Boutique Luxury at Villa Howden - Hobart, Tasmania

Located on the tranquil shores of the North West Bay just 15 mins from Hobart is a private oasis of calm and sophisticated chic, the stunning estate of Villa Howden. Beckoning discerning couples looking for some luxury and time out in beautiful Tasmania, this delightful villa is set on the edge of the Huon Valley tourist route, making it an ideal base from which to discover the magnificent views from Mount Wellington and all that Hobart and the Huon Valley have to offer. 

The place has just undergone a recent refurbishment programme, including the creation of a piano bar, and is now launched as Villa Howden by Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the year 2007 Val Harding, who knows a thing or two about luxury travel and the very finest of hotel style - she had her own hotel interior design firm in England and later a new hotel cosmetics collection of botanical personal care products called “Serendipity”,  designed exclusively for the finest hotels in Australia and now available internationally. 

A perfect indulgence, staying in one of these 10 luxurious suites with exquisite landscaped gardens on the shores of the North West Bay, where days can be spent touring the local regions or the sights of Hobart, and nights spent enjoying fine dining and a unique and secluded ambiance back at the estate.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge to host 'Tasting at the Top' festival

Foodies take note! Following on from all the excitement of the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival that we blogged about yesterday, today we're warming up for a winter time feast in beautiful Tasmania. Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is set to take gourmet dining to new heights when it plays host to Tasmania's premier culinary festival, 'Tastings at the Top', from Saturday 23 to Monday 25 June.

The idyllic wilderness retreat will provide a stunning backdrop to the gourmet extravaganza, now in its 18th year and rated one of Australia's top food and wine experiences. The event will be jointly hosted by Peter Bourne - widely known as "The Wine Man" from Sydney and Australia's foremost wine educator, long time wine retailer, industry consultant, hospitality trainer and regular wine writer - and Nick Haddow, the owner and artisan cheese maker from Bruny Island Cheese Co. Both Peter and Nick share an intimate knowledge and enthusiasm for Tasmanian produce which translates into a highly entertaining culinary experience.

From degustation dinners to cooking demonstrations, fresh produce markets to wine and cheese tastings and decadent spa treatments at the Lodge's spectacular Waldheim Day Spa, the event encompasses the very best the region has to offer.

Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge is offering a special 3 night package encompassing all scheduled 'Tastings at the Top' events and including accommodation; full mountain breakfast each morning; two lunches; dinner each night including a five-course dinner on Saturday and a gala dinner with entertainment on the last night, matched wines as part of the Tastings program, and the opportunity to sample a wide variety of local produce while mingling with the providores - all for just $1695 per person twin share (all inclusive).

What better way to sample some of the region's finest produce, cuisine and wines, and all in a truly magical setting in Tasmania's wilderness. A perfect winter short break, we think!

For bookings phone Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge on 1300 806 192 or email cradlemountain@peppers.com.au.  You can get further information and a full program of the 'Tastings at the Top' events at the Peppers website.

Discover the very best of Tasmania this Autumn

Tasmania continues to thrive in autumn with an array of exciting events for visitors. Check out some of the great things to see and do in the coming months - like we needed any more reasons to get down to beautiful Tasmania for that perfect short break ... 

MoMa (MONA market)

MONA's newest attraction, MoMa (or MONA Market), held on the roof of MONA every Saturday afternoon. As with all things MONA, MoMa will have art (and a dash of quirkiness) in its veins. Visitors can expect locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce from the Derwent Valley, greater Hobart area and beyond, set alongside craft, art installations, 'other bizarre bits' and 'elements of the unexpected' (in their words).

When: Every Saturday afternoon, throughh to 14 April, 1.30pm to 6.30pm

Where: MONA's rooftop, 655 Main Road, Berriedale

How: Admission is free. 

DEVONPORT FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

Officially launching on March 3 at Ghost Rock Vineyard, the Devonport Food & Wine Festival is a month-long celebration of the region's glorious local cuisine and produce. Cooking classes, cook-offs, exotic barbecues, family picnics, wine and beer tastings, culinary-themed dinners hosted by celebrity chefs, indulgent long lunches in vineyards and other special events are just some of the gourmand treasures in store. The deliciously-packed program of events makes it a great time for food-lovers to explore Devonport.

When: Tuesday 1 March to Sunday 31 March

Where: At various locations throughout Devonport

How: Prices vary from event to event. 

TASTE OF THE HUON

The Taste of the Huon celebrates the epicurean treasures of the Huon Valley, from apples, cherries, berries and mushrooms to salmon and truffles. One of Tasmania's most popular regional events, Taste of the Huon is held over two days, bringing together the best of the Huon and Channel region's provenance, wine, entertainment, arts and crafts. 2012 will be the twentieth year of the festival.

When: Sunday 11 March to Monday 12 March 2012, 10am to 4pm (the event runs to 5.30pm on Sunday)

Where: Ranelagh Showgrounds, Ranelagh, 30 minutes drive south of Hobart. Special buses will run between the festival site and Hobart City.

How: Admission is $8 for adults. Children enter free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. 

LONGFORD REVIVAL FESTIVAL

The Longford Revival Festival made its debut in 2011 to celebrate the international motor racing heritage of the town. Longford played host to the world's greatest F1 racers in the 1950s and 60s, when it hosted the Australian Grand Prix on its 7.2km track. Although the track was closed in 1968, its most famous section, the Flying Mile, is specially reopened during the festival for car races and displays. The festival also plays host to the greatest automotive collection ever put together in the state, fine food and wine from the Tamar Valley, and live 60s music that recalls the town's hey-days.

When: Saturday 24 March to Sunday 25 March 2012
Where: Longford, 20 minutes (24km) south west of Launceston
How: Registrations are currently open for enthusiasts interested in racing or displaying their cars and motorbikes at the festival. There will be a general admission charge. 

VINTAGE IN THE VALLEY  (EASTER LONG WEEKEND)

Vintage in the Valley takes visitors on a harvest celebration at six of the most beautiful vineyards on the West Tamar Valley Wine Route. An additional six local wineries will join the celebration to present a bacchanal (moveable feast), where visitors can savour vintages from vineyard to vineyard complemented with fine local produce and lively entertainment.

When: Saturday 7 to Sunday 8 April 2012 (Easter long weekend)

Where: West Tamar Valley Wine Route - participating host wineries include Velo; Elmslie; Moores Hill; Marions Vineyard; Goaty Hill; and Holm Oak. Guest wineries will include Grey Sands Vineyard; Humbug Reach; Ninth Island; Winter Brook Vineyard; Tamar Ridge and Waterton Hall. 

How: For more information contact Velo Wines Tasmania on 03 6330 3677 or email.

TARGA TASMANIA 

The famous Targa Tasmania car rally has undergone an overhaul, with an additional 70 kilometres and an additional night added to the course. Kicking off with a street festival in Launceston on Thursday night, the competitors will then head for Strahan on Friday and Saturday, before the traditional finish in Hobart on Sunday afternoon. Targa is a must-see for automobile aficionados, as the best touring, sports, and Grand Touring (GT) cars gather on the state to drive through Tasmania's scenic but challenging tarmac roads.  

When: Tuesday 17 April - Sunday 22 April, 2012

Where: Various locations in Tasmania

How: Spectator information will be available on the Targa Tasmania website closer to the date.

TURNING OF THE FAGUS 

Every autumn, Tasmanians follow the tradition of flocking to locations where the Fagus tree can be found, to witness its spectacular range of autumn colours from rust red through to brilliant gold. Called 'The Turning of the Fagus', this stunning sight can only be seen in Tasmania and nowhere else in the world.

What: Witness the fascinating Fagus tree as it turns a spectacular range of autumn colours

When: Late April and early May

Where: The best viewing spots include Mount Field National Park and Cradle Mountain National Park

Head to Tassie, rent a car and hit the road for some really special experiences! For a full and up-to-date listing of Tasmanian events and information on travelling to Tasmania, visit the Discover Tasmania website. 

"Cooking & Lifestyle" holidays at The Red Feather Inn - Tasmania

We've just received word from The Red Feather Inn in Tasmania, announcing the first of their popular Cooking & Lifestyle School calendar for 2012. 

Saturday 14th April - “Tasmanian Bush Tucker Experience”

An amazing nature and wildlife experience with Tasmanian bush legend, Craig Williams from Pepper Bush Adventures. You will see, feel, smell, taste and hear Tasmania. This afternoon / evening trip focuses on gourmet campfire dining and the antics of the wildlife in Tyne Valley on the side of Ben Lomond. All the ingredients are Tasmanian, which is to say, the best there is, the recipes are original and often include native spices or herbs and the combinations of texture and taste are subtle and varied. Naturally, the best Tasmanian wines accompany these dishes, carefully chosen to compliment these culinary creations.

-          Class Cost: $395pp

-          Class & Accommodation Package: $545 per person twin share

-          Inclusions: Free airport transfers, lunch, dinner and cool climate Tasmanian wine. 

-          Breakfast included for accommodation package.

-          Duration: 1pm to 10.30pm

-          Maximum 8 people

Saturday 28th April - “Game Day”

Master Butcher Craig Williams will demonstrate the art of preparing some of Tasmania’s highly renowned wild game meats such as hare, wallaby and venison. You learn some of his secret bush tucker recipes that you will then get to try for lunch. Tanya will then teach you how these same fabulous products are utilised in Australia’s best restaurants.

-          Class Cost: $395pp

-          Class & Accommodation Package: $545 per person twin share

-          Inclusions: Free airport transfers, lunch, dinner and cool climate Tasmanian wine. 

-          Breakfast included for with accommodation package.

-          Duration: 10am to 4pm

Located at Hadspen in the magical countryside of Northern Tasmania, The Red Feather Inn is the perfect place to stay if you're looking to really absorb all that this beautiful region has to offer, from the magnificent South Esk River to the historic homes, lush open gardens, gastronomic experiences, scenic wine routes, world class golfing, highland lakes fishing and an endless scenic coastline all within easy reach of your cosy abode at the inn. The Red Feather even offer guests a picnic basket service, so you can go exploring and enjoy a romantic dining experience, just the two of you, surrounded by this glorious nature. Sounds truly lovely to us!

Life's An Adventure on the Maria Island walk, Tasmania

The rugged and stunning landscape of Tasmania is high on this writer's list to experience - in fact, I've been plotting an escape to our southern isle for some time now, and as it is slowly but surely getting warmer by the day, I've decided this is the kind of trip I want to do: an adventure-based walking holiday on Tasmania's beautiful Maria Island. We're liking the sound of the exclusive new 3 day, fully supported walking holiday with Adventure Tour specialist, Life's An Adventure. 

This unique tour is designed for those looking for a walking and camping holiday experience with all the creature comforts. Passengers can enjoy having their bags carried for all 3 days of their journey, enabling them to concentrate on the spectacular scenery instead of struggling with a heavy pack. From hot showers to walk-in tents and off the ground camping bed, everything has been thought of. There's even gourmet meals on tour, designed and prepared by renowned Tassie master chef Karen Goodwin Roberts author of the Tasmania book 'Picnics in Paradise" and include mouthwatering Tasmanian produce such as BBQ Spring Bay scallops with tomato and verjuice salsa, hot smoked bush liqueur ocean trout, slow cooked beef with bacon and parsley and spiced strawberries and rhubarb with shortbread and meander valley cream. Wondering where the adventure aspect comes in to such a luxury-style walking tour? It's all in the nature and wildlife that surrounds you every step of the way. 

Owner Mark Norek says "Maria Island holds a special place in my heart, I proposed to my wife Vicki on the top of the island's Bishop & Clerk summit. This island is pure heaven and has everything you would want in a walking holiday including spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and so much natural beauty, it's one of Tasmania's little gems that is unknown to many Australians, and I'm very passionate about sharing the secret of this magical place with our guests".

Life's An Adventure's 3 day Maria Island walking holidays start from $999 per person with earlybird savings of $200 per couple. A 10% discount is also available for those combining their Bay of Fires and Maria Island tours. Full details can be found at their website.

Photos courtesy of Nick Osbourne from Osbourne Images.

Escape to The Lair, Tasmania

Architectural and design lovers would find The Lair in Tasmania to be truly contemporary retreat. Nature lovers would delight in it's stunning location on 40 unspoilt acres of forest overlooking the Great Oyster Bay. We just find it to be a shining example of private, self contained luxury! Can you imagine waking up to that view each morning? Each and every room at the Lair is totally immersed natural light with a panoramic view spread out before you, forest stretching to ocean and beyond creating an awe inspiring vista. 

Retreat to one of a pair of identical suites at either end of The Lair, open up all the doors and let this all be yours to dream into the romance of this breathtaking location. You'll find the mini bar stocked with fresh local produce and some of Tasmania's finest wines. There's even a complimentary dry pantry that is full to the brim with everything you need to create your own gourmet feast. Or you can let the staff at The Lair take care of that for you, preparing a menu of seasonal produce, with a wine list of international, national and regional wines. 

Life at The Lair sounds like it's very much about indulgence and total relaxation, in the finest style. Just the way we like it! Not a bad way to while away a few days during a stay in beautiful Tasmania now, is it?