Owner Robert Pennicott and the manufacturers of Antarctic Survival Dry Suits, used for Australian Antarctic Division expeditions, have collaborated to deliver cool climate comfort for the journey from Port Arthur into nature's playground.
Tasman Island Cruises' new eco-voyage Bruny Island Charters provides passengers with the exclusive all-weather adventure suits on departures throughout the year.
Each of their programs, with seafaring skippers and guides is special - designed daily by nature. It is all achieved aboard 42-seat ‘4WDs of the sea’ designed for neutral ecological impact.
You head into the domain of seals with sprays of dolphins surfing the bow wave and albatross in their legions, hovering, along with gannets, falcons and sea eagles.
Whale watching is another incentive during Winter and Spring. What’s cooking in Vietnam
THE popularity of, first Chinese, then Thai food spawned lucrative tourism industry offshoots in their home countries.
Swarms of tourists, convinced they could produce comparable (or even better) dishes by taking crash courses in cooking in situ, queued up to shell out collective big bucks for the experience.
Given the immense, and continuing popularity of Vietnamese food the phenomenon continues.
Latest to join in is the utterly delightful and very upmarket in everything but price Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort and Spa, located about 200km north of capital Hanoi.
Not only are they offering guests the secrets of preparation and cooking, they take them on ingredient-buying safaris in the same fresh food markets local chefs frequent.
For about $100, the culinary tour starts in nearby Phan Thiet fishing village with breakfast in a local restaurant. This is followed by a visit to a fish sauce factory and, as most know, this is a Vietnamese specialty, arguably more flavoursome than any Chinese or Thai counterpart.
With the ingredients collected, Victoria Phan Thiet's piece de resistance is just ahead - your two hours cooking class led by the master himself, world-travelled Frenchman Benoit Letellier and his Vietnamese sous-chef.
Students are briefed on Vietnamese herbs before taking on creating classics like Vietnamese fresh Spring rolls and fish in a clay pot.
You'd better be good because that's also lunch!
Then there's a traditional one-hour massage to help you wind-down. Victoria Phan Thiet Beach Resort and Spa is part of a boutique group of six luxury Indochina retreats embracing ranging from off-the-beaten-track mountain and beach spa resorts in Vietnam, two colonial-style hotels in the Mekong Delta, and another elegant spa resort at wondrous Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
St Regis to debut in KL
STARWOOD Hotels and Resorts is about to debut its iconic St Regis brand in Kuala Lumpur.
The new property will feature 200 guest rooms and 200 whole-ownership St. Regis branded residences, luxury spa and gourmet dining. But, then, you would expect nothing less of the bespoke company.
And it will occupy one of KL's most desirable addresses in its Central precinct.
Mr. Miguel Ko, President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific said the growth of Malaysia's international arrivals had remained strong as a result of efforts by the Tourism Authority of Malaysia.
Not before time! KL has long been one of the most intriguing destinations, growing in stature from modest colonial leftovers to gleaming skyscrapers and world-class museums whilst retaining gems like traditional street markets around its Chinatown.
For all things about travelling in Malaysia call the country's excellent tourism promotion office on 9299 4441. Botique Brisbane
Heading north?
There are some new boutique apartments in the heart of Brisbane's northern suburbs. Chermside Apartments are just 10km from the CBD and are big on creature comforts . . . from studio suites to self-contained one, two and three bedroom units.
To celebrate the opening, two can stay in a Queen Room now for just $140 per room, per night or $130 if staying for two nights or more.
The property is next to Chermside's shopping centre with its 300-plus speciality shops and cinema complex.
To stay at The Chermside, call 1800 829-291 or visit www.thechermside.com.au | 
