Mrs Romance 
Wagyu expert and avid traveller, Chef Hisato Hamada, lets us in on his top places to visit in Japan beyond Tokyo. Chef Hisato spent his childhood years in Sydney, from ages six to 10, so sees the harbour city as the perfect place to bring his ramen restaurant, Mashi No Mashi. Best known for his … Read more
With more wineries and cellar doors than you can shake the proverbial at, the Hunter Valley can be bewildering when it comes to choosing a wine-tasting experience. Here are 12 of our favourites. Broad sweeping vistas, craggy mountain peaks and braided rows of vines striating the land, the Hunter Valley is a wine-lover’s dream. But … Read more
Taking inspiration from Ottolenghi’s fig cake recipe, this easy dessert makes the most of in-season figs. Rich tender figs sinking into the beautifully browned top and soft buttery centre of this delicious cake. Figs are one of the most delicious fruits. The only thing better than a fresh fig, is one stolen from the tree … Read more
In the heart of the Hunter Valley, hidden under the broad red roof of the Chateau Elan, the Hunter Valley Day Spa offers pampering treatments that quieten the mind, relax the body and nourish the soul. And there’s wine. Whether it’s a relaxing massage, a facial treatment or the remedial whirlpool movements of a balneotherapy, … Read more
Today is Houseplant Appreciation Day. For years, this was a day of mourning (or embarrassment) for me, but now I’m so happy with my indoor jungle. Here’s how to have houseplants that you’ll appreciate too. They say succulents can survive anything, but I’ve killed more cactuses than I’d like to admit. I’ve tried so many … Read more
We really didn’t think we’d get a chance to travel again before the end of the year, but not only have we managed to fit a trip just before Christmas, it’s also my birthday! So as well as all the lovely gifts Jim and the rest of the family organised for my special day, I … Read more
Venice is a city that seems made for tourists, but there is a real heart beneath the crowds. Come and explore the tiny alleys and canals that make up this iconic Italian city that you must visit. Here are some of our favourite shots and memories from one of the world’s truly romantic cities. From … Read more
Going on a Colourwalk reveals details of your neighbourhood you’ve never seen before and takes your travel photography from snaps to series. Here’s how to start a Colourwalk of your own. The concept of a Colourwalk is simple and the beauty is in the simplicity. With camera in hand, all you need to do is … Read more
Where do you want to go to get your revenge on travel bans? With prospects of easy travel still on a distant horizon, here’s some travel inspiration to get us all ready to make our travel dreams a reality. It’s amazing what happens when you’re forced to stay at home, isn’t it. Your mind ferments … Read more
Winding round a foothill of the iconic Broken Back Range, surrounded by some of Australia’s best wineries and home to its own championship golf course, Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort has so much to offer the Hunter Valley visitor that wants it all. To resort or not to resort – that’s often the question travellers face … Read more