The Dispatch: Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a California ‘wonderland’ you just can’t refuse
You could argue that Francis Ford Coppola Winery is what happens when the man who made The Godfather decides that what a decent wine region really needs is less reverence and more deckchairs.
Box office bottles
You could argue that Francis Ford Coppola Winery is what happens when the man who made The Godfather decides that what a decent wine region really needs is less reverence and more deckchairs.
Sat in the Sonoma, California, sun like a slightly tipsy idea, this part vineyard, part film shrine, part social experiment has now opened reservations on the use of its seasonal pools and cabins (equipped with a private shower, space to change, and towels for day use).
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In other news, the winery — which rests about 90 minutes north of San Francisco in Geyserville — will this year host weddings alongside a series of new events, some of which involve drinking actual wine.
As Coppola has said of this unique slice of winemaking: “I wanted family‑friendly venues ... a wine wonderland of sorts ... a park of pleasure where everyone can enjoy the best things in life.”
We mentioned the pools, right?
Gold Coast highs
Mondrian Gold Coast has opened the doors on its impressive residential penthouse to holiday-makers, though we doubt anyone pursuing the offer sits within that familial picture of “holiday-maker”.
The aptly named Sky House is a 320sqm residence set on level 24 with 180-degree views from Moreton Bay to Burleigh Headland framed by 5m floor-to-ceiling windows.
Boasting three king-size ensuite bedrooms alongside expansive open-plan living and dining zones that flow onto an alfresco balcony, guests receive expedited in-residence check-in and the dedicated services of a personal host throughout a stay. Private airport transfers, complimentary valet parking and daily a la carte breakfast at Lito (for up to six guests) is also included, among other services.
From $4500 per night; mondrianhotels.com
A Singapore slumber
There’s a line here about Singapore putting travellers to sleep, though let’s instead focus on Como Metropolitan Singapore’s recent fitting of new sleep technology across its rooms.
The introduction of SleepHub in all 156 guestrooms and suites makes it the first and only property in Asia to offer the tech hotel-wide. Developed by Cambridge Sleep Sciences, SleepHub offers a “neuroscience-led approach to achieving deeper, more restorative rest”.
Another way to put things: it’s an electronic bedside device alleged to aid falling asleep and improving sleep quality by playing low-frequency soundwaves.
To mark the move, the Como has reintroduced its Sleep Dreams wellness package marrying the in-room tech with support from leading sleep specialists and aligned treatments at Shambhala spa.
