STAY > Hotel Aigua Blava, Costa Brava, Spain (15/20)

There is a fairly good chance you have never heard of Aigua Blava, that is because it is a secret. You are not supposed to tell anyone about the remarkable coastline, hidden away, a little over an hour from Barcelona and about the same from the French Border. Perched above a scalloped bay on the wild…

ByCrispyMay 10, 2025

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Old Palm Liquor, Brunswick East (15/20)

The northern end of East Brunswick's Lygon Street is now a busy bar and dining district. It is an area where you can stumble left or right into a smart bar that serves good food. Old Palm Liquor is one of these places that is full from the front bar to the large back…

ByCrispyMay 3, 2025

DRINK > MELBOURNE

DRINK > Mid Air, Melbourne (15/20)

Early Autumn is my favourite time in Melbourne, it is when the warm days end with warm evening that cool down to fresh mornings. It is a time when there are so many things to do all complemented by amenable weather. Grand Prix, Comedy Festival, Food & Wine Festival, Fashion Festival its all going on March to…

ByCrispyMay 3, 2025

STAY > NOOSA

STAY > Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort, Noosa (15/20)

The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort sits at the beating heart of Hastings Street—Noosa’s sun-drenched, see-and-be-seen boulevard. Step through the glass doors and you’re greeted by a gentle hum: the clink of welcome champagne, the soft shuffle of sandy feet, and staff who strike that rare balance between polished professionalism and genuine warmth. There’s a sense…

ByCrispyApril 27, 2025

EAT > NOOSA

EAT > Sails, Noosa (18/20)

I may have called it too early, in recognising Rickys as probably the best restaurant in Noosa (and it is very good) but after a really excellent meal at Sails, because I think we have a new winner for the title. Sails has been under the steady hand of executive chef Paul Leete since it…

ByCrispyApril 27, 2025

EAT > NOOSA

EAT > Rickys River Bar and Restaurant, Noosa (18/20)

Set on the tranquil banks of the Noosa River, (a short and easy 15 minute walk from Hastings Street) Rickys River Bar & Restaurant is a long-standing pillar of Noosa’s dining scene — it’s a place where Noosa’s Sunshine Coast natural beauty meets polished hospitality and refined, produce-driven cooking. Rickys has doubled its riverfront footprint…

ByCrispyApril 21, 2025

EAT > NOOSA

EAT > Bistro C, Noosa (13/20)

The beachfront of Noosa's iconic Hastings Street is something of a perfect location. Bistro C offers a quintessential Queensland dining experience that is part beach and part casual smart dining. As the gentle sea breeze filters through the open-air dining space and the rhythmic sounds of waves provide a natural soundtrack, it becomes immediately clear…

ByCrispyApril 19, 2025

EAT > WOLLONGONG

EAT > Florentino, Melbourne (15/20)

Florentino is one of Melbourne’s oldest grand restaurants. At the ‘Paris End’ of Bourke Street (if there is such a thing), the restaurant is the centre piece of Guy Grossi’’s restaurant empire, which includes the Grossi Grill, Cellar Bar and the excellent Cocktail Bar Arlechin. Climb the stairs to a warm welcome on the first floor,…

ByCrispyApril 19, 2025

STAY > ITALY STAY > Sicily

STAY > UNA Hotel Capotaormina, Sicily Italy (16/20)

Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Ionian Sea and out to the Isola Bella (which is immediately familar to anyone who watched White Lotus) The UNA Hotel Capotaormina offers the perfect beach alternative to being up high in the pretty village of Taormina (204 metres above). The UNA is a funny hotel its…

ByCrispyApril 18, 2025

EAT > WOLLONGONG

EAT > The Boathouse, Wollongong (15/20)

Perched atop the North Wollongong Surf Life Saving Club, The Boathouse North Wollongong has quickly established itself as one of the South Coast's premier dining destinations since opening in October 2024. (Not that there has been a huge amount of competition for upmarket dining in Wollongong up until now). With panoramic views across North…

ByCrispyApril 13, 2025

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