Calling all food lovers! For the entire month of October, Sydney Australia is opening its doors to the world and letting everyone come on in….granted they bring a sampling of their finest cuisine, of course. And what better way is there to make some new international friends then through bribes of culinary delights?

At the Sydney International Food Festival (SIFF) there’s something for everyone – from cooking classes, markets, community and regional events as well as extravagant dinners in Sydney’s best restaurants.

Some of the major highlights of the festival include its much awaited “World Chef Showcase Weekend” from October 9 -11, 2009 which brings together some of Sydney’s best culinary stars.

If you feel like taking it easy, Carlo Petrini, Slow Food founder and international president, will be speaking at the Sydney Opera House on October 18, 2009. This discussion will cover Slow Food’s approach to agriculture, food production and gastronomy.

And while in the city and seeing all that Sydney has to offer, make sure to book your stay at one of the best luxury hotels in Sydney.

Establishment Hotel:

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If you like small, intimate and elegant the Establishment Hotel is the perfect spot for you to relax from all of your indulging at the SIFF.

Nestled in Sydney’s business district, and within walking distance to major attractions, means you never have to go far for world class food, great entertainment and exciting nightlife. And if you are someone who thinks that walking is too much, Establishment has three restaurants, six bars and one night club!

All of the 31 rooms and two penthouses are beautifully designed with two sleek and modern styles. One style features strong bold colour against Japanese-like black floorboards and restored warehouse ceilings, while the other is much softer in color and feel, giving guest a tranquil environment.

If you’re looking for a great location, cool vibe and a place big on luxury, the Establishment Hotel is definitely the right spot for you.

The Observatory Hotel:

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Sydney is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle and nowhere is this more true than at The Observatory Hotel. Located near Sydney’s historic Rocks and Business District, this is a great starting point in discovering all that the city has to offer during SIFF, such as museums, galleries and shopping.

Known as Australia’s most awarded hotel, and recently crowned the “Most luxurious hotel in Australia 2009” by Australian Annual Travel & Tourism, there is no doubt your stay will be unforgettable.

Every room at the hotel is beautifully and spaciously designed in an opulent Regency style accented by polished mahogany furnishings and rich fabrics.

And after a long day of festivities make sure to take advantage of their day spa which offers a number of treatments and modern amenities including an on-site restaurant and cocktail bar. What could be better than that!?

The Observatory Hotel is definitely where stylish traditions meet modern efficiencies.

As I plan my next business travel, my health promise to myself has to be taken in to account. I am over 40 and the spread is beginning to show. I have always used the excuse of my travels, but now more then ever I am committed to loosing weight and creating a new fitness regime to get healthy. After all a healthy body is a healthy mind!

The spa and fitness business has become big business with hotels worldwide; it’s no longer enough just to have a room stashed away in some corner with a few pieces of equipment. Now clients expect a facility that will cater to all the needs, from a swimming pool to the complete gym to spa treatment rooms. But its not only hotels guests who crave this facility, city location hotels have realised that there is big business to be made in the gym business, but clients are also actively searching for hotels with extended facilities.

Athens, Greece: The Grande Bretagne
The newly renovated hotel has combined the complete health facility in the basement. As you enter into this almost Roman bath area a wonderful combination of boutique gym, lap pool, various steam rooms awaits you. Relax after and then enjoy a truly grand hotel experience, maybe with breakfast or dinner on top floor looking over Athens.

London, England: The Grove
This award wining Sequoia Spa was voted Best UK Spa Retreat’ Condé Nast Traveller. The wonderful gym with every dreamable work out tool and personal trainers is complemented by a superb spa centre and to cap it all a beautiful black swimming pool. The centre is built in an old farm house sunk into the ground and is a spectacular sight by night time. If the gym is not enough, then why not try 18 holes on one of the world great PGA courses. Even a certain Tiger had his challenges with that course!

Sydney, Australia: The Sydney Hilton
This gym is most likely one of Australia’s best gym facilities. Well planned and maintained the facility incorporates a 25 m lap pool with various spas & sauna’s and a smaller spa treatment area. Sydney residents can join up and have few excuses not to do with such a facility.

Melbourne, Australia: Crown Towers
Located on the 8th floor the gym looks over the brilliantly designed pool and spa area. The gym has a large glass panels face area and also looks on to the tennis courts in addition to the pool.

New Zealand: Kauri Cliffs Lodge
The latest edition to the brilliant Kauri Cliffs Lodge and golf course. Hidden in a small kauri forest, the spa has been designed with privacy in mind. A perfect boutique gym and lap pool is incorporated with 8 treatment rooms and even a small river that run along side the spa, offering the complete relaxation.

Hong Kong: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Located on the 11th floor, you step into another world. Welcome to the www.plateau.com.hk. With stunning views of Victoria harbour the spa is a step above most. Outdoor 50-metre heated swimming pool, open year round 400-metre jogging track.

Las Vegas, America: The MGM Skylofts
In a world of it’s own lies the MGM Spa. Away from the many restaurants, gaming machines and action lays a facility that may not loose you few dollars, but maybe a few pounds! A serious work out can be attained here, with machines you did not even know would exist.