News from everywhere, for people going somewhere.
In this week’s travel news: bucket-list Black Friday bargains, a dedicated bath butler, and a sleek new Gold Coast hotel with free minibars.
SAIL AWAY SALE
Black Friday is coming for your bucket list. Luxury cruise line Silversea is offering savings of up to 45 per cent on more than 850 voyages, including some rather spectacular itineraries for 2027. Fancy watching the Tour de France depart Edinburgh, champagne in hand? A 10-night British Isles sailing aboard Silver Spirit starts from $10,140 a person. Or time a Japanese cruise to Kyoto’s spectacular Gion Matsuri festival, with 12 nights aboard Silver Muse from $11,710. There are also Mediterranean escapes, including seven nights exploring the Greek islands and Turkish coast aboard Silver Nova from $6140. The sale covers both classic luxury cruises and expedition voyages, with departures through 2029. Book by December 7. See silversea.com
THE WORLD ON YOUR WRIST
Still calculating time differences on your fingers? Swiss watchmaker Raymond Weil has a rather more elegant solution. Its new Freelancer World-Traveller displays local time, a second time zone and the time in 24 cities, all on a handsome dial featuring a relief map of the world. Created to mark the brand’s 50th anniversary and what would have been its travel-loving founder’s 100th birthday, just 260 will be made. At $6995, it’s considerably more expensive than asking Siri, but infinitely better looking. See raymond-weil.com
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A MILLION REASONS TO BOOK
Some people collect fridge magnets. Others collect frequent flyer points. Both camps might appreciate Inspiring Vacations’ Black Friday promotion, which is giving away 5 million Velocity Points, including a 1 million point jackpot. Book an eligible holiday by December 3 and you’ll earn double points and an entry into the draw. That’s one way to make your next holiday pay for the one after it. See inspiringvacations.com
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Still haven’t made Christmas plans? Philippine Airlines makes a compelling argument for spending the festive season somewhere other than home. Its current sale offers up to 30 per cent off flights between December 1 and March 31, covering this Christmas and the summer holidays for those of you who are last-minute types. The more organised among you can save up to 40 per cent on travel from April 1 onwards for next year’s big trip. Better hurry though: the sale ends after this weekend.
A BATH BUTLER? NATURALLY
The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is taking turndown to new heights with a dedicated bath concierge. Available until February 28, 2027, the experience includes an in-room bath prepared with Diptyque products, sleep tea, a wellness bite and a take-home skincare set and robe. Fancy. See ritzcarlton.com
GOLD COAST GETS AN ANDAZ
The Gold Coast’s transformation from Schoolies central to luxury playground continues with the arrival of Australia’s first Andaz. The Broadbeach hotel has 202 rooms and suites, four places to eat and drink, and a pool club with private cabanas. There are also Byredo toiletries, Dyson hairdryers and complimentary minibars. We love a hotel that understands the importance of free snacks. Opening rates from $360 a night. See hyatt.com
Justine Cullen is the Editorial and Strategy Director of Traveller and a former Editor-in-Chief of ELLE and InStyle Australia. She has spent more than 30 years working in the media and is one of Australia’s most recognised and award-winning magazine editors. Author of the memoir Semi-Gloss and the bestselling weekly culture Substack, Late Night Snacking, Justine is a lifelong traveller with a particular interest in the intersection of travel and sociocultural trends.From our partners
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
