Hong Kong beat all the other islands including Sicily and the Maldives by scoring 94.77 out of a maximum of 100 on eight criteria, including range of accommodation (86.29) and variety of attractions (87.08), moving from number 15 in 2009 into the top three.

To add to the glory, Hong Kong was also voted into the Top 10 in the Best Overseas City category.

Hong Kong airline, Cathay Pacific, was named Favourite Business Airline and numerous Hong Kong hotels scored very highly in the Favourite Overseas Business Hotel category including: The Peninsula Hong Kong (1st) and The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (3rd).

Hong Kong is voted Conde Nast Traveller’s Readers’ favourite island is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The coastline of Sihanoukville & Ream boasts a wide range of impressive beaches, each distinct and unrivalled in comparison to the beaches of popular tourist destinations like Thailand and Bali. Located on the beautiful coastline of Sihanoukville, Sokha Beach and Independence Beach are blissfully peaceful, with stretches of soft white sand just waiting for visitors to mark their footprints. Further East, discover Occheuteal Beach, backed by a row of casuarina trees. Stretching for 4 km, visitors can make the most of the water sports available here such as banana boating and jet skiing. Ream lies 18 km East of Sihanoukville, a charming fishing village with beautiful, long beaches that border Ream National Park, a stunning 150 sq km of primary forest and 60 sq km of marine habitat.

The area is also famous for its crystal clear waters and abundant marine life. An extraordinary diving destination, Song Saa Island is paving the way for eco-friendly tourism in the country and encouraging marine wildlife protection in the region through a dedicated marine biology team who founded the first private marine protected area in the country. Opening there in 2011 will be Song Saa Island Resort, an ultra-luxurious and intimate collection of villas aimed to cater to the areas growing beach tourism.

Holidaying in Cambodia is no longer just a trip to Angkor Wat is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The Sydney Fish Market (SFM) is one of the most prestigious and largest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere and the variety of fish available here is rivalled only by Japan. The Sydney Seafood School, which dates back to 1989, is reputed to be Australia’s top cooking school. The history of the school is quite fascinating, much of the innovation being inspired by the need to educate customers about what to do with all the unusual varieties – many of which their earlier customers had never even heard of before.

By the way, it’s not just fish on offer at the SFM. There’s also a bottle shop, a fruit and veg market and a deli.

Classes on offer this October include: sushi, tapas, BBQ dishes as well as a variety of cuisines such as Spanish, Thai and Moroccan. It’s an inspiring menu of classes, I’m sure you’ll agree. The classes range in price from A$85 – A$155 and include a meal (which you’ve just learned how to cook) and complimentary wine tasting. The classes are in three parts, starting with a demonstration, then a hands-on cooking session, then you can enjoy your meal.

Sydney Seafood School: October 2010 classes

Sydney Seafood School: October 2010 classes is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Changi Airport is now home to Singapore’s tallest slide! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Want to improve your barmanship skills? Check out these succulently fruity cocktail recipes and turn your home into an exotic island paradise!

Want to wow your party guests with your superb cocktail-shakin abilities?

Bring a taste of the tropics into your home with these 8 easy-peasy cocktail recipes that will turn you into the coolest kid in town!

1) LYCHEE MARTINI

For cool and sophisticated types – re-live your travels through Asia with this delicate lychee cocktail.

stilleben

Ingredients
Ice cubes
6 oz vodka
4 oz lychee juice
Splash of vermouth
2 lychees for garnish

Directions
Fill cocktail shaker with ice, add the vodka, lychee juice and vermouth. Shake until chilled. Pour into martini glasses and garnish with lychees. Add an orchid for added beauty.

2) BLUE LAGOON

Like to live the high life? Made from laraha fruit grown from the island of Curacao, a Blue Lagoon will transport you to the turquoise waters of a Caribbean paradise far away.

marie_astier

Ingredients
Ice cubes
2 oz vodka
2 oz blue curacao liqueur
lemonade
Maraschino cherries for garnish

Directions
Pour the vodka and curacao over ice in a highball glass. Top up with lemonade and garnish with cherries.

3) PINA COLADA

One of the most famous cocktails in the world, and the official drink of Puerto Rico the Pina Colada is for people who know how to spell F.U.N!

Ingredients
Ice (optional)
3 oz of white rum
2 oz of dark rum
3 oz of coconut cream (in a can)
2 oz of double cream or whipping cream
6 oz of pineapple juice
Dash of angostura bitters
Maraschino cherries to garnish
Pineapple slices to garnish

Directions
Pour all ingredients into a blender and mix for 15 seconds (with or without ice). Pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with pineapple and cherries.

4) MAI TAI

Tahitian for out of this world the Mai Tai is for lovers of all things kitsch. This Polynesian-style drink is not to be missed. Its been around since 1944 for a reason!

Ingredients
2 oz of light rum
1 oz dark rum
1 oz of creme de almond
1 oz of triple sec
Sweet and sour mix
Pineapple juice

Directions
Pour the light rum, crme de almond and triple sec, in order, into a collins glass. Top with equal parts of pineapple juice and sour mix. Add the dark rum and serve unstirred.

5) MANGO DAIQUIRI

An international icon, the Daiquiri was hurtled into stardom by the El Floradita bar in Havana, Cuba. If you like to see and be seen, this classic cocktail is the one for you.

emmerogers

Ingredients
Crushed ice
2 oz of dark rum
0.5 oz of orange curacao liqueur
6 oz of mango chunks
3 oz of sweet and sour mix

Directions
Mix up the rum, orange curacao, mango and sour mix with one cup of crushed ice in a blender. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a mango stick.

6) BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Also known as the Maidens Prayer, Between the Sheets is a flirty cocktail for sexy people!

MetaGrrrl

Ingredients
Ice cubes
3/4 oz light rum
3/4 oz brandy
3/4 oz triple sec
1/2 oz lemon juice
lemon twists for garnish

Directions
Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Shake well. Strain and pour into a martini glass. Garnish with the lemon twists.

7) RUM RUNNER

Commemorating the illegal smuggling of alcohol during the years of prohibition, this cocktail is for the mischievous amongst you!

davidking

Ingredients
Ice cubes
1/4 cup of rum
1 tablespoon of coconut rum
2 tablespoons of banana liqueur
2 tablespoons of blackberry brandy
1/2 cup of sweet and sour mix
1/2 cup of orange juice
Dash of grenadine
Orange and lime wedges for garnish

Directions
Pour the rum, coconut rum, banana liqueur and blackberry brandy into a tall glass full of ice. Top up with the sour mix and orange juice. Add a dash of grenadine and garnish with orange and lime.

8 ) BAHAMA MAMA

Served in a coconut in the Bahamas, this cocktail will bring the taste of the tropics into your home (even when served in a glass). For laid-back people who value the lazy side of life.

unfaltering

Ingredients
Ice cubes
1/2 oz coffee liqueur
1 oz dark rum
1 oz coconut liqueur
1/2 oz 151 proof (high proof) rum
Juice of 1 lemon
8 oz pineapple juice
Maraschino cherries for garnish

Directions
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Pour into a collins glass with cracked ice (wrap ice cubes in a tea towel and crush with a mallet). Garnish with cherries.

Which cocktail is the one for you?! Give these recipes a try and let us know how you get on!

If you liked this you might also like the Best Brazilian Dessert Youll Ever Make.

(All recipes are for two servings).

This would become the airlines 11th destination for the superjumbo. The Dubai-based carrier has 12 A380s in service with a further 78 on order.

Emirates will be the second carrier to regularly serve Hong Kong with the superjumbo, with Singapore Airlines having launched A380 services to the destination in July last year

The Middle Eastern carrier will also start flights to Manchester with the superjumbo on September 1, and will recommence A380 flights to New York on October 31.

For more information visit emirates.com.

Aruba Wine Extravaganza is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Automania

Journalist and explorer, Meredith Price offers her expert advice on what NOT to do when chartering a sailboat abroad.

Want to take to the seas on your next vacation? Chartering a sailboat is easier than you think, just bear in mind these 10 DONTs for boating vacations and your trip will be plain sailing!

1) DON’T ASSUME SAILING IS FOR MILLIONAIRES
Chartering a 36 sailboat in Europe can cost as little as 1,600 Euros a week. For six people, that works out around 38 Euros a night far less than most hotels in Europe. And self catering will bring the price of your trip down even further.

2) DON’T FORGET YOUR LICENSE
Even if youre a keen sailor, you probably dont have a skippers license. In Europe, this is a must for any sailboat charter. Be sure to check with the charter company in advance about license requirements for insurance. If you do opt to pay a skipper, you may be able to find young sailing school graduates happy to come for free to log the hours. Just make sure you arrange your skipper well ahead of time.

3) DON’T IGNORE THE DETAILS
Dont skimp on your charter company research. Check into the details before you book to find out about discounts on airline tickets or special offers during boat shows. Ask about extras, such as fishing gear, local taxes, fuel and water costs and marine park fees. These details can make a big difference to your costs.

4) DON’T BOOK IN HIGH SEASON
Booking right after or before high season means paying less, enjoying great weather, and fighting fewer crowds. Check peak season dates and weather patterns before you go.

5) DON’T ASSUME YOU’LL BE SICK OR BORED
Nausea, if you do get it, can be avoided. Try taking some Dramamine or wearing pressure bands on your wrists before you get on the boat. Bring some lemon slices and fresh ginger to chew on. Make sure you stay out of the galley, keep your eyes on the horizon and stand up if you start to feel sick.

As for boredom, dont be afraid to leave the laptop at home! Between sunsets, storms, ever-changing cloud patterns, marine visitors, starry skies and dramatic shorelines, therell never be a dull moment on-board!

slimmer_jimmer

6) DON’T PACK SUMMER CLOTHES ONLY
Even if the forecast predicts hot and sunny weather, remember to bring deck shoes, a warm hat, raincoat and gloves. Layering is important because the weather can change suddenly and in high winds it gets chilly fast. If you get caught in a sudden storm youll be especially thankful for the rain gear.

7) DON’T BE COMPLACENT ABOUT SAFETY
Even if youre an experienced sailor make sure you pay heed to safety precautions. Some basics include keeping your head down near the boom, watching your fingers with ropes, and attaching yourself to the boat when alone at the wheel. Discuss emergency situations with your crew so that everyone knows what to do in a sudden squall, man overboard etc. Take an easy, short sail on the first day to get everyone acclimated. Never, under any circumstances, leave the boat without any passengers on it (unless youre anchored).

8 ) DON’T LEAVE YOUR COOKING SKILLS AT HOME
Its cost effective and fun to cook on-board, the biggest challenge is using an oven that rocks with the boat. Learning how to move your body as you jibe and tack while standing over a hot pan is no easy task! In Europe youll find excellent wines and high-quality supermarkets everywhere. In most large port cities youll have access to organic products too.

9) DON’T OVER-PLAN
Because you’re dependent on the wind (which can be temperamental and tetchy) youll need to be flexible. Sailing often takes longer than you think and a sudden rainstorm can confine you to port for a few days. Setting destination deadlines can get stressful. Take the unexpected and enjoy the ride. As they say, its about the journey, not the destination.!

10) DON’T BE AFRAID
Youve probably heard about people drowning after getting caught in high seas but boating is actually very safe. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 709 deaths from boating accidents in 2008 far less than car crashes. The vast majority of these fatalities could have been avoided had proper safety guidelines had been followed. (90% of all drowning victims in 2008 were not wearing life jackets).

Thinking of taking to the seas? Been on a super sailing vacation you want to tell us about? Let us know, we want to hear from you!

If you liked this, you might also like, Photo Story: Sailing the Med.

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is comment on the posts within this blog. The five readers with the most approved comments during the remainder of August and September 2010 will each receive a free copy of the book. (Naturally, comments need to be of a certain quality, otherwise they wont be approved.) So what are you waiting for? Have a browse of the blog theres literally thouands of blog entries which you can discuss – and comment away!

Win a copy of the fabulous book ‘Dive in Style’! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

What is it that you do exactly?

Working at bmibaby there is no such thing as a typical day! We work in such a fast paced environment my day can vary hugely. I am responsible for the oversight of the airlines ongoing business, from day to day management, through to longer term strategic planning. My team look after the commercial side, which encompasses sales and marketing, network (where we fly and when), pricing, customer service, and e-commerce. Others areas include operations (the day to day delivery of the flights), engineering (making sure the aircraft are safe and fit to fly), cabin services (offering the in-flight service we pride ourselves on), and ground services (the airport activities we undertake).

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

My background is more commercial, but I really enjoy the actual flying and travelling aspects of the job. I try to fly as often as possible to interact with the crew and customers and this keeps it real for me in seeing the business come to life. I also enjoy the challenge of keeping the business prominent in the eyes of the consumer, and so enjoy interacting with media and doing promotional activity.

What would you say are the 3 best places youve ever stayed?

Fiji: I did some consulting work for an airline there for a few months, and grew to love the place and the atmosphere. Relaxing in a hammock on the beach, watching the sunset while reading a book after a hard day in the office cant be beaten!

Montreal: I lived there for two years, and came to know the place as home. The city is one of the friendliest and most exciting cities Ive ever known, and was such a great mix of North America meets Continental Europe.

Las Vegas: The fountains of Bellagio are one of my favourite places on this planet! You can lose yourself in the grandeur of the place, and provided you take it all with a healthy pinch of salt (and are sensible with the chips!), you can have the most amazing time!

Whats been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A Beef Teriyaki dinner in the Bahamas, when a group of us sat around the chefs hot plate and ate from the edges as he prepared the food. Ive always tried to find Teriyaki that tasted that good since, but am still looking!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

In my time as a cinema manager I met a few celebrities. On one occasion I had to ask Stephen Gately what his name was (I knew he was in a boy band, but that was all I knew!). I also had to escort U2s The Edge out the back door once as word had got around he was there, and so he needed to escape! My most memorable encounter though was escorting Pierce Brosnan around the cinema during a premiere I had given the staff explicit instructions not to trouble him, but then went and did it myself by asking him if hed have his photograph taken with my girlfriend (I got good brownie points for that though!)

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

I want to do a long overland expedition one day taking a few months to travel from a to b. Id like to overland it to the Far East from Europe or from North to South America perhaps. I will one day!

Many thanks, Julian, and good luck with your new role at bmibaby.

Interview with Julian Carr, Managing Director of bmibaby is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog