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Cold climate luxury adventure in Alaska and Canada

Michael G Browne
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Cold climate luxury adventure in Alaska and Canada

If you’re a spectacular scenery fan, and what mildrover isn’t, then this cruise and rail combo will have you counting your blessings for phone cameras and digital SLRs. It’s the sort of scenery that would have you winding, changing lenses, gently pressing the shutter button, unloading and fiddling with a new 36/100 film every few minutes in the old days. The old days being all of what, pre 2005?

This is one of those corners of the world that over delivers on the scenery front. Luxury escapes gives you the chance to glide across the glacial waters of Alaska’s jaw-dropping Inside Passage and ride through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies on this incredible 10-night sail and 2-day rail journey from Vancouver to Lake Louise.

Drift between snow-capped giants on your way to Glacier Bay aboard Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, then rest in luxurious style during an overnight in vibrant Vancouver.

Hop aboard the renowned Rocky Mountaineer for an unforgettable rail journey across Canada’s wild west, taking in sweeping views from the comfort of your serviced coach and enjoy premium dining as you watch the scenery roll by. Premium dining and premium scenery is another combo I’m a big fan of.

Aboard Cunard’s Art Deco-styled Queen Elizabeth, you’ll indulge in a truly one-of-a-kind experience. With access to a dazzling range of all-inclusive dining and world-class shows, you’ll find never-ending entertainment, whether you’re in the mood for West End-calibre productions in the extravagant setting of the Royal Court Theatre or ballroom dancing in the magnificent Queens Room.

Your journey takes you to: Vancouver, Canada – Ketchikan, USA – Juneau – Tracy Arm Fjord – Skagway – Glacier Bay National Park – Sitka – Victoria, Canada – Vancouver – Kamloops – Lake Louise.

For all the room options and pricing details CLICK HERE or call Luxury Escapes on 1300 820 853

MICHAEL G BROWNE

Jimmy Thomson
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MICHAEL G BROWNE

Michael G Browne is a crime author (Money Bags) comedy writer and vicarious traveller who has visited almost every country in the world (in his own mind).

Saint John Mykonos, Greek Islands

Michael G Browne
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Saint John Mykonos, Greek Islands

THE DEAL: Stay for three nights from A$999/room, valued up to A$3,283, save up to 70%

THE APPEAL: Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of the Aegean Sea on a five-star escape to Saint John Mykonos, perched on its own private stretch of sand.

Revel in sparkling sea views from the stunning oceanfront infinity pool, the warm hospitality of attentive staff and indulgent relaxation found in the curated spaces sprinkled throughout the resort.

Located near the spectacular sands of Agios Ioannis Beach and a short drive from the island’s party-loving capital, Mykonos town centre, or Chora as the locals know it, Saint John Mykonos offers guests an idyllic Greek island experience. 

Includes the serene Aphrodite Spa with its pampering treatments, rejuvenating fitness centre and restorative saunas.

Round out your days with meals at four open-air restaurants featuring westward sea views – looking toward the horizon, the possibilities really are endless.

Chase island bliss in dreamy Mykonos Town with a daily complimentary shuttle to its whitewashed Cycladic maze of buildings decorated in Aegean-inspired blue and white.

After days exploring paradise, retreat to your breezy, romantic haven, looking westward across the translucent blue sea studded with yachts on the horizon.

For all pricing and details from Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE

Christmas 2024: Luxury three country Danube cruise

Michael G Browne
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Christmas 2024: Luxury three country Danube cruise

Christmas is only just gone and now I’m making you think of next Christmas already, what’s got into me? Well, if you want a Christmas to break the mould of extended family friction, another viewing of Die Hard or Love Actually, and chewing on the ham that never ends, this should tickle your baubles. There’s butler service. Likely not a doppelganger for Carson, but who doesn’t want a butler in their suite whenever they call?

Setting the standard for river cruising, this Luxury Escapes exclusive, never-before-seen seven-night Riverside Luxury Cruises voyage is sure to be the highlight of your holidays. Sailing either November or December 2024, you’ll unlock the festive magic of central Europe in opulence above and beyond your wildest dreams.

Be spoilt for choice with carefully curated winter-themed excursions, tours and tastings – discover Christmas cheer aplenty as you taste gingerbread in Vienna, trace Linz’s storied squares and take in the fairytale charm of Bratislava, visiting the many holiday markets in each city along the way. Experience it all in unparalleled comfort with Riverside Luxury Cruises’ signature brand of personalised hospitality.

Sailing onboard the magnificent Riverside Mozart from Vienna, you’ll experience Slovakia, Germany and Austria in truly all-inclusive luxury. Onboard, be immersed in opulence with a private butler, all-inclusive gourmet dining, premium drinks and a personal minibar stocked with all your favourites. With a maximum capacity of just 162 passengers, a one-to-one crew-to-passenger ratio and the largest staterooms on the Danube, this exquisite ship is the essence of sophistication.

Passau, Germany

Discover Europe’s holiday season in all-inclusive decadence like never before. Whether savouring haute Rhine-style mussels and freshly made Alsatian Kougelhof, cocooned in Waterside’s pristine leather armchairs, or noshing on freshly grilled scampi paired with local Riesling at the open-air Vista Grill & Bar, rest assured the only finger you’ll ever raise is for the next round.

Uncover fairytale architecture and culinary inventions well beyond schnitzel on guided tours of Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt and glamourous Ringstrasse boulevard before taking in the Baroque splendour of Schonbrunn Palace and its fair’s many enticing stalls.

In Linz, discover either the Bohemian majesty of Cesky Krumlov Castle, decked in wintertime wonder, or take a trip to nearby Salzburg for a classical Christmas exploring Mozart’s birthplace. With your choice of curated excursions offered in every port – and personal butler service to prepare you for each day ahead – Riverside Luxury Cruises ensures you’ll treasure the holidays on the Danube.

You’ll stop off at: Vienna, Austria – Krems – Melk – Linz – Passau, Germany – Grein, Austria – Bratislava, Slovakia – Vienna, Austria.

If it sounds like the Christmas you always wanted, all the prices and details from Luxury Escapes are one click away, CLICK HERE

Masterchef stars design gourmet foodie tour of Vietnam

Michael G Browne
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Masterchef stars design gourmet foodie tour of Vietnam

If you can remember back to the days when you thought a Scanpan was a setting on your phone camera then you can remember a world before Masterchef. One of our biggest disappointments is that last year we were all ready to send you off on a foodie tour with the God-like original judges who nibbled, swirled and smiled approvingly (mostly) at eager not-yet-master-chefs. Only Luxury Escapes sold out the trip of a lifetime faster than you can crack an egg.

So it is with mild regret but grudging respect that we tell you that Luxury Escapes says:- After the success of our first-ever Signature Series Tour – designed in collaboration with two of Australia’s most beloved food critics, former Masterchef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan – the ultimate small-group Vietnam foodie tour is here (max. 20 travellers).

Travel from pavement to penthouse in Hanoi, hunting down prime street food and savouring a classic teahouse experience at Michelin-Starred Tầm Vị. Cruise through Ha Long Bay’s emerald waters, exploring limestone coves and secret beaches on an all-inclusive cruise. In Hoi An, spend a full day indulging in utter relaxation after dining at the spectacular Morning Glory Signature. Finally, in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the city’s most notable banh mi stalls and spend an unforgettable evening at Anan Saigon, holder of the city’s first and only Michelin Star.

Based on the original Signature Series adventure, this jam-packed itinerary offers extraordinary dining, insider experiences and world-class stays – after all, food this good demands accommodation to match, and this tour delivers. You’ll stay in the country’s best five-star hotels, with names like Caravelle Hotel Saigon, The Oriental Jade Hotel in Hanoi and Hotel Royal Hoi An – MGallery all making the list. Vietnamese foodies rejoice – this voyage is unlike anything else in the world.

Yeah, but if Gary and Matt aren’t going to be there, the food better be out of this world, I hear you say. Fear not, below are three of the highlights.

In Hanoi

Take lunch at the exceptional teahouse Tầm Vị (one Michelin Star), specialising in classic Northern Vietnamese dishes ranging from crab soup to escargot served with fresh herbs and vermicelli noodles – the perfect introduction to the city’s staggering culinary heritage. After lunch, return to The Oriental Jade Hotel for a chance to enjoy the rooftop swimming pool or a visit to the onsite spa.

In Hoi An

Join your fellow travellers for dinner at Morning Glory Signature, a massive, double-storey establishment boasting wonderful views of the streets below. The free-wheeling menu bounces between Chinese dumplings, traditional Vietnamese fare and inventive vegan plates – and with two drinks per person included, wherever your mood takes you, you’re in for a treat.

In Ho Chi Minh City

After settling in, head out to savour a meal at Anan Saigon, one of Vietnam’s most acclaimed restaurants. With Ho Chi Minh City’s first (and only!) Michelin Star and a place on the coveted Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list for 2023, Anan Saigon is indisputably the city’s finest restaurant. Anan translates to ‘eat, eat’, and the restaurant’s tasting menu, taking you from Vietnam’s north to south, leaves none hungry. Farm-to-chopstick ingredients, timeless French tradition and a pinch of molecular gastronomy guarantee you’re in for an unforgettable feast.

For all prices and options from Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE

Stay like a spy at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London

Michael G Browne
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Stay like a spy at The Royal Horseguards Hotel, London

If you like a good British spy drama, (and what MildRover doesn’t?), then this is the hotel from central casting. As Luxury Escapes says, “discover true resplendence in a hotel fit for James Bond.”

Bond is famously fictional of course, but the Royal Horseguards Hotel has genuine espionage credentials. It compromises two heritage buildings – formerly used as an embassy for both Russia and the USA and once the home of the first Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, Sir Mansfield Cumming, aka ‘M’.

This historic property offers Victorian elegance and is perfectly positioned on the banks of the River Thames for sight seeing. Although if it’s dead letter drops and poison tipped umbrellas you’re hoping to spot, you’re likely to be disappointed.

The Royal Horseguards offers a heritage stay in the heart of one of the world’s most spellbinding cities. This wonderful Victorian-era hotel has hosted Winston Churchill, Scotland Yard and MI5 throughout its colourful past. With London’s most iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square all within a 10-minute walk, there’s simply no finer location.

After days exploring the city’s countless treasures, retreat to One Twenty One Two Restaurant for top-shelf spirits and exemplary British cuisine, Equus Bar for laidback fare and superb cocktails or The Lounge for a bespoke high tea, which draws on the hotel’s long-standing, much-celebrated afternoon tradition.

Located right in the heart of Westminster beside Whitehall Gardens, it offers countless sightseeing opportunities, all within an easy stroll of the hotel. Marvel at the works in The National Gallery, or stroll a little further down to Buckingham Palace. King Charles might well be visiting Australia when you’re there so the crowds shouldn’t be too challenging.

The much-loved Covent Garden, buzzing Leicester Square and trendy Soho, with its countless theatres and restaurants, are all also easily reachable on foot. Look, I could go on, it’s one of the world’s great cities, there’s plenty to experience and as Samuel Johnson (you know, the dictionary guy) put it, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” And that was in 1777, it’s got even better since then!

Check in for three nights from A$1,199 per room, valued up to A$3,990 and by saving up to 70% you’ll have plenty of spare coin to test the martinis in one of the bars.

Click HERE for an amazing slide show of the Hotels interiors and for all the details from Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 88 99 00

Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, Vietnam

Michael G Browne
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Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, Vietnam

THE DEAL: Resort holiday in Vietnam for 5 nights from A$1,999/room, valued up to A$4,622 which is a saving of up to 57%.

THE APPEAL: Discover seaside serenity at the five-star, all-inclusive Meliá Ho Tram Beach Resort, delivering Mediterranean-style luxury on the pristine shores of Vietnam’s hottest beach destination.

This sun-kissed coastal strip, home to the charming nearby town of Ho Tram, remains blissfully untouched and is blessed with spectacular white-sand beaches lapped by blue waters.

Part of the prestigious Meliá Hotels & Resorts collection, this tropical resort sits amid 1,800 palm trees and is only a short drive from one of the top golf courses in Asia: the Greg Norman-designed The Bluffs Ho Tram Strip.

Relax beachfront at Breeza Beach Club with free-flow drinks all day long, home to live music, swim-up bars and dance shows, making it the place to be in Ho Tram.

Indulge in Asian street food and fresh, seasonal fare at two onsite restaurants, take a dip in one of the spectacular pools, or pamper your body and soul with treatments at YHI Spa.

Plus, find plenty of time to explore the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City using the resort’s complimentary shuttle service.

For all pricing and details for Luxury Escapes CLICK HERE or call 1300 88 99 00

Pullman Maldives, Maamutaa

Michael G Browne
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Pullman Maldives, Maamutaa

THE DEAL: Stay 5 nights from A$5,499 /villa, valued up to A$12,618, which will save you up to 56%.

THE APPEAL: Embrace barefoot luxury at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, a five-star island hideaway surrounded by pristine coral sands, crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Unwind in total seclusion within this hidden oasis, where you’ll enjoy daily unlimited dining across six unforgettable venues and free-flow premium drinks, including anything from the resort’s 80-bottle wine wall.

But there’s more – when you’re ready to pamper yourself, Pullman Spa by Phytomer offers a dazzling range of world-class treatments, ranging from aromatherapy massage to seaweed wraps in a gorgeous overwater setting.

With dazzling white sand and breathtaking views of the shimmering Indian Ocean, Pullman Maldives Maamutaa is one of the most indulgent escapes you’ll ever take — the perfect choice for honeymooners and those dreaming of an unforgettable stay.

Your package includes a choice of one excursion (guided snorkelling, sunset fishing, romantic sunset cruise, nature walk or marine biology presentation).

You also get your choice of one activity: choose from a 30-minute massage at the spa, 15-minute jet ski ride, one tank dive for certified divers, one bottle of champagne and canapes for two (counts as two activities), three-day bicycle rental per person or seven-day bicycle rental per person (counts as two activities).

For all the pricing and other details from Luxury Escapes, CLICK HERE or call 1300 701 198

Cruise the wild waterways of Scotland

Michael G Browne
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Cruise the wild waterways of Scotland

There is a majesty to Scotland that is part history, part geography and part whisky (single malt in these parts, of course). And fresh caught river salmon, never forget the salmon. The Highlands and Islands are incredibly remote and sparsely populated for such a comparatively small country. They are also rugged, stunningly scenic and best seen from the sea. And Cruise Traveller has come up with just the ticket for you to explore them.

The small, luxury Scottish cruise vessel, Lord of the Highlands, operated by Hebridean Island Cruises, will take discerning guests on intimate, all-inclusive journeys through the wild and far-flung isles, lochs and canals of Scotland in 2024.  

And to help more Australian adventure seekers enjoy the boutique experience, Australian small ship cruising specialist, Cruise Traveller – the exclusive Australian agent for UK-based Hebridean Island Cruises – is offering exclusive savings of five per cent on a range of cruises throughout 2024 for bookings made by January 31, 2024.

Hebridean Island Cruises specialises in classic, all-inclusive, small-ship journeys that spotlight the rugged islands and quaint storybook hamlets of Scotland.

The line’s elegant, 38-guest vessel, Lord of the Highlands, launched in 2021, was crafted to transit the intricate waters of the Caledonian Canal as well as navigate the sheltered, castle-dotted waters around Scotland’s fretted and hauntingly beautiful coastline.

Between April and October, 2024, Lord of the Highlands will offer 23 cruises of between five and seven nights through Scotland’s Hebridean Islands in the west, the Orkneys in the north, and the east coast of Scotland.

The ship travels through the historic, 100km-long Caledonian Canal which connects Scotland’s east and west coasts and takes guests a fascinating passage through the Scottish Highlands via 29 lochs and four lakes including the famous, mysteriously deep waters of Loch Ness.          

All cruises are all-inclusive, embracing guided shore tours, gourmet cuisine, onboard beverages and gratuities. All cabins boast water views of Scotland’s ruggedly spectacular coastline.

Including an exclusive saving of five per cent, fares for Lord of the Highlands’s season of 2024 cruises start from £2764 British Pounds per person, twin-share. Mention ‘Reader Offer’ when booking through Cruise Traveller. Book by January 31, 2024.   Flights from Australia are additional.

Call Hebridean Island Cruises’ exclusive Australian agent, Cruise Traveller, on 1800 507 777 or visit CLICK HERE for a direct link to Lord of the Highlands’ 2024 cruises.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

Michael G Browne
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Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

THE DEAL: A five nights stay from A$4,999/room, valued up to A$8,949, save up to 44%.

THE APPEAL: Nestled amid Fiji’s magical Yasawa Islands – between countless sun-drenched beaches and legendary diving spots – rests remote paradise Yasawa Island Resort & Spa.

Escape reality and discover the far-flung Fiji of your dreams, home to 11 private beaches, where waters shimmer in endless shades of blue and quiet moments on the warm, white sands await.

This private five-star resort hosts no more than 40 guests at a time in a collection of 18 luxe, traditionally thatched bures, hidden among the luscious tropical greenery.

You might be inclined to dedicate all your time to the endless splendour of the champagne shores, but this resort has plenty to offer beyond the stunning backdrop.

Lose yourself in nature’s wonderland amid fish-filled coral reefs, explore the iconic Blue Lagoon Caves, gain a fascinating insight into local culture with a kava ceremony, participate in cooking demonstrations or lounge beside the palm-fringed pool and find a moment of well-deserved ‘me’ time.

For all the details from Luxury Escapes, including Longer-Stay Bonus, bonus 25% discount on air transfers from Nadi to Yasawa Island Resort and other goodies, CLICK HERE or call 1300 88 99 00

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