Sunday 31 July 2022

Bronx Like a New Yorker

The Bronx Zoo
NYC & Company has launched Bronx Like a New Yorker to highlight the New York City borough’s visitor attractions. 

The Bronx, located a short train ride from Manhattan or by ferry from Manhattan to a waterfront spot called Clason Point. 

The borough is known for Yankee Stadium, the home field of the New York Yankees baseball team. 

In addition, and dating from 1899, the Bronx Zoo houses hundreds of species of animals, and the sprawling New York Botanical Garden features a landmark greenhouse with rainforest and cactus displays. 


By the Hudson River, Wave Hill is a landscaped public garden with wooded paths. 

NYC & Company is suggesting visitors take in : 
  • Riverdale and the An Beal Bocht, an authentic Irish pub 
  • Arthur Avenue, the borough’s Little Italy, and 
  • Mott Haven, where The Lit. Bar is an essential stop for book-lovers. 

The borough also has 7,000 acres of park land (about 25% of its total area), from gardens including Wave Hill and the Botanical Garden and also Van Cortlandt Park, with its crosscountry running trails. 

The Opera House Hotel 
The boutique Opera House Hotel. It’s located in a renovated historic theatre that once hosted entertainment legends like Harry Houdini and the Marx Brothers. 

The hotel has 60 rooms, a gym, free breakfast, concierge service, and it’s located near two subway stations: 149th Street-Grand Concourse and Third Avenue-149th Street. 


Bronx restaurants 
The Bronx restaurants offer authentic cuisine from Colombian sancocho at La Masa, Mexican fare at Taqueria Tlaxcalli or Italian food on Arthur Avenue. 

SUYO Gastrofusion offers a Latin-Asian menu that includes Thai chicken empanadas and panko maduros. 

Yankee Stadium
The Bronx has also become a destination for West African food, thanks to vibrant immigrant communities like Little Ghana. Ghanaian cuisine at Papaye, Togolese specialties at Bognan International, and Grin for food from the Ivory Coast. 

The Bronx is also the birthplace of hip-hop music in the 20th century. 

Britt Hijkoop at bhijkoop@nycgo.com

Urban Art Berlin

Berlin Street Art
People have been spraying and tagging in the German capital of Berlin since the 70s, when it was influenced by the movement in the New York Brooklyn. 

Berlin’s street art, which began as an expression of youthful protest, has become an established art form. 

Many internationally known artists have left their mark on the streets of Berlin. 

The art was initially confined to the fire walls on vacant plots between buildings, and which were a part of the cityscape after the destruction of Berlin in the Second World War. 

Today large housing cooperatives cooperate with street artists create giant murals on the facades of their buildings. 

Various initiatives are also campaigning for more legal spaces for artists and sprayers including the URBAN NATION Museum for Contemporary Art. 

A walk along Bülowstraße offers an open-air gallery of the street art scene.

Catarina Erceg at Catarina.Erceg@visitberlin.de

The 700 species of birds in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea, in the southwestern Pacific, takes in the eastern half of New Guinea and its offshore islands. 

It is a country of great cultural and biological diversity, known for its beaches and coral reefs. Inland are active volcanoes, granite Mt. Wilhelm, dense rainforest and hiking routes like the Kokoda Trail. 

It is also a prime birdwatching destination where 38 of the known 39 species of the Bird of Paradise can be spotted. 

With their striking colours and bright plumage, they stand out as some of the world’s most dramatic and attractive birds. 

In total, Papua New Guinea is home to more than 700 different species of birds including the Hooded Pitohui, the only poisonous bird in the world, and the enormous Cassowary that stands nearly six feet tall! 

Birdwatchers can also spot other rare breeds such as the Fire-Maned Bowerbird and the Crested Berrypecker. 

There’s no set season for organising a trip to discover the truly beautiful birdlife waiting in Papua New Guinea, however the dry season from June to October is recommended to achieve the optimum experiences.  

Judy Feller at judy@pngtourism.org.uk

Phu Dien Cham Tower in Vietnam sets world record

The Cham Tower
The central province of Thua Thien – Hue on June 27 held a ceremony to mark WorldKings’ recognition of Phu Dien Tower built by the Cham people as a world record.

The Cham Tower was discovered in April 2001 in the coastal sand dunes of Phu Dien commune of Phu Vang district (Thua Thien-Hue). The structure was buried at a depth of 5-7 m in the sand.

The tower is one of the earliest remaining Champa brick structures in the central region, dating back to the eighth century.

The Cham built religious towers to worship Hindu, and Phu Dien Tower is believed to be one of the two lost such structures near the former imperial city of Hue. The other lost structure is Lieu Coc Tower.

The Phu Dien structure is of great scientific and historical values as Yoni stone pieces, ceramic vases and other items found inside the tower are typical artifacts for the worship of the Cham people in the past.

For its historical values, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listed Phu Dien Tower as a national architectural monument in December 2001. The Vietnam Records Organization (VietKings) set a Vietnamese record for Phu Dien Tower in March 2022.

Three months later the World Records Union (WorldKings) also decided to set a world record for the structure as the ancient Cham tower buried deep in the coastal sand dunes was unearthed and preserved first in the world.
Source: VOV - english.vov.vn - June 28, 2022
Tags: Phu Dien Cham Tower, world record,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

Escape Adventures cycling tour of the Olympic Peninsula, Washington State

Escape Adventures
Escape Adventures has launched a six-day road biking tour of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. 

The Olympic Peninsula takes in the Olympic Mountains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Hood Canal. 

This region offers excellent road biking with highlights include: 
  • cycling the Olympic Discovery Trail
  • summiting Hurricane Hill 
  • spotting grey whales and orcas 
  • visiting Port Angeles and La Push, and 
  • exploring the Hoh Rain Forest

Ben Tre set World Record with 222 coconut-based dishes

At the event
An event took place in the Mekong Delta province of Ben Tre on June 27 to recognise the 222 coconut-based dishes.

The decisions on the recognition were presented to the provincial People’s Committee at the event by the World Records Union (WorldKings) and the Vietnam Records Organisation (Vietkings).

Speaking at the event, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Be Muoi said the recognition contributes to promoting Ben Tre’s culture and tourism and the dishes show the creativity of the chefs to create unique, attractive and healthy dishes.

Ben Tre is currently the country’s largest coconut-producing province with over 13,125 hectares of organic groves.

The province makes a range of coconut products for exports like juice, milk, oil, and dried flakes.

It plans to increase the organic farming area for products from mature nuts to more than 20,000 hectares and for tender coconut for juice to 100 hectares by 2025.
Source: NDO - en.nhandan.vn - June 27, 2022
Tags: #Ben Tre, #World Record, #coconut-based dishes,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

Itinerary: Anne of Green Gables

Devotees of the feisty, red-headed Anne of Green Gables can step directly into her world on Prince Edward Island. Published in 1908, more than 50 million copies have been sold to date, with fans falling in love with the book’s setting of ‘Avonlea’ and the community, created by author Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Read on to discover how to immerse yourself in Anne’s world in Canada.

First, visit Green Gables Heritage Place, the home that inspired the setting of Montgomery’s novel. Walk through the rooms of the Victorian home, restored to the period of the late 1800s, and experience farm life in the barn, granary and woodshed. Stroll the ‘Haunted Woods’ and ‘Balsam Hollow’ trails described in the book.

Next, head into Avonlea Village, a real-life recreation of L.M. Montgomery’s fictional town, and browse shops and period buildings just as Anne did. Chow down on a lobster roll or some grilled cheese before shopping for artisan souvenirs.

Finally, sing along with the longest running musical in the world. Anne of Green Gables - the musical has been drawing in crowds to Charlottetown for more than 50 seasons and shows no signs of stopping.

And, for the absolute super fans, Tourism PEI has put together a three-day Anne of Green Gables itinerary that brings together all of these experiences and more. Head to the website for more details on how to explore.

Ryukyu Karate Stay 2022 at HOSHINOYA Okinawa

Ryukyu Karate Stay 2022 at HOSHINOYA Okinawa
At HOSHINOYA Okinawa, the “Ryukyu Karate Stay” experience will be available from September 1 to November 30, 2022. Ryukyu karate, which originated in Okinawa, is a self-defense technique and martial art that has been refined as a means of self-improvement. The program aims to share the art of Ryukyu karate so that guests can experience a moment of self-reflection through their actions and knowledge. 

This year, actions from Ryukyu kobudo, the Okinawan ancient art of weaponry, will be incorporated into the training at the Activity Studio. Ryukyu karate and kobudo have developed together so by learning and practicing both, skills can be deepened and dozen meditation at the beach has also been newly added to the program. After training, one can loosen their muscles through shiatsu massage treatments, and rest with a drink of awamori (Okinawa rice alcohol). A full package that involves the mind and the body to guide guests to a comfortable yet active stay.

*Ryukyu karate is a type of Okinawan martial arts and the predecessor of current karate.

Background

Karate is a martial art, which originated in Okinawa. The ancient Okinawan martial art called “Tee” combined with Chinese martial arts and became the basis of current karate. Ryukyu karate did not originally involve the idea of having matches because it was a self-defense technique and means of self-improvement. It is said that the purpose of Ryukyu karate training is for self-improvement and that you are responsible for facing your own self. This program was developed based on the idea that learning the spirit of Ryukyu karate will lead to opportunities for modern people with busy lives to spend time reflecting on themselves. By taking advantage of the Activity Studio on-site and the fact that mental and physical care can be provided, we aimed to create a program that can accommodate people of different skills and knowledge. This program aims to bring the ideas and thoughts behind karate to be learnt effortlessly during one’s stay.

Characteristics of Ryukyu Karate Stay 2022
Characteristic 1: Learning the art of Ryukyu karate at the Activity Studio

In this program, Ryukyu karate is practiced every day at the Activity Studio on-site or generally known as the dojo in Japanese, a term for a hall specific for practicing martial arts. The instructors are experts from the renowned “Kamiji-Ryu Karate Doken Yukai,” which owns a dojo in Yomitan, Okinawa, which celebrates its 62-year anniversary this year. They have 200 branches overseas, and it emphasizes improving both the mind and skills. The training session will not only be time used to move the body but it will also be time to learn the history and the mindset of Ryukyu karate. This program is open to people of all levels, as it starts from the basic forms and gradually shifts to teaching more difficult, intermediate movements. On the second day, guests will participate in Ryukyu kobudo, the Okinawan ancient art of weaponry, which developed together with karate. Wooden sticks and sai (pronged weapon) will be used in some of the movements to experience the history and knowledge of martial arts that were developed in Okinawa.

Activity Studio

The Activity Studio on-site is a one-story building with a red-tiled roof, open windows, and a veranda. A variety of activities are hosted here for guests to get together for a light exercise, chats, etc. When the windows are opened, a fresh lawn will spread in front, and beyond it will be the view of the ocean. During Ryukyu karate practices and dozen meditations, the Activity Studio will be a private space just for those in the program so that maximum concentration can be reached.

Characteristic 2: Zen meditation through movement for a moment of self-reflection

In the past, masters of Ryukyu karate did not show off their strength to others and practiced diligently by avoiding others, and hiding in the dark. Our program includes sessions of dozen meditations every day after dark where one reflects on the movements practiced during the day. Dozen meditation is a coined word that refers to the meditation method of facing oneself through the actions of martial arts, as opposed to zazen, meditation while sitting. Meditation is practiced by repeating the movements of Ryukyu karate without thinking. It will be hosted at the Activity Studio on the first day and at the pristine beach in front of the property on the second day for a time of self-reflection with the sounds of the waves.

Characteristic 3: Balancing with Shiatsu massage treatments and resting with a drink of awamori

Between Ryukyu karate sessions, the body will be prepared with Shiatsu massage treatments, a traditional technique originating from Japan on the basis of oriental medicine. Guests can loosen the tension in their minds or their body, for the treatment will be done in the guest rooms. In addition, awamori, rice alcohol of Okinawa, can be enjoyed in the guest rooms using a ceramic sake cup and flask, unique to Okinawa. Since ancient times, Ryukyu karate and awamori have been related to each other because karate practitioners and masters have enjoyed it. Guests can spend quality time in their room with a cup of awamori in hand, whilst gazing into a panoramic view of the ocean.

About HOSHINOYA Okinawa

Address: 474 Gima, Yomitan, Nakagami, Okinawa 904-0327
Price: Starts from 136,000 JPY per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Number of Rooms: 100
Check-in: 3:00 pm / Check-out: 12:00 pm
Directions: Approximately an hour by car from Naha Airport
Website: https://hoshinoya.com/okinawa/en/

The Sounds of the Dolomites Festival

The Sounds of the Dolomites Festival
The northern Italian region of Trentino stages international, classical, and jazz music concerts in the Dolomites. 

The mountain range is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Sounds of the Dolomites sees visitors and performers climbing paths to reach the settings for the sixteen concerts. 

Most performances are held at midday when the sun is at its peak, although Dawn in the Dolomites has concerts held when the sun appears through the mountains. 

The festival was initially created to showcase the beauty of Trentino and to immerse visitors in nature and music. Many of the concerts are free of charge. 

There are three-day packages, during which musicians and participants accompanied by the Trentino Alpine Guides share daily journeys to the mountains and offer exclusive concerts. 

Trentino, Italy Annual (22 August to 23 September 2022)

Dovile Stuknyte at dovile@wearelotus.co.uk

Think outside the (hotel) box

glamping
An attractive alternative to camping, glamping beckons discerning travellers with modern luxury amid stunning natural settings. Whether a mountaintop yurt, forest canopy treehouse or amenity-rich tent, glamping is a way for everyone to experience the most untamed, unique parts of the world – without needing to sacrifice comfort. Read on for seven remarkable glamping options across Canada:

The Adventure Domes in British Columbia invites visitors to bed down in four charming, eco-friendly cottages set in the picturesque village of New Denver, a short walk from the shores of pristine Slocan Lake.

Valhalla mountain range. Simple, stylish and spacious interiors offer a welcome retreat after a day of paddling, rock climbing or watching the sunset behind the snowfields of the

At Rocky Mountain National Historic Site in Alberta, visitors can camp in comfort in a Métis trapper tent, tipi or trapline cabin. Use your Fur Trade Camp Kit (included in the camping fee) to experience the fur trade lifestyle; inside you’ll find bison hide, period cooking utensils, blow tube and flint/steel fire-starting kit, bannock mix, trapper’s tea, spices, oil and soap.

At Fronterra Farm Camp and Brewery, in Prince Edward County Ontario, visitors can pick fresh vegetables and dine under the stars before retiring to a log-framed prospector tent, complete with ensuite bathrooms, heated outdoor showers, king beds and wooden floors. Plenty of culinary workshops are offered, including beer brewing, organic gardening, smoking and jamming.

Cielo Glamping Maritime in New Brunswick offers a charming getaway in pearl-like domes perched on the edge of a breathtaking maritime tableau. Perfect for romantic sojourns, the “pearls” boast luxe sheets and locally woven blankets, a skylight allowing for night-time stargazing, handcrafted soaps and private wood-heated hot tubs. In addition to lounging in their elegant home-away-from-home, guests can paddleboard, snowshoe and kayak, among other outdoor activities.

In Pleasant Bay, Nova Scotia, True North Destinations offers the province’s only five-star, eco-conscious, geodesic dome experience. Situated along Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail coastline, the domes boast ocean views and rooftop skylights for stargazing, along with private decks, fully equipped kitchenettes, and private hot tubs and pergolas. The surroundings inspire each dome’s design: for example, The Sea-Spray domes boast a nautical style that evokes the Nova Scotian fishing industry, with guests able to view lobster boasts and whale-watch from their decks.

Indulge in the nostalgia of childhood at Les Refuges Perchés in Mont-Tremblant. Here, all-season treehouses hide in the leafy forest of the Laurentians, on either side of Lac du Cordon. Fully equipped for a multi-night stay, the treehouses are completely off-grid, which means visitors can unplug and focus on the tranquillity of the surrounding wilderness. The wood stove-heated treehouses feature sunny balconies and outdoor fireplaces, with outhouses a short walk away.

With five TreePODS (geodesic domes in trees), Treetop Haven in Prince Edward Island is an all-season wellness destination offering an idyllic escape in the forest. Surrounded by ocean, beaches and trails, the TreePODS – perched nine feet from the ground – boast private wraparound decks, hot tubs and barbecues, offering the perfect home base for an all-encompassing nature retreat.

DAD Resort - where people and nature blend

DAD resort
Phu Quoc - paradise, tourism. sea islands, pearls of the Far East ..... these are the great words you hear when Phu Quoc is mentioned. 

Phu Quoc is famous place for its beaches. Dai Beach is in the North island and Khem beach in the South Island.  Sao Beach is also a wonderful beach for visitors to drop into to enjoy nature with blue sky, white sand and golden sun. 

DAD resort is located in Sao Beach. DAD resort is built on the idea of green space, nature and people  blending together to create a sense of no distance between people and the scenery around. 

That's why DAD resort was founded. DAD is an acronym for “THE UNION”.  There are also stories surrounding the resort logo that is the image of two blue dragons mingling together, showing the birth year of the founder and wife, as well as a symbol of their close feelings. 

With simple architecture combined with open space, the resort offers guests a new and friendly service experience. There are 18 villas consisting of 67 rooms with a range of room types including Deluxe, Premier Deluxe, Suite and President suites.  The decor is light, but equally enhanced with modern colors. 

DAD resort promises you and your family a comfortable and wonderful vacation.

DAD Resort

Location: Sao beach street, An Thoi Ward, Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang Province
Phone :02973.975.979,
Hotline +84329.71.99.22, Website: dadressort.com.vn

Saturday 30 July 2022

Germany is looking to highlight its natural landscapes and attractions

A third of the country’s total area is covered in forests and there are12,000 lakes and thousands of rivers 

As such, Germany offers deep forests, clear lakes, blooming heathland and green valleys. 

There are also tidal flats and fine sandy beaches along with mountains with vineyards on river banks. 

The country has three UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, 16 UNESCO biosphere reserves, 16 national parks and 106 nature reserves. 

It offers 300,000 km of hiking trails and 76,000 km of cycle paths. 
 
Bätzoldt, Josefine-Theres at Josefine.Baetzoldt@germany.travel

Anantara Announces New Upcoming Resort in Brazil

Anantara Mamucabo Bahia Resort
Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas announces the upcoming addition of a new resort in Brazil. With a modern and sustainable design focused on the location’s natural beauty, the launch of Anantara Mamucabo Bahia Resort will represent the debut of the luxury brand both in Brazil and in South America.

The property will be located in Baixio, a district on the northern coastline of Bahia, approximately 150 km from the state capital of Salvador. Known for its crystal-clear lagoons, the small fishing village has a setting that inspires tranquility and is one of the most sought-after destinations on the region’s coast throughout the year. The ocean and one of the largest protected sandbank reserves in Brazil will serve as the backdrop for Anantara Mamucabo, which will be spread across a 500,000 square metre site. Construction of the new-build property will begin in 2023, with the resort slated to launch in 2025.

Anantara Mamucabo will offer a total of 116 guest rooms, suites and pool villas, with sizes varying from 70 to 163 square metres. The resort's innovative and unique architecture and interior decoration is being designed by Sidney Quintela Architecture + Urban Planning, with landscaping by Alex Hanazaki, considered one of the most creative landscape designers in Brazil.

The leisure areas will be distributed throughout the resort’s vast grounds and will include three restaurants, two outdoor swimming pools, a beach club and water sports area, a kids club and an area for babies and infants. The main pool will feature a multi-level “waterfall” design, creating different environments for relaxing and enjoying the pool and water.

Inside the beach club, a restaurant and a bar will serve regional cuisine from Bahia, while the hotel's main restaurant will offer contemporary international and Brazilian cuisine with a view overlooking the entire grounds. An Asian restaurant will be located in the central area of the resort that will boast a stunning view of the Mamucabo River, from which the resort gets its name.

Additional facilities at the resort will include a substantial sports area, including both a tennis court and a paddle tennis court, a well-equipped fitness centre, a yoga terrace and a relaxation area. Children’s entertainment will be provided by a kids’ club including an exclusive playful space in a large green and wooded area.

With its design complementing the tranquil character of the local area, the resort will feature an Anantara Spa focused on both body and mental health, offering an extensive range of treatments and wellness offerings. Integrated and isolated environments, such as a swimming pool, massage rooms, a sauna and a hydrotherapy circuit, will promote total relaxation.

For corporate and social events, adaptable spaces with state-of-the-art facilities will allow for various sizes of meetings. Social events such as weddings, cocktails, and end of the year parties can be held next to the Beach Club, with an incredible sea view.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO Minor Hotels, parent company to Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, and Group CEO Minor International, commented, “We are excited to announce the development of this future Anantara in Brazil, which will represent the brand’s debut on the South American continent. It is a part of the world we have been keen to expand Anantara’s footprint into and this exciting project represents the perfect opportunity.”
Anantara Mamucabo Bahia Resort will be a true refuge for nature lovers in an enchanting region on Brazil’s northern coast of Bahia. It will join the brand's collection of luxury hotels and resorts, which offer guests genuine experiences in some of the world's most exciting destinations.

For more information on Anantara Mamucabo Bahia Resort, please visit
https://www.anantara.com/en/mamucabo-bahia-resort.

The European Design Festival, Tallinn

Tallinn
Tallinn will host the European Design Festival, for the first time, during June 2022. 

Estonia, a country in Northern Europe, borders the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland. 

Including more than 1,500 islands, its diverse terrain spans rocky beaches, old-growth forest and many lakes. 

Formerly part of the Soviet Union, it's dotted with castles, churches and hilltop fortresses. Tallinn, its capital is known for its preserved Old Town. 

The European Design Festival has previously been held in other leading ‘design cities’ like Stockholm and Oslo. 

Celebrating the very best in European design, the festival is also an opportunity to showcase Estonia’s talent and innovation. 

Places that showcase Estonian design

Maidla Nature Villa 

Nominated for the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 2022, the Maidla Nature Villa is a micro-hotel designed to allow guests to experience Estonia’s natural beauty. 

Located is close to Maidla Nature Resort’s 15th-century manor complex, and has been built around birch trees, elevated one metre above the ground, and driven into the soil with seven-metre-long screws. 

Its multiple wooden terraces help it blend into the surrounding forestry while remaining functional. 

Telliskivi Creative City 

The former industrial factory complex near Tallinn’s main railway station became the Tellskivi Creative City in 2009 and is today home to almost 250 start-ups and tech-based companies. 

Inspired by similar regeneration projects in Stockholm and Helsinki, Telliskivi is now the largest creative centre in Estonia. 

It has seen the rejuvenation of a previously unused area into one of the most exciting areas in Tallinn, with an array of vibrant and reflective street ar. 

The Hektor Container Hotel, on the edge of Telliskivi, has been constructed in the building of an old railway depot, with the rooms created from repurposed shipping containers.

Iglucraft 

Iglucraft in Noblessner, is a manufacturer of saunas working to re-establish the country’s historic sauna traditions, but for modern living. 

Founded by Priit Kallas in 2014, its pods can be found in the gardens of the Beckhams, Guy Ritchie, and Gordon Ramsey.

Noblessner, a regenerated harbour district, opened in summer 2021 on the edge of a former dock, and an Iglus, mostly individual sauna pods, can be rented by a group of friends to enjoy overlooking the Baltic Sea. 

One Iglu open as a bar and others have been made into sleeping pods, or spaces to work. 

ÖÖD Hotels – Mirror House 

With several clusters dotted around Estonia, ÖÖD Hotels’ mirror houses are for design enthusiasts.
 
Tallinn
Developed by brothers Andreas and Jaak Tiik, the houses have reflecting mirrored walls to create an illusion of disappearing into the surroundings, whilst allowing those inside to see the outside clearly.

The newest collection opened in Laheranna, a 45- minute drive west of Tallinn, at the end of 2021. The mirror houses are hidden in a pine forest next to Ihasalu Bay on the Baltic Sea. 

Hiking trails are nearby as well as a long stretch of sandy beach. 

Katie Cosstick at katie@wearelotus.co.uk

Tourism Whitsundays Continues To Deliver For The Queensland Economy

Hero Aerial Hill Inlet
Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton has welcomed the announcement that The Whitsundays has again dominated this year’s top 50 experiences across Queensland in the Best of Queensland Experiences, together with Tropical North Queensland.

Announced last night by Queensland’s Minister for Tourism, Innovation and Sport, Stirling Hinchliffe, The Best of Queensland Experiences is an initiative of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ). Its aim is to demonstrate the commitment of Queensland tourism operators to excellence and world-class holiday experiences.

Mr Hamilton congratulated all the operators in The Whitsundays who have consistently delivered unparalleled experiences for tourists to establish the destination as a domestic and global beacon for holidaymakers.

“This accolade highlights the efforts of all the exceptional and dedicated tourism operators in our region and the essential contribution they continue to make to the Queensland economy.” Mr Hamilton said.

It was also announced by the Minister at The Estimates Hearings last night that there is currently a review of the Tourism Network Funding Model to reflect the changes that have happened in tourism since the last change in funding in 2018. Tourism Whitsundays is encouraged by this and believes that with increased funding it is in a strong position to continue to deliver for our industry.

The latest National Visitor Survey (NVS) highlighted that The Whitsundays delivered a record $1.1B in visitor expenditure for the year ending 31 March 2022 to the Queensland economy, and a record 581,000 holiday visitors from intrastate and southern states, which is outstanding considering we have come through the very toughest of times. The Whitsundays is the most tourism-reliant region in Queensland with one in three jobs directly related to tourism, and 40 per cent of all visitation to the Great Barrier Reef departing from within the region.

“With the return of cruise ships and backpackers coming into the region, we will continue facing challenges to remain globally competitive to rebuild inbound tourism and compete against other domestic and international markets, but we know that The Whitsundays can continue to play a vital role in boosting the State’s economy, with enough funding support,” Mr Hamilton said.

Eurostar partners with Trees4Travel

Eurostar
Eurostar, the high-speed rail service linking the UK and mainland Europe, is launching a new partnership with Trees4Travel. 

The initiative offers passengers the opportunity to plant trees when they book their journey via the Eurostar for Business platform. 

The new initiative follows growing demand from Eurostar business travellers to further support sustainable travel initiatives. 

Passengers can now choose to plant a tree when booking on the Eurostar for Business platform at a cost of £3 (€3.50) per tree and Eurostar has pledged to match each tree purchased. Trees4Travel will undertake the reforestation projects in developing countries to restore eco-systems, biodiversity and support indigenous communities through employment. 

The Eurostar for Business platform offers organisations all bookings accessible in one place and access to promotional fares. 

Yazmin Malcolm at yazmin.malcolm@eurostar.com

Fusion Resort & Villas Danang project makes its debut

Delegates cut the ribbon to open the Fusion Resort
& Villas Danang project. Photo: HOANG HIEP
In a response to the freshly-concluded Da Nang Investment Forum 2022, the Nam Phat Villas and Hotel Co., Ltd., belonging to Lodgis Hospitality Holdings, has just held an official launch ceremony of the Fusion Resort & Villas Danang project on Truong Sa Route, Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang, and introduced the model villas that have been built at the project.

The 5-star Fusion Resort & Villas Danang, with a total investment of nearly US$100 is the first residential real estate project of Fusion brand in Viet Nam.

The project covers a total area of 15.75ha and spreads over approximately 300m of beach frontage of Da Nang’s scenic coastline with many utilities and diverse functional items, such as a resort whose construction started in March 2022, the chain of culinary restaurants, spa health care services located in the garden, a tennis court, a gym, kid areas with international quality.

In particular, the project features a high-class 85 luxury cocoons featuring 1 - 6 bedroom villas ranging from 370 - 1,780m2. All of the villas have a very unique feature- pavilion- set within the private landscaped gardens and snaking through pools that provide guest the intimate and relaxing feel.

Each village is designed with its signature down-to-earth approach to luxury in mind that curate a perfect escape, combining a privacy, comfort and relaxation with natural light, fresh breezes and views over the sea or private gardens.

The high-ranking representative from the Lodgis Hospitality Holdings expressed his excitement when the launch event of Fusion Resort & Villas Danang coincided with the Da Nang Investment Forum 2022, expressing belief that the tourism industry will continue to make a great contribution to the city’s economic structure and its Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP), in which, the project will contribute to attracting more investors and tourists to the beautiful city.

Reporting by HOANG HIEP – Translating by A.THU
Source: Da Nang Today - baodanang.vn/english. - June 26, 2022
Tags: #Fusion Resort, #Danang,

The Holiday and Travel Magazine
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

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

Neighbourhood spotlight: Verdun, Montreal

Verdun
Each month we will highlight a fascinating residential neighbourhood of one of Canada’s iconic cities. Get to know the communities, under-the-radar eateries and hidden parks that contribute to the unique personality of any great city. This month, read on to discover Verdun in Montreal.

Neighbourhood: Verdun

Location within city: Southwest, on the banks of the St. Lawrence River.

What makes it great: Verdun’s proximity to the St. Lawrence River has shaped its history – indeed, the lush parks lining the waterfront were originally built to protect the area from flooding. Today, they’re populated with locals and visitors cycling riverside bike paths, playing soccer in nearby sports fields, or sunning themselves on grassy banks.

Slice of history: Verdun is one of Canada’s oldest settlements, having existed as its own city since 1671 before joining Montréal in 2002.

Local eats: Tuck into flavourful Cambodian street food at Les Street Monkeys, housed in hip, industrial-chic surroundings.

Cool activity: Meander over the Champlain Bridge and spend an afternoon at Nun’s Island, a leafy suburban area with quiet parks, waterfront paths and the Strøm Nordic Spa.

Afternoon itinerary: Architectural enthusiasts will rejoice in Verdun’s architectural marvels. Spend an afternoon drifting among them – the modernist Verdun Auditorium, the four buildings of Nun’s Island created by legendary German-American architect Mies Van der Rohe, and the gorgeous interiors of the Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs church. End the day at Verdun’s Natatorium outdoor pool, an art deco gem that can hold 1,500 swimmers.

Tokyo Graceful Autumn Stay at HOSHINOYA Tokyo

miniature Japanese garden making
HOSHINOYA Tokyo, a tower of Ryokan located in Otemachi, Tokyo, is hosting an autumn program called “Tokyo Graceful Autumn Stay” from 1 September to 30 November 2022. This program is a two-day, one-night stay where guests can enjoy activities inspired by the autumn life of people in the Edo period who loved nature and a special breakfast that uses a lot of autumn flavors such as five grains, seafood and vegetables. Highlights of this program include miniature Japanese garden making in which guests create a garden while imagining mountain scenery colored in red and yellow, and the moonlight rickshaw ride in which the elegant autumn night can be fully enjoyed. Experience a peaceful and elegant time in autumn of Japan whilst in the city center.

Background

The Edo period was said to be a peaceful time, and the culture of appreciating nature such as cherry blossom viewing, moon viewing and gardening spread. During autumn, people enjoyed the beautiful autumn leaves and the moon, so people went to the nearby mountains to see autumn leaves or to view the moon from the waterfront or a hill. In addition, it is said that people around this time enjoyed autumn by listening to the sound of insects in the garden, heightening the feeling of autumn and allowing them to use more of their five senses. This program was developed to follow the lives of people of the Edo period, and to encourage guests to enjoy the beautiful autumn in modern Tokyo, where there are fewer opportunities to experience nature.

Characteristics of Tokyo Graceful Autumn Stay

Characteristic 1: Feel Autumn from your rooms through miniature Japanese garden making
Enjoy the beauty of autumn leaves from the guest rooms through miniature Japanese garden making, which takes inspiration from bonkei, tray landscapes. Tray landscape designer Tomoya Katsumata is in charge of decorations inside HOSHINOYA Tokyo and will be teaching guests the history and the procedure involved in making miniature landscape gardens. This is a hands-on experience of making an original miniature landscape garden while imagining the scenery of a mountain colored in red and yellow. The secret to making it well is to place the soil with different heights according to the envisioned scenery. Then, the bonsai tree with its leaves colored red and yellow will be planted and the position of moss, stone and white sand will be decided for. Using tools, the length of the moss can be adjusted, and a pattern can be drawn in the sand in order to make an original miniature landscape garden.

Tray Landscape Designer, Tomoya Katsumata

Raised by his mother, who was a professional in flower arrangement, he was familiar with plants from a very young age. After completing his studies, he worked at a major flower arrangement store, and also learned about shitsurai, the art of décor that reflects the seasons, in Japanese restaurants, tea rooms, and Japanese-style housing. In addition, he interacted with overseas spatial designers and supervised Japanese decorative designs at events held overseas to promote Japanese culture. Following this, he studied tea ceremony, ceramics, and bonsai making in order to delve deeper into Japanese culture. He currently has his own studio and works together with craftsmen who have inherited traditional Japanese culture to produce new forms of shitsurai suited to modern Japanese-style housing.

Bonsai Selection Experience

In order to enjoy miniature Japanese garden making, guests can choose bonsai of their liking. Mr. Katsumata will accompany you to a bonsai garden with a variety of bonsai, soil, and stones and explain the points to note when choosing the type of bonsai, so that you can choose the one you like.
Price: 11,000 JPY for 1 person, 16,500 JPY for 2 persons (tax and service charge included)

Characteristic 2: Autumn Sencha Green Tea Tasting while gazing at your miniature Japanese Garden
While gazing at the miniature landscape garden you have made, drink and compare sencha that has been carefully selected by the oldest sencha tea seller in Japan, Yamamotoyama, established in Nihonbashi in 1690.

This experience is modeled after the people of the Edo period who enjoyed viewing autumn leaves while enjoying the new tea leaves of autumn. Enjoy autumn sweets, such as potato and chestnut mont blanc, Japanese pear sorbet and blancmange, and fig mille-feuille together with your tea.

Autumn Sencha Green Tea Tasting

・Ujicha, characterized by its refined fragrance and taste, uses tea leaves picked in spring and matured until autumn
・Sayamacha, is perfect for autumn, which is said to be a season for when people miss rich flavors
・Sencha, exclusive to this plan and suited for drinking with autumn sweets

Characteristic 3: Rickshaw ride on a moonlit autumn night

After dinner, go on a rickshaw tour around the Imperial Palace, Otemachi and Marunouchi areas. Autumn, with its clear skies, is the season when the moon looks it’s most beautiful. In the outer garden of the Imperial Palace, where there are few tall buildings and the sky is wide open, the views of the moon floating over the cityscape can be seen, a viewpoint unique to a rickshaw ride. On Gyoko-dori Avenue in Marunouchi, rows of lit-up ginkgo trees that have begun to turn yellow can be encountered.

Characteristic 4: Special Breakfast for a taste of the season

Breakfast features plenty of vegetables and seafood that is in season in autumn. There will be chestnut rice, millet salad, and grilled autumn salmon. Chestnuts and foxtail millets are ingredients that were enjoyed by people in the Edo Period as they expressed their gratitude for the blessings of nature. In addition, a meal full of seasonal flavors can be enjoyed, one of which uses sea bream, where autumn is one of the seasons for the best of its kind.

About HOSHINOYA Tokyo

Address: 1-9-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 104-0004
Price: Starts from 112,000 JPY per night per room (includes tax and service charge, excludes meals)
Number of Rooms: 84
Check-in: 3:00 pm / Check-out: 12:00 pm
Directions: Approximately 2 minutes by walk from Otemachi Station or 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station
Website: https://hoshinoya.com/tokyo/en/

Curtain Up for Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal

refurbished Concert Hall
Concert Hall Renovation Revealed!


For more than two and a half years, hundreds of construction workers, acousticians, architecture and heritage experts, have been busy delivering the biggest upgrade to the Sydney Opera House's Concert Hall since it opened nearly 50 years ago, and now we are thrilled to welcome artists and audiences back to experience world-class performances in the newly refurbished Concert Hall.

The project has improved acoustics for artists and audiences in both orchestral and amplified mode, enhanced access for people with mobility needs, and provided a more flexible and safer working environment for staff behind the scenes.

Discover more about the improvements to acoustics for artists and audiences
Explore how we have enhanced access for people with mobility needs
Check out the cutting-edge staging and theatre systems
Sydney Symphony Orchestra Returns to Sydney Opera House

To celebrate a season of new beginnings, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra turn to Mahler's mighty Second Symphony with new Chief Conductor, Simone Young. Popularly known as the Resurrection Symphony, it's one of Mahler's best known and most celebrated, and the perfect work to mark the Sydney Symphony's return to the Sydney Opera House.

An exciting new work from First Nations composer William Barton, including the sound of clapsticks made from wood salvaged from the concert hall stage, also marks the spirit of the occasion and the site of the celebration.

Concert Hall 
Completion of Decade of Renewal

Funded by the NSW Government, the once-in-a-generation upgrade of the Concert Hall is the largest and final project in the Decade of Renewal - a 10-year program of capital works totaling almost $300 million to upgrade the Sydney Opera House ahead of our 50th anniversary in 2023.

Find out more about the Decade of Renewal

Lincoln Steampunk Festival

Lincoln Steampunk Festival 
The biggest Steampunk Festival is held annually over the UK’s August bank holiday weekend at Lincoln Castle and the Bailgate area of the city. 

Over four days, the festival celebrates a community which has its own fashions, music and tastes. 

The event features a programme of art, literature, music, fashion, and comedy along with the Steampunk Market, Jet Pack Race, and Tea Duelling. 

Starting as a label for a science fiction genre and the steam powered world of the late 19th century, steampunk is now a ‘label or signpost to a neo-Victorian aesthetic’, and participants frequently modify everyday objects to fit the look.

26 August to 29 August 2022

Dovile Stuknyte at dovile@wearelotus.co.uk

LINGER LONGER AT BANWA PRIVATE ISLAND

Banwa Private Island
Stay longer and discover more at Banwa Private Island, whether you are planning for a long honeymoon, extended family holiday, staying back for more workcation days, or that much awaited downtime with friends.

Rewind and unwind for three nights and enjoy a complimentary extra night, this means more time to discover nearby idyllic islands. Take a river cruise, go hiking to a waterfall hideaway, or be mesmerized by a firefly spectacle.

Reconnect and revel with loved ones over shared passion on delightful culinary journeys. Stretch that five-night stay and enjoy extra two complimentary nights, for extended moments to relish creatively arranged gastronomic celebrations, a gourmet picnic in the Coconut Grove, an intimate candle-light dinner along the pristine beach, or a refreshing sundowner on the island jetty.

Relax and rejuvenate with your family where days are full of fun and exciting quests. Book seven nights and indulge in extra three complimentary nights to snorkel on coral reefs and enjoy a glorious showcase of North-eastern Palawan marine highlights – Hawksbill Turtles, Blacktip Reef Sharks and Manta Rays.

Banwa Private Island offers a fully-inclusive island escape with continued, unscripted dining on all extra nights on us!

“Linger Longer” is valid for travel period until September 2022 with booking period of 14 days prior to check-in. Select leisure experiences and “Destination Dining” may be organised at a surcharge.

For more information and enquiries, please contact the Reservations team through mobile/WhatsApp +639178882864, send an email to reservations@banwaprivateisland.com, or visit www.banwaprivateisland.com.

Light at Sensorio, Paso Robles, California

Light at Sensorio features two installations by British artist Bruce Munro on a 15-acre site at Paso Robes.

Created as ‘a destination for entertainment, exploration and adventure’, it is the artists largest artwork to date. 

Paso Robles is a California city, known for its wineries and olive groves. 

One installation is made of more than 58,800 stemmed spheres lit by fibre optics that ’illuminate the landscape in subtle blooms of morphing colour that describe the undulating landscape’.

The second, Light Towers, celebrates Paso Robles’ wine country with 69 towers of more than 17,000 wine bottles, illuminated with glowing optic fibres whose colours ‘morph to an inspiring musical score’.

Rachel Santa Cruz at rsantacruz@blackdiamond.co.uk

Friday 29 July 2022

Festiva will be a new family festival Festival

Festiva will be a new family festival highlighting top music tribute acts and artists. 

There will also be a full program for children including a circus and fairground rides, inflatables, along with food and drinks. 

The festival site, which covers over 22 acres, will feature ABBA tribute show, Björn Again, Queen tribute MERCURY and The Bootleg Beatles. 

Other acts joining them on day two of the festival include Oasis tribute band Oasish along with Pink, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars and Whitney Houston tributes.

13 and 14 August 2022 at The Great Harwood Showground Whalley Rd, Great Harwood, Blackburn, UK 

Katie Louden at katie@weareindigopr.com

Have a heart to heart on the Great Barrier Reef

 2022 Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival
  • Festival offers deep dive with 11 Master Reef Guides
Eleven of Australia’s most passionate advocates for the Great Barrier Reef, with a whopping 129 years of combined work experience and 41,701 scuba dives on the World-Heritage-listed icon, will gather for a one-day trip to Hardy Reef off the coast of Airlie Beach on August 4. The trip is part of the 2022 Cruise Whitsundays Great Barrier Reef Festival which takes place from August 4 – 7, 2022.

With members of the public invited to jump on board, this is thought to be the first time that marine lovers and eco-conscious travellers will have heart-to-heart access to such a range of world-leading reef guides on any single bookable day tour.

Known as Master Reef Guides, these 11 highly trained guides will use their expertise to deliver an immersive, story-telling experience, that is crafted around the skillset of each particular guide and tailored to the interests of the day’s guests.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Assistant Director Reef Stewardship and Master Reef Guide program co-founder, Fiona Merida, said by personalising the experience, each guest would gain a greater appreciation of the beauty of the reef and a deeper understanding of the difference each of us can make to its survival for generations to come.

“Through taking part in interactive educational activities led by these Master Reef Guides, guests will be able to explore our World Heritage Natural Wonder and discover the foundation of life on the reef and its incredible symbiotic relationships,” she said.

“They will be able to come on a journey, piecing together the puzzle of the Reef with world-leading interpreters.

“Ultimately, we want these guests to leave as ambassadors for Australia’s greatest natural treasure, spreading these messages from their hearts to yours.”

Averaging 40 minutes for each of their combined 41,701 dives, the Master Reef Guides leading the day have spent 27,800 hours or 3.17 years engaged in underwater observation and activity and relayed the story of the Great Barrier Reef to around 2,334,000 visitors.

Great Barrier Reef Festival chairwoman, Margie Murphy, said for these reasons alone the trip to Hardy Reef would be unmissable.

“This is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to visit the Great Barrier Reef enjoying unprecedented access to its most ardent ambassadors and reaping the benefits of the shared knowledge and passion that this entails,” she said.

The Cruise Whitsundays Outer Great Barrier Reef trip is the launch activity for the annual Great Barrier Reef Festival to be held in Airlie Beach from August 4–7.

Tourism Whitsundays Chief Executive Officer, Rick Hamilton, said the aim of this year’s festival was to build connection between humanity and the Reef.

“And what better way to do that than by having a true ‘heart-to-heart’ with a Master Reef Guide, and in the Great Barrier Reef’s physical and spiritual heart,” he said.

With numbers onboard to be capped at just 200 guests, members of the public interested in the trip are advised to book imminently.

Tickets cost $220 per adult and include lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and all activities excluding scuba diving.

Guests will be invited to sign up to Master Reef Guide-led activities including Eye on the Reef monitoring experiences, snorkel safaris, semi-submersible adventures, and practical, in-water photography and videography sessions.

The trip will depart Port of Airlie at 9am and return at 5pm, providing a full four hours at the mature platform reef dominated by hard corals, large pelagic species and an abundance of marine life.

For more information or to book tickets, visit www.greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au.

Québec is the largest Canadian province by area and the second-largest by population

The Mont-Mégantic Observatory
Québec is the largest Canadian province by area and the second-largest by population, much of lives in urban areas along the St. Lawrence River, between Montreal and Québec City, the provincial capital. 

The province, which is three times the size of France and larger than Alaska, is the home of the Québécois first-nation. 

With its fusion of indigenous, Canadian and European cultures, Québec offers a range of activities, wildlife and gastronomy that can only be found in the province. 

The Dark Sky Reserve 

Located near the United States border, Mont-Mégantic is home to the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve. 

It takes in the Mont Mégantic National Park. 

One million lakes in Québec 

The remnants of the glacier that covered the area in the last ice age has resulted in Québec having over one million lakes ranging from just 15km² to over 2,000km². 

Québec City 

Québec City is the only walled city in North America north of Mexico, with its fortified ramparts dating back around 400 years. 

They were designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1948 and declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1985. 

Canyon Sainte Anne 

Located 30 minutes outside Québec City, Projet Vertical is the world’s first summer and winter mountain sports trail combines hiking and rock climbing with circuits adapted for all levels.   

The trail is set up on a rock face equipped with cables, beams and a variety of bridges and footpaths to facilitate the hike whilst ensuring safety. 

Montréal restaurants 

Montréal has over 26 restaurants per 10,000 people, making it the city with the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada and the second highest in North America after New York. 

Some of the city’s most well known include Toqué, Joe Beef and Europea. 

Vélo Volant Vélo Volant in the Eastern Townships is the world’s highest suspended bicycle ride The VéloVolant ‘Au Diable Vert or Green Devil allows visitors to soar through the treetops between the summits of Mont Sutton, Jay Peak, and Owl’s Head in Eastern Townships on a horizontal bicycle suspended in the air. 

The ‘Big Five’ 

Québec’s special five species are the grey wolf, blue whale, snowy owl, black bear and moose. 

Ice canoeing 

Québec is the only place in the world people can do ice canoeing. 

It was originally a means of transport between Québec City and Lévis on opposite sides of the St Lawrence River when there was too much ice on the river for the ferries to cross. 

Today, it is a competitive sport with crews of five alternately pushing their canoe across the ice on the frozen parts of the river. 

The biggest competition of the year takes place in February during Québec City’s Winter Carnival.

Cirque du Soleil 

Cirque du Soleil or ‘Circus of the Sun’ originated from Baie-Saint- Paul, near Québec City. 

It was established in 1984, when Québec was celebrating the 450th anniversary of Canada's discovery by Jacques Cartier Guy Laliberté presented a proposal for a show called Cirque du Soleil and it has evolved into one of the world's most famous live spectacles. 

Cirque du Soleil now employs 5,000 worldwide and entertains millions of viewers yearly. www.cirquedusoleil.com 

The Hôtel de Glace 

The Hôtel de Glace, located 10 minutes’ drive from downtown Québec City, is the only ice hotel in North America made entirely of ice and snow. 

The structure is rebuilt each year and takes 50 workers, including fifteen sculptors, six weeks to build and requires over 30,000 tons of snow. 

Fairmont Le Château Montebello 

Fairmont Le Château Montebello is the largest log cabin in the world Founded as an exclusive private club in 1930, four-star resort is a red cedar log cabin located in Outaouais, Québec. 

The 211-room property is situated within 65,000 acres of forested wildlife sanctuary. www.fairmont.com/montebello 

Museum Bombardier
The modern day snowmobile 

The modern-day snowmobile was invented by Québécois Joseph-Armand Bombardier, when the original snowmobile model was found to be unsuitable for dealing with humid snow areas in places such as Québec and New England. 

Bombardier, designed the snowmobile we know today and there is a museum dedicated to the legacy of the gentleman 

Daniela Resenterra at dresenterra@hillsbalfour.com