CINEMA PARADISO
Get inspired by your favourite flicks, jump on a plane and join the loved-up jet set
THE FILM Notting Hill THE LOCATION London WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT Land of pints, pubs, palaces and posh accents, London is nothing if not quintessential British pomp and circumstance, plus loads of fun.
WHAT TO DO
Begin your London mission with some retail therapy at Harrods, then join a tour of Buckingham Palace before feeding the ducks at Hyde Park. Indulge in a little more shopping together in Oxford Circus, followed by cocktails in Soho and a show in the West End.
Make like a local and ride a red bus on your way to climb high in the London Eye, then hail a black cab across the city to visit the Tower of London. Foodies won’t want to miss the gooey goodness of the infamous chocolate brownies at Borough Food Market, or the coffee in picturesque Notting Hill. And a trip to London isn’t complete without visits to Madame Tussauds and Portobello Market, a boat ride up the River Thames, and lighting a candle and taking in the spectacular view from St Paul’s Cathedral.
Still got the energy to keep going? Get your glad rags on, grab your man and dance the night away at Pacha – a little piece of the party island of Ibiza in London. Located in an historic 1920s building behind Victoria Station, Pacha is all about glitter balls, chandeliers and beautiful people. Or go full-on VIP and book a table at Mahiki, the tropical-themed club favoured by British royalty and celebrities.
WHERE TO STAY Save your pennies before your honeymoon and splurge on a room at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (mandarinoriental. com/london), where you can star-spot to your heart’s content. Home to one of the city’s top five restaurants, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, you’ll be sitting pretty with the high-rollers and international jet set. Or consider Soho Hotel (firmdalehotels.com). Conveniently located within walking distance of the West End, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and more must- sees, it makes a lovely boutique base from which to do all your day tripping.
THE FILM Vicki Cristina Barcelona THE LOCATION Barcelona
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT The cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona is characterised by a relentless buzz, quirky architecture, bustling street life, delicious food, plentiful sangria and endless sunshine.
WHAT TO DO In the heart of Barcelona is La Rambla, a tree-lined street that stretches for more than a kilometre through the central city. A mecca for tourists and locals alike, while you’re exploring this boulevard, take a seat in the early morning at one of the many pavement cafés with your café con leche (coffee with milk) and delicious ensaïmada (a light, sugar-sprinkled pastry), then hop on an open-top bus to see the sights.
Barcelona is home to the stunning, wacky and outright breathtaking architecture of the acclaimed Spanish architect Gaudí. The fantastical Sagrada Familia church has to be seen to be believed – a huge, unfinished Roman Catholic church designed by Gaudí with spires 170m tall, this incredible creation is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lose yourself in the tiny back streets and hidden tapas bars in the Gothic Quarter, or head to Montjuïc Hill for sweeping panoramic views of the city and out across the ocean. If you’re travelling with a football fan, a trip to FC Barcelona stadium will probably be non-negotiable, but you can sweeten the deal with afternoon tea at Pasteleria Escribà – located on La Rambla, it’s the best pastry shop in town and a must-visit.
When the sun goes down, pop into one of the plethora of neighbourhood bars and chat to the locals over a glass of cava (Spanish sparkling wine) or tinto de verano (summery red wine served cold). Dine on patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) and glasses of ale at popular craft beer bar BierCab, then rev things up a gear and dance till you drop at hip nightspot Bling Bling.
WHERE TO STAY Intimate boutique hotel Circa 1905 (circa1905.com) is housed on the first floor of a modernist building in Barcelona’s uber- fashionable Eixample neighbourhood. Or really go for gold and book a room at the luxurious ABaC Barcelona (abacbarcelona.com), which is nestled below the hills surrounding Barcelona and boasts views across the city and a mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurant.
THE FILM French Kiss
THE LOCATION Paris
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT Ah, Paris – the city of love, fashion, food and culture. It’s impossible not to fall head over heels for everything Parisian when you travel to the capital city of France.
WHAT TO DO First things first – must-sees in Paris include the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Coeur, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower. Start at the Louvre – everyone should see the famous
Mona Lisa at least once in their lifetime. Yes, you’ll queue to get in, but the museum’s vast collections are worth the wait. Next, make your way to Notre Dame, the towering 13thcentury cathedral with gargoyles and flying buttresses. Then jump aboard the nearest métro to Sacré-Coeur, where you can climb to the top of an extremely windy set of stairs and be rewarded with a 360-degree view of the city, before refuelling with a picnic of French bread and fresh cheese in the adjacent hillside park, complete with carousel.
One of the most iconic monuments in Paris, the Arc de Triomphe sits at the western end of the Champs-Élysées. For a romantic view at dusk, head up to the viewing platform to see the city illuminated by twinkling lights. The opposite end of this beautiful avenue is bordered by the Jardins des Champs-Élysées, home to exquisitely arranged gardens with fountains and grand buildings nearby.
Last, but not least, continue your starlit mission with an evening trip to the Eiffel Tower – this Parisian icon has gorgeous light displays after dark.
When you’ve ticked off your tourist to-do list, immerse yourself in everyday Parisian culture. Take a trip to the artists’ quarter, Montmartre, eat crêpes on the sidewalk in St Germain, hop on a boat on the River Seine, or glam up and head to the Experimental Cocktail Club in the buzzing Montorgueil district before dining on beef bourguignon, washed down with a rich Bordeaux wine.
WHERE TO STAY Splash some cash and book a room for two at the Hotel Plaza Athénée Paris (dorchestercollection.com). Located on the prestigious Avenue Montaigne, this fivestar hotel features a Dior Institute spa, five restaurants and a cocktail bar, and is a short walk from the Champs-Élysées. Fashion lovers will fall for the Hôtel du Petit Moulin (hotelpetitmoulinparis.com), a boutique hotel located in the Marais district with rooms decorated by French fashion designer Christian Lacroix. THE FILM Muriel’s Wedding THE LOCATION Sydney
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT Just a short trip across the ditch, travel to Sydney and you’ll find gorgeous beaches, fantastic shopping, eclectic food offerings and a seriously fun nightlife. What are you waiting for?
WHAT TO DO Sydney is an absolute blast, whichever way you look at it. If you’re city slickers you’ll love people-watching at Darling Harbour and shopping in the central city. Or maybe you’d prefer to get out of town and go surfing in Byron Bay, spy kangaroos in the Blue Mountains and wander among the vineyards of Mudgee. Grab your bumbag and be the ultimate tourist: hit the Sydney Opera House; shop at the Rocks and the Queen Victoria Building; check out the wildlife at Taronga Zoo; visit Sea Life Sydney Aquarium and the Museum of Contemporary Art; and go ridecrazy at Luna Park. Then pack your swimsuits and towels into your favourite tote and head out to Bondi Beach – the ultimate spot for beach lovers and surfers. Grab a smoothie and while away the hours together on the soft sand. As the sun goes down, nab a table at Icebergs, an iconic clifftop Bondi dining establishment with an outlook over the waves.
WHERE TO STAY The epitome of urban glam, Establishment Hotel (merivale.com.au) has everything you need for a super-luxe stay. Dress up and kick off your night at Establishment Bar, then cruise upstairs to the trendy Hemmesphere for cocktails and a Japanese-inspired menu. The added bonus? Bulgari products in the bathrooms!
For something a little bit different, hire a car and hit the road with your other half for a gourmet getaway. Reminiscent of a house in the Hamptons, Bells at Killcare (bellsatkillcare.com.au) is a scenic 90-minute drive north of Sydney (or just 20 minutes by ferry from Palm Beach) and includes a restaurant with delectable authentic Italian food prepared by chef Stefano Manfredi. The dining room has a coastal feel and the hotel suites have Ralph Lauren furnishings and elegant nautical interiors. Just be warned, this place is popular, so you’ll need to book well in advance if you want to eat here. And after you’ve satisfied your taste buds? Grab a map and walk off your lunch as you explore the local sights.