A Unique Daily Ritual

The Pod Calendar, caters to single-serve enthusiasts, while the Coffee Bag Calendar, offers a delightful surprise behind every door. For those seeking an extra touch of luxury, the Ultimate Pod Calendar not only includes 48 pods but also presents a matching selection of 48 chocolates, creating a daily symphony of coffee and indulgence.

Perfect for sharing or savouring alone, the Ultimate Coffee Pod Calendar is an ideal gift for anyone keen to explore the diverse world of coffee. With Artisan Coffee Co.’s commitment to quality and innovation, these calendars are a testament to the brand’s dedication to delivering a memorable coffee experience this festive season.

Discover our favourite coffee and coffee pods here.

New Festive Blend: The Nutcracker

This year, Artisan Coffee Co. introduces a limited-edition festive blend, The Nutcracker. This deep, rich, full-bodied coffee captures the essence of Christmas with sweet notes of toffee, dried fruits, and fragrant spices. The Nutcracker promises to be the perfect cup for those cold, cosy Christmas nights, adding a touch of holiday magic to every sip.

About Artisan Coffee Co.

Founded in 2021 by Michelin-starred Chef Palmer-Watts, Artisan Coffee Co. has redefined the at-home coffee experience with its six characterful blends:

• The Heroine: Choc ‘n’ nut nirvana
• The Big Shot: Dark and memorably rich
• The Smart Cookie: Sumptuously smooth
• The Genius: Wondrously complex
• The Enigma: Plum perfection
• The Dreamer: Sweet harmony, a deluxe decaf
• The Libra: Bold and brilliant half-caf

Artisan Coffee Co. takes pride in its innovative ‘Aromax50’ roasting method, locking in twice the aroma and flavour of alternative home coffee solutions. The entire range is available online in various formats, ensuring that every coffee lover can enjoy a perfect cup, whether through whole beans, ground sachets, pods, or brew-in-cup bags.

Available Now

Embrace the anticipation of Christmas with the Pod Calendar, Coffee Bag Calendar, or the Ultimate Pod Calendar, and elevate your daily coffee routine with Artisan’s exceptional blends.

To find out more and to buy visit their Christmas Collection page.

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In an increasingly rapacious Dubai hotel scene, there are very few properties that not only continue to reign over the hearts and minds of guests but also thrive along the way. Shangri-La Dubai does all that and more with a devotion to detail that is exquisite. Misbaah Mansuri tries it out – read on for the full review

Set The Scene

Stepping into the recently revamped 42-storey sanctuary, I am immediately enveloped by a sense of opulence. The lobby, a grand atrium adorned with majestic Lasvit chandeliers, casts a warm glow over royal burgundy and gold hues that promise a stay fit for royalty. It was love at first sight. The check-in desk featured an intriguing backdrop – a striking art piece composed of hundreds of books in a babel of languages, another fascinating touch. As I lingered, the lounge buzzed with the genteel clink of afternoon tea, while the hum of business deals floated down from the first-floor restaurants. From the golden pillars to the dramatic floral arrangements that crowned them alongside cosy grey armchairs. What I love about this place is that despite its grandeur, there is a comforting familiarity in the air. 

The Rooms

Perched between sky and city on the upper echelons of the tower, I stayed in the hotel’s Picture-Perfect Rooms which are a cocoon of luxuriousness offering a cinematic sweep of Dubai’s skyline. My corner retreat comes with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Burj Khalifa in a tableau so vivid it feels within reach. Plush carpets, a marble-encased bathroom, and a colour palette that whispered luxury in shades of grey and gold set the tone for a sumptuous stay ahead. The pièce de resistance was the Polaroid camera in the room, perfect to capture the sweeping vistas, while the L’Occitane amenities added a touch of Provencal charm to the urban oasis. Meditative colouring postcards provided a moment of zen, inviting me to pause and reflect amid the opulence, alongside the local art in the room that provides a reverent nod to the region. What makes these rooms stand out are their amenities which are a carefully crafted collection to pamper and purify — a Briiv Air Purifier to cleanse the space, silken Yukata robes and slippers, and indulgences like bath salts and hydrating creams to rejuvenate after a day in the city. 

Amenities and Facilities

The CHI Spa offers some exhilarating Arabian-inspired spa indulgences that pay homage to the land with local essences of dates, coffee, and rhassoul mud and other signature treatments. The hotel also features health club amenities like the gym, sauna, and plunge pool, among others. Poolside on the fourth floor, the vibe is irresistibly Instagrammable, with chic white sunbeds and vibrant pink towels set against the Burj Khalifa’s backdrop. As night falls, the space transforms into a lively hub, with shisha, music, and a DJ setting the evening’s tone.

Dining

One of our favourite parts of the stay has to be the culinary powerhouse of the property. Hoi An, the Vietnamese gem, dazzled us with its crispy rolls, a delicate crunch giving way to the umami richness of shrimp and shiitake. The curries were a masterclass in balance bursting with robust flavours that have a certain depth to them. 

Brunch at Shang Palace became the highlight of my foodie escapades. The crispy prawns, enrobed in mango mayonnaise, were a culinary epiphany, their tender meat ensconced with the sauce’s sweet zestiness. The golden garlic prawns come alive with just the right tinge of spice, igniting the palate without overwhelming it. The fried soft-shell crab was another standout dish, its crisp exterior giving way to the succulent sweetness of the crab within. The gentle heat of the spice brought a depth of flavour that elevated the dish to gold standards, creating an interesting interplay of texture and taste. The Dunes Café presented a breakfast that was a spectacle of choice and quality, think pastries, flaky and golden, fresh smoothies, and a globe-trotting array of hot and cold dishes.  A floating breakfast at Ikandy Ultralounge is the stuff of Instagram dreams and goes heartily recommended!

Final thoughts

At Shangri-La Dubai, luxury is palpable in every little detail, from staff that is genuinely gracious and goes the extra mile to make your day, to restaurants that are true masterclasses in gastronomy. With its old-world charm doused in unmistakable luxury, here is a property that glows from within, even among the ever-expanding empire of Dubai hotels.

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Park Chinois is a renowned restaurant in Mayfair, known for its luxurious setting and offering the finest Chinese and South East Asian cuisine. Designed by Jacques Garcia, the restaurant features two distinct dining experiences: Salon de Chine, providing an intimate atmosphere with exceptional Asian cuisine and live jazz performances, and Club Chinois, recreating the ambiance of Shanghai supper clubs with a decadent menu and live entertainment acts. Following the launch of its Limited-Edition Chichibu Whisky, The Luxury Editor was invited to experience Park Chinois. Read on to discover more.

The art of the front desk and the Maitre’d seems an increasingly vestigial concept in contemporary restaurant culture where slippery economies of scale require a quick in and out to massage bottom lines. It’s a testament of intent, therefore, that Park Chinois has bucked this trend and engaged Giorgio Lucarelli to fulfil this important role. A man with roughly 20 years of experience in the London restaurant scene, Giorgio has worked at the best, for the best, from Nobu to Sexy Fish. He looks more elegant than the majority of diners he seats, bursts with bonhomie and a glowing intelligence and reminds, in a lateral way, of Harvey Keitel’s ‘The Wolf’ from Pulp Fiction (without the body disposal bit, naturally).

His warmth is infectious and his natural sense of occasion sets the tone perfectly for an immersive experience which recreates the quintessence of 1930s Shanghai dining for a contemporary crowd. The overwhelming colour in the dining room is a deep but embryonic crimson. Swathes of falling fabric, painted columns, and diaphanous lampshades mingle with subdued lighting to provide an affecting calmness.

To kick off the night, we opt for a L’Amour D’Agave –  which consists of Tierro Blanco Tequila, Muyu Vetiver Liqueur, Hibiscus Syrup and grapefruit. It arrives in a jet black earthenware glass and at a casual glance reminds of gazpacho. But the taste, of course, couldn’t be further apart. The cocktail is smoky and mature in an edifying way and further adds to a laid-back calmness.

To start, the chef serves a selection of steamed Dim Sum in two small bamboo baskets. Consisting of four variations on traditional themes, the Seasonal Black Truffle Dumpling steals the show but each bursts with flavour, texture and freshness. The Sea Scallop is decorated as if it were in its own edible shell and the Scampi Shumai is surrounded by crisp wrapping and topped with tobiko for extra colouring and taste.

Read our guide to the best hotels in London

Duck de Chine (crispy duck pancakes), requires 24 hours’ notice and is considered the restaurant’s speciality. It’s easy to see why because Duck de Chine isn’t quite like other crispy ducks. Rather than the meat being pulled at the table, someone’s already done the dirty work and rearranged it to resemble something quirky, unfamiliar, practically unrecognisable; a slightly distressed shellfish maybe. If the pancake rolls are dainty and the meat strays from the norm by being chunky rather than stringy, it’s the skin, the distressed shellfish part, which is the real show stopper. Not only is the glazed skin practically regimental but its delicious crunch comes with a surprise; a thin layer of liquid fat which turns an already succulent dish into an irresistible, dripping and drooling one.

Read our guide to the best hotels in Mayfair

Piped 40s and 50s tunes have been playing since we arrived but there’s a small space for a small band with small drums and a large piano. The chanteuse wears all black, is accompanied by a double bassist and a soft slapping percussionist and sings torch songs and old-fashioned classics. Fever. A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (two minutes walk away). In Heaven. It’s almost Lynchian but without the quirk. Without the recurring nightmare themes. The band are great. The chanteuse is great. Few people clap after each song but we do.

The main dishes are generous in size. The Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Plum Sauce is ever so slightly crispy on the outside but silky and sweet on the inside. The Scottish Rib Eye and Black Pepper is steakhouse quality and comes with a hint of sesame seed and a mixture of crunchy onions and cooked ones which is unusual but works surprisingly well. The dish offers a deep, earthy, peppery flavour. The fried rice is Yangzhou-inspired and is served not only with four King Prawns on its top but impressive chunks of chicken on its inside. It could be a dish in its own right and much like all the others, is very Instagrammable though if you check out #ParkChinois, there are more photos of slinky women than succulent prawns.

In the basement the Wave Bar ripples, leads into Club Chinois where more cabaret (dancers, singers, topless men, etc,) offer marginally more ‘adult’ entertainment against the backdrop of louder music. If the surroundings are opulent and charismatic, it is, however, the toilet which is the must-visit location. Golden swans preen almost aggressively with wings flushed backwards and serve as taps, mirrors are large and gilded and create a journey into infinity, basins resemble antiquated dynasty bowls, urinals are are practically art deco and the cubicles, reminiscent of elaborate wooden Tardis.

Back upstairs, in a back-to-front kind of way, dessert resembles Heston Blumenthal’s Meat Fruit. Only that was a starter which looked like a clementine and tasted of chicken liver/foie gras and this is a pear which tastes of…well…A pear purée which surrounds a smack of something creamy. It’s sweet, refreshing and a visually strong dish which looks like a glazed artwork sitting in chocolate crumble on a flat, pure, white plate. The devil is in the detail which renders the most fun part of the dish the stalk; no longer than a centimetre long, it’s made of chocolate. It’s an elegant way to finish an elegant meal in an elegant location.

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Centrally located on the west coast of Okinawa’s main island, the Intercontinental Manza Beach is the ideal spot for exploring, or simply relaxing in the tropical surroundings. It is clear to see why Okinawa is a favourite with Japanese holiday makers. A two hour hop from the mainland, and you’re in an idyllic Pacific haven. 

Viv, one of The Luxury Editor’s respected roving reporters has recently moved from Scotland to Japan so is taking advantage of exploring this exciting and diverse island country in East Asia. Read on to discover more about her recent stay in Okinawa.

With Japan as our new home, it was time for a family holiday. We had five nights to fill so after some extensive Googling, it seemed Okinawa was the place to go, closely followed by South Korea which will be next on the list. The two main airports on the group of 160 islands are Naha, on the largest island, and Ishigaki. Ishigaki is a quieter, less developed island, but we were swayed by Naha due to the flights direct from our home city of Kobe. Solaseed Air provided us with a super efficient and pleasant flight, just under two hours from Japan’s seventh largest city. From the metropolis of high-rise buildings, industrial ports and the fast-paced city living, we had found our escape.

Pacific Perfection

Often described as the Hawaii of Japan, the tropical influences are evident everywhere you go. The ideal climate for sun-seekers, the prefecture enjoys 20+ degrees all year round – although like most of Japan, the summer is stiflingly hot. The end of October was perfect with temperatures in the mid-20s and balmy evenings to boot. Okinawa was occupied by the Americans throughout World War II and it retains some influences from that period, however, it is still very much Japan, with the temples, tea houses, cuisine and culture. 

Okinawans are known for living long, healthy lives. They attribute this to the ‘nuchi gusui’, meaning ‘food is medicine’. Watch what you put in your body, how it makes you feel and how you eat. Whilst the introduction of a more westernised diet has put pay to their ‘blue zone’ status, the traditional cuisine remains bursting with flavoursome, healthy delights. 

Accommodation

To tick off a variety of criteria including 1. not too far from the airport, 2. plenty to entertain the kids (11 and 13) and 3. a definite feel of luxury, we went with a recommendation of the Intercontinental Manza Beach. The website said the two-bedded room would sleep our brood, so we went with it… It was a bit of a squeeze. The two beds definitely did not fit four, but we got an extra bed (at cost) for the room and it was very comfortable. The bedrooms are airy, with an endearing simplicity. Instead of robes, we enjoyed snuggling up together in our matching hotel pyjamas and slippers, which added to the fuzzy feeling of an extended family sleepover. The balcony stole the show. Uninterrupted views to the beach and out to the dreamy clear blue sea, created the perfect start to every day.

The Activities

Here’s why the hotel was the ideal stay for luxury + relaxation. For parents, relaxation usually involves your kids being well-occupied. And they were. One of Japan’s largest inflatable obstacle courses kicked off our beach fun. For around £20 you can enjoy unlimited access for the day. We had stayed in St Lucia last summer and enjoyed a smaller version at the Bay Gardens Resort and Spa, so knew it would be a hit. The marble, a large inflatable chair, dragged and bumped along by a jet ski provided a burst of adrenaline, while the slower pace of the kayaks, was perfect for tropical fish spotting in the crystal clear waters. 

The sandy beach is a very pleasant five-minute walk from the hotel and also has a large pool set back from the shore so you can easily base yourself there for the day. A small on-site cafe providing street food-style sustenance. You can also opt for a poolside spot at the main pool in front of the hotel. It was quiet (we were outside normal Japanese school holidays) and the expansive pool allowed for endless ball games, whilst not interrupting the serious swimmers.

The multi-award-winning spa treatment menu was divine, with treatments to tick every box. Alongside the treatment rooms, we found the Japanese-style bath. Hugely popular in the country, spas, or hot spring onsens, are to be considered a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Like all onsens, there are strict rules, including no clothing at all, and no talk of politics! Something that takes some getting used to if you aren’t a natural exhibitionist. 

Gastronomy

Travelling off-season can limit options for dining in hotels. The onsite Italian restaurant was closed, and two of the a la carte options were only open for a couple of the nights we were on the island, however we still ate incredibly well. The main hotel cafe, Ocean Cafe, was our go-to for lunches. Salads, burgers, poke bowls, pasta – it had all the favourites. I would denote here that special dietary requirements are tricky in Japan. It is not a requirement to state allergens or whether something is vegan/veggie/contains fish etc. I’m a veggie and eating out has been a challenge. Thankfully at this hotel, while the veggie options in the cafe were limited, they understand the concept and are able to adapt items.

I was thrilled to find that Unkai, the Japanese fine-dining experience and the main Aquabelle restaurant, both had vegan menus, a real treat. At Unkai you can enjoy the traditional kaiseki style of cooking. If you’re thinking of sushi, think again. Kaiseki is a type of artistic culinary experience that balances the taste, texture, and presentation, a refined local tasting menu with floral touches.

The evening buffet was surprisingly good. Over and above the extensive a la carte vegan menu, the carnivores in the party lucked out with beautifully cooked local beef and fish, flavoursome stews and karaage (fried chicken), a staple for my kids since we arrived. Along with an array of patisserie-style desserts – always dangerous in a buffet!

We wandered off-site for one night and stumbled upon one of the finest Japanese restaurants we have eaten at in the last few months. A 12-minute walk from the hotel and we found the hidden gem, Toto Chanpuru. Creative dining combined with old-fashioned Okinawan cuisine, including locally caught sashimi. A stylish layout, 12  ‘dining rooms’ are separated by wooden blinds, or you can enjoy sitting on the floor in the main restaurant. Incredibly friendly and accommodating, with the freshest ingredients, beautifully presented, we only wish we’d found it sooner.   

Okinawa definitely got the thumbs up. The hotel was perfect for our requirements, and we will certainly be back to explore some more of the archipelago. 

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Read our guide to our favourite luxury luggage

For the first time, UK customers will be able to experience July’s range of Checked and Carry-On suitcases in person, including their best-selling Carry-On Light, acclaimed as the lightest double-wheeled suitcase globally, and their heritage-style trunks, available in captivating colours such as Clay, Forest Green, and Sand.

July’s product line is grounded in the principle of redefining the travel experience for a new generation. Their suitcases boast intelligently designed features, including a German polycarbonate shell with sturdy rounded edges, SilentMove 360° double spinner wheels for effortless manoeuvrability, and a multi-stop telescopic handle that adjusts to the desired height with ease.

Having successfully launched in the UK market in June 2023, this partnership signifies a step forward in July’s presence in the UK as they expand their retail footprint and prepare for upcoming product launches this season.

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The Ghan is celebrating its 20th anniversary of the final section of line opening between Alice Springs and Darwin. Lisa Young recently discovered more about this incredible luxury train on a recent trip through Australia’s Outback. Read on to discover more.

To travel on one of the world’s iconic trains, The Ghan is turning a trek through Australia’s awesome Outback into an unforgettable desert cruise in unparalleled style.

The immense Outback landscape is like nothing else on our planet, and The Ghan takes you right through its heart in comfort.

It was the start of The Ghan Expedition, an epic train adventure that rolls between the wet tropics of Darwin in the Northern Territory (NT) to the wheatfields and urban sprawl of Adelaide in South Australia (SA). The train winds along the spine of Australia to places of incredible natural beauty and Aboriginal cultural importance which most travellers, even Aussies, never lay their eyes on. 

It was a warm September morning when we set off. The elegant, snake-like silver body of the train overlapped Darwin’s long railway station at both ends. Then, with a firm jolt, The Ghan’s bold red and yellow engine began to haul its 36 silver carriages away from the platform.

The carriages, which date to the ’60s, rocked and rivets squeaked as we picked up speed and soon Darwin was left behind in the dust.

Before boarding, I had two days exploring Darwin, the NT’s capital city, full of inner-city parks, significant indigenous sites and fine beaches. I stayed at the Adina Hotel on the waterfront; it’s surrounded by some of the NT’s best bars and restaurants, such as seafood specialists Snapper Rocks, known for their fresh and sustainable local produce. I soaked up Darwin’s renowned sunset on a dinner cruise on board the ‘Charles Darwin’ vessel, where you can graze your way through gigantic seafood platters paired with Australian wines.

Back on board the train… we were about to pass through Australia’s gritty Outback – north to south and cruising at an average 95 kilometres per hour. We left Darwin behind and snaked our way towards the Outback towns of Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy, on our way to the opposite coast at Adelaide.

The Ghan Expedition is a romantic, adventurous and comfortable four-day, three-night railway journey through 2,979 kilometres of Australian Outback. It is one of the world’s iconic rail routes, providing an unfolding adventure in comfort and style that runs between the months of April and October and is operated by Journey Beyond.

The train was named for the pioneering cameleers, many from Afghanistan who helped open up the inland of Australia. The first Ghan departed Adelaide in 1929 en route to Alice Springs, at the centre of Australia. It wasn’t until 2004 that a modern track stretched all the way to Darwin; 2024 marks the 20^th anniversary of the final section of the line opening between Alice Springs and Darwin.

The Ghan is 914 metres long, 1768 tonnes and has 36 carriages, plus two locomotives and uses 40,000 litres of diesel for the journey, as well as carrying 3000 litres of water for each carriage. It can take 49 crew members and up to 300 guests in Gold, Gold Premium or Platinum Service. It is so long that, at one point, I spotted the chef travelling efficiently along the platform by bicycle to get from one end to the other.

I travelled in one of the Platinum service suites, with a beautiful double-sized compartment with expansive window views from both sides of the train.

I spent much of my time in the Platinum Club carriage, sipping cocktails and listening to Outback stories from the crew. It is decorated in a style that gives passengers a sense of comfort with timber flooring, brass fittings, quartzite tabletops, and large windows to make it easy to spot wildlife outside… kangaroos, Emu, wild camels, dingoes and birds of prey.

The Platinum Club carriage offers a daytime lounge setting with adaptable dining options. There’s no end to the hospitality on The Ghan – all food and drinks are included in Platinum Service and French champagne is on tap.

The food and wine served varies according to the region you’re travelling through, and the two-course lunches and seven-course dinners are paired with champagne and premium wines.

On board, we were served unusual dishes including grilled kangaroo loin; smoked kingfish with beetroot; grilled crocodile-tail fillet; and scrumptious grilled saltwater barramundi with coconut sauce – a fish for which the Northern Territory is well known. I was impressed with the kitchen and waiting staff, who operate so meticulously in such a confined space.

Chef de Partie, Rudy Heng, has been working on the train for four years and oversaw food on our expedition.

“Our menu changes seasonally, using the very best ingredients and we try to use local Australian ingredients and native herbs, such as crocodile meat for our crocodile dumplings and fresh fish such as barramundi, kingfish and salmon from Darwin”, he said.

On my first night, I returned to my cabin to find that my personal steward had discreetly transformed the spacious lounge-style suite (with a moveable table and ottomans) into an inviting bedroom, with crisp white linens and plump pillows… and a nightcap! Rocking rhythmically over the tracks, I was soon soothed to sleep.

All Platinum Service suites include French champagne, Grey Goose Vodka and Glenfiddich whisky, Australian toiletries by Appelles Apothecary with the finest essential oils and natural ingredients from renewable resources… and edible treats by award-winning Adelaide chocolatier, Bracegirdle’s House of Fine Chocolate.

There’s no Wi-Fi (or television) on board; it goes against the principle of ‘slow travel’. Travelling on The Ghan offers a digital detox, and an exhilarating escape from modern technology while passing through Australia’s ancient landscape.

Off-train experiences can be selected ahead of departure or when boarding the train in Darwin. A selection of experiences is offered at each location. Pulling out of Darwin, The Ghan crew visited each cabin to discuss the different off-train experiences along the route.

At Katherine, 300 kilometres south of Darwin, I took a helicopter flight to Nitmiluk National Park, and flew over the river there, low enough to appreciate its breathtaking gorges and extraordinary sandstone cliff faces. Back on the ground, I experienced an Outback horse and dog training experience, too.

Another off-train experience includes visiting the Cutta Cutta Caves with its glittering limestone formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The local Jawoyn Indigenous people named the caves Cutta Cutta (meaning ‘many stars’) as they believe the caves are where the stars rest during the day.

Throughout the night, the train travelled 1,183 kilometres to the remote town of Alice Springs.

I rose with the sun and watched it light up the red ochre Outback, the coarse spinifex plants, and the desert oaks that lined the train tracks. The flat, sun-scorched land often appears mostly red and brown but, on alighting from The Ghan at Alice Springs station, I realised that it was greener than I’d expected and the temperature much cooler, chilly almost, until the temperature quickly climbed to a comfortable 23°C. And even when the landscape is at its most sun-baked, it is a world of desert dwellers in the form of plants, animals and human life.

I traded in the comfortable, air-conditioned train for a bumpy but thrillingly scenic 450-kilometre flight in a light aircraft over the hash-red Outback terrain to the remarkable sandstone monolith of Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock), followed by a walking tour of the 550-million-year-old natural sandstone monolith – a sacred site for the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people indigenous to the region.

In the evening, all the train’s passengers were invited to an open-air dinner at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station on the outskirts of the town. Serenaded by a local country music band, we dined al fresco at large circular tables, with free-flowing wine… even camel rides were on offer!

We crossed into South Australia on day three, the boundless Outback sky erupting in a display of pink hues as sunrise gave way to another dazzling morning. We were surrounded by sun-baked emptiness that shimmered in the antipodean dawn.

When we reached the small, quirky opal-mining town of Coober Pedy, our train was far too long to fit into the small town’s station, so we stopped in a siding at Manguri Station, 42 kilometres north of Coober Pedy, in the middle of the Outback. From there, we were transported into town.

Coober Pedy is full of independent miners looking for their fortune. Most of the world’s opal is found in this area. Temperatures here can reach 50°C in the summer – and that’s in the shade! Some of the local people I met live underground, in spaces resembling giant rabbit burrows, so that they can escape the soaring desert temperatures… underground it’s much cooler, at around 20°C. 

We visited the famous Dingo Fence, which is longer than the Great Wall of China and stops about 95% of dingoes crossing the country. At the Kanku-Breakaways Conservation Park, we explored extraordinary ancient rock formations. I recognised the landscape, as it was featured in the film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Our final stop was Adelaide, South Australia’s cosmopolitan capital and the end of the line. Beyond, the mighty Southern Ocean roared, the next land mass is Antarctica. We stepped down from the train with a sense of achievement and wonder – a feeling that we had done something unique and special.

Reaching South Australia’s cosmopolitan capital, Adelaide, meant the end of our rail journey. Adelaide is a young, vibrant city, rich in recent history and with a passion for fine living. It boasts a superb climate, great food and a thriving cultural scene. 

Back in the ‘real’ world, I checked into the five-star Eos hotel by SkyCity, centrally located on Festive Drive and near Adelaide’s train station and the cafés of Gouger Street. Close by are the green banks of the River Torrens, the colourful central market and the Art Gallery of South Australia. You can also jump on board a vintage tram to the beach at Glenelg.

From the city, I drove for an hour to the vineyards of the leafy Adelaide Hills along what’s known as the Epicurean Way and home to some of South Australia’s best food, wine and scenery. 

I stopped at the Bird in Hand winery, a world-renowned producer of fine wine. Art is expressed all around the luxurious surroundings; when I turned into the drive I passed a giant pair of Ray-Bans on the lawn.

I later checked into the Sequoia Lodge hotel, the ultimate in luxury and the perfect way to round off my Outback adventure. This 14-suite, adults-only luxury lodge is ensconced in nature, sitting atop Adelaide’s Mount Lofty (affectionately known as Koala Mountain) and only 20 minutes from central Adelaide. 

I stepped off The Ghan with a sense of achievement and wonder. The Ghan Expedition is one of the great rail journeys of the world; it’s utterly unique and you won’t experience anything like it anywhere else on the planet.

To book The Ghan Expedition head to journeybeyondrail.com.au

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The journey of this special rum began with a departure from The Fynoderee Distillery, nestled next to the Manx Electric Railway station in Ramsey. The distillery team orchestrated a unique and nostalgic send-off, utilising the Isle of Man’s Victorian transport network. The barrels were loaded onto the Manx Electric Railway’s Goods Wagon, dormant for several decades, and transported to Derby Castle Station in Douglas. From there, a horse tram, pulled by the Clydesdale Trammer “Torrin,” paraded the cargo along the Douglas promenade to the War Memorial.

Embracing the challenge of navigating the causeway to the Tower of Refuge, the rum embarked on its final leg of the journey. Taking advantage of the Equinox low tide, a tractor towed the barrels to the Tower, where they will absorb the unique atmosphere of the Manx stone-built structure and the sea air’s mineral-rich salinity during the maturation process.

While enthusiasts eagerly await the release of Refuge Manx Rum, The Fynoderee Distillery encourages them to enjoy the “Fynoderee Manx Dry Gin – RNLI Edition,” a classic gin with aromatic juniper and a nod to maritime heritage with a touch of sugar kelp—a perfect present for Christmas and a toast to the brave RNLI crew members past and present who have saved lives at sea over the generations.

Refuge Manx Rum, set to be released towards the end of 2024, will not only delight spirits enthusiasts but also contribute to a noble cause. A portion of the sales revenue will be donated directly to the RNLI, supporting their life-saving efforts. Furthermore, two bottles will be donated to each of the 238 lifeboat stations in the British Isles, to be auctioned for additional fundraising.

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Crafted under the discerning eye of Zacapa’s Master Blender, Lorena Vázquez, La Pasión is a celebration of the unique Pedro Ximénez sherry cask employed in the Solera System ageing process. This meticulous method involves a selection of diverse cask types and styles curated by Lorena to capture specific flavours, textures, and the perfect hue.

The release of La Pasión completes the quartet of limited editions within The Heavenly Cask collection, joining the ranks of La Doma – The Taming Cask, El Alma – The Soul Cask, and La Armonia – The Harmony Cask. Each edition pays homage to one of the four distinctive casks integral to the rum’s ageing process.

“There is no greater feeling than that of being surprised, awed, and enchanted by experiences that capture our imaginations and spark a sense of wonder. This magical journey to create The Heavenly Cask Collection has been one of such discovery and joy and is a rum which I am immensely proud of. La Pasión – The Passion Cask is the final release and most certainly the jewel to our crown.” Says Lorena Vásquez, Master Blender for Zacapa.

Read our guide to our favourite rum.

La Pasión unfolds as a sensory ode to the lush Guatemalan landscape. Elevated 2,300 meters above sea level in Zacapa’s enchanting ageing facility in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, known as the ‘House Above the Clouds,’ this rum benefits from cool air conditions that allow it to slowly age, unveiling exquisite flavours.

Zacapa La Pasión – The Passion Cask: Perfect Serve

The perfect way to indulge in Zacapa La Pasión is neat, or over a large ice cube, and it also lends itself well to cocktails such as the Zacapa Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Lorena recommends accompanying your drink with ripe Parmesan cheese and/or a plum or date jam.

Zacapa La Pasión – The Passion Cask: Tasting Notes

• Visual: Mahogany with golden sparkles
• Palate: Prunes, raisins, dates, and coffee
• Nose: Sweetness, vanilla, chocolate, dried fruit
• Pairing: Paired with roasted duck served with either a hoisin or four spices sauce.

Zacapa La Pasión – The Passion Cask is available to buy online now.

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