Paula McInerney, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

Happy 40th Birthday, Sydney Opera House

By Paula McInerney on Sep 30, 2013 in Attractions, Australia, Events, Going Out, Oceania, Regions, Travel Miscellany

The iconic Sydney Opera House is celebrating its 40th anniversary on 20th October this year. And believe me if anyone knows how to throw a party, then it is Sydney and indeed Australia as a whole. That is why the party will go for the entire month of October, and it is an open invitation

Fascinating ice sculpture festivals from around the world

By Paula McInerney on Sep 29, 2013 in Alaska, Asia, Attractions, Belgium, China, Eastern Europe, Europe, Events, Going Out, Japan, Mongolia, North America, Regions, Russia, Travel Miscellany, USA, Western Europe

Ice sculpting continues to not just intrigue but to fascinate many people. It is the extreme skills of the sculptors themselves, their technical ability and their imagination that is part of the mystique. It is also the magic that surrounds the many ice sculpture festivals held all over the world – literally. Even the countries

Surfing in Australia

By Paula McInerney on Sep 15, 2013 in Australia, Leisure Travel, Oceania, Regions, Speciality Travel

It is hardly surprising that Australia has some of the best surfing beaches in the world. The beach is a massive draw card for Australians and visitors alike, and it’s not hard to understand why. Surfing is a natural adjunct to this beach obsession. Surrounded by the oceans and seas, an excellent climate and a

Kyoto - a city with a Zen village feel

By Paula McInerney on Sep 04, 2013 in Asia, Attractions, Events, Going Out, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany

The former capital of Japan is the delightful Kyoto. This is a very beautiful place and the people are hospitable and… well, just nice. It could possibly be the Zen atmosphere that envelops it. Steeped in history and culture, Kyoto is at its best during cherry blossom time, though in reality it is extremely impressive

The most expensive fabric in the world

By Paula McInerney on Sep 03, 2013 in Clothing, Travel Equipment

The most expensive fabric in the world is wool, which comes from the vicuña and can only be shorn from the animal once every two to three years. The vicuña is part of the camelid family, of which the alpaca and llama are two others whose wool is also sought after and valued. However, they are

The best ski resorts in France

By Paula McInerney on Aug 30, 2013 in Europe, France, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

There will never be total agreement on “the” best ski resort in France. Each  is different, yet all offer enormous skiing opportunities, geographical appeal and an atmosphere that is conducive to an excellent holiday. Some of the resorts are purpose-built, while others retain their  French Alpine charm. Some are seriously renowned for their après scene,

Luxury resorts in Far North Queensland that will leave you speechless

By Paula McInerney on Aug 30, 2013 in Accommodation, Australia, Hotels, Oceania, Regions, Resorts

Queensland, Australia has the fortune to be the host of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living creature and a recognized wonder of the natural world. It is also where the magnificent Daintree Rainforest, a World Heritage listed sight and the Whitsunday Islands, considered a sailing paradise, are also located. This is all bound by

The hottest ticket under the sun – the solar eclipse

By Paula McInerney on Aug 30, 2013 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Cruises & Boat Travel, Ethiopia, Europe, Faroe Islands, Featured, Ghana, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Uganda, Western Europe

A total eclipse of the sun will occur later this year and another in 2015. This is a not-to-be-missed experience that should be everyone’s “must do” list. The fact that there is intense interest in the eclipse experience already, means that the cruise lines are putting on extra ships, and tour operators are coming up with

Barossa Valley - a wine and food capital where it's all about the dirt!

By Paula McInerney on Aug 30, 2013 in Accommodation, Attractions, Australia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Oceania, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Videos

The Barossa Valley is renowned as one of Australia’s most prestigious wine and food destinations. It is also a virtual commune of passionate connoisseurs, devoted to their food and wine, all bound by the all important dirt. The Barossa Valley exudes history, culture and a sense of free spiritedness, in a totally distinctive environment. The

Kuala Lumpur - a beautiful fusion

By Paula McInerney on Aug 23, 2013 in Asia, Attractions, Going Out, Malaysia, Regions

Kuala Lumpur is a visually stunning city. As the capital of Malaysia which encompasses not just the Malay peninsula, but also Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan in Borneo, Kuala Lumpur is a fusion of its cultures. Malays, Chinese and Indians as well as many other sub ethnic groups make up the people living in this huge vibrant

Melbourne - a smug little city

By Paula McInerney on Aug 20, 2013 in Accommodation, Attractions, Australia, Bed & Breakfasts, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Oceania, Regions, Speciality Travel

Melbourne is a suave and chic destination. It is also smug. Renowned for its food, bars, appreciation of art and culture, you can fully expect a memorable experience. There has been a long standing rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne, and many claim that is why Canberra, Australia’s capital city, was placed in the middle. Melbourne

The best ski resorts in Italy

By Paula McInerney on Aug 19, 2013 in Europe, Italy, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Skiing in Italy conjures up images of the majestic Dolomites, the sunny days and the long runs on pristine white snow. It also beckons the images of the long and languorous lunches to be had both on and off the slopes, and the hospitality of the Italian people who embrace visitors, particularly children of whom

The best places to stay in Nozawa Onsen, Japan

By Paula McInerney on Aug 19, 2013 in Accommodation, Asia, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Japan, Regions

As a typical Japanese village, you will find high end accommodation, but perhaps not as you would expect in the United States or Europe. What you will find are superlative Japanese experiences. Traditional ryokans, or inns, tend to have belonged to the one family for generations, and originated in the Edo period. It is here

The top luxury ski resorts in Switzerland

By Paula McInerney on Aug 17, 2013 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe

Switzerland is well renowned as a unique skiing destination. It has strong influences from its French, Italian, German and Austrian neighbours, yet retains its own distinctive identity. Geographically breathtaking, with the Alps, rivers and glaciers, Switzerland is stunningly beautiful. It is one of the richest countries in the world, and it pays to have a little

The top 5 ski resorts in Austria

By Paula McInerney on Aug 05, 2013 in Austria, Europe, Regions, Western Europe

Austria is having a resurgence in popularity as a premier ski destination. Not that it ever lost its aura or appeal; it is just that the highly successful linked resorts of France and others, became more enticing to the fickle ski market place. Austria has now re-emerged as a very real player in this competitive

5 luxury stays in Kitzbuhel, Austria

By Paula McInerney on Aug 05, 2013 in Accommodation, Austria, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Western Europe

Kitzbuhel is a small medieval town in the Tyrol region of Austria and renowned for its charm as well as its excellent summer and winter sporting activities. It is not far from Innsbruck and quite easily accessible from Zurich and Munich. Kitzbuhel is home to the internationally famous World Cup ski Races at Hahnenkamm Mountain

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