As we count down to 2024, Man of Many is taking a look back at the wild and wonderful year that was 2023. From sports and entertainment to fashion and cars, we’ve rounded up our top picks and moments. Whether you’re hunting for holiday gifts or just curious about what caught your eye, our insights are worth a read.
And as always, don’t miss our latest Staff Favourites – we’ve covered everything from fancy vacations to fruity fragrances. Let’s get you feeling and smelling your best in the new year.
MORE: Man of Many’s Staff Favourites – 9 December 2023
Shangri-La Yanuca Island Fiji
Marcus Hurley – Sales and Partnerships Manager
After a big 2023, what better way to put your feet up, grab a cocktail (or three) and do. absolutely. nothing. than heading to the paradise that is Shangri-La Fiji. Inspiration on the horizon, nature at your doorstep nestled on the private Yanuca Island, Shangri-La Yanuca Island, Fiji offers the essence of an exclusive island hideaway yet is conveniently connected to the mainland by a causeway. With 5 dining options, 3 bars and Reef Wing, an exclusive adult’s only oasis, you’ll never want to leave. I’ll be heading over this Christmas, and whilst I haven’t yet experienced it I can imagine nothing but a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation. Head over with the love of your life (like me) or take the whole family, there is plenty to keep the kids occupied while you live your best island life. So treat yourself to the (island) time of your life.
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Seductive Blue for Women by Guess
Naman Singh – SEO & Content Specialist
Another classic spring to summer fragrance, Seductive Blue by Guess is a go-to for my day to day. With a floral and fruity scent, this vibrant EDT is a dreamy tropical holiday packed in a bottle.
Living up to it’s fruity bouquet, this perfume has top notes of pear and bergamot, middle notes of peony and rose, and base notes of plum, musk and patchouli. It’s fresh, pleasant and long-lasting, making it a perfect fragrance for the warm holiday season.
This bright and sweet fragrance Blue takes to a sun-kissed beach almost immediately!
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Tachinomi YP Crows Nest
Alex Martinez – Media Sales and Brand Partnerships
I’ve never not had fun at Tachinomis. An authentic hole in the wall styled Japanese bar serving Japanese drinks and snacks. The walls and shelves are completely covered in Japanese art, paraphernalia and games you can play at your table. There is minimal space which adds to the atmosphere whilst also promoting a loud and lively discussion amongst tables and with the staff. Outside of tap beers, they serve a range of Japanese classics including whiskeys, sake, strongs and lemon stuffed highball sours.
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$89 Seafarer Seafood Dinner
John Guanzon – Head of Social
Nothing says summer in Sydney than a fresh seafood meal, right? Hyatt Regency Sydney’s Sailmaker Restaurant has recently reimagined its indulgent and sustainable seafood experience and is currently hosting an $89 Seafarer Dinner, complete with three courses and free rein of the tapas buffet. I recently sat down for dinner with my partner for a belated anniversary date and found it to be the perfect setting for an intimate dinner out in the city. Set against the stunning backdrop of Darling Harbour, the Seafarer Dinner is designed to highlight the importance of sustainable seafood, working with local producers and fisheries that practice eco-friendly farming.
Once we were seated, we were told we could head over to the Mediterranean tapas bar, where all vegetables used in the dishes are ‘odd-bunch’ vegetables, which helps reduce food wastage. The menu allows you to select three courses, with all dishes thoughtfully crafted with high-quality seafood. I’m talking everything from oysters, prawns, and every type of fish you can imagine. The highlight dish for me would have to be the scallops chef kiss. The dinner is a real treat for seafood lovers out there and also great value for money. It’s available every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening from 6 pm to 9:30 pm.
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Glengoyne 12 Year Old
Ben McKimm – Journalist
I’m always up for a little bit of a whisky recommendation and when this bottle of Glengoyne 12 Year Old crossed my desk it was the label that caught my eye. Is that an affordable single malt?! I’ve been a fan of their 18 for a long while now and this had the potential to save me a few bucks as it’s priced around $100… anyway, I cracked it open with my old man and gave it a good taste test. Glengoyne has been around since 1833 so you’d assume they know their way around a dram and I can highly recommend this bottle with unpeated notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and apple. About as sessionable as a 43% ABV Scotch gets.
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Aesop Seasonal Gift Kits
Richie Hall – Video Producer
Simplify your Christmas shopping with Aesop’s 2023-24 Gift Kits. I’ve always felt the Gift Kits present the best value offering in the Aesop range – which is definitely on the pricier side. The range, collectively titled ‘Resonant Gestures’, is said to draw inspiration from waves of sound that touch the skin and uplift the spirit. Any one of the five gift kits is a perfect choice for someone who has never had the pleasure of discovering Aesop before or for someone who is well versed in its delights. After a long year and with the holidays ahead of us, it’s also a great gift for yourself!
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COACH Zip Card Case in Signature Canvas
Dianne Caliwan – Content Designer
Around the same time last year, I received this card case as a Christmas gift from a friend, and it has never left my bag since. Although it’s officially a cardholder, you’d be surprised by how many small essentials it can fit inside—more than 10 cards, folded bills, a bunch of coins, and even a lip gloss! The COACH Zip Card Case can fit them all. With its cute chain wrist strap, I’ve abandoned small bags in favor of this compact card case whenever I go outside for a quick errand. It’s easily one of my top picks for my everyday carry.
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BestBud from BoozeBud
Elliott Barsby – Commercial Director
This Christmas, I’m excited to surprise my puppy Daisy with something special, a BestBud Hamper from BoozeBud. This collection of pet-friendly drinks and treats is a novel way to make the festive season even more memorable for both of us.
For Aussie pet parents looking to go that extra mile to pamper their furry friends over the holidays, BestBud offers a range of pet-friendly drinks including Paw Blonde, Pawsecco, and perhaps my favourite pun, Pawroni, all carefully crafted by pet nutritionists. These drinks contain no alcohol, preservatives, or carbonation, making them a safe and fun way for your pet to join in on the holiday celebrations.
BoozeBud has also put together a limited edition BestBud Hamper, complete with a bottle of Pawroni, a can of Paw Blonde, a Santa Cigar (an edible treat), and a BestBud pet travel bowl. A wonderful way to add a touch of novelty and joy to your pet’s holiday experience.
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Slow Horses
Scott Purcell – Co-Founder
It’s been a hectic year. We can all agree. And there’s nothing more that I’m looking forward to than some downtime over the holidays and break. To help you out with this yourself, I wanted to share a few shows that you might enjoy binging over the break. As a quick list: The Lazarus Project; The Sopranos (an absolute must watch for anyone if you haven’t); The Peripheral; Mr Inbetween; and Hijack. But the one I wanted to talk about is Slow Horses. The good news is there are already 3 seasons out, so there’s plenty to watch. It follows a team of British intelligence officers who’ve been ousted from MI5 for their career-ending mistakes. There haven’t been many good thriller movies of late, but plenty of quality on TV if you know where to look.
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Fico di Amalfi Fragrance
Frank Arthur – Co-Founder
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo is a fragrance range inspired by the Italian Mediterranean and the Fico di Amalfi fragrance is my top choice from the range. On the nose, it’s crisp and fresh, caressed with a gentle citrus touch and balanced out with a little hint of sweetness. I’m not sure if it has Jeremy Fragrance’s seal of approval (yet) but it’s a versatile fragrance by an esteemed perfumery and a perfect summer scent.
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The Coop Retreat Mattress Topper
Jacob Osborn – Journalist
If you’re looking for a proper night’s sleep, buy the Retreat Mattress Topper now and you can thank me later. Crafted from 100% Virgin Memory Foam, it goes atop your traditional mattress and elevates pretty much every aspect of your experience. Prepare to sink into its plush and breathable embrace as you get the rest you deserve from one night to the next, which isn’t to mention the physical support offered by adaptive memory foam.
Well-known for their signature pillow (rated best by Consumer Reports for four years in a row), sleep goods brand Coop brings the same tier of superlative quality to this mattress topper. It’s certified to the highest standards and Baffle Box-constructed for clump-free distributions, with a hypoallergenic fill and a silky outer cover of soft microfibre. Let it breathe for 24 hours before throwing it over your mattress and expect the kind of comfort you might find at a five-star hotel. Welcome to cloud nine!
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