The east coast of Australia is one of the first places in the world to witness the New Year, so Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast are always on the hotlist for festivities. If you still haven’t confirmed your plans for the 31st, let Quintessentially find you the perfect spot to call in 2009, whether it be a private dining room on top of the Shangri-La, a black tie gala on historic Fort Denison, a luxury yacht in the middle of the harbour, or just a funky restaurant with fantastic food. Quintessentially can also source tickets for sold out dance and music events like Shore Thing on Bondi Beach, NYE Harbour Party at Luna Park and Field Day in the Domain.

For more information on all you can do to see out 2008 in style, email qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Sydney’s premier hairdresser, and an institution on the styling circuit, Joh Bailey’s scissors have graced the locks of both homegrown beauties like Elle Macpherson, Kylie Minogue and Olivia Newton John, and international stars including Linda Evangelista, Eva Longoria and Paris Hilton. His classic and beautiful styles come with a modern edge that have made his work a favourite at fashion launches and magazine covers.

Throughout December, Quintessentially members receive a spray tan and blow dry at AUD 85 (normally priced at AUD 110) when booking at the Joh Bailey salon.

To make an appointment, contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Quintessentially Bespoke has launched, and will be working with some of the world's top fashion and luxury brands to offer exclusive, limited edition ready-to-wear, fashion accessory, technology and alcohol products to Quintessentially members - all available as part of the  Quintessentially Bespoke collection.

Once these items are sold, no one will be able to purchase the same design again, so take the chance to preview two such offerings from Temperley London and Savile Row tailor, Richard James.

TEMPERLEY LONDON - SILK GEORGETTE DRESS
Designed by Alice Temperley, whose designs have firm fans in Sarah Jessica Parker, Scarlett Johansson and Claudia Schiffer, Temperley London has designed a hand-embroidered silk georgette dress exclusively for Quintessentially Bespoke. Inspired by Indian Maharishi jewellery and featuring intricate artwork of hand-mounted coloured stones and Swarovski crystals, the dress comes in four colours. There are only 30 dresses available in all.

RICHARD JAMES - HERRINGBONE AND CASHMERE PEA COAT
Renowned Savile Row tailor Richard James has designed an on-trend pea coat. Made in a charcoal grey, fine herringbone wool and cashmere mix, lined with deep purple satin and using black, real horn buttons designed and made in England – only ten will be available ever.

Each product will be given an edition number and a certificate of authentication will accompany each purchase. All items designed for Quintessentially Bespoke offer exclusivity, style, and originality.

To learn more, or to enquire about making a purchase, please email qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

If you’re in the mood for hot labels and elusive designs, head down to Lello Lombardi’s exclusive Paddington boutique (Shop 1, 6-8 Elizabeth Street). With his unfaltering eye for spotting up-and-coming trends, Lombardi has long been a fixture of Sydney’s fashion scene. With brands like Patrizia Pepe, Celyn B and Taverniti for women, and Daniele Allesandrini, Bread and Custom Made for men lining the shelves, it’s little wonder that this tiny outlet has become a Mecca for Sydney’s fashionistas. MOOD are also the exclusive Sydney stockists for the Viktor & Rolf "Monsieur" collection.

This December, Quintessentially members are invited to treat themselves to a brand new party wardrobe with a 10% discount at MOOD. This offer is valid until Thursday 8th January. Please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com to redeem your discount.

What better way to take in Sydney’s dazzling harbour, ritzy suburbs and green outskirts than from a bird’s eye view? And the most romantic way to take to the big, blue skies is undoubtedly in a seaplane.

Jet off from pretty Rose Bay, and head north along the coast to the wonderful Jonah’s, a luxury Relais & Chateaux owned retreat located above the waves of Whale Beach. Enjoy a three-course a la carte lunch of award winning cuisine accompanied by 180 degree views of the Pacific, before being whisked off home via a circuit of Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

The breathtaking package is priced at AUD 465 per head (with a minimum of two people) and over the month of December Quintessentially members will receive a complimentary glass of Moet and Chandon per person on arrival plus ½ dozen oysters to share as a pre-entree. Book via qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

From the team that brought you Bungalow 8, The Loft and Gazebo Wine Garden, come these two smoking new venues to up the ante in Kings Cross. Sugarmill comes with sleek design by David Hicks (The Storrier Hotel, Mars Lounge), boho vibes and succulent gastropub cuisine – it’s sure to be a hit amongst the locals in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay.

Also hitting the scene is sister nightclub, Kit & Kaboodle, an eclectic venue that fuses Oriental mystique, jungle prints, Art Deco lines, Studio 54 decadence, Rat Pack charm and Audrey Hepburn-inspired Euro chic - an irresistible mishmash of patterns, personalities and kitsch. The folk at MTV, Rolling Stone and Harper’s Baazar have already caught on – don’t be late to the party.

For more information, please email qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

One of the first fully integrative medi-spas in Australia, Spa Chakra’s Sydney flagship location propelled the city’s wellness industry into the future after its 1997 opening. Today it remains Australia’s premier urban spa retreat - a luxe oasis, offering cutting edge treatments and facilities (including hydrotherapy, Vichy showers and Guerlian products), perched in the historic wharf at Woolloomooloo.

This December, Spa Chakra hails its anniversary with a special offer to all its clients. Guests are invited to pick a surprise gift out of a deck of cards prior to their treatments. Rewards will include complimentary treatment upgrades, 2-for-1 spa treatments and retail discounts.

Quintessentially members will additionally receive a glass of champagne on arrival. To make your booking, contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Fancy Christmas by the sea, away from the crowds, in one of the friendliest places on earth? If so, you can’t do better than Sri Lanka’s beautiful south coast, especially with two Amanresorts just two hours apart.

Amangalla, in the heart of Galle Fort, is offering the ideal way to see out the old this year in grand colonial style. From carol singers and mince pies on Christmas Eve to Midnight Mass, Father Christmas, cocktails, puppet shows and a sparkling New Year’s Eve dinner, the festive season will last all the way through to New Year’s Day with plenty of fireworks and surprises. Further east along the coast, Amanwella is a contemporary seaside paradise offering a pristine private beach and access to the quaint town of Tangalle, as well as two of the country’s most renowned nature reserves, Bundala and Yala.

Don’t choose between them – stay at both for your most memorable festive season yet.

For reservations, please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Located just ten minutes from New Zealand’s adventure capital of Queenstown, Arc is a modern and luxurious home in which internal space has been sculpted into two levels of curved contemporary living. Occupying 493 square metres, Arc provides the ultimate platform for living and entertaining on a one hectare property close to the area’s best ski slopes and vineyards.

Boasting four double bedrooms and three bathrooms, Arc also offers a spacious kitchen, a media room, a glass passenger lift, underfloor heating and an outdoor spa. From the spiral staircase entrance, the design flows into an open plan living area that spills out onto extensive decks, creating a seamless indoor/outdoor home environment. The house comes fully furnished, complete with art and a new Land Rover Discovery 3 in the garage. It is available for EUR 5,250,000.

For more information, please contact carl@quintessentiallyestates.com.

Cape Kidnappers is possibly one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world at which to play golf. Set atop 6,000 rolling acres of pasture land located about a 50 minute flight away from Wellington in New Zealand, The Farm encompasses terrain which is reminiscent of Montana but plunges 800 feet into the sea.

The lodge is a combination of stone and weathered wood, the buildings combining rustic materials with comfortable up-to-date furniture in a five star atmosphere. Cape Kidnappers caters for the entire family with activities ranging from golf, walking trails, spa treatments, quad biking and 4x4 experiences amongst others.

Completed in 2004, Cape Kidnappers golf course has been hailed as one of the great modern marvels in golf and is currently ranked the 41st best golf course in the world by Golf Magazine.

Prices start from NZD 320 per person per night, a price which includes accommodation, continental or cooked breakfast, pre-dinner hors d'oeuvres, gourmet three-course dinner and use of all lodge facilities (excluding golf).

For more information on how to book, please contact qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time once more to rack your brain for the perfect gift for that someone special. Solve all your shopping headaches in one blow, by buying him or her a gift voucher for our in-house Personal Shopper, or even their very own Quintessentially membership (only available for purchase by newsletter subscribers).

To find out more, email membershipaus@quintessentially.com.

Polo in the City
Centennial Park, Sydney – Saturday 13th December

Manon, The Australian Ballet
Sydney Opera House – until Wednesday 17th December

Kylie Minogue – Kylie X 2008
Acer Arena, Sydney – Sunday 14th – Wednesday 17th December
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Friday 19th- Saturday 20th and Monday 22nd December

Alicia Keys
Acer Arena, Sydney – Friday 12th December
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne – Wednesday 17th December
Adelaide Entertainment Centre – Thursday 18th December

Harbour Life
Luna Park, Sydney – Wednesday 31st December

Shore Thing
Bondi Beach, Sydney – Wednesday 31st December

Field Day
The Domain, Sydney – Thursday 1st January

BBQ Beats 2009
Brisbane Riverstage and Gardens, Brisbane – Thursday 1st January

Summerdaze
Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast – Saturday 3rd January

Franz Ferdinand
Palace Theatre, Melbourne - Monday 5th January
Enmore Theatre, Sydney - Tuesday 6th January

Sydney Festival:
La Clique
The Famous Spiegeltent, Hyde Park North, Sydney – Tuesday 6th January – Sunday 1st January
Grace Jones
Enmore Theatre, Sydney – Sunday 11th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 15th January
The War of the Rose Parts I & II
Sydney Theatre, Sydney - Saturday 10th January – Saturday 14th February

Australian Open 2009
Melbourne Park, Melbourne – Monday 19th January – Sunday 1st February

For these and all your ticketing needs, do not hesitate to contact the team at qaustralia@quintessentially.com.

Located on the VIP floor at the ultra-glamorous ivy, Teppanyaki brings a modern twist to traditional Asian dining in a sophisticated bar environment. A stunning communal table overlooks the black marble open kitchen, where delicacies are prepared on the "teppan grill". Quintessentially members receive cocktail on arrival and entry to the exclusive Den and Lounge areas. For more, please see Benefits/Restaurants/Australia/Sydney - Teppanyaki.

A sleek and intimate cocktail bar, Lotus Bar provides a myriad of both classic and contemporary drinks tailored to individual preferences. This subtly-lit hideaway, resplendent with retro interiors and art-deco chandeliers, is one of Sydney's finest - and not to be missed. Quintessentially members receive guaranteed guest list entry and VIP service. To learn more, see Benefits/Nightlife/Australia/Sydney - Lotus Bar.

Shed those Christmas kilos with bespoke personal training led by one of Australia’s most respected health and fitness experts. Roza Bacelas founded AthletiCo in 2006, aimed at giving clients a holistic approach to improving their health and revising negative attitudes about exercise. Her personal approach builds on the rhythms of each individual, giving you full control over your goals and routines, while your knowledge grows with each new challenge. Quintessentially members receive a complimentary dietary nutritional programme when booking a fitness programme. For more information, visit Benefits/Health and Beauty/Australia/Sydney - AthletiCo - Roza Bacelas.