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Helping the High Country: support fire-affected Victorian businesses with a new consumer portal
“Victoria’s High Country at Home” allows people to help our fire-affected towns by purchasing products from a new online marketplace that brings the best of the alpine region to your home. Victorian bushfires have once again seen some of our most beloved High Country towns battle nature instead of welcoming tourists, but just because you might not be heading off on a regional trip doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of the best this region has to offer.
Following a challenging start to 2026 for the local communities, High Country at Home serves as a virtual front door to the region. The platform allows fans of the High Country to lend their support directly to small businesses by purchasing locally made products, farm-fresh produce, boutique wines, beers and spirits.
“Our community has always been defined by its spirit and resilience,” says Tourism North East CEO, Bess Nolan-Cook. “High Country at Home isn’t just a shop; it’s a way for people who love this region to help our businesses get back on their feet from the comfort of their own living rooms. Every purchase makes a genuine difference.”
Art of Dining: Sofitel Brisbane Central launches new art-based immersive dining experience
What does a Jackson Pollock painting taste like? Sofitel Brisbane Central is seeking to answer this question and others in 7 Paintings an immersive dining experience that offers a seven-course interactive dinner designed to mirror the emotion, energy and story of seven of the world’s most famous artists.
From a Pollock-inspired edible painting, to a surreal Dalí dessert and a bold Banksy dish, this is dining as theatre. Created by Executive Chef Alex Goyard, the experience launches on 20th February and runs until June 2026.
“7 Paintings is a celebration of creativity, where art and gastronomy come together in a way that engages all the senses,” says Goyard. “Each course has been thoughtfully crafted to reflect the story and emotion of the artwork it accompanies. It is dining as theatre and cuisine as culture. We invite guests to not just taste, but to experience the art.
Other artists to get the tasty treatment include Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh and Michelangelo.
The Price is White: new Australian Epic Pass delivers skiers savings on skiing Whistler
The 2026 Epic Australia Pass is on sale now from AU$1135pp, with a low AU$49 up front payment option, if purchased before 4 March 2026. This Southern Hemisphere season pass provides unlimited skiing to Perisher, Mt. Hotham and Falls Creek, plus 10 days of combined lift access at Whistler Blackcomb in Canada.
North America’s largest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb remains the bucket-list destination in Canada for Australians planning ski holidays. Offering more than 8,100 acres of skiable terrain, and a vibrant alpine pedestrian only village, with ample ski-in – ski-out accommodation, this mountain resort continues to draw Australian skiers and boarders as the ultimate winter destination.
The Epic Australia Pass also unlocks Epic Mountain Rewards providing further discounts in Whistler including:
- 20% off group and private lessons and 20% off equipment rentals at Whistler Blackcomb
- 20% off food and beverage at Whistler-Blackcomb owned on-mountain cafes and restaurants
- 20% discount on lodging with Lodging Ovations group, including Legends Whistler, Evolution Whistler, and First Tracks Lodge
See www.epicaustraliapass.com.au for full details.
Rich History: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok releases lifestyle range to celebrate 150th birthday
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok celebrates 150 years with an exclusive collab with lifestyle brand Sporty & Rich.
The collaboration has resulted in the creation of a wellness-inspired collection, including co-branded crew necks, T-shirts, pyjama sets, tote bags, caps and more. The premium apparel and accessories feature the hotel’s signature celadon colour – a new hue for Sporty & Rich that reflects the unique Thai history of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok.
“We’re delighted to collaborate with Sporty & Rich,” explains Alex Schellenberger, Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, “and we’re proud of the Mandarin Oriental x Sporty & Rich co-branded anniversary capsule collection. This gives us an opportunity to bring fresh new fashion trends in leisurewear and activewear to our hotel and spa guests.”
Coastal Service: new Minor Hotel’s property opens in Hua Hin, Thailand
Minor Hotels has expanded its Thailand footprint with a new resort at Hua Hin, historically a seaside playground for Thailand’s monarchy.
NH Hua Hin offers 152 modern rooms and suites with city and mountain views. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s three food and beverage outlets: an all-day dining restaurant serving international favourites and local specialities, a lobby café offering light bites and drinks throughout the day, and a rooftop bar by the infinity pool with sunset views. Recreational facilities at the hotel include the rooftop pool, a Kids’ Club with indoor and outdoor spaces for hours of entertainment, and a fitness centre, allowing travellers to keep their lifestyle during their trip.
Situated 200 km south of Bangkok, Thailand’s capital city, Hua Hin is renowned as Thailand’s royal seaside retreat. NH Hua Hin’s prime location at the southern end of Hua Hin offers guests convenient access to Hua Hin Beach (beach access 400m away), local night markets (Cicada Night Market and Hua Hin Night Market) and shopping experiences.
Island relaxation: Six Senses Fiji partners with Fluidform for wellness program
Six Senses Fiji has announced the return of its third annual partnership with Fluidform, the acclaimed Pilates and movement method founded by Kirsten King.
Taking place from 26 to 30 May 2026, the four-night retreat is designed for those seeking to reset, reconnect and refine their wellbeing through a considered blend of movement, mindfulness and nourishment. Set against the backdrop of Malolo Island, the retreat offers participants a holistic experience that blends world-class wellness practices with the natural beauty of Six Senses Fiji.
“At Six Senses Fiji, we see wellbeing as an ongoing journey rather than a destination,” says Mark Kitchen, General Manager at Six Senses Fiji. “Our continued partnership with Fluidform allows us to create an experience that feels both grounding and revitalising, encouraging guests to reconnect with themselves while surrounded by nature.”
Luxury in the Alps: Queenstown’s Coronet Ridge Resort opens on the Shotover River
Queenstown’s newest five-star luxury alpine sanctuary, Coronet Ridge Resort, recently opened following a multi-million-dollar redevelopment. Located on the Shotover River in the exclusive enclave of Arthur’s Point, Coronet Ridge Resort is a combination of awe-inspiring nature and refined luxury.
“We are delighted to welcome guests to experience a new era of luxury hospitality amid the secluded beauty of New Zealand’s Southern Alps,” said Clare Davies, Founder and Managing Director of Capstone Hotel Management. “Coronet Ridge Resort is a sanctuary where the peace and tranquillity of its location allow guests to enjoy a soul soothing getaway yet still be minutes away from the excitement of central Queenstown.
Architecturally designed by G2 Studio including interiors in collaboration with Furnz Group, the 41 elegantly appointed rooms and suites features private balconies or patios that frame the spectacular mountain vistas, while interiors showcase a sophisticated palette of warm, natural tones, bespoke timber joinery, sumptuous textures, and thoughtfully curated local artistry and photography.
