THE ZEPPELIN TIMES Colossal order of new planes by Emirates shows way forward - Zeppelin Travel
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THE ZEPPELIN TIMES
4CRB Travel Show, The Armchair Traveller
Saturday 23 November 2019 10am on 89.3FM
Colossal order of new planes by Emirates shows way
forward
Emirates, the world’s largest international XWBs, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB
airline, has made a big airline fleet decision engines. This follows a thorough review of
and backed it by ordering 50 new long-range various aircraft options and of our own fleet
widebody aircraft in a deal worth AUD 23.5 plans. It is Emirates’ long-standing strategy
billion. to invest in modern and efficient aircraft, and
we are confident in the performance of the
The Dubai-based airline announced a firm A350 XWB.
order for 50 A350-900 XWB aircraft worth
USD 16 billion (AUD 23.5 billion) at list prices “Complementing our A380s and 777s,
at the Dubai Airshow 2019. Powered by Rolls- the A350s will give us added operational
Royce Trent XWB engines, delivery of the first flexibility in terms of capacity, range and
Emirates A350 XWB is expected in May 2023, deployment. In effect, we are strengthening
and will continue until 2028. our business model to provide efficient and
comfortable air transport services to, and
Emirates’ long-range fleet consists of four- through, our Dubai hub.”
engine A380 planes and two-engine B777s.
Its decision not to order more A380s led Sheikh Ahmed added: “This US$ 16 billion The A350 will enable Emirates to serve a
Airbus to wind down its production in a run- deal reflects our confidence in the future range of new markets, not only in region but
up to ending production. of the UAE’s aviation sector, and is a strong also on long-haul missions of up to 15 hours
affirmation of Dubai’s strategy to be a global of flying time from Dubai. Emirates intends to
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, nexus connected to cities, communities and equip its A350s with its latest products, and
Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive, economies via a world-class and modern offer different cabin configurations including
signed the deal with Guillaume Faury, Chief aviation sector.” Premium Economy.
Executive Officer from Airbus.
“We are honoured by Emirates’ strong Emirates currently operates an all wide-
This purchase agreement replaces the heads vote of confidence in our newest widebody body fleet of efficient and modern aircraft,
of agreement signed in February where aircraft, taking our partnership to the comprising the iconic Airbus A380 and the
Emirates announced its intent to purchase 30 next level. The A350 will bring unbeatable popular Boeing 777. From its hub in Dubai,
A350s and 40 A330Neos. economics and environmental benefits to the airline serves over 150 cities on six
their fleet,” said Guillaume Faury, Airbus continents, offering award-winning inflight
HH Sheikh Ahmed said: “Today, we are Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to and on ground services.
pleased to sign a firm order for 50 A350 seeing the A350 flying in Emirates colours!”
2019 Christmas retail sales to grow 2.6% to $52.7 billion
Roy Morgan’s annual Christmas retail
sales forecasts conducted in conjunction
with the Australian Retailers Association
(ARA) indicate Australians will spend over
$52.7 billion across retail stores during the
Christmas trading period.
Forecast retail spending this Christmas of
over $52.7 billion is an increase of 2.6% from
the $51.4 billion of retail expenditure during
the 2018 Christmas trading period.
Growth in retail expenditure is predicted
across all six categories measured with
spending on Food expected to grow by 3.2%
from a year ago to nearly $21.7 billion. Also
www.zt.com.au •1300 786 888
set to grow strongly will be Apparel including
clothing, footwear and accessories up 3% to
almost $4.2 billion.
Hospitality businesses are forecast to grow
by 2.3% to an expenditure of well over
$7.4 billion and an impressive $8.8 billion
is expected to be spent on Household
Goods this Christmas, an increase of 0.6%
from a year ago. Department stores are set
to experience slower growth than other
categories, up by 0.5%, to overall spending of
almost $3 billion.
The category combining ‘Other retailing’
which includes online retailing is predicted
is in line with other indicators such as the
to experience the fastest growth of all, up by
ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index
3.7% to spending of over $7.6 billion.
which is now at 111.1 and has averaged
112.0 since early September. This is about 5
Retail sales forecast to grow most strongly
points down on a year ago when the index
in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania
averaged 117.4 in the pre-Christmas period
of 2018.
Analysis of Roy Morgan’s pre-Christmas
retail forecasts by State and Territory shows
“On a State-by-State basis growth is expected
growth is expected across the nation led by
to be strongest in Queensland (+3.6%)
Queensland, up by 3.6% to over $10.6 billion.
and Victoria (+3%), but there is also above
inflation level growth forecast for Tasmania
Christmas retail spending is also forecast to
(+2.3%), SA (+2.1%), NSW (+2%) and the ACT
grow strongly in Victoria, up by 3% to over
(+2.6%).
$13.8 billion and Tasmania up by 2.3% to parts of the country,” Mr Zimmerman said.
$1.06 billion. Australia’s largest State of New “The ARA is expecting a solid if unspectacular
“The pre-Christmas retail period has begun
South Wales is forecast to have Christmas retail trade as Christmas approaches,” he
this year with many parts of Australia,
retail spending of nearly $16.8 billion, an added.
particularly in New South Wales and
increase of 2% with a similar level of growth
Queensland, facing devastating bushfires and
expected in South Australia, up 2.1% to $3.4 Mr Zimmerman said the ARA/Roy Morgan
uncertainty about how long these conditions
billion. forecast of 2.6% retail sales growth from
will persist. We recognise that the ongoing
the equivalent period in 2018 reflected the
threat of bushfires introduces a significant
Forecast Christmas retail spending in difficult year the sector has faced in 2019
degree of unpredictability to these forecasts
Western Australia is predicted to increase by but offered retailers some cheer and the
and we want to send our goodwill and
1.7% to over $5.5 billion while there are also prospect of better times in 2020.
prayers to everyone impacted by this natural
increases predicted for both the ACT and NT.
disaster for a safe and happy Christmas and
“While the headline figure is down on 2018,
New Year period.”
Michele Levine, Chief Executive Officer, Roy it’s better than we’ve seen in recent months,”
Morgan, says: Mr Zimmerman said.
The Executive Director of the Australian
Retailers Association, Russell Zimmerman,
“The annual ARA/Roy Morgan Christmas “Sales of food are tipped to be very strong,
said ARA/Roy Morgan forecasts for pre-
retail spending forecasts predict a spending at over $21bn; whether it’s a cold seafood
Christmas retail trade offered some cheer
increase of 2.6% in 2019 to over $52.7 billion buffet or a roast turkey with the trimmings,
for a sector that has struggled in 2019 but
in the important pre-Christmas retail period. Australians love their Christmas lunch or
acknowledged this came as much of Australia
This is slightly below the 2.8% growth of a dinner, and these figures show 2019 will be
faced risks of natural disaster and a bleak
year ago although remains well above the no different,” he said.
Christmas indeed.
current ABS Inflation rate of 1.7%.
Speaking at the release of annual joint ARA/
Roy Morgan pre-Christmas predictions
“Growth is predicted across all retail
for 2019 – covering 12 November to 24
spending categories led by Food which is
December – Mr Zimmerman said Australians
expected to increase 3.2% to $21.7 billion.
will spend almost $53bn before Christmas,
The Food category comprises over 40% of
but emphasised this was predicated on the
all pre-Christmas retail spending. Other
regions “getting lucky” by avoiding bushfires
spending categories expected to grow above
or other natural disasters.
the inflation rate include Apparel – clothing,
footwear and accessories (+3%), Hospitality
“We live in the best country on Earth, but
(+2.3%) and Other retailing – which includes
that comes with some terrible drawbacks;
online spending (+3.7%).
one of those is summer disasters – fires,
cyclones, floods – that sadly afflict some
“The small drop in growth from a year ago
The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road,
Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217
Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888
Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel
THE ZEPPELIN TIMES
4CRB Travel Show, The Armchair Traveller
Saturday 23 November 2019 10am on 89.3FM
IHG set to enter New Caledonia by
signing three hotels
IHG will make a grand entrance into New the world’s largest luxury hotel brand,
Caledonia with the signing of three hotels InterContinental, to the islands will
that will open between 2021 and 2024, boost the territory’s global profile and
bringing the world’s biggest and best hotel give us a fantastic opportunity to offer
brands to the region. IHG guests a unique New Caledonian
tourism experience. We are proud to
The new-build InterContinental Lifou work with the owner of these properties
Wadra Bay Resort will be a 50-room to deliver spectacular and inspiring island
luxury hotel located on the scenic Lifou, hospitality.”
the largest island of the Loyalty Islands.
Designed by both local architect, Atelier The InterContinental and Holiday Inns
13, and renowned interior designer, in Lifou and Ouvéa are all part of a
Chada, the resort is already under long-term management agreement
construction and will open in November with owner Société de développement
2021, featuring luxurious rooms, lagoon- et d’investissement des Îles Loyauté
front suites, all-day dining, a fine dining (SODIL), a government organisation
restaurant and bar, along with a gym, spa of the Loyalty Islands Province, one of
and an outdoor pool. three administrative subdivisions of New
Caledonia.
Hotel Paradis d’Ouvéa will convert to
Holiday Inn Resort Ouvéa in November William Ihage, General Manager of
2021 following a full refurbishment, SODIL commented: “The Travel and
bringing it to life as the highest quality Tourism sector is growing twice as fast
accommodation offering available on the as the world economy and supports one
island. Located on the beachfront at the in ten jobs[1], making it a true growth
picturesque Mouli Beach on the UNESCO engine. New Caledonia is an aspirational
World Heritage site of Ouvéa Island, the destination for travellers from around
34-room resort will offer all-day dinning, a the world, and visitor arrivals are on an
bar and an outdoor pool, not to mention upwards trajectory. In fact, in 2017, more
stunning views of the lagoon with its than 120,000 tourists and 493,000 cruise
endless shades of turquoise. ship passengers visited New Caledonia,
and we’ve seen a large increase in the
Holiday Inn Resort Lifou will convert from number of Australian, New Zealand and
the current Hotel Drehu Village in 2024, Japanese tourists, as well as continued
following an extensive refurbishment visitors from France.”
program. The 30-room beachfront resort
is located in the heart of Lifou Island’s “We know that IHG is a fantastic partner
town centre of Wé and will offer direct to bring our hotels to life, given their
beach access to the magnificent, sandy experience in operating amazing luxury
Bay of Chateaubriand. Once it rebrands, it properties in the surrounding Pacific
will offer all-day dining and bar, as well as islands, such as Fiji, Vanuatu and French
an outdoor swimming pool. Polynesia, as well as a significant presence
across several of New Caledonia’s key
Abhijay Sandilya, IHG’s Vice President inbound markets, including France,
of Development – Australasia, Japan Australia, Japan and New Zealand.”
& Pacific, said: “What an exciting time
for IHG as we make our foray into New Several airlines, including New Caledonia’s
Caledonia with the signing of three own Aircalin, Qantas, Air New Zealand
amazing hotels. The Loyalty Islands and Air Vanuatu operate frequent New
currently have no international hotel Caledonia flights to Nouméa’s La Tontouta
brand so bringing the world’s largest International Airport departing from
hotel brand family, Holiday Inn, and several Australian and New Zealand cities.
www.zt.com.au •1300 786 888
Tropical North Queensland Properties To Undergo Billion
Dollar Rebuilds
Tropical North Queensland around the south of Cairns. With fast flowing tropical
Mission Beach area is on a mission to creeks, the cool water has one feeling fresh
boost visitation and development plans are in no time.
underway to completely rebuild some of the
existing properties in a bid to increase room The creek is lined with huge boulders and
numbers and boost visitation to the region. clear water weaves between them to create
large swimming areas.
The program will include Dunk Islands,
Castaways Resort & Spa and Elandra at Take a walk through the clouds at Mamu
Mission Beach. Tropical Skywalk. The elevated platform is
15m above the ground and 350m in length Some of the highlights of the tour include
The timing is expected to be in the vicinity of and takes you through the Wooroonooran a look at the fascinating 3800 year history
two years and the spend into the billions. National Park. Explore the canopy of the of cocoa. A visit to the tree nursery and a
tropical rainforest and take in the panoramic mature cocoa tree plantation and don’t
*Development is expected to start within the views of the area. forget the chocolate tasting which highlights
year, with the project term for Dunk Island a dozen different styles and flavours. Charleys
a 10-15 year plan. (The new owners of Dunk Check out the 10m long cantilever and 37m has won many international accolades for
Island, Mayfair101, have spent $32M on high observation tower and learn about the their products.
Dunk Island Resort and an additional $150M history and heritage of Mamu rainforest.
on mainland properties, including the iconic Lunch at Bingil Bay Café; a rustic family run
Elandra Resort). A 30 minute drive then to Paronella Park, for café with a distinctive ambience featuring
a tour of the five hectare property. an interesting clientele of locals and tourists.
A visit to Tropical North Queensland TNQ Serving delicious home cooked delights the
(Previous title, Far North Queensland gives Discuss the history of Jose Paronella’s dream café is nestled in the tropical rainforest of
the wrong vibe) was to attend the Australian to build a castle in this part of the country Bingil Bay only minutes away from unspoiled
Society of Travel Writers Annual General and the stories behind this heritage-listed beaches, campgrounds and National Park
Meeting hosted by Tourism Tropical North properly. walking tracks.
Queensland.
Paronella Park is the site of Queensland’s All aboard the Island Spirit for a three and a
The very luxurious Riley and Crystalbrook first privately owned eco accredited hydro- half hour Fozzy’s three island tour with owner
collection resort @rileycrystalbrookresort electric plant. operator Nancy Lowe a very well respected
was the bolthole for our Writers Conference local tourism leader looking forward to
and AGM. Castaways Resort & Spa is beachfront the soon to be opened new Marina which
accommodation at Mission Beach. will ensure safe embarking in all types of
Delegates were hosted to a selection weather. The tour is an ideal way to visit the
of exciting short pre or post conference Surrounded by both the Great Barrier beautiful islands in the comfort of the fully
familiarisation (famil) tours of the area. Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest, enclosed custom made Water Taxi. Departing
Castaways, is the prime location to relax from Wongaling Beach, Island Spirit heads
Along with five others, I opted for the famil and rejuvenate. The property will undergo towards Kumboola, an uninhabited island to
titled ‘Get Dunk’d’ (a very clever name a $70 million rebuild, due to start in 2020. the south of Dunk Island, then on to Timana
because it included a trip to Dunk Island.) The redevelopment will see the 47 room and then privately-owned Bedarra Island.
It was all about swimming in some of the 4-star resort increase to 226 rooms with 5 During the cruise you will be treated to a
spectacular rock pools sprinkled around pools, multiple dining facilities and state- lively on board commentary with a mixture
Cairns and environs and taking in the of-the-art conference facilities. Owned by of interesting facts and local history. To finish
breathtaking vistas from rainforests, beaches, Melbourne-based Neville-Smith family since the journey spend an hour or so on a secret
boating journeys, national parks and road- 2006; Castaways Resort & Spa has played a beach swimming and perhaps a cocktail.
testing some of the delightful restaurants pivotal role in the Mission Beach and broader
and cafés in the area. Get Dunk’d was a very Cassowary Coast region, maintaining an Dinner time it’s a visit to Peppervine
time saving way of checking out some of the strong commitment to the local community, Restaurant a two minute walk from
highlights of the area. supporting the economy and providing Castaways at Mission Beach, serving modern
stable, long term employment. Australian cuisine sourcing local produce
A visit to the island gives a sense of a tropical and seafood to create wood fired pizza,
paradise. It is a careful mixture of tourism, Next day an early call at Charley’s Chocolate fresh pasta, and a selection of Euro-Asian
relaxation and parkland. Factory where you can live your childhood fusion dishes. The seafood laksa was like no
dreams by taking a tour of the Mission Beach other, full of seafood and flavour, enough
This well designed itinerary is an ideal way based factory. for three it was a struggle to finish because
to take in the highlights of the Mission Beach of the enormity but when you are hosted so
area:- Experience the whole journey of chocolate brilliantly you have to do what you have to
from “Cocoa Tree to Chocolate Bar”. With the do. There was nothing left.
Swim and lunch at Babinda Boulders, a enthusiastic and informative husband and
popular swimming hole and tourist attraction wife team Chris and Lynn Jahnke. Written by John Savage
The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road,
Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217
Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888
Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel
THE ZEPPELIN TIMES
4CRB Travel Show, The Armchair Traveller
Saturday 23 November 2019 10am on 89.3FM
Robotic bartenders shake up Dubai’s bar scene
When you’re a city with the biggest, tallest Showing how technology can empower
best, well, everything, how do you celebrate people and create a new drinking experience,
an anniversary in grand-slam fashion? Makr Shakr works via the simple process:
you pay for the drink at the bar and receive
Cavalli Club Dubai is celebrating with a brand a voucher, you input the drink you want on
new and Italian-designed robotic bartender. iPads, confirming the ticket number and the
Makr Shakr is an automated cocktail- robot starts making your drink.
maker, the world’s most advanced drink-
mixing robot, and the very first of its kind The new robotic bar is part of a massive
in the region. Combining the finest Italian revamp of the Dubai CAvalli Club, following
craftsmanship with high-end technology, the reveal of its new bar earlier this year -
the robotic bar uses two mechanical arms complete with 700,000 Swarovski crystals,
that can shake, stir and serve drinks in AED1 million in gold fixtures, 12m-long
seconds, managing a 158 bottles of different hydraulic-lift catwalk and a -18 degrees
drinks and an infinite number of drink Celsius ice bar. How will you take your next
combinations. mechanical mojito?
Culinary news: A fusion of flavours
With a view to elevate the dining experiences
of guests at Jumeirah Al Naseem, the hotel
has collaborated with Japanese-Argentinian
chef, Cristian Goya to host a unique pop-up
restaurant concept called Kayto. Celebrating
the exotic blend of Peruvian and Japanese
cuisine known as ‘Nikkei’, and putting to
good use the experimental cooking style of
Cristian, the innovative menu, designed to
embrace sharing, features everything from
fresh ceviche to special sushi nigiri to robust
meat dishes.
Showcasing authentic flavours from Japan
and South America, standout dishes include
roasted langoustine in a sweet and sour
sauce, Saikyo miso black cod, Australian
wagyu beef tataki and cheesecake brûlée,
all washed down by Japanese cocktails,
mocktails and sake, crafted by the in-
house mixologist. Serving lunch and dinner
from now until end of May 2020, and
complemented by a private shisha lounge
and spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab, the
pop-up restaurant is a place that demands to
be discovered.
www.zt.com.au •1300 786 888
Hotel review: A Roman holiday
The Italian splendour of Palazzo Versace
Dubai masterfully marries traditional with
new, where old-world designs are made
modern, and the fashion brand’s visceral
spirit breathes life into a hotel that feels as
princely as it does playful, says Emily Baxter-
Priest.
When Palazzo Versace Dubai first opened
its doors in 2016, it was to much fanfare.
On opening night, a party was held for 800
people, Donatella herself breezed into town,
and Instagram bared witness to a quartet of
supermodels cavorting around the property,
clad in Donatella’s signature designs,
celebrating long into the night. Then again, a
hotel launch belonging to Versace was never
going to be a quiet affair.
On entry, the lobby grandstands for all the
right reasons; and it’s a sweeping invitation
with its vast 1,000 square-metre mosaic floor.
Exactly three years on, and the hotel pieces, hand-cut and laid piece by piece. But fashion illustrations leads me to my Grand
has settled into itself, and while models, the peacocking doesn’t stop there, because Suite, a 130sqm thoughtfully-designed space
dignitaries and VIPs are still de rigeur of above you sways one of the most beautiful that brings that subtle splendour to the fore
the guest list, the allure of the elaborate, chandeliers I’ve ever seen; named ‘Golden again. Stunning parquet flooring, Medusa-
neo-classical property reaches far wider. Breeze’, it’s a 3,000kg amber-tone, glass- motifed tumblers, mosaiced bathroom tiling,
Plumped pretty on the now thriving Al Jaddaf blown installation by Lasvit that is based on and vivid baroque prints on everything from
Waterfront, the hotel is in good company a classic Versace arabesque pattern designed furniture to bedlinen to chaise longue...
with its neighbours; namely the critically- to appear as if moved by a soft breeze, and it There is much for the eye to see. But the
acclaimed Art Jameel institute opposite, is genuinely quite breathtaking. suite is spacious, and not engulfed by over-
and the almost-finished book-shaped furnishing, so there’s an easy breathability.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, which is Further into the lobby and the power Plus, the muted hues of turquoise, yellow
set to house over 4.5 million books when of Versace takes hold – everywhere you and salmon that feature across the house’s
it opens next year. Here, location certainly look you feel the essence and presence legendary prints throughout refuse to
counts. Reminiscent of a 16th-century of the ‘rock baroque’ vibes Gianni was so overwhelm either, resulting in rooms that
Italian Palace, Palazzo Versace is a sprawling famed for. There are lavish gold and red land somewhere between homely and
55,570sqm neoclassical masterpiece that swirling patterns bedecked on furnishings, majestic. Having curated each and every
blends subtle traces of Arabian architecture, bespoke furniture and textiles decorated element of the interior décor herself
with a grand impression that hits as you soon with peacocks, falcons and horses, framed exclusively for Palazzo Versace Dubai,
turn up its driveway. illustrations of Donatella’s designwork lining Donatella hasn’t missed a beat, and with
each corridor and just an over-riding sense of the hotel housing a Versace Home store
Those who know the fashion company subtle grandeur. (alongside Versace Kids and Versace
behind the hotel – Versace, a seriously va-va- Jewellery), your suite is shoppable, too.
voom fashion brand first founded in 1978 by The hotel is a visual masterpiece that
late Italian designer Gianni Versace, and now combines the beauty of Italian craftsmanship I could stay here all I day, but the light
spearheaded by his sister, Donatella – will be with the elegance of a fashion-branded flooding in from outside lures me to the
aware of the importance of the Medusa icon space. With Donatella’s aim to refresh window, and the twinkling azure waters
in all things Versace. The Greek mythological the Versace vision and make it more below, courtesy of one of the hotel’s three
character who made people fall in love contemporary, the opulence isn’t over- pools. My view takes in the central infinity
with her is synonymous with the House of whelming – certainly more than just implied, pool, that I learn is only available to hotel
Versace, and looms large throughout, but but toned down and, more accessible, guests – rather than those with a day pass, as
perhaps never quite as imposingly as under perhaps. is popular in Dubai – and its sweeping views
foot on the driveway, as mosaiced tiles form of Dubai Creek, and the Al Jaddaf Waterfront
her face, and she welcomes and lures you Stunning parquet flooring, medusa-motifed below. It’s a view that demands to be
inside like a siren. tumblers, mosaiced bathroom tiling and vivid explored up, close and personal.
baroque prints... there is much for the eye
On entry, the lobby grandstands for all the to see. I meander outside via lunch at Vanitas.
right reasons; it’s a sweeping invitation to the One of eight restaurants in the hotel, it is
property, with its vast 1,000sqm mosaiced Following check-in, a corridor lined with the place that perhaps feels most akin to
floor by Fantini Mosaici, using 1.5 million plush, purple carpet and the ‘wall of fame’ the hotel founder, with its intimate Italian
The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road,
Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217
Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888
Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel
THE ZEPPELIN TIMES
4CRB Travel Show, The Armchair Traveller
Saturday 23 November 2019 10am on 89.3FM
elegance and charm. With a menu brimming
with Italian classics, I settle on Burrata with
avocado, heirloom tomatoes and pickled
shallots – a dish that tastes oh-so-right with
the freshness, flavour, and richness of the
cheese so on point; followed by Spaghetti
alla Chitarra – a classic pasta where little else
is needed bar fresh tomato, chilli and basil.
Simple and divine.
An al fresco afternoon is called for, and after
I spend an hour gently lapping Capri pool in
the company of Medusa on the tiled floor
beneath me and Al Jaddaf winking in the
background, I retire to the quieter Portofino
pool, in the West wing of the hotel, where
I doze in a cabana amid birdsong from the
surrounding Frangipani trees, sip on fresh-
fruit mocktails, and drink in the very last of
the afternoon sun. Bademjun (charcoal grilled eggplants with and still-warm homemade bread, all eaten off
kashk), Mirza Ghasemi (grilled eggplants with the restaurant’s exclusive line of ‘Rosenthal
Having stayed at the brand’s sister property fresh tomatoes, roasted onions and garlic) meets Versace’ crockery collection, inspired
on the Gold Coast in Australia (which opened and pan-fried seabass with kuku sabzi herbs. by Les Reves Byzantines.
first in 2006), I’m akin to the restorative So fresh, so enticing, and so befitting of
powers of Palazzo Versace’s spa, and once the setting I’m in. For dessert, the ‘Brownie Lunch here later brings with it a day crowd
the sun has set, I spend a few delicious in a treasure box’ is exactly what it says who gather to revel in the vibrant Versace
hours there in its dark and sumptuous grip. and delivers quite possibly the most heart- energy, and languish on a long leisurely
With black Granito Nero Assoluto marble stopping chocolate brownie I’ve ever tried. It brunch where sushi stations meet curry
floor and grey degrade mosaic tiles with certainly feels like I’ve found treasure. corners and donut walls vie for attention with
mother-of-pearl detailing, the interiors feel chocolate fountains. The mood is contagious
like dark, cavernous warrens of indulgence After dinner, a surprise lies in a wait next and spills over into La Piscina, beyond the
and wellbeing. Here you can try everything door – a jazz bar founded by the legendary terrace, where sun-worshippers linger from
from a ceremonial hammam to a hot stone American music producer, singer and morning to night. Recently transformed into
massage to a gold and caviar facial that musician, Quincy Jones. Q’s Bar & Lounge a destination for hotel day-guests, it’s for
embraces the power of Swiss anti-ageing isn’t perhaps what you’d expect at Palazzo over-21s only, and with the swim-up bar,
excellence, all before sinking into a thermal Versace, but it has proved incredibly popular private cabanas, sunken pool loungers and
suite post-sauna. A few hours here feel since its launch, in part due to the calibre of day-long DJ sets, it’s the kind of place that
decidedly and decadent, and you emerge the acts that Quincy hand-picks acts from all halcyon holidays are made of.
as if from a chrysalis back into the light with over the world, and it is absolutely packed.
renewed vigour for life. I pick a table in the corner and spend the What Donatella has created here is a hotel
next few hours listening to the full-bodied that masterfully conjures up a sense of
Dinner takes me to Engima, the hotel’s vocals of an all-girl jazz quartet who hit all belonging, a feeling of home, amid a design
immersive restaurant concept, in which the right notes, with crowd-rousing covers that teeters perfectly between intimate and
there’s a rotating theme that changes every and laid-back love songs. There are no clocks regal. Whilst there are elements throughout
three months. Each chef, selected from one here, and time seems to stand still, so when the property that feel museum-like, it’s more
of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants List, takes I emerge late, late into the night, I’m grateful playful than staid, and takes guests on a
guests on a culinary adventure through their for the crisp Donatella-approved bedsheets visual journey through Versace’s long-history
preferred cuisine, and I’m fortunate enough and capacious king-size bed waiting for me. with art and fashion, all whilst embracing
to try ‘Taste of Persia’, inspired by the Iranian the Italian house’s now-iconic, visceral spirit.
origins of Palazzo Versace’s two-Michelin- Morning brings with it the chance to sit al It’s an immersive experience to stay here,
starred executive chef, Mansour Memarian. fresco overlooking the La Piscina east pool that allows you to see the Versace lifestyle
All dark and broody, the décor of Enigma on the terrace at Giardino – a cheerfully- through the contemporary eyes of Donatella,
has rich overtones that at once feel rooted decorated restaurant with marble ‘terrazzo’ where history is made modern. Elegant,
in history, and while it’s perhaps the journey flooring, and wallcoverings inspired by convivial and queenly... quite the triumphant
through Persia I’m about to embark on, I the jungle motif of Versace’s wallpaper tour de force. Ciao, bella.
feel transported to a bygone time. A sharing collection. The vibe is happily upbeat, and
concept that allows guests to dip in and try I fuel myself for the day on freshly made
myriad dishes, highlights include Kashke omelette, freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice
www.zt.com.au •1300 786 888
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