Be on the ready on December 14th at 8 am AEST, and you could be in with a chance to bed down like Bilbo Baggins in your very own Hobbit Hole.
New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes are magical in more ways than one. Each year, the country draws hordes of Tolkein fans eager to experience a taste of Middle Earth — the fictional landscape immortalized in Peter Jackson’s film adaptation. Now, fantasy enthusiasts can take the experience a step further and bed down in a Hobbit Hole of their own. For the 10-year anniversary of The Hobbit, guests will have the chance to live like Bilbo Baggins in an adorable Hobbit Home located on the original Hobbiton film set.
Spend the night in an adorable Hobbit Hole. (Image: Larnie Nicolson)
If there’s one thing Hobbits are known for, it’s leisure. And of all the regions in Middle Earth, there couldn’t be a better place to unwind than Hobbiton. Located a two-hour drive from Auckland in the luscious, rolling pastures of the Waikato region, the original film set of Hobbiton is preserved as a popular tourist attraction.
The Hobbiton film set is located in the luscious, rolling pastures of the Waikato region of New Zealand. (Image: Larnie Nicolson)
The whimsical opportunity to stay the night comes from a partnership between Airbnb and Hobbiton’s Chief Executive Officer, Russell Alexander in celebration of the 10-year anniversary. For a few lucky people, the magic of Middle Earth will come to life through an overnight stay in The Shire that includes an immersive experience into one of the most beloved fictional worlds of all time.
Stay overnight in Hobbiton and watch your Tolkien fantasy come to life. (Image: Larnie Nicolson)You can even visit The Millhouse during your stay. (Image: Larnie Nicolson)
You’ll explore the Hobbiton set with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, with access to 44 Hobbit Holes, The Millhouse, The Green Dragon Inn, and other cherished locations from the film and book. And when you’re all tuckered out from your great adventure, relax in privacy behind your very own circular door built for relaxing.
Open the door to your own Middle Earth adventure. (Image: Larnie Nicolson)
The Green Dragon Inn will be serving up wholesome hobbit fare such as beef and ale stew, whole roast chickens, and fresh-baked bread. Bring your appetite with you, because they’re also serving second breakfast and elevenses daily, too. (When in Hobbiton…)
You’ll be well-fed during your stay. (Image: Larnie Nicolson)
In traditional Hobbit hospitality, the whole experience is just $10. However, there are only three stays up for grabs, which will take place March 2 – 4, March 9 – 11, and March 16 – 18, 2023 (so clear your calendar!). Hopeful Hobbits should be on the ready on Wednesday, December 14 from 8 am AEDT, when requests to book open. With a maximum occupancy of four, you can bring three of your closest companions to create a mini fellowship of your own. Two bedrooms are configured with one queen bed and the other with two king singles. The lucky winners will certainly be in for an unexpected journey…
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Slow travel is encouraging us all to take our time and truly experience our journeys, and cruising has always been the perfect way to do just that.
The slow travel trend isn’t going anywhere. Instead of racing through a packed itinerary, travellers are opting for extended travel, allowing for a more immersive experience – as well as the time to actually feel reset and rested at the end of the journey. Part of that travel style is choosing the best method of travel. With none of the hassle, plenty to enjoy between ports, and port stops that allow time spent in a new place with a new culture, cruising may just be the slow travel answer.
Dive into underwater worlds. (Credit: Getty/ Global Pics)
On this journey connecting Australia to Hawaiʻi, guests have a chance to experience destinations and culture that typically aren’t combined into one leisurely-paced trip. From tropical South Pacific islands to the beauty and culture of Hawaiʻi, each port offers its own rewards. Not to mention sea days in between to rest and reflect.
Stop in Papeete, Tahiti, to watch waves roll over black and white sand beaches. Or wander through tropical beauty at Paofai Gardens. While in French Polynesia, gaze on the jagged green peaks of Moorea. Here, snorkel among vibrant coral and tropical fish in the Lagoonarium. Later, experience the lesser-travelled Raiatea – where coral gardens practically explode with marine life and inland hiking trails lead to waterfalls. End the journey with the golden beaches and rich culture of Honolulu.
More time to connect
Use sea days to make new memories together.
The essential factor that makes cruising the ultimate form of slow travel? Time on board is never wasted. On Anthem of the Seas® during your Long Adventure cruise, that could look like booking a seat for world-class theatre productions and live shows. Or spending time together in one of the many pools, bars and lounges for all moods.
Head to the adults-only Solarium, an indoor-outdoor retreat sitting right at the front of the ship for epic views from the swimming pools, whirlpools and lounge area. With something on every night, take in the onboard entertainment and nightlife. Like We Will Rock You – the West End musical featuring the legendary hits of Queen.
Built-in pauses
Enjoy a spa treatment at Vitality Spa.
We so often forget to factor in time to pause and reflect when we travel, but sea days are a built-in deep breath. Take advantage of resort-style living at sea to disconnect and avoid the trap of a frantic holiday schedule.
On Anthem of the Seas, expansive spaces have been designed specifically to help guests relax, reset and enjoy the journey. Spend time together enjoying onboard entertainment, dining, or lounging by the pool. Head to the observatory to check out an unpolluted night sky. Or, for something truly special, book a restorative massage or rejuvenating facial at Vitality℠ Spa.
Remove travel hassle
Unpack once, and return to your own comfortable room every night.
Instead of sweating as you run from one airport gate to another, getting grumpy because everyone is sleep-deprived or having to unpack and pack over and over again, travel time is spent creating new memories together. Simply depart from Sydney and let the rest be taken care of for you.
Unpack once, and return to the same comfortable room every night. This all-inclusive cruise brings together accommodation, dining, entertainment and transport in one seamless experience. It’s a more considered way to travel, offering exceptional value and removing logistics.
Dine at your leisure
Dine on flavours from around the world.
With world-class dining and a choice of over 18 dining options on board Anthem of the Seas, indulge your senses at any time (and never feel rushed). Take advantage of Royal Caribbean’s Dynamic Dining concept, allowing guests to choose from multiple complimentary restaurants, each with its own distinct style.
Or, book in for an elevated experience at specialty dining venues, with flavours from around the world. Tuck into Jamie’s Italian, led by the celebrated British chef Jamie Oliver. Enjoy Japanese delicacies at Izumi. For something really special, join the Chef’s Table, where up to 14 guests can indulge in a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier.
And with 11 bars and lounges to choose from, there’s always a new spot to enjoy a tipple. Like the unique mixology experience at Bionic Bar, or caipirinhas at the ship’s Latin-themed club, Boleros.
A taste of diverse cultures
See Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea.
Let Anthem of the Seas transport you overnight between diverse international ports. With cruising, there’s no need to pick just one destination. The longer, more immersive Transpacific cruise itinerary allows travellers to experience a range of destinations and cultures all across Oceania.
Head inland at Papeete to discover the story behind one of Tahiti’s most iconic treasures at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. Visit the sacred Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before leaning into the relaxed local rhythm in Uturoa commune. And delve into the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi.
The luxury of time
Relax in adult-only areas of the ship.
The greatest luxury that cruising provides is that of time. More time to disconnect, more time to explore, and more time to enjoy the journey at your own pace. This Long Adventure voyage isn’t just about racing from destination to destination; it’s about how you get there. Taking your own time, both on sea days and during days on land.
