In this week’s travel news: Provence-style pampering on Sydney Harbour, expanded European flights for Etihad, and the return of an ocean icon.
If you’re yearning for the south of France, Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour has opened the country’s very first L’Occitane en Provence Spa. Consider it a useful alternative to booking a flight to Marseille when what you really need is generous slathers of almond oil, lavender-scented steam and a few hours in which nobody can find you. See sofitelspadarlingharbour.com
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Meanwhile, if your next Greek sojourn feels an impossibly long way off, consider an ABBA-fuelled shortcut. Come March 2027, Mamma Mia! The Party sets up Nikos’ taverna at Sydney Event Centre at The Star Sydney, with a sunset-to-late four-course Greek feast, live theatre and ABBA’s greatest hits, before the taverna flips into a glittering ’70s disco. Consider it high camp, very good fun and significantly cheaper than a yacht charter. Tickets drop November 12. See mammamiatheparty.com.au
If commercial first-class still feels a touch crowded for your delicate sensibilities, Aman has unveiled five Private-Jet Expeditions for 2028, created with specialist operator Remote Lands and limited to just 16 to 18 guests per journey. The itineraries pair stays at Aman’s famously discreet sanctuaries with private aviation and access to cultural experiences that are difficult to arrange independently. Two new journeys lead the program: Cultural Treasures of Asia, a 15-night trip through Japan, Cambodia, China, Bhutan and India; and From Islands to Ancient Worlds, a 17-night expedition spanning eight destinations, from Japan and the Philippines to Montenegro and Turkey. Expect helicopter flights over Angkor, encounters with Japanese traditions and a hike to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Naturally, you’ll need to ask Aman about the price. See aman.com
Etihad will double its Sydney-Abu Dhabi service from December 15, adding four weekly flights to bring the route to two departures daily, meaning easier connections to European cities including London, Paris and Rome. The extra frequency also makes a stopover more tempting: Etihad’s program offers a complimentary one- or two-night hotel stay, with the oasis city of Al Ain now in the mix. See etihad.com
The Copacabana Palace has added another reason to check into Rio’s most storied hotel by giving its legendary Pool Wing a five-storey overhaul, complete with Latin America’s first Dior Spa. The wellness club offers Brazilian jiu-jitsu studios and a post-sun facial conceived with renowned dermatologist Dr Maria Bussade. Dior’s Rio connection goes back to 1961, when Marc Bohan presented a couture collection in the hotel’s gardens. See belmond.com
Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth will return to Australian waters during its 2029 World Voyage, calling at Fremantle, Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Burnie before an overnight stay in Sydney and a crossing to NZ. Travellers can join for shorter stretches – including a nine-night Fremantle-to-Sydney voyage departing March 16, 2029 – or continue across the Pacific to Los Angeles. See cunard.com
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