Jetsettersblog

Lord Howe Island is offering the opportunity to obtain a PADI Eco Dive Certificate, a 4-Day Lord Howe Environmental Dive Adventure.

With highly experienced local Dive Masters you achieve PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality Dive Certification. Here you experience multiple and varied dive sites, each highlighting a different aspect of the pristine waters and unique marine life surrounding Lord Howe Island.

Thanks to the protection of marine sanctuary zones, the coral reefs surrounding Lord Howe are some of the healthiest in the world. In addition to spectacular coral reefs, Lord Howe is renowned as a major seagrass centre and during your series of Naturalist and Fish Identification dives you will experience these two quite different underwater environs.

There are over 490 different species of bony fish at Lord Howe Island; approximately 60% are tropical, 15 species are endemic to the area, and the remainder are sub-tropical and temperate species. On the two included Fish Identification Dives it is still possible that you will encounter unrecorded fish species! In the evenings return to the warmth and comfort of Arajilla Retreat.

The Lord Howe Environmental Dive Adventure for two people includes:
- 4 Underwater Naturalist Dives to varying dive sites around Lord Howe Island
- 2 Fish Identification Dives
- PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality Diver Certification on completion of this dive programme optional Balls Pyramid dive, both dependent on weather and diver experience

- 4 nights accommodation for two in a Kentia or Banyan Suite, with optional easy add-on nights

- All meals – gourmet breakfasts, light lunches, three course dinners with menu changing daily, plus morning and afternoon tea and selected pre-dinner drinks each evening.

- All dive equipment

- Environmental dive notes

- Bicycles and return airport transfers on the Island

Price of AUD$2,770.00 per person ($5540.00 for two) valid from 1 September until 30 November 2008 and from 1 February until 31 August 2009;
Price of AUD$3,010.00 per person valid from 1 December 2008 until 31 January 2009.

Arajilla Retreat’s normal tariff applies for any additional nights’ accommodation.

Participants must have the PADI Open Water Diver Certificate or equivalent. There is a Balls Pyramid Surcharge of $120 payable at time of the dive trip. Please note that all dives are weather dependent and will be conducted only when conditions permit. Any dive cancellations due to weather will be subject to a full refund. However all accommodation amendments and cancellations are subject to our normal booking conditions.

Arajilla is open all year round.

Bookings can be made by:
telephone via freecall 1800 063 928
email: reservations@arajilla.com.au
website: www.arajilla.com.au

Nicole Kidman has let the secret out! Whilst there may not be any scientific evidence in claims that Nicole’s dip in a Kununurra waterhole led to the conception of her daughter, there’s certainly some magic in the waterholes at El Questro!

As reported in the Australian Women’s Weekly, Nicole Kidman fell pregnant during filming of Baz Luhrmann’s movie Australia, many scenes of which were filmed at Voyages El Questro Wilderness Park. In particular Nicole pinpoints it to a swim in waterfalls just outside Kununurra, claiming there is “something in the water up there in Kununurra”.

“There is something up there in the Kununurra water because we all went swimming in the waterfalls, so we call it the fertility waters now,” she is reported as saying.

Baz Luhrmann and the Australia film crew filmed sections of the movie at El Questro, including cattle stampedes with the magnificent Cockburn Ranges as the backdrop, river crossings and drought scenes.

Whether Nicole was enjoying a dip at Emma Gorge Waterfall (just behind Voyages Emma Gorge Resort), or at any one of the deep gorges, pools and rivers at El Questro – one thing’s clear: there’s certainly some magic in the Kimberley waters! So why not make the trip to Voyages El Questro to enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the many tantalising waterholes.

Emma Gorge

Hidden within the fiery red of El Questro’s Cockburn Ranges, lies the spectacular Emma Gorge Resort. It is conveniently located close to some of El Questro’s major attractions – just two kilometres off the Gibb River Road and one hour from Kununurra. Nestled between palms and pandanus, gravel paths link the Tented Cabins, restaurant, bar, reception and gorge. Take a short stroll from the base of the gorge past butterfly-filled trees and vines to a huge turquoise waterhole, perfect for swimming, and the ideal setting for a relaxing massage under the permanent droplet waterfalls.

El Questro Gorge
Another gorgeous spot for swimming is El Questro Gorge, where the water flows beneath clouds of butterflies and gorge walls cloaked in ferns and mosses. It’s so clear it looks as if the colourful native fish that live there are hovering in mid air.

Zebedee Thermal Springs

For those who prefer to take the waters in an even more leisurely fashion, there’s always Zebedee Springs, where guests can soak beneath a canopy of Livistona palms in thermal water that spills from orange sandstone cliffs.

But hurry, the wet season is fast approaching and El Questro Wilderness Park will close its gates at the end of October, re-opening again on April 1, 2009.

For bookings:
Voyages El Questro Wilderness Park Reservations Office (Kununurra)

New, revitalised and award-winning, there’s no doubt Queensland’s spas are doing their best to pamper visitors when they come to stay!

The Gold Coast hinterland has become even more appealing following the opening of O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa in the heart of the Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. The spa has been built to make the most of the beautiful natural surrounds with panoramic windows framing the spectacular mountain and rainforest views. Pampered wilderness lovers choose from an extensive spa menu with treatments utilising local indigenous plants and Sodashi products. The spa’s signature treatment is vinotherapy which uses powerful anti-aging extracts from grapes grown in O’Reilly’s own vineyard. The seven treatment rooms include two couples’ suites complete with a hydrotherapy bath, and a Rasul steam room. www.oreillys.com.au

North Queensland has recently welcomed two new day spas – the Zen-inspired, Japanese day spa, Aiga, in the Cairns Hilton, and Wellness@Port. Aiga’s range of treatments include two specialised techniques - the keiraku massage which promises to remove stress blocks and the electronic shimpi facial. www1.hilton.com. The most difficult decision at Wellness@Port in Port Douglas is which treatments to choose. The range is extensive and ranges from a two-hour Intense Pampering to a five minute dry hydrotherapy ‘Oceanwave’.

 All facials and body treatment use Waterlilly products derived from pure botanical ingredients, natural plant extracts and infusion of essential oils. www.wellnesspa.com.au

Spa lovers visiting the Sunshine Coast are enjoying the nature-friendly multi-million dollar upgrade of the spa at the Hyatt Regency Coolum. The spa is fully enclosed within the grounds of the resort and is surrounded by native flora and fauna. The elegant copper, timber and stone interior designs blend with the landscaped gardens and most of the 18 treatment rooms have private courtyards.

The other facilities include a gymnasium with a yoga and pilates studio, outdoor spa, manicure and pedicure stations, a hair salon and separate spa wings for men and women. www.coolum.regency.hyatt.com

The Cairns International spa has a new name and a new spa menu. Mii Spa incorporates therapies and services including skin care facials, custom massages, soothing hand and foot treatments and a series of body therapies, the ultimate of which would have to be the five hour LI’TYA Spa Indulgence. Extended opening hours and new treatments and services for men have also increased accessibility to the Spa. The 10 treatment rooms include a couple’s suite, a vichy shower, a dedicated hand and foot treatment room for up to 6 people and a tranquil Relaxation Sanctuary where guests rest before and after their treatment. www.cairnsinternational.com.au

The Spa at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat opened in November 2007 and has already been named spa-goers favourite Australian spa in the annual SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. Located in the Tallebudgera Valley behind the Gold Coast, the Spa includes exclusive signature suites and a 33 room sanctuary in beautiful, natural surrounds with landscaping and architecture which is both environmentally sensitive and stylish.

An elevated outdoor deck and lounge overlooks the native spa garden and the treatment rooms are all themed. The Spa Sanctuary offers a range of different retreats starting on set dates throughout the year including wellness programs and specialty treatments supported by organic cuisine and extensive facilities. www.gwinganna.com

…Watch this space… A new day spa will open at Ruffles Lodge, another glorious Gold Coast hinterland retreat, in mid November, and treatments will feature the beautiful indigenous-inspired products, LI’TYA.
www.ruffleslodge.com.au

For more information on other spa and wellness getaways in Queensland visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/spa

 

The weekend of 8th and 9th November is a busy one for Waiheke Island with three spring celebrations taking place.

This year Art out There, an initiative of the Waiheke Art Gallery will be held in conjunction with the Waiheke Olive Festival at Rangihoua Estate. A stunning array of garden art for purchase will be installed along Rangihoua’s Nikau Walk and visitors will also be able to enjoy live music, taste olive oil, learn about olive processing and see a large range of olive products.

“By November the weather is warming up and to be able to get out and enjoy these wonderful island events makes for a great weekend” said SeaLink’s general manager Donna Gauci.

The Jassy Dean Garden Safari is also scheduled for that weekend. This is a self-drive tour of some of the islands most beautiful private gardens, not normally open to the public.

SeaLink has a special deal for visitors wanting to visit the island for this special weekend. When two people travel to Waiheke Island in their car with SeaLink (between Thursday 6th and Monday 10th November) they will receive free entry into all three events.

“We are delighted to be supporting these events” said Ms Gauci “and for visitors to the island, being able to bring their own car makes for the ultimate convenience.”

For more information please see www.sealink.co.nz

www.waihekeartgallery.org.nz
www.rangihoua.co.nz
www.jassydeantrust.co.nz

More than five million airline passengers spend transit time in Singapore each year but many are unaware they can make the most of those precious hours to start (or end) their holiday with a sensational Singapore experience thanks to a number of FREE transit initiatives out of Changi International Airport.

“Why spend six long hours in an airport terminal when you could be swept up in the bright colours and lively haggling of Little India, the elegance of Orchard Road’s shopping malls or be captivated by the panoramic views across Asia from atop the Singapore Flyer?” said Mr Kevin Leong, Regional Director Oceania, Singapore Tourism Board.

And it’s never been easier. New initiatives for transit passengers with more than five hours’ transit time in Singapore’s Changi Airport terminals 1, 2 or 3 include:

Free City Shuttle (FCS)
Operating regular scheduled two-way services from the airport to some of Singapore’s key attractions and shopping hotspots, the Free City Shuttle is a flexible way to explore Singapore as passengers are dropped off at popular locations to explore in their own time, and according to their own interests.

A licensed tour guide on board the coach provides a short, informative commentary, while a Tour Attendant is available at each drop-off location to advise passengers of the key activities and sights in each area and to help them make the most of their time.

Drop-off (and pick up) locations are: the Singapore Flyer; Little India; Suntec City; and Bugis Street.

The Singapore Flyer is one of the newest attractions in the buzzing Marina Bay district where it towers over the cityscape offering passengers incredible views during a 30-minute ride. Suntec City is a must-visit for those keen on shopping and dining in one central location; while Little India will enthral visitors with its rich culture, fragrant spices and restaurants and stalls packed with glittering saris, jewellery galore and much much more.

Bugis Street is home to vibrant street markets with lanes humming with stalls that open well into the night. Buy souvenirs, arts and crafts, clothing and tasty local hawker-style snacks or check out Bugis Junction where you can indulge in market shopping in any weather in covered, air-conditioned comfort.
Free Singapore Tour (FST)
The two-hour Free Singapore Tour offers transit passengers a glimpse of the best of Singapore. There are two tours, each following a fixed itinerary and running six times a day.

The Cultural Tour takes in Singapore’s unique ethnic enclaves of Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India and Katong where visitors get a true taste of the fascinating mix of cultures living in harmony throughout Singapore.

During the Colonial Tour, passengers are treated to a view of some of Singapore’s finest colonial architecture as they delve into the island’s past, before enjoying a leisurely bumboat ride along the Singapore River.

Taxi Tourist Guide (TTG)
Transit passengers seeking a more personalised experience might engage the services of one of Singapore’s knowledgeable and friendly Taxi Tourist Guides.

Staff at the Singapore Visitor Centre at Changi Airport can assist with bookings, which cost around S$35 per hour (minimum two hours) for a standard cab, or S$45 per hour (minimum two hours) for a little extra luxury in a limousine.

Singapore Tourist Pass (STP)

Transit passengers who prefer to explore on their own should take advantage of a complimentary Singapore Tourist Pass which can be redeemed for up to 10 free rides on MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses within a 24-hour period.

Back at the airport

At the end of your Singapore adventure, visit the Singapore Visitor Centre to collect vouchers entitling you to complimentary use of the airport shower facilities, as well as food and drink vouchers to re-energise yourself for the journey ahead.

For further information on activities in Singapore or a brochure on the transit programs, contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888 or visit the website www.visitsingapore.com

Extraordinary faces in unusual places is the theme of a new exhibition which opened this week at the Treasury on King William in Adelaide.

Faces, a collaboration between corporate art agent, Art Logic, and onejourneyman travel photojournalist, Vincent Ross, the exhibition features large format canvas images of colourful characters predominantly photographed in Rajasthan, India, and also in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The boutique exhibition, based on photographs taken on a recent Peregrine Adventures journey through northern India, will be on display at the Treasury for four months, until the end of January, 2009.

Patrons are inspired to ponder who these extraordinary characters are, where they come from and what kind of lives they lead as they dine and enjoy a drink at the popular Adelaide bar and restaurant.

The Treasury is located in South Australia’s iconic, Victorian era, 18th Century colonial Treasury building on King William Street, once the seat of State Government and today the home of the international Medina Grand Treasury Hotel.

WHAT: Faces
WHEN: October, 2008 – January, 2009
WHERE: Treasury on King William, 144 King William Street, Adelaide (www.treasurykw.com)
WHY: Because a bar is a great place to meet interesting people and you will be hard-pressed to find people more interesting than those on display.

Contact:
onejourneyman
Vincent Ross
Phone:044 777 4624 or 08 8294 6602
onejourneyman@gmail.com

Western Australia’s Kimberley region has been positioned as the real star of Australia in the much-anticipated Tourism Australia campaign “Come Walkabout”, produced by acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann.

The two ninety-second mini movies demonstrate the transforming nature of the Kimberley region, allowing people to get back to basics and be inspired by this ancient, magical part of Australia.

Glen Chidlow, CEO of Australia’s North West, said he was extremely proud that Baz Luhrmann chose to showcase the Kimberley region of Western Australia in the new Tourism Australia advertising campaign.

“The fact that the Kimberley region is the only Australian location that was filmed in the new Tourism Australia advertisements, is testament to how truly spectacular this part of Australia is,” Mr Chidlow said.

“The watering hole showcased in the “Billabong” version of the ad, and the Boab tree seen in the “Boab” version, are both located in the beautiful Kimberley region, accessible from the eastern gateway of Kununurra.”

The publicity that the region will receive off the back of Tourism Australia’s new campaign is in addition to the once-in-a-lifetime marketing opportunity offered by Australia the movie, which will be released in Australia on November 26.

“In September last year, Baz Luhrmann and his crew filmed a large majority of Australia in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, so it was such a compliment that he chose to come back to the area to film the advertisements.

“El Questro Wilderness Park, Home Valley Station, Digger’s Rest Station, Faraway Bay, the Cockburn Range and the icon of the Kimberley, the Boab tree, are all set to be world famous - so it’s an amazing and exciting time for the local community and for Western Australia.”

Adding to the star quality of the region, 11-year-old Brandon Walters from Broome, the western gateway to the Kimberley, stars in both the “Come Walkabout” campaign, and as Nullah in Australia.

Preferred Boutique, the premier brand for intimate hotels and resorts, is pleased to announce its first and newest member in Malaysia – Gayana Eco Resort. At the heart of the Preferred Boutique experience is inspiration, that elusive characteristic that sifts the extraordinary from the ordinary. The four Preferred Boutique categories - Classic, Design, Adventure and Resort – encompass eclectic properties from palaces to tent camps, from hip urban hotels to private islands. Gayana Eco Resort is part of the Resort and Adventure category.

Recently reopened after major renovation in July, Gayana Eco Resort is located in the wilderness of Gaya Island, just 10 minutes boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. True to its name, the resort – as it is on the largest of the five coral reef islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - is dedicated to conserving its marine life with a Marine Ecology Research Centre on site. Guests can participate in its coral regeneration programme and learn about its efforts in the propagation of giant clams, having spawned seven out of the world’s eight giant clams.

With its prime location on pristine waters, the 44 over water luxury villas feature balconies in which to enjoy the view. Some of the villas also offer direct steps into the lagoon to cool off and access to the special breakfast boat to deliver breakfast to your balcony. Three restaurants and bar offer the ideal island atmosphere with spectacular views of the jungle and ocean. The seafood is a speciality and cultivated in the hotel’s own sea farm. Guests can relax in the infinity pool overlooking Malohom Bay or indulge in a traditional Borneo Urut massage. Adventure seekers can dive at the hotel’s dive centre, take guided kayak trips through mangrove forests or see the wildlife in the jungle trek.

“It is wonderful for the Preferred Boutique brand to have a hotel member in Asia Pacific that is truly committed to preserving its environment. Gayana is a great addition to the brand,” said Lynne Ireland, Managing Director - Preferred Boutique.

“The fast growing resort destination of Kota Kinabalu is an ideal location to add to the Preferred Hotel Group portfolio and Gayana Eco Resort is a great example of how resorts can provide luxury with an eco theme,” said Mark Simmons, Managing Director - Asia.

“Gayana Eco Resort offers guests unrivalled 5-star quality in a unique eco-adventure, tropical island setting. As a Preferred Boutique property, we are confident that our branding exercise will reach its target markets.

Our partnership with the Preferred Hotel Group is therefore an exciting beginning to our overall vision in becoming Asia’s No.1 eco resort,” said Nilakrisna James, spokesperson and PR Consultant for Gayana Eco Resort

About Preferred Boutique
Preferred Boutique is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group™ family of brands which also includes: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts, Summit Hotels & Resorts™, Sterling Hotels™ and Historic Hotels of America®. For reservations and a complete description of the Preferred Boutique collection, please visit www.preferredboutique.com.

Preferred Boutique guests are eligible to enroll in the I Prefer Global Guest Benefit Program, featuring benefits such as early check-in/late check-out, space-available upgrades and more.

 For more information, please visit www.iprefer.com

New Caledonia is stamped on the map as a hot destination for New Zealanders in 2009.

Flight Centre has studied its top selling destination data and found that New Caledonia has consistently gained popularity over the past 12 months and will be one of the places to be seen in 2009, describing it as France’s best kept secret.

“New Caledonia is a fabulous destination and is steadily gaining in popularity with New Zealanders – as shown by Flight Centre’s statistics,” says Karen Priest, New Caledonia Tourism New Zealand Manager. “This is the result of some fantastic campaigns we have run over the last 18 months or so that have attracted a lot of New Zealanders to the destination.”

Ms Priest says that New Caledonia is poised to become a very popular holiday – and business – destination with the New Zealand market. Its close proximity (2 ½ hour flight), tropical temperatures, white sand beaches, shopping and French infused culture and cuisine are all major drawcards.

“New Caledonia has fabulous hotels, resorts and conference venues as well as culture and activities. It’s also a very cost effective option and sitting right on our doorstep.”

Ms Priest says there will again be some fantastic deals out in the market for 2009 that will make New Caledonia irresistible to visit.

New Caledonia is joined by Greece, Brunei, Croatia, Vietnam, Bali, Mexico, Czech Republic, United Arab Emirates and Spain as Flight Centre’s hot destinations for 2009.

Do something new and visit New Caledonia

For further information access www.newcaledonia.co.nz

Amanresorts is located just steps from the east gate of the iconic garden estate – once a retreat for Qing Dynasty emperors and their entourages, The Aman at Summer Palace,

Beijing offers guests an inspired glimpse of the past, while providing every modern comfort and the ideal base from which to explore China’s vibrant capital. The resort offers 18 Guest Rooms and 33 Suites and an extensive selection of dining options, from The Chinese Restaurant and The Grill, to Naoki and The Lounge, as well as a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre, 25m indoor pool and Spa.

About Amanresorts:

Amanresorts was founded by Adrian Zecha who envisioned a collection of intimate retreats in beautiful surrounds with the unassuming, warm hospitality of a gracious private residence. The first resort, Amanpuri (place of peace) in Phuket, Thailand, introduced the concept. Amanresorts has grown to encompass 19 resorts located in Bhutan, Cambodia, China, France, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Morocco, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Turks & Caicos Islands and the USA.