QUINTESSENTIALLY | Insider | Newsletters

Quintessentially Escape, the luxury experience company, has launched in Hong Kong.  With a rise in demand for experiential travel, the Quintessentially Escape service offers an unrivalled range of diverse and extraordinary experiences across the globe, to suit every taste and occasion. Each Escape is unique and created to fulfill the desires of adventure seekers, voyageurs, spa gurus, sporting fanatics, shopping enthusiasts and gourmands.  In fact, we have a fabulous experience at the Spa at Four Seasons for those of you who have New Year’s resolutions to uphold!

Quintessentially Escape also offers a bespoke service for those wishing to create their own customised experiences, whether to the South Pole, the heart of Uganda’s jungles or the moon.

Whether you are looking for gift ideas, or just want to fulfill one of your life’s ambitions, explore our website for inspiration at www.quintessentiallyescape.com. For more details, or to book an Escape, please contact asiaenquiries@quintessentiallyescape.com.

We're really looking forward to some of the mega events coming up on the calendar in 2009 – all of which you'll have fantastic access to through Quintessentially. Keep your eyes peeled and your senses alert for what is shaping up to be a truly spectacular year!

FILM PREMIERES: Ice Age 3, Harry Potter, Transformers 2, Angels & Demons, Star Trek, Watchmen

AWARDS: BAFTAs, Cannes Film Festival, Brits, Oscars, Golden Globes, Asian Film Awards, ARIA Awards

GALAS & PARTIES: Serpentine Summer Party, Berkeley Square Ball

FASHION: London Fashion Week, Sydney Fashion Week, MasterCard Luxury Week Hong Kong

For more information on all that’s coming up, make sure you check our Events Calendar. Alternatively, you can email qaustralia@quintessentially.com to find out more about any individual event.

Founded in the 1920s, this iconic New Zealand retreat is consistently ranked amongst the finest in the world. Situated amongst 17 acres of mature and manicured gardens on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, just upstream of the mighty Huka Falls. The property is centred around the inviting Main Lodge where guests can gather for breakfast and convivial pre-dinner drinks, while 18 exquisitely appointed Lodge Rooms are scattered along the Waikato, all enjoying hypnotic views over the turquoise waters.

But for the ultimate Huka Lodge experience, book into the Owner’s Cottage or its newly opened companion the Alan Pye Cottage which offers the best of both worlds - total independence and privacy as well as all of the Lodge’s amenities. Ideal for a private party of friends or for members of a family, the cottages are two of the world’s most exclusive private hideaways. The Owner’s Cottage sits on an elevated promontory commanding spectacular views downstream to the falls, enhanced by large outdoor decks and a cantilevered infinity pool. Four spacious guest suites, each with a fireplace, en suite bathroom and dressing room, are anchored by living and dining room, kitchen and den. The Alan Pye Cottage offers the same degree of luxurious amenities and appointments, with two suites, within a contemporary arts and crafts-influenced ambience.

Quintessentially members receive a complimentary two-course lunch (or picnic) for two when booking. Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for more information or to make a reservation.

In 2009, we expect wanderlust amongst Quintessentially members to soar sky high, and naturally you'll want to know where to stay. We have a list of recommendations that will make for sizzling new year breaks, so check out the suggestions below for inspiration:

ROCCO FORTE HOTELS: Prague, Sicily
AMANRESORTS: New Delhi, Laos, Montenegro 
W HOTELS: Seminyak, Bali 
MANDARIN ORIENTAL: Beijing, Las Vegas, Barcelona, Marrakech
FIRMDALE HOTELS: New York
ONE & ONLY: Cape Town
SIX SENSES: Thailand
FOUR SEASONS: Seychelles

And there are many more besides that. We'll be on hand to offer you expert advice and bespoke travel opportunities whatever the season throughout 2009, so don’t hesitate to contact us by emailing qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

With some of the world’s most exciting players - including Roger Federer, Novac Djokovic and Maria Sharapova – battling it out for dominance on the court, the Australian Open is the region’s most anticipated Grand Slam event. With two sessions a day until Thursday 29th January followed by three days of nail biting finals, Melbourne is set to heat up with tennis fever.

Even non-sports fans will find much to celebrate during the Open, with concerts at the Hisense Arena on Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February, headlined by Evermore, Peter Murray, Gabriella Cilmi and The Cat Empire. The world renowned Spiegeltent is also in Australia for the first time, bringing "Absynthe", a haunting meld of burlesque and acrobatics. The Speigeltent is also playing host to late night performances by artists including Diesel, The Audreys and Abby Dobson. 

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to book your tickets now.

Ox are known for their patience, stoicism and hardworking natures, all qualities that would serve us well in the year ahead. Australia’s Chinese community invites their neighbours to ring in the Lunar New Year with fairs, theatricals and tasty Chinese food.

Sydney-siders can join the festivities on Belmore Park during the market from Friday 23rd – Sunday 25th January, or catch the Twilight Parade from Town Hall to China Town on Sunday 1st February. Sydney Harbour will see an invasion of mythical monsters during the Dragon Boat races from Saturday 7th - Sunday 8th February. Melbourne’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the country thanks to the 19th century Gold Rush, and on Sunday 1st February it will witness the emergence of the world’s longest Chinese dragon for its annual dance along the streets.

Quintessentially recommends wishing your loved ones a traditional "Congratulations! Get rich!" over a delectable banquet at China Doll in Sydney, or Melbourne’s Flower Drum Restaurant. Kylie Kwong’s flagship restaurant Billy Kwong (Surry Hills, Sydney) will also be hosting one of its rare booked events on Monday 9th February, serving a 8 – 10 course banquet menu at AUD 150 per head.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to make your reservations.

Located by the Fleet Steps at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, St. George, OpenAir Cinema is the best place in town to catch a flick. Watch the latest blockbusters, including Guy Ritchie’s RocknRolla, Golden Globe winner Slumdog Millionaire, Woody Allen’s Vicky Christina Barcelona, and previews of the new Ricky Gervais comedy Ghost Town and romantic satire He’s Just Not That Into You. Special days will see showings of Baz Luhrmann’s epic Australia on Australia Day and Bride Wars on Valentine’s Day.

Pre-allocation tickets are now sold out, but one of Quintessentially’s favourite hotel partners, InterContinental Sydney, is offering the OpenAir Package, from AUD 356 per night, including accommodation for two in a Watsons Bay View Room, buffet breakfast, valet parking and two tickets to the OpenAir Cinema. The offer runs until Monday 21st February.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for more information on showing times and to make your reservation.

Every year the Vienna Opera State Ball arrives in the city – continuing a carnival tradition which attracts the international and local glitterati - all eager to attend. Presided over by the President of Austria and attended by royalty, diplomats, international celebrities, literati and glitterati, the ball is also a spectacular coming out party for débutantes from Vienna and abroad. Since 1814,  the Vienna Opera State Ball has been regaling guests with its classic charm so for anyone with an interest in dance, music and living history, don’t miss this occasion.

Quintessentially Austria has teamed up with the Grand Hotel which is located only a few steps away from the Vienna State Opera. Come and spend two nights, from Thursday 19th  to Saturday 21st February in Vienna and enjoy Viennese hospitality, excellent food and a night of glamour and classical music that you will never forget. Please note that this is one of the most high profile social events of the season and we only have limited access to rooms and tickets. We will handle requests on a first come, first served basis.

For further information, or to book this outstanding experience, please contact qaustria@quintessentially.com.

For a nation that was founded on the back of an Empire’s criminal class, Australia hasn’t done too badly. From sporting achievements to economic booms, from pioneering cuisine to cultural innovation, from catching waves to prawns on the barbie, Australia is envied around the world for its fabulous lifestyle.

What better way to celebrate than with an outing on what Captain Arthur Phillip deemed "the finest harbour in the world"? Quintessentially has some beautiful vessels lined up to take you out for an all-Australian cruise, whether you’re having a small family gathering or whether you're out with your 50 closest mates. Shared charters are also available.

Other quintessentially Australian suggestions include a hamper for your private beach picnic (filled with Tasmanian salmon, Margaret River wines, King Island cheese, fresh fruit from Queensland, Tim Tams and vegemite), a personal surfing lesson, or a scenic flight over the harbour.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to book your Australia Day.

One of the highlights of the summer months, this is when Sydney get to show Melbourne a thing or two about culture. Since its conception in 1977, the festival has evolved into a smorgasbord of performers and other artists from all over the globe, from glittering international superstars, to up-and-coming home grown talent.

This year’s theme is Sydney Dances and event organisers have been aiming to turn the city’s streets into the world’s biggest dance floor with dance, music and inspired theatrical offerings. Though the festival is halfway over, there’s still plenty to see and do, including War of the Roses featuring Cate Blanchett, La Clique at The Famous Spiegeltent, the soulful indie croonings of Bon Iver, Chekov’s Ivanov at the Opera House, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Matthew Herbert’s Big Band project, Morphoses and much, much more.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for more information and access to sold out tickets.

Loud, fast auto-lunacy… live! Top Gear Live, the multi-million dollar ultimate auto-circus, stage performance and stunt spectacular, is coming to Sydney from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th February at the Acer Arena.

Bringing the TV show to life, Top Gear Live combines the drama of theatre and film, with the thrills and spills of crazy live stunts and special effects during the 75- to 90-minute show. Hosted by BBC Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and Richard "The Hamster" Hammond, the show will be heaven for anyone seeking the ultimate in live entertainment.  Top Gear’s very own tame racing driver, The Stig, will join in the fun.

Quintessentially Australia has secured some great VIP tickets which ensure one of the best seats in the house, as well as access to a pre-show cocktail function including canapés and premium beverages and VIP fast-track access to the backstage "paddock" where you will see all the behind-the-scenes activity.

Tickets are extremely limited so book yours now by emailing qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

One of Sydney’s most internationally renowned events is kicking off this year on Sunday 15th February with Mardi Gras Fair Day. Held in Camperdown’s Victoria Park, it will be a day celebrating respect and diversity in Australia today. Listen to the main stage acts, browse the stalls, or peruse the delightfully camp Doggywood dog show, party at the Bitch Lounge Tent or head down to Newtown’s Bank Hotel for the famous Fair Day official after-party

For more information on Fair Day or access to the major events in March, including shows, Harbour ’09 and the Mardi Gras Party, please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Whether it’s celebrating an enduring romance or impressing that new special someone, Quintessentially is here to play Cupid. Book a glamorous meal overlooking the lights of Circular Quay (such as Quay or ARIA), or a cosy hidden gem in one of the more Bohemian suburbs (like Foveaux or Tabou in Surry Hills). For a really grand gesture, sweep your sweetheart away on a scenic flight to a remote picnic spot, or book a secluded luxury getaway in Australia’s beautiful wilderness. Surprise them with a spectacular bouquet of blossoms or something sparkly to light up their eyes.

Contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to make your date.

Sydney Festival
Morphoses
Theatre Royal, Sydney: Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25th January; Tuesday 27th January – Sunday 1st February
Ivanov
Sydney Opera House: Thursday 22nd – Tuesday 27th January
Disco Nouveau
Hyde Park Barracks Museum: Friday 23rd January
Old World/ New World, Sydney Symphony
The Domain, Sydney: Saturday 24th January

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
Sydney Opera House – Until Saturday 31st January

The Burlesque Hour
Sydney Opera House - Until Saturday 31st January

Cavalleria Rusticana – Pietro Mascagni ; Pagliacci - Ruggero Leoncavallo
Sydney Opera House – Until Saturday 14th February

Australian Open 2009
Melbourne Park, Melbourne – Until Sunday 1st February

Neil Young
Brisbane Entertainment Centre – Wednesday 21st January
Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney - Saturday 24th January
Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne - Wednesday 28th January

Arctic Monkeys
Hordern Pavillion, Sydney – Thursday 22nd January
Palais Theatre, Melbourne – Saturday 24th January

Buddy Holly
Lyric Theatre, Star City, Sydney – Saturday 24th January – Sunday 29th March

Leonard Cohen
Rochford Wines, Coldstream, Victoria – Saturday 24th January
Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale, South Australia – Monday 26th January
Sydney Entertainment Centre – Wednesday 28th January
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane - Tuesday 3rd February
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne - Thursday 5th February
Sandalford Wines, Caversham, Western Australia – Saturday 7th February

The Magic Flute
Sydney Opera House – Monday 2nd February – Thursday 19th March

Songs of David Byrne & Bryan Eno
Sydney Opera House, Sydney – Sunday 1st and Monday 2nd February
Perth Zoo, South Perth – Wednesday 4th February
Riverstage Brisbane, Brisbane – Saturday 7th February
The Arts Centre, Melbourne – Monday 9th February

Simply Red
Kings Park, Perth – Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th February
Peter Lehmann Wines, Tanunda, South Australia – Saturday 7th February
Rochford Wines, Coldstream, Victoria – Sunday 8th February
Palais Theatre, Melbourne – Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th February
Royal Theatre, National Convention Centre, Canberra – Tuesday 17th February
Sydney Opera House, Sydney – Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th February
Bimbadgen Estate, Pokolbin in the Hunter Valley, NSW – Saturday 21st February
Sirromet Winery, Mount Cotton, Queensland – Sunday 22nd February

NZI Sevens
Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - Friday 6th - Saturday 7th February

Roberta Flack
Sydney Opera House - Thursday 12th, Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th February

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sydney Opera House – Wednesday 25th February – Monday 2nd March

Coldplay "Viva La Vida" Tour
Burswood Dome, Perth – Friday 27th February
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne - Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th March
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane - Sunday 8th and Monday 9th March
ACER Arena, Sydney - Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th and Saturday 14th March

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

Located 2 ½ hours from Melbourne along the famous Great Ocean Road, Moonlight Head Private Lodge is a tranquil semi-rural retreat and architectural gem. Situated amidst a rugged coastal landscape, the lodge offers scenery and outdoor appeal while providing immaculate service and gourmet cuisine on site. Evocative, inspiring and peaceful all at once, the property is a unique hideaway, suitable for romantic weekends, family trips and corporate entertaining. Quintessentially members receive either two massage or reflexology treatments, breakfast with Spike the Koala, or a private walk around Cape Otway Lighthouse with local historian Mark Brack. For more information, go to Benefits/Travel/Australia/Melbourne/Victoria - Moonlight Head Private Lodge.

Located under the garish Coca-Cola sign that marks the borders of "The Cross", Piano Room’s understated décor and jazzy offerings brings the touch of class to the neighbourhood. But it’s no stuffy hum drum hotel lobby – as the evening moves on, the band turns up the heat and the trendy young things (that have made it past the strict door policy) get grooving to the sexy, smoking beats. Foodies will also appreciate the delectable tapas menu served from 5pm. Quintessentially members are offered guaranteed entry via the guest list, VIP treatment, priority table reservations and a complimentary champagne on arrival. See Benefits/Nightlife/Australia/Sydney - Piano Room for more information.

Please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com for bookings and guest lists.