Mildura welcomes a "new" boutique hotel

Mildura has just welcomed a "new" boutique hotel that is described as "bold, bright, and effortlessly stylish".

Kar-Rama Hotel (a pity about the dreadful name!) has officially opened its doors, and looks like a nice spot to stay.

The publicity blurb highlights Mildura’s "world-class wine and dining scene", which might be pushing the envelop a little, but Kar-Rama has 34 rooms featuring king-sized beds with premium linen, luxurious Leif botanical amenities, Nespresso coffee machines, and Bemboka robes.

Guests can unwind in the Chill Haven lobby lounge, a relaxed indoor space with stylish seating and a poolside outlook, or soak up the sun at the Kar-Rama Poolside Terrace, complete with outdoor seating next to the heated pool. 

There can be human-free check-in with Digital Key access (coming soon), so you can unlock your room with a tap on your phone.

Kar-Rama, which was previously known as the Kar-Rama Motor Inn prior to its makeover, promises a friendly team on hand to arrange wine tastings, scenic river cruises, and tailored experiences that showcase the best of Mildura.




The property is managed by 1834 Hotels. Unfortunately there is no on-site dining, but breakfast packs are available.   

For bookings and more info visit karrama.com.au

New look and new menu for Blue Mountains eatery

 

Popular Blue Mountains venue Miss Lilian has reopened with a new look and new menu showcasing the flavours of south-east Asia.

Located on the grounds of Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort & Spa - next to the iconic Three Sisters - the new menu has been created by experienced international chefs Quang Vinh Pham and Vu Mai Truong Nguyen, utilising their extensive experience cooking in kitchens in Vietnam and Hong Kong,

The chefs have combined their passion for bold flavours and innovative cuisine with a menu featuring street food favourites including modern Vietnamese and Thai dishes, and Cantonese-inspired dim sum.

The venue offers a casual atmosphere with an open-plan kitchen. 

Signature dishes include Mongolian braised beef short rib, crispy skin spatchcock with calamansi plum sauce, and a beef noodle pho soup.

The dim sum menu includes traditional flavours such as lemongrass Pork, prawn siu mai and barbecued pork bun. 

The refreshed beverage menu features a range of Asian-inspired alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails including Green Dragon Margarita (tequila, wasabi, cucumber, agave, green chilli salt) and Mandarin Spritz (mandarin, lychee, orange, lemon and soda).

Miss Lilian is now open for dine-in and takeaway five days a week from Thursday to Monday from 11:30am-5:30pm.

See https://www.lilianfels.com.au/dining/miss-lilian

Minor Hotels makes major progress

At a time when many hotel industry businesses are struggling, other operators are still reporting positive figures. 

The Minor Hotels group has just posted its strongest full-year results on record, reporting a 16% jump in net profit and a 9% rise in total revenue for 2024.

The record-breaking numbers for the Thai-based business underscore heightened global tourism demand, particularly in the group's home market, as well as in Europe where it operates over 280 properties.

The global hotel owner and operator, which has a portfolio of more than 560 properties in 58 countries, ended the year on a strong note with fourth-quarter profit of THB 2.2 billion (102 million AUD), representing a 14% year-on-year increase.

The results reflected what the group said was disciplined pricing strategy, strong operating leverage, and continued expansion under the group’s ‘asset-right’ strategy – a deliberate balance between asset-heavy and asset-light models – while setting the stage for further gains in 2025.

In 2024, Minor Hotels’ group-wide occupancy reached 68%, marking a two percentage-point uptick from the previous year, with Thailand leading the way with a five-point gain to 70%. 

Average daily rate (ADR) across the global portfolio also rose 6% year-on-year, while revenue per available room (RevPar) climbed 9% overall.

The group’s portfolio in Thailand, where it has 30 properties, was a standout performer with a 17% RevPar increase driven by expanded airline routes and targeted marketing efforts, which attracted high-spending travellers from North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

“Minor Hotels is well positioned to capitalise on the ongoing global travel rebound and accelerate growth in 2025 and beyond,” said Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International. 

“Our asset-right strategy and disciplined financial management will continue to drive growth and create value for our stakeholders. With a reinforced financial position, we are set to innovate, expand profitably, and capture new opportunities - mostly capital-free - as we continue to scale our global footprint.”

Minor operates hotel brands including Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, NH, NH Collection, nhow, Oaks and Tivoli. 

The company expects a further boost in Thailand tourism following the much-anticipated airing of the third season of the HBO series The White Lotus, which was filmed in Thailand – including at several properties owned or operated by Minor Hotels (top image) – and premiered on February 16.

By the end of 2027, Minor Hotels aims to expand its worldwide portfolio to 850 properties. 

For more info see minorhotels.com. 

Chapel Hill launches new art prize

 

McLaren Vale winery Chapel Hill has today announced the inaugural Chapel Hill Horizons Art Prize.

The $5,000 acquisitive art prize invites artists to interpret local landscapes and show their vision for its future. 

South Australian artists can submit their entries from today until July 14.

The short-listed works will be exhibited at Chapel Hill during this year’s South Australian Living Arts Festival (SALA), with the winning piece added to the winery’s permanent collection which is displayed all year round in the winery chapel (above). 

The winning artist, who will receive a $5,000 cash prize, will be announced at the exhibition opening on Sunday, August 3.

The prize theme, ‘Horizons’ encourages artists to "explore the dual meaning of the word: both the physical line where the earth meets the sky and the symbolic concept of something that might be attained". All artworks are required to include a distinct horizon line to be featured in the exhibition.

Art has long been part of Chapel Hill’s identity. Chief winemaker Michael Fragos, who this year is celebrating his 22nd vintage at Chapel Hill, is an avid visual art enthusiast and the walls of the winery’s chapel are adorned with artworks for visitors to enjoy.

“Chapel Hill is defined by its spectacular surroundings," Fragos said. "Every day we take inspiration from the beautiful landscape, the views back over McLaren Vale and the coast as well as the shimmering sunsets. 

“Since hosting Adelaide Festival events at the winery in the 1970s, Chapel Hill has a long and proud history supporting artists. It is so exciting to now bring together all of these elements with our inaugural Horizons Art Prize.” 

SALA Festival CEO Bridget Alfred commented, “We are thrilled to include the inaugural “Horizons Art Prize” exhibition in the 2025 SALA Festival, and welcome Chapel Hill Wines’ championing of South Australian artists and our fabulous SA culture. 

"We encourage all eligible artists to enter and look forward to seeing the finalists in August!”

The competition will be judged by a panel of notable local and industry names, to be announced at a later date. 

Short-listed artworks will be exhibited at Chapel Hill Wines, McLaren Vale from August 3 to September 16. 

For more details or to submit works visit www.chapelhillwine.com.au/horizons-art-prize/

From Hollywood to agave fields

Make a note of the name Pantalones Organic Tequila.

The brand, co-founded by Hollywood actor Matthew McConaughey and his model/designer wife Camila McConaughey, is expanding its global reach to Australia as of today.

The award-winning spirit, with a name that means pants in Spanish, is now available at Dan Murphy’s both in-store and online.

"Pantalones Organic Tequila celebrates a philosophy that aligns with the laid-back Australian spirit, embodying the essence of fun, celebration, and living life to the fullest," say Matthew and Camila McConaughey.

“We launched Pantalones to remind everyone that tequila should be high-quality juice and fun.

"We’re grateful that our message has been embraced by both tequila lovers and the industry. Whether it’s enjoyed in cocktails, shooters, or sipped neat, Pantalones performs, and now, we’re excited to share it with Australia."

Pantalones Organic Tequila has won several international award.

“With an overwhelmingly successful first year in the US, we are really looking forward to taking Pantalones to the next level with our first international market: Australia” said Andrew T. Chrisomalis, co-founder and chairman of Pantalones.

“The Australian spirit truly embodies everything Pantalones stands for; this is the perfect place to bring our brand to next, and we hope Aussies love our organic tequila as much as we expect they will.”



The range includes a Blanco ($110), a Reposado (aged for 9 months, $120) and an Añejo (aged for 15 months, $140). I'll report back after tasting. 

The range is made from from 100% organic blue Weber agave and produced at a family-owned distillery in Amatitán, Jalisco, Mexico.

For more info see PantalonesTequila.com.

Tahbilk wine releases mark 100 years of family ownership

 

The Purbrick family, as regular readers will know, is marking 100 years of ownership of one of Australia's iconic wine brands: Tahbilk. 

To mark the occasion, the Victorian winery has released a special commemorative Centennial wine collection. 

The releases from Victoria's oldest family-owned wine producer are all cellar aged to offer immediate drinking pleasure. 

"Each bottle in this collection marks a chapter in Tahbilk's journey," the family says. 

"They are a testament to the estate's dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. From Reginald Purbrick's original purchase to the following generations of commitment and care, the Tahbilk team continues to honour their rich legacy while keeping an eye on the future."

The collection, available at special prices to wine club members, includes a 2015 Marsanne, 2017 Riesling, a 2015 Sparkling Marsanne, a 2015 Old Block Shiraz, a 2015 Old Block Cabernet Sauvignon and a 2013 Fortified Shuraz. 

I'll report back further when I have tried them.

If you are at cellar door, also look out for the book The Purbricks of Tahbilk 1925-2025 by Fay Woodhouse. 

Check out www.tahbilk.com.au