On 14th April 1912, RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg four days into her maiden voyage from England to America. Just over two hours later, the ill-fated passenger liner was laid to rest at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.Now, almost 105 years later, a luxury travel company is offering a select group of guests the chance to visit the remains of the world’s most famous shipwreck. UK-based Blue Marble Private just announced the Dive The Titanic expedition, an 8-day journey that will take intrepid underwater explorers 4,000 metres below the water’s surface to see the skeleton of the historic ship.After embarking from Canada by helicopter or seaplane, travellers will be transported to an expedition support yacht above the Titanic’s wreckage in the North Atlantic Ocean. Each day will see them board a specially-designed titanium and carbon fibre submersible and descend to the remnants of the ship. Guided by a crew of experts, they’ll tour the doomed oceanliner and its most iconic sights, including the famous grand staircase.The guests will also be treated to educational sessions on the Titanic’s history and the mechanics of deep-sea exploration, and will have the opportunity to help the crew prepare for dives, operate the sonar, and use the undersea navigation system. Participants can take images, videos, and sonar data home as mementos of their once-in-a-lifetime experience.RELATED: Step Inside Titanic II, The Replica Ocean Liner Scheduled To Launch In 2018This marks the first time since 2005 that the public has been permitted to dive to the site of the Titanic, according to The Daily Telegraph. The sight is so rare, in fact, that fewer people have seen the ship than have travelled to space or summited Mount Everest.The inaugural Dive The Titanic expedition is scheduled for 2018, with further dives planned for 2019. Just 9 adventurers at a time can be accommodated on each outing. And yes, it won’t be cheap.The trip reportedly costs US$105,129 per person – equivalent to a first-class passage ($4,350) on the Titanic’s only voyage, after adjusting for inflation. With luck that will be the only thing the two voyages have in common.

The post A Travel Company Is Launching Expeditions To The Titanic's Wreckage appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Tel Aviv in Israel isn’t one of the most well known hubs for cool interior design but every now and then an anomaly comes by to surprise the world.

This is a Tel Aviv man cave at its finest, featuring cues from Scandinavian design mixed in with subtle hints of Israeli art and furniture. Beyond that the space is predominantly monochrome, featuring black accents on a warm white canvas throughout.

This includes the lounge, dining area, hallways, outdoor area and entire upper floor including the bathrooms.

The use of natural light is also commendable here with generous openings merging nature with the fine floor art and designer lighting. The cool project which began life as a 1970s 150m2 apartment was completed by Architect Oshir Asaban in 2016.

Now who said too much black was a bad thing?

Have a peruse through the gallery for some interior inspiration.

The post Fine Architectural Lines Adorn This Cool Tel Aviv Apartment appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

If you live for dark draughts and always dreamed of being Charlie (of chocolate factory fame), your wildest fantasies are about to come true. Your Willy Wonka is Arthur Guinness, founder of the Guinness brewery, where you could soon spend a night thanks to Airbnb.The one-night-only sleepover, set for April 24, is part of Airbnb’s “Night At” series, a string of competitions that has gifted winners overnights in unique locales like Dracula’s castle, the Paris catacombs, and a shark tank.For this contest, the famous Gravity Bar at the Guinness Storehouse will be transformed into a loft fit for Arthur himself (if Arthur were a Bond villain or a billionaire playboy). The stout-steeped space will be decked out in a mix of contemporary Irish craft furniture and original artifacts from the Guinness Archives – including a “perfect pint”-shaped bed, Sonos speakers, a pool table, life-sized Jenga, a private butler, a Guinness tasting bar, a giant telescope, and a 360-degree panoramic view of Dublin.The winner of the once in a lifetime experience for Guinness fans and beer aficionados will be greeted by Domhnall Marnell, Guinness Storehouse Beer Specialist, before being handed the keys to the Guinness Storehouse. Their journey begins with rare access into the heart of the legendary St. James’s Gate Brewery, the production site that has been home to the Guinness Brewery since 1759, and Arthur Guinness’s Thomas Street home.After the tour, the winner will learn to pour the perfect pint and explore the wonderful world of Guinness advertising from the Gravity bar. Next up is a visit from Beer Specialist and Executive Chef Justin O’Connor, who will serve up 6-courses from a Guinness-inspired menu.The experience ends the following morning, with a crash course in the basics of brewing from Brewer Peter Simpson and one last glance at Dublin from your toucan perch above it all.To enter the contest, visit the Airbnb listing and answer the question: ‘What makes you the world’s biggest Guinness fan?’ The competition closes on 22nd March and the prize can be redeemed on 24th April only.Slainte!

The post Spend A Night In Dublin's Legendary Guinness Storehouse With Airbnb appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

They say good things come to those who wait. We waited 4 years, 73 days and 21 hours to test drive a Porsche 911.

The heavens opened, the Stuttgart Gods smiled down upon us and we were bestowed with the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S to review and drive for a week.

On Sydney roads, experiencing the true might of this car would be limited but we took the opportunity to take a bookish Russian up to West Head Lookout to test the 4S on the 25 kilometres of winding roads, even if they were limited to just 60km/h.

Power & Performance

Speaking of performance, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S lacked none of it on our little week-long test run.

On the rare occasion where the congested Sydney roads opened up for us, a mash of the pedal would unleash the ferocity of the 3.0-litre flat-six boxer engine in one of the most confidence-building surges we’ve ever experienced for a turbo car.

In the numbers game that intoxicating surge comes from 309kW of power and a healthy 500Nm which is available from a lowly 1,700rpm all the way to 5,000rpm.

Those kind of numbers are enough to see the 0-100km/h sprint dispatched in just 3.8 seconds with the optional Sport Plus and PDK package for seamless and rapid upshifts.

On the twisty bits the 4S was also a well-rounded performer with little body roll impeding on the fast shifting corners or AWD understeer coming into play too much.

The latter probably has more to do with the fact that we weren’t pushing the car to its absolute limits but nonetheless it was a good feeling to know that the maximum traction was always there.

PDK, Smoother Than A Baby’s Bottom

Whenever you speak to someone and say you’re driving the new 911 they almost always ask about the PDK transmission. Given how much power and torque this car has the PDK ensures that the great changes are super smooth and fast.

We’re a little baffled by people still ordering manual, especially on Sydney roads which are rubbish at the best of times. The PDK automatic is where you want to be for this type of car.

One thing which we did notice is the car is extremely drivable in first and second gear. And yes, you’re likely to hit 80 km/h in second so it’s been made to be drivable at lower speeds.

On the spirited runs the car’s exhaust was also less ‘boomy’ than expected during gear shifts; instead it gave way to that signature Porsche rumble that builds into a howl as the RPMs climb.

Stereo? Honestly, who needs it with that kind of soundtrack coming from behind your head. But more on that later.

Let’s Ignore The Colour

Let’s just say we were a little surprised by the colour of the 911 Carrera 4S that greeted us at Porsche Centre Sydney. The ‘Racing Yellow’ really does stand out but sometimes we’re a little more into being under the radar.

That said it is a car that possesses performance to demand attention. We’ve had kids point at us and even someone stick their finger up at me for no good reason, so yes it does get attention – good and bad.

If Racing Yellow is not your thing, Porsche also offers the 4S in four standard colours (black, white, yellow, red), eight metallic colours and a further four special colours. That’s sixteen colours to choose from incase you weren’t counting.

A custom colour option will see an extra $11,990 added to the final bill. No doubt there’s bound to be something which will suit the most discerning buyer with such a broad spectrum on the table.

So Many Buttons, So Little Time

The Porsche cockpit is exactly that. A cockpit. You’re nearly nestled amongst a sea of buttons and gizmos which are all just a touch away. Ergonomically it’s something which makes this car so driveable.

We did find the indicator to be a little troublesome at times, but generally it’s not a deal breaker. Paddle shifts are positioned well, as is the dial for changing between driving modes. The optional sunroof open and close buttons sit in the middle of the console for easy access.

The centre console offers all the usual suspension, exhaust noise, rear spoiler, traction control. We did find ourselves switching the car into sports mode almost immediately when we drove it just to hear that awesome gurgle.

We were left to our own devices to work this all out but found it all very easy.

Let’s Talk About The Cup Holder

Probably the smallest but coolest design feature in the 911 4S (and all new 911s) is the cup/latte holder.

This clever little feature opens to reveal two holders, but it also allows you to close the flap whilst still leaving the cup holder out. Genius. If you’re only using one cup holder, no problem you can close the other off too. Need we say more?

Three Drive Modes, Three Ways To Go Faster

Apparently there’s a nice driving mode (the D) but we sure as hell didn’t use that much. Like most cars the there’s Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.

Each offers a different level of performance, stiffness and noise. Sport mode was our preferred mode simply because of the note the engine produced. You can turn this on and off as you like without needing to be in Sports mode.

Exhaust Note Of The Gods

When you’re dropping over $300,000 on a sports car you want to make sure it sounds good. The Porsche isn’t a Ferrari (see: Italian screamer), it’s German and more measured but the gurgle is pretty damn nice coming from those twin exhaust pipes. Combine that with the whirl of the turbo and it makes for one very sweet note.

Don’t expect to scare the local children though. You’re buying it for the wrong reasons if that’s what you’re hoping. It’s a grown-ups sports car.

There is a reprieve for those in search of a bit of aural pleasure of course. Porsche’s latest sports exhaust system can be added as an optional extra on all new 911 models (our 4S came with it).

This gives the engine some extra breathing space to stretch its legs in the form of improved resonance and a racecar note at the push of a button. It won’t wake the neighbours but it will light up the inner-race car driver in you.

It Has A Proper Sun Roof

As previously mentioned the optional factory sunroof is actually a sunroof. Not one of those tiny vents or the faux glass roof.

Sure it’s not a moon roof, but for driving in Sydney’s summer it’s perfect. The tinted glass offers a decent amount of protection, however there’s an additional button operated screen if you’re trying to be extra sun smart.

The Most Badass Steering Wheel Ever

Can we take a moment just to say that the design team at Porsche clearly didn’t take a lunch break when designing the steering wheel in the 911.

The modular design features a combination of leather and brushed aluminium with rivets/screws which gives a truly sporty but refined look. It’s incredibly comfortable on the hands, and as mentioned earlier the phone, volume and drive controls are all within an arm’s reach.

Bigger Brakes For Braking Quickly

We were pleased to see the press car had been spec’d up with the insane optional ceramic brake system. For a lazy $50,000 you can enjoy stopping on a dime and spilling your latte everywhere.

Stopping abruptly didn’t scare the hell out of us as it would any other car when travelling at speed. The carbon ceramic stoppers simply wiped off the speed effortlessly without fade, making us think the car was travelling a lot slower than what it was (it wasn’t).

We’re keen to see the difference between the ceramic brakes and the standard ones as these are rather impressive.

Touch Screen Navigation & Entertainment

Another feature which we really love is the arrival of touch screen commands on the navigation, phone and entertainment system.

This incredibly intuitive system was easy to set up with Bluetooth as was finding your favourite radio station. The unit also has two slots for SD cards. A somewhat pointless addition unless you’re the type who copies music to an SD card. Regardless it’s a bit step above the other units in the market.

The speaker system is Bose and in the small cabin it really pumps. Not that we had it on for too long since there was already a sweet soundtrack playing behind us.

Getting Into Tight Spaces

Having driven the Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Huracan, our expectations were the 911 4S would be just as big in stature. It’s not. It’s extremely compact but without feeling cramped inside.

More importantly there’s very few blind spots in comparison to it’s Italian friends. Getting the car in and out of our tiny Bondi garage was a breeze and even parallel parking was easy.

This should be a major factor for someone who’s worried about having to avoid tight spaces. In comparison the Lamborghini Huracan was super wide but the inside still felt small. The 911 is the complete opposite. Tick.

Specifications & Price

In Australia the Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe retails for $233,600 for the 7-speed manual and $239,550 for the 7-speed PDK.

The up-specced Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Coupe meanwhile retails for $268,700 for the manual and $274,650 for the PDK variant.

The post Refined Beast: Behind The Wheel Of The 2017 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Picture this once in a lifetime anomaly. One of Japan’s oldest and most respected whisky makers known as Karuizawa opens its Miyota distillery in 1955.

Foolishly, they did so right next to an active volcano called Mount Asama. With the chance of turning into ash becoming a real possibility over the decades, Karuizawa ceased its operations in 2001, leaving behind their liquid gold.

What was slowly retrieved from the distillery over time would become one of the world’s most legendary whiskies, crafted from four small stills using imported Golden Promise barley from Scotland which were aged in Sherry casks.

Today those final existing bottles in the world are considered true collectors’ items. And the largest batch of them ever is about to go on auction – all 290 bottles of Japan’s most sought after whisky all in the one place – for a pretty penny.

Scottish-based Whisky Auctioneer will oversee the sale of this impressive collection which reportedly took an entire decade to amass.

Included in the sale is 230 bottles of single cask whisky which accounts for a bottle of 1963 50 Year Old, 1964 48 Year Old and the elusive 52 Year Old Karuizawa 1960 ‘The Dragon’ – one of only 41 bottles in the world.

For reference, the last bottle of Karuizawa 1960 sold in Hong Kong for £83,000 (over US$100,000) in 2015.

Keen to sell your soul for a drop of majestic Japanese copper juice? Bidding will commence on April 5th at the Whisky Auctioneer with the entire collection expected to go for well over US$600,000.

Those who don’t make the winning bid can try their hand at Sydney or Melbourne‘s coolest whisky bars instead.

The post World's Rarest Japanese Whisky Collection Heads To Auction appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Did you just land a dream job that allows you to work from home? If so, may we first offer our congratulations, and secondly extend a guide to home office furniture that will improve your output and boost satisfaction levels.

Pay attention, home body.

The Scenario

Pant-less days and mid-afternoon beer breaks without judgmental glances from colleagues are awesome, but there are a few downsides to working from home.

Distraction and procrastination are two traits that remote workers the world over endure. Without supervisors, managers or bosses breathing down your neck, looking over your shoulder, and scalding you for taking too many coffee breaks, working at home is a tricky business. However, with the right attitude and surroundings, working from home can actually aid productivity.

The Space

Whether your home office is big or small, the right configuration and design can make or break a productive space.

Minimise distractions

Achieve this by removing non-work related items. Gaming consoles, old Playboy collections and mini-bars are not conducive to work, so get them out.

Crucial Furniture Placement

Position the desk under or facing a window to make the most of the sunshine and suck some vitamin D through the glass.

Don’t Forget To Leave Empty Space

An overly cluttered office will have you running from its cramped confines whenever the whim takes you. A clear, tidy space with minimal unneeded items will serve you better.

Let The Room Breathe With Potted Plants

Opt for hearty varieties that will be hard to kill, and place a couple on your desk as a proven stress reduction measure.

The Chair

Aside from your bed and your couch, an office chair will see more action than any other piece of furniture in your home.

Adjustable, ergonomically designed options are king, and the perfect fit should see your back supported, your feet flat on the floor and your thighs sitting parallel to the ground. Always adjust the height to ensure computer screens rest at, or fractionally below, eye level.

If you’re a big boy, buy a chair with adequate seat width and depth. The average office chair measures 80-20 inches at its widest point but there are larger models available.

Lumbar support is another feature to look for, particularly if you suffer lower back pain. Select a chair with lumbar adjustment so you can optimise the cushion and backrest’s height and depth. A smooth swivel and adjustable armrests round out the perfect office chair’s wish list.

Investing in a Steelcase Leap will set you back about $900, but the expense is well worth it. The ergonomic chair promotes blood flow and movement and is compatible with both traditional and standing desk designs.

The chair features swivel settings, a stool option plus foot and headrests. The chair can even be tailored and upholstered to your specific requirements. For inspiration, visit the Steelcase WorkLife Center in Pyrmont, Sydney.

Balance ball chairs are becoming increasingly popular among back pain sufferers and cool cats alike. These chairs are not meant for daylong use. Instead, switch up your sitting routine with short bursts (no longer than three consecutive hours) on a balance ball.

The Safco Zenergy Ball Chair sports a supportive design for a strong core, improved balance and healthy posture. Constructed using anti-burst technology, the Safco Zenergy Ball will set you back $329.

The Desk

An office chair without a desk is like Angelina Jolie without children: it’s just not right. The desk, more than any other piece of furniture, will set the tone of your home office.

The size of desk you require will depend on the type of work you do. For example, an architect will need a larger desk than a freelance writer. Dual screen are optimal for almost every home worker, so choose a desk that can accommodate at least two computer screens.

A built-in desk spanning the entire length of a wall are great if you have a lot of space, but may not be suitable is you are working with a confined quarters. Slim desk designs are suited for these spaces.

Height-adjustable desks are all the rage. Jump on board the sit/stand workstation bandwagon with an Uplift Desk (starting at $500). You can design your Uplift Desk from the bottom up. Want wheels? You got it. Keyboard trays, cable management and spacious drawers are also packed in to this tiny little unit. The best part of this desk is the ability to go from sitting to standing position with the press of a button. Plus, it holds up to four height settings to ensure comfort.

The super sexy Evolution Executive Height Adjustable desks range in price based on the size you choose. Key features include electronic display screen, three memory settings, touch-panel drawers and Blum storage sections.

The Tech

The home office has come a long way in recent years. Gone are the days of clunky home computers, reams of paper and printers that worked at a snail’s pace. The 2017 home office is a high-tech wonderland. Here’s what you’ll need to create a technologically advanced home office.

Wi-Fi backup

It goes without saying that you’ll need a reliable Internet connection if you want to conduct business from home. But for serious businessmen, an Ethernet cord is a must. This lifesaver will spring to action when the Wi-Fi is misbehaving. 

Headset

If your job involves a lot of time on the phone, a high-tech headset is important and your iPhone speaker just isn’t going to cut it. Wireless varieties are best, and the Plantronics CS520 Wireless Headset HL10 Lifter bundle ($444) is one of our favourites. Not only does it offer a noise-cancelling microphone, but it also enjoys a roaming range of up to 100 metres.

Laser Printer & Scanner

You may not think you need a printer and scanner, what with scanning and digital uploading becoming so accessible. But once you start working remotely, you’ll be surprised just how handy one of these dual devices will become.

Retailing for $160 the Brother Hl-l2380dw Wireless Laser 3-in-1 Printer is perfect for every budget and provides professional grade results.

Glassboard

Chalkboards have had their day, and now it seems whiteboards are heading in the same direction thanks to the proliferation of mobile glassboards.

There are a bunch of models entering the Australian market with options including:

• Magnetic glassboards
• Mobile glassboards
• Low iron glassboards
• Toughened glassboards

The mobile variety work best in the home office as they can be wheeled out of the way, or to a different room entirely.

The Companion

Humans were not built for solitude, and workplaces lacking face-to-face interaction can be detrimental to productivity. For this reason we suggest you adopt a fury friend to keep you company and help you remain sane.

Dogs have the added advantage of needing to be walked and let out to relieve themselves. This encourages you to get up and walk around, refreshing your body and mind.

The post Simple Ways To Put Together A Masculine Home Office appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

From lush landscapes to buzzing cities, Vietnam is designed to dazzle. Few countries have changed so much in so little time. This intrepid corner of Southeast Asia has persevered through colonialism, communism, war and poverty, and like the proverbial phoenix, has risen again to claim top spots on countless bucket lists.Prepare for sensory overload. Though it has not forgotten its past, Vietnam has come roaring into the future. Urban centres like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are bursting with youthful populations, innovators in arts and sciences, and tidal waves of motorbikes. In other corners of the country, ethnic markets, ancient temples, and intricate pagodas continue to draw visitors from both home and abroad.But Vietnam’s most stunning sights sit beyond city borders. Peaceful paddy fields and majestic national parks, languid river deltas and pristine beaches, jagged karst peaks and fathomless caves – the natural scenery here is transcendent.Extraordinary Vietnam holidays await. Discover yours below.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and one of the country’s most popular destinations. The southern capital has left its war-torn days behind for a head-spinning mix of economic success and poverty. The combination makes for a constant flurry of sights and sounds, a whirlwind experience that’s overwhelming and exhilarating in equal measures.Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history with visits to the War Remnants Museum (formerly the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes) and the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral. Drop by the Reunification Palace and Central Post Office to see some of HCMC’s most striking architecture. Experience tradition at the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, and Binh Tay Market. Visit the 48th-floor Saigon Skydeck in the Bitexco Financial Tower for a view above it all.

Tay Ninh

From your HQ in Ho Chi Minh City, take a day trip to Tay Ninh, home to one of Vietnam’s most interesting indigenous religions, Cao Daism. The Cao Dai Great Temple is an utterly astonishing structure: a rococo clash of kitsch and creed that blends motifs from Christian churches, Chinese temples, and Islamic mosques. The jury’s out on whether it’s art or an eyesore, but it’s certainly intriguing.Your second stop is the Cu Chi tunnels, a network of underground passageways once used as hideouts, living quarters, and supply routes by the Viet Cong. Life in the tunnels was difficult. Air, food, and water were scarce. Vermin and poisonous insects roamed the passages. Malaria, the second largest cause of death during the war, was rampant. Yet today the tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, and visitors are even invited to crawl through the safer parts of the system.

Mekong Delta

Another destination easily reached from Ho Chi Minh City is the Mekong Delta. Here, in the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam, visitors are greeted by a bewildering variety of colours and rhythms. The mighty Mekong River empties into the South China Sea, leaving a spider’s web of tributaries in its wake. Life on the Mekong Delta revolves around the water – countless boats traverse its network of streams, and even houses and markets float upon the innumerable canals.Spend a day or two exploring the region’s orchards and paddy fields, markets, and religious structures. Popular stops include My Tho, Ben Tre, Sa Dec, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Cai Be, Ca Mau, Chau Doc, and Soc Trang during the colourful Ok Om Bok festival.

Da Lat

Dubbed the “City of Eternal Spring” for its distinctive temperate climate, Da Lat was developed as a resort by the French in the early 1900s. Many reminders of its colonial heritage remain today, making it a favourite spot for Vietnamese honeymooners seeking romance. The Europe-meets-Asia vibe is unique, though the love obsession veers towards cheesy at times (think horse-drawn carriages and swan-shaped pedal boats).

Mui Ne & Nha Trang

A hectic travel schedule demands occasional respite, and Vietnam’s beaches are the place to take it. Try Mui Ne, the country’s top resort destination, if you’re looking for an upmarket take on sun and surf. Farther north, lively nightlife and a more locals-friendly scene can be found in Nha Trang. The latter also has a noteworthy culinary culture, nearby hot springs, and the world’s longest cross-sea cable-car ride.

Hoi An

Don’t be fooled by its diminutive size. Hoi An’s picturesque scenery and laid-back atmosphere draw rave reviews from visitors, making it a must-see stop for all Vietnam holidays. There two main points on your Hoi An itinerary: eat and shop. The food here may be the best in the entire country, and the city’s many inexpensive tailors can whip up made-to-measure clothes in no time.Beyond the eating and shopping, Hoi An has endless other charms to recommend it. Visit Quan Cong Temple and the Japanese Covered Bridge if you like architectural accomplishments. Attend the Full Moon Festival to see the streets come alive with music, dancing, and brightly coloured lanterns. Relax on the local beaches or take a trip to Cham Island to scuba dive. Explore the atmospheric ruins of My Son, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

Hué

Pronounced ‘hway’, this aristocratic city boasts immense opportunity for historic exploration. Hué was once the capital of the Nguyen emperors, and still claims the temples and palaces to prove it. You’ll find the once-grand Imperial City on the north bank of the Perfume River, inside the 19th-century walled citadel. To the east lies Phu Cat, the city’s original merchants’ quarter. To the south are the palatial Royal Mausoleums. Hué is also the main jumping-off point for day-tours of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), if you’re looking for history of a different sort.

Detours

If you can spare the time between Hué and Hanoi, the route is peppered with enticing detours begging to be explored. The glittering limestone cavern of Phong Nha, accessible only by boat, was once revered as the largest cave in Vietnam. It has since been surpassed by Son Doong – believed to be the largest cave in the entire world. Only one tour operator is currently authorised to lead expeditions into Son Doong, and there’s a two-year waitlist.On the outskirts of the northern Red River Delta lie the mystical landscapes of Tam Coc and Van Long. Limestone outcrops collide with serene rice paddies in a scenic spectacle inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.Tam Coc is a flooded cave karst system composed of three caves that can be explored by boat. Nearby Bich Dong is a pagoda complex dating back to 1428. The Van Long Nature Reserve is popular with bird watchers and is one of the last natural refuges of the Delacour’s langur, one of the world’s most endangered primate species.Also in the region is Hoa Lu, home to architectural remains that once housed the Dinh and Le kings. Though their palaces have long been reduced to rubble, seventeenth-century copies of their eleventh-century temples still stand.

Hanoi

Vietnam’s capital has shed its war-ravaged image to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant and culturally significant cities. Like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is both a feast for the senses and guaranteed to overwhelm them. Visitors never run short of things to do.Make the most of your trip by finding your way into the Old Quarter, where you can experience the city’s best inexpensive street eats (the bahn mi and pho are musts). Wash them down with bia hoi, a light-alcohol beer that’s made fresh daily and costs next to nothing.See Quan Su Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. Shop at Dong Xuan Market and pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh Museum & Mausoleum. Stroll through stately pagodas and temples, along the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, and down the elegant tree-lined boulevards of the French Quarter. See it all by motorbike if you crave authenticity and have nerves of steel.

Ha Long Bay

There are few more dramatic ways to end a Vietnamese tour than a trip to Ha Long Bay, a breathtaking mass of limestone peaks (some 1,900 islands and islets in total) jutting from the sea. Because of their extremely precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and untouched by human presence. Their scenic beauty is off the charts as a result, as is their biodiversity.To fully absorb the immensity of Ha Long Bay, you’ll want to experience it from multiple angles. First admire its ethereal beauty from land, then drift across its emerald waters on an overnight cruise tour. Drop by mountainous Cat Ba, the largest and most beautiful island in the bay, if time allows.

The post This Is The Only Way You Should Holiday In Vietnam appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

I can resist everything except temptation. Rarely does Oscar Wilde’s quote feel truer than mid-diet, when all the protein and leafy greens in the world couldn’t quell your cravings for a bite of chocolate or a late-night drunk kebab.

But there’s good news. Your shit willpower isn’t a dealbreaker when it comes to eating well. In fact, research has repeatedly found that relying on pure grit to maintain a healthy diet isn’t effective at all – instead you’re setting yourself up for a crash, with an inevitable binge and sky-high blood sugar levels in your future.

There’s a better way. By planning ahead, and putting systems in place to harness your hunger before it starts, you’ll eat better with minimal effort (and have willpower left over for the gym).

Curate Your Field Of Vision

What you see is what you eat. Ideally you’d purge your pad of all unhealthy foods, but an all-or-nothing approach is often a recipe for failure. Instead, make sure the healthy fare is easily accessible and the goodies are hidden out of sight. Don’t be afraid to get creative – who says veggies have to be in the crisper? Rearrange your fridge so the body-friendly fruit and veg are on the top shelf. ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ really works.

The same logic applies to water. Keep a bottle or a glass within arm’s reach at all times. You’re far more likely to drink what’s in front of you than what requires a trip to the kitchen.

Plan Ahead

Make it easy to eat well and hard to eat junk. Cook meals ahead of time and make enough for leftovers so there’s always healthy food in your fridge. Put things like bread, chocolate, and cookies in the freezer so eating them requires the extra work of defrosting. Plan routines in advance when your willpower is strong – “When I go to happy hour after work, I’ll have a glass of wine” – so you aren’t at the mercy of cravings when you get there.

Add, Don’t Subtract

Most of us think of diets as eliminating bad foods, but scientists have found that we’re more likely to want something when we try to suppress it. They call it “behavioural ironic rebound.” We call it the munchies. Flip the script by focusing on adding good foods instead of subtracting bad ones. Eat a piece of fruit before you dip into the Ben & Jerry’s. Over time, the healthy eats will help push the bad ones out of your life.

Replace “Can’t” With “Don’t”

Change your language. Believe it or not, what you say (even inside your own head) can have a major impact on how you act. You’re far more likely to cave if you say you “can’t” have a slice of birthday cake than if you say you “don’t” eat cake. The decisiveness of the second phrase changes how you see yourself: you’re a healthy, disciplined man who knows how to do what Oscar never could.

The post How To Eat Healthy When Your Willpower Is Weak AF appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Nothing says “I’ve made it” like a yacht. It’s an essential toy in any rich-as-sh*t boy’s collection, up there with the supercar and the private plane.

Or maybe you prefer life under wind power. Sailing is more your speed, whether it’s a relaxing leisure cruise or a hair-raising, spray-in-your-face race for glory.

Or perhaps you love the simple things: a man, an outboard motor, and his trusty fishing line.

Whatever your maritime style, there’s an Insta-feed that will get you craving an adventure on the water. Here are seven of the best boating Instagrams to follow for nautical inspiration.

The Yacht Week

Take the leap of faith, buy the plane ticket, sail with the best and have one hell of a story to tell the grandkids It’s the things you don’t do that you regret, right? @samearp #livetheyachtweek #theyachtweek

A post shared by The Yacht Week (@theyachtweek) on Mar 13, 2017 at 11:03am PDT

Imagine seven days of living like a billionaire playboy in Croatia. Or Greece. Or Italy. Or Thailand. Or Montenegro. Or Spain. Or the Caribbean. The Yacht Week is a famously hedonistic experience in some of the world’s dreamiest destinations, packed with beautiful people, beautiful boats, beautiful backdrops, and all the partying you can handle. Think of it as spring break for cashed up adults.

America’s Cup

@teambda2017 making a training on the Great Sound for the @rbyac. #RBYAC #nextgen

A post shared by America’s Cup (@americascup) on Mar 9, 2017 at 7:36pm PST

First contested in 1851, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport, predating the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. As yachting’s biggest prize, the event draws a worldwide roster of business and industry tycoons (like Oracle’s Larry Ellison) and larger-than-life sailing figures. Spectators can follow the action of the ‘Auld Mug’ all year round on the official Instagram account.

Sailing World

Maitre CoQ nears the line! Jeremie Beyou is set to finish the Vendée Globe in third place, and become just the fourth skipper in the event’s history to complete the round-the-world race in less than 80 days. Photo: Francois Van Malleghem #vendeeglobe #vendeeglobe2016 #imoca #oceanmasters #imoca60 #foils #foiling #monohull #sailing #sailboats #sailboat #sail #sails #maitrecoq

A post shared by Sailing World (@sailingworldmag) on Jan 23, 2017 at 7:53am PST

Sailing World magazine is an essential starting point for anyone who loves life on a lean. The publication aims to engage with passionate performance sailors who are obsessed with the technology and techniques of speed under sail. Check out the website for news, reviews, and how tos, and follow the IG feed for a steady stream of visual inspiration.

TheYachtGuy

M50 Yacht nights Courtesy of @hotlab_yachtdesign & @mondomarine_

A post shared by TheYachtGuy (@theyachtguy) on Mar 9, 2017 at 7:51am PST

Known simply as TheYachtGuy, this cultivated chap lives for the finer things. Most of his account gallantly upholds its name with a flood of envy-inducing yacht shots, but the occasional travel photo sneaks in, as do a few watch snaps and selfies. The high life aquatic looks mighty good to us.

Sander van der Borch

Mean Machine rounding the top mark. #sailingphotographer #sailingphotography #sailing #tp52 #meanmachine #medcup

A post shared by Sander van der Borch (@sandervdborch) on Aug 29, 2016 at 1:13pm PDT

Secret Sailing

Photo credit : @elrazina #sailing #yachting #sails #sail #boat #wind #sailboat #instasailing #yacht #sport #racing #yachtracing #letsmakesailinggreatagain #sailingstagram #secretsailing

A post shared by Secret Sailing (@secretsailing) on Mar 5, 2017 at 1:51pm PST

It’s unclear what’s so secret about Secret Sailing, but it’s obvious that whoever’s behind it has a deep appreciation for life on the high seas. The Instagram feed showcases a mix of professional sailors and hobbyists, and various kinds of vessels in the throes of adventure. Tag #secretsailing to be featured.

Volvo Ocean Race

Ocean snapshot @amojr29 / Team Alvimedica

A post shared by Volvo Ocean Race (@volvooceanrace) on Feb 8, 2017 at 9:03am PST

Since 1973, the Volvo Ocean Race has provided one of the world’s toughest tests of sailsmanship. The 2017-18 edition will be the longest course in the history of the race, taking competing teams 46,000 nautical miles around the world. They’ll cross four oceans, touch six continents, and stop in 12 iconic host cities during the eight month journey to the finish line.

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