Helen Hayes

Sydney

Digital Magazine Editor at Freelance

Freelance travel writer and editor focusing on cruising, luxury and spa

Articles

'I found Sydney's best airport hotel - and it comes with a major perk'

1 month ago | travel.nine.com.au | Helen Hayes

I am offered a free cocktail or mocktail at check-in at Moxy Sydney Airport. Well, it would be rude not to, right? It is not often the check in desk is a cocktail-straw away from a lively bar, but as I come to find out, the Moxy is anything but ordinary. I have stayed at many airport hotels and the experience is normally completely focused on grabbing sleep and food before the onward journey.
What it's really like to ride world's steepest ski cable car in Switzerland

2 months ago | snowsbest.com | Helen Hayes

In Switzerland, there’s one ski area that is opening not one, but six new cable cars carrying 85-100 people per car. Yep – six of them. Where is this magic happening? In Mürren – Schilthorn. It’s all part of the mammoth Schilthornbahn 20XX project, in the postcard-pretty part of the Jungfrau Ski Region. And it is mammoth. It involves the development of two new cable cars that opened this season between Stechelberg and Mürren (the steepest in the world) plus new cable cars between Mürren and Birg.
The Butler did it - what it's like to have a butler at sea

Dec 10, 2024 | thefinerthingsintravel.com | Helen Hayes

Just what do butlers do to enhance the cruise experience? We asked Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Head Butler, Prashant Tandel. Regent Seven Seas Cruises is known for the World’s Most Luxurious Fleet, with some of the biggest and most lavish suites at sea. For guests in Penthouse Suites or above, a private butler elevates the experience into the stratosphere. So what is it like to have a butler at sea? Prashant Tandel has been a butler with Regent since 2004.
REVIEW: Cirque Du Soleil LUZIA

Nov 30, 2024 | thefinerthingsintravel.com | Helen Hayes

“LUZIA is pure, unbridled joy. My face was aching from smiling and from the jaw-dropping feats.”WHATCirque Du Soleil LUZIA, a Waking Dream of MexicoWHEREThe Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park, SydneyTHE STORYLuzia is Cirque Du Soleil’s 10th touring show in Australia, with the first, Saltimbanco, wowing audiences in 1999. Australian crowds fell in love with the sheer artistry, fun, jaw-dropping feats and feel-good factors, and that love has not changed.
Onwards to Ontario

Oct 9, 2024 | australiangeographic.com.au | Helen Hayes

This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada. There is no shortage of adventure to be had in Ontario. Lovers of the great outdoors will love white water rafting on moody rivers or kayaking on idyllic waterways, hiking through towering forests or biking on scenic pathways, and a whole lot more.
Luxury on the rails in the Canadian Rockies

Oct 3, 2024 | australiangeographic.com.au | Helen Hayes

This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada. It is almost impossible to tear my eyes away from the view out the huge windows in the glass-dome car, a seamless segway from flatland to gorges, lush valleys and to majestic mountains. This is life onboard Rocky Mountaineer, and even when enjoying the delicious meals prepared by a chef and heroing local produce, it is impossible not to sneak glances outside as you don’t want to miss anything.
Chill factor in the Canadian Rockies

Sep 26, 2024 | australiangeographic.com.au | Helen Hayes

This article is brought to you by Adventure World/Destination Canada. The view stops me in my tracks. I stand stock still on Banff Avenue and just take it all in, totally mesmerised by the jagged dinosaur spine of white-topped mountain peaks around this postcard-pretty town. In Banff, the words ‘winter wonderland’ are often overused, but here, they suit perfectly.
This stunning cruise to Tahiti turned into something even more alluring

Sep 23, 2024 | exploretravel.com.au | Helen Hayes

A cruise to Tahiti turned into something even more alluring when nature played up. Create a free account to read this article or signup to continue readingAs I unpack in my cabin on board Windstar's Star Breeze, the new snorkelling mask and flippers I purchased take pride of place. I can almost feel on my skin the tingly salt water of the azure lagoons I will laze in. I can picture the velvety sting rays that I will fraternise with, and think about the fire dance we will see on an idyllic motu.
Why the Swiss city of Lausanne is considered the 'Olympic Capital'

Aug 1, 2024 | travel.nine.com.au | Helen Hayes

While all eyes are on Paris for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Swiss city of Lausanne is the place to go to learn all about Olympism. Imagine watching the final of the 100-metre sprint in the athletics in Paris. Now imagine that all the competitors weren't wearing any clothes. In the Ancient Olympic Games, founded in 776 BC in the shadows of Mount Olympus, all the competitors were actually naked.
Why you should stay at The Lenox in Boston

Jul 1, 2024 | thefinerthingsintravel.com | Helen Hayes

Hotel Review – The Lenox, Boston, USAWhereThe Lenox Hotel has one of the best locations in Boston, on the corner of Exeter and Boylston Streets in Back Bay. Shopping, dining and many of the main attractions of this beautiful city are walking distance. In fact, Boston is a very walkable city, with everything within cooee. BackstoryThe elegant Lenox was built in 1900 by the owner of the legendary Waldorf Astoria in New York, Lucius Boomer.