Marlborough Magazine November 18 | Page 43

TRAVEL 43 THORNLEY & TURNER Enjoy A Feast From The Earth In Fiji In the island paradise of Fiji, cuisine is as much about tradition and family as it is flavour. The nation’s best-known feast, the lovo, is a prime example of this. Families and friends gather together for these traditional meals, whereby various meats, fish and vegetables are wrapped and smoked on hot stones in a large hole in the ground, covered by large leaves, coconut stalks and damp cloth. Common at special events like weddings, birthday parties and funerals, the lovo represents more than just incredible flavours and an efficient means through which to cook large amounts of food. It’s also about the coming together of people, and the honouring of a sacred tradition. No matter what area in Fiji you choose to stay, most resorts and hotels will put on a lovo feast for guests, with all the trimmings and traditional entertainment, so be sure to take advantage, and as they say in Fiji: ‘Kana!’ (Let’s eat!) Cheers To The View In Singapore A city-state whose skyline is dominated by soaring glittering towers certainly isn’t short on panoramic views. While you may spend your days pounding the pavement in search of cheap and cheerful satay skewers or scouring hawker centres for the best chicken rice (succulent chicken, intensely savoury rice and lashings of ginger and spring onion sauce to bring it all together), by night, head upwards for a more polished gastronomic experience, served alongside views of the bay and beyond. While the obvious pick is the Marina Bay Sands rooftop, why not head to Southbridge to enjoy views of the sail-like hotel as well as the Singapore river and Boat quay area? Order the specialty oysters topped with Avruga caviar to enjoy with crafted cocktails or top-shelf liquors and wine. If you’d prefer something more laidback, Level 33 is a European-style casual restaurant and lounge. Its key talking points are the copper brewing kettles – not just style points, but the creators of quality brews inspired by European ales. Sample a few local favourites with a tasting paddle, accompanied by contemporary dishes from the great mind of chef James Tegerdine. From an indulgent weekend away to a once-in-a-lifetime experience overseas... Discover Life On A Farm In Italy Where the rush of modern-day life is forgotten and the only background noise is the distant chirruping of crickets in the early evening, agriturismo is your invitation to country life in Italy. The concept of staying with local families offers an insightful welcome to organic food, wine, local folklore and music, and of course, captivating landscapes, with the help of openhearted folk exuding light-hearted hospitality. Whether your interests are in cuisine or viticulture, an agriturismo holiday can take many forms, from medieval villages high in the hilltops of Tuscany or Piedmontese palaces surrounded by orchards and olive groves. You can spend your days ticking off marketplaces, before donning an apron and stepping into the kitchen where Italian nonnas can teach you the intricacies of pasta making. Touring specialists such as Trafalgar also extend an invitation to the homes of locals with the signature Be My Guest experiences on many of the guided holidays. Travel along with like-minded folk and discover the culture from the inside as you’re welcomed into the homes of providores and their families, complete with joyous feasts around the family table. A Travel Associates Gift Card will be a welcome start to any amazing holiday! Load up to a maximum of $2000, and use as partial or full payment towards airfares, accommodation, cruises, tours, car hire, rail passes, travel insurance and so much more. If someone close to you is thinking of travelling, let us look after them for you. Gift Cards available in-store or online Want to book your own foodie adventure but in need of some inspiration? Speak to Robyn or Leandra at your local Travel Associates store. Speaking from Experience Admiring the stunning views from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck, in Singapore, you really can't help but feel like you've made it, I know I did! Soaring 57 levels above the heart of the city you can enjoy fine dining or craft cocktails all whilst looking out over the stunning infinity pool to sweeping vistas of the city skyline. I had watched a documentary about the building of Marina Bay Sands but nothing can prepare you for the shear magnificence of this engineering marvel once you see it for yourself. Truly a memorable experience. Come share our love of travel! Travel Associates 4 Arthur Street, Blenheim Call 578 8078 or email [email protected] www.travel-associates.co.nz