The Zetter Townhouse, London

 

Just across the historic cobbles of St John Square and a mere 21 steps from its sister Zetter Hotel is a traditional 13 bedroom Georgian Townhouse hotel that has us feeling a flush of eccentricity. The Zetter Townhouse is a curious mix of suites, a cocktail lounge and a table tennis games room (of course!), all in an atmosphere that is typical London style savvy - a perfect mix of old and new, parlour mixed with vintage kitsch. Sash windows, drapes, heavy timbers and four poster beds give the distinct air of a place that has been born of yesteryear, but it has been brought right into the noughties with hi tech facilities (think Ipod docks, flat screens and sound systems in the rooms).  Located in one of London's most fashionable neighbourhoods, Clerkenwell, The Zetter Townhouse has the ideal position of being on the edge of the city (the West End is a 10 minute taxi ride) and yet it's right in the middle of a buzzing, lively area that is home to some of the city's best restaurants and bars, and a vibrant cultural scene. It certainly offers a unique way to stay and play when in London. 

W is for WOW!

W Hotels are known for their uber-chic and contemporary design, and when you add that style to a tropical island in Puerto Rico, you've got a sultry and sublime combo!

W Vieques is the second fully fledged 'retreat' (rather than a 'hotel') in the world to be opened under the W name. The retreat has been washed in bright rainbow colours and textured woods to set the scene for totally sophisticated indulgence. The design calibre is high on this one - Italian designer extraordinaire Patricia Urquiola is the creator behind these magnificent interiors. Just check out that styling - every inch of every room and space is pure perfection! Rustic and elegant all at once. Puerto Rico just went up a notch on the 'to do' list ...

Wanderlust in Singapore

Now here's a boutique hotel that gives a whole new view to modern design. Like an urban art gallery with some beds thrown in for good effect, the Wanderlust Hotel in Singapore is redefining what hotel interiors could be about. Designed for the contemporary traveller - and certainly not for the feint hearted - Wanderlust is a part of the Design Hotels chain and therefore brings some serious design cred to a city that is known for its cutting edge trends. 

Located at 2 Dickson Road in the heart of Little India, Wanderlust is eccentric, neon styled, with each room a totally unique personality. It's a part fantasy, part  playhouse, and not to be taken too seriously. This is a place that begs you to have fun with your stay, and to take that attitude out on to the streets to explore what Singapore has to offer. 

It's also got a popular French restaurant, Cocotte, and some great outdoor spaces to mingle in.

So out in the left field, and we love it!

Yogic Dreaming

Yoga has been a cornerstone of my life for the past five years and, frankly, without my regular practice, I'm a little bit lost in the world. So when I was shown a copy of Great Yoga Retreats, published by the good folk at Taschen (my favourite series of specialty tomes!), I couldn't help but start planning my next yoga escape. 

Great Yoga Retreats travels across the globe - from India and Bhutan to Tuscany and Mexico, and all the hidden gems found in between - to show us some of the most amazing specialty resorts, retreats and holidays that cater to the modern yogi. These are places where you can totally immerse yourself in your preferred practice, meditate on beauty, quiet, peace, and completely escape the world for a little slice of tranquillity. Albeit in a little bit of luxury! 

Speaking from personal experience, I've done a lot of yoga retreats in my time. Some have been in five star locales where you are, quite literally, pampered from crown to toe (even whilst balancing on them!). Others have been more simple affairs in rustic huts and on a shala built in to the jungle. All of them have been equally special,  and given me equal soul nourishment in their own unique ways. 

But the collection of yoga retreats in this book are nothing short of stunning. I'm already imagining the bliss of doing Sun Salutations in such exotic surroundings. It may not make the yoga any easier. But if you're blessed enough to experience a stay in one of these places, it sure could give one the space to breathe deeper in to it!

You can find this and other Taschen books in most good bookstores and specialty retailers, or purchase them online from the Taschen website which has the full catalogue of titles. 

Here comes the snow!

OK. So it's getting really cold, really quickly. And that means the Victorian and New South Wales snow season is coming on just as fast. If you're counting down the days to hit the slopes, and trying to plan your next trip to a winter playground, you may just like to check out the new Snow Australia website. It's been launched to bring the whole of Australia’s snow industry and its nine best ski resorts into the one website this ski season to help you decide which snow experience and which resort is right for your needs. 

And it's the first time skiers and snowboarders who will find this an invaluable tool for planning. Expect to find five Snow Australia ‘expert guides’ to help you navigate your way around renting equipment, learning to ski or snowboard, accommodation options and the best après entertainment on offer at Thredbo, Perisher, Charlotte Pass, Selwyn Snowfields, Falls Creek, Mount Hotham, Mount Buller, Mount Baw Baw and Lake Mountain. It's also got some great package deals on offer, so you can book your snow holiday online, wherever you choose to ski, snowboard or play. You'll leave with a head full of knowledge thanks to instructional videos for first timers, feature articles on all things snow, resort information, web cameras and snow reports.

Strap yourselves in. It's going to be a freezing winter, and a wild ride! 

A Season of Sailing in Queensland

The colder winter months need not shy us from the crystal waters of Queensland - this is the season when spectacular racing regattas begin along the coastline and it's kicking off in the blue waters of Mooloolaba Bay with the newest event, Sail Mooloolaba on from June 4th - 12th, coinciding with the 15^th Musto Etchells Australasian Winter Championship from June 9th - 12th. 

If you're keen to get there for it, there's also some great ways to involve yourself in the spirit of sailing:

* Learn to sail with Sunshine Sailing Australia, with international ocean racer John Bankart at the helm. He offers a range of courses for novices through to experienced sailors keen to improve their skills. Based at Mooloolaba Wharf, you can choose from sailing lessons for the kids through to easy sailing skippered yacht charters.  

* The Mooloolaba Yacht Club welcomes visitors joining the club members for an afternoon of sailing around the Mooloolaba Bay. Fun sails are held every Wednesday and Sunday. Meet on canal side of The Wharf Tavern at The Mooloolaba Wharf Complex, at midday and 11am respectively. 

* Get out on the water with Liquid Getaway’s range of boat tours including scenic rides, surfing, snorkeling safaris and whale watching tours. Based at Mooloolaba Wharf, Liquid Getaway’s custom designed 12 seat boat provides a thrilling way to get close to marine life, including a pod of resident dolphins, turtles, rays and other wildlife during the ride.

Now in its second year, the Season of Sailing aims to attract visitors to sailing events being held from now until September along the Queensland coastline.

The Season of Sailing website offers a whole range of getaways where you can enjoy being part of these famous events including the world famous Hamilton Island Race Week. 

(Images courtesy Queensland Holidays apart from top right Etchells Australasian Winter Championships photo, courtesy of  Kylie Wilson.)

T'was a picnic to remember, my love ...

So you want to make your lover swoon with romance? Indulge in the simple pleasure of a gourmet picnic, courtesy of The Sydney Picnic Company. Postcard-perfect day out in the Sydney region, goes a little something like this: You dust off the picnic rug, pack up the car and whisk your partner away to a secret location of your choosing. Settle in to your favourite spot, pop the champagne bottle, and  open your pre-packed basket to reveal the most delightfully arranged, thoughtfully presented assortment of gourmet indulgences, sealed with a personalised touch of vintage-inspired, handmade details. The result is a partner who is pure putty for you. Who could resist, really? It's romantic, simple. 

The Sydney Picnic Co. was created by two English food lovers, Natalie and Si Thomas, who - captivated by the beauty of Sydney's outdoor way of life - came up with the brilliant idea of combining their passion for styling and cooking to create these whimsical picnic hampers directly from their own kitchen in Wollahra.  They source all their produce from the very best Sydney providores, mostly organic, and all their packaging is made from environmentally sound products and hand prepared, so each and every picnic not only looks and tastes amazing, it leaves a light footprint.  Sydneysiders can take heart knowing they can call on Natalie and Si to create their ideal picnic on a whim, and if you're from out of town and looking to make a memorable experience in Sydney with someone special, they also offer ideas for great locations in some of the most enchanting spots the city has to offer. 

Put it on your romance list!