January 2026 Edition
What’s On
Hello, January. The new year begins with elevated escapes, refined hospitality, and experiences that span continents, from sun-soaked rooftops to icy polar frontiers. Luxury travel beckons: Park Hyatt Tokyo reopens after a transformative renovation, The Cape Town EDITION makes an African debut, and PONANT EXPLORATIONS opens bookings for Antarctic voyages aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot.
Closer to home, the pace slows in style. Bali’s Noema Resort blends art, design, and wellness for a serene coastal escape, while Port Stephens’ Marina Resort reimagines an ’80s seaside block into a chic boutique retreat. Dining scenes flourish too, with Brisbane’s Marlowe, Melbourne’s Côte Basque and rooftop Cleo, Sydney’s The Palomar, and Perth’s Bar Ole, offering immersive, seasonal and locally inspired menus.
Music, theatre, and performance ignite the imagination: the Sydney Symphony Orchestra begins its 54-show 2026 season, while musicals and ballets promise wonder, storytelling, and spectacle. From polar adventures to rooftop cocktails, gallery halls to coastal escapes, January invites curiosity, discovery and moments that linger long after the month ends.
Travel News
Plan Your Next Adventure
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Park Hyatt Tokyo reopens after 19-month renovation
Park Hyatt Tokyo has reopened following its most extensive restoration to date, unveiling refreshed guestrooms, art-led interiors and reimagined suites. The renewal introduces new dining concepts, including Girandole by Alain Ducasse, alongside revitalised bars, wellness facilities and Club On The Park. The update preserves the hotel’s iconic character while ushering in a refined new era.
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A new chapter for Qantas First experience
Qantas is elevating its A380 First cabin with enhanced dining, premium Bollinger champagne, Aesop amenity kits and redesigned pyjamas. Rolling out from December, the upgrades include Neil Perry- designed menus from Margaret, award-winning Australian wines, dine-on-demand service and wellness-led comforts across select international routes by mid-2026.
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EDITION to arrive in Africa in 2026 with Cape Town debut
Marriott International has confirmed the African debut of EDITION Hotels with The Cape Town EDITION, opening in 2026 at the V&A Waterfront. The design-led hotel will feature 142 rooms, signature dining, a rooftop bar, spa and private residences, blending modern luxury with local character in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
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PONANT opens sales of 28 Antarctic voyages in 2027/28
PONANT EXPLORATIONS has opened bookings for 28 Antarctic voyages in the 2027–2028 season, with four ships sailing the region. Highlights include luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, rare routes to extreme latitudes, emperor penguin encounters and immersive expeditions ranging from 12 to 20 days.
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Bali Bound? Discover Noema Resort
Pererenan, Bali’s emerging hotspot, welcomes Noema Resort, JHL Collection’s first lifestyle hotel. Opened in August, the 157-room property blends rammed earth facades, pastel interiors, art installations, and lush greenery. Dining highlights include Paparempa’s modern Indo cuisine and Mamaloma’s international menu. Family and pet-friendly, with a rooftop Korean spa, Noema offers a stylish, slow-paced escape just minutes from the beach.
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Marina Resort: ’80s seaside relic reborn as coastal chic
Port Stephens’ hospitality scene rises with the Marina Resort, a 48-room boutique property featuring Ocean View and Garden Terrace rooms, suites, and two-bedroom options. Designed by Stella Collective, interiors use timber and travertine to echo the coast. Highlights include a 25-metre pool with cabanas, pop-up bar, Grown Alchemist amenities, and easy access to dining, Shoal Bay, and Tomaree Mountain trails.
Dining & Hospitality
New, Coming Soon, Iconic Tables
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The iconic Club Rose Bay is back! The revived community RSL has had a makeover, ushering in a diverse mix of new experiences and timeless charm.
Club Rose Bay by Merivale is a sun-soaked coastal retreat blending relaxed sophistication with vibrant energy. Enjoy Italian-inspired dishes by Nottis, inventive cocktails and an effortless seaside atmosphere perfect for sunset drinks or late-night gatherings. With Merivale’s signature flair, it’s the ultimate destination for friends, dates, or weekend celebrations along the stunning Rose Bay coastline.
- 1 Vickery Avenue, Rose Bay, 2029 -

Discover Belongil: Your Gateway to East Coast Elegance in Byron Bay
Belongil is Byron Bay’s laid-back coastal escape, where relaxed vibes meet stylish design. Just minutes from the beach, it blends boutique accommodation with lush surroundings, artisanal dining, and local produce. Ideal for slow mornings, sunset cocktails, and exploration of Byron’s creative scene, Belongil offers a perfect balance of comfort, charm, and the quintessential East Coast lifestyle.
- 33-35 Childe Street, Byron Bay 2481
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NOW OPEN: Fanda Group's hotly anticipated Australian bistro, Marlowe
From Rick Shores,Central, Norté, Sueño, Southside Fanda Group brings an elegant Australian bistro set within a restored 1938 heritage apartment building. Led by chef Ollie Hansford, the hyper-seasonal menu reimagines nostalgic Australian classics with premium local produce, complemented by a 200-bottle Australian wine list and native-inspired cocktails.
105 Melbourne St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
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COMING SOON: Côte Basque, Melbourne’s Hottest Grill
Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann will open Côte Basque in Melbourne’s CBD in winter 2026. Inspired by the Basque coast, the European grill for 100 diners will feature wood-fired cooking and locally sourced produce. The ACME-designed interior honours the building’s mid-century architecture with original terrazzo floors, a stepped dining room, private upstairs dining, and an outdoor seating area.
25 Crossley Street, Melbourne
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COMING SOON: The Palomar in Sydney
The Palomar, London’s celebrated Levantine restaurant, is opening in Sydney’s 25 Hours Hotel The Olympia. Led by culinary director Mitch Orr and head chef Luke Davenport, the menu blends Soho favourites—like two-bite chicken schnitzels and pistachio baklava ice cream, with local produce. The spacious Sydney outpost features an open kitchen, woodfired grill, pink quartzite bar, and approachable, expert service.
1 Oxford Street, Paddington -
Sakura House: Japanese Spirits & Small Plates in Sydney
Darlinghurst’s new izakaya from The Waratah team, Evan Stroeve and Cynthia Litster, serves Japanese-inspired bar fare like Wagyu sando, karaage, katsu prawns and gyoza, paired with 40 whiskies, sakés, umeshu, Lemon Sours, highballs and inventive cocktails using rare Japanese spirits. The inviting, detail-rich space features booths, low bar seating, live music, vintage artwork and boro-style textiles.
82-88 Elizabeth Street, Barangaroo
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Cleo: Melbourne's Newest Rooftop
Hyde Melbourne Place’s rooftop bar, offers sweeping city views and an eastern Mediterranean sharing menu by Jordan Clavaron. Highlights include grilled seafood and slow-cooked lamb, paired with easy-drinking wines and inventive cocktails like pistachio spritzes and the Cleo Colada. Open from breakfast to late-night drinks, the venue also hosts DJs, rooftop Pilates, meditation sessions, and special events.
130 Russell Street, Melbourne
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Bar Ole: Spanish Tapas & Parrilla in Perth
perched in Iluka Plaza, brings the warmth of Spanish tapas to WA’s northern corridor. Drawing on local and Spanish produce, the menu features classic tapas, parrilla-grilled meats, and market fish. The bar focuses on WA and Spanish wines, French champagne, sangrias, and fruity twists on classic cocktails, capturing the Marbella-inspired spirit of family, community, and shared dining.
98 O’mara Boulevard, Iluka
Global Sporting
World-class competition, with access to the year’s most iconic events.
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Experience the Australian Open 2026 in Club 1905
The most exclusive dining destination at the tournament. Typically reserved for guests attending every match of the AO, this invitation-only space has been extended to Quintessentially members, including a world-class menu curated by multi–Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan.
These tickets are available exclusively to Quintessentially members and must be purchased as a set of four. Members are welcome to gift them to clients or colleagues. -
Your experience includes:
- Access to some of the most sought-after seats in the arena
- A curated dining experience by 9-Michelin-starred Chef Simon Rogan
- A premium 5 hour drinks packageContact your Lifestyle Manager to secure tickets.
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Qatar Airways Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2026
Feel the adrenaline as Formula 1 roars into Melbourne’s Albert Park, with high-speed drama, glamorous hospitality, and a festival atmosphere on and off the track.
Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th March, 2026
Albert Park Racetrack, Melbourne -
US Masters Augusta
Golf’s most revered tournament, where tradition, precision, and prestige meet. Set against immaculate fairways and iconic azaleas, it gathers the world’s finest players to compete for the coveted Green Jacket in an atmosphere of heritage, drama, and unforgettable sporting moments.
9th - 12th April, 2026
Augusta, Georgia, USA -
PGA Championship 2026
Golf’s elite return for the 108th PGA Championship, where precision and power meet on one of America’s most historic courses- four days of world-class play, prestige, and sporting excellence.
14th - 17th May, 2026
Aronimink Golf Club, Pennsylvania -
FIFA World Cup 2026
The world’s biggest sporting event returns across three nations, uniting fans for five weeks of unforgettable matches, global talent, and cultural celebration on football’s grandest stage.
11th June - 19th July, 2026
USA, Canada & Mexico
Entertainment & Concerts
Your Front-Row Access to the Arts
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Upcoming Concerts
Ed Sheeran | FEB ‘26
31st January & 1st February - Optus Stadium, Perth
13th, 14th, 15th February - Accor Stadium, Sydney
20th, 21st, 22nd February, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
26th, 27th 28th February - Marvel Stadium, Melbourne
5th March - Adelaide Oval, AdelaideHalsey | FEB ‘26
13th & 14th February - Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
17th February - Riverstage, Brisbane
19th & 20th February - Festival Hall, MelbourneLinkin Park | MAR ‘26
3rd & 5th March - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
8th & 10th March - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
14th & 15th March - Qudos Bank Arena, SydneyWU-TANG CLAN | MAR ‘26
25th March - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
27th March - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
28th March - Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney5 Seconds Of Summer
October - November 2026. Dates announcing soon -
Melbourne Plays & Musicals
ANASTASIA
Led by Georgina Hopson as Anya on her search for identity, home and love. Joined by Robert Tripolino, Joshua Robson, Rodney Dobson, Rhonda Burchmore and Nancye Hayes, this romantic adventure features beloved songs like Journey to the Past and Once Upon a December.
- Regent Theatre
- 20th December - 15th February, 2026WAITRESS
Broadway’s hit musical WAITRESS arrives in Melbourne, bringing Sara Bareilles’ uplifting score and a heartwarming story of resilience, friendship and second chances. Follow Jenna, a gifted pie maker seeking a fresh start, as a baking contest and unexpected romance open the door to change. Sweet, soulful and feel-good, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser.- Her Majesty’s Theatre
- From May 2026 -
Sydney Plays & Musicals
PRETTY WOMAN
The Musical brings the iconic 1990 film to life in Sydney with dazzling glamour, romance and anthemic pop songs by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Follow Vivian and Edward’s modern fairy-tale love story in a feel-good, high-energy production filled with charm, humour and big Broadway spectacle.
- Theatre Royal Sydney
- From NovemberPHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Harbour
The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour returns in a spectacular open-air production on a floating stage framed by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. With fireworks, lavish sets and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic score, this grand, al fresco staging delivers a supersized, gothic romance for its 40th-anniversary season.
- 27th March - 26th April, 2026THE LION KING
Disney’s The Lion King returns to Sydney’s Capitol Theatre, bringing its breathtaking costumes, powerful music and visionary staging to life. Experience Simba’s epic journey through the Pride Lands, featuring Elton John and Tim Rice’s iconic score. A global theatrical phenomenon, it’s a must-see celebration of storytelling, colour and imagination.
- Capitol Theatre
- From April 2026
Art & Culture
Immersion in inspiration
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NOW OPEN: Westwood | Kawakubo
This major exhibition unites the work of Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo, two pioneering designers who redefined fashion through radical, rule-breaking creativity. Featuring over 140 designs from global collections, it explores their shared originality and challenges to convention across themes of provocation, reinvention, the body, and the transformative power of clothes.
- Open until 19th April, 2026
- National Gallery Victoria -
Coming Soon: Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 Season
The Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s 2026 season features 54 performances, blending classics, rarely performed works, and contemporary compositions at the Opera House. Highlights include Song of the Earth with Simone Young, Saint-Saëns Organ Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Fifth, Dutch pianists Lucas and Arthur Jussen, soprano Ying Fang, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and Kalkadunga musician William Barton with didgeridoo performances at City Recital Hall.
- Open from Friday 30th January to Sunday 22nd November, 2026
- Sydney Opera House -
A Legacy of Light: Women Photographers 1900–1975 at the NGV
A Legacy of Light celebrates over 300 works by 80 pioneering image-makers from Melbourne to Tokyo, Paris to Buenos Aires. Spanning experimental, documentary, portrait, and street photography, the exhibition explores gender, culture, technology, and liberation. From Ilse Bing’s iconic light-driven self-portraits to Hedda Morrison’s Beijing images, the show highlights women’s creativity, resilience, and innovation in 20th-century photography.
- Open until May 3, 2026
- National Gallery Victoria
At Your Request