The former palatial home of Prince Roland Bonaparte has been graciously restored and converted to the elegant Shangri-La Paris. This luxury hotel, considered one of Paris' top 'Palace' properties, offers 100 spacious guestrooms and suites, ranging from 400 to over 2,000 sq. ft. of space. The hotel has a number of special suites, including duplex and terrace categories. The property is well-known for many guest rooms with superb Eiffel Tower views, in my opinion the best in Paris.
Shangri-La Paris is a full-service luxury property, with facilities and services that meet the highest standards. Guests have access to the property's CHI Spa, health club, and a 60' long swimming pool with a beautiful view of a green terrace. The hotel offers two great dining options: La Bauhinia, all-day dining with Asian and French menus, as well as Shang Palace, Paris' finest Chinese restaurant serving gourmet menus.
Under the QUAY hotel program, Signature's preferred hotel & resort collection continues to reinvent itself, with new hotels, refreshed properties, and new options for travellers headed to the world's sought-after hotspots.
PALAZZO CORDUSIO – a Gran Meliá Hotel Milan
Milan, Italy
Milan's newest luxury hotel opens this month in a renovated 19th century landmark building in the heart of the city. This intimate hotel with stylish interiors offers 84 guestrooms and suites in various layouts, including top suites with balconies and great views of central Milan. Palazzo Cordusio is superbly located and walking distance to top sights like the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the fashion district.
Milan's newest luxury hotel opens this month in a renovated 19th century landmark building in the heart of the city. This intimate hotel with stylish interiors offers 84 guestrooms and suites in various layouts, including top suites with balconies and great views of central Milan. Palazzo Cordusio is superbly located and walking distance to top sights like the Duomo, Castello Sforzesco, and the fashion district.
Dining is a highlight at Palazzo Cordusio, offering fine Italian cuisine in Isola, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of Milan's skyline, as well as a lobby-level Bistro and cocktail bar. Guests can also enjoy pastries and Italian coffee at the hotel’s fine Pasticceria.
Don't miss the hotel's serene wellness space, offering spa treatments, a refreshing pool, and fitness center. Signature is proud to welcome Palazzo Cordusio to its FIRST sales and marketing program.
Click here for more information about Palazzo Cordusio, A Gran Meliá Hotel, including valuable exclusive amenities.
by Michelle Sutton
My first Expedition cruise and I am totally hooked on all three things: Ponant, The Kimberley region and the explorative, physical, and educational style of expedition cruising. Gorgeous ship, delicious French food and wines, engaging entertainment and activities, spectacular scenery with exciting wildlife and sunny warm weather and adventurous, engaging people and fun!
Ponant’s ships are all sleek and modern looking, like an oversized super yacht, so it was very exciting when we saw Le Soleal in Darwin harbour for the first time. Once onboard, the interior is the same, contemporary with neutral colours and clean lines.
With Le Soleal being a small ship, passenger capacity 244 and only 18 m in width, the main lobby area reminded me of a river cruise ship in the size and the fact that you could step out onto a deck either side. I felt at home straight away on this ship, it has an intimate easy feel that I think comes from the ship and the staff, and possibly the French champagne that was offered on arrival and then free flowing throughout the cruise!
My favourite space is the beautiful Panoramic lounge at the front of the ship on the top deck. It is just that – a lounge with comfortable sofas and chairs, a well-stocked library, grand piano, bar and fantastic view over the observation deck and bow.
I stayed in a Prestige stateroom (#611) on Deck 6 – the top deck. The cabins are contemporary in décor and had so many thoughtful features. I loved the floor to ceiling glass window in the bathroom allowing you a view outside if you wanted it and a separate room for the toilet. We had a our own Ponant aluminium water bottles (to keep), Nespresso coffee machine, wired in electric kettle, Bose Bluetooth speaker, minibar and well stocked fridge with twice daily replenishment of both still and sparkling water.
We had many a sunset cocktail at my favourite bar - the open-air bar looking down over the pool and the huge French flag at the stern of the ship. Re the pool – it was lovely to have, and it was thoughtfully emptied and refilled every second night because it got very warm!
Everything is included on a Ponant cruise and that creates such a relaxed atmosphere around socializing with new acquaintances over drinks and a meal. French champagne featured throughout the cruise! We had a couple of expeditions where we were surprised and delighted with a glass of champagne in a beautiful and unique location. They were truly magical moments!
Of course, the food was fabulous, and we could dine in our room 24/7 or choose between 2 restaurant’s; the formal a la carte on Deck 2 or the Grill restaurant for buffet on the pool deck. I loved dining al fresco in the balmy warm evenings.
To me the Ponant staff also make the brand very special. They are efficient, professional and friendly like all ship’s crew, but they all also came across as very happy, personable and very proud of their ship and team. This stemmed from the captain down. He was not only there to greet us onto the ship on embarkation, but also from returning from each expedition if he could. We got to swim off the back of the ship and to our delight the captain gave staff their turn after us. It was just as much fun to watch them (and try to work out who was coupled up!) as it was to play in that divine water ourselves.
One Indonesian waiter in the restaurant asked us if we’d like to try his grandmother’s special sauce when an Asian BBQ was featured one lunch. It was delicious, I got the recipe off him and love that the crew are happy and comfortable enough to able to express their personality. You don’t get this a lot on cruises. The Bridge had an open-door policy between certain hours and the officers were keen to explain the equipment and processes and always made us feel welcome. Something different was that a spotter is always there with his binoculars! This guy is on the look out for wildlife in the water. They also ran Engine room tours for those who wanted to see it. We did and it was fascinating especially the recycling of water and waste systems (sustainability and preserving the environment they sail in is huge for Ponant).
Expedition cruising is all about the destination; the nature surrounding us and our interaction and knowledge of it. This means the guest interaction with the Expedition team is constant and hugely rewarding, whether it be the intimate time in the Zodiac, watching for whales, crocodiles or dolphins alongside them on the observation deck or attending their daily briefs and special interest talks in the theatre. This passionate team of Expedition guides are amazing! They live and breathe their interest in the region and its wildlife and landscapes as well as astrology, geology and photography. I learnt so much and I love that I came away from a wonderful holiday having learnt many new things!
The Captain and Expedition team stressed the importance of safety in the dangerous environment we were in and I always felt safe when out in the Zodiac due to the fact all guests knew what we could and couldn’t do i.e., no hands or feet in the water due to crocodiles!
Ponant is a French cruise line and most of the staff are French, or they speak it, as well as English and often other languages. The announcements were in English and then French however each Zodiac outing was with either a French or English-speaking guide. They did well with this, and I loved hearing the French spoken around me and greeting other guests in French each morning, however I think clients should be aware of this when considering a cruise on Ponant.
I was surprised and delighted by the entertainment on the ship. My expectation was that with Le Soleal being such a small ship and the focus of the cruise being Expedition, there would be very little entertainment. I was wrong. We had onboard a classical Pianist and two sets of singing duo’s who took turns to entertain us in the Main Lounge in the evenings - and on the White night up at the Outside bar for an awesome party! They also sang live at lunch. Each lunchtime a table with an awning was set up by the pool to add a special featured food to our buffet lunch options. Both features made lunch a festive and fun time. There was also a fun Casino night with Ponant money, high tea each day accompanied by classical music, a hands-on pastry lesson and my expected optional talks on the local geology, wildlife, astrology, aboriginal culture and art etc.
One of the talks was on photography which I learnt so much in! The guide who took that was a Murray, a 19-year-old expert and enthusiast on birds and photography from Cairns. He was so knowledgeable, engaging, patient, helpful and passionate. As were all the Expedition team – they were just a bit older and with degrees in their specialist fields!
All in all, I can’t wait to cruise with Ponant again – any ship, anywhere!
It is hard to grasp just how vast and beautiful this wild and remote region is! One excursion we were excited to take from Wyndham was a flight over the Bungle Bungles - truly amazing spectacle! It made me want to also explore this region more. Many fellow clients had incorporated a land tour or self drive stay in the region as well as the cruise to see its features on the coast. It is worth making the most of being in that region at the time.
The Kimberley’s has interesting World War Two history as well as Aboriginal history, culture and rock art dating back thousands of years. It also has exciting wildlife [and an abundance of it!], but its biggest drawcard is the stunning landscapes and features you don’t find anywhere else in the world.
The Montgomery reef, 400 sq. kilometres of reef [ the largest inshore reef in the world] gets exposed twice daily by the extreme drop in tide [ one of the largest in the world] to create a magical phenomenon of sight and sound! Truly unique and exciting experience. Also, there is the Horizontal falls in Talbot Bay – a natural wonder from tidal surges again that is unique.
Kimberley is vibrant colour in the landscapes, sunsets and sunrises, the sights and sounds of the exciting wildlife that is in abundance, the warmth of the sun, the cultural interest to see and hear and so remote it feels untouched at every turn.
I can’t wait to go back and see more.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR BALI, INDONESIA
Whilst the Covid entry requirements for Bali have ceased there are still a number of requirements for entry into Bali and some smart time saving ways to ensure your arrival is smooth...Beware of the 'scam' websites that will try and charge you extra!
Passport Validity
Visa Requirements
If you would like Quay Travel to obtain your E-VOA on your behalf, please be advised a processing fee of $50 per person applies.
VIP Fast Track Service
In conjunction with the E-VOA, Quay can also make arrangements for a fast track service into Bali to expedite your arrival.
This includes:
Please note:
SERVICE FEE – AUD $75.00 per person
If you would like Quay Travel to book the VIP Fast Track Service, please be advised a processing fee of $50 per person applies (this is in addition to the service fee).
Please note you may also like to complete your Custom Declaration online prior to arrival although this is not compulsory. Please see details below:
Electronic Customs Declaration (ECD) – BARANG PENUMPANG
QUAY Hotel Review
Sofitel Fiji - Waitui Club
Last month I made a quick dash to Fiji to get away from this seemingly endless awful Auckland weather. It is amazing how much a mini-break can help with our mental & physical well-being. Fiji is a great option for a mini-break, with a short flight across the Pacific, and the same time difference. This time I decided to just stay in Denarau and experience the newly refurbed Sofitel Fiji and the Waitui Club.
The staff's warm welcome and personalized service made me feel like a VIP. They have just opened their own arrival lounge at the airport where I was checked in and my private transfer was arranged, and restaurant bookings made - what a breeze.
On arrival at the resort the welcome team knew my name and took me by buggy to the Waitui Club for my check in and complimentary welcome drink. The Waitui Club package includes a customizable mini-bar in my room…..Impressed!
The rooms are fully renovated with a light fresh look.
Whilst the cocktails are perhaps slightly more juice than alcohol the complimentary snacks that kept coming around the pool area were fantastic. I tried out all of the restaurants and have to say that the quality of food in Fiji has greatly approved over the years. (Albeit quite expensive!).
I did also manage to get in some gym sessions and the equipment in the gym is top notch.
The staff at the Sofitel have this amazing renewed energy!
I can highly recommend for anyone wanting a quick 'adults only' getaway from this wet, cold winter we are experiencing.
Michelle x
Embrace the freedom of traveling solo with Silversea.
Tired of waiting for a loved one to commit to the adventure of a lifetime on a Silversea cruise to your dream destination? Fortunately, it’s easier than ever to travel solo while enjoying the all-inclusive lifestyle of Silversea as single occupancy supplements are only 25% on select voyages. Other cruise lines charge up to double the regular per-person fee for a single booking. The all-inclusive fare includes a spacious, elegant suite with sweeping ocean views, personalized butler service, sumptuous dining in multiple restaurants, a complimentary selection of wines, spirits and soft drinks, entertainment programs, and much more.
Only you will determine what the adventure on a Silversea sailing has in store for you. Some of the available voyages include Reykjavík to Churchill, Manitoba on Silver Endeavour, Lisbon to Athens (Piraeus) on Silver Whisper, and Seward, Alaska to Vancouver on Silver Nova. Silversea has sailings that reach from pole to pole and visit over 900 destinations on all seven continents.
Solo travelers will love the ultra-luxurious sailing experience with Silversea without worrying about paying double for a single room on select sailings. Rest and pamper yourself in your suite knowing you got the deal of a lifetime and are taking yourself on the vacation you’ve been lusting after. Make yourself feel at home by indulging in such included amenities as your choice of pillows, personalized stationery, and having your minibar stocked with your favorite wines and spirits.
No matter which Silversea sailings you choose for your solo travels, you’ll be served by a butler who is available 24/7 to ensure your every need is well served. You don’t have to stress about embarking as your butler will be there with you, with white-glove service and all, to ensure your departure goes smoothly. You’ll continue to be pampered throughout your voyage. Silversea is the only the only oceangoing cruise line to offer personalized butler service for every guest.
You’ll start your Silversea journey at the champagne Welcome Reception where you’ll have the chance to mix and mingle with other solo travelers on the small intimate ship. It’s up to you if you want to make travel pals to enjoy days at sea with. If you’re feeling a bit shy about going to dinner or hitting the dance floor alone, some sailings have Gentleman Hosts on standby to accompany you upon request.
Wake up on your own schedule and enjoy the beautiful breakfast offered at a table with a view. Or, ask your butler to serve you breakfast in your suite as you take in the views of the morning’s destinations.
Without worrying about what travel companions want to do, you can design your own day around the onboard entertainment, lectures, and shore excursions that interest you most. There are complimentary shore excursions in every port on Silversea sailings. Chat with the destination architects to craft your perfect trip or put together a bespoke shore excursion. When you’re back on the ship, enjoy complimentary champagne while trading travel stories with fellow travelers on board.
More about Silverses here
"The Great Bag Swap: Unraveling a Travel Tale with Air Tags"
In the vibrant bustle of Johannesburg airport, a bag mix-up comedy ensued. Our jet-lagged traveler, finding only one bag on the carousel, realized via his air tag app that his luggage was merrily cruising the carpark. A quick sprint outside yielded nothing, only to find his bag was now galloping down the highway. Thankfully, he identified an identical bag on the carousel and contacted the other traveler, who had mistakenly switched bags. A quick drive back to the airport from the unsuspecting luggage thief led to a happy bag reunion, proving that sometimes, it's the luggage that ends up with the wildest journey!
"When Bags Go AWOL: The Importance of Air Tags and Having QUAY Travel on Speed Dial"
Picture this: another sun-kissed traveler, returning from their incredible family holiday in Europe landing in New Zealand, only to discover their luggage was off gallivanting, possibly still partying in Palma Mallorca, or sightseeing in Barcelona or Dubai. Despite the airline's best guesses, the bag's location remained a mystery, thanks to the absence of air tags. Their QUAY Travel Advisor stepped up and with determination and a goldmine of airline contacts, tirelessly pursued the lost suitcase. After an arduous week of detective work, they managed to reunite the wayward bag with its very thankful owners. This tale underscores the necessity of air tags and the extraordinary support of a dependable travel partner like QUAY. Lesson learned: AirTags would have been valuable in this situation as would have enabled the clients to find out where the luggage was.
From the beaches of Copacabana to Condors soaring over the high Andes, South America is one spectacular continent, attracting more than its fair share of superlatives. Here, size does matter!
The Amazon is no exception. The world’s largest rainforest, its river is the biggest by volume and no less than 6,400 km long, and its species are the most diverse of any ecosystem on Earth. At last count, this veritable Garden of Eden boasted more than 30,000 plant species, 1,800 fish species, more than 1,300 different birds and 311 species of mammals.
The Amazon is alive with exotic creatures and diverse plant life! Options for exploring this wildlife heaven include eco-lodges and luxury expedition-style cruises.
A favourite of ours is Delfin Amazon Cruises in the Peruvian Amazon - with all the luxuries and modern comforts, you explore by skiff, on foot - walking jungle trails and by visiting indigenous riverside villages.
Choose from 3 modern vessels, all with air-conditioned, ensuite guest cabins. Delfin I offers intimate exclusivity with just 4 suites; Delfin II has 14, and the newest vessel, Delfin III, has 21 suites.
It’s no wonder these are the first Relais & Chateaux Cruises in the world!
Spanning more than 5 million acres, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve is the largest protected flooded forest in the world.
Incredible biodiversity makes this the ultimate destination for nature lovers, while others will be fascinated by the local villagers who live in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Although the Amazonian rainforest offers a lot of hiding places for wildlife, you might be able to spot pink river dolphins, iguanas, monkeys, caiman, capybara, manatees and sloths, along with a dazzling array of colourful butterflies and birdlife. Those who are keen can try fishing for piranha; and the sounds of the night are amazing.
Are you retired and wanting some ADVENTURE in your life….yes….well that was us a few years ago. So we phoned Donna Hill at Quay Travel and booked a 107 Day WORLD CRUISE.
As we glided across Auckland Harbour, I turned to my wife and said…let the ADVENTURES BEGIN.
Sydney never fails to impress, but Komodo Island….now there’s an adventure waiting to happen.
What better way to relax than sitting on your balcony taking in these incredible views over Dubai.
Then just 5 days later, you’re sitting on your balcony again, looking over the intriguing city of Aqaba, Jordon. Then turning slightly to our left, we were viewing the Israeli city of Eilat, just a short drive away.
Sailing through the Suez Canal was an amazing day long experience, with an in depth commentary from the Bridge of fascinating features.
If you’re thinking…..he’s out on his balcony again, you’d be correct. Who wouldn’t want to savour these views of Salerno, Greece. What an enchanting city to explore.
Then you wake the next morning, still wondering if you had only dreamt of yesterday’s mystique experiences, only to find Rome is but an hour or so from your Port of Civitavecchia. Talking of MYSTIQUE, yes, Rome is the capital.
As your mind fights to process all of yesterday’s adventures, you realise the ideal antidote is a relaxing day in the cutest little town of Portoferraio, on the Italian Island of Elba.
After a lazy day of soaking up sunshine, sights and serenity, you feel totally relaxed sitting on your balcony, admiring the sunset as you sail past the Isle Of Capri. Even this lone Seagull hovered momentarily to take in its sheer beauty.
It seems criminal of me to skip all of the UK for lack of space. But I must, because we discovered that ….
…..Iceland & Greenland captured a new sense of adventure within us.
We missed out on going ashore at the Shetland Islands because of bad weather, so the Captain said he’d treat us to something special on our approach to Greenland. He took us into the Prince Christian Sounds, which is 6 Fiords. Everyone is saying those 8 hours are the highlight of this World Cruise….so far.
We saw literally HUNDREDS of these massive Icebergs……and up REAL close (almost too close for comfort at times). The Captain had to keep swerving to miss them.
We also saw something like 20 or so Glaciers. This was FAR better than our Alaska Cruise some years ago.
We’re only three quarters through our World Cruise and do I have any regrets, YES…..I’m only able to skim the surface in recalling the ADVENTURES we’ve had so far. We just can’t wait for tomorrow
Alan & Rose
