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Philippa Coates

This Month

A new bronze age - the grand entrance.

How Sydney’s landmark Wentworth hotel rates after a $70m refurb

Adding four top-quality bars and restaurants to the mix will ensure the mid-century venue has a steady flow of patrons – guests and locals.

September

Eight experts pick the best cruises for 2025

It seems no waters are uncharted these days. We tapped eight cruise leaders for their favourite itineraries.

September

How Bali local Michael Klim spends his weekends

The swimming legend loves living on the Indonesian island, where he moved in 2012. He shares his downtime routines, including his favourite bars and restaurants.

Running a marathon with the big five. At least that was the plan

Riots ended the promise of an extraordinary experience in a Kenyan game reserve. And while some thrilling safaris made up for any disappointment, there’s always next year.

August

Why Aussies love this ski resort – and it’s not Whistler

It starts with one season as a ski bum and morphs into an annual family holiday with kids in tow. People keep returning to SilverStar in Canada’s British Columbia.

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June

Calabash Bay Lodge

Can’t get away for a week? Try this luxurious mini-break

A mid-week stay in a national park just an hour’s drive from central Sydney has the same restorative effect as a power nap – only you’ll remember it all.

May

How this Australian went from ski bum to CEO of a Canadian ski resort

The much-loved Big White in British Columbia has been family owned for decades. Third-generation Peter Plimmer had to earn his stripes to take up the mantle.

January

Fifty and fabulous: Why this Piaget watch is a collector’s item

Slightly radical, radiantly feminine, the Limelight Gala was a hit from the moment it was released.

December 2023

They have completed 60 Sydney to Hobart races between them: Andoo Comanche bowman Sven Runow, left, and Midnight Rambler skipper Ed Psaltis

How size doesn’t count in the Sydney to Hobart race

One crews on a maxi, the other skippers a 36-footer, but Sven Runow and Ed Psaltis share the same mad passion for Australia’s most notorious yachting challenge.

Premax founder Randall Cooper, at his Melbourne office and physiotherapy practice.

Why the New York Knicks and Arsenal love this Australian brand

Randall Cooper started Premax skincare as a side interest to his busy sports physiotherapy practice. Now he’s got the world’s best athletes making orders.

Caroline-Marie Scheufele works in product development at Chopard, the Swiss watch and jewellery brand founded in 1860.

Meet the 28yo at the heart of Swiss luxury brand Chopard

On her first visit to Australia, Caroline-Marie Scheufele is warming to her new role at the venerable family business.

November 2023

The festive rituals of six high-flyers from around the world

Family is at the heart of celebrations for these globetrotters – no matter who, or where, they are.

October 2023

The Ribbon, which houses the new IMAX cinema, has been built between two arms of the Western Distributor.

What it’s like to stay at the new W Sydney between two expressways

After construction dramas then the pandemic, the $1 billion Ribbon built for the glamorous hotel has opened. Life & Leisure stayed on opening night.

May 2023

Jai Lyons, the innovative head mixologist at Barangaroo House.

A Pornstar martini made from kitchen waste? Just wait till you try it

The bar manager at Sydney’s popular Barangaroo House reckons customers can’t get enough of his sometimes unusual recipes.

How a living ‘jungle’ helped this Aussie show become a touring hit

As a major donor to dance theatre troupe Shaun Parker & Company, Penny Hunstead wasn’t expecting to find herself as a set designer.

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Archibald finalist Eliza Gosse with her mother, Jules Gosse, in her Woolloomooloo studio in Sydney.

Do you talk to your mum every day? These three high achievers do

Successful mothers, successful children. All apparently happy with their lot, and getting along famously. What are their secrets?

March 2023

‘Power to control’: why this chef is hooked on jiu-jitsu

Aside from the kitchens at his three restaurants, Alessandro Pavoni’s other happy place is the gym.

  • Updated

February 2023

This boss loved skydiving. Then she took it a step further

When not leading the Asia-Pacific division of global tech company, Charlie Hales likes jumping out of small planes – and learning to pilot them.

January 2023

Siobhan Stagg: “I think that people should invest as much time and energy in developing their mindset and performance psychology as they do on actually developing their craft and their technical skills.”

How a $100 gift to a girl in Mildura led to international opera fame

Victorian-born soprano Siobhan Stagg is in huge demand from opera companies and orchestras worldwide. But her career could just as easily never happened.

Polly Staniford of Aquarius Films.

How tarot cards help this company founder (even when hiring)

For Savage River writer and producer Polly Staniford, tarot card reading has parallels to the craft of storytelling.

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/by/philippa-coates-ghsbj7