Author: Charlotte Gill

Worth the extra mileage

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Regardless of its far-flung location down under, Australia remains a popular destination for business travellers; and its convenient proximity to the booming Asian economies only makes it more attractive to business folks in the UK and the rest Europe. Major cities such as Sydney and Melbourne are particularly worthy, since they are cosmopolitan in feel and display a multiculturalism that is integral to the Australian identity.

No longer known exclusively for their sports focus and “outdoorsy” identity, the two cities are upping their game in the cultural stakes. Another attraction to the business community is the culinary prowess evident both in Sydney and Melbourne, marked by creative cuisine drawing on the many exotic cultures associated with the country. A trip to Oz may be time consuming and involve a lot of logistic planning, but rewards aplenty await on arrival.

Sydney

Sydney is more multifaceted than might first meet the eye. The city is divided into a range of different inner city areas and suburbs, each with its own distinctive character. Some notable inner-city locales include upmarket Paddington and the hip and trendy Surry Hills. The verdant oasis that is Centennial Park is another spot unique to Sydney, serving as habitat to a catalogue of different exotic bird species including Cockatoos, Black Swans and Rainbow Lorikeets. Another slice of natural wonder, the world-famous Bondi Beach is situated in close proximity to the city centre.
Sydney’s buzzing city nucleus and its surrounding beaches and green spaces are certainly worth exploring extensively, but the locale’s many suburbs should present the business traveller with a yet more eventful schedule. The word-famous Sydney Harbour serves as the springboard to a plethora of foreshores and harbour islands, while the Blue Mountains will prove a suitable destination for a daybreak as the World Heritage Area offers treks that could last for anything from half an hour to days on end.

Getting there
A number of airlines operate flights to Sydney including Quantas, British airways and Virgin Atlantic. Domestic carriers include Qantas, JetStar, Virgin Blue, Tiger Airways, SkyWest and Rex Airlines. Average price for a business class return flight is £2,800.

Getting around
Sydney Airport (also known as Kingsford Smith Airport) is located in Mascot, 10km south of Sydney Central Business District. There are several alternative means to travel into the city, the easiest being the Airport Link train service that runs from 5am to midnight, departing every ten minutes and taking around 13 minutes. Cost: (AUD 15 adults). Alternatively, Sydney Buses has a timetabled service between Bondi Junction and Burwood with stops at T1 International and T3 Domestic terminals. Taxi ranks are stationed at the front of all three terminals. A taxi ride to Sydney City costs approximately AUD 50, plus any bridge and road tolls and the AUD3 airport toll.

Getting around Sydney and its suburbs is easy and most public transport types operate efficient services. CityRail run services across the city and its suburbs as well as to the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Southern Highlands and South Coast. Buses cover the metro area but also extend further afield. Metro Light rail is Sydney’s latest public transport system that runs from Central Station to Chinatown, Darling Harbour, Star City Casino, the Sydney Fish Markets and Wentworth Park. The Monorail operates frequently, serving eight stops that cover Sydney’s best attractions in the centre – it takes about 15 minutes to do the circuit and tickets costs AUD4.90.

Being a city surrounded by water, the ferry network is well established. Sydney Ferries stop at 40 harbour attractions and the price depends on the distance travelled. An adult single trip under nine km costs AUD5.30.
The MyMulti Day Pass – which allows unlimited train, bus and ferry travel throughout Greater Sydney – costs AUD20. Another convenient option is The SydneyPass, which offers unlimited train travel on selected routes, unlimited travel on Sydney Buses, Sydney Ferries, Sydney Explorer and Bondi Explorer buses, as well as return train travel from Sydney Airport.

Eating out
Sydney is celebrated for its good spread of edgy restaurants headed by internationally revered top chefs specialising in daring recipes and dishes with a forward-thinking edge. Eating out in Sydney is worthwhile but not cheap – prices are similar to London, if not a tad higher.

Restaurants
Marque, 4/5 355
Crown Street
Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
This multi-award winning restaurant is a hot ticket, and the establishment has reached international stardom. Headed by Mark Best, the master of New Australian Cuisine, the menu is largely French in style.

Gastro Park
5-9 ROSLYN STREET, POTTS POINT, KINGS CROSS, SYDNEY 2011
Gastro Park, “the playground of food”, is one of Sydney’s most buzzed about restaurants at the moment. It serves a menu that draws on “old and new”influences, with new dished created daily.

Where to stay
Most international hotel chains are present in Sydney, as well as design-led boutique hotels. Rates vary greatly, but as a rule of thumb a room in a 5-Star hotel is about 300AUD per night.

Hotels
Shangri-La Hotel Sydney
176 Cumberland St,
The Rocks, NSW 2000
www.shangri-la.com
365 AUD/night

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney, 27 O’Connell St, Sydney, NSW 2000
From 300 AUD/night

Four Seasons Hotel
199 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
www.fourseasons.com
From 395 AUD/night

Melbourne

Melbourne exudes a European air and has plenty of culture to offer, while it’s equally awash with noteworthy restaurants, shops and nightlife spots. Green spaces are very much present too, and Melbourne is home to Australia’s biggest Botanic Garden, which encompasses 12,000 different types of plants. The skyline is varied and features modern architecture as well as a string of heritage buildings, some of which date back to the days when the city was formed by European settlers. To get the most out of the city, make sure to explore its diverse set of inner city pockets and surrounding suburbs.
It’s difficult to mention Australia without mentioning its sports heritage, and Melbourne is particularly sports-prone, so much so that it’s commonly referred to as the sporting capital of Australia. To prove it, the city plays host to a rich variety of sporting events, including the Australian Open tennis championship, Melbourne Cup horse race and a Formula One Grand Prix to name just a few.

Getting there
Flights to Melbourne are offered by a plentiful number of international airlines such as Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, American Airlines, V Australia and JetStar. Domestic carriers include Qantas, JetStar, Virgin Blue, Tiger Airways, SkyWest and Rex Airlines.

The average price travelling for in business class is £2,900. The most affordable time to travel is during the off-peak, winter months from June-August. The flight takes 22-24 hours if travelling from London.

Getting around
Flights to Melbourne arrive at Tullamarine Airport, which is served by taxi and bus services for your onward journey. Having reached your destination, the best and most authentic way of getting around Melbourne is to travel by tram. The colourful trams stop at numbered tram-stop signs throughout the city. Metlink is Melbourne’s general public transport system, and its services span trams, trains and buses. A MetCard or the so called myki pass (myki.com.au) can be used for travel on any Metlink operated tram, train and bus. Melbourne’s public transport system generally ceases operation between midnight and 5am (weekdays) or 7am (weekends) but operates a limited night bus service on weekends.

The yellow taxis that serve the city indicate availability if the rooftop light is illuminated. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked over the telephone. Some trusted taxi firms include Silver Top, Embassy and Black Cabs.
Major car hire companies present in Melbourne include Avis, Budget and Hertz. Driving in Melbourne is fairly straightforward and roads are usually wide with two or three lanes. Bear in mind that that trams will often share the road and special road rules exist to accommodate them.

Eating out
As is the case with Sydney, eating out in Melbourne requires a budget not far from what would be expected when hitting the best restaurants in London.

Restaurants
MoVida
1 Hosier Lane
Melbourne 3000
A Melbourne classic with modern tapas at its heart.

Vue de Monde
Level 55, Rialto, 525 Collins St, Melbourne
French cuisine prepared with finesse, and with an impressive view to boot.

Where to stay
Melboune is awash with high end hotels, and the range span international heavyweights and smaller but equally notable players.

Hotels
Adelphi Hotel,
187 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Victoria 3000 Australia

The Langham Melbourne
1 Southgate Avenue Southbank Melbourne Melbourne
From 266 AUD/night
Grand Hotel Melbourne Mgallery Collection
33 Spencer Street Melbourne Australia 3000
From 245 AUD/night

General notes on Australia
Money: Australian Dollar (AUD)
Australian banks include NAB, ANZ, Commonwealth, Westpac, and St. George. ATMs accept most foreign bank cards but charge a fee for withdrawals. Citibank, HSBC, Bank of China and other international bank ATMs can be found throughout the city. Australian bank branches are open 9.30am-4pm Monday-Thursday and 9.30am-5pm Friday. Tipping for services in hotels and restaurants is discretionary but, if paid, is up to 10 percent of the bill.

Business etiquette
Australians are known worldwide to be friendly and rather informal, privately and professionally, but its worth bearing in mind that they are usually punctual and very courteous.

In terms of dress code, smart always wins over casual, regardless of whether the meeting is held in the boardroom or in a restaurant over breakfast coffee – which is a popular meeting form in the country. The exchange of business cards often occurs at the initial stage of the meeting.

About us

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Welcome to Business Destinations, a luxury magazine for the discerning corporate traveller. We bring you news, reviews, city guides, great features from leading journalists, and top tips on hotels, airlines and meeting venues – all complemented by stunning photography.

Launched in 2005, our appearance may have changed over the years, but the quality of our content has always stayed high. Our team of in-house adventurers and roaming writers continue to bring you insights from across the globe, hunting down the best places to stay, eat and meet, so that every trip you take is the hassle-free pleasure it ought to be.

In addition to our website, we bring you a bi-annual dose of printed excellence, available from all good magazine retailers and via subscription. You can get us on the move too, through Twitter and Facebook, so we can be your ultimate travel companion wherever you are.

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Mumbai

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

When Slumdog Millionaire became a surprise international hit, one of criticisms from the Indian elite were that it portrayed Mumbai in a bad light; yet while much of the film remains fantasy the depiction of transition from dilapidated favella to high-rise metropolis does have a great ring of truth. Because though the world’s second largest metropolis may be booming and boast a skyline to rival anything Manhattan can produce, the pace of change has been largely uneven. There are more millionaires here than anywhere else in India but half the city still live below the poverty line.

Which only serves to make it more fascinating. Like any Indian city, the crazy chaos of carts, cattle and colours that flood its streets takes some getting used to. Yet Mumbai has a rare ability to combine sights of indescribable grace and beauty with experiences of such poignancy as to reduce a grown man to tears, living long in the memory and even longer in the soul.

Where to stay
The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower may have a somewhat dated feel, but that shouldn’t detract from he luxurious comfort and top quality facilities it provides. Taj Lands End redefines the term ‘service’ with a complete commitment to customer satisfaction and a fantastic evening buffet.

Where to eat
Everybody knows about Indian curries but the seafood dishes are just as delicious; dining at Trishna is enough to prove this. Gaylord is a Mumbai institution that has long been popular with the Bollywood crowd and still serves some mean local cuisine.

What to see
The rock-cut caves on Elephant Island, a short trip out of Mumbai harbour, are designated a World Heritage Site. Victoria Terminus is more like a cathedral than a railway station; it’s also had an important role in Mumbai’s unparalleled growth.

Hanoi

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Few cities in Asia combine such a heady concoction of influences old and new as Hanoi, an enigmatic and strangely romantic city that charms you with its cultivated chaos and unexpected moments of clarity. Stilted pagodas and 11th century totems sit comfortably in the shadow of French colonial buildings and modern high-rise towers; diminutive locals haul rice and water in traditional shoulder baskets beside dilapidated rails, stepping aside for first-class steam trains carrying be-suited businessmen on modern mobile phones.

The intense and tangled Old Quarter may not have changed in a millennium and continues to resist the winds of change as economic reforms transform the people’s lives; industry estimates predict this to be the fastest growing city in the world between 2008 and 2025. It’s easy to lose yourself amid the hubbub, but there are few things more serene that then the sight of old men in early morning prayer by the misty shores of Lake Hoan Kiem.

Where to stay
The Hanoi Elegance Boutique has been so successful with its combination of modern fittings and traditional local charm that there are three others to choose from – imaginatively named Hanoi Elegance 2, 3 and 4 . For five-star service with all the trimmings, the Sofitel Metropole is housed in a beautiful and historic building.

Where to eat
Quan An Ngon serves more than just a meal but a full culinary experience, allowing you to wander through assorted mini-kitchens and eyeball your meal before choosing.

What to see
Watch a performance of the traditional Roi Nuoc (Water Puppetry) at Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The Hanoi Old Quarter is a beautifully preserved 13th century old town that still buzzes with life. Take a walk around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake at the heart of the city.

Manchester

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Talk to any Mancunian and he’s likely to agree; the IRA bomb that hit the city centre in 1996 was one of the best things that could have happened to the city. The opportunity for whole-scale regeneration was grasped with both hands, transforming the city centre into a thriving retail and business community to rival anywhere in the UK.

The ‘Madchester’ scene of the late 80s that produced The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, James and The Charlatans, not to mention its second most famous export Oasis, is still there in spirit and the raw effervescence of the city nightlife is virtually unrivalled. Manchester’s most famous name, however, is Manchester United, and the most valuable sports brand in the world is more symptomatic of its outlook today; this is an up and coming world city that can now add good looks to its earthy, northern charm.

Where to stay
The Radisson Edwardian has a surprisingly fresh and modern interior, with friendly and efficient staff and a great restaurant too. Velvet is a great boutique with unique rooms full of character, which will leave you feeling ultimately refreshed as you prepare to face the day.

Where to eat
The River Restaurant is the place to be, with a regularly updated menu boasting a fantastic modern take on classic British cuisine. Juniper is about 5km from the city centre but easily accessible by Metrolink, and well worth the detour for a divine yet eclectic menu unlike anything else in the city.

What to see
The Museum of Science and Industry and Imperial War Museum are two of the best in the UK; the Lowry centre also has a fantastic collection of art. Affleck’s Palace is an innovative and exciting outlet for alternative fashion and design, worth exploring purely for the quirky, Gothic ambience.

London

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

“If you’re tired of London, then you’re tired of life”. That was the verdict of Samuel Johnson. And its true; this most cosmopolitan of cities continues to attract immigrants from around the world who often find it very hard to leave.

Much of Britain suffered an identity crisis following the fall of the Empire; London simply developed schizophrenia. Tourists come to see Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, but this is also the home of Europe’s biggest street party (Notting Hill), historic pubs on the Thames, the world’s premier financial district, the famous Soho night-life, pulsing farmers’ markets, cutting edge high street fashion, some of the world’s finest theatre and more ethnocentric neighbourhoods with diverse cuisines than you can shake a stick at.
Every city has its ups and downs but in London one thing is certain; you will never, ever get bored.

Where to stay
The Soho Hotel is a superb venue in a great location, and was narrowly pipped to the Travellers’ Choice title of Best Hotel in Europe by the George V Four Seasons in Paris. Hotel 41 is another fine choice, where the staff make every effort to understand and fulfil your needs.

Where to eat
Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester is the place to be, usurping celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant as the city’s most Michelin-starred. Fifteen in Shoreditch is run by the BBC’s Jamie Oliver, and disadvantaged youths are trained to produce some of the best British food in London.

What to see
Buckingham Palace, Westminster and Big Ben are all iconographic landmarks; some of the best views of the city, however, are on offer from the top of the London Eye. Pose with the stars at Madame Tussauds or Visit 221b Baker Street – the home of the Sherlock Holmes Museum.

Newcastle Upon Tyne

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Newcastle has often felt on the English margin; tucked away on the north-east coast, closer to Scotland than most other English cities yet with a dialect that remains the closest thing to Anglo-Saxon in the country. Subsequent wool, coal and steel industries have long since fallen into decline and after a long history of adversity you might forgive them for believing they were Britain’s forgotten city.

Yet all this has simply served to produce a unique and fiercely independent city of irrepressible optimism that can be as hard to fathom as the Geordie accent. The city has emerged from the fire stronger than ever, with the largest city centre shopping complex in the UK and a forward looking attitude that has made it Britain’s most sustainable city. There’s a growing art scene and a superb concert hall, too, but what really makes the city tick are two things; the Newcastle United football team that is like a religion for many of its citizens and some of the best nightlife in the country.

Where to stay
Hotel du Vin combines great facilities in stunning bedrooms with uniquely personal service. Staybridge Suites cater comprehensively for any visitor and many of the rooms also have great views over the quayside.

Where to eat
Paradiso lives up to its name, both with the quality of service and the quality of the food, which mixes British flavours with international influences. Sachins continues to the English romance with Indian cuisine, serving some genuine treats that stand head and shoulders above standard high street fare.

What to see
The Castle is a fine example of a Norman fort, dating back to the 12th century. Nearby Whitley Bay is a great place to escape, with a fine beach, golf course, water park and aquarium among other attractions.

Nashville

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

What Memphis is to Rock ‘n’ Roll, Nashville is to Country – and like it or loathe it, the most popular music genre in the US is big business round here. The neon lights of Lower Broadway say it all; this is a Mecca for bands and fans alike.

Early Nashville’s prosperity was built on its significance as a shipping port and railroad centre, and it’s strategic position made it a strong industrial centre and an important military stronghold during the Civil War. The 1897 World Fair saw replicas of ancient wonders built in Centennial Park, and the Parthenon still survives today. Together with the 24 higher education facilities that have been likened to Plato’s academies, this has earned it the occasional nickname ‘Athens of the South’.

But far more often it’s called Music City, because that’s what Nashville is really about. The legendary Grand Ole Opry kicked it all off – one of history’s most influential popular radio shows – broadcasting an array of local talent that eventually led to artists like Dolly Parton getting their big break.

Where to stay
The Hutton Hotel is one of the trendiest hotels in the country, with a gorgeous property, well-appointed rooms and a great location too. The Hermitage Hotel is a fantastic luxury option, with the kind of warm and comfortable feel that will make you want to move in.

Where to eat
F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar stands out from its rather uninspired surrounds in the Green Hills shopping district; the entertainment is great and the food is better.

What to see
The Country Music Hall of Fame is Nashville’s prime attraction, with Grand Old Opry House a close second. Catch some live music at the Ryman Auditorium, one of the most famous venues in the world.

Paris

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

Budapest has been called the “Paris of the East”; Buenos Aires the “Paris of the South”. The city has long set the standard as the centre for high culture; it’s a capital of cuisine, the home of fine art and philosophy, a fantastic “city of light”, imitated but never equalled by others the world over.

The multitudinous metropolis constantly strives for reinvention; see Debord’s Situationist or contemporary free-running philosophies for just two of the myriad ways of imagining this fascinating cityscape.

While the Eiffel Tower, the Champ Elysees and the Louvre may be Paris at its most iconographic, there are many other avenues to explore; and the artists at Sacre-Coeur, summer street parties on the banks of the Seine and the independent theatres throughout the city are arguably just as compelling.

Where to stay
The charming Hotel Luxembourg Parc serves up spacious rooms next to beautiful Jardin du Luxembourg – fantastic for early morning walks or runs. Hotel de Varenne is a surprising, centrally located gem, with homely sophistication and some fine cafes on its doorstep.

Where to eat
Goumard is recommended for sublime seafood, Carré des Feuillants is a modern gastronomical shrine, as is world-renowned Alain Ducasse’ Restaurant Plaza Athénée. For great wine, then Lasserre has one of the best wine cellars in the city.

What to see
The major attractions can be more stress than they’re worth; an evening cruise on the Seine, however, truly captures the romance of the city; Notre Dame cathedral is a masterpiece of gothic architecture; Musees de l’Orangerie and d’Orsay are great alternatives to the Louvre if you’re averse to queuing.

Paphos

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

It is Ovid’s Metamorphoses that first recount the story of Pygmalion, the legendary Cypriot sculptor who carved a female statue out of pure ivory before falling in love with it, believing it fairer than any woman on the island. He wished that it might live and his prayers were answered by a cupid, who woke her with a kiss; they later married and Paphos is named for it’s founder, their first-born son.

That love story has been influential upon much subsequent literature, and today Paphos is busy reviving itself on the back of that legend and more. The lower city in particular is one of outstanding archaeological sites, gorgeous beaches and pleasant resorts where the only niggle is that its popularity is threatening to degrade it. The upper city is far more earthy, with a great urban scene including some fantastic restaurants populated by real locals far removed from legends of Aphrodite.

Where to stay
Paphos Hotel is fresh, glamorous and clean with a real luxury feel. Asiminia Suits are a great, relaxing place to crash at the end of a long day, with a great range of amenities for both business and leisure needs.

Where to eat
Sienna Restaurant serves some excellent local specialities but also has a wider international menu available. Karlina is another highly-recommended Greek-inspired gem, with an extremely friendly proprietor and serving staff. Sissyfos has a great selection of Mediterranean food and wine and a lovely outdoor seating in which to enjoy your meal.

What to see
The beautifully-preserved mosaics at the Villa of Dionysos are among the finest in the Mediterranean. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park is a World Heritage site and contains many hours worth of fine ruins and archaeological finds. Quiet and peaceful Ayios Neophytos Monastery is another site well worth a visit.

Oxford

Posted on by Charlotte Gill

“And that sweet city with her dreaming spires, she needs not June for beauty’s heightening.”

Perhaps not, but catch your first sight of those ancient turrets in the full light of the glorious summer sun and you may be forgiven for believing you’d stumbled upon El Dorado. Beyond the hubbub of the central city streets lies a beautifully maintained old city defined as much by verdant English meadows and Thames-side strolls as it is by the oldest English-speaking university in the world.

There’s no doubt that the 39 colleges are the lifeblood of the city, but students and academics are only part of the story. The community of cultured alumni have created one of the liveliest art scenes in the country, particularly in the beautiful suburbs of Summertown and Jericho, while the more bohemian Cowley has a spirit to match the thriving industry that survives just beyond its borders.

Where to stay
The Old Bank is a business-like hotel with superbly comfortable beds, cosy rooms and free internet access among its other numerous facilities. Remont is a stylish and modern boutique which also provides a wide range of amenities.

Where to eat
There’s a shortage of good British food in Oxford, but Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons is one of the finest French restaurants in the country. The High Table Brasserie & Bar has a wider European flavour and is a good option if you want something more centrally located, as is Pierre Victoire.

What to see
The recently renovated Ashmolean Museum is the oldest in the UK and still one of Europe’s most important collections. The picturesque university colleges display a variety of architectural styles dating back to the 13th century; Christ Church is the most spectacular and the adjoining meadow is a pleasant place for a walk.