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Fiona Carruthers

This Month

The changes to Velocity will reward big spenders but make it harder for some flyers to accrue points.

Etihad rips up Virgin frequent flier partnership after Qatar deal

The Bain Capital-backed airline has told the ACCC that it will retain alliance arrangements with Singapore Airlines despite its new major shareholder.

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Melbourne-based Intrepid Travel CEO James Thornton and his son Art ion a Finnair flight from Helsinki to Kuusamo in March 2023. It was strictly economy for them.

Why free upgrades are a thing of the past (except for politicians)

Feel like a complimentary leg-up into business class is no longer a thing despite your Platinum status? You’re not alone.

October

The Cathay Pacific Aria business class suite - with sliding privacy door - is now flying aboard just one retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER, with more retrofits underway.

Art gallery, luxury loos: Cathay’s business class goes next level

Hong Kong’s flagship carrier has unveiled its new business-class offering with an on-board art gallery, sliding privacy doors and touchless flush loos.

Silver Ray chefs plate up some impressive cuisine - especially in the S.A.L.T Kitchen.

How to travel with a Michelin-starred chef

New small cruise ship Silver Ray prides itself on having celebrity chefs stow away for a few nights to ensure its guests dine on the very best.

September

Kathy Lette lives in London for nine months of the year, Sydney for three.

Kathy Lette on the ‘crime of menopause’, and dealing with enemies

The London-based Australian author spends her working week writing about life’s challenges. But weekends are for crosswords, laughter, cocktails and theatre.

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August

This off-grid Himalayan walk will re-boot you from $1225 a day

Crawling not running towards the end of the year? Book this six-day trek in remote north-eastern India for a reality check, and a nature-fuelled recharge.

July

Mayfair’s 25-metre lap pool.

Why young people love London’s newest luxury hotel

In contrast to its heritage-rich big sister in Hyde Park, the £1000 a night Mandarin Oriental Mayfair is cheekier and more focused on fun.

June

View on St George island from Our Lady of the Rocks through arch. Perast, Montenegro.

Europe’s wallet-friendly alternative to Lake Como

This 10-night Mediterranean cruise on a $775-million luxury ship is a great way to discover lesser-known ports.

May

The Le Petit Chef dining experience is a must when on a Celebrity cruise.

Is this the cutest restaurant on water? Sea foodies seem to think so

An energetic and animated chef keeps fine dining lively on the ocean.

The view over Portugal’s Douro River from Vinum Restaurant at Graham’s Port – an evening extravaganza courtesy of Viking Cruise Line.

On your next cruise, try a magical night onshore you won’t forget

Thanks to the growing popularity of cruising, luxury lines are coming up with ever-more exotic excursions on land – especially after sundown.

Handpicked Wines boss William Dong with Sydney Symphony Orchestra members Alexandra Osborne  and Tim Nankervis at the Handpicked Cellar Door in Chippendale, Sydney.

Six ways to stay entertained for those staying home this winter

Not everyone is travelling abroad for the northern hemisphere summer. Cosy up in Australia on a rail trip with Journey Beyond, or indulge at The Victoria & Albert Guesthouse in the Blue Mountains.

Queen Anne’s Grand Lobby mixes tradition with a contemporary feel.

A Michelin-star chef and pickleball - after 184 years, Cunard pivots

Queen Anne is a litany of firsts for Cunard, including its first designated outdoor yoga space, along with mini golf, a pickleball court and an archery area.

These four seasoned travellers nominate their choice destinations in Paris.

‘I’ll stay where she’s staying’: Insiders give their top Paris tips

It took some arm twisting, but these four leading Australian hoteliers have revealed where they love to bed down when in the city of light.

Cheval Blanc’s Eiffel Suite comes with an outdoor terrace, walk-in Hammam shower and Dior Beauty Bar.

Where to find the top hotel suites in Paris

They all have round-the-clock butlers, only the freshest of geraniums, and champagne on tap. Welcome to the city of love’s six-star offerings.

Capella Tufu Bay in Hainan has 190 spacious rooms.

Squeeze out the most value at these five-star luxury hotels

So you’ve splashed out on airfares, but you still have to book the accommodation for your next holiday. Here’s how to get the most bang from your remaining bucks.

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This famous spa costs $17k for five nights. Is it worth it?

We road-test celebrity magnet Ananda Spa in the Himalayas.

April

Scenic Eclipse II arrives in Sydney on Friday morning.

Priciest global cruise arrives in Sydney

Cruising is back in vogue, particularly on super-luxury options such as the Scenic Eclipse II, which boasts two helicopters and a submarine.

February

Church in Oia, on the northwestern tip of Santorini.

New player in market set to spark fare wars to Europe

Turkish Airlines will start flying direct into Melbourne (via Singapore) two weeks sooner than previously announced - igniting consumer hopes of better prices.

Everything you need to know about flying from Australia at the pointy end.

Which airlines have the longest beds, widest seats and best recline?

Our at-a-glance guide explains what’s up the pointy end across the main international carriers servicing Australia - from the champagnes to amenity kits.

How to fly to London, Europe and avoid Heathrow

If a stopover en route to London on a palm-fringed white-sand beach island sounds good – not to mention skiing Japan and France – consider these airline choices.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/fiona-carruthers-131ne4