…was the usual response from anyone who asked where we were going in Australia. I always think that this is a bit of a shame as I really like it. I like the fact that it is a planned town – interesting from a Geographer’s point of view – and I love the fact that… Read More “Canberra? Why on earth would you want to go to Canberra?!”
At the end of a great stay in Port Douglas, our next stop was Canberra to see friends. You can’t fly direct so we were always going to have to stop somewhere. A quick search on Google Flights showed our Qantas options (because we wanted to use Avios) were between a change in Melbourne, Sydney… Read More Review: Cairns to Canberra on Qantas Business Class
One of the things about an airport lounge for a particular carrier is that it evokes a sense of who they are and what they are about. It is no surprise that they use common themes to make you feel a certain way. Cathay use the same warm colours and soft furnishings in The Pier… Read More Lounge Review: All of the Qantas Business Lounges
Port Douglas is situated on the north east coast of Australia in a part of Queensland know as FNQ – Far North Queensland. It is about an hour’s drive north of Cairns, the airport to which you would fly when visiting. Where to stay Stay at the Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort and Spa… Read More MisterAirmiles’ guide to 4 days in Port Douglas
The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort was one of only a few chain properties in the area and looked like the best. They had a promotion for a wellness package which included bed and breakfast, two 60-minute massages, a picnic lunch and some welcome amenities. Our four-night stay cost about £800 but this was… Read More Review: The Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple
We decided that we would stay in Port Douglas, about an hours drive north of Cairns. There seemed to be better hotels and it was closer to the great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest. We considered booking a hotel transfer but that didn’t give us flexibility and was a bit pricey. I checked when we… Read More Avis Preferred is my preference
So, one of the things that make a review hard to write is when you don’t take lots of pictures… In my defence, it was late and I was already in my pyjamas following a cracking shower in The Pier, so I was tired! The seat on the Cathay A330 was the standard 1-2-1 layout… Read More Review: Hong Kong to Cairns in Business Class on Cathay Pacific
As a BA Gold Card Holder (oneworld Emerald) I can use First Class Lounges regardless of travel class, so I was looking forward to getting to the airport.Cathay Pacific’s First Wing and Pier Lounges are renowned as some of the best around and I was looking forward to trying them. Getting to the airport about… Read More Lounge Review: Cathay Pacific’s First Class Lounges in Hong Kong
When you arrive into Hong Kong, the first thing you should do is buy an Octopus Card. Vending machines by the entrance to the Airport Express train sell these for HK$250 which includes a refundable $50 deposit. This is enough credit for the trip into Central. Jump on the train – it’s nice and air conditioned… Read More MisterAirmiles’ Guide to 72hrs in Hong Kong
The thing about an InterContinental is you know what you are going to get – comfortable surroundings, decent location and attentive staff. Being an Ambassador member means late check out and usually an upgrade to a better room, and being part of the IHG Rewards Club allows pretty decent redemptions. All in all, it is… Read More Review: InterContinental Hong Kong
