The Insider: Karina Stewart
The wellness resort founder loves India’s Taj Lake Palace — and it’s personal.
MEMORABLE DESTINATION
My husband John and I travel a lot and often try to merge business with personal. One “personal”-only destination we enjoyed was the Taj Lake Palace on the island of Jag Niwas in Lake Pichola, Udaipur, India. This historic hotel was originally a royal palace and exudes refinement, with architecture displaying delicate marble mosaic features and superb artistry. It was an exquisite way to spend five days disconnected from the outside world.
TRAVEL TIP
My essentials for arriving the best I can be, no matter the flight length, the location or time zone, are: a noise reduction (or cancelling) headset (my favourite is Bose); adjustable eye shades (Bucky) that are like little foam cups; and a lightweight cashmere blanket, which is soothing against my skin.
COMING UP
We’re planning a trip in July and trying to decide between Machu Picchu in Peru, as we’ve always wanted to visit for its archeological and culture wonders, and hiking in one of the national parks in Canada or Wyoming in the US.
Karina Stewart is a founding partner and brand and concept director of Kamalaya Koh Samui, an award-winning wellness sanctuary and holistic spa resort; kamalaya.com.
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HOME + AWAY
If your idea of an airport hotel is of somewhere purely utilitarian, with sound-proofing, block-out curtains and a reliable wake-up service the only features, think again. There’s a whole new generation of properties that place emphasis on comfort, style and convenience (take Felix at Sydney airport, for example). New arrival is the 134-guestroom Rydges Wellington Airport, which is the first hotel integrated with a terminal in New Zealand. It offers a bar and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, 24-hour room service, gym and complimentary Wi-Fi, with a conference centre on the way. Travellers with a long connection time between flights can take advantage of a day-use rate. For plane-spotters, most windows afford sweeping views of the runway and out to Lyall Bay. But truth is, the NZ capital’s CBD is only about 20 minutes away, so you may have time to whip in and sample the Windy City’s fabulous cuisine scene. Back in the hotel, get a feel for Kiwi culture with works by prominent artists in the lobby and commissioned photographs in the chambers. The hotel is part of an airport redevelopment that includes a newly opened transport hub and car park, and a $15 million upgrade of food, beverage and retail outlets in the next 12 months.
GRAHAM ERBACHER
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TASTE
There’s a year’s worth of inspiration in Luckie Guides’ neat new packs of cards suggesting Melbourne wine bars to try. With each pocket-sized box containing 52 cards on vino venues around the city, the user could visit one bar a week. Each card provides the contact details and a description of a venue’s vibe. There are bustling suit-strewn establishments perfect for an after-work tipple and homely neighbourhood places where the food is central to their appeal. An extra card lists seven Victorian regional wine bars in places such as Daylesford and Ballarat, while another recommends some online wine boutiques. The guide is neatly packaged in a flip-top box, which is perhaps a little uncomfortably similar to a cigarette packet, but hey, it works. Publisher Michelle Matthews insists all of the properties featured have been visited and independently assessed. T+I likes the idea of a lucky (Luckie) dip; pick a card any card then go sample your chosen bar’s wares. Better still, there’s a new craft beer pack too; $14.99 a pack at bookstores and gift shops.
PENNY HUNTER
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ON THE ROAD
L’OCCITANE LUXURY TRAVEL COLLECTION, $69
Packaged in a nautical-striped soft cotton pouch with bright yellow lining and a chunky metal zip, this selection of L’Occitane miniatures covers skin and hair care and is valued at $97. The neat pouch can double as makeup bag.
SUSAN KUROSAWA
SUNSKI SIDEKICKS COLLECTION, $68
If you’re heading to super sunny destinations, consider the latest Sunski range of sunglasses. Made from recycled plastic, the Sidekicks collection comes with removable side panels that help to reduce peripheral glare without compromising on vision. They are available in two styles and a choice of colours.
PH
SALOMON SENSE RIDE 2, $239.99
This updated version of the adventure-wear brand’s trail-running shoe features improvements to the shoe upper to increase stability. The high-grip sole is coated in a film to protect from loose rocks and sharp surfaces.
PH
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WHAT IN THE WORLD
■ Viking River Cruises has announced three new Danube itineraries to take guests to the world-famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany, in 2020; cruises range from 10 to 12 days and are priced from $6395 a person, twin-share; book by March 31 for $995 flights.
■ The Tasmanian government has granted World Expeditions preliminary approval to build five cold-weather shelters called Puffer Pods on the Overland Track and one in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park; lease and licence negotiations are the next step.
■ National Geographic and G Adventures are teaming up with 12 family-friendly adventures; destinations are yet to be revealed but the trips go on sale on May 7 for travel in 2020.
■ Discounts of almost $8500 a couple are available on a 12-night Shamrock Express package from Adventure Canada and Cruise Traveller; a circumnavigation of Ireland is at the heart of the trip; flights included; departs Australia on June 7.
■ Wilpena Pound Resort is offering 25 per cent discounts on three-night winter stays at the resort or the Ikara Safari Camp; rates range from $188 to $257 a couple a night for stays between June 1 and August 31.