Destinations Archives - Bespoke vacations

New Year’s Eve in Sydney by luxury yacht – an exclusive cruise for Alquemie clients

Posted on March 20, 2017April 4, 2018 by Nicola Billens

There’s no doubt that one of the best ways to spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney is on a luxury yacht where every whim is catered for. Unfortunately this time of year books out far in advance so Alquemie has reserved exclusive use of a 100 foot luxury yacht for clients. The Murcielago, is the private jet of the ocean with room for 12 guests to see in the New Year.

This is an opportunity for your clients to mingle with other Alquemie cliental.

Please contact your Alquemie advisor ASAP to lock this in.

Party like it’s 2019 (up to 12 guests)

Guests will be collected from a central Sydney wharf at 7pm where they’ll be welcomed aboard with their favourite beverage and delicious canapés to begin the festivities on the bustling harbour. This is a beautiful time of evening in Sydney as the golden light of the sun reflects upon the city skyscrapers and begins its decent. On a night like New Year’s Eve the Harbour is alive with thousands of boats – all bustling for the best vantage point to see the famous fireworks over the Bridge. These days though, the fireworks explode all across the Harbour and it’s one of the greatest urban spectacles in the world.

The luxurious Murchielago will cruise the Harbour to it’s mooring for the fireworks, passing waterfront suburbs and grand homes as guests dine on a sumptuous three-course meal. At 9pm when the sun has finally set, the children’s fireworks burst overhead in all the colours of the rainbow. After dinner, cocktails will flow and the meandering cruise of the harbour continues until midnight when the sky lights up once again and rains down colour, signalling the start of a new year.

The Captain will have guests back on dry land by 1am to return to their accommodation.

About the Murchielago

From the sumptuous Owner Room and VIP Stateroom with their en-suite bathrooms, to the two twin-berth cabins, this superyacht can sleep six people as comfortably as any high-end hotel.

Indoor areas include spacious saloons, lounges and decks – one with a retractable sunroof; guests can enjoy seating for up to 10 people and a fantastic barbeque offers outdoor cooking options to impress.

There’s a fully equipped galley with teak flooring, stunning granite bench tops and, naturally, its own espresso machine.

Full catering to restaurant standards for all guests can be prepared by an on-board chef, and a drinks bar can be stocked with every beverage you could ever desire.

Outside are massive sunbeds and a bathing platform, turning every sea into a private pool.

The bathing platform also has a hot shower and a wet bar. Perfect once you have finished your swim or snorkel, or a paddle in on of Murcielago’s three canoes, or a water-skiing/wakeboarding session with Murcielago’s on-board equipment.

Available in Pittwater only, the two Seadoo jet-skis are also capable of 45 knots meaning every other toy on board, like the wakeboard, kneeboard and water skis are built for speed too.

Contact Alquemie by August 31st 2017 to lock in this opportunity.

Stylish and tailor-made Sydney experience

Posted on December 15, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

No one denies that Sydney is a beautiful city – in fact it’s probably one of the prettiest in the world. And for first-timers to Australia, a Sydney experience is must – the Harbour sparkles, the Bridge stands proud and the Opera House radiates.

But there’s the Sydney that most tourists see and then there’s the real Sydney, which in our eyes is even better. At Alquemie we like to reveal this side of our stunning city with bespoke private tours, introducing you to the locals that live and breathe it and taking you to secret places only locals know about.

Here are some ideas of what’s available…

Experience Sydney harbour like the school children do - by stand-up paddle board — Experience Sydney Harbour like these school children do – by Stand-up Paddle board

Bespoke Sydney Experience – An Alquemie Exclusive (half, full, multi-day – as required)

This is one of the most creative Sydney experiences you’ll find. See the icons from a local’s perspective, meet with the locals and, based on your own interests, explore and learn about daily life in this beautiful city. Explore the back streets, local cafés & parks, and experience the most important and defining element of Sydney, our spectacular harbour. Starting with a rough schedule this raved about experience is highly-tailored yet ticks all the boxes of Sydney’s must see locations. Please enquire for examples of just how tailored and creative these Sydney experiences have been for our past clients.

Discover Sydney's fabulous roof-top bars — Discover Sydney’s fabulous roof-top bars in The Rocks – perfect for sunsets

See Sydney by Bike & Walk (full day)

You don’t need to travel by vehicle to enjoy some of the best aspects of Sydney. This Sydney experience helps you slow down to see the city more intimately by foot and pedal power.

Walk the historic Rocks quarter, the oldest part of Sydney’s colonial township
Meet an indigenous guide at Barangaroo to learn about the native plants and foods and hear about the Aboriginal culture and history in Sydney
Climb the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Take a 3 hour biking tour of Sydney, crossing the Harbour Bridge, cycling through the Quay and seeing all the sights at at a relaxed pace

Swim at beautiful harbour beaches — Swim at beautiful beaches around Sydney

New Years Eve Harbour fireworks & Pittwater by luxury yacht

Why stay in a hotel when you can celebrate New Years Eve in the best way possible – on board a luxurious yacht with your friends and family. Frock up, dine on Australia’s freshest seafood, then let the party begin. Fireworks explode at 9pm for the kiddies and then the big bang goes off at midnight. As you sleep, your captain will relocate the boat to a beautiful bush setting just north of Sydney. Enjoy breakfast with the smell of the gum trees and the noise of galahs in the surrounding bushland. This is a day to relax and spend time together in beautiful, natural surrounds.

Even wth grey cloudy skies, a swim at Manly beach looks appealing!

The Kimberley

Posted on April 9, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

The Wild North West (The Kimberley)

The Kimberley is a vast region that is for the most part totally uninhabited. Occupying the north west of Australia it is really only accessible during our winter months from April through to October. The big draw cards are the spectacular coastline, rugged outback wilderness, and the extraordinary assemblage of wildlife. The challenge is always finding a way to explore and experience all three. This is a remarkable part of Australia, and an incredibly unique destination. Below is a crash course on some key regional highlights.

Private yacht charter in Western Australia

Broome

This is purely a gateway port to start a journey in the Kimberley. The town itself can be covered in an afternoon or one night so not really much need to stay longer than one night – but could do two if you wanted.

Kimberley Coast – Expedition Cruising

Visit where the big ships can't go on the True North - Kimberley Wilderness Cruise — Visit where the big ships can’t go on the True North – Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Daily activities can include scenic walks, helicopter flights, fishing, snorkelling, cultural visits, picnics, flora, bird and wildlife watching, diving, exploring and much more… Multiple expedition vessels or ‘tenders’ take guests in small groups to experience the wilderness ‘up close’ and, the luxury of having numerous tenders means that everyone onboard has greater opportunity to do “what they want, when they want”.

Most cruise options feature an onboard helicopter opening up a whole range of options from scenic flights and heli-picnics to overnight camping adventures. Discover virtually unseen and untouched parts of The Kimberley.

Beach Picnic on the True-North - a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise — Beach Picnic on the True-North – a Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Kimberley Coast – Air Safari

Out of Broome a great way of seeing the Buccaneer Archipelago (one of the most spectacular sections of the Kimberley Coast) is by helicopter or light aircraft. You can fly over this stretch of coast for around three hours and if using a heli could include a stop for lunch at the horizontal waterfalls. The main points of interest include a stop at Cygnet Bay, a working pearl farm, and at the Horizontal waterfalls. True North also covers the same stretch of coast, however doing it by air is a different experience all together, not to mention the time difference. You would then fly down into Mornington Wilderness Sanctuary.

Sunrise at Raft Point by helicopter with True North - Kimberley Wilderness Cruise — Sunrise at Raft Point by helicopter with True North – Kimberley Wilderness Cruise

Kimberley Coast – Kimberley Coastal Camp

‘Crushed coral rustic luxury’ is the best way to describe this property. Located along an impressive stretch of the Kimberly Coast this rustic camp is a great experience with good aboriginal art (including Bradshaw and Wandjina Art), great fishing and beautiful coastal scenery. Hugely popular with all our past travellers due to the uniqueness and personalisation of experience. This really isn’t offered anywhere else in the region – hands on experiences out exploring with your guides. Accommodation is open air ‘shacks’ with bare sand/coral floors and open air ‘windows’ – all looking out onto the water. Small, intimate, and very unique.

Kimberley Outback – El Questro Homestead

Baobab dining at El Questro Homestead in The Kimberley

This is a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia, and is by far the most comfortable outback experience in this part of the country. The station has various accommodation options, however the homestead is the only luxurious option. It is a few hours’ drive, or a short heli flight from Kununurra. There are a range of on-site activities included in a stay here, as is all your food and beverages.

Kimberley Inland – Mornington Downs Wilderness Sanctuary

A very authentic side to this region. Mornington Downs has good African style safari tents, but there is more specific focus on the wildlife conservation work here. This is run by the Australian Wildlife Conservancy who are doing some impressive work in this region, and will show you a very interesting (and to many unknown) side to the conservation battle in Australia. Mornington is the one place in Northern Australia that has managed to reverse the declining mammal populations and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy is the leading private conservation group in the country. This is an opportunity to experience some of the Kimberley’s wildlife, and is usually a very rewarding visit.

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie

Victoria’s Great Ocean Road

Posted on January 9, 2016July 31, 2017 by Nicola Billens

How to visit the Great Ocean Road

We are often asked about the Great Ocean Road – 243 kms of rocky coastline, west of Melbourne and considered one of Australia’s greatest road-trip destinations. It boasts awe-inspiring coastal views, deserted white sandy beaches, beautiful rainforest scenery and beautiful national parks that are home to koalas, kangaroos and other wildlife.

The most scenic portion begins in Torquay, a town well known as a surfing hot-spot and ends in the whale-watching town of Warrnambool; in between are several picturesque coastal towns, a number of gourmet restaurants and a couple of boutique accommodation options. One of the most popular stops along the way is the world-famous 12 Apostles, magnificent natural rock structures that are more than 20 million years old, which rise up majestically from the Southern Ocean.

So, how best to experience all of this…

Many travellers opt for a longer stay in one of Melbourne’s excellent hotels and just zoot out to explore the Great Ocean Road on a day trip. However, be aware that a full day road trip is up to 12 hours with as much as 9 hours spent in the vehicle. Along the way there will be great views of coastal cliffs, long sandy beaches, rural landscapes, the 12 Apostles and other ocean carved ‘architecture’. There will be a stop for lunch and perhaps a walk in the rainforest & fern gullies of the Otway National Park and usually the option of a helicopter scenic flight.

Ultimate Great Ocean Road tour

Budget permitting our Ultimate Great Ocean Road tour showcases the iconic coastline by luxury touring vehicle before a 75 minute scenic, private helicopter flight back to Melbourne. The day includes a gourmet lunch of local produce and fresh seafood served within sight of sandy beaches. As you travel, our passionate local guide shares insight into Australia’s surfing culture, stories of the shipwrecks that line this coast and, with luck, will point out kangaroos or koalas.

The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk

The active traveller may prefer The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk: Operating between September and May and graded moderate, this 3 night / 4 day eco-lodge based walk is a great way to experience the coast and see Australian wildlife as the trail is alive with native flora and fauna including fur seals, wallabies and koalas. Learn about the land through the eyes of the first Australians and the British convicts transported here on ships over 200 years ago. The coast is littered with shipwrecks from this time, and the tales of survival and loss are part of the fabric of the Great Ocean Walk.

Self-drive The Great Ocean Road – 2 to 10 nights

For the independent traveller a self-drive discovery of the Great Ocean Road is a great option: However don’t rush! Whilst the Great Ocean Road spans a relatively small distance if you whizz along it you will probably be disappointed. There are three itineraries we recommend and they range from 2 to 5 nights but certainly a journey of even 10 days would be time well spent.

When travelling independently it is important to go slowly, allowing time to chat to the locals, make discoveries and explore. Allow time for walks, poking about weekend markets, visiting points of interest and taking up local tours such as kayaking on Lake Elizabeth in search of Platypus.

Some of our favourite hotels in this area are:

Oscar’s Waterfront Boutique Hotel – a charming small hotel, an exceptional bed & breakfast
Drift House – modern conversion of a heritage building in the pretty town of Port Fairy
Great Ocean Ecolodge – a small guest house operated by the Conservation Ecology Centre
Royal Mail at Dunkeld – an award winning restaurant with lovely accommodation attached
Meringa Springs – a small, luxury lodge offering stunning views of the Grampians
Big Blue Backyard – three delightful guest rooms on the Mornington Peninsula

Tailor-made Great Ocean Road

But the best way to do the Great Ocean Road: If budget and time permit then a multi-day road trip hosted by an expert passionate guide in a comfortable vehicle with tailor-made activities, from Aboriginal experiences to whales at Warrnambool, can be designed to be pure Alquemie!

Click here to find out more about Australian travel with Alquemie