Slow luxury travel is in, but nothing says fancy more than the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, and Europe’s new, annual three-night journey to Tuscany. Debuting May 11-14, 2025, the route will connect Paris with Belmond’s celebrated farm estate – Castello di Casole in Tuscany for the first time in the train’s history.
Passengers will chug through Belmond’s breathtaking 1300ha farm estate, enjoying views of the countryside. Boarding on May 11 in Paris, guests will be welcomed with a glass of champagne and will continue their day filled with pastries, tea, and coffee. At night, they will feast on Chef Jean Imbert’s exceptional regional menu, with drinks from the famous Bar Car ‘3674′ and live piano music.
Also included in this once-in-a-lifetime luxury trip is a private guided tour of Siena’s Unesco-listed historic centre, a stargazing session at an outdoor amphitheatre and a convivial village celebration mirroring the traditions of ‘Festa del Villaggio,’. belmond.com/trains/europe/venice-simplon-orient-express/journeys/paris-to-tuscany.
Sip into summer
Embrace the lively spirit of summer at Cordis, with the hotel’s new Summer High Tea; an indulgent experience that invites you to unwind while celebrating the warm weather. Cordis invites guests to savour unique bites and refreshing fruit-infused teas for an exquisite afternoon in the elegant ambiance of the Chandelier Lounge.
The thoughtfully curated menu showcases the best seasonal ingredients, featuring an exclusive selection of premium TWG teas with savoury and sweet treat options such as spicy strawberry gazpacho, goat cheese and capsicum tartelettes as well as summer berry pavlova, green tea and mango tarts, and freshly baked scones. Louis Roederer Champagne or Maude Traditionelle Brut is available for an extra charge. Check the schedules and book now at cordishotels.com/en/auckland/offers/dine/summer-high-tea/
Rottnest Island’s newest escape
Step into Rottnest Island’s newest luxury accommodation: The Lodge Wadjemup. Opening its doors early in 2025, 63 refurbished rooms are already available for booking and a further 109 new rooms will be rolled out throughout the year. Enjoy a pool, state-of-the-art conference spaces and the ‘Gathering Ground’ due to open mid-2025. Watch out for the highly anticipated Mediterranean-inspired dining at Sunsets Rottnest or indulge in a light bite to eat at the laid-back Pelican kiosk. Secure your next stay at thelodgewadjemup.com
Let’s go to the Outback
All aboard for an adventure deep into the heart of Australia. Introducing two new tours from Outback Aussie Tours 2025, which include stops at historical sites, sunset cruises, visiting Queensland’s largest planetarium, and more.
The first tour is a five to six-day Outback Whistle-Stop Longreach tour, running from May to October. The second tour is a seven-day Great Southwestern Adventure set to start from April and running until August. Book a spot and immerse yourself in Aussie history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Visit outbackaussietours.com.au/tours to learn more.
