You could just about do Brisbane for the weekend (Emirates flights allow you to leave Friday afternoon and be back at Changi before work Monday for S$817, including taxes), but why rush things?The capital of Queensland has seen a cultural renaissance over the last few years and has shaken off its old moniker of BrisVegas. Do things differently and stay at Spicers Balfour Hotel, a gorgeous boutique spot in a century-old heritage building out in the New Farm, the city’s hippest suburb.With just nine rooms, starting from AU$271 (S$360) for Smith members (including a complimentary glass of Veuve), it’s within walking distance of some of the best food and drink in the city, including fine-dining tapas joint Ortiga (Australian Gourmet Traveller’s Best New Restaurant 2010) and cocktail spot The Bowery (a former AGT Bar of the Year).Better yet, start your trip in Brisbane, then rent a car and head up to the Sunshine Coast for the Noosa International Food & Wine Festival 2012 (May 17-20), which features guest appearances from the likes of David Thompson (Nahm), Fergus Henderson (St. John) and Ortiga’s own Pablo Tordelissas.To book, go to the Mr & Mrs Smith website.
