Manager's Blog

October 2007

I cant believe it, there I was telling every one that spring was here and over night the weather turns back to winter. In fact while every one in Australia is in a drought Hobart has had days of rain, the plants are loving it! and the garden is so green and lush. The fires are on and its a great excuse to stay inside, relax and enjoy the wine cellar without gilt!

I took a photo this morning to share with you the view from the conservatory looking up to Mount Wellington. It looks very cold and is very windy. However it is normally windy this time of year. The October winds they call it.

Last week we sent out our very trendy spring newsletter if you did not receive it just go to the newsletter page and click on subscribe and you will be sent a copy of the latest news. Loic our web designer has done a great job so thanks Loic.

Exciting news, The Islington Salamanca art prize which we are a major sponsor has 44 entries which is just fantastic and the entries are very exciting I can wait to see them. In the middle of October the judges will be deciding on who are the finalists. This is our first year  for the art prize and we are certain that it will be the beginning of a truly wonderful recognition to the arts of Tasmania.

Stay tuned for more gossip soon.

Spring Blog

Talk about me being Lazy!!! Not finding the time to update and inform all my avid readers about what has been happening and what is going to happen. So I will try and make it up to you.

June, July and August have been yes you guessed it very busy. Winter is no longer a burden for the state of Tasmania. Many have been to enjoy the cold winter in front of our amazing fire places along with warm and filling food all combined by some of Tasmania’s amazing Pinots and Sav Blanc’s. Being spoilt and relaxed is what we have been doing to our guests and we enjoy it so much. Nothing pleases us more then ensuring that your busy lives and stressful home/work environments are forgotten. If you have not taken that well deserved break then you must come down and see spring coming to life in Tasmania.

I am so very excited, the warmth and smells in the air is truly addictive. Blossoms give such color and life to a ‘Phillip Stark” looking garden. The prize passion of our cherry blossom which over hangs our garden suits and reflective pond will come to life I suspect end of September it only last a couple of days so if you are booking give us a call to see how the progress is going and don’t miss out on this emotional experience.

Some exciting information tools will be launch this month, you will be able to book all you accommodation online come middle of next week also we will have a new newsletter which you can subscribe to, it is going to look and read so well with a lot of insight to what is happening. Stories and package will be shared and you can once again book directly on the specific packages. How very high tec!!! One has to stay ahead in this market and Islington is doing just this down in little old Tassie.

Our new Property 1 hour from Hobart is located in a small town of 350 people called Bothwell, it is coming to light with a planned opening at the end of the year. It will be called The Priory Country Lodge. It will be our fishing and hunting experience for our guests. I won’t give to much away just want to get you excited. Also in the area is Australia oldest golf course Ratho and it is having a face lift which will be fantastic and well worth a crack of the clubs. Today in the Mercury ( Hobart Local Paper) is a story about a new Whiskey Distillery called “NANT” it will be opening also at the end of the year and tour if you can call it will be by appointment only, very exclusive I might add. Don’t worry you have the connections with us as we will be managing the tours. The property is simply amazing and Keith Batt the property owner is putting a lot of love and passion into the project. Have a look at the web site www.nantdistillery.com.au for more insight to this exciting experience that we will be offering in your stay down in Tasmania.

Say in touch and look forward to seeing you soon.

May Manager Blog

May Manager Blog

Gourmet Traveler Australia recognizes The Islington Hotel

Get ready for it, are you sure you are ready….. The

Islington Hotel

has just been awarded in

Sydney

at the Gourmet Traveler Australia function the award of “Best Boutique Hotel in

Australia

. I and Amy along with the team are just so proud at the moment, from Daniel to Paul and

Ann

ie right down to our gardener Tony and the housekeeping team (kathleen, paula, keandra) for their efforts in helping us achieve such fantastic results within such a short time. The effort and time and our hearts in to the home is so important and it is wonderful to be recognized for the it. Thank you Gourmet Traveler.

Media News

Islington shall shortly coming under the umbrella of the management company called Van Diemen Hotel Group PTY Limited (VDHG) Don’t be to concerned it is our company we have created and not some large mulitinational corporation. The main purpose is for the operator (us) to be able to be apart of future hotel and projects in Tasmania so that the level and service and hospitality you require will become available and assured of the very highest standard. It is a great logo check it out….

Art

Our art prize has begin and the sponsorship has come on board. Robert Morris Nunn and associates our architect along with Hayden Armstrong Insurance Brokers, Info media web designers, Merchants commercial property agent, The Islington Hotel, Van Diemens Hotel Group and Salamanca Art Gallery, new print,  The Art Prize description and entry from can be found on our website so if you are an artist who is keen to paint an historical building in Tasmania then you should not miss out on the opportunity, we plan to announce the winner at the launch in November and the Minister of Tourism and Arts Paula Wriedt will announce the winner. I will keep you posted with news about our fist art prize, Very exciting stuff!

Islington Gossip

Just arrivedback to the hotel after a busy time in

Brisbane

attending ATE (The Australian Tourism Exchange) I have been selling Islington to the Asian Markets. I know what you are thinking why do we have to let the whole world know about Islington your private escape down under. Well my response is don’t worry, I have some exciting news and that is we are expanding!!! Not on site but with a new property. It will be our country lodge. Activities will be based around fly fishing, hunting, historical tours private excursions and most importantly hosted so you can just stay in relax and enjoy exclusive privacy. The Priory as it will be known will be booked as a house and not the conventional way with individual rooms (like a hotel). I know you are hungry to know more so each month I will tell you a little bit more about the property, when it opening and progress. Just a little hint leaves some room for a weekend very early next year open!!! So keep watching this blog for more……….

Amy has decided and I have given in to her demands but I cant argue with her my life is at stakes….. We have a winter package with include stay for 2 night get the 3^rd free. A great deal at $800 a real bargain. So with the fire place on and the reds ready for the pour we hope you make use of Islington so you can see that

Tasmania

is truly exceptional even during winter. You might be able to get more information from me about our new property so see you soon..

Poppie our new dog is growing and know weight in at 2.7 kilos and she will probably only double her size . Just big enough! She just had her first flight to

Sydney

where amy family will be taking care of her as we take 2 week leave and head for

Bali

to spend a birthday with my best friend Hamish MacDonald. I have already heard that Amy sister wants to adopt her!!! Bali will be relaxing time and with time away from Islington we will charge up the batteries and ready to kick of the second half of the year where booking are looking strong and growth within the company so all the charging of batteries to be high on the agenda. Daniel Paul and Annie will be looking after you while we are gone so be rest assured you will be in good hands. Have a great holiday and see you soon.

April Managers Blog

The change of season is apon us and what a rare and beautiful sight to see! And with much of Australia in drought it has been a refreshing experience for our guest’s to see Islington’s green grass, prospering herb garden and the ever changing leaves. Tony our gardener has just planted over 250 daffodils bulbs around the property and we wait eagerly for them to flower, the predictions are late June. It will be a burst of colour for garden once the leaves have fallen and winter has set in. Can’t wait! to watch from the comfort of the lounge with the fires roaring and glass of wine in hand.

Easter has been and gone and with Daniel our butler taking a 2 week holiday back to England and Paul, Islingtons newest addition as Chef having a pre planned trekking holiday in India all that was left was Amy, Annie & I. It was hard work but well worth it with lots of new and returning guest’s, plenty of Easter eggs and Annie’s wonderful food to devour it makes it all worth while!

Targa Tasmania car rally is happening as we speak and Islington is featured on a car and has become the preferred place to stay for the event for drivers and sponsors alike. Will post a photo once the car has finished and is safely parked in our driveway.
This month also saw Islington in Marie Claire Magazine when they used our fabulous property for the food location story conducted by Anna Last (food Stylist) and Photographer David Matheson who did an amazing job. Page 228 just in case you were wondering?

Some exciting news… Islington is expanding and we have officially launched our Management Company, “Van Diemen Hotel Group” which includes Our Directors, David Meredith & John Goodyear aswell as Amy & I with the focus to develop additional properties around Tassie to enhance guest’s Tasmanian experiences. The first addition is scheduled to open at Christmas time.  I can’t tell you too much yet but it will have something to do with hunting and fishing and total privacy?!?!? Ok no more clues, Amy always say I can’t keep a secret but promise to keep you all posted and don’t worry we’re not leaving Islington!!

We also have a new member to the family, her name is “Poppie” and she is a miniature long haired dachsund red in colour just like her new mum (Amy)! She is 9 weeks today and being incredibly spoilt by all, however lots of training underway and she seems to feel right at home at Islington.

Well I can sit about all day and tell gossip but there is work and lots of it, but one things for sure…. It’s great to have the team back!!! Hope to see you all soon for the bulbs to burst, the wine to be opened and the fires to roar through winter.

January-February Manager Blog

Sorry to all for not having January’s blog together but Islington has been just so busy, The Best Month to date for Islington and all very exciting. The month of February looks like it might be our busiest still so we were right…. Tasmania is a hot destination to visit and Islington’s the place to be!

Tatler Magazine UK recognizes The Islington Hotel
Some fantastic news in the world of travel and tourism. Islington has just been nominated by Tatler Magazine UK in the “Best 101 Hotel’s of 2007”. Islington is one of only 3 Australian Hotel’s and we are so pleased that we are being noticed and appreciated for all our efforts.

Media News

As you know Daniel our butler who came to us from the Royal palace was interviewed on ABC Radio talking about his work experience and also life at Islington. Not to forget about Annie as she has been recognized by Travel and Leisure for her work at Islington. Last night we hosted an unbelievable food showcasing Tasmania’s Best for a Japanese Magazine hosted by Tourism Tasmania and ourselves, it was a great excuse for me and Amy to have one of Annies fantastic and personal meals. Also on the food front Marie Clare magazine is here doing a fab photo shoot on Tasmanian Food, Lifestyle and Travel and Annie has been a great help for the team with all the inside info on the States best produce. The magazine is due out at the end of April and we eagerly await the story and photo’s.

Christmas and New Year

Christmas and New Year seems so long ago….but what a great time we had at Islington. The house was a buzz of activity, lots of fun, cheer and fabulous food.
Christmas saw 22 in the library for what was an amazing feast. I will attach a photo as soon as I receive them; some family members are being a bit slack!! Christmas is a special time and everyone has so much fun so we have decided to have another one??? What do you mean I say, we are going to have Christmas in July. During winter, Tasmania is a magical place and what better way to enjoy it…with the warmth and comfort of the open fires and floor heating with Daniel in the bar making his famous Mulled wine …..then sit down to a full Christmas feast with all the trimmings joined by The Islington Family. Book now, definitely not to be missed July 20-22nd July 2007.

Art

Islington turns160 years old this year and to celebrate this marvelous achievement we have an amazing Art package organized for 2007. Renowned Artist & Botanist, Lauren Black is spending over 2 days at Islington ( 4 dates this year ) as our resident Artist, teacher and guest speaker about botanical art and guests can partake in classes. It is also a way for artists to expand their knowledge and talents with botanical drawings & painting. 

Islington Gossip

We have been blessed to see many guest coming returning back to Islington. This is great news and we hope it continues because Islington is a home and with guests who treat it like so makes our jobs a little easier, sometimes!! Last Wednesday we took our very special guests the Topfers out as our guests on a new sailing boat charter called Helsal IV. The sailing boat is 62 foot and although 20 years old it was and still is the Rolls Royce vessel. The main purpose was to see if the boat operator who could look after our guests the way we like and I am pleased to say that John the Skipper did a fantastic job. The weather was great and the wind strong enough to put up the spinnaker. I have no-doubt that it will be a busy boat during the summer months so if you would like to go sailing and enjoy the amazing views from the water of Hobart then let us know and we will book it.

December Manager Blog

Wow! The months are just getting better and better. I don’t know if it’s the weather, the guests, the amazing adventures from helicopters rides, mountain treks and abseiling, the snow falling outside, the wild Melbourne cup hat party or the deep sea fishing. Islington is proving to be the place for all your occasions. Its been the month of private parties where the hotel has been fully booked by individual groups. Each time the guest’s reasons for staying were different. We had a private corporate retreat weekend, a judges conference, pre Christmas thank you party and one that I cant mention because of confidentiality reasons!. All stays resulted in the same outcome, very very happy guest. So from Myself, Amy, Daniel and Annie we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being such wonderful guests and bringing the house alive!!.

December finally arrived. What am I talking about? Its came far too soon. However I love this month, perhaps it because I love presents. Christmas at Islington for us is still about family and traditions and we still have a few rooms available and always a place at the table for our Christmas feast, so if you want to escape your own family or want to be apart of another We would love to have you join us.

I’m always looking ahead and we already have bookings up to November 2008. Scary I know!

Hobart is a small place and with events, a conference taking up so much accommodation it’s some really is hard to find a bed. So if you need an excuse for a trip in 2007 there is so much coming up Including the Sydney to Hobart, The Biannual Art Exhibition - 10 days on The Island oh and most importantly Islington turns 160 years old and we are celebrating all year long!! Oh yes, I nearly forgot regarding the award for best luxury hotel. Islington did not manage to win the award went to Lillianfels in the Blue Mountains. Surprised I hear you say well we were so happy to be nominated so early in our new life, we do look forward to next year so thank for your votes we so appreciated it.

I will post some photos soon of the house with the wonderful decorations being put up for Christmas ( as I write!) and I am sure you are all wanting to get the look ….just Islington.

Be Safe and Very Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!

N.A.D.A

Manager Blog November

Manager Diary

Wow …….how exciting the past month has been.  Apart from being our busiest month so far we have had so much fun with wonderful guests, private events and our new vegetable plantings. With Daniel our new butler now on board its been a buzz with Royal gossip and given guests an added experience at Islington. Annie your chef has also been producing amazing meals for all to enjoy, from homemade pasta, yummy preserves and amazing romantic 3 course dinners for lovers to enjoy. We just love all the activities and the ever changing and evolving house called Islington.

As promised for those car enthusiasts, just to make you jealous, October saw Islington as the destination to launch the new BMW Z4 Coupe M series to the motoring media of Australia. (I had 7 in the car park and all the keys!) Oh, and the Aston Martin Vanquish that happen to drop in!! The cars were truly amazing and if you want a new sports car I can highly recommend the new Z4, and can even show you the wonderful roads and corners it handled so well!

The famous cruise liner “The World” came to Hobart in October and of course we had guests from it stay with us. It so happened that on their last day the weather was so beautiful that we decided to have lunch in the garden under the willow tree beside the pond, joining us were two wild ducks (now named Coco and Chanel by Amy) who are now regulars to the garden.

Lunch was divine, seared Tasmanian scallops, fresh ocean trout from our southern waters cooked on the BBQ, asparagus picked that day, wonderful Tassie wine and excellent company, a day not to be forgotten. The photos just don’t do it justice but we had such a great time and look forward to the next BBQ and new friends to join us in the garden.

We are now getting Christmas and New Year organised so we’d love to have you to join us…be quick because we are nearly fully booked.

Must run and join our guest for Cocktails and canapés…don’t want to miss out on the smoked Bruny Island Rainbow Trout.

Blog Entry September 1st

Dear Friends,

Amy & I are ecstatic to be nominated in BEST LUXURY ACCOMODATION category for this year’s Travel & Tourism Awards. As you are aware Islington Hotel has only been open for a short time and we are the only new hotel and the smallest property in the field. We believe we have a wonderful and unique property and a benchmark for true luxury accommodation here in Australia. It’s an honour to be nominated and think we have a great chance to win this award. The awards are based on voting only and we ask for your continued support and vote for The Islington Hotel.

We also have a newsletter that will explain what we have been up to and the exciting plans we have to treat you in the future. For exciting ideas and great value in food and event packages, this is a great place to start.
2006 has been a big year for us, and even though we are past the half way mark there are still lots of exciting opportunities to better explore Tasmania, to come unwind and relax and revive and refresh.
Or plan ahead to October and our special Seafood Splurge. Annie our resident chef is planning six Saturday night exclusive dinners … limited to 20 people only, these Saturday night feasts will serve up three courses of the finest of the season’s shellfish, oysters and freshest of fish all washed down with the best of the Tasmanian wines. So book your flights, call us to secure rooms, bring friends, meet friends but be at the table this October … and part  of a special night. See newletter for the menu.

Islington is a great place for product launches and cocktail parties for small intimate groups just have a look at the recent Rolls Royce private party to showcase the car to potential buyers in Tasmania. The evening was a success and enjoyed by all members attended.

Dont forget to have a look at our links for additional information about Tasmania and your holiday.
We are always happy to recommend and book all your activities so let us do all the work just let us know.

Enjoy Life !

Nicholas and Amy

Hello and welcome.

We are Nicholas & Amy Parkinson-Bates and we will be your hosts during your stay at Islington. We are dedicated to providing you world class hospitality on this wonderful island called Tasmania.

Islington to us is a special place because of its beauty and the people who love it. Surrounded by its understated opulence, and the sense of serenity and tranquillity we truly hope that when here, you too will relax, unwind and allow us to pamper you in every way.

If you are looking to experience the glory of Tasmania's restaurants, vineyards, trout streams or wilderness; or wanting an itinerary to allow you to taste the wonders of Tasmania in a day or two, do contact us. We are full of ideas & our experiences will help deliver that little something that will suit your special interests. And from helicopters, to private planes and jets, special guides, and insider tips, we introduce you to the best.

We really hope that you will love Islington as much as we do and come to see it as a place where you can return to often, to escape, to rest and recharge. It is our new home and we want it to be yours: please see this as your home away from home, in this truly amazing part of the world.

Looking forward to welcoming you soon.

Sincerely,
Nicholas & Amy