An Unforgettable Trip to Tasmania with David Jones for The Art of Living

With a huge sense of excitement, I set off on my first ever trip to Tasmania last week with David Jones. In celebration of The Art of Living we were treated to an incredible journey of discovery at Australia’s leading contemporary museum, MONA. Spread across two days, the event consisted of a series of immersive experiences showcasing the best of David Jones fashion, beauty, food and home. With the main focus on homeware, I’ve put together a summary of highlights from this unforgettable trip.

Travelling in style with Samsonite Lite-Cube DLX suitcase and Bose Quietcomfort 35 Wireless Headphones from David Jones

Arriving in Hobart Monday night I checked into the Maylands Lodge, which is set within one of Tasmania’s finest heritage properties. Settling in to my beautiful suite, I was delighted to discover a welcome pack that included a gorgeous Waverley Alpaca Throw and luxury Sheridan robe from David Jones.

My home for two nights, Maylands Lodge

Known for offering superior products and services across national and international brands in fashion, beauty, food, technology, and homewares, the iconic Australian department store celebrated its 180th anniversary in 2018. David Jones is also the oldest continuously operating department store in the world still trading under its original name. With 45 stores as well as an online store, including its first international store in Wellington New Zealand, I’m very excited about the Auckland store set to open later this year.

Waverley Throw and Sheridan Bathrobe from David Jones

On Tuesday morning we set off on the ferry, which took us up the River Derwent, direct to the stairs of MONA. Greeted by contemporary performers, followed by a welcome speech by David Jones ambassador Adam Goodes, we were then led to through to the beautiful MONA eatery, The Source.

Aboard the quirky new Mona MR-II Ferry

An awe-inspiring table setting that included elaborate foliage, shells, bones and 62 edible elements set the scene for The Art of Entertaining. With a focus on food and home, the gourmet four-course lunch designed by chef Vince Trim showcased an incredible array of Tasmanian produce, local winemakers and artisan distillers. Inspired by nature, the extravagant meal included Confit Tasmanian salmon, summer vegetables and Slow cooked Robbins Island sirloin, stunning cheese platters with Tasmanian honey, and a decadent dessert featuring Lark whisky & hazelnut black pearl with textures of chocolate and late summer berries. And yes, it was all as heavenly as it sounds!

Dinnerware by Robert Gordon for David Jones with Glassware from Riedel and the David Jones collection, Cutlery from the David Jones collection

Exquisitely presented, the food was served on the new David Jones dinnerware collection, designed in collaboration with Robert Gordon. The hand-made pieces feature warm, neutral tones and an organic feel, perfectly suited to the nature-themed lunch. These were paired with elegant glassware from the Riedel and David Jones collection, along with cutlery from the David Jones collection.

‘The Art of Entertaining’ lunch at The Source, MONA

With new Wireless Speakers from Bang & Olufsen providing stellar sounds, the lunch also featured a an artistic display of homewares showcasing new collection pieces from Georg Jensen and Dinosaur Designs. A huge fan of these brands, I loved how the textural elements of the designs were enhanced by the unique outdoor installation. A third display featured Robert Gordon sculptural pieces custom-made especially for the launch. From start to finish, the lunch was an incredible sensory experience.

Wireless speakers by Bang & Olufsen from David Jones

Georg Jensen pieces, now available from David Jones

New pieces from Dinosaur Designs, available end of February from David Jones

Bespoke pieces created by Robert Gordon for ‘The Art of Entertaining’ art display (not for sale)

Following the lunch and a guided-tour of the MONA gallery, we headed back to our hotels to get ready for the evening event, The Art of Fashion. Located at MONA’S The Void, the textured sandstone walls in this part of the museum are truly spectacular. Providing the perfect backdrop for the dazzling runway showcasing the best of international and Australian new season designer collections, this was followed by a progressive cocktail experience. An incredible evening with unexpected twists (in true MONA Style) I’ve shared some memorable moments over on my Instagram Story Highlights.

The scarified sandstone walls inside the Void at MONA and seating for the David Jones Runway ‘The Art of Fashion’

On the second day we headed back to MONA for the Art of Wellness. Soothing the mind, body and soul with a revitalising brunch, we had the pleasure of indulging in the beauty, fitness and lifestyle brands that David Jones has on offer. Located at Faro, within MONAS Pharos space, with floor to ceiling windows looking out on the Derwent, the dreamy views framed with incredible floral arrangements provided the perfect setting to reflect and re-energise.

Faro restaurant at MONA provided a tranquil setting for ‘The Art of Wellness’

Treated to a delicious brunch that included an amazing Japanese food selection and Juice Station with fresh juice by Vitamix, I loved how The Art of Wellness had a sustainable focus. Very much in fitting with David Jones’ commitment to reducing their impact on the environment by eliminating any paper or plastic, the brunch included reusable Avanti stainless steel Waterbottles and Keepcup coffee cups, both available to purchase from David Jones.

Delicious Japanese food overlooking the River Derwent

Guest speaker at the brunch, Australian actor, director and wellness warrior Theresa Palmer, shared some fantastic tips on wellness which I’ve been putting in to practise since arriving home. We were also guided through a breathing session – the perfect way to re-centre and reflect on our time in Tasmania.