australia

Autumn Culinary Retreat Package at Australia's Luxe Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, an Emirates property and Australia's first luxury conservation-based resort, is celebrating autumn in Australia with the "Autumn Retreat" package for gourmet aficionados.

A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World, the luxe resort is located within its own 4,000 acre conservation reserve nestled between two national parks. This secluded refuge features 40 individual suites surrounded by private decks, each with its own indoor/outdoor swimming pool. The resort's architecture is designed to be reminiscent of traditional rural Australian homesteads.

The Autumn Retreat package includes an on-site cooking demonstration by a Wolgan Valley chef featuring fresh autumnal produce from the resort's kitchen garden and local suppliers, showcasing uniquely Australian cuisine enhanced by a seasonal, regional and organic food philosophy.

Tags: Australia, cooking, Emirates, food, luxury resorts, suites, Wolgan Valley Resort Spa

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Sting Hangs Out on Billionaire's Superyacht in Sydney

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

Sting Hangs Out on Billionaire's Superyacht in Sydney

Gracefully aging pop star Sting was just spotted having fun with bikini-clad babes aboard a superyacht belonging to a billionaire pal in Sydney, Australia. The yacht in question, Z Sydney, is a $50 million Overmarine Mangusta 165, the world's largest open yacht, owned by media mogul James Packer. In December, Packer entertained Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal on the yacht, while his old friend Tom Cruise regularly enjoys a trip on the vessel during his annual trips Down Under. The sleek craft can hit a top speed of 33 knots with its twin MTU 16V 4000 M93 engines producing 4,556 hp.

The interior of the yacht, first shown at the Salon Nautique in Cannes, features five staterooms and is finished in a luxurious, elegant combination of neutral fabrics and dark woodwork. The 165's interior includes an expansive main salon with cocktail tables, a long bar, and a surfeit of seating. Two pop-up, back-to-back flat-screen televisions face the main salon and the adjacent dining room. The craft's aft deck covers a garage that contains tenders and toys and opens hydraulically at the push of a button. The bikini-clad babes are extra.

Gallery: Overmarine Mangusta 165

Tags: Australia, billionaire, music, open yacht, pop star, rock star, Sting, superyacht, Sydney, The Police, Tom Cruise, yacht

Hot Air Ballon Ride and Four Wine Tastings: A Perfect Australia Travel Day

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

We at Luxist are wary of writing about every travel package that comes our way, but once in awhile, we come across an experience so absolutely exquisite that we're ready to book it ourselves -- and that's when we share it with you. This package is specific to Melbourne, Australia travel, but it's a single day worth flying down under for. How could one day be so utterly alluring it could justify a 15+ hour flight from Los Angeles? Well, it starts with a morning hot air balloon ride over the marvelous city of Melbourne, Australia and the lush Yarra Valley, then continues on to visits to four wineries, at each of which you'll enjoy a tasting. If you can recall a better day than that in recent history, count yourself lucky!

Tags: australia, hot air balloon, melbourne, travel, vineyard tour, wine, wine tasting, wine tasting package, wine tasting tour, wineries, winery tour, Yarra Valley

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Celebrities to Race the Lexus CT 200h at the Australian Grand Prix

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Sports

Celebrities to Race the Lexus CT 200h at the Australian Grand Prix

The Celebrity Challenge was once a fixture of the Australian Grand Prix weekend, pitting local and international stars against each other in a field of identical cars around the Albert Park circuit. But while the past couple of years have been without the event, this year marks its return.

When the F1 race weekend takes place late in March, a field of 27 celebrities will race against each other in the Lexus CT 200h. No word yet on who will be racing this year, but the event not only marks the first time Lexus has participated in the race, as well as the hybrid hatchback's debut in the Australian market, but also – according to Lexus – makes this "the first hybrid-only race staged globally".

Gallery: Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge

Tags: australia, australian grand prix, celebrity challenge, ct 200h, Lexus, Lexus CT 200h, Lexus CT 200h Celebrity Challenge

Top 10 Luxury Adventures of the Year

by Jonathon Ramsey (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The turn of the year is one of the grandest adventures on the calendar – or at least, it starts out that way, before the first day of the year becomes one of the grandest regrets on the calendar. Yet no matter what the stroke of 12 brings, it is no reason to let the exploits and excitements come to a halt; there are 364 strokes of 12 until you dust off the mistletoe again, and no reason not to spend as many of them as possible in mighty revelry.

With the help of our friends at Urban Daddy Jetset we've put together a list of ten of the top outrageous outings in which to glory throughout the year. Most, like the Songstam Circuit (pictured) come with a heap of luxury, some others with a bit of radiation, at least one with ropes and gags, but all of them with the kinds of good times you deserve no matter what day it is...

Tags: australia, bamurru plains, bubbletree, chernobyl, cristal bubble, Lofoten Islands, motuo county, ningaloo reef, ponoi river, songstam circuit, ultime realite

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Top 10 Luxurious Adventures of 2010 -- And How to Perfect 'Em in 2011

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

When people ask me for luxury travel advice, usually along the lines of "I want to plan a perfect trip to XYZ," I have two responses: a) there ain't no such thing as perfect in this world, no matter how much money you spend; and, b) you always know exactly how to make a trip as perfect as possible after you get home.

Still, the following trips I made in 2010 pleased me greatly, which is basically what I count as sublime perfection -- and should you plan to follow in my footsteps in 2011, note the tips I've added for making terrific travel even better.

Tags: australia, BedAndBreakfast, bestof2010, chicago, cruise, FrenchPolynesia, melbourne, montreal, Morocco, NovaScotia, ontario, PaulGauguin, PuertoRico, shakespeare, sonoma, tasmania

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Frank Gehry Unveils "Wrinkly" New Building

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Architecture & Design

Architect Frank Gehry has revealed his "crinkly, wrinkly" design for the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) business school in Sydney Australia. The new building is his first Australian design. Gehry expects the 11-story treehouse to "generate some questions" but he is hoping that the community will eventually embrace it. The 81-year-old architect is no stranger to controversy and to people hating his designs when they are first revealed.

Construction will begin on the university's campus in central Sydney in 2012 and the building is set to be completed in 2014. It has two separate facades, one of undulating brick and the other of angled sheets of glass. The building will be named the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, after the Australian-Chinese business leader who has donated $25 million for the project.

Tags: australia, frank gehry, sydney

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David Chang To Bring Momofuku To Australia

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Get ready Australia, David Chang is coming to Sydney. The chef who has thrilled New York City palates with his food at Momofuku, La Peche and Milk Bar (home of the legendary crack pie) will open his first restaurant outside the United States at the Star City Casino in Sydney, Australia. "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to share the Momofuku philosophy at this world-class dining destination," said Chang in a press release.

Chang is part of a line-up of chefs who will take part in the $860 million redevelopment of the casino complex. Also are involved are Melbourne's favorite chef Teage Ezard, Italian maestro Stefano Manfredi, MasterChef darling Adriano Zumbo and Sydney's best-loved Cantonese restaurant, Golden Century. Also coming from the U.S. is Chase Kojima, a rising star from the Nobu empire who will open a contemporary Japanese restaurant. More details will be available next year.

Tags: australia, Australian restaurants, david chang, momofuku, star casino, sydney

Lexus Introduces CT 200h F Sport at Sydney Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Among the hybrids on the market, the Lexus CT 200h stands out for two reasons: for one, it's more luxurious than most hybrids. For another, it's sportier. To heighten the latter, Lexus has announced a new F Sport package for the hybrid hatchbach, which it has just unveiled at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

The F Sport package upgrades with a revised aero package (new front and rear bumpers, side skirts and honeycomb grille), bigger alloys and an interior with a fresh dashboard and door panel treatment, an even thicker steering wheel, new pedals and tinted windows. A retuned suspension promises sportier handling, and an optional Flame Blue color joins the catalog.

Gallery: Lexus CT200h F-Sport

Tags: australia, australian international motor show, f sport, lexus, lexus ct 200h, lexus ct 200h f sport, lexus ct200h, lexus ct200h f sport, lexus f sport, sydney, sydney auto show, sydney motor show

Mercedes-Benz C63 and SLS AMG Specials Unveiled in Australia

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Getting your hands on any product of Mercedes' elite AMG performance division is an event unto itself. But what we have here is a pair of extra-special one-of-their-kind specials prepared specially for the Australian International Auto Show.

In one corner stands Concept 358, a special version of the C63 AMG performance sedan. It features the AMG Performance Plus package to boost the 6.3-liter V&'s output up to 480 horsepower, 19-inch alloys, a special Designo leather interior and a unique shade of Pearl Orange paint to set it apart from the crowd.

The special SLS AMG supercar, meanwhile, has been decked out in matte black with red accents, giving it a decidedly racier look. The two were unveiled specially for Australia, which stands as Mercedes' fifth largest market worldwide. And while they may be one-off creations, AMG will likely prepare yours the same way... for a price.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz AMG Specials - Australia 2010

Tags: australia, australian international motor show, c63 amg, concept 358, mercedes, mercedes amg, mercedes c63 amg, mercedes c63 amg concept 358, mercedes concept 358, mercedes sls amg, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz amg, mercedes-benz c63 amg, mercedes-benz c63 amg concept 358, mercedes-benz concept 358, mercedes-benz sls amg, sls, sls amg, sydney, sydney auto show, sydney motor show

Quay: The Finest Restaurant Down Under

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining

Quay in Sydney is nominated for a Luxist Award for Best International Restaurant

Adorned with the billowy outline of the Sydney Opera House and the dramatic lines of the Harbour Bridge, the waterfront in Sydney, Australia, is among the world's most picturesque. But at Quay, a Luxist nominee in the best international fine dining category, the food rivals the spectacular views.

The restaurant reflects the tastes and whims of executive chef Peter Gilmore, who joined Quay in 2001. The Sydney native trained in the U.K. before returning to Australia, and his style reflects the combination of Eastern and Western influences that embody the land down under. For instance, Gilmore took the pork belly-an Aussie favorite-and updated it by adding a braise of green lipped abalone, handmade tofu, cuttlefish, Japanese mushrooms and chive flowers.

Gallery: Quay in Sydney, Australia

Tags: Australia, awards-main, best international restaurant, luxist-awards, Quay, Sydney

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Homophobic Remarks Force End of Jaguar Sponsorship for Australian Swimmer

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping, Sports

Controversy has reared its ugly head Down Under as Jaguar has terminated its sponsorship deal with an Olympic gold-medalist over disparaging remarks made online. The athlete in question, Stephanie Rice, reportedly derided rival South African rugby team the Springboks as "faggots" after their defeat at the hands of the Australian Wallabies, one of whose players she is reportedly romantically involved with.

The remarks were made via popular social media portal Twitter, and were followed by a tearful apology made at a televised press conference. Jaguar Australia, however, evidently felt the triple-gold-medal-winning swimmer was no longer suitable to represent their brand, ending their relationship and forcing Rice to return the Jaguar XF sedan she'd been driving since earlier this year.

Source

Tags: australia, homophobic, jaguar, jaguar australia, jaguar xf, rugby, stephanie rice

BMW M3 Pure Edition: Exclusively for Australia

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

With its renowned handling dynamics and powerful V8 engine, there's plenty to love about the BMW M3. And if you live in Australia, the Bavarian automaker has just announced one more: the M3 Pure Edition.

Available in both coupe and sedan body-styles, the Pure Edition features a host of cosmetic upgrades, including dark chrome trim for the grilles (front and side) and exhaust tips, 19" wheels and hood vents in high-gloss black, and a specially-appointed interior. Only 50 examples will be produced, priced at AUS$135,000 and AUS$148,300 respectively.

Source

Tags: australia, bmw, bmw australia, bmw m3, bmw m3 pure, bmw m3 pure edition

F1 Champion Lewis Hamilton Fined for Reckless Driving in Australia

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Crimes and Misdemeanors

Unfathomable as it may seem to some – to themselves especially – Formula One drivers have to abide by the same rules as everyone else when they get out on public roads. Lewis Hamilton, for one, has had to find this out the hard way time and time again, the latest of his public-street shenanigans running him afoul of the law Down Under.

Hamilton was busted by police in Melbourne for smoking the rear tires on his Mercedes. During the Australian Grand Prix weekend there this past March. It took several months, but local courts have now fined the former world champion all of $500 for "intentionally losing control of a vehicle". Considering the millions which Hamilton earns every year in salary and sponsorship deals, we doubt he'll feel the burn in his wallet.

Source

Tags: australia, australian grand prix, hamilton, lewis hamilton, melbourne, speeding ticket

Melbourne's Hidden Secrets Tours

by Alison Wellner (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

I don't tend to think of myself as the group tour type, but I started to rethink my attitude after I took a Hidden Secrets Lanes and Arcades Tour in Melbourne, Australia, a few weeks ago.

Downtown Melbourne is laced with small alleys and laneways, once providing service access to the buildings, now, home to some of the city's most interesting restaurants and boutiques. After spending a few days walking the city getting the nagging sense I was missing something, I signed up for the tour. (As it happened, the other people on the tour were all from Melbourne -- they just wanted to know what was new and exciting in town, apparently it's hard to keep up.)

Straight away we went down into what seemed like a subway stop -- and it was that, too, but it was also home to Campbell Arcade, which hosts a rotating art exhibition, several boutiques and a cafe. After that, it was a spirited wander, through Union Lane, whose walls are lined with city-encouraged and sponsored graffiti art, to Royal Arcade to visit Koko Black chocolate boutique, through Cathedral Arcade, pictured above, home to a poetry bookstore and a vintage shop. My personal favorite? Design a Space, on Manchester Lane, a place where a 70 local emerging fashion designers can sell their lines, on a rotating basis. I'm glad I didn't miss it, although my suitcase was certainly heavier for it!

Tourism Victoria and Tourism Australia sponsored my visit; opinions are always 100% my own.

Tags: australia, melbourne, shopping, shopping tours, tours