Oceania
Embrace romance in an alluring setting where even the smallest gesture creates indelible memories. Celebrate with Champagne, and wake up to breakfast in bed surrounded by the scent of fresh flowers. Participating St. Regis Hotels & Resorts include the St. Regis Hotel, New York, St. Regis Grand Hotel, Rome, The Lanesborough, St. Regis Hotel, Beijing and St. Regis Resort, Bora Bora.
This video gives an insight into those times when luxury cruising doesn’t quite go as planned. The footage is apparently taken from a cruise aboard the Pacific Sun whilst off New Zealand in July 2008.
Kevin May is editor of Travolution, an industry-focussed magazine for online travel and division of Reed Business Information. It consists of a blog, e-news service and a physical magazine, and is a leader in its field with an advisory board that comprises some of the biggest names in the travel industry.
What is it that you do exactly?
I am responsible for all editorial content on Travolution, including our magazine, website and blog. I also produce our fortnightly podcast, The Purple Pod, and organise our conferences and other events as well as oversee the Travolution Awards. It’s a busy job!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The most rewarding aspect of editing Travolution is being able to track and analyse such a wonderfully diverse and innovative industry as travel and its use of the web. Equally, as a journalist at heart, when we set the record straight or uncover a scoop still gives me an incredible buzz. I’m very lucky to work with some fantastic writers and reporters.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
Hanoi: easily the most fascinating city I have ever visited. My wife and I stayed there during a seven-month jaunt around Asia in 2000. We were mesmerised by the colour and smells, the French and traditional Vietnamese quarters, and – whether it exists in reality or not is another question – a sense of proud nationhood. A remarkable capital in a remarkable country.
Varanasi (Benares): This central Indian city is an assault on the senses and consciousness. Despite it being a place where many people come to die (simply because of its proximity to the holy Ganges river), life abounds everywhere. The customs associated with death, while perhaps alien and odd to some westerners, are seen as life affirming to Hindus, giving it the feeling of being a place where people actually come to celebrate life. My wife was also taken very ill here so I have the utmost respect for Indian medical staff forced to work in, er, challenging conditions.
Lake Toba, Sumatra: The most beautiful place I have had the pleasure of visiting. Once a sunken caldera (super-volcano), currently a giant lake, Toba has incredible feature, plant life and a real feeling of isolation. There are few places on earth that have had such a dramatic physical history and the laid-back attitude of the people is in absolute tune with the environment around them. An almost perfect location on many levels.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
I spent four days practically marooned on a slow boat travelling across the Tonle Sap lake in Cambodia. I ate rice every meal as – being a strict vegetarian – the boiled ‘something’ didn’t appeal and there was absolutely nothing else to eat. After finally arriving in Siem Reap, I ate almost everything I could on the menu at the guesthouse – mounds of vegetables, a huge omelette, slice after slice of bread, any fruit I could get my hands on, cereal, yoghurt… everything. It might not sound like a feast for a king, but it tasted so good.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful and talented people through work or when travelling, although I have a tendency to steer away from so-called celebrities, even when given the opportunity. In fact, most of the “richest” people I’ve met are probably those that have created a fantastic business and subsequently reaped the rewards for their innovation and passion for travel and the Web.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
I am currently at that stage, with a young family, where I am yearning to return to places I have visited previously, primarily – though not guaranteed at all (!!) – in the vain hope of sharing the experiences I had. I hope to return to Angkor Wat in Cambodia one day and also trek the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal (a three-week hike). Egypt, Mexico, Peru and New Zealand would also make my current wishlist.
Unfortunately the overseas trips of a business magazine editor these days consist primarily of enjoying the inside of some very nice hotel conference suites. A shame really…
Thank you, Kevin. And keep up the good work at Travolution!
Set in an unique hilltop location, BEC Spa Resort enjoys extraordinary views of the ocean, mountains and vineyards below.
When only the best is good enough, the Metropolis Hotel Auckland is the place to meet. Under Millennium Hotels & Resorts management from the 1st June 2008, they are delighted to offer you this special introductory offer of $180 (inc GST) per night for a one-bedroom apartment. But be in quick, this offer is for a limited time only!
The AU$60 million resurrection of Melbourne’s grandest heritage hotel is complete. The iconic The Rialto has re-opened as InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, bringing one of the finest brands in international hotel luxury to Australia’s most cosmopolitan and vibrant city. Guests can now experience the only luxury hotel in Melbourne’s financial district, transformed as one of the city’s last and best remaining examples of 19th Century Gothic architecture into a world-class international hotel by Joseph Pang Design Studio. Pang and his team have married the historical aspects of a true architectural icon with an exciting and unexpected contemporary design. The result is an encapsulation of the spirit of Melbourne; a blend of rich and unique history with a cosmopolitan culture that cities the world over aspire too but rarely achieve.
InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto offers all the facilities and services expected of a luxury international hotel, including a variety of five star dining establishments and bars, a stunning Club InterContinental overlooking Collins Street, private business environments and a unique suite collection that will take best advantage of the building’s Gothic heritage.
Suspended between crystal waters and limitless skies, the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa is nestled in a sacred cove of white sand and majestic lava rock…
The Preferred Hotel Group will welcome 13 new members to its portfolio next month, from the stunning Natal Ocean Club on the picturesque coast of Cabo Sao Roque in Brazil, due to open early 2010, to the majestic Leela Palace on the banks of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. In Barcelona, Casanova by Rafael Hotels has been inspired by the city’s Gaudi architecture, formerly an 18th Century limestone residence, it is now a chic haven for those looking for elegant accommodation in this cosmopolitan city. For something further afield, Legends Resort Villas Moorea in French Polynesia has just joined Preferred Boutique – spread across 17 breathtaking acres, the 46 villas, with private decking and Jacuzzi pool, offer guests a slice of paradise. Or for the ultimate in glitz and glamour head to Hotel Zaza Houston in Texas where you’ll be welcomed by delightfully indulgent surroundings and hi style creature comforts.
qualia, Australia’s newest world class luxury resort on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, has much to celebrate since its opening 12 months ago. Most notably it was awarded “Best New Tourism Development” at the 2008 Whitsunday Tourism Awards; in May 2008 qualia was also featured on the cover of the UK version of the Conde Nast Traveller magazine and was the only Australian property listed in the title’s “Definitive Guide To The Hottest New Hotels in the World”.
Located only two to three hours flight time from Australia’s major east coast cities (Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney and Melbourne), qualia offers guests a choice of 60 pavilions: 27 Windward pavilions, each four times the size of an average hotel room with private plunge pool on an expansive deck, and 33 west facing Leeward pavilions. For guests desiring more space the Beach House comes with its own full size swimming pool, extensive entertaining area and a separate guest pavilion.
