From the Editor’s desk: November/December 2019

With Christmas coming up fast, the latest issue of Paradise provides plenty of inspiration on what to give this festive season.

Our bumper gift guide lists more than 60 books and other presents, from vases, bags and jewellery made in Papua New Guinea, to fitness trackers, wireless headphones and concert tickets. Almost all of our gift ideas can be bought online.

Speaking of splashing out, this issue also has the amazing story of the ‘world’s most expensive resort’.

The island getaway costs an eye watering $US100,000 per night, however there’s a three-night minimum so you’ll need to pay at least $US300,000. For that, you’ll get exclusive use of the resort for you and up to 47 of your friends, looked after by 100 staff. That could be one great Christmas party!

One of Air Niugini’s most popular routes is the Port Moresby to Brisbane service, so we’ve asked one of our Brisbane-based food and travel writers to nominate the city’s newest and best hotels, along with recommendations on where to eat.

“Over the past few years the city has welcomed a new wave of beautiful, boutique flavoured hotels and resorts catering to an array of business travellers, cultural tourists and lifestyle guests,” Matt Shea writes.

Among the hot hotels he nominates are The Johnson, The Calile and The Westin Brisbane.

Marisa Howden, meanwhile, provides an insider’s guide to Lae, which is PNG’s industrial capital and second-largest city. She provides tips on getting around, places to eat and stay, sights to see, and the best places for business meetings and conferences.

Dedicated adventurer Laura Waters recently released Bewildered, her book about walking 3000 kilometres solo from one end of New Zealand to the other. In this issue of Paradise, she picks 10 must-do hikes in the Asia–Pacific region. 

PNG’s famous Kokoda Trail is among them, of course, but there are also easy walks along beaches in Sydney, scrambles up volcanoes, and Japanese pilgrimage routes.

Diving writer and photographer Don Silcock takes us underwater in PNG and explores four famous World War 2 plane wrecks. He tells how the planes came to grief and where to find them.

Happy flying and reading.

Robert Upe, Editor

Paradise Magazine November/December 2019 (click to view)