Jetsettersblog

Visitors can now book their Cornish cottage holiday or winery tour at Camel Valley at the click of a mouse direct through www.camelvalley.com

Camel Valley has been offering winery tours and accommodation in sunny Cornwall for over 20 years, and always relied on a cottage booking agent.

However, Bob and Annie Lindo, Camel Valley’s founders, noticed that increasingly tour visitors were trying to book accommodation direct for the next holiday season following their tour. Bob’s Wednesday evening ‘Grand Tour and Tastings’ have been described as ‘Britain’s best’ by Wine magazine

One of the two holiday cottages has recently been refurbished and now boasts a terrace overlooking the vineyard – providing an idyllic surrounding to sit back with a glass of wine.

Said Bob: ‘The great thing is that the accommodation and the vineyard have become integrated into one big ‘wine’ theme and everybody is speaking the same language. In the past, many cottage bookings were made regardless of the fact that we were a vineyard, but now the cottages are being booked almost entirely because we’re a vineyard’. Bob added: ‘Of course we put some wine in the fridge and the Grand Tours are all-inclusive for all cottage bookings’.

The whole family need not be mad on wine to stay at Camel Valley. The Lindos offer a private stretch of salmon and trout fishing on the River Camel and guests can cycle the Camel Trail, which runs right through the vineyard, to Padstow for lunch in one of Rick Stein’s famous restaurants. The Eden project is just 8 miles away and the glorious Cornish coastline just 10 miles.

Camel Valley holds 4 of the UK Trophies including the coveted Vintners Trophy for the UK’s best sparkling wine for the second successive year. Camel Valley was awarded the Gold Medal for the 2008 Cornwall Tourist Board Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and Bob has previously been awarded a Gold Medal for ‘Outstanding Services to Tourism’.

If you’re in need of a mini break to relax and unwind, The Westin Melbourne provides the perfect excuse to retreat to the city with their latest summer package.

You can make a quick luxury escape for a long weekend without breaking the bank thanks to the hotel’s bonus night’s stay – the award winning hotel is offering a third night free when you book for two nights.

Guests can arrive on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday night to begin their three night retreat – with complimentary use of the Wellness Centre’s serene facilities as well as the bonus night’s accommodation. An extra night’s stay allows more time relax or explore the city’s galleries, museums, theatres and shopping that’s all on the hotel’s doorstep.

From just Aud$605 per couple – the offer is an ideal way to recharge this silly season. For more visit www.westin.com.au/melbourne/3for2offer.html Packages available until January 19, 2009.

The Westin Melbourne has become the most decorated Westin property in the world – most recently the hotel was entered in to the Meeting Events Hall of Fame for winning Best Small Meeting Venue for three consecutive years; won the 2007 Best Luxury Hotel at the Victorian Tourism Awards and Best Deluxe Hotel by the Australian Hotels Association.

Coveted consumer accolades also include the Best Luxury Hotel in the Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Awards and included on Conde Naste Travellers 2008 Gold List for the World’s Best Places to Stay.

AHA Awards 2008 Best Accommodation and Leisure Entertainment Hotel

Sydney’s biggest beachside Hotel, the Coogee Bay has been named Accommodation Hotel of the Year, and Leisure Entertainment Hotel of the Year in 2008 by the Australian Hotels Association (AHA) – at the NSW State Awards for Excellence held last night, Monday 24 November 2008.

Located on one of Sydney’s most famous beaches, the multi award winning Coogee Bay Hotel; comprising of 7 bars, 75-room boutique accommodation, excellent beachside conferencing facilities overlooking the panorama of Coogee Beach, off premise retail outlets, and huge variety of entertainment offerings; boasts over half a million guests every year.

Coogee Bay Hotel’s general Manager Tony Williams says he is thrilled with the Bay’s accommodation and entertainment accolades. “Our 75-room boutique accommodation recently took home the AHA’s 2008 national award for Best Hotel Accommodation, so to win at the state level is a brilliant bonus.”

“We’ve worked hard to make Leisure Entertainment Hotel of the Year. We see ourselves as more a leisure locality than a hotel, by providing a variety of surrounds for guests to socialise and be entertained. From cocktails in Arden Lounge; to watching the biggest games on the biggest screens in The Bay’s high-tech Sports Bar – boasting the world’s largest plasmas; live pub bands in the Beach Bar and funky Sunday tunes in the beer garden the Bay is an entertainment precinct,” he says.

The Hotel’s Sports Bar regularly hosts interactive games and activities such as free pool competitions, poker nights and Nintendo WII challenges. The new beer garden, which represents the latest in a multimillion dollar three stage commitment by the Bay’s management, has been conceived with entertainment as a major focus. Featuring an outdoor stage and state-of-the-art sound technology, regular children’s performances, bands and festivals mean guests of Australia’s largest beer garden and Hotel can expect to be entertained, whereever and whenever they visit.

With a vision to reconnect with the Hotel’s 135 year history, when the Coogee Bay Hotel first opened its doors in 1873 as a relaxing seaside escape; the focus on providing excellent beachside accommodation and plenty of wide-ranging entertainment in a variety of surrounds; provides Sydneysiders and locals with a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the best of Australia’s outdoor coastal living.

More information can be found at www.coogeebayhotel.com.au
Coogee Bay Hotel address: cnr Coogee Bay Rd & Arden St; PO Box 19, Coogee, NSW 2034

A nine-room motel in southern New South Wales, once used to house itinerant fruit-pickers has been named the Outstanding Motel in Australia by Australia’s largest accommodation group – Golden Chain Motor Inns.

The Sunrise Motel at Barooga, which has gone through a massive renovation by its owners, has taken out the National award judged by guests in Golden chain’s Guest Ratings program for the second successive year.

Hosts John and Robyn Holmes found the run-down motel when they visited Cobram for a wedding seven years ago.

When John showed the motel to Robyn she “nearly had a heart attack” when she considered the immense task of changing the 15-year-old motel which had been run down for the last 12 years.

“I followed blindly, wondering how I could colour co-ordinate a room when I couldn’t even colour co-ordinate myself,” says Robyn.

After purchasing the property she found it wasn’t listed in any telephone book and it was primarily used by itinerant fruit pickers with a different five or six people per night per room.

So they closed the motel, gutted it and started from scratch.

“We replaced the orchard with a solar heated swimming pool and an outside barbecue and entertainment area which has become very popular,” Robyn said.

Basing the area on a “camp kitchen” found in many caravan parks has seen guests gather in the area and contributes to the enjoyment of their stay. The property embraces motel units and fully self-contained apartments and its close proximity to shops, local club and the river add to its appeal.

“Being relatively small, I find that it is an opportunity to really get to know the clients and it is nice to spend some time swapping stories with them,” Robyn, a bubbly and happy person, says. “Though most of the time they are listening to me I must admit.

“When I look back, I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve and I often think how lucky I am to have a husband who obviously recognised that I had the talent and foresight to create something wonderful and then went and bought the project for me.”

Golden Chain Chairman, John Sheppard, said the award was highly prized by members of the group.

“It is the pinnacle for all of us – because our guests determine the best accommodation in Australia each year so it is high praise from the people who know best”, he said.

“The effort of John and Robyn Holmes is a beacon for us all. It doesn’t matter how old or run-down a property is, it can be resurrected to win the enthusiastic support of guests.

The attitude of John and Robyn has also been a contributing factor, with Robyn’s infectious humour and enthusiasm contributing to the motel achieving the award.”

Soon after taking out the Award, John and Robyn sold the franchise of the motel.

But Robyn says she will be back into the business after she and her family have taken a break travelli9ng around Australia.

THE ALBANY is a little gem of a boutique hotel in South Yarra, and is rapidly evolving into a coveted Melbourne destination for the savvy, stylish traveller as well as the city’s most discerning personalities. The hotel is developing a reputation for it’s personal service and up-beat hospitality. The bar at THE ALBANY is renowned for locals and guests alike as a great place to drop in, have a drink and soak up the quintessentially Melbourne atmosphere. As the ultimate celebration of summer, this month THE ALBANY will open a pink-glowing, rooftop lap pool with majestic views of the Melbourne skyline.

“Our vision for THE ALBANY began when we first saw the property. The location and architecture give our guests a quintessential Melbourne experience and we could immediately see that it presented an authentic, stylish and personal option for savvy travelers as well as a lively gathering spot for our local clientele,” said owner Sally Bloomfield. “To see our vision now become reality only reaffirms the unique offer that THE ALBANY brings to Melbourne.”

Located in one of Melbourne’s most exclusive enclaves, and within walking distance of some of Melbourne’s top restaurants and bars, THE ALBANY is situated on the corner of Toorak Road and is just a couple of blocks from Chapel street, Melbourne’s prime shopping area, and only 2 km’s away from the city itself. Combining warmth, quirkiness and an eclectic sensibility,

THE ALBANY was originally a 1960’s motel attached to a stately South Yarra mansion. Embracing the 21st century, it has been transformed cleverly into a funky, chic and intimate destination whilst retaining the affordability and friendliness that was central to it’s original concept.

THE ALBANY offers something special; a Rolls Royce service for a 3 and a half star property. The hotel has also announced an exciting new alliance with respected Melbourne bar, restaurant and café consultants, Terry Strudwick and Benjamin Canavan. Terry and Ben, known locally as ‘The Boys’, saw the alliance as the perfect opportunity to launch their evening dining concept of “Grazing”. There is a healthy and delicious menu of fourteen items, with rotating “Special Dishes” and a focus on regional produce. This exciting affiliation creates a new and unique dining experience at THE ALBANY, as well as increased service to in-house guests and locals alike, who can soon enjoy the best of Melbourne fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The new restaurant at THE ALBANY will open in January 2009.

After recently undergoing it’s remarkable transformation, THE ALBANY has been reborn with a style that could best be described as ‘fashion meets music’. With black and white striped walls in the new bar, floor to ceiling photographs, murals and artwork, quirky bedheads and red hallways, the hotel has become one of Melbourne’s most enchanting and delightful place to stay.

All budgets and tastes are catered for when selecting accommodation at THE ALBANY. The suites are highly contemporary and artistically styled so that no two are the same. With five rooms in the Mansion, plus the two bedroom Penthouse and a further 80 rooms in the adjoining hotel, THE ALBANY caters for the needs of a diverse range of travellers. The Mansion rooms and suites provide plenty of space for families, while the Superior and Executive rooms offer a new, invigorating feel for the business guest to relax and unwind. All rooms beyond Standard offer fully-stocked mini-bar, Foxtel, In-house movies and ADSL. A hearty breakfast is provided daily in the Breakfast Room. On the warmer days, the alfresco courtyard which fronts the hotel, provides a casual atmosphere to appreciate an espresso or freshly brewed tea.

THE ALBANY is fast becoming one of Melbourne’s most interesting and desirable places to stay.

Enjoy warm summer nights on Sydney Harbour with Captain Cook Cruises new Cocktail Cruise. Perfect for Christmas get togethers or fun catch-ups with friends, the summer Cocktail Cruise departs after work at 5.30pm daily, from Jetty 6, Circular Quay.

This one and a half hour cruise onboard the prestigious Sydney 2000, is all about kicking back and relaxing, soaking up the last rays of sunshine and taking in the picturesque harbour sights, all while sipping on a cocktail or two.

The Cocktail Cruise includes a complimentary cocktail of the day or glass of wine, beer or champagne and refreshments. A licensed bar also operates onboard.

Returning to Circular Quay at 7.00pm the Cocktail Cruise is a great way to start the evening or the perfect end to a hectic day.

The Cocktail Cruise is only $37.00 for adults and $19 for children.

Voyages Hotels & Resorts is preparing for a strong 2009 season at El Questro Wilderness Park, following the region’s starring role in Baz Luhrmann’s Australia movie.

The magnificent Cockburn Range, located entirely on the million-acre El Questro Wilderness Park, provides much of the backdrop for many scenes in Australia, including the cattle droving shots, water crossings and the backdrop to Faraway Downs, the cattle station inherited by Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman).

With an anticipated rise in bookings due to the film, Voyages will be launching fantastic deals in January, to encourage holidaymakers to visit El Questro Wilderness Park as soon as it reopens after the wet in April 2009.

The El Questro Early Bird deal is a Stay Three, Pay Two special offer, representing a 33% saving off the nightly room rate at Emma Gorge Resort www.elquestro.com.au/emma-gorge-resort, and El Questro Station Township www.elquestro.com.au/township *

Three nights in a Tented Cabin at Emma Gorge Resort (twin-share) is priced at $540 per room with the Stay Three, Pay Two special offer. Three nights in a Bungalow at El Questro Station Township (twin-share) is priced at $624 per room with the Stay Three, Pay Two special offer.

El Questro Wilderness Park offers three accommodation types – Emma Gorge Resort El Questro Station Township and the exclusive El Questro Homestead – and opens from 1 April to October 31 every year, allowing for the dramatic thunderstorms to pass over the Kimberley and replenish its numerous gorges and waterfalls during the annual wet season.

Re-create your own Australia movie adventure with gorge cruises on the Chamberlain River, dips in Zebedee Springs thermal pools, horse-riding and barramundi fishing in helicopters. At the end of each day, relax in the outback in riverside bungalow accommodation at the Station Township or try the tented cabins at Emma Gorge Resort.

For a spot of luxury, treat yourselves at El Questro Homestead, the most luxurious cattle station property in the region and an icon of the Kimberley www.elquestrohomestead.com.au The private Chamberlain Suite offers a double bathtub on the verandah perched above the Chamberlain Gorge below, and is so popular can often be booked out months in advance.

Voyages El Questro Homestead in particular has already experienced strong demand for next year’s season, with a total of 40% of 2009 room capacity already sold.

Anna Guillan, Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing, Voyages Hotels & Resorts, said: “We’ve never seen sales this strong before. Now that the film is out on general release, we’re expecting sales to soar. It’s unprecedented and very exciting – but to avoid disappointment, people should book early.”

*Conditions apply, subject to availability. Rates are per room, valid for travel from 1 April 2009 – 30 April 2009 and 1 October 2009 – 28 October 2009. Package must be booked as a minimum three-night stay per room. On early check out the regular nightly rate will be charged. Quote TSA at time of booking.

Malaysia’s northern island of Penang has been honoured as one of the top islands in the world, according to Travel + Leisure’s 2008 World’s Best Awards.

Director of Tourism Malaysia Sydney, Mr Shahrin Mokhtar, says he is delighted that Penang had gained such recognition among an audience as discerning as Travel +Leisure’s readership.

“Penang has long stood as top holiday destination among travellers to Malaysia due to its rich history of food and unique architecture.

In July this year, its capital of George Town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site based on its architecture and culture that are unique to East and Southeast Asia.

“Penang continues to gain popularity among local and international travellers alike. It is still an affordable holiday destination for families young and old and offers a variety of activities to suit different interests and budgets.”

Hilton Hotels Corp. announced that its subsidiary signed an agreement with Shanghai New Union Building Co. Ltd. to manage the Waldorf-Astoria on the Bund Shanghai. The hotel will be located in the heritage building on the Bund in Shanghai and is scheduled to open in 2011. The property will be the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in the Asia Pacific region. The 266-room Waldorf Astoria on the Bund Shanghai will comprise two buildings.

The main entrance at the heritage building will be located at No 2 on the Bund which housed the Shanghai Club, an exclusive Gentlemen’s Club in the 1920s. This building will be connected by a courtyard to a new-build modern tower located behind the Bund on Sichuan Road.

The hotel will have an array of restaurants and bars, with four restaurants, two bars, a patisserie and a lobby lounge, extensive banqueting facilities, a swimming pool, health club and spa. For more information, visit www.waldorfastoriacollection.com

Guests visiting Hamilton Island this summer will have the opportunity to go where no four wheels have gone before by jumping on a quad bike and discovering some of the Island’s spectacular terrain.

The guided Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tour is the Island’s newest adventure-based activity offering and, best of all, it also includes information on local wildlife, fauna and the Whitsunday islands.

Hamilton Island CEO Glenn Bourke said guests heading on the tour will be taken through a familiarisation so they can become more comfortable on their vehicle.

“Guests will be taken through a safety briefing and a confidence course to gain experience in quad biking prior to departing on the tour,” he said.

“The Kawasaki 4×4 360cc quad bikes are fully automatic and a breeze to operate for novice riders.”

The highlight of the tour is the view from Resort Lookout where guests will experience breathtaking 360 degree views of Hamilton Island and the Whitsunday islands.

The Hamilton Island Quad Bike Adventure Tour will operate from Palm Valley Activities and will complement Palm Valley’s other activity offerings of Target Sports, Go Karts and the Aquatic Golf Driving Range.

No prior experience is required – to drive all you need is a minimum of a learner’s driver’s licence and be over 16 years of age.

Tours depart from the Palm Valley Activity Centre daily and are $129 per person for a one hour quad bike experience.

Hamilton Island is renowned for its diverse range of activities enabling guests to do everything or nothing at all.

There are more than 40 activities to enjoy including Great Barrier Reef cruises, spa treatments, mini golf, go-karting, snorkelling, scuba diving, target shooting, catamaran and yacht sailing, tennis, sea kayaking tours, gymnasium, game and reef fishing, nature walks, whale watching (mid July to September), scenic flights over the Whitsunday islands and Great Barrier Reef, safari tours and much more.

For all Hamilton Island activity enquiries and bookings, please contact 07 4946 8305 or visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au