QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | Newsletters

Polo and glamour go hand in hand. With its illustrious history, the horses and its elite fan base, the most glamorous polo event to head to this month is the Bentley Cup. Co-hosted by Quintessentially, this family event will be held on Sunday 16th November at the Sydney Polo Country Club's new AUD 30 million complex.

Watch six world-class teams battle it out for glory on the field, while you enjoy champagne and some delectable food by Belinda Franks. Let the kids loose on the bouncy castle and in the crèche too. A Luxury Boot Auction will be held too, featuring a slew of covetable items being sold to raise money for Barnardos Australia, Australia's leading child welfare agency.

Quintessentially will also be entertaining members with our Celebrity on Bikes event between the second and third matches of the day. Similar to the Celebrity in Minis entertainment event each year at the Melbourne Grand Prix, this is guaranteed to be 10-15 minutes of riotous fun and the first time that something of its kind has been seen in Sydney.

If you require any help in getting there, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you - whether it be a chauffeured limo or an attention grabbing helicopter ride to the fields - for that truly Quintessentially experience.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for more information.

New Zealand’s leading luxury lodge (2008 World Travel Awards), Lake Okareka Lodge in Rotorua is reopening next month after a period of extensive refurbishment. This stunning lodge is tucked away in a secluded lakeside and bush-clad setting, just 15 minutes’ scenic drive from downtown Rotorua. It features three spacious suites, a massage room, exercise studio, extensive wine cellar, and expansive unspoilt vistas. Lake Okareka Lodge hosts only single party bookings (up to nine people), providing guests with exclusive use of the entire ultra-luxury complex, along with 24-hour butler service and an internationally trained personal chef to cater to individual culinary preferences. Lake Okareka is a member of Preferred Boutique™, the elite collection of intimate hotels and resorts of Preferred Hotel Group™.

Quintessentially members are able to receive an outstanding three-night package deal for two which includes exclusive use of the entire gated lodge complex; a complimentary 3.5 hour White Island Active Volcano tour by helicopter (valued at NZD 1,780); daily breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and four-course dinner; around-the-clock butler service; personal chef; use of all amenities at the lodge from kayaks and bikes to jet skis; welcome drinks; complimentary high-speed internet access; and complimentary return transfers between Rotorua Airport and the lodge - all of this for NZD 19,500 (+12.5% GST). The offer is valid until Tuesday 31st March 2009 (with a daily surcharge of NZD 1,000 between Wednesday 24th and Wednesday 31st December 2008).

For reservations, please contact travelhk@quintessentially.com.

Enjoy a quintessential Sydney New Year, complete with a Watson Bay room in a five-star hotel, a glamorous gourmet dinner on the water with the best views of the fireworks and a spa treatment to soothe you the morning after, so you can face 2009 feeling refreshed.

Located on Circular Quay, The InterContinental Sydney is built around the heritage listed Treasury Building, combining Victorian luxury with every modern comfort. Just a few minutes’ walk from the Rocks, the CBD and the lovely Botanical Gardens - and boasting a stunning view over the latter or Watson's Bay - the exclusive Club InterContinental provides tired travellers with an oasis to refresh themselves. You can enjoy complimentary canapés and beverages, or even take a quick shower - but the highlight has to be the terrace that offers 180 degree awe-inspiring views of the harbour and city.

On New Year's Eve take a short boat ride to Fort Denison, the historical penal site of the early colony and 19th century fortress. Distinguished by its mid-harbour location and Martello tower (the only one ever built in Australia); the fort has today metamorphosed into a tourist attraction, museum, island café and unique event venue situated in the middle of the harbour. It’s also the most spectacular location for the countdown, framed by the bright lights of the shores on both sides, surrounded by the white sails of party yachts with the dazzle of the fireworks above your head. With water transport, cocktails and canapés on arrival, live entertainment, a four-course meal and free-flowing drinks throughout the evening, Fort Denison’s sandstone walls will be seeing in the most glamorous black-tie event in town on December 31st.

After a night of revelry, what better way to wean yourself into 2009 than with a spa treatment to caress away the excesses of the night before? Relax into 75 minutes of pure bliss with the treatment of your choice in the comfort of your own hotel room.

The total cost for this exclusive New Year’s Eve package is AUD 6,300, inclusive of:

• Three nights in a Watson’s Bay View Club Room, InterContinental Sydney
• A pair of tickets to New Year’s Eve, Fort Denison which includes water transport to and from Fort Denison, cocktails and canapés on arrival, a four course dinner created by their Head Chef, all beverages for the duration of the night and live entertainment
• One 75 minute in-room spa treatment

For all enquiries, please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Tucked away in leafy Paddington, a smart boutique has been turning into a word-of-mouth hit amongst Sydney's fashionistas. Mr. Rose’s exquisite tailored shirts and blouses in fine fabrics give an über-feminine touch to any professional woman’s wardrobe, and with only a highly limited collection available each season you can be sure that the look you are sporting is a totally unique one. Appreciating that the modern independent woman comes in different shapes and sizes, Mr. Rose offers variations in bust sizing for a perfect fit.

Alternatively, book a Sparkling Supper,  this November and you and your girlfriends can enjoy the offerings of the store all to yourselves. A personal stylist will take you through the Spring/Summer collection and treat you to supper accompanied by a couple of glasses of delicious sparkling wine – you’ll never want to shop any other way again.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to book your sartorial experience.

Quintessentially Sydney is all about Friday afternoon at Woolloomooloo Wharf. Once a home for derelicts and dockers, Finger Wharf now hosts the who’s who of Sydney who come out to dine at one of the seven fine dining establishments.

The latest and most welcome addition to this dining scene is Velero. Part restaurant and part tapas bar, the varied menu offers something for every taste. The amazing Spanish olives could be washed down with a Castro Martin Albarino and maybe followed with Morcilla Sausage or freshly sliced cured meats. Service is cool, knowledgeable and relaxed - a perfect spot to wind down at the end of the week or wind up for a big weekend.

To celebrate its opening, Velero is offering Quintessentially members an exclusive Q cocktail on arrival throughout November. Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to book a table.

After dazzling at the Aria Awards, Australia’s favourite international artist is heading back next year. Pink has confirmed the dates for her Funhouse Tour 2009, and has promised a rollicking performance, full of mischief, mayhem, spectacular carnival-style stage sets and powerhouse vocals.

An exclusive Platinum Package is now available to Quintessentially members, to be held in the VIP Marquee at the Sydney Entertainment Centre. Strictly limited places are available for the marquee on Sunday 7th June and Tuesday 9th June 2009 - where you will enjoy a two hour pre-show hospitality event, canapés created by the executive chef, premium beverages and VIP gold reserve seating. Packages are AUD 299 per person.

Please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for your tickets.

Viktor and Rolf have taken the fashion world by storm with their signature blend of cool irony, surreal beauty and kooky themes. The highly coveted menswear label Monsieur has never been available in Sydney, until now – and it is debuting this month, stocked exclusively in chic Paddington boutique, MOOD.

Quintessentially invites members to join us for a preview of the collection on Wednesday 26th November, from 6.30-9pm at Ego Ristorante Enoteca (155 Victoria Street Potts Point).

Seats are strictly limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for more information.

Of all the places on the planet to see in the New Year, Sydney's heady combination of fabulous summer sunshine, spectacular fireworks and gorgeous harbour views makes it a top choice for discerning partygoers worldwide. Whilst most revellers will camp around the bay for a glimpse of the celebrations, the best view of all is to be had from the water.

This year, Quintessentially is delighted to offer you the opportunity to take part in the festivities aboard Tango, Sydney's most sought after private motor yacht. At 38m, this ultra-luxurious vessel caters for 49 guests, offers three queen guest cabins with en-suites as well as a VIP master suite, crew cabins, a saloon, commercial kitchen galley, sauna, an eight-person jacuzzi and enormous sundeck. All cabins are fully equipped with plasma screens, Foxtel, DVD players and wireless internet, phone and SatNav connections.

Tango is available to Quintessentially members to hire during the countdown hour, along with crew, champagne and delectable canapés at AUD 60,000 plus tax for a six-hour cruise. Additional food and drink is available from AUD 100 per person.

Tango is also available for an extended period over New Year’s Eve and throughout the party season. Day cruisers can make use of her 7m tender for waterskiing and wakeboarding, while more sedate sportsmen will enjoy paddling along the waves in one of the three kayaks.

For all enquiries, please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

If you’re looking for a beachside getaway during the Christmas and New Year period, Quintessentially has the perfect property located on the prestigious Whale Beach, an hour’s drive north of Sydney. Owned by philanthropists Lyndall and Malcolm Beville, this ravishing beach house has been a favourite with international celebrities who adore the panoramic ocean views, resort-style 13m heated pool, spa, Balinese cabana and complete privacy.

Beautifully decorated in an ethnic-inspired beach house style, it has been featured in Vogue Living and Inside Out magazines. Available from Saturday 13th December – Saturday 31st January, the property costs AUD 30,000 per week (minimum one week stay), with all proceeds going to the SMILE Foundation, a charity founded by the owners to help children with rare diseases.

Please note the offer is strictly for couples and families.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to make a reservation.

Quintessentially members are cordially invited to the grand opening of the Stockholm Gold Fair & Alternative Investments 2008 – a prestigious, invitation-only event. The fabulous evening takes place on Friday 7th November from 7.30–11pm in Stockholm and guests will experience a unique interaction between alternative investments, private banking, top international jewellers and watches, shipwreck coins, edible gold, green gold and conflict-free diamonds.

The goal of the event is to inspire a more responsible gold and diamond industry and, to this end, Amnesty International’s Swedish Secretary General will give a talk to guests, focusing on the hot topic of blood diamonds. The evening will furthermore treat guests to a spectacular fashion show of jewellery and other pieces, including items from Piaget, Damiani, George Jensen and Armani.

This event is the perfect opportunity to visit Stockholm and mingle with international VIPs and the elite of the gold, jewellery and watchmaking industries - as well as the high society of Sweden – who will all be sipping drinks made with 24k gold and nibbling on delicious gold chocolate.

There is also a unique opportunity to obtain a spectacular collectors’ item: Egg Spectacular. This unique piece will be presented during the fair and is Sweden’s finest gold and silversmith work in modern times. It took the artists several years to complete, and required almost every existing goldsmith technique to finish. Egg Spectacular is exclusively available on sale to Quintessentially members.

All Quintessentially members will benefit from a 15% discount on the best available rate at the Clarion Sign Hotel for the weekend of the fair as well as complimentary access to the fair itself.

To attend this event, or to find out more about Egg Spectacular, then please contact magnus@quintessentially.com.

Every year it seems to get harder to buy that special someone a unique and thoughtful present to let them know you care, but this year let Quintessentially take the hassle out of your shopping with our sumptuous gift ideas.

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but black sapphires are her paramour. These opulent Australian gems make a splash in Canturi’s recent collections, including their Cubism Cabochon Black Sapphire Ring (AUD 19,000) and Mosaic Vintage Earrings (AUD 40,000).

For the fashion forward, there’s nothing as decadent as bespoke footwear. Andrew McDonald’s creations in calf, deerskin, crocodile and cordovan start from between AUD 2,000 – AUD 2,500 for a pair of meticulously fitted shoes.

Indulge your man with pure spa heaven at funky male-friendly Mankind, in hip Surry Hills. Their signature Great Escape Package includes an hour’s massage, a tailored skin treatment, two touch therapies and a hand and nail treatment.

For both eco-warriors and the kid inside, VELORBIS bicycles combine a charmingly nostalgic Danish design with German functionality. Starting from AUD 1,950, VELORBIS bikes are available exclusively from two retailers in all of Australia.

For more information on the above items, or for further great gift ideas, contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Epitomising the mythical origins of its namesake, the Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney brings together Asian hospitality with the Harbour City's unbeatable vistas. Famed for its magnificent views over the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House, the Shangri-La also offers five-star aesthetics on the inside, with Chinoiserie touched rooms, the relaxing oasis of the Alysium Spa and their indoor pool. And not to mention Blu Horizon Bar and Altitude Restaurant, each an attraction in their own right, soaring high on the hotel’s 36th floor.

Quintessentially invites you to see in the New Year with a bang. Spend four nights in an exquisitely appointed room looking over Sydney Harbour, then count down to 2009 with a divine six-course menu in the Altitude Private Dining Room for 16 people together with thoughtfully paired wines as selected by their sommelier. Enjoy vintage champagne on arrival and then again while watching the spectacular midnight fireworks.

The total cost for this New Year’s Eve package is AUD 7,300 for two, inclusive of:

• Four nights in a Deluxe Grand Harbour View Room, Shangri-La Sydney
• Champagne on arrival
• Early check-in from 1pm
• Late check-in at 4pm
• Complimentary use of the Health Club
• Complimentary valet parking
• A luxurious six-course tasting menu, paired with matching wines chosen by their Head Chef
• 75 minute in-room spa treatment to coax you into the New Year.

Please note: The Altitude Private Dining Room can also be booked exclusively for one Quintessentially member and 14 of their friends, but you will have to be quick to avoid disappointment.

Please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for more information.

Elgar Festival, Sydney Symphony
Sydney Opera House - until 20th November

My Fair Lady
Theatre Royal, Sydney - until 30th November

The Spiegeltent Festival - until Saturday 15th November
Acts Include:
Jimmy Barnes
Forecourt, Sydney Opera House - Tuesday 4th November
Vanessa Amorosi
Forecourt, Sydney Opera House - Thursday 13th November
Lior
Forecourt, Sydney Opera House - Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th November

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical
Lyric Theatre, Star City - until Sunday 18th January

Rugby League World Cup 2008 - until Saturday 22nd November
Semi Final 1
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – Saturday 15th November
Semi Final 2
Sydney Football Stadium – Sunday 16th November
Final
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – Saturday 22nd November

AAMI Victoria Derby Day
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne – Saturday 1st November

Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and Bone Thugs ‘n’ Harmony – West Coast Originals
Rod Laver Arena Melbourne Park, Melbourne – Sunday 2nd November

Augie March
Regal Theatre, Sydney – Monday 3rd November
The Tivoli, Brisbane – Friday 28th November

Rihanna & Chris Brown
Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Monday 3rd November
Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park – Tuesday 4th November
Acer Arena, Sydney - Saturday 8th November
Burswood Dome, Perth – Tuesday 11th November

Emirates Melbourne Cup Day 2008
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne – Tuesday 4th November

Crown Oaks Day
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne - Thursday 6th November

Emirates Stakes Day
Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne – Saturday 8th November

Bentley Polo Cup
Sydney Polo Club Grand Pavilion – Sunday 16th November

Ben Lee
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland – Sunday 23rd November

Billy Joel in Concert
Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Wednesday 26th November
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Saturday 29th November
Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Thursday 4th December
Acer Arena, Sydney – Tuesday 9th December

Manon, The Australian Ballet
Sydney Opera House – Friday 28th November – Wednesday 17th December

Sting and Edin Karamazov - Songs from the Labyrinth
Sydney Opera House – Sunday 30th November

Kylie Minogue – Kylie X 2008
Acer Arena, Sydney – Sunday 14th – Wednesday 17th December
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Friday 19th- Saturday 20th and Monday 22nd December

Alicia Keys
Acer Arena, Sydney – Friday 12th December
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Wednesday 17th December
Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Thursday 18th December

For these and all your ticketing needs, do not hesitate to contact the team at qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

This inner city playground oozes glamour and sophistication, and the sheer extravagance of ivy will amaze you. The decor is beautiful, with open-air terraces and water features. Sip on a cocktail or indulge in the fine cuisine, all while feeling like you are at a private party in Justin Hemmes’ home - just the way he wants it. Quintessentially members receive guaranteed entry via guest list to The Den, ivy’s luxe VIP area, complimentary pick up in the ivy Bentley (subject to availability and location) and VIP service all night long.

For more details, please see Benefits/Nightlife/Australia/Sydney - The Den, Ivy.