STAY > Villa Abbazia, Follina (17/20)

A bit off the regular tourist track, Follina is a beautiful village in the Prosecco Hills, it is about an hour north of Venice. The Villa Abbazia is a small Relais & Chateau hotel set in an 18th century mansion that blends historical grandeur with contemporary luxury. The restaurant La Corte has a one star…

ByMagnum OpusNovember 11, 20240Comments

STAY > PARIS

STAY > Les Bains Paris (17/20)

There very are a few hotels around the world that are quite so hip, with a history of being one of the most celebrated nightclubs, a traditional bathing house and now a remarkable boutique hotel in the heart of the French capital. Located at 7 rue du Bourg-l'Abbé in the 3rd arrondissement, this stylish establishment…

ByCrispyOctober 20, 20240Comments

EAT > PARIS

EAT > Quinsou, Paris (17/20)

Nestled in the charming 6th arrondissement of Paris (in a street filled with the kind of little restaurant’s and bars that I would love to spend more time in), you will find Quinsou. Which over the last 8 years has established itself as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts seeking a blend of innovative…

ByEd ItorOctober 9, 20240Comments

STAY > HOBART

STAY > MACQ01 Hotel, Hobart

If you are looking for the very best place to stay in Hobart then MACQ01 is probably it. Sure there are other choices available but here is why we are fairly convinced that MACQ01 is going straight to the top of your list. There are two stand out reasons to recognise the hotel first…

ByCrispyJune 16, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Bar Olo, Melbourne (17/20)

Have you ever walked into an unfamiliar bar or restaurant and had that immediate feeling of familiarity? That sense that yep, this is my place. From the moment you pass through the curtains into the small space that is Bar Olo on Nicholson Street, Fitzroy you have a feeling that this is something a…

ByCrispyMay 6, 20240Comments

CAFE > KYOTO

CAFE > Common Well, Kyoto

Common Well opened to provide ‘Melbourne Style’ coffee experience in Kyoto and they are doing just that (in a Japanese way) at a newly opened cafe Just down the road from the Nishiki Markets. They serve long black, short black, flat whites, they even serve what's referred to as a "magic", …

ByEd ItorApril 8, 20240Comments

DRINK > TOKYO

DRINK > Bar INC, Shibuya

INC is only a few streets away from the chaos of downtown Shibuya but it is in a quiet district with only a few bars and restaurants in the otherwise residential neighbourhood. Bar INC is a brand new (opened in Feb 2024) stylish underground oasis mixing smart cocktails with an excellent…

ByCrispyMarch 31, 20240Comments

EAT > MELBOURNE

EAT > Tedesca Osteria, Red Hill Victoria

The moment you park your car and wander down into the white buildings of Tedesca Osteria and Graceburn House you realise you are visiting something special. The front door is an enormous piece of wood with remarkable carved handle. The room opens into a space immediately comfortable, stylish and fresh. …

ByCrispyFebruary 27, 20240Comments

STAY > ROME

STAY > G-Rough, Rome

Just off the Piazza Navona at the end of a quiet little square and across the road from the famous Roman 'talking statue' Pasquino, you will find the design hotel G-Rough a bespoke ten room hotel. Set in a 17th century building the rooms offset the rough patina on the walls with slightly weathered…

BySebastian SomerledFebruary 26, 20240Comments

STAY > ROME

STAY > Soho House Rome

The Soho House brand has gone global and the once slightly secretive hipster private club now has venues around the world and some of them are excellent hotel choices for those looking for comfort, style and familiarity. Soho House Rome is a dedicated building 10 floors with a gym, rooftop pool, the Soho House signatory…

BySebastian SomerledFebruary 19, 20240Comments