WEST SIDE STORY OPENS ON SYDNEY HARBOUR

In what is set to be the most successful production in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s eight-year history, West Side Story is opening its spectacular outdoor stage show to audiences tonight. This new take on the 1950s Romeo-and-Juliet inspired tale is the first Broadway musical to be performed on the famous overwater stage, with home-grown talents Alexander Lewis and Julie Lea Goodwin starring as the two star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria.

This production, supported by the NSW Government through by Destination NSW, takes place in front of the iconic harbourside backdrop and features Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour’s signature fireworks. Audiences can expect fresh operatic renditions of the musical’s hit songs I Feel Pretty, Maria, Somewhere, America, Cooland Tonight, with a colourful array of costumes and an impressive set which includes a nine-metre long subway car and a giant 15-metre tall highway overpass.

Performances are scheduled from 22 March through 21 April at Mrs Macquarie’s Point. Tickets are selling quickly so keen theatregoers are encouraged to secure their seats as soon as possible.

Visit opera.org.au

SYDNEY WEEKENDER EPISODE SHOWCASES THE REMARKABLE RIVERINA

Country charm, fresh produce, quaint cafes and outdoor adventures featured in a jam-packed Riverina Murray region special episode of Channel 7’s popular travel show Sydney Weekender, which aired last Sunday. The programme was secured by Destination NSW.

Host Mike Whitney anchored the episode from the heart of the Riverina region in the delightful town of Narrandera; visiting some furry friends at the local Flora and Fauna Reserve and enjoying the grandeur of the surrounding wilderness at Lake Talbot Lookout. Mike showcased the charming 100-year-old Tall Trees Cottage as the perfect home-away-from-home, and enjoyed the abundant fresh produce from Glendale Orchard and Hazelnut Farm.

The episode also gave viewers a glimpse into farm life in Wagga Wagga; picking and tasting fresh fruits at Bidgee Strawberries and Cream and making new four-legged friends at the spectacular Belisi Farm Stay. The Ten Mile eatery and Holbrook Bakery featured as prime spots to pull-in for a bite to eat while travelling on the Hume Highway. With the nearby town of Balranald acting as a gateway to the Aussie outback, Sydney Weekender also joined Outback Geo Adventures to explore Yanga and Mungo National Parks.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said promotional activity like this is crucial for showcasing the breadth of activities and experiences available in regional and rural NSW.

“As the name of Channel 7’s show Sydney Weekender suggests, the remarkable Riverina Murray region is the perfect opportunity to escape the city for a weekend getaway,” Ms Chipchase said.

“The NSW Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, is determined to keep putting more heads on beds and encouraging local spending in rural and regional areas because ultimately, it’s the entire State which reaps the benefits of tourism growth.

“Tourism is everyone’s business – it turbocharges local economies, generates jobs and drives investment. Our State is at the top of the Australian tourism industry and we are steadfast in our commitment to continuing our lead, while giving visitors the opportunity to seize on the very best experiences NSW has to offer.”

For more information on Destination Riverina Murray go to: riverinamurray.com.au

Embark on a Digital Detox Stay with HOSHINOYA Fuji

Japan’s first glamping resort, HOSHINOYA Fuji, has launched a “Digital Detox Stay” experience for cleansing the soul. In this program, guests can learn about Mt. Fuji’s spiritual history from a town nestled in the foot of Mt. Fuji, and a unique teaching known as the “Purification of the Six Roots of Perception”, referring to the five senses plus the Buddhist sixth sense of mind.

Through a stay located right at the base of Mt. Fuji and a tour of the mountain trail’s historic sites, modern travellers long exposed to the stresses of a digital society can refresh their physical senses, revive their mental sense, and gain the energy to face tomorrow.

Development of the Program
Our HOSHINOYA resorts are designed with the concept of a “digital detox”, where guests have the rare chance to distance themselves from electronic devices and instead utilize time for self-reflection and contemplation, all while enjoying a program that highlights unique features of the local region. HOSHINOYA Fuji’s Digital Detox Stay takes place in the world cultural heritage site of Mt. Fuji, long acknowledged for its important role in the religious and cultural development of the Japanese people. Most notable is its status as a pilgrimage destination for many devoted worshippers, who cut ties with worldly desires while reciting the “Six Roots of Perception” purification chant in order to cleanse both their physical bodies and their spiritual minds. In this modern era, climbing Mt. Fuji has become a common form of leisure, but in this program, guests carry out an authentic part of this traditional mountain pilgrimage while learning about its history. In addition, the combination of a stay at a glamping resort away from everyday life amidst nature with a purification of the six senses is thought to be able to help to reduce stresses and worries faced by modern city dwellers.

Three Highlights of a Digital Detox Stay

1. Learn about the spiritual history of Mt. Fuji from the foot of the mountain
Participants will learn about worshipping Mt. Fuji in Fujiyoshida, a town located at the foot of the mountain. A gate called Kanadorii serves as the starting point for a roughly 20-minute journey towards the Oshi (priest) Family Residence. Kanadorii has played an important role as the entrance to the spiritual world of Mt. Fuji since the Edo period, and the Oshi Family Residence has served as a resting point for worshippers for over 400 years. When guests reach the residence, they will eat “Oshi
Cuisine”, a lunch traditionally served to climbers, and listen to the head’s discussion of Mt. Fuji’s religion. Afterwards, guests are invited to pay homage to the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Shrine located at entrance of the mountain trail as they continue in the footsteps of those who climbed Mt. Fuji many years ago.

2. Tour historic sites along the mountain trail while purifying the “Six Roots of Perception”
To carry out the purification ritual of the Six Roots of Perception--a historically important part of climbing Mt. Fuji--guests will begin their trek at the starting point of the Yoshida Trail, past the roads where horses can travel, and continue until they reach the third station.

The “Six Roots of Perception” is a Buddhist term for the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Cleansing these six senses through virtuous training and ridding them of impurities is thus called the Purification of the Six Roots of Perception. Absorbing one’s self in trekking while reciting the purification chant, one will be able to sense their entire body and mind being cleansed. On this remote trail, untouched by horses’ hooves, lie several historical sites of Mt. Fuji remaining from the Edo period, such as purification ceremony areas, shrines, lodging houses, and so on. Enjoy tracing back the culture of worshipping Mt. Fuji as you trek in the footsteps of former mountain climbers.

3 HOSHINOYA Fuji as your lodging destination
The Oshi Family Residence appreciates and warmly receives those who successfully finish climbing the mountain. In this program, after the trek, HOSHINOYA Fuji will take the place of the Oshi Family Residence and serve “HOSHINOYA Fuji-style Oshi Cuisine” to welcome back participants from the mountain. The menu, supervised by HOSHINOYA Fuji chefs, references the local cuisine in dishes such as houtou noodle stew and seida no tamaji potatoes. As the senses have now been sharpened after the climbing purification, your heightened sense of taste will better perceive the complicated flavors and fragrances of the ingredients.

HOSHINOYA Fuji (Kawaguchi-ko, Yamanashi Prefecture)

“Digital Detox Stay” Program Launch

Tour Mt. Fuji’s historic spiritual sites and cleanse your sixth sense

Period: May 1st to June 30th, 2019

SYDNEY TO FAREWELL WALLABIES BEFORE WORLD CUP

Sydney will officially farewell the Wallabies before they depart for the 2019 Rugby World Cup, after the NSW Government secured their final Test Match ahead of the international tournament in Japan.

Rugby Australia has hand-picked the NSW Government through its major events and tourism agency, Destination NSW, to host the exclusive Farewell Test Match between the Wallabies and Samoa at the newly-built Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta on September 7.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase said securing the Wallabies’ Farewell Test exemplifies why NSW is regarded as the adrenaline sports capital of Australia.

“We are delighted Sydney has been selected to farewell the Wallabies before they head to Japan for the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Major sporting events like this are crucial to ensuring our State’s tourism economy continues to flourish; not only attracting players and coaches to Sydney, but rugby fans who are keen to witness the world’s best in action,” Ms Chipchase said. The Wallabies Farewell Test Match has bolstered the international Rugby calendar in NSW, with the Wallaroos also set to play a two-Test series against Japan on 13 July in Newcastle and 19 July at North Sydney Oval.

Lights, Camera, Action, ‘Vivid’ Sydney Cruises 2019

Vivid Sydney, the largest and most exciting outdoor lighting, music and ideas festival in the Southern Hemisphere, is back bigger and brighter from 24 May to 15 June 2019. With Sydney Harbour as the centerpiece see the city light up on a range of Captain Cook Vivid Cruises.

From family-friendly to dining luxury there is a Captain Cook Vivid cruise for everyone. All boats travel through a spectrum of light as they cruise the Vivid Sydney Harbour precincts. Book early and secure the best deals online with savings of up to 35%.

Families can see the full canvas of Vivid Sydney and avoid the pedestrian crowds from the comfort of your cruise ship on the one-hour Vivid Lights cruise. The Vivid Lights cruise departs nightly at 6.45pm and 8.00pm from Barangaroo, King St Wharf No.1 with up to five additional departures at 5.45pm, 6.15pm, 7.00pm, 8.15pm and 9.15pm on peak evenings. Book now from only $25 per person normally $39 per person.

Enjoy the full canvas of lights over a leisurely dinner on the Vivid 5.00pm or Vivid 7.30pm Dinner and Drinks. Both cruises include a three-course Contemporary Australian set menu and an open bar of Tyrrell’s house wine, Toohey’s New beer and soft drinks.

The Vivid 5.00pm Dinner and Drinks is from $69 per person, normally $89 per person and departs nightly at 5.00pm from Barangaroo, King St Wharf No.1, returning at 6.30pm. The Vivid 7.30pm Dinner and Drinks is from $99 per person, normally $159 per person and departs nightly at 7.30pm from Barangaroo, King St Wharf No.1, disembarking at Circular Quay or Barangaroo.

The Vivid 7.30pm Gold Penfolds Dinner and Drinks is the ultimate way to experience Vivid. This extravagant cruise includes a five-course degustation menu with Penfolds gold selection of bin and vintage wines to accompany each course and an open bar of house spirits, beer and soft drinks and live music.

Vivid 7.30pm Gold Penfolds Dinner and Drinks is priced from $199 per person, normally $245 per person and departs nightly at 7.30pm from Barangaroo, King St Wharf No.1.

All dinner cruises operate on board the prestigious MV Sydney 2000 displaying the official `Vivid Sydney' lighting installation or MV John Cadman with the ‘#ilovesydney’ installation.

Guaranteed window seating is available for an additional $19 to $25 per person.

For further information and bookings visit https://www.captaincook.com.au/sydney-harbour-cruises/whats-on-in-sydney/vivid-festival/

New Year's Eve at Sydney Opera House

Exclusive Pre-sale:
On now until Monday 1 April

The best New Year's Eve of your life is waiting at the Sydney Opera House.

Watch the romantic La Bohème or The Opera Gala and enjoy drinks or a wonderful meal overlooking Sydney Harbour, as you count down to the festival of fire.

Go on, make this your most glamorous New Year ever. There’s nowhere closer to the action than the Sydney Opera House.

BOOK NOW

Pre-performance Dinner
Look out over Sydney Harbour as you dine on a three-course menu in the Northern Foyer.

FIND OUT MORE

Midnight Party
Canapés, drinks and live entertainment following the performance, with views of the midnight fireworks from the Northern Foyers.
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Platinum Package
Pre-performance dinner, Premium seats, a program, drink at interval, and the Midnight Party.
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Our tour to Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park

Awarded as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park contains the oldest karst mountains in Asia, and the distinguished Phong Nha cave with its magical beauty. Phong Nha Cave was formed by tectonic happening in the heart of Ke Bang limestone mountains hundreds of millions of years ago. 

The area is considered a paradise for researchers and explorers of grottoes and caves; so far only 20 of its 70-km total length has been explored by Vietnamese and British scientists.
INDOCHINA TRAVEL SERVICES CO., LTD. 
website: http://www.itsvietnam.com
Address : Suite 1705 - Artex building - 172 Ngoc Khanh, Ba Dinh, Ha Noi, Viet Nam
Tel : + 84 24 62514052
Fax : + 84 24 62514051
Email : info@itsvietnam.com

2019 Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Regatta

Shoal Bay's waters will be filled with paddlers when Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Club hosts its popular annual regatta March 30th and 31st.

Racing will be staged out of Shoal Bay all day on Saturday March 30th, and half a day on Sunday March 31st.

Novice, junior, ultra short course (4 kilometres) races will begin the regatta followed by the men's, women's and mixed short course (11km), women's and mixed long course (16.5km) and men's long course (18km).

The Port Stephens club has entered a record five crews in the OC6 ultra short course plus a ladies and mixed crew each in the short course and one mixed team in the long course.

2019 Port Stephens Outrigger Canoe Regatta
Date and Time: Saturday 30th March; 7am to Sunday 31st March; 1pm.
Location: Shoal Bay Beach, Shoal Bay Road, Shoal Bay NSW 2315

Aava Resort & Spa

Aava Resort & Spa

Aava Resort & Spa is a Scandinavian owned spa resort in Khanom, Nakhon Si Thammarat province in South Thailand. It combines traditional Thai friendliness and family values with Scandinavian quality and design.

The resort is set in a prime location on the stunning Nadan beach, a 9-kilometre stretch of pristine golden sands and clear blue water. Khanom is also renowned for its rare pink dolphins. Locals here are proud of this rare animal species and wish to protect its original idyllic living environment on the coastline of Khanom.

The fresh, unique, style of Aava Resort & Spa is apparent in the design and décor of the bungalows and villas which are decorated harmoniously with the natural surroundings. All rooms at Aava Resort are equipped with a satellite TV and a personal safe. Separate living areas and tea/coffee making facilities are provided.

Aava Resort hosts numerous wellness events and activities such as yoga retreats and daily meditation, Pilates, Tai Chi and Muay Thai lessons. The onsite restaurant serves a mixture of European and Asian dishes. There is also a Pizzeria, bakery and cocktails at the pool bar.

ASIA DMC Thailand
152 Chartered Square Building, 15th Floor, Unit 15-09, North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
T: +66 2 266 5633     F: +66 2 266 5632
E: thailand@asiadmc.com

ASIA DMC Australia & New Zealand
1474 SH10, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands 0293 New Zealand
Mr. Mark Snoxell
T:+64 27 4373189/ +64 27 4373189
E: mark@asiadmc.com

www.asiadmc.com

ASCOTT UNVEILS CITADINES CONNECT BUSINESS HOTELS TO EXPAND SHORT-STAY OFFERINGS

A sub-brand of the established Citadines serviced residence brand, Citadines Connect business hotels with limited services cater to highly mobile, constantly connected travellers

CapitaLand’s wholly owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has launched Citadines Connect, a line of business hotels with selected services, to widen its short-stay offerings as it continues to grow its portfolio. A sub-brand of Ascott’s well-established Citadines serviced residence brand, Citadines Connect business hotels cater to frequent travellers who are constantly connected, offering a chic living experience in vibrant city destinations.

Citadines Connect business hotels will have tech-enabled features such as mobile keys, self check-in kiosks, smart washing machines or laundromats, content streaming-enabled televisions, and Google cloud printers. Guests can enjoy the convenience of ‘Grab & Go’ counters offering food and beverage options and daily necessities, common pantry areas, meeting pods, as well as 24/7 gymnasiums. They can also relax at the ‘Refresh and Recharge’ spaces that come with private napping pods with USB charging points, lockers and shower rooms. The hotels offer mostly studio rooms ranging from 18 to 21 square metres.

Mr Alfred Ong, Ascott's Head for Global Operations, said: “Citadines is Ascott’s fastest growing brand. It has a strong reputation amongst travellers who enjoy the flexibility to choose the services according to their lifestyles. Riding on the worldwide popularity of the Citadines brand which focuses on the extended-stay market, we are introducing the Citadines Connect sub-brand to capture the short-stay segment. The Citadines Connect brand, which offers contemporary and tech-enabled hotel accommodation in well-connected locations, cater to highly mobile business travellers who appreciate convenience, fuss-free services, online connectivity and recreational experiences.”

“We see strong potential for the short-stay segment and hotel rates are rising given the rapid growth in global mobility, bleisure travel and a flourishing gig economy. More and more skilled professionals are taking on short-term, freelancing and ad-hoc work assignments which require them to travel frequently. We will leverage Ascott’s international network and strong management capabilities to bring the Citadines Connect brand to key gateway cities such as Hong Kong, Paris, Seoul and Tokyo as well as popular destinations in Southeast Asia where there is high demand for quality, short-term accommodation.”

Mr Ong added: “By extending our range of product offerings with Citadines Connect, we can scale up our lodging business at a faster rate and further sharpen our expertise in managing hotel assets. Our business partners and guests alike can choose from a wide variety of lodging products that can best cater to their business models, travel patterns, and accommodation needs.”

The two properties to debut under the Citadines Connect brand are in highly attractive locations in the top cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and New York. Ascott is also looking to rebrand its properties such as Temple Bar Hotel Dublin in Ireland and The Domain Hotel Sunnyvale in Silicon Valley, California to Citadines Connect.

Citadines Connect Sydney Airport

The 150-unit prime freehold business hotel is currently operating as Felix Hotel and will be rebranded as Citadines Connect Sydney Airport in May 2019. Located in Mascot within the city of Botany Bay, it is within walking distance to the Mascot railway station and Sydney Airport – Australia's busiest airport which caters to around 44.4 million passengers in 2018 and is forecast to receive around 60.7 million passengers by 2033. The business parks of Alexandria, Botany, Mascot and Waterloo, The Lakes and The Australian golf clubs as well as the Westfield Eastgardens Shopping Centre are all nearby. Sydney’s Central Business District is within a 15-minute drive or ride by train. The precinct is further earmarked for development to accommodate future population and employment growth capitalising on its accessibility to public transport.

Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York

Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York is centrally located in the heart of Manhattan. Attracting a good mix of both corporate and leisure travellers, the property with 125 rooms is performing well with an average occupancy rate of more than 95%. Citadines Connect Fifth Avenue New York is steps away from Times Square, Fifth Avenue, the Theatre District and Rockefeller Center. It is also a short walk from key attractions such as the Empire State Building, Museum of Modern Art and Grand Central Station.

Since Ascott acquired the Citadines Apart’hotel serviced residence chain in 2004, it has expanded the Citadines portfolio by about five times from 5,100 apartment units in 18 European cities to about 25,000 units in over 140 properties and 86 cities across Asia Pacific, Europe, the U.S. and the Middle East. Last year, Ascott invested in TAUZIA Hotel Management, one of Indonesia’s top five hotel operators, to capitalise on opportunities in the growing middle-class hotel segment.

Business travel spending has been growing steadily from 2012 to 2017 and is expected to grow at an average rate of about 5% to US$1.7 trillion by 2022. This year, hotel rates are also expected to rise 3.7% globally.