournestar.com/experiences/catered-cabins

Melbourne Star Observation Wheel is open daily from 11am -9.30pm.

COVIDSafe plan is in place with a reduced number of guests in cabin with a maximum of ten guests per cabin, entry and queue management, additional cleaning and hygiene practices at all high-frequency touchpoints including inside cabins and hand sanitizer stations.

Head to www.melbournestar.com for more details and to book a Kids Fly Free or Private Catered Cabin on Melbourne Star Observation Wheel.

*Receive a complimentary child ticket with every full price general admission ticket, limited to one child ticket per one full price ticket purchased. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Companion card holders exempt. **Teenagers need to be 12 years old or over to fly without adult supervision. Alcohol cannot be served to guests below the age of 18. Melbourne Star follows Victorian Government restrictions on serving of alcohol.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Quang Ninh strives to recover tourism, service sectors

Authorities of the northeastern province of Quang Ninh have pledged to work with business and tourism associations to recover the tourism and service sectors against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Nguyen Xuan Ky requested local firms and people to bolster communications towards promoting Quang Ninh as a safe, stable and developing locality in a new normal situation.

He called on businesses to join hands with local authorities and people in taking advantage of every chance to stabilise production and business, while staying vigilant and ready to battle the pandemic.

With the new wave of COVID-19 outbreak contained, the province reopened activities at tourist attractions and places of worship at 0:00 on March 2, while preventive measures are still in place.

Activities at Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have also been resumed.

However, the sites are temporarily only open to those who are living and working in the province.

To support tourism firms, Quang Ninh has launched four promotion packages worth billions of VND in an effort to maintain incentives for the sector, and offer ticket discounts at numerous famous tourist destinations since last year.

It has also worked to devise new products and hosted various cultural, sports and tourism events, as well as introduced tourism promotions.

A member of security staff at Quang Ninh’s Van Don International Airport tested positive for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in January, forcing the closure of the airport until March 3.

Source: VNA

Image: A boat sails on Ha Long Bay (Photo: VNA)

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au 

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism
https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/english/

Badu Gili: Wonder Women

• 
  Nightly year-round sails projection returns to celebrate the work of six female First Nations artists 
• First major creative collaboration between the Sydney Opera House and Art Gallery of New South Wales

We are excited to announce the return of the Badu Gili - the free, nightly First Nations sails lighting from April 23, with a vibrant new projection that celebrates the work and stories of six female First Nations artists.

The six-minute animation of artworks from the Art Gallery of NSW collection will appear hourly on the Opera House’s eastern Bennelong sail each night from sunset, enabled by the NSW Government’s Culture Up Late initiative.

Badu Gili: Wonder Women weaves together the work of artists from across Australia: Wadawurrung elder Marlene Gilson; Yankunytjatjara woman Kaylene Whiskey; Luritja woman Sally Mulda; and Western Arramta women Judith Inkamala and Marlene Rubuntja and the late Kamilaroi woman Elaine Russell.

The animation inspired by their works brings to life stories of shared histories – from the Eureka Stockade and mission days to the devastating bushfires of 2019-20; intimate family encounters and everyday life in First Nations communities as well as an imagined world of superheroes.
 

Please stay tuned for the announcement of the livestream time on Sydney Opera House Facebook closer to the launch. 

Date：23 April 2021 AEDT
Time: To be announced in April 
Watching from Sydney Opera House Facebook, Sydney Opera House YouTube , Sydney Opera House Weibo 

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

MOONLIGHT CINEMA MELBOURNE’S EXTENDED SEASON FEATURES FANTASTIC FLICKS AND FREE PIZZA

The Melbourne season of Moonlight Cinema is running longer this year, with the month of April delivering more nights of movie magic under the stars.

Break away from normal nights out, cuddle up on a bean bed and catch your favourite films in a unique setting. April’s program offers up a slew of award season nominated flicks, new releases, family films and free pizza nights!

Check out the highlights of the April line-up:

AWARD NOMINATED FILMS

Film connoisseurs will be treated to a smorgasbord of Award season favourites including: The Golden Globe Best Picture winning film Nomadland starring Frances McDormand, the dark comedy vengeance thriller Promising Young Woman, warm autobiographical family story Minari which has an impressive 98% review on rotten tomatoes, and crime drama The Little Things which features a standout performance by Jared Leto.

FAMILY FLICKS

Family saver passes to select G and PG rated films at Moonlight are also offered at a special discount of $65*, making it one of the most affordable outings a family of four can have! Family Pass films in the April line up include the prehistoric animated adventure The Croods: A New Age and new Disney flick Raya and The Last Dragon.

WES ANDERSON CLASSICS

In celebration of one of cinemas most creative auteurs, Moonlight Cinema is screening some of Wes Anderson’s greatest cinematic works, including The Isle of Dogs, Fantastic Mr Fox and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN SERIES

Moonlight are bringing it back to the start with the first films of your favourite franchises. Set off on the first leg of an epic adventure with Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring; fall in love with a glittering vampire in Twilight; and embark on an odyssey to find Mr Right with Bridget Jones’ Diary.

PIZZA POP UP NIGHTS

What’s better than pizza and a movie? Free pizza and a movie! This April, Moonlight have partnered with McCain Rustica Sourdough Pizza to present Pizza in the Park - two pop up pizza nights where guests will be treated to free slices of their delicious range of pizzas as well as other goodies. The April pop up pizza night screenings are Promising Young Woman and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Summer may be over but the fun at Moonlight Cinema is sticking around for April. The nights are getting cooler but offer audiences the perfect excuse to cuddle up under a blanket for an enchanting night of entertainment in the outdoors. Now is your last chance to catch a flick at Moonlight Cinema, the season ends on 25 April.

Being a BYO event, Moonlight is one of the easiest nights out to plan. Prepare a picnic of mouthwatering morsels, sweeties for the little ones or a bottle of bubbly; you can bring it all to Moonlight. And if you don’t have time to pack your own, Moonlight Cinema will have you covered with onsite food trucks offering up a licensed bar, pre-packed picnic boxes, tasty hot food and movie snacks.

Tickets for this starlit autumn experience are on sale now at: www.moonlight.com.au/

THE DETAILS: 
Moonlight Cinema Melbourne
Central Lawn at Royal Botanic Gardens
7 January – 25 April 2021

*Online Booking Fees apply.

Website: www.moonlight.com.au
Facebook: facebook.com/moonlightcinema
Instagram: instagram.com/moonlightcinema

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

THE 5 BAY AREA HIKES WITH THE BEST VIEWS AND BIGGEST SURPRISES

We're guessing that, by now, you are just itching to get outside. We know the feeling! Good thing you're in our neck of the woods. The Bay Area is brimming with natural beauty. Every trail, from Mt. Diablo to Muir Woods, has photo-worthy scenery. We have a few favorite Bay Area hikes, but these ones stand out for their particularly stunning views. Better still, some offer a sprinkling of the unexpected, which makes them truly memorable.

Point Reyes National Seashore - Alamere Falls (Marin)

It takes dedication to complete a 13-mile round-trip trek, but this one is well worth the effort. When you reach Wildcat Beach, a dramatic waterfall awaits. Alamere Falls is a tidefall, which is relatively uncommon. Fed by Alamere Creek, the falls pour over a 30-foot cliff onto the beach below. During high tide, it’s hard to tell where the falls end and the surf begins.

Be aware that this hike isn’t for the faint of heart. Aside from the distance, you gain 1,442 feet of elevation, making it somewhat strenuous. There is real danger near the edge of cliff, both up top and down below. Stay away from the edge to avoid risking a fall. On the beach, keep in mind that rocks can tumble down at any time.

There are three trailheads where you can park and launch your expedition: Bear Valley (6.3 miles via the Bear Valley, Glen, and Stewart Trails), Palomarin (5.5 miles via the Coast Trail), and Five Brooks (7.1 miles via the Stewart Trail).

Be advised: Alamere Falls may be limiting visitor capacity to better preserve the local environment.

Mission Peak (South Bay)

Mission Peak is popular for its 360-degree panoramic views of the Bay Area, but that’s not the only reason hikers make the climb. When you reach the 2,517-foot summit, an unusual sight awaits in the form of a six-foot steel pole with sighting tubes that point to a variety of distant landmarks.

A selfie with the “Mission Peeker” is a badge of honor. The sculptor who designed the monument intended it as a statement about environmental issues. Sealed inside, there is a bottle of wine from 1990, along with five time capsules. Each contains artifacts that represent the most pressing issues of the decade. The time capsules are scheduled to be opened in 2090, one hundred years after they were created.

The hike is six miles round trip and it is fairly steep. You have three trails to choose from. The Hidden Valley Trail and the Peak Meadow Trail take you up the western face of the mountain, while the Mission Peak Trail climbs the northern face. Mission Peak is about an hour outside of San Francisco in the city of Fremont.

Kirby Cove (Marin)

Not all trails take you up hills and mountains. In the case of Kirby Cove, your hike starts with a steep descent. You'll pass by eucalyptus, pine, and cypress trees. When you reach the end, you will find yourself on a cozy beach. Take in panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge while gentle waves lap at your toes. To get there, park on Conzelman Road and head down old Kirby Cove Road.

Kirby Cove became popular with adventurers in search of a secret rope swing that was once located in the area. Unfortunately, the swing has been removed, but that doesn’t make Kirby Cove any less spectacular.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area – Lands End (San Francisco)

More than 250 hiking trails crisscross the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and all of them are worth a visit. However, if you only have time for one, choose the Coastal Trail for an opportunity to hike along the westernmost edge of the city – and the continent.

This route takes you through a cypress forest and along the 200-foot-high cliffs that guard the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Countless vessels have crashed trying to navigate the narrow channel, and you can see some of the wreckage from lookout points along the trail.

In addition to the area’s natural wonders, there are curious man-made sites to explore. A small detour off the trail will take you to the Land’s End Labyrinth, which was originally created in 2004 by artist Eduardo Aguilera. Some visitors stop here for a moment of quiet reflection and meditation, while others are more focused on photographing the stunning scene with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

Before or after your hike, leave time for one more adventure. Near the parking area, the ruins of the massive Sutro Baths offer a glimpse into a forgotten era, when San Francisco residents spent their leisure time at the world’s largest indoor swimming facility. At its peak, the Sutro Baths covered three acres and had seven pools of varying temperatures that could accommodate up to 10,000 people.

The Coastal Trail connects to the Sutro Baths Upper Trail and the Sutro Ruins Trail. Park in the lot on Point Lobos Avenue to access both the ruins and the trail, which is approximately 1.5 miles long. This hike is generally quite easy, but there are some stairs to climb. You can avoid the steepest sets of stairs, but keep in mind that you will miss out on the best views.

Mussel Rock Park Nature Preserve (Daly City)

Long walks on the beach might be cliché, but there is nothing cliché about Mussel Rock Park. The endless expanse of ocean on one side and rugged cliffs on the other are just the beginning. Park on the bluff and follow a trail down to the water, where you can check out tide pools before beginning your trek. This hike can be as long or as short as you wish. To the north, there is walkable beach for the entire nine miles it takes to reach Cliff House. To the south, there is a man-made rock arch where the trail ends.

The most adventurous hikers like Mussel Rock Park for an unusual amenity. It is home to several spectacular paragliding launch points. Even if you prefer to stay on the ground, watching others fly is exciting.

The parking lot is located at the end of Westline Drive in Daly City. Make it a point to stay through sunset; the colors are particularly brilliant from a Mussel Rock vantage point.

FIND MORE HIKES IN AND AROUND SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Visitor Information Center
749 Howard St., San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 391-2000

Website: https://www.sftravel.com/visitor-information-center

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Pandemic may allow VR to shake off 'gimmick' image in tourism, says GlobalData

The impact of COVID-19 may allow VR to permanently shake off its image of being a gimmick in the tourism sector. The hype behind the technology in recent years has often been greater than actual usage, especially for leisure purposes. However the longer this pandemic impacts travel, the higher the chance that consumers and organizations adopt this technology on a more permanent basis, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Ralph Hollister, Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Spending considerably more time indoors with an abundance of spare time, combined with an urge to travel, has meant that aspiring travelers have been turning to VR to fill a void that travel restrictions have left. According to GlobalData, *62% of global consumers have stated that they are ‘staying home as much as possible’ because of the pandemic, creating an opportunity for this technology. Oculus launched its ‘Quest 2’ headset in October and the most popular experiences include National Geographic VR, which takes users to far flung destinations, illustrating the usage of VR as a substitute for the real thing.

“A number of Destination Management Organizations (DMOs) have also started to use VR in marketing campaigns and to recreate touristic experiences. For example, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) has recently taken viewers on trips across the country, as well as to parts of its Baltic and North Sea coasts. This is all in the interest of drumming up demand as travel resumes. However, it remains to be seen if this kind of VR-focused strategy will last beyond the pandemic and whether this technology will be restricted to usage in the dreaming/planning stage of a trip.”

Many tourism companies and organizations will now be vying for a competitive advantage in order to accelerate recovery. Using VR in marketing - such as room tours in hotels - adds another dimension to campaigns and will improve brand image during and in the aftermath of the pandemic, as it naturally reduces human contact. VR will continue to be used in the early stages of planning.

Hollister adds: “However, VR now has the opportunity to uplift the travel industry’s marketing strategies, for example using this technology in the booking stage for customers will give them the ultimate experience before even arriving to their destination.

“Amadeus implemented the world’s first virtual reality travel and search booking experience. The advancement allows travelers to complete the whole booking process, from choosing the destination/service to payment, all without leaving virtual reality. The widespread adoption of VR for this kind of purpose could be the next step for this technology and help it permanently move away from its ‘gimmick’ label.”

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Scoot Trials New Digital Solutions for COVID-19 Tests and Verification at Check-in

Two new digital initiatives being trialled by Scoot will offer customers a one-stop solution for COVID-19 pre-departure tests (PDTs) and a more seamless process when verifying their test results.

From 17 March 2021, a complimentary online portal will allow customers departing on flights from Singapore, Indonesia and Hong Kong SAR, China to book PDT appointments with recognised and accredited partner clinics, make payment for the tests, and receive results in digital form within 36 hours1.

The portal may be accessed via the Scoot website or mobile app during and after booking their flights, as well as via email reminders from Scoot, and is created and managed by Collinson, a global leader in the provision of traveller experiences, including medical assistance, to travellers.

PDT results2 obtained through the portal bear QR codes which can be authenticated digitally, streamlining verification3 and strengthening the integrity of the process. To this end, Scoot is trialling a digital verification solution from Affinidi, a Temasek-founded technology company, at check-in for selected flights from Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. By scanning the QR code with a secure app, check-in agents are able to quickly and reliably determine the authenticity of digital or printed COVID-19 test results bearing a verifiable QR code, issued by selected clinics. This will in turn shorten the time required for customers to complete the check-in process, thereby improving their travel experience.

“Through both solutions, we hope our customers can be assured of a more convenient, efficient and reliable experience when they travel with us,” said Campbell Wilson, Scoot CEO. “These, among other initiatives by Scoot, not only support the gradual re-opening of borders with robust safeguards in place, but also aim to meet customers' expectations in a post-COVID world.”

Todd Handcock, President, Asia Pacific, Collinson added: “We are delighted to further expand our successful partnership with Singapore Airlines by offering COVID-19 pre-departure testing for Scoot passengers. Helping to reopen key routes for travellers in a safe way is our utmost priority and this partnership is another step forward in our aim of achieving the long-term return of global travel. Whilst the roll-out of vaccines is gathering pace across the world, there remains a complex road ahead. With Collinson managing over 190,000 COVID-19 tests to date since the start of the pandemic, we remain dedicated to restoring confidence in travel through the implementation of robust testing protocols across the globe.”

"We applaud Scoot for being among the first few airlines in Singapore to prioritize travellers' needs and safety while maintaining privacy; ensuring travel experience is as seamless and efficient as we reunite people to families and jobs to economies as they take to the skies,” said Glenn Gore, Affinidi CEO.

Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, Scoot has focused on safeguarding the health of crew and passengers, as well as mitigating the uncertainties faced by travellers. Such initiatives span from providing up to date COVID-19 travel information on the Scoot website and establishing a flexible travel waiver policy, to implementing stringent safety measures and introducing more low-touch, self-service solutions across the customer journey. Scoot also became the first low-cost carrier in the world to operate a flight with a full complement of vaccinated cabin crew and pilots in February 2021.

[1] Regulations and restrictions are changing rapidly so customers are encouraged to check that the test result certificate produced meets their destination country's entry requirements prior to travel.
2 Currently, results from serology tests booked through the portal will be provided directly to travellers via the test clinic and will not contain a QR code.
3 Manual verification can still be done for customers without a digital certificate with the QR code.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: http://www.flyscoot.com/

What's New in Beverly Hills

The culinary and shopping scene in Beverly Hills continues to evolve with the arrival of new concepts. Whether you are looking to be styled in quintessentially Californian collections or iconic global couture, experience the magic of an Explosion Cake, or satisfy your palate with new restaurants, and so much more, we invite you to discover Beverly Hills’ newest openings below.

AMIRI
461 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 878-2996
AMIRI, the quintessentially Californian brand has its first flagship store on iconic Rodeo Drive featuring men’s and women’s clothing and accessories collections. In addition, a plethora of Beverly Hills-inspired merchandise will be available exclusively. VIEW WEBSITE

BREITLING
216 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 692-7800
The Breitling Boutique in Beverly Hills, located on North Rodeo Drive welcomes you into the world of Breitling by experienced associates, who will guide you through their entire watch collection. You can browse the large variety of straps and bracelets and access an authorized after-sales service for your Breitling watch. VIEW WEBSITE

CASA PERFECT
Trousdale Estates
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Casa Perfect is a roving gallery space with a uniquely curated collection, inspired by the home it resides in. Curated with selected works from our roster of American and International artists, Casa Perfect offers collectors the time and space to explore the studio-crafted pieces that define The Future Perfect aesthetic. Nomadic by design, Casa Perfect changes locations to experiment in different architectural settings overlaid with cultural or historical significance. VIEW WEBSITE

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN BEVERLY HILLS
477 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 652-5700
Christian Louboutin, the luxury footwear label known for its iconic red-bottomed shoes is located on iconic Rodeo Drive at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and South Santa Monica Boulevard. VIEW WEBSITE

FLOUR SHOP
9495 South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(424) 389-8889
Home of the EXPLOSION Cake! FLOUR SHOP uses only the best ingredients – baking everything from scratch with no preservatives. Inside their cakes you will find the “sprinkle explosion”, a rainbow mixture of sprinkles and chocolates. Order cakes, treats and ice cream for pickup and delivery in Los Angeles. Order a cake no matter where you are…nationwide shipping is also available with the Williams-Sonoma partnership. VIEW WEBSITE

HENRY JACQUES
204 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 928-9222
Parfums Henry Jacques embodies nearly half a century of excellence and creativity at the service of Great Perfumery. Henry Jacques perfumes are composed of premium natural essences gleaned from all four corners of the world. Once brought to the crafting atelier in France, the most subtle of these are rigorously selected. VIEW WEBSITE

KEITH AND JAMES
479 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 734-780
In 2016, James Keith set out to create his own line of quality hats that would serve as a modern symbol of the cornerstones of his heritage: strength, unity, and love. The result was a stylish and chic fedora, mixing classic lines and silhouettes with modern materials and colors. It became immediately clear that James had created something special. He quickly formed a new company by the name of Keith and James, placing his family name ahead of his own - further demonstrating the importance of core family values and that, no matter what, family always comes first. VIEW WEBSITE

LITTLE VITALY RISTORANTE
9887-A South Santa Monica Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 734-7266
From Emilia Romagna, known as the capital of Italian food, Little Vitaly is pleased to offer “the food of the past”, made of simple ingredients, healthy and authentic. The food is homemade from scratch and the ingredients are superbly fresh. VIEW WEBSITE

MÍRAME
419 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 230-5035
Founded by Michelin Star chef Joshua Gil and Matthew Egan, MÍRAME brings contemporary Mexican cuisine with a California sensibility to Beverly Hills. Chef Gil’s ever-changing, ingredient driven menu embraces regional Mexican flavors using local and seasonal influences.

The ‘farm to bar’ beverage program offers a robust collection of spirits and truly artisanal products, notably mezcal. MÍRAME is committed to providing an experience that reflects the layered culinary history of both California and Mexico. VIEW WEBSITE

ONITSUKA TIGER
474 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(424) 512-8031
Reborn & Reimagined. Onitsuka Tiger always knew the spirit of their heritage would live on. A history that prided itself on a Japanese craftsmanship combined with a timeless aesthetic that was discovered on the track, and later worn on the street.

This rich heritage inspired them to relaunch Onitsuka Tiger back into the world in 2002. Classics were refreshed, reinterpreted, reinvented. VIEW WEBSITE

PRONOVIAS
316 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(213) 325-6602
Pronovias is the leading global luxury bridal brand, dressing the dreams of stylish women around the world for over 50 years. Pronovias stands for fashion-forward, innovative design, excellent craftmanship, and outstanding quality. They design a wide variety of wedding dresses, bridal accessories, and shoes to give brides the total look. Their occasion wear line, The Party Edit, offers glamorous outfits for stylish women of all ages for any occasion. VIEW WEBSITE

SANT'OLINA AT THE BEVERLY HILTON
9876 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310) 274-7777
Sant’olina is a melting pot of Mediterranean cuisine with a Southern California spin. Chefs Michael Teich and Burt Bakman combine vibrant herbs and spices to create a healthy menu packed with flavor. Each dish tells a different story - from the traditional recipes straight out of the Tel Aviv shuks to the modern Californian touches.

Located atop the historic Beverly Hilton, Sant’olina will offer dinner service nightly and brunch service on weekends. VIEW WEBSITE

THEBLVD PRIVÉ AT THE BEVERLY WILSHIRE
9500 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 275-5200
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel welcomes THEBlvd Privé, an alfresco pop-up dining experience on March 3, 2021. An extension of the renowned THEBlvd Restaurant, the new THEBlvd Privé is a hidden hideaway featuring California-inspired fare, fanciful cocktails and decor reminiscent from when the private cobblestone boulevard was created in the 1970s. VIEW WEBSITE

TZURI
350 North Canon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(424) 279-9816
In 2016, Zuri Mesica envisioned TZURI’s first showcase collection, the worldwide-patented The Expression Collection® in an effort to make real social change with fine jewelry and empower the Freedom of Expression. After 2 years of meticulous design, development and perfecting his idea, Zuri, finally launched his complete The Expression Collection®. He hopes to spread awareness, promote education in impoverished communities and help make a difference. A percentage of all sales are donated to global non-profit organization, Pencils of Promise, which is committed to supporting a world with greater educational opportunity for all. VIEW WEBSITE

WINN SLAVIN FINE ART
202 North Rodeo Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(310 362-3090
Winn Slavin Fine Art, a premier provider of fine art painting, sculpture, and glass art welcomes its second location in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive. They offer a beautiful collection of Blue-Chip museum art created by some of the world’s top contemporary artists such as Sir Daniel Winn, Ira Reines, Michel Desroches, Boban, and Igor Zaytsev. VIEW WEBSITE

To keep up with the latest restaurant and store openings in Beverly Hills, sign up for the Love Beverly Hills eNewsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

A detective tale at Raffles Hotel Singapore with its guests in the role of investigators

Raffles Hotel Singapore together with Double Confirm Productions and Sight Lines Entertainment jointly announced the upcoming 1st April release of ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure’, an enthralling detective whodunnit tale and the first-of-its-kind virtual interactive play set against the backdrop of the iconic Grand Dame of Singapore. From 1 April to 30 June 2021, guests may investigate the mystery through pure virtual gameplay, or live and breathe the adventure through exclusive experiences on-site or during their stay at the storied hotel.

Written by award-winning playwright Jean Tay and directed by critically acclaimed actor/director Hossan Leong, ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure’ immerses audiences into the role of a detective tasked to investigate the missing Peranakan treasure – the crown jewel of the fictional “Treasures of the Straits” exhibition at the Raffles Hotel Singapore. In this highly interactive virtual format, audiences will explore the hotel’s historic grounds and venture through its illustrious halls, all the while piecing clues together, and deciding how the story unfolds.

Filmed entirely on location at Raffles Hotel Singapore with 360-degree virtual reality (VR) cameras, ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure” offers participants a unique virtual experience through immersive 360-degree views, surround sound, augmented reality choice-based functions, and an intriguing plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, stitched together by technology company Xctuality.

The play is accompanied by an original composition of “I’ll See You Again”, inspired by Noel Coward, British playwright, novelist and actor, a renowned past resident of Raffles Hotel Singapore, and his song of the same title, which would play every night when the hotel’s grandfather’s clock strikes eight. Touching on lost relationships and reconciliation, the new rendition is composed by Julian Wong with lyrics by Hossan Leong and performed by Audrey Luo & Dwayne Lau.

Guests may choose to unravel the one-of-a-kind mystery from the comfort of their homes or wherever they are in the world –– by watching it online or experience the play in real life at the property itself. The interactive theatrical experience will transcend the virtual realm through exclusive, limited-time ‘daycation’ and exclusive staycation packages, where guests will be able to immerse themselves in gameplay from one of the hotel’s spacious and beautifully appointed suites, before moving through various checkpoints across Raffles Hotel Singapore on a thrilling treasure hunt to uncover the missing jewel.

“I have always wanted to create an arts piece or production with the beautiful Raffles Hotel Singapore as a backdrop. The perfect opportunity arose recently with the current emphasis to embrace technology and explore bringing the arts onto a digital platform. So, I took up the challenge and conceptualised this novel project to work with people that would encourage me to go beyond my comfort zone. What an exciting ride it has been, and I can’t wait for the community to experience Raffles Hotel Singapore like never before!” said Hossan Leong, Director, Double Confirm Productions.

“We are proud to partner with Double Confirm Productions and Sight Lines Entertainment, continuing with our support and nurturing environment for homegrown talents Hossan Leong and Jean Tay, to present ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure’. This innovative theatrical production, centred around the Grand Dame, reflects our continued desire to create unforgettable, unique and treasured memories for each and every guest,” said Christian Westbeld, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Singapore. “Through this immersive virtual experience, our guests will be able to appreciate the Grand Dame in a new light, watch as history and mystery collide, and revel in the hotel’s culture and heritage – no matter where they are.”

To top off the experience, participants who succeed in solving the mystery will be awarded prizes ranging from e-vouchers for purchases at Raffles Boutique to an elegantly chic Afternoon Tea Experience for two at The Grand Lobby. All successful mystery solvers will also be entitled to participate in the Grand Draw for a chance to win a one-night stay in a charming Palm Court Suite, an oasis of peace and serenity, with breakfast for two persons.

The daycation and staycation packages for ‘The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure’ are valid for stays between 1 April to 30 June 2021, while the virtual theatrical experience can be streamed on-demand any time during the same period.

Tickets are already available on SISTIC and Raffles Hotel Singapore’s website.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Rare Sighting of One Hundred Distinctive Cownose Rays off Lady Elliot Island

Earlier this month, Lady Elliot Island Master Reef Guide Jacinta Shackleton was snorkelling off Lady Elliot Island, when she spotted a large school of cownose rays, rarely seen in the waters off this tiny coral cay on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Ms Shackleton said this surprising encounter took her breath away as she never expected to see such a large fever (the term used to describe this beautiful swimming formation) of this rarely encountered species.

“It looked like they were dancing in sync across the reef,” Ms Shackleton said.

“I've been conducting research on the reef off Lady Elliot Island for three years and I've never seen a cownose ray before.”

She estimates there were between 80 – 110 of the magnificent marine creatures gliding through the shallows, just off the beach.

The cownose ray is aptly named after the unique shape of their head, which from above, looks like a cow's nose.

“It was stunning to turn around and see such a large group of these distinctive rays swimming in only five metres of water. The shape of their heads was just so strange to see, two lobes just like a cow's nose,” Ms Shackleton said.

“It is one of my 'magic moments' on the reef where I'm just blown away by what I'm seeing and completely absorbed in that moment.”

Dr Andrew Chin from the Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture at James Cook University said not much is known about cownose rays in Australia.

“Because they are rarely sighted, the cownose ray is not well documented across the Great Barrier Reef or in Australian waters, so it's fantastic to have that record from Ms Shackleton so we can try and learn more about them and their movements,” Dr Chin said.

“The species is listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List, so we don't really know how they're faring from a conservation or threat point of view. We think they tend to travel in these large groups and that their appearances could be seasonal.

“I'd encourage anyone who comes across the distinctive cownose ray to report the sighting so that we can gather as much information as possible to better understand the species.”

Sightings of the cownose ray can be recorded via the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority's Eye on the Reef App.

This is Ms Shackleton's second extraordinary ray sighting off Lady Elliot Island in twelve months, following her encounter with an ornate eagle ray in March last year. The ornate eagle ray is so rare there had been little more than 50 sightings of the species worldwide at the time.

Lady Elliot Island is home to an abundance of rare and vibrant marine life, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for once in a lifetime Great Barrier Reef experiences. Ocean-lovers are encouraged to start planning their next underwater adventure to this World Heritage wonderland at queensland.com/greatbarrierreef.

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

Website: http://www.queensland.com/

Staypineapple Introduces a New Way to Book Hotel Stays

Staypineapple hotels are re-defining hospitality by offering guests the ability to buy their newly unveiled CORE Passport that locks in pricing on future hotel nights with travel flexibility, location choice, and ease of use. This previously unheard of offering comes at a time when many American travelers are looking for flexibility and eager to plan for future travel. With locations in top destinations such as New York, Boston, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, and San Diego Staypineapple's CORE Passport is a great opportunity for travelers to plan for the future, book now and save in the process.

While traditional hotel gift cards or certificates are often set for a specific dollar value that does not account for price fluctuations based on date and demand, CORE Passport programming gives guests peace of mind that their rate will stay the same with no black-out dates.

The CORE Passport's introductory pricing offers buyers savings of hundreds of dollars off published rates with no black-out dates. Guests can purchase a CORE Passport for $550 which includes 5 nights per year or $1000 which includes 10 nights.

“It may seem just a little too good to be true to stay 5 or 10 nights in cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco at these prices. This is a great way to lock in rates for future travel,” says Sharon Andrade, Vice President of Sales for Staypineapple.  

The CORE Passport comes with plenty of great perks like waived amenity fees which are a savings of $15 to $30 per night. With the annual passport purchasers have 365 days to take advantage of these special savings to plan their next vacation or work trip.

Please see below for an overview of the CORE Passport's benefits: 

• Passport Perks:
  • Pick your favorite Pineapple
    • Choose your property, pick your favorite Pineapple in one of the brand's many locations including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, with more openings in the pipeline
  • Waived amenity fees
    • A savings valued at $15.00 to $30.00 per night.
  • No Blackout Dates
    • Stay when you want, where you want. If there's a room available, it's yours.
  • Annual passport
    • You have 365 days to take advantage of these special savings to plan your next vacation or work trip.
  • Your Workspace
    • Our space is your space. Stop by any time to relax, work or practice your dance moves.
  • VIP Reservation Service
    • Email corepassport@staypineapple.com or call 866.866.7977 for personal reservations assistance

 

About Staypineapple:

Staypineapple is a brand of upscale, out of the ordinary boutique hotels in urban markets nationwide, owned and managed by Pineapple Hospitality, based in Bellevue, WA.  Focused on thoughtful service and design, with an uncanny knack for anticipating needs, the dog-friendly hotels wholeheartedly embrace the pineapple's symbol of hospitality and joy.  For more information, visit www.staypineapple.com

Website: www.theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au