News from the world of travel
The AJN takes you around the world to see what’s new in travel.
Sky-high luxury at Melbourne’s new Ritz-Carlton
The view from Melbourne’s newest luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, is the talking point from the moment guests arrive to check-in on the 80th floor of the aptly-named Sky Lobby at 650 Lonsdale Street, at the corner of Spencer Street.
There are sweeping vistas in every direction, taking in views including Port Phillip Bay, the Dandenong Ranges and Melbourne’s inner suburbs.
Guests and members of the public can enjoy the views at leisure by dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant Atria and drinking at bar Cameo which are also located on the 80th floor.
Below the Sky Lobby, The Ritz-Carlton’s 257 rooms and suites are spread over 17 floors down to level 64. While all have a décor featuring dark timber, natural stone, handmade glass panels and touches of gold, some have access to the Ritz-Carlton Club for drinks, snacks and business services.
Hi-tech features in the rooms include motorised blinds that are automatically activated when a guest enters to reveal the panoramic view from the bedroom.
The living area includes a king-size bed, desk and couch, while the bathroom blends modern amenities with marble basins and an oversized walk-in shower.
The Ritz-Carlton resembles a mini art gallery with more than 50 original artworks spread around the public spaces and more artworks and photos in the rooms and suites.
Australian themes abound in the works by First Nations artists Reko Rennie and Christian Thompson and installations by local artists Jon Cattapan and Ash Keating.
There is also a specially commissioned soundscape using music and the spoken word created by musicians William Barton and William Crighton that is performed daily in the hotel’s ground floor lobby.
Take a dip in the heated infinity pool and relax in the deck chairs while taking in the city views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Also on this level is the spa and gym.
The Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant is Atria, which occupies much of the 80th floor and has a spacious atmosphere thanks to its double-vaulted ceiling and windows spanning the entire level, topped off by an abstract chandelier.
A special feature of the restaurant is a 19-metre bar, made from a single piece of Victorian Ash, which allows guests to eat and drink while seated on one side while chefs work away on the other side.
Executive Chef Michael Greenlaw and his culinary adviser Mark Best have teamed up to create seasonal menus using local produce.
Next door to Atria is the intimate Cameo bar and an adjoining library, offering a sanctuary and a meeting place.
The Ritz-Carlton is situated in one of the towers in the new West Side Place precinct, situated close to Southern Cross Station, Marvel Stadium, Victoria Market and the Bourke Street Mall.
The Ritz-Carlton general manager Antony Page said the hotel blends luxury with an authentic Australian experience.
“I am excited to welcome guests and locals to experience Melbourne through a new and unique lens,” he said.
For more information: ritzcarlton.com
Homely comforts in new Vienna hotel
Australian hotel chain Adina has opened a new serviced apartment in Vienna, recently crowned the world’s most liveable city in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s annual survey.
The Adina brand has more than 40 apartment hotels and serviced apartments in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and in Europe.
Adina Serviced Apartments Vienna features spacious rooms with kitchenettes as well as modern co-working spaces and a gym, making its homely comforts popular with business and leisure travellers.
The hotel is located next to Vienna Central Station and is well serviced by tram and subway connections to the old town. Austria’s famous Belvedere Palace is just a short walk from the hotel, as are the Museum of Military History, Vienna State Opera and Hofburg Imperial Palace.
For more information: adinahotels.com
Toast to special wine collection at sea
Oceania Cruises has introduced wines from the world’s top vineyards, including luxury wines and vintage labels, in a new initiative across its fleet of seven luxury ships.
Starting with 80 labels sourced from countries including France, Italy and Australia, with each bottle selected by the cruise line’s culinary team taking up to eight months to be delivered from suppliers.
Among the rare varieties are the classic Moet & Chandon Cuvée Dom Pérignon, the famous Chateau Mouton Rothschild, the Mascot from Napa Valley, California and Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna Shiraz from Australia.
Cruise guests can enjoy the wines at restaurants, bars and suites, as well as buy them in various sized bottles ranging from half-sized to magnum.
President of Oceania Cruises Frank Del Rio said: “As we continue to expand our rare wine program and world-class onboard experiences, we are privileged to rely on the expert knowledge of our top culinary team who are actively collaborating and seeking out new products in the global food and beverage scene.”
For more information: OceaniaCruises.com
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