Wind down with a cocktail or two at Melbourne's hip new hotel

Collaborations are all the range across the drinks business and the hospitality industry.

Melbourne hotel hotspot Hannah St Hotel has just launched a new collab with Malin+Goetz, a hip skincare brand founded in the very hip Chelsea neighbourhood of New York City.

The duo has unveiled The Wind Down by Malin + Goetz, an accommodation experience designed around "comfort, ritual and relaxation".

Here's what the hotel has to say: "Created in partnership with modern apothecary brand Malin + Goetz, the new package transforms an overnight stay into a sensory escape, where slowing down becomes the main event."

Fair enough.

"The collaboration draws inspiration from the shared character of Melbourne and New York."

Melbourne and New York are about as similar as myself and a LooksMaxxer.

But there is a legit link.

Hannah St Hotel occupies a location within the podium of The Queensbridge Building. Like New York's iconic Flatiron Building, The Queensbridge Building has become a defining architectural landmark of its city, creating a natural connection between two destinations celebrated for their creativity, culture and neighbourhood spirit.

At the heart of the Wind Down experience is Soft Flame, an exclusive cocktail developed by Hannah St. Hotel Bar Manager Ryan Brandon. Inspiration is drawn from the scent profile of Malin+Goetz's Dark Rum fragrance.

Guests can choose between two collab experiences.

The signature Wind Down by Malin + Goetz package includes overnight accommodation in a choice of Local, Traveller or Explorer Room types and Skyline or Lookout Corner Suites, plus daily breakfast for two, two Dark Rum-inspired cocktails served in Bar Hannah, nightly turndown service, extended 2pm checkout and a full-size Malin+Goetz Dark Rum candle to take home.

For those seeking an elevated retreat, The Ultimate Wind Down by Malin + Goetz is available exclusively in the hotel’s Terrace Balcony Rooms, the Melbourne Suite and the Hannah Suite.

Alongside all the inclusions of the signature package, Ultimate Wind Down guests can also enjoy cocktails shaken and served in-room on request, creating a private cocktail experience within the comfort of their suite. The premium package also includes a signature Hannah St Hotel robe to take home, "extending the feeling of indulgence".

Packages are available to book and stay from now until August 31, with prices starting from $705 per room for a minimum two-night stay. For online reservations and more info see www.hannahsthotel.com/packages.

* With 188 "uniquely styled" rooms, Hannah St Hotel is part of the Collection by TFE Hotels.

Star chefs set for Bangkok gourmet festival

How about a holiday gourmet experience in the heart of Bangkok?

The return of the World Gourmet Festival at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel celebrates a culinary collaboration between Asia, Latin America, France and the United States from September 29-October 4.

Under the theme The World of Flavours the festival brings together celebrated culinary talents including Álvaro Clavijo, chef and founder of El Chato in Bogotá, Colombia, which has been named the No. 1 restaurant in Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants.

He will be joined by Julien Royer, chef-owner of Odette in Singapore, holder of three Michelin stars. Odette reflects Royer's vision of refined French cuisine interpreted through an Asian perspective.

Also on board is Josiah Citrin, chef-owner of Mélisse in Los Angeles, awarded two Michelin stars. Citrin is regarded as a pioneer of Californian luxury dining and ingredient-driven cuisine.

"The World Gourmet Festival continues to celebrate the diversity and creativity that define the global culinary landscape," says Torsten Richter, general manager of Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

"We are honoured to welcome Álvaro Clavijo, Julien Royer and Josiah Citrin to Bangkok, where their distinct culinary philosophies will offer guests an extraordinary journey across Latin America, France and the United States."

Colombia offers new experiences for cyclists

Looking for a different cycling destination?

Ride & Seek is promoting a new historic cycling tour in the South American nation of Colombia.

The route travels from the heights of the Andes to the lush Coffee Triangle and sunny Caribbean coast.

Winding from Bogotá to Medellín and Cartegena, the Bolívar tour blends climbs with cruising and culture.

Departures of the three-week tour are now available November 7, 2026, and November 6, 2027, with prices starting at $US11,880 per person based on double occupancy.

“Few places bring together world-class terrain, authentic culture and a passion for cycling as naturally as Colombia,” saysd Ride & Seek founder Dylan Reynolds.

“While landscapes like challenging Andean climbs, rolling coffee plantations and beautiful Caribbean beaches guide the route of our new tour, the country’s enthusiasm for cycling truly gives it its soul - it’s shared by everyday commuters on bustling streets and elite riders who dominate international races.

"Having left its turbulent past behind, Colombia today is open and welcoming, making this the perfect time to visit by bike.”



Along the way, participants stay in restored haciendas and enjoy authentic meals.

The tour includes all accommodation, breakfasts and group dinners, most lunches, nutrition for rides, Ride & Seek kit and water bottle, GPS with pre-loaded routes and guides.



For more information, visit https://rideandseek.com/tour/bolivar-colombia/.

About Ride & Seek

Ride & Seek is a global adventure cycling company that says it offers unique historical-themed itineraries with quality lodging, fine gastronomy and cultural immersion. It offers tours in Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America.

Japanese resorts where you can reach for the stars

The Japanese resort region of Nagano is a long-time favourite for skiers and snowboarders. 

Now the Nagano region, about 250km north-west of Tokyo, wants to become a year-round destination for lovers of the outdoors. 

In a prefecture that boasts mountains as high as 3000 metres, local tourism officials want potential visitors to also focus on forests and the summer ground cover of flowers through hiking, cycling, e-biking, scenic drives or mere sightseeing.

And one highlight to visiting “The Roof of Japan” is to take on star gazing, where the air is clear and crisp and uninterrupted by artificial lighting.

“It’s one of those experiences worth treasuring for life,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organisation.

“There are several hotspots for guests to look into the night’s sky with a telescope; Star Village Achi and the famous Senjojiki Cirque (above) among the best,” she said.

“Nagano is known for its breathtakingly beautiful nature trails, fresh air and clear skies and is open to anyone wanting to lace up the boots for an adventure.

“Australians will soon realise there’s much more to holidaying in Nagano than challenging the slopes on skis or snowboards.”

Recent statistics indicate Australia remains Nagano’s number one long-haul market.

Star Village Achi is said to be the best spot for stargazing in Japan as endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment.

Here, visitors board a gondola from the base of Heavens Sonohara Snow World to Star Village Achi, where there is a café, telescopes and an open field that is perfect for stargazing.

At over 1400 metres, the village is surrounded by the Japanese Alps and light pollution is minimal. 

At 2600 metres above sea level, Komagatake’s Senjojiki Cirque is also a popular destination for anyone wanting to view starry skies. Here, guests can check into Japan’s highest-altitude hotel, Hotel Senjojiki.

At the northern end of the Japanese Alps lies the village of Hakuba, known for its plentiful snow and ski resorts that served as the venues for the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

Visitors can take in the scenery of the Japanese Alps from almost anywhere in Hakuba, from riverside parks to mountaintop terraces.

One of the most impressive views of the mountains is from Happo Pond on top of 2000-metre high HakubaHappo One. 

For more details see www.go-nagano.net/en/

Asia's new culinary travel drawcards

There is nothing more satisfying for a gourmet traveller than to discover a foodie hotspot ahead of the crowd. 

Digital travel platform Agoda has just released its list of Asia's hidden gems, where the local cuisine offers a window into a region's culture. 

The list showcases six destinations that are not major urban centres but do provide dishes to tantalise the palate. 

In the remote Isan region of Thailand, Udon Thani is described as "a culinary gem with its focus on traditional Thai flavours". Known for its vibrant street food scene, Udon Thani offers dishes like som tam (spicy papaya salad) and larb (spicy minced meat salad), which are staples of the region's cuisine. The city's food culture is deeply rooted in its agricultural heritage, providing a unique taste of rural Thailand.

Hué, Vietnam, is celebrated for its imperial cuisine, which reflects the city's historical significance as the former capital of the Nguyen Dynasty. The culinary scene in Hué is characterized by its delicate flavours and artistic presentation, with dishes like bánh bèo (steamed rice cakes) and bún bò Hué (spicy beef noodle soup) offering a taste of the city's royal past.

In the Philippines, Iloilo stands out with its vibrant mix of local and international flavours. Known for its seafood and traditional dishes like La Paz Batchoy (a noodle soup with pork and liver) and pancit molo (dumpling soup), Iloilo's culinary offerings are a testament to its cultural heritage. 

Dandong, China, offers a culinary experience at the crossroads of Chinese and Korean influences. This border city is known for fresh ingredients and bold flavours. From savoury dumplings to spicy stews, Dandong's food scene is vibrant. 

In Malaysia, Melaka is a cultural crossroads where Nyonya cuisine takes centre stage. This unique culinary tradition combines Chinese ingredients with Malay spices, resulting in dishes that are both flavourful and aromatic. 

Luang Prabang, in Laos offers a culinary journey set against the backdrop of its UNESCO World Heritage status. The city's cuisine is a harmonious blend of French colonial influences and traditional Laotian flavors, creating a dining experience that is both exotic and familiar. Signature dishes like laap, a spicy minced meat salad, and tam mak hoong, a tangy green papaya salad, showcase the city's appeal. 

"Exploring these hidden gems through their food is like taking a delicious journey through history and culture," says Andrew Smith, senior vice president, supply at Agoda said. 

More at agoda.com. 

Image: Luang Prabang night market

Europe urged to crack down on Russian tourists

Russians are not the most popular tourists. They have a reputation for being loud, smoking, and a reluctance to obey rules. 

 
The European Commission has now signalled plans to tighten Schengen visa rules for Russian nationals following criticism from a group of European countries that say current policies are being applied inconsistently across the bloc, news network Euronews reports.

The proposed measures, which Euronews says are expected to be presented next year, would introduce what Brussels describes as “targeted restrictive visa measures” aimed at addressing security concerns linked to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. 

The move comes after 11 European nations, led by Sweden, called on the Commission to take stronger action and create a more unified approach to handling visa applications from Russian citizens. The group also includes the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland and Sweden.

In a joint letter sent to Brussels, the countries expressed concern over what they described as significant differences in how member states are implementing visa guidelines introduced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. 

Those measures were designed to reduce non-essential travel from Russia, increase security screening and gradually phase out multi-entry visas in favour of single-entry permits.

The letter says inconsistent implementation has weakened the effectiveness of the policy and sent mixed political messages at a time when Europe is seeking to maintain a united stance against Moscow.

The letter urged the Commission to introduce binding restrictions, improve enforcement of existing guidelines and provide regular updates on visa issuance statistics involving Russian nationals.

France granted the highest number of Schengen visas to Russian nationals in 2025, issuing nearly 180,000 permits, an increase from the previous year. Italy followed with close to 160,000 visas, while Spain issued just under 100,000.

The letter says that it is difficult to justify large numbers of Russian tourists enjoying vacations across Europe while the conflict in Ukraine continues and civilian areas remain under attack.

Image: Gatot Adriansyah, Scop.io