A fairy-tale villa in the heart of historic Tuscany

Casolare

• Escape to the Tuscan countryside and immerse yourself in total tranquillity 

Casolare is a true hidden gem located within the historic 1000-year-old Villa Saletta estate near Pisa. A restored former hunting lodge, Casolare sits high on a wooded hill surrounded by ancient forests, vineyards, and olive groves.

The perfect retreat for those wanting both seclusion and serenity, Casolare combines an air of privacy with an effortless sense of laid-back luxury. A perfectly restored villa, Casolare offers an abundance of comfort and style with an elegant interior featuring artisan panelled ceilings, a stone fireplace, antique furnishings, original artworks and a fully equipped contemporary kitchen.

Unique in its distinct architecture, this romantic cottage-style lodge features three bedrooms with the master suite enjoying French doors which open out onto a balcony overlooking mature gardens. The master includes a four-poster bed, Italian linens, wood floors, ornate hand-painted wardrobes and an opulent marble bathroom with both a shower and bath.

The villa itself sleeps six guests with three comfortable bedrooms and five bathrooms. While the atmosphere in the villa is classically Tuscan, Casolare also offers all mod cons including air-con, Wi-Fi and Satellite TV. With an emphasis on the typical alfresco lifestyle intrinsic to life in Tuscany, Casolare offers a wealth of outdoor living spaces. A private pool and jacuzzi are accompanied by an outdoor dining area and a large BBQ. Next to the villa itself is a shaded terrace, while the ample gardens feature ancient oak trees and borders planted with aromatic shrubs and flowers.

Casolare is the perfect Italian escape for friends and family offering a beautiful backdrop thoughtfully designed for total relaxation. Resting in the heart of the majestic Villa Saletta estate, the lodge is bordered by farmland, woodlands, vineyards and olive groves. The estate spans 1,760 acres and includes an award-winning winery and a magical medieval village. The countryside surrounding Casolare is perfect for hiking, biking, horse riding and the typical Tuscan activity of truffle-hunting.

Just a short drive from Pisa airport, Villa Saletta’s impressive estate offers the perfect base for exploring some of Tuscany’s most treasured destinations such as the historic cities of San Gimignano, Volterra, Florence and Siena.

Casolare - Amenities

Bedrooms & bathrooms - Linens, towels, bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, bath products
- Refrigerator, freezer, toaster, icemaker, dishwasher, blender, microwave, oven, stove top, coffee maker
- Initial stock of tea, coffee, milk, fruit juice, bread and butter
Complementary bottle of Villa Saletta wine
Laundry - Washing machine, tumble dryer, iron and ironing board
Daily housekeeping service - 2 hours/day Monday to Friday
– Wifi, Television/DVD player/Bose music player
- Pool towels, Pool heating if requested in advance (additional surcharge)
Bedroom 1 King, Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
Bedroom 2 King, Ensuite bathroom with shower
Bedroom 3 King, Ensuite bathroom with shower

Casolore – Old style hunting lodge set on a wooded hillside above the valley. Sleeps 6 with 3 bedrooms
Prices from: €4,000 for 7-day villa rental (off-season)
Fly to: Pisa or Florence
Nearby Cities: Pisa, Florence, San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena, Lucca

www.villasaletta.com
Instagram: @villasaletta
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Villasaletta
Twitter: @villasaletta1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/villa-saletta/about/
Phone : + 39 0587 628 121
Email : info@villasaletta.com

Visit the Wild at Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo

Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Credit: Visit NSW

Experience an unforgettable safari adventure at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. See hundreds of rare and endangered animals. Explore on foot or ride around on hire bikes or carts. Catch a keeper talk, behind the scenes tour or up-close animal encounter. Wake up in the world one of three overnight experiences. The Safari Lodge offers an African safari getaway right here in Dubbo. Book your adventure today! Find out more at safari.com.au

What are the opening times for Taronga Western Plains Zoo?

Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Credit: Visit NSW

The Zoo is open every day of the year from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the gates opening at 8:30 AM during NSW school holidays.

How far is the Zoo from Dubbo’s CBD?

Five minutes drive, or five kilometres walk/bike ride.

Is there public transport to get to the Zoo?

Yes, there is a public bus service from Dubbo to the Zoo. You can also catch a taxi or hire a car.

What can I do at the Zoo?

• Set the scene for your safari at the free Savannah Welcome Plaza with information, shop, playground and cafe overlooking the Savannah Lake, home to monkeys and lemurs.
• Explore on two wheels or four or even on foot
• Learn more about your favorite animals from Zoo Keepers via live or virtual Keeper Talks.
• Visit the new Waterhole Precinct and check out the outdoor cafe, animal habitats and play area for the kids. It's the perfect place for a break!
• Get up close with the deer herd in the Wild Herds Walkthrough.
• Explore the sprawling Lion Pride Lands Precinct and meet the village goat herd.
• Experience behind the scenes tour or encounter. Tours include a safari into the Lion’s Den or onto the open plains of the Savannah. There's also a morning walk as the animals awaken.
• Encounters offer magical up close movements with a hippo. Merekats or giraffe. Tours and encounters cost in addition to Zoo entry.
• For the ultimate safari stay overnight and wake up in the wild.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Credit: Visit NSW

How do I get around the Zoo?

With a 5.5 kilometres of sealed road and plenty of walking trails, you can hire push bikes or electric carts, bring your own bike, walk or drive your own car.

How long does it take? 

The experience can be as long or short as you like. Tickets are valid for two consecutive days with the second day being free. You can leave and enter the Zoo as often as you wish during opening hours.

What's on the menu? 

Dine in or take away at the Zoo Cafe & Bar in Savannah Welcome Plaza, or relax at The Waterhole. There are also three barbecues and picnic areas located around the Zoo. 

I am travelling with my pet, can we enter? 

Domestic pets pets are prohibited from entering the Zoo. Pet mining options are available in Dubbo. If you have a guide dog or assistance animal, please contact the Zoo in advance of your visit so that arrangements can be made prior to your visit. 

Can I stay overnight? 

Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Credit: Visit NSW

The zoo offers three overnight options 

1) Safari Lodge: an immersive African style safari 

2) Savannah Cabins: self-contained accommodation adjacent to the Zoo and 

3) Billabong Camp: an immersive camping experience where the hard work of setting up camp is done for you.

Contact the Taronga Western Plains Zoo directly to inquire or book 

Address: Obley Rd Dubbo

Phone: 0268811  

Website: www.taronga.org.au/dubbo

*Source: DUBBO VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Corner of Macquarie Street and Newell Highway, Dubbo
Open 7 days, 9am-5pm (Closed Christmas Day)
PHONE 1800 674 443
https://dubbo.com.au/visit

Zafiro Hotels, Mallorca and Menorca

Zafiro Hotels

Zafiro is a family-owned collection of twelve hotels, with eleven on the Spanish island of Mallorca and one on Menorca. 

The group has recently launched its Zafiro Palace collection, which highlights the Zafiro Palace, Alcudia, Zafiro Palace Palmanova, and Zafiro Palace Andratx their three 5-star properties, alongside these there are nine 4-star properties. 

The Zafiro Palace Andratx, the latest addition to the portfolio, is located in the Camp del Mar area of outstanding natural beauty. 

It is the group’s first hotel to offer the new All-Inclusive Redefined concept, which gives guests exclusive extras such as complimentary airport transfers, a VIP concierge service, and various activities included during their stay. 

 www.zafirohotels.com 

*Source: Gina Scott Barber at gscottbarber@grifcopr.com

Oh me oh my - the flying squirrels of Hokkaido!

the flying squirrels of Hokkaido. 
@yupi_hokkaido on Instagram

Is this not the cutest thing you've seen all day? 

These adorable creatures are Ezo momonga, the flying squirrels of Hokkaido. 

This subspecies is endemic to Hokkaido, meaning that they aren't found anywhere else in the world. 

So you'll just have to come to Japan to see them!

What animal would you most love to see in Japan?

#Nature

Japan National Tourism Organization

Instagram: visitjapansg
Website: japanbyjapan.com
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/au/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VisitJapanAU

The Holiday and Travel Magazine

https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com.au

The Anam Mui Ne Debuts on Vietnam’s South Coast in Tribute to Bygone Era

The Anam Mui Ne

Crafted by age-old artisans from across Vietnam, The Anam Mui Ne celebrates its grand opening on January 11 with a design redolent of the Indochine period.

Perched on 1.2 hectares of spectacular oceanfront, the independently owned and operated resort is blazing new ground in Mui Ne, a popular beach town within an easy commute from Ho Chi Minh City.

With 127 elegant rooms and suites, two restaurants and a bar, a five-treatment-room spa, two spacious swimming pools - one freshwater and the other saltwater - a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club, gift shop and more, The Anam Mui Ne is poised to redefine the benchmarks of an upscale experience at Mui Ne.

Borrowing deeply from the templates of architecture inspired by the grand old French villas in Hanoi, and the garden homes of Central Vietnam, the new resort pays homage to both colonial-era and classic Vietnamese aesthetics. To wit, the customized encaustic mosaic tiles, Cham decorative vases and statues on plinths, teak furniture crafted from sustainable forests, stone from Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, and authentic thatched roofs from Binh Thuan.

Vietnamese artists were commissioned to create 250 original oil paintings for each room and suite, as well as the lobby, restaurants and hallways. The artists include painters Bui Van Quang, who is renowned for his paintings portraying daily Vietnamese life, and Vu Trong Anh, who’s won acclaim for his modern, abstract interpretations of Vietnamese scenery.

The Anam Mui Ne is preceded by the 2017 launch of The Anam Cam Ranh, that’s been lauded by some of the industry’s highest accolades including placement among Asia’s top resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards in 2021 and 2020.

Situated on Mui Ne’s beach strip Nguyen Dinh Chieu, the resort overlooks one of southern Vietnam’s most inspiring white sand beaches and affords sweeping East Sea vistas. Mui Ne’s attractions include its beach, sand dunes, fishing village, Cham towers and “Fairy Stream” - a shallow stream that flows through vivid orange and white limestone formations. An expressway due to open shortly will cut the drive from Ho Chi Minh City to two hours. An international airport is set to open in Mui Ne in 2025.

For Vietnam-born founder and owner Pham Van Hien, the resort makes for a significant expansion of the brand that references another name “An Nam”, which was the name of Central Vietnam during the French Indochina era. He has played a hands-on role in the design of the resort, applying valuable lessons he learnt from bringing The Anam Cam Ranh to fruition.

“My ambition for The Anam has always been to create, through and through, an intimate, classic and distinctly Vietnamese hotel brand that is a welcome counterpoint to the industrialised hotel chains that are increasingly targeting Vietnam with properties that, quite frankly, you could find anywhere,” Mr Hien said.

The resort’s 127 rooms and suites across six accommodation categories form a loose rectangular U-shaped configuration that opens up views of the ocean, lush gardens, the resort’s swimming pools and Mui Ne town. The Private Pool Suites and Presidential Suite are the resort’s leading accommodation categories. The 142sqm Private Pool Suites have their own 22sqm private pools complemented with terraces decked with sun loungers. The 122sqm Presidential Suite features an indoor dining area, lounge and kitchenette, as well as a separate room for security personnel.

Comprising an all-day dining restaurant and grill called The Indochine, beachside restaurant and bar Lang Viet Restaurant and Bar, elegant Saigon Bar in the lobby and 24-7 in-room dining, the resort’s dining landscape’s offerings range from gourmet delicacies to traditional home style cooking and street food-inspired classics.

The Anam Spa has five treatment rooms, including three VIP rooms designed for couples - each equipped with two massage beds and a deep-soaking bathtub - as well as two single rooms, two steam rooms, saunas, indoor Jacuzzis and a beauty salon.

The resort leverages its natural surrounds as opportunities for kitesurfing, jet skiing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, bodyboarding, Kymera body boarding and surfing at Mui Ne beach.

The resort will open with a ban on single-use plastics and has implemented an array of measures to reduce its carbon footprint ranging from solar power and locally sourced ingredients. Laundry water is recycled to water the gardens. Straws, bags and bathroom amenities are biodegradable. The resort’s eco-friendly key cards are also made from wood that’s been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

Please visit www.theanam.com or email info.mn@theanam.com

*Source: Jade Bilowol | Account Manager | Balcony Media Group | +61.416.719.281 |
Skype: jade.v.davis | jbilowol@balconymediagroup.com | www.balconymediagroup.com

COUNTING DOWN TO THE WORLD ATHLETICS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS

World Athletics Cross Country Championships

The first Australian athletes to qualify for the World Athletics Cross Country Championships have visited the course in Bathurst, less than a month out from the event.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole encouraged the public to be part of the world-class event and register for one of the participation races, by signing up a school or club to run the same course as the professionals or booking a spectator ticket on the iconic home straight at Mount Panorama.

“Bathurst is known for adrenaline-fuelled sporting achievements, and the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will be right at home at Mount Panorama with more than 500 athletes competing from 68 nations,” Mr Toole said.

“It’s wonderful to have members of team Australia visit the course ahead of the February 18 event, and the entire community looks forward to cheering them on when they take to the starting line to compete for a World Championship title.”

On top of the mass participation and elite events, the World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 2023 will also include the first-ever World Masters Short Course Cross Country Championships. This will be the first time a World Masters Athletics event has been integrated with a World Athletics Cross Country Championships.

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the event formed part of the NSW Government’s 10 World Cups in 10 Years strategy.

“We’re thrilled the World Athletics Cross Country Championships will be held in regional NSW, showcasing Bathurst and the Central West to athletes, officials, media and supporters from around the globe,” Mr Franklin said.

“The NSW Government is committed to cementing the State’s position as the major events capital of the Asia Pacific and providing a return to businesses engaged in the visitor economy by attracting as many visitors to the State as possible.”

The Hon Scott Barrett MLC said: “Anyone who comes to the Central West for this exciting event will certainly be impressed by the world-class hospitality of the region, the classic Australian country landscape and the warmth of the local people.

“This isn’t just a win for Bathurst. I hope visitors and athletes alike will take the chance to explore the region, try food from our pubs, cafes and restaurants and take in everything that Bathurst has to offer.”

World Athletics Cross Country Championships Bathurst 2023 General Manager Richard Welsh said: “It’s shaping up to be an outstanding field of the world’s best athletes with Olympians, past medal winners and 68 countries registered already for fans to cheer from the sidelines – but this event is also for everyone to come out and have a go.”
LEARN MORE

*Source: Destination NSW

OurAfrica.Travel virtual trade show

www.ourafrica.travel/ 

The fourth OurAfrica.Travel virtual trade show takes place from 20 to 24 February 2023. 

It offers the chance for travel journalists to book 20-minute, one-to-one, online meetings with representatives the African & Indian Ocean Islands travel trade. 

The trade show will operate almost 24 hours each day to accommodate the different time zones. There is no cost for journalists, travel buyers, tour operators, travel agents and destination specialists to participate.

 

Exhibitors already confirmed for the event include : Asilia Africa, Bushtops Camps, Cheetah Plains, Chiwani Safari ,Machaba Safaris ,Madikwe Safari Lodge ,Inspirational Places ,Ker & Downey Botswana, Robin Pope Safaris, MalaMala Mantis Collection, Mashatu, Onguma Sala beach House, Shamwari, South African Tourism, The Liz McGrath Collection, The Oyster Collection, Thornybush Weeva, and the Zanzibar Collection. 

For media registration : https://ourafrica.travel/media/ 

 www.ourafrica.travel/ 

*Source: Claire Roadley at claire@umlingo.co.uk

Walk your walk into the new year!

WANDERING THE WORLD'S ANNUAL MELBOURNE WALK:

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2023

Spread the word - 9.00am for a coffee before we head off at 9.30am.
Family, friends and furry ones all welcome.

Join us for a leisurely 8km lap of the Tan, the MCG and back through the Botanical Gardens on Saturday February 18 at 9.30 am.

Where: The Kiosk Coffee Shop, Observatory Gate,
Royal Botanical Gardens, Melbourne
When: Saturday February 18, 2023
Time: 9.00am for a 9.30am departure

Guided walks with availability for this year…

Portugal Coastal Camino – May 17 (2 places left), September 5 (4 places left), October 10 (6 places left)

Nakasendo Way, Japan - October 15, 2023 (3 places left)

All other guided walks for 2023 are fully subscribed, shortly we will be releasing 2024 dates!

We are always here to assist with our self-guided walks. Wandering the World will make all your arrangements, move your luggage and all you have to do is enjoy your walk!

Visit our website and start planning your next adventure
www.wanderingtheworld.com.au

Laguna Golf Lang Co Renews Membership of Elite Club

The Sir Nick Faldo Signature Design at Laguna Golf Lang

Co is recognized as one of the region’s premier tests

Laguna Golf Lang Co, one of Vietnam’s leading clubs, has strengthened its ties with the Asian Tour by renewing its status as an Asian Tour Destination until 2025.

An exclusive network of 12 elite clubs with direct ties to the Asian Tour, the Asian Tour Destinations collective was founded as a vehicle to help grow the game and accelerate the recovery of golf tourism in the region.

As well as Laguna Golf Lang Co, whose Sir Nick Faldo Signature layout is regarded among the best in Vietnam, the collective includes clubs in Thailand, Japan, Indonesia, Cambodia, India, and Singapore.

The other current member clubs are Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club, and Kota Permai Golf & Country Club in Malaysia, Parahyangan Golf in Indonesia, Sapporo Country Club, and The North Country Golf Club in Japan, Black Mountain Golf Club, Aquella Golf & Country Club, and Laguna Golf Phuket in Thailand, Angkor Golf Resort in Cambodia, and Classic Golf & Country Club in India.

According to Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner, and CEO of the Asian Tour, “the main objective of Asian Tour Destinations is to provide an affiliate membership program between the associated venues and the Asian Tour, to drive sustainable growth and development for the betterment of golf in the region as a whole.

Being a part of the Asian Tour Destinations network means that each venue is certified Tour calibre and operates a comprehensive range of facilities and services to their members and guests under tournament-ready conditions all-year-round. The Asian Tour has also been a longtime supporter of the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final which is hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at Laguna Golf Lang Co each year.

Indeed, the Faldo Series has announced that it will return to Laguna Lang Co for the next four years as it names the integrated resort — which is also home to award-winning accommodations Banyan Tree Lang Co and Angsana Lang Co — as the “Home of the Faldo Series Asia”.

The benefits of being involved in the Asian Tour Destinations collective are myriad. Asian Tour members will be able to play and practice at each venue, allowing for the members at each club to enjoy direct engagement with the region’s best golfers.

“Vietnam’s golf scene is going from strength to strength following the pandemic,” said Adam Calver, Director of Golf & Destination Marketing at Laguna Lang Co. “Asian Tour Destinations is a perfect fit for us. We are committed to help grow the game here and we have some of the best beachfront accommodation in Vietnam to support that strategy.”

The new partnership is another indication of the willingness of Laguna Golf Lang Co to deploy a “team ethic” to enhance Asia’s golf appeal. The club already plays a leading role in the Vietnam Golf Coast, a destination marketing effort involving top clubs in Central Vietnam that is geared towards cementing the area’s status as one of Asia’s leading places for play.

“Asia’s reputation as a golf destination is as bright as it has ever been,” added Calver. “Together we can showcase all these great courses as well as the compelling tourism activities available along Vietnam’s Golf Coast.”

*Source: Duncan Forgan | Account Manager | Balcony Media Group | +66 917029215 | Skype: duncan.forganEmail: dforgan@balconymediagroup.com | www.balconymediagroup.com

Our Wartime Legacy in Cowra, Australia

The Cowra Breakout - Visit Cowra

Cowra is steeped in rich history and heritage, from the thorn grounds of the Cowra POW Camp and War Cemeteries, to the uplifting significance of Australia's World Peace Bell.

The Cowra Breakout

At 1:50 AM on the 5th of August 1944, over 1000 Japanese prisoners launched a mass escape from the Cowra Prisoner of War Camp. It was the largest prisoner of war outbreak in modern military history. 234 Japanese prisoners and five Australian soldiers lost their lives. From this violent beginning, both a journey of reconciliation and a growing friendship have developed between the people of Cowra and the nation of Japan.

Prisoner of War Campsite

The ruins of the Prisoner of War Campsite are still visible to this day, well placed interpretive signage will help you visualise what once stood in this picturesque part of Cowra. Stand under the replica guard tower where a detailed audio presentation will bring the scenery around you to life. Take a stroll down the paths throughout the site to the five-panel commemorative sculpture. Walk or cycle through the Garrison Walk, taking you straight into the beautiful Japanese Garden and Cultural Centre.

War Cemeteries

Cowra Japanese War Cemetery - Visit Cowra

The Cowra Japanese War Cemetery contains the graves of the 234 Japanese soldiers who were killed in the Cowra Breakout as well as all the Japanese Nationals who died on Australia soil during World War Two. This is the only Japanese War Cemetery outside of Japan. The Australian War Cemetery adjoins the Japanese War Cemetery and contains graves of the servicemen who died at the Cowra Military Training Camp, as well as the five Australian soldiers killed during the 1944 breakout.

Indonesian Graves

Whilst the story of the Cowra Breakout is relatively well known, it is a little known fact that 1,200 Indonesian internees were held at the Cowra POW camp during World War Two. Two groups were brought to the POW Camp, the first being merchant navy sailors, the second being nationalists who had been exiled to what is now Irian Jaya (Dutch New Guinea) after they had been involved in the 1926 uprising.

The Dutch Government thought that the Nationalists would link up with the invading Japanese forces and were able to convince the Australian government to ship the men, women and children to Australia (Cowra) for internment.

The Indonesian Memorial is made up of the graves of 13 Indonesian political detainees who died in the Cowra POW camp while being held on behalf of the Dutch East Indies Government in the early years of World War Two.

In 1997 the Indonesian Government erected a memorial to these people in the General Section of the Cowra Cemetery. It was through Jan Lingard from the School of Asian Studies at the University of Sydney that this hidden story was revealed.

Australia's World Peace Bell

Australia's World Peace Bell - Visit Cowra

Made from melted down coins donated by 106 member countries of the United Nations, Australia's World Peace Bell is a testament to Cowra’s longstanding contribution to world peace and international understanding. Recognized by the World Peace Bell Association in 1992, the bill is proudly housed in Cowra Civic Square where visitors can read the interpretive signage, listen to the audio presentation and even ring the bell itself.

Europa Park

From 1940 to 1945, the Cowra Military Training Camp trained some 80,000 military personnel. In 1949 the site became the Cowra Migrant Camp and was the home to about 17,000 European migrants until 1955. Up to 4,000 immigrants could be housed at the camp at one time with as many as 27 nations represented among those who live there. An estimated total of between 17,000 and 19,000 people passed through the gates of the camp throughout its time of operation.

Europa Park - Visit Cowra

The camp itself was run like a small town, boasting its own post office, school, canteen and chapel. Many of the men were sent away to work on neighbouring towns for projects such as the railway construction in Orange, constructing dams and working at the Edgell Cannery.

Interpretive signage and a memorial have been erected in honour of the migrant families of Cowra in Europa Park.

*Source: Cowra Visitor Information Centre

Address: Corner of Mid Western Highway, Young Road and Boorowa Road, Cowra

Phone: 02 6342 4333
Fax: 02 6342 4563

Email: info@cowratourism.com.au