Travel
Originally published on Tuesday, 16th February 2016
TRAVEL SUPPLEMENT SPRING
We’re bringing you a mixed bag for our first travel supplement of 2016. From marching in Sydney, winter sun in Mexico and thigh burning trails in Whistler to a city break in Iceland and a wine route road trip. Happy travels!
NEWS: KEEP SYDNEY OPEN
It’s an odd one this. This seems to be the year of OZ: Condé Nast Traveler’s December issue named Australia as its one and only destination of 2016. Sydney, in particular has been in the limelight thanks to a big hotel opening and plethora of new restaurants: Noma Sydney, Jason Atherton’s Kensington Street Social, and Silvereye (headed by ex-Noma and Rene Redzepi’s right hand man, Sam Miller). But Sydney’s also facing new harsh lock out/curfew laws, negatively affecting (and in fact, closing) so many of the businesses in the hospitality industry — the industry that’s largely responsible for bringing it into the current limelight. Big casinos, however, have controversially been given a pass from the strict laws. We say, for now, if you are there, march this Sunday to fight for change. But, if you’re aren’t, sign this petition, like this page, watch this site, post a Keep Sydney Open pic, make a #CasinoMike T-shirt and postpone future travel to Sydney until they sort this out to show your support.
SKI: WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
It might be far for a long weekend, but with the Canadian dollar at an all time low, there’s no better time to go. Constantly voted one of the top global ski resorts, Whistler Blackcomb has it all: thigh-burning peak-to-creek stretches, steep double black couloirs, chutes and famous high bowls of powder, with five star dining and accommodation. We say make your life easy and stay at the base of the mountain — the dip in the dollar means an upgrade to one of the plush residencies at the 4S (base of Blackcomb) is suddenly on the cards. Bigger than a suite, with mountain views, an on-hand ski concierge, personal mountain guide, chef and chauffer, this truly is swish! There’s also a very well heated indoor/outdoor pool for après recovery.
SHOP: TRAVEL-SPIRATION
Black and white destination-inspired skate wear. Yes please
Ts by Palm Angels, Les (ART)ists, Only NY, Graham and Co and Marins De Parisn.
STAY: HOME SWEET HOME
Sure, Airbnb may have the market cornered, but for those who want a blend between hotel and home, book Sweet Inn. Like One Fine Stay (but more affordable), the apartments may have all the traits of a private home – kitchens, living rooms and an affordable price tag – but each flat is owned by the global hospitality company, meaning its run like a hotel: clean sheets, fluffy towels, smart appliances and a local concierge. Home sweet home!
PLAY: SAYULITA: SUN, SURF, SWEAT WEEK
So. Word on the street is, Sayulita is the new Tulum. For us, this is definitely not the case. Sure, they both have an undercurrent of hippy, but what Tulum has in bright, Caribbean turquoise waters, Sayulita has in darker, Pacific waves. Tulum’s who’s-who following with rustic/sceney (and pricy, on the ‘strip’) restaurants are replaced by Sayulita’s more surfer/spring break crowd with mix of touristy and local haunts to match. Sayulita isn’t on the DJ stopover list like Tulum, but it does have live music. They’re different, and Sayulita has its own charm – get out of town and dive into the jungle paradise.
Click here to read about our week of fitness in the sun.
PACK: TRUNK SHOW
Forget your bog standard suitcases: these days, there’s a bag for all types. Wine aficionados will want to vacation with the VinGardeValise – a rolling suitcase that doubles as the ultimate wine carrier. Speaking of tumbles, for intrepid types, pre-order the G-RO. It’s crush-proof and water resistant and has an inbuilt power station; no wonder it was the most funded luggage campaign in Kickstarters history. Looking for style with substance? Globe-Trotter have teamed up with Missoni to line their trunks with its signature space-dyed fabrics.
EAT: HEALTHY AIRPORT FOOD
Heathrow Terminal 5 has had the mega-chefs and their takeaway food picnics available for a while now, and finally, other airports are following suit, starting with Gatwick’s Grain Store Cafe & Bar. Following the same principles as its London restaurant, you can expect a menu of healthy, produce-led food with locally-sourced vegetables. Takeaway bento boxes for takeoff will soon be available, meaning it’s easyJet Bistro no more.
DRIVE: EPERNAY TO BEAUNE WINEHUNT
This year, we’re feeling the road trip — nothing says freedom like the wind in your hair- and for Easter, we’re thinking of something close to home. Tom Harrow from Honest Grapes has given us his stopover list for the classic wine route from Epernay to Beaune. Rolls-Royce, optional.
Click here to read Tom Harrow’s wine route through France
SHORT HAUL: REYKJAVIK: TRAVEL FILE
Jonathan Downey, owner of Milk & Honey Soho, and co-founder of Street Feast and Rotorino, has led UJ on many a good foodie trail: the right tapas bar in the Boqueria, hidden gems in Ibiza, top picks in NY. In an ongoing series for UJ, he’ll be showing us his latest global foodie finds. Enjoy!
Click here to read Jonathan Downey’s guide to Reykjavik
FOLLOW: @LUCYLAUCHT
For some serious wanderlust and holiday inspo, look to J.Crew’s social media manager Lucy Laucht’s Instagram feed: bright colours, sunshine and open space. Our bags are all but packed.
