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Courier-Mail
20-06-2025
- Courier-Mail
Review: APT Solara, a river ship that stands out from the crowd
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. To be or not to be a river ship – that is the question. When Australian-owned travel company APT approached the ambitious build of its new twin ships the Solara and Ostara, the brief was to create something dramatically different and see Europe through an Australian's eyes. Designed for the continent's busiest route from Amsterdam to Budapest, the luxurious Solara certainly stands out from the crowd. Despite having to adhere to the Danube's strict ship dimensions – there are 68 locks to navigate along the Rhine-Main-Danube route – the Solara offers surprising variety, and is contemporary and stylish with subtle nautical touches, including a chic French-navy exterior. X SUBSCRIBER ONLY Set the scene Checking into the airy atrium is a dreamy experience. High ceilings and a skylight open up the all-white space. There is a marble water station, a circular marble table and a tiled floor centrepiece in the dimensions of a compass. A dramatic macramé-like hanging rope sculpture descends from the ceiling into the softly curved stairwell, and the walls showcase original landscapes by artist Greg Wood and pieces curated by Melbourne gallery Otomys. The design was conceived by renowned Melbourne firm Hecker Guthrie (their first project on a ship), and influenced by APT's co-owners and siblings Lou Tandy and Rob McGeary. The designer furniture is whimsical and elegant but comfortable – think Gervasoni and Casini – and it has instant wow factor. If money was no object, this is how I'd love my home to look. We took a canal tour through Amsterdam. The itinerary While the Solara's 15-day itinerary will traverse the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, I'm only on board for four nights for the christening and 'shakedown' cruise. This is a test run of sorts, and we embark at Rotterdam under the Erasmus Bridge before sailing past green pastures and fields of wild yellow canola flowers to Kinderdijk to tour the idyllic working windmills (dating back to the 16th century). We dock overnight at quaint Dordrecht (one of the oldest cities in Holland), visit Lisse to catch the vivid annual spring tulip festival Keukenhof, and take a canal tour through Amsterdam, which is celebrating 750 years. Although the friendly crew is busily readying the final touches to the ship, and pumping out countless espressos from the shiny new La Marzocco coffee machine in The Salon, the whole thing feels flawless. With Solara's capacity for 154 guests (and 60 crew), no cabin feels like you are missing out. Picture: Supplied. The cabins There are three categories of suites: the plush Owner's Suites, the Balcony Suites and the wood-panelled Twin Window Suites, and each has a colour scheme inspired by the seasons. Thick carpets range from sage green for spring to dusky pink for autumn. Original prints of signature European shore excursions by Australian photographer Nick Wilkins (available to buy) adorn the walls and lend an antipodean lens. The bathrooms have an abundance of storage, enormous shower heads, floor-to-ceiling tiling and marble sink tops. Toiletries by sustainable Amsterdam brand Marie-Stella-Maris were sourced by Tandy herself. With Solara's capacity for 154 guests (and 60 crew), no cabin feels like you are missing out. Solara has seven bars and eateries, each of which feels like a top-notch restaurant or wine bar. Picture: Supplied. Food and drink Solara has seven bars and eateries, each of which feels like a top-notch restaurant or wine bar. Catering to Australian travellers who have curious palates and want variety and quality, APT engaged hospitality guru Monique Lane of Fellow Hospitality (collaborating with chef Stephen Seckold of House Made Hospitality). From the fare at Bistro Saison, to the degustation paired with top-notch wine in the Owner's Cellar, and the laid-back eats at Annie's Table (named for the owners' mother), the offerings are impressive. The Grüner Bar & Dining, which rises on hydraulics so it elevates above other ships in dock, is a surprising hit, with dishes such as pretzels with whipped ricotta and moreish focaccia with butter that melts in your mouth. All bread and pastries are baked on board daily, and the delicious ice-cream and gelato are handmade. It has a circular conversation pit around solar lanterns to resemble a campfire, a nod to APT's outback touring heritage. Picture: Supplied. The extras Along with a jewel-coloured spa/salon, gym, and daily shore excursions that are included, e-bikes for guests who want to explore independently are provided. The roof has a small circular heated pool and two levels for guests to enjoy, and the Daystar Deck is a standout. It has a circular conversation pit around solar lanterns to resemble a campfire, a nod to APT's outback touring heritage. A marble cooktop space functions as an outdoor bar and barbecue, lending an Australian touch. The Grüner Bar & Dining has a great menu and sitting in a vibing wine bar while enjoying the view is a highlight. Picture: Supplied. What's hot The Grüner Bar & Dining has a great menu (the fish finger sambo is the hot ticket) and sitting in a vibing wine bar while enjoying the view is a highlight. What's not The square pillows on my bed were uncomfortable, although I learned later they were delivered by mistake and had been replaced before the first guests arrived. Checking into the airy atrium is a dreamy experience. Picture: Supplied. The verdict - 10/10 While I didn't sail the full itinerary, it's impossible to fault Solara. It's the most stylish river ship I've set foot on – the combination of Australian design, food and thoughtful inclusions is impeccable. The writer was a guest of APT Luxury Travel. Its 15-day Magnificent Europe cruise on Solara and Ostara, sailing Budapest to Amsterdam, starts at around $8495 twin share. Originally published as Review: APT Solara stands out from the crowd
Herald Sun
20-06-2025
- Herald Sun
Review: APT Solara, a river ship that stands out from the crowd
To be or not to be a river ship – that is the question. When Australian-owned travel company APT approached the ambitious build of its new twin ships the Solara and Ostara , the brief was to create something dramatically different and see Europe through an Australian's eyes. Designed for the continent's busiest route from Amsterdam to Budapest, the luxurious Solara certainly stands out from the crowd. Despite having to adhere to the Danube's strict ship dimensions – there are 68 locks to navigate along the Rhine-Main-Danube route – the Solara offers surprising variety, and is contemporary and stylish with subtle nautical touches, including a chic French-navy exterior. Set the scene Checking into the airy atrium is a dreamy experience. High ceilings and a skylight open up the all-white space. There is a marble water station, a circular marble table and a tiled floor centrepiece in the dimensions of a compass. A dramatic macramé-like hanging rope sculpture descends from the ceiling into the softly curved stairwell, and the walls showcase original landscapes by artist Greg Wood and pieces curated by Melbourne gallery Otomys. The design was conceived by renowned Melbourne firm Hecker Guthrie (their first project on a ship), and influenced by APT's co-owners and siblings Lou Tandy and Rob McGeary. The designer furniture is whimsical and elegant but comfortable – think Gervasoni and Casini – and it has instant wow factor. If money was no object, this is how I'd love my home to look. The itinerary While the Solara's 15-day itinerary will traverse the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, I'm only on board for four nights for the christening and 'shakedown' cruise. This is a test run of sorts, and we embark at Rotterdam under the Erasmus Bridge before sailing past green pastures and fields of wild yellow canola flowers to Kinderdijk to tour the idyllic working windmills (dating back to the 16th century). We dock overnight at quaint Dordrecht (one of the oldest cities in Holland), visit Lisse to catch the vivid annual spring tulip festival Keukenhof, and take a canal tour through Amsterdam, which is celebrating 750 years. Although the friendly crew is busily readying the final touches to the ship, and pumping out countless espressos from the shiny new La Marzocco coffee machine in The Salon, the whole thing feels flawless. The cabins There are three categories of suites: the plush Owner's Suites, the Balcony Suites and the wood-panelled Twin Window Suites, and each has a colour scheme inspired by the seasons. Thick carpets range from sage green for spring to dusky pink for autumn. Original prints of signature European shore excursions by Australian photographer Nick Wilkins (available to buy) adorn the walls and lend an antipodean lens. The bathrooms have an abundance of storage, enormous shower heads, floor-to-ceiling tiling and marble sink tops. Toiletries by sustainable Amsterdam brand Marie-Stella-Maris were sourced by Tandy herself. With Solara's capacity for 154 guests (and 60 crew), no cabin feels like you are missing out. Food and drink Solara has seven bars and eateries, each of which feels like a top-notch restaurant or wine bar. Catering to Australian travellers who have curious palates and want variety and quality, APT engaged hospitality guru Monique Lane of Fellow Hospitality (collaborating with chef Stephen Seckold of House Made Hospitality). From the fare at Bistro Saison, to the degustation paired with top-notch wine in the Owner's Cellar, and the laid-back eats at Annie's Table (named for the owners' mother), the offerings are impressive. The Grüner Bar & Dining, which rises on hydraulics so it elevates above other ships in dock, is a surprising hit, with dishes such as pretzels with whipped ricotta and moreish focaccia with butter that melts in your mouth. All bread and pastries are baked on board daily, and the delicious ice-cream and gelato are handmade. The extras Along with a jewel-coloured spa/salon, gym, and daily shore excursions that are included, e-bikes for guests who want to explore independently are provided. The roof has a small circular heated pool and two levels for guests to enjoy, and the Daystar Deck is a standout. It has a circular conversation pit around solar lanterns to resemble a campfire, a nod to APT's outback touring heritage. A marble cooktop space functions as an outdoor bar and barbecue, lending an Australian touch. What's hot The Grüner Bar & Dining has a great menu (the fish finger sambo is the hot ticket) and sitting in a vibing wine bar while enjoying the view is a highlight. What's not The square pillows on my bed were uncomfortable, although I learned later they were delivered by mistake and had been replaced before the first guests arrived. The verdict - 10/10 While I didn't sail the full itinerary, it's impossible to fault Solara. It's the most stylish river ship I've set foot on – the combination of Australian design, food and thoughtful inclusions is impeccable. The writer was a guest of APT Luxury Travel. Its 15-day Magnificent Europe cruise on Solara and Ostara, sailing Budapest to Amsterdam, starts at around $8495 twin share. Originally published as Review: APT Solara stands out from the crowd
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Ostara Inc. Launches CG P2X in Western Canada: Phosphorus, Perfected
ST. LOUIS, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- Ostara is proud to announce the launch of CG P2X in Western Canada, a next-generation phosphorus fertilizer that delivers unmatched efficiency, crop safety, and agronomic performance. Built on the trusted foundation of Crystal Green technology, P2X is a root-activated, seed-safe solution designed to meet increasing crop demands across agriculture. P2X is phosphorus, perfected. Activated by organic acids and new mineralogy formed with the plant essential element magnesium, P2X delivers a consistent supply of plant-available phosphorus that doesn't tie up in the soil. It is 2x more efficient than traditional phosphorus fertilizers, allowing growers to apply less product while achieving equal or better results. Field trials also show that P2X helps improve soil biology by reducing salt and free acid load, supporting healthier microbial activity and a more resilient growing environment. This means P2X isn't just good for ROI and logistical efficiency, it is better for the soil. "P2X is clearly the most efficient, sustainable and economical phosphate fertilizer on the market. No other product can match the performance and value of P2X and there's no one better to drive the growth of P2X than Taurus" said from Ron Restum, Chief Commercial Officer, Ostara. Unlike conventional phosphorus that can tie up before crops can access it, P2X responds to the plant. Its root-activated release ensures phosphorus is available during the moments of highest demand, from early vegetative stages through reproduction and beyond, without risking seedling safety or yield loss. As Ostara's exclusive distribution partner in Western Canada, Taurus Agricultural Marketing Inc. will offer P2X through its partnerships with the national retail network, supported by agronomic training, technical expertise, and field-level service. "After nearly a decade working with Ostara, we've seen plant-controlled phosphate succeed across millions of acres," said Craig Davidson, President of Taurus Agricultural Marketing. "P2X takes it to the next level with a single-source, seed-safe phosphate that drives yield, supports soil health, and helps growers stay efficient and profitable in a tight-margin world." P2X is available to the market now. Its launch signals a new era in phosphorus fertility, one that delivers more yield with less input while building healthier, more productive soils for the future. TAURUS AGRICULTURAL MARKETING INC. | About Ostara: Ostara develops and manufactures high-efficiency fertilizers that improve plant uptake and reduce environmental losses. Backed by proprietary recovery and formulation technology, Ostara helps farmers grow more with less. About Taurus Agricultural Marketing Inc.: Taurus Ag is a Canadian-based agronomic marketing company focused on helping progressive growers unlock more from their seed, soil, and plant fertility. Through scientifically backed products and field-tested strategies, Taurus supports on-farm decision-making with tools that drive yield, improve efficiency, and build long-term profitability.
Local Germany
15-04-2025
- General
- Local Germany
German word of the day: Osterfeuer
Why do I need to know Osterfeuer ? This word may come up as you make plans for a spring vacation or Easter celebrations in Germany. The tradition that the term refers to is particularly popular in some regions, but most of your German friends and colleagues will be familiar with the custom, whether or not they've been to one themselves. Origins of the German Osterfeuer tradition Oster is the adjectival form of Ostern - the German word for Easter - and, as you may have guessed, feuer means fire. Put together, an Osterfeuer (pronounced like this ) is the name of an Easter bonfire. In particular, it refers to the tradition of having a bonfire during the Easter holiday where groups of people gather to celebrate either the Christian holiday or the changing of the season. In fact, the English word 'Easter' comes from the German word Ostern. One common theory is that the German word was derived from the name Eostre (also sometimes spelled Ostara), who was an Anglo-Saxon goddess thought to have been associated with the spring season and fertility. In pre-Christian times, Germanic peoples are thought to have celebrated the end of winter around the spring solstice by lighting bonfires as well as engaging in feasts and dancing. In the days leading up to Easter, locals would gather branches and twigs to build a bonfire. After the fire, ashes were scattered on fields to make them fertile for the coming season. Advertisement When Christianity was established in Germany, it's thought that many of the springtime celebratory traditions were essentially co-opted by the church and simply took on new symbolic meanings. In the case of Easter bonfires, the fire which had once been seen as chasing away the dark winter spirits instead came to be representative of Jesus Christ. READ ALSO: What's on over the Easter holidays in Germany in 2025 How the Osterfeuer tradition lives on For many people today, Easter bonfires have lost their religious significance and simply offer a chance to father with friends and family around the turn of the season. The bonfire is typically lit on either Good Friday, Holy Saturday or Easter Sunday, and the community gathers in the evening to enjoy food and drink around the fiery glow. This practice is especially popular in northern Germany, with the region around Hamburg having a large number of Osterfeuern . Parts of western Germany, such as in and around North Rhine-Westphalia also have a fair amount of bonfires, and one particularly famous one if the Osterräderlauf (Easter wheel run) in Lügde, which sees burning wheels of oak and straw sent down a hillside. Spectators watch as a burning wooden Easter wheel rolls down the hill in Lüdge, North Rhine-Westphalia. Burning wooden wheels have been rolled down hills as part of Easter celebrations in Lügde for many generations. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Caroline SeidSeidel-Dißmannel That said, you can likely find an Osterfeuer somewhere nearby in most places in Germany. Here's a list of some to be found in Berlin , for example. (For other places try searching ' Osterfeuer + your city or region name'.) Germany's Federal Environment Agency estimates that between 10,000 and 20,000 Easter fires are lit each year in Germany, and warns that the fires can create high levels of particular pollution in the air in certain regions. This year, some bonfire events may be cancelled , as large parts of Germany are at a heightened fire risk due to an ongoing drought. Advertisement Use it like this: Dieses Jahr wollen wir am Sonntagabend zum Osterfeuer gehen. This year we plan to go to the easter bonfire on Sunday evening. Am liebsten esse ich am Osterfeuer Stockbrot. My favourite thing to eat at the Easter fire is bread on a stick.
