My last night was spent at The Islington in the centre of Hobart ... while it does not have the views of the Harbour, it does have magnificent views of Mt. Wellington. The hotel has just 11 rooms & suites ... all perfectly formed ... comfortable & comforting.
The main house (with a couple of stunning suites) was built in 1847 and features Regent architecture ... there is a "new" wing which has more bedrooms and a conservatory with a large dining & sitting space. It's quite splendid. The owners love their art and there originals by Matisse and Picasso on the walls among other very collectible pieces!
The Henry Jones Art Hotel offers luxury with Harbour views ... The Islington offers luxury living in a suburban setting. Once you have done one ... you have to do the other! The Islington is a must on any visit to Hobart. The staff were very pleasant and the cat - Chaos - was reassuringly aloof! How I miss Hugo ... !
SO - Tasmania! Well, I have NEVER been to a place/state/island where everyone is SO passionate about what they do - whether it be running hotels, golf courses, animal sanctuaries or cooking schools, giving massages, producing cheese, whisky or wine ... I was very impressed by the enormous dedication to their crafts. The island is not large and I think the inhabitants realise that Tasmania is a way of life ... a lifestyle choice ... and they have to make the best of it. Would I revisit? ABSOLUTELY ...
I was warned my mainland Australians that Tasmania was "backward" ... this is so far from the truth it's laughable. OK - so the internet access is always slow but the islanders are thoughtful, caring, honest ... and genuinely nice!
Our guides were great ... two Nicolas and the lovely, lovely, adorable Di ... they made our lives very easy.
Well, the next location for us filming-wise is Istanbul in April and we are VERY excited by that!
I will be chillaxing in Singapore for a few nights before I head back to reality in London ...
Song of the Day: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road - Elton John (on The Muppet Show!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvu2Q4BsE2U
Weather: Overcast
chaos - the cat
mt wellington
i want one ... please!
the islington hotel ...
thomas - the general manager
darling di
