This is a tough one.
Hotels:
Love Lizard Island, Silky Oaks Lodge (all at www.voyages.com.au), the Sheraton Mirage at Port Douglas is well past its prime and isn't great value, but does have an excellent location.
Restaurants:
Sydney: Tetsuya's in Sydney is exceptional (and expensive). My old favourites include Montezume Crow's Nest (Mexican), O Galo Portuguese Chicken Crow's Nest (Burgers), Bravo Crows Nest (Italian and gelato), Arthurs Pizza (renamed "Love Supreme"), pizza, Paddington. For views it's hard to go past the Watson's Bay Hotel for fish & chips, but Cucinetta in hunters Hill is really good italian and views. The Oaks in Neutral Bay is a fanastic location for a genuine pub meal.
Port Douglas: Salsa is my favourite restaurant in the region.
Wednesday 28 May 2008
Saturday 10 May 2008
Bhutan
Guides:
We also used Getaway for this tour. Our guide Ugyen was extremely knowledgable and passionate about his country and culture. He also loves butterflies and orchids. Would recommend him (bum_ugyen@hotmail.com).
Note about Bhutan: If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, I recommend you spend some time researching the places you want to go to, and have a tour agency (required, unfortunately) to tailor a trip (and the accommodation locations) to your interests. I think this is the best way to avoid the Disneyland/North Korea sense that I found in Bhutan.
We also used Getaway for this tour. Our guide Ugyen was extremely knowledgable and passionate about his country and culture. He also loves butterflies and orchids. Would recommend him (bum_ugyen@hotmail.com).
Note about Bhutan: If you're planning a trip to Bhutan, I recommend you spend some time researching the places you want to go to, and have a tour agency (required, unfortunately) to tailor a trip (and the accommodation locations) to your interests. I think this is the best way to avoid the Disneyland/North Korea sense that I found in Bhutan.
Sunday 4 May 2008
Nepal
Guides:
Getaway (http://www.trekking-in-nepal.com) runs a good operation, we were happy with their responsiveness and service. Our guide Dawa (dawasherpa_2007@yahoo.com) was very competent, always friendly and responsible. Would definitely recommend him (although his English isn't perfect).
Hotel:
Yak & Yeti (http://www.yakandyeti.com/) is a decent hotel (believe it's the best located in town- Hyatt is way out of the centre), but it's past its prime.
Getaway (http://www.trekking-in-nepal.com) runs a good operation, we were happy with their responsiveness and service. Our guide Dawa (dawasherpa_2007@yahoo.com) was very competent, always friendly and responsible. Would definitely recommend him (although his English isn't perfect).
Hotel:
Yak & Yeti (http://www.yakandyeti.com/) is a decent hotel (believe it's the best located in town- Hyatt is way out of the centre), but it's past its prime.
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