The insider: Alexander Hall
This British artist always seek out locals for recommendations when travelling.
FAVOURITE DESTINATION
Saint-Tropez on the French Riviera. I’ve been visiting for 25 years and still find new places and characters that leave an everlasting memory. It has a great mix of glitz and rustic charm, which suits whichever mood I’m in. The French do hospitality better than anyone else in the world, with their wine and reliably great food. Saint-Tropez is where my art brand’s name, Haut de Gamme (meaning high-end), originated. For that reason it will always be a very special place.
TRAVEL TIP
Always seek out locals for recommendations. And go with the flow. It’s much easier to worry about the bill when you get home.
RIGHT NOW
It’s been an incredible, whirlwind journey with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts to mark the milestone of it reaching 200 properties across the globe. I was commissioned to hand-paint 200 champagne bottles, each inspired by a hotel destination, and was recently at Double Bay, Sydney, for the Australian celebration before heading to Dubai on the Middle East leg.
Alexander Hall is a British artist who aims to connect with an audience’s memories, experiences and feelings through recognised objects. His champagne bottle installation is at Stillery Bar and Dining, InterContinental Double Bay, until May 31.
-
HOME + AWAY
Guests at the beachfront Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua resort can take a border crossing to Manarai Beach House, which had its grand opening on April 6, just across the sand and charge drinks and meals back to their hotel account. There’s no cover charge or minimum spend and, unlike many of Bali’s ultra-cool club hangouts, families are welcome. There are two outdoor pools surrounded by daybeds, myriad seating areas that include ironwood cabanas with lounges and sit-up bars. The vibe is relaxed by day, turning nightclub groove after dark, when junior guests would be best sent to bed or away to play, especially on Tipsy Thursdays, Splash Saturdays and Paradiso Sundays, complete with poolside DJs. The new seaside venue is run by the Ismaya Group, which owns and operates more than 70 outlets across Asia. Its corporate chef Philip Mimbimi and executive chef Stefan Poyet have devised a menu described as “quintessential comfort food”, which includes plenty of options for health-conscious diners, and poolside pairings such as sangria and paella. Manarai Beach House accommodates 550 as a mix of walk-ins and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua guests, and opens 9am-11pm weekdays and 9am-1am weekends and for special events.
■ facebook.com/ManaraiBeachHouse
Susan Kurosawa
-
TASTE
With motherhood front and foremost as Britain welcomes another royal baby, the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London, is celebrating with a series of Royal High Teas. Served in the stylish TING Restaurant, the menu has been inspired by the hotel chefs’ formative experiences with their mothers and grandmothers in the kitchen. Executive pastry chef Benoit Defait has revived her mother’s blueberry cheesecake, while commis chef Lucy Wall is recreating her granny’s strawberry mousse. Also gracing the cake stands are Victoria sponge, passionfruit cream and spiced bread Bara Brith. The usual finger sandwiches and scones are accompanied by the hotel’s signature loose-leaf teas, plus two cocktails and mocktails. Expectant mothers receive a complimentary gift from the hotel. Royal High Tea with cocktail or mocktail, £62 ($113); overnight experience, including accommodation, high tea and breakfast for two, from £585. Until May 12 (Mother’s Day).
Penny Hunter
-
ON THE ROAD
Arc’Teryx Oriel leggings, $130
As the weather cools, black leggings rule. Arc’teryx describes its new quick-drying Oriel style, in a thicker and sturdier than usual Lycra knit with stretchy elastane, as being built for tough love. Ideal for outdoors activities from mild to wild, there’s a Powernet Stretch Mesh waistband and two easily accessible thigh pockets. Available in sizes S to XL.
Susan Kurosawa
Waverley Mills Travel Rugs and Recycled Throws, $220/$229
Australia’s oldest working textile mill, the 145-year-old Tasmania-based Waverley Mills, is also gearing up for winter with a range of travel rugs and throws. Made from fine merino wool, the rugs are available in three tartan designs, a bright blue Nova Scotia (pictured), the earthy Matilda and the classic Royal Stewart. For something more contemporary, the brand has a range of throws made from 70 per cent super soft merino and 30 per cent recycled fibres from offcuts and seconds.
Penny Hunter
-
WHAT IN THE WORLD
■ APT has savings of $2000 a couple on its 10-day Grand Kimberley Coast cruise from Kununurra to Broome; from $10,195 a person for departures from May to August next year.
■ Swiss-based MSC Cruises has partnered with American home and lifestyle guru Martha Stewart on a new range of culinary and discovery experiences; the activities, which launch in June on Caribbean sailings, include cooking classes, hiking, craft markets and garden tours.
■ Canberra’s East Hotel has one and two-night packages to coincide with the National Gallery of Australia’s Monet exhibition opening in June; from $270 a night, including tickets to the show.
■ Celebrity Cruises has teamed up with Miami University’s marine science school to equip its new ship, Celebrity Flora, with oceanographic research equipment; data on weather, climate and ocean conditions will be gathered and made available to scientists across the globe; Flora launches in June.
■ SeaDream Yacht Club is taking bookings for new ship Innovation, launching in 2021; savings of 10 per cent are offered when paying a deposit, with a further 10 per cent discount when paying in full.