The electrifying buzz of passing trams, buskers singing, people shopping at Union Square and runners pounding the pavements, all combine to make your senses instantly come alive with excitement.

This is how we felt when we arrived at the sophisticated Four Seasons flagship property located in the SoMa (South of Market) San Francisco bay area.

This luxurious property offers spacious and elegant accommodation including guest rooms and suites all with spectacular views, an impressive array of beauty and spa treatments, cafes and an outstanding gymnasium facility.

On the ground floor, guests have the options of playing basketball or volleyball, swimming in the lap pool, running on the latest treadmill, cross trainer or working out on the latest hi-tech weights equipment.

To relax and unwind we enjoyed a cocktail at the urban-chic cocktail bar located on the fifth-floor with stunning panoramic views of Market Street and Downtown before dining at MKT Restaurant, inspired by San Francisco’s famous newspaper.

Executive Chef Mark Richardson bedazzled us with his exceptional presentation of California infused steaks and small plates designed for sharing. Using only the freshest of ingredients from the local markets we enjoyed ultra-creative handcrafted plates of strawberry filled yellow tail, butter encrusted halibut, California white sea bass, Brandt farm rib eye, slow cooked leg of lamb and Atlantic salmon with fava beans.

With my background as a Chef, one of my highlights travelling globally and critiquing restaurants is looking for a Chef’s point of difference; discovering their unique style and what it is that really sets them apart from the rest.

I found myself inspired by this up and coming Executive Chef Richardson, whose mature vision of creating pieces of art on the plate are second to none. His fine attention to detail with the intricate flowers, flavours and spices are breathtaking and I urge you all to see for yourself.

If you’re looking for a twist of Hollywood sophistication combined with European elegance, look no further than the Sofitel Hotel, Los Angeles.

This contemporary luxury hotel featuring two hundred and ninety five rooms on ten floors is situated directly across from designer’s paradise the Beverley Centre. With an eclectic collection of Hollywood nostalgia strategically placed around the entrance and hotel property, you’re automatically transported to luxurious high-end accommodation.

Upon arrival you are greeted with a warm smile and charming French accent, Bon Jour! Our spacious Suite complete with outstanding views of the Hollywood Hills offered complimentary Wi-Fi, indulgent Hermes bath accessories and the most comfy king-size bed with plush pillows that we have ever slept in!

A perfect night’s sleep! The true beauty of the Sofitel however is its close proximity to local attractions, Venice Beach for some surfing, Rodeo Drive for shopping and the classic Universal Studios perfect for families.

With a state-of-the-art fitness center at your beck and call it was business as usual setting the pace on the treadmills, gym equipment and yoga stretching.  Next it was time to purify the mind, body and soul with a pure indulgence treatment of deep tissue massage and steam at Le Spa.

Travelling long flights combating the tiresome effects of jet lag and time changes can be difficult for many so it is critical to stay on top of your game by re-energising the body’s metabolism and mind wisely.

The Esterel Restaurant named after the mountains in Southeast France will entice you with an innovative cuisine that captures the unique flavours of the Mediterranean. Breakfast has a wonderful selection of local seasonal fruits, delicate French pastries; classics include eggs benedict, waffles with golden syrup and strawberry and ice cream pancakes.

The brunch was also a favorite however for us we were lucky enough to experience masterfully crafted cocktails, delectable bar bites, live music and nightly entertainment at Riviera 31 Lounge Bar located on the ground floor. This dynamic atmosphere is guaranteed to uplift you and get those dancing shoes on.

Tempted? Thought so, so what are you waiting for?

With the sun setting peacefully over Sydney’s iconic Opera House, watching the endless run of yellow and green ferries meandering across the harbour, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the panoramic beauty before my eyes.

The Four Season’s luxury Royal Deluxe Suite the ‘room with a view’ has become our haven for the next two nights and we couldn’t wait to indulge in Sydney’s Crown Jewel.

This opulent property boasts all the trimmings of a true five-star property showcasing a spacious contemporary entrance, eclectic soft furnishings, an exuberant ambience and delightful dining options. Our room located on one of the top levels, is simply breathtaking in every sense of the word – large floor to ceiling glass windows, sealy-celebritiy king-size bed, office facilities with complimentary Wi-Fi and a unique bar highlighting a signature bottle of champagne.

My guilty pleasure however is simple, something I never take for granted whilst travelling; soaking it up in the above ground spa bath with hot steamy water filled to the brim bubbles on full. 

With rejuvenating sea-salt’s melting on the bottom to soothe the body, I was in heaven.

The property features a 24-hour fitness facility, heated outdoor pool and an award-winning spa located on the mezzanine level that has a unique assortment of massages, facials and body-scrubs to replenish and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

Sydney, our hometown is a city filled with a vibrant social scene, inspiring outdoor adventures and diverse cultures. Situated within walking distance of The Rocks district, you’re spoilt for choice with Botanical Gardens, the Opera House, The Sydney Harbour Bridge, designer shopping, restaurants the list really is endless.

The Four Seasons personifies a depth of reliability, trust and connection with you the guest. With over 50 years experience in the industry, a staggering 93 properties in 38 countries it is simple to see why they are one of the leaders in global hospitality excellence.

Mark Best’s second Sydney restaurant, Pei Modern will open its doors on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at Four Seasons Hotel Sydney on George Street.

With the kitchen headed up by Matt Germanchis, who has worked alongside Best at Pei Modern in Melbourne since it opened in 2012, the Sydney kitchen will maintain its focus on local seasonal produce, great wines and warm, professional service.

In Best’s words, “If it’s not delicious, we won’t serve it. We want every dish that goes across the pass to tell a consistent story about beautiful local produce and Pei Modern – the same relationships that are intrinsic to the Pei brand; the farmer, gentle cooking and the customer will be nurtured in Sydney.”

Pei Modern has an investment in seemingly simple, bold flavours.
These include:

• Wood fired tiger prawns with slow cooked pineapple and sorrel
• Whole flounder and sea urchin butter
• Kurobuta pork cutlet with fermented blueberries
• Duck eggs with sauternes custard and crostoli

Favourites from Pei Modern Melbourne such as the casarecce with chicken dumplings and reggiano, and lamb shoulder cooked in chamomile will be heading north to Sydney and will be key features on the menu.

Taking centre stage in the kitchen will be the wood-fired oven.

Matt has been engaged in the kitchen for the past eight weeks, working with the oven and trying out new techniques and some gorgeous produce. Wood baked surf clams with smoked butter and broad beans and whole Holmbrae chicken crisp skinned in eight minutes has our juices flowing.

At the bar guests will see a liquid extension of Pei’s approach to food, with produce that is in season converted in-house into syrups, juices, shrubs and infusions. Rillettes, tartare and oysters are complemented by drinks such as the Camille, an elegant twist on a Negroni, with the bar’s aim to provide a bespoke cocktail experience.

Joining Germanchis and Best will be Restaurant Manager Tara Sullivan and Sommelier Annette Lacey who has designed the wine list, focusing on wines that speak to their time and place. Lacey was recently awarded the 2014 Vin de Champagne award and was previously the sommelier at Marque – Best’s first Sydney venue established in 1999.

A stay at the ITC Maurya Delhi hotel transports you back to the era of the Golden Age of the Mauryan Dynasty – the first dynasty of India’s empire builders dating back to the 3rd Century BC. 

The opulence and rich colours of the hotel’s décor and the stunning painted dome in the lobby speaks of tradition and luxury – deserving of its reputation as the preferred residence of global leaders and heads of state for over 30 years.

A stay at the ITC Maurya Delhi hotel transports you back to the era of the Golden Age of the Mauryan Dynasty – the first dynasty of India’s empire builders dating back to the 3rd Century BC.  The opulence and rich colours of the hotel’s décor and the stunning painted dome in the lobby speaks of tradition and luxury – deserving of its reputation as the preferred residence of global leaders and heads of state for over 30 years.

Surrounded by lush green gardens, the ITC Maurya is centrally located and 14 km from the international airport. It is in close proximity to the Presidential Palace, India Gate and the world famous shopping district of Connaught Place.

Well used to hosting famous guests, the hotel and its staff ensure complete discretion and privacy, so the venue was a perfect choice for me to hold business meetings with people like cricket superstar, Chris Gayle.  On the 28th floor, I took advantage of the ITC Maurya’s business area, where they have nine board/meeting rooms situated around a very comfortable lounge area. The staff went about their business in a professional manner demonstrating their deep understanding of the business traveller.

The hotel has 438 guest rooms offered over seven categories. The rooms are extremely comfortable and tastefully decorated with Indian silks and rich timber features.  A well-equipped gymnasium, outdoor pool and quality spa ensure that when the business of the day is finished, that there are plenty of options for rest and revitalisation.

Dining

With six restaurant options, the hotel is one of the city’s most popular dining destinations.  I had been recommended to eat at the multi-award winning Bukhara by several people so I had an easy choice. I managed to secure a table but not without some challenge and noted the queue was unrelenting throughout the night. 

Famous for their North-West Frontier cuisine prepared in a tandoor, it has been rated amongst the top 50 restaurants in the world.  It has a long list of celebrity diners and it is reputed that former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair won’t eat anywhere else when in Delhi, and their signature dish is named after US President Bill Clinton. 

It is testament to the quality of the cuisine that the menu remains unchanged after 30 years, with offerings of tandoor-cooked kebabs, vegetables and breads. Their star dishes include Sikandri Raan, the iconic Dal Bukhara (black lentils, tomatoes, ginger and garlic cooked in a tandoor for 18 hours) and the various platters that offer a sampling of the menu’s best features.

The Chefs have very strict food quality specifications to maintain the high quality and consistency; as an example, the prawns must weigh 80 grams or more, and anything less is rejected!

This property has lots to recommend it in a city that can sometimes be very challenging: the dining, the business, the luxurious rooms – all first-class, plus opportunities for celebrity watching.  What also impressed me is their ethos of ‘Responsible luxury’ and that the hotel has been certified as the world’s first LIE ED (Leadership in energy and environment design – for an existing building) Platinum rated hotel by the US Green Building Council.

ITC Maurya, New Delhi

Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg,

New Delhi 110 021, India

www.itchotels.in/Hotels/itcmaurya

Located in the new cultural precinct overlooking Lake Burley Griffin, is the QT Canberra.

Opened in April 2014, the QT is clearly a political heavy-weight in the boutique hotel market.  From a collaboration with design house g+a, the décor of the hotel echoes lux Washington-meets-Chicago styling interspersed with irresistible quirky touches.

Rebranded from the former Rydes Lakeside hotel, first opened in 1972, the property has a long history and heritage and is an icon on the Canberra hospitality scene.  It is a hotel of choice for politicians and business leaders and is also in demand as a quality venue for conferences and weddings.

As you enter, the QT reception area is cool sophistication, and an art installation of rolling Twitter feeds up, down and across one wall firmly anchors this hotel as a place to do business.  The bespoke wallpaper in the lobby features a daring pattern which, upon much closer inspection, is comprised from photographs of past and present Australian political leaders. 

A life-sized group photograph of Australia’s former Governor-General, resplendent in hot pink, with the Prime Minister and his cabinet completes the lobby area.  Barrack Obama stands nearby.  

We cannot mistake where we are – we are in the heart of Australia’s political scene.

The hotel has 205 guest rooms available, all kitted out with original designer touches creating maximum appeal.  The bathrooms, whilst not huge, are well organised and completed with quality Malin+Goetz toiletries. Nespresso coffee and T2 tea are available in the room, as is a fully stocked mini-bar. A cool place is one thing, but the bottom line has to be that the bed is comfortable – and it is! 

Distance views from the floor to ceiling windows, and an open door to the balcony letting in fresh air, makes the room very comfortable. The QT group is proving that detail is king, and attention has been paid across the board to ensuring guests have a great experience.

Fully tailoring the hotel to its prime target market, the exclusive 15th floor is strictly for ‘members only’.  Guests become members by invitation from the hotel and include heads of state, politicians and business leaders, who require privacy to conduct business away from their offices or just simply to relax.  The staff members are experienced in hosting influential guests and provide a discreet premium service.

Bar and dining

Apart from their extensive in-room dining menu, QT Canberra’s main dining option is the hatted Capital Bar and Grill. Overseen by Creative Food Director, Robert Marchetti, the menu reflects Rob’s love of the old school food era.  

With a distinctive Italian influence, the menu’s signature is dry aged beef cooked over the wood fire ‘Chicago’ grill. 

The Bar and Grill area are cocooned in luxury city chic, thanks to great styling, statement lighting and well-positioned mirrors.  Freestanding glass and steel wine cellars house the 100 wines on offer and create a natural delineation of the bar from the restaurant area.  The sophistication of the bar area is relieved by a quirky and artistic ‘mugs gallery’ of satirical framed photographs of local and international political leaders hanging along one wall.

Leading from the ‘mugs gallery’ is a working Barbers Shop with genuine 1930s barber chairs, where guests can have a cut-throat razor shave or haircut.  For those in the know, walk through the Barbers Shop to access Lucky’s – QT’s speakeasy bar, which just picked up the Australian Hotel’s Association’s ‘Best Bar (Regional)’ award. Decked out with heavy velvet curtains, antique crystal bar paraphernalia, the best mixologists, intimate booths, pianist, private waitresses and burlesque dancers, it is a sought-after venue – if you can find it.

The QT Canberra celebrates its iconic standing and history through the use of bold design, quirky artefacts and bespoke furniture.  Excellent bar and dining options along with comfortable guest rooms and quality staff make this an easy place to recommend.

Other things to do

Burn off the calories through a brisk walk or jog around Lake Burley Griffin.

Take a 30 minute drive to the Canberra District wine regions – visit Clonakilla Wines cellar door, Crisps Lane, Murrumbateman. From there, take a 20 minute drive to Capital Wines cellar door and café for a tasting and lunch, 42 Cork Street Gundaroo, then it’s a 30 minute drive back to the hotel.

Visit the National Gallery, National Museum, War Memorial and Parliament House.

Further information:

QT Canberra, 1 London Circuit, Canberra, ACT

www.qtcanberra.com.au

You know from the minute you walk into the foyer that the QT Gold Coast, located at Surfers Paradise, is not your ordinary hotel.

From the massive video art installation of falling autumn leaves in the spacious foyer to the colourful furniture and retro-inspired wardrobe of the front of house staff – it all signals a property that is fresh, relaxed and fun.

The warm welcome from the staff, easy check-in and on-site parking all rounds off an excellent first impression.

On the way to the rooms, life-sized images of 1950s cover girls (and guys) keep you company in the lifts and you get a real sense that Roy Lichtenstein was a key inspiration to the property designers. The fit out in the 297 guest rooms is equally light-filled, fresh and modern.

Rooms either have ocean, mountain or river views.  The bathrooms, whilst cosy, are well appointed and decked out with luxury Uspa toiletries.  The king-sized bed with its fluffy pillows provides an excellent night’s sleep and the rooms are generous in size with playful touches. 

If guests are inspired by the decoration of the room, most of the pieces, from the bedside lamp to the tray to the neon-coloured swizzle sticks in the glasses, are available for guest purchase from the QTique on the ground floor – which also stocks an eclectic mix of luxuries and necessities from Australian designers combined with old-fashioned favourites. 

And if guests need a refreshing drink in their room, they can ‘order up’ the ingredients from room service to make their own real lemonade, with the jug, glasses and lemon juicer all ready to go.

The hotel is well located on Staghorn Avenue, just one block (and a short walk) away from the spectacular Surfers Paradise beach. For those guests who are a bit more energetic, a great way to explore the area or just to simply cruise along the beach is to use one of the hotel’s complimentary retro QT bikes.

If a break is needed from the sand and surf, guests can make use of the QT Gold Coast’s outdoor pool, spa and two tennis courts.  But if more serious relaxation is required, guests can book in a treatment at the award-winning SpaQ.

For those who want to tuck themselves away in a corner with a great coffee and newspaper or for those who want to sip exotic cocktails, have a cold beer or great wine, the QT Gold Coast has it covered. And there are excellent dining options also on offer.

Guests can enjoy throughout the day organic food and great coffee at QT’s FIXX Café in a relaxed environment.  International flavours are on the menu at the QT’s international marketplace, Bazaar, which provides meals in a street stall setting. For great Teppanyaki and extensive Japanese food options, Yamagen restaurant is located on the ground floor. 

Mixing industrial chic with splashes of pop art to create a Californian oasis on the Gold Coast, guests can find all day food and a great view of the ocean at Stingray – which is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular bars. 

QT Gold Coast

7 Staghorn Avenue, Gold Coast.

www.qtgoldcoast.com.au

The Westin Melbourne is a luxury hotel nestled in the heart of the business and theatre districts, amongst trendy restaurants and art galleries.

With a night stop-over scheduled in Melbourne, we were looking forward to experiencing some of the Westin’s renowned personal service – and we weren’t disappointed.

We landed in Melbourne at 6:05 am and a little concerned our room wouldn’t be ready. Happily that wasn’t the case, as the General Manager, Debra Watts, greeted us at Reception when we arrived and escorted us directly to our room.

The high ceilinged lobby of the Westin Melbourne has an Art Deco influence, with the Grand Staircase providing an impressive central feature. The property has 262 spacious guest rooms and suites with views either of the historic St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne’s City Square or the renowned ‘Paris end’ of Collins Street.  With elegant and contemporary styling, the rooms are well fitted out including the signature Heavenly beds – which are indeed heavenly. 

The marble bathrooms are spacious with separate bath and shower, complete with quality toiletries. Recognising that some guests prefer to exercise away from others, the hotel provides the option for guests to reserve a WestinWORKOUT® Room which provides complete privacy.

After we had settled into our room, we were keen to check out the 24 hour Westin Workout gym but hadn’t been able to fit gym gear in our bags for the trip. An innovative service offered by the hotel solved that problem, with their ‘Gear Lending’ service. For $5.00 all the exercise gear is yours for the duration of your stay – that’s shoes, socks, shirt and shorts. And it includes laundering. This was a fantastic service.

Dining

Allegro at the Westin Melbourne offers contemporary cuisine in a relaxed but elegant restaurant.  We booked in for dinner and Executive Chef, Geoff Carkner, and Executive Sous Chef, Pamela Gould, met with us and talked about their food philosophy and how they integrate super-foods as part of the menu. 

We left our meal choices in their capable hands and settled back to enjoy the experience.

First to be served were a selection of entrees – Allegro’s prawn cocktail, Beef carpaccio Waldorf, Spanner crab and the Heirloom tomato salad.  These were followed with a Parsley-crumbed lamb rump, which was served with potato fondant, caramelized shallots, mint sauce and jus, and a Pan-seared gold band snapper, served with sea greens, toasted quinoa, mango and lobster consommé.

Our feast was completed with a Chocolate orange chiboust (salted chocolate, orange ganache, disaronno granite) and a Berry clafoutis (lemon cream, lime crumble, frozen lime marshmallow). Everything was delicious.

The Allegro is also well-regarded for its High Tea offering, so we checked that out the next day and it is beautifully done. There’s a selection of scones, savoury temptations or sweet delights served with Champagne or quality Australian sparkling wine, and/or tea or coffee. 

We met the General Manager, Debra Watts, there and she gave us a sneak preview of the new refurbishment plans for the property including the fabulous cocktail bar, a new look for Allegro and the gym – all planned for completion around June.

I was impressed with the real sense of ownership shown from all staff, which started with the General Manager. This is what I look for in a good hotel – staff who truly care about the brand and the guests.

Highlight

Exploring Melbourne with a RunWESTIN self-guided run or walk using their custom running maps. These maps have 5 km or 8 km route options from the hotel, so guests can combine their workout routine whilst taking in the local scenery.

Further information:

Westin Melbourne, 205 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria

www.westinmelbourne.com