Jetsettersblog

Paint, Draw, Be Inspired

Arajilla Retreat on Lord Howe Island are introducing an inspirational long weekend for art lovers.

Combine the exceptional beauty of Lord Howe with the opportunity to paint with Archibald prize-winning artists.

Lord Howe is often called Australia’s most beautiful island and a true place of artistic inspiration.
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This year Arajilla Retreat is undertaking an inaugural Artist Retreat Programme on Lord Howe. Participants have the opportunity to paint with some of Australia’s most talented artists combined with the luxury and warm hospitality of Arajilla Retreat and the exceptional surroundings of Lord Howe.

Choose from four very special Arajilla Artists Retreats, each highlighting very different painting styles and techniques.

Archibald prize winners Garry Shead and Guy Maestri will head up a highly talented group of artists leading these luxury long weekends.
Each retreat is of four days and three nights duration, from a Friday to Monday, representing a long weekend of fun, camaraderie, artistic inspiration and learning.

The Retreats consist of drawing and painting with the artist in both studio and at spectacular Lord Howe outdoor locations, combined with evening art lectures, discussions and films. The retreats will be limited to a maximum of 10 participants only and is resident at Arajilla Retreat, offering a fully inclusive and luxurious programme for participants.

Garry Shead, along with fellow artist Adam Rish, will undertake Arajilla Artist Retreats in October 2009 and March 2010. Internationally acclaimed artists Richard Allen and Peter Hickey will conduct a retreat in December 2009 whilst youthful Guy Maesti, this year’s Archibald prize-winner, will lead a group at Arajilla in June 2010.

Artist Leaders Dates

02 – 05 October ’09 Garry Shead & Adam Rish
04 – 07 December ’09 Richard Allen & Peter Hickey
19 – 22 March ’10 Garry Shead & Adam Rish
04 – 07 June ’10 Guy Maestri

The Arajilla Artist Workshop programme is an all inclusive tariff at luxurious Arajilla Reteat, including all meals, airport transfers, and even light picnic lunches whilst away sketching or painting. Arajilla also provide much of the equipment participants need to fully enjoy the Lord Howe Island experience – backpacks, easels, canvas and paper, bicycles, snorkelling and light fishing gear, beach towels, DVDs and much more.
4 day/3 night package from AUD$1,905 per person double occupancy
Artists Retreats / Twin Share Per Person / Sole Use
02 – 05 October ’09 / AUD$1,905 / AUD$3,120
04 – 07 December ’09 / AUD$2,115 / AUD$3,645
19 – 22 March ’10 / AUD$1,905 / AUD$3,120
04 – 07 June ’10 / AUD$1,905 / AUD$3,120

Arajilla Artists Retreat Inclusions:

• 3 nights accommodation for two in a Kentia or Banyan Suite
• selected pre-dinner drinks
• all meals – gourmet breakfast, light lunch, three course dinner with menu changing daily, plus tea and coffee
• two full days of art workshops with your selected artist
• easels, stretched canvas and artist paper provided *
• special art book gift selected by the lead artists
• bicycles and return airport transfers on the Island
• price start from AUD$1,905 per person twin share. There is a single room supplement.
* Participants need to bring pencils, crayons, paints and brushes.

For more information, visit www.arajillaartistsretreats.com.au

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

Hertz New Zealand will introduce an all-diesel fleet of Toyota Prado 4WDs as part of its ongoing sustainability policy to reduce carbon emissions.

The new 3.0 litre Toyota Prado VX Diesels will be introduced progressively from 15 June, 2009, at key Hertz locations throughout New Zealand’s South Island, in perfect time for the ski season.

By 01 October, 2009, all Hertz Toyota Prados in the South Island will be diesel powered, while the North Island Prado fleet will be all-diesel by 01 March, 2010.

“The Toyota Prado is one of our most popular vehicles, particularly on the South Island where alpine and long distance driving are both very popular,” said Murray Hodges, Managing Director of Hertz New Zealand.

“By upgrading to the new Toyota Prado VX Turbo Diesel, we are achieving the dual goals of providing a more fuel-efficient vehicle for our customers and a more environment-friendly vehicle for New Zealand,” said Mr Hodges.

“Our new Prado will also meet Euro IV emission standards, the international level adopted by Hertz New Zealand as an environmental benchmark.”

In addition to providing a more fuel-efficient option for Hertz customers, the diesel Prado also incorporates a large number of safety features, including driver and front passenger airbags, plus side, front and rear curtain airbags, anti-lock braking and vehicle stability control.

Standard features of the new Hertz Prado also include a low-noise cabin, stylish leather trim interior and a six-disc MP3 CD player, enabling passengers to plug in their IPOD or MP3 device and listen to their favourite music.

A 50/50 split-fold rear seat provides the option of additional luggage space. As well, the Prado’s spacious cabin and long wheelbase combine to deliver a smooth ride.

Hertz has more than 8000 locations in 145 countries, with more than 40 locations in New Zealand and more than 200 in Australia.

For more information about Hertz visit www.hertz.com.au or call Hertz reservations on 13 30 39.

Mudgee is steeped in history – it has more heritage listed buildings than any other town in NSW.

Beer and wine lovers can rejoice as many are charming pubs, offering an ideal base to eat, drink and sleep your way through the Region. With over 20 to choose from this is a pub crawler’s paradise.

From Rylstone and Mudgee to Hill End and Gulgong each of the region’s pubs have their own unique story and architecture. Once inside, enjoy warm open fires, friendly locals, fresh food and great value accommodation. Cold beer is always on tap, along with a range of wines from the local cellar doors.

Many of the region’s pubs now sell beer from the Mudgee Brewing Company, the town’s first and only brewery which opened a new restaurant and café in May 2009. Highlights on a self-guided Pub Trail through Mudgee include:

* The Royal Hotel (Hill End) – one of 27 hotels built in the 1870’s for the gold rush, this is the only one still standing, a legendary hotel for its atmosphere and stories, accommodates up to 20 people

* The Globe Hotel (Rylstone) – great country pub with a beer garden overlooking the town’s main street and beautiful plane trees, with 12 rooms it is an ideal base for visiting Dunns Swamp

* Kandos Hotel (Kandos) – a basic pub to meet the locals who work at the local cement works, used to hold up the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the gateway to the Wollemi National Park for canoeing, fishing, bushwalking or a river cruise

* Prince of Wales (Gulgong) – one of historic Gulgong’s oldest buildings, from the 1800s, this pub is brimming with warmth, great food and accommodation in units or motel rooms.

The Girls Weekend away package is ideal for special occasions and includes a massage and wine tour

* The Post Office Hotel (Gulgong) – chat to the locals while you have a beer and enjoy the bistro food.

Rooms are pub style and bathrooms shared, but the building’s history will charm you

* Lawson Park Hotel (Mudgee) – at the Red Heifer Grill they grow and serve their own Angus steaks, or enjoy a deep dish pie. The historic 1860 pub offers tastings from 25 local wines, and accommodation in seven rooms overlooking pretty Lawson Park in town

* The Oriental (Mudgee) – the famous Ori bistro is renowned for its juicy steaks and gourmet specials, it is recently renovated, with accommodation in seven rooms all with verandas, or the self-contained cottage next door

* Mudgee Brewing Company (Mudgee) – recently opened with a café and restaurant within this 100 year old converted wool shed, this is the only brewery in Mudgee

“The pubs are a great way for travellers to enjoy Mudgee on a budget – we offer more than luxury guesthouses and wineries – and they full of cultural and historical charm.” said Lucy White, Tourism Manager at Mudgee Region Tourism Inc.

The Mudgee Region is a 3.5 hour drive from Sydney in the Central West of NSW. A food and wine lover’s paradise, there are also a range of arts, culture, history, nature and wilderness experiences to be enjoyed.

For more information on Mudgee’s pubs and touring contact the Mudgee Visitor Information Centre on 02 6372 1020 or go to www.visitmudgeeregion.com.au

* Mudgee has the highest number of heritage listed buildings on a per capita basis than any other town in NSW.

The Lodge at Jackson Fork Ranch is pleased to congratulate their outfitting partner, Two Rivers Emporium located in Pinedale, WY as being selected as the 2008 ORVIS Endorsed Outfitter of the Year by the ORVIS Company.

Two Rivers Emporium was selected based on standards of excellence set by the ORVIS Company and evaluations by guests in post-visit critiques sent directly to ORVIS headquarters.

“Two Rivers Emporium not only excels in those areas, but pushed to improve the entire industry through their professionalism and on-going development of higher education accreditation in the area of hospitality management and an emphasis in fly-fishing,” said Dave Perkins, Vice-Chairman for ORVIS.

The Lodge at Jackson Fork Ranch is a truly unique fly fishing destination, one of the most distinctive in the West. Small and intimate, it offers en-suite accommodations, gourmet meals, and spectacular settings surrounded by three mountain ranges.

It is the goal of the lodge to encourage anglers to appreciate the uniqueness of the four native Wyoming cutt-throat trout, increase their popularity and their populations.

You can literally find any kind of trout water within an hour of the lodge, or stay on the ranch for your own private water for nearly six miles on the Upper Hoback River.

The lodge offers a Cutt-Slam package which promotes the Wyoming Cutt-Slam – catch all four native species of trout in their native waters.

For more information on the lodge, please visit www.jacksonfork.com

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first channel crossing of a hovercraft.

This British invention can now be experienced with Tiger Hover Tours in Plymouth.

The first flight was on June 13, starting from 10 a.m., every hour from the Barbican landing stage. Tickets can be purchased online at www.tigerhovertours.co.uk or by phone at 011 0870-766-9125, or on the day at the tourist office in the Barbican.

Plymouth was chosen for the location of this tourist attraction due to its environment allowing the full capabilities and the experience of flying in a hovercraft to be exploited.

Flying up the River Plym allows the transition from sea to land to be experienced.

The Tiger 12 Hovercraft is the only Coast Guard-approved passenger carrying hovercraft of its type in Europe. Seating 10 passengers, it is fully amphibious allowing the transition from sea to land in areas that are not accessible to other craft. Hovercraft ride on a bed of air and do not disturb the ground or produce wash on the water, making them environmentally sound.

Tiger Hover Tours began operating as Hovercraft Rental, and has been operating around the U.K. gaining experience of flights in a wide variety of locations.

The craft has operated in sites of special scientific interest, festivals, tourist events and commercial applications.

Added to the greater sea protection, the River Plym provides a wonderful lake type environment with calm conditions all year round.

The craft can operate here in comfort exploring its full amphibious capabilities.

It also allows you to safely experience the unique maneuvers that can only be experienced on a hovercraft.

For more information, visit

www.ddpstudios.co.uk

Capture the essence of the Australian Outback along one of this vast country’s most stunning and diverse walks – The Larapinta Trail. This time of year sees the perfect conditions for actively exploring these great desert landscapes – some of the Northern Territory’s most untouched outback wilderness.

Ranked by National Geographic in the top 20 trekking experiences to be had on the planet, the route extends 223 kilometres along the spine of the rugged West MacDonnell Ranges from the frontier town of Alice Springs to Mt Sonder.

The dramatic and varied desert scenery of this region is like nowhere else on earth, and best explored on foot. Trekkers can complete the entire trail in around fourteen days or tackle shorter one and two day sections of the walk. Beginning at the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station, the trail meanders through an outstanding ensemble of rich colours and culture, scenic waterholes, and rocky outcrops descending into narrow canyons and spectacular gorges.

Highlights include; Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Glen Helen Gorge and the Finke River Gorge – reputed to be the world’s oldest river bed. The trail culminates at the highest point, Mt Sonder (1380m), rewarding those who climb it with uninterrupted panoramic views that put into perspective the sheer scale of this ancient land.

Visitors can cool off in one of the many picturesque swimming holes that are found along the Trail such as Simpsons Gap which offers a permanent pool and is home to native rock wallabies that inhabit the Gap’s rocky ridges. At night camp under the stars, a highlight of the Larapinta experience.

These Red Centre landscapes are brought to life by the stories which the local people recount; the local Arrernte people believe that the ranges were made by giant caterpillars called the Yeperenye who rose up to become the Ranges! Referred to as the ‘Dreamtime’, these stories are the gateway to understanding the rich history and beliefs of the Aboriginal people.

A trek along the Larapinta offers exceptional outback experience, its stories, and the people that make this region what it is, a natural vast paradise touched by history, heritage and beauty.

Book a seven day Classic Larapinta Experience with World Expeditions, (0800 0744 135, www.worldexpeditions.co.uk ) from £950pp. Starting at the Telegraph Station, the walk covers Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek, Serpentines Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and the Finke River.

The walk will appeal to the avid walker, covering 10 to 15 kilometres each day. Package includes all camping equipment, food and utensils, entrance fees to National Parks, off-road transport from Alice Springs and full vehicle support.

Departs Sundays and Wednesdays from April to September and excludes international flights. Other tours available with World Expeditions include the three day Larapinta Experience, seven day Art Expedition Larapinta and the 14 day Larapinta End to End Tour.

Follow on screen adventurous trekker, Zoe Palmer, led by a World Expeditions guide, as she embarks on an incredible journey along the Larapinta Trail on National Geographic’s Treks in a Wild World at this link.

1. Australia’s Northern Territory is a leading nature and culture destination where Australia’s Outback meets the tropics and is home to Australia’s most dramatic, beautiful and varied scenery including the awe-inspiring red centre icons of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well as the Top End adventure and wildlife destinations of Katherine Gorge and Kakadu National Park.

2. Darwin International Airport is an international gateway to Australia offering connections to Singapore, which is just over four hours away. Services are operated by Qantas, Jetstar and Tiger. It also serves Bali and East Timor. Qantas operates domestic flights between Alice Springs, Gove, Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. Virginblue flies to Brisbane, Tiger Airways flies to Melbourne, Skywest and Airnorth Regionallink fly to Broome.

3. The peak visitor time is during the dry season, from May to September, but the Tropical Summer from October to April brings spectacular lightning shows and lush growth.

4. www.australiasoutback.com   is an essential resource for travellers planning a trip to the Northern Territory

The Diamant Hotel Sydney unveils its magnificent Penthouse Suite overlooking the city’s skyline and harbour, topping off the contemporary boutique hotel in rock-star style manner and exclusive luxury living.

Designed by renowned architects Burley Katon Halliday and managed by Eight Hotels Australia, the Penthouse comes with two outdoor entertaining balconies offering panoramic harbour and city views, a stunning gourmet kitchen and dining-living space, master bedroom complete with walk in wardrobe, powder room, exquisite ensuite with spa bath and two guest rooms each featuring private bathrooms.

Perfectly suited for international celebrity and A-list visitors, this majestic space features world-class furnishings, state of the art entertainment systems, floor to ceiling windows, sundrenched living spaces and private access with high-tech security creating an oasis in the sky for the sophisticated world traveller.

CEO Paul Fischmann commented:

“We are pleased to add the Diamant Penthouse to our collection.

“This landmark space will cater to guests demanding exceptional quality of space and service and showcase our commitment to delivering the sophisticated travelling and living experience.”

The Penthouse comes with a butler service on request and is available for short or long term accommodation, product launches, photo shoots, cocktail parties, private dinners and memorable occasions.

Other hotel features include the Adelphi Restaurant, business centre, conference rooms, security parking, complimentary Fitness First facilities and 24-hour concierge.

Diamant Penthouse

14 Kings Cross Road

Potts Point

NSW 2011

T +61 2 9295 8888 |

Freecall 1800 816 168

F +61 2 9295 8899 

info.syd@diamant.com.au

www.diamant.com.au

The Managing Director of The Federal Group, Mr. Greg D. Farrell, has unveiled the name of the Company’s world-class coastal sanctuary located at Coles Bay on the Freycinet Peninsula.

The name of this rejuvenating coastal sanctuary is “Saffire”.

The inspiration for “Saffire” is drawn from fire and water and is uniquely associated with Freycinet Peninsula as this area has one of the only deposits of natural sapphires in Tasmania.

“In the tradition of world-class boutique retreats, Saffire will compare with the finest and most exotic five-star experiences found anywhere in the world,” says Mr. Farrell.

“Our award-winning architects, Robert Morris-Nunn and Associates, have created a truly unique coastal sanctuary that introduces a new level of luxury to Tasmania which is of an equivalent standard to any of the world’s finest properties. Saffire is a world-class experience in every way,” says Mr. Farrell.

“From the outset, our intention has been to create a unique and sophisticated destination of the highest quality that features the very best that Tasmania has to offer.

“I am extraordinarily proud that this has been achieved and that in a place of unmatched beauty, Saffire will include a world-class day spa and gym, guest lounge, premium meeting facilities and will showcase Tasmanian fresh produce and exceptional wines in the fine dining restaurant,” notes Mr. Farrell.

Saffire will offer three levels of suites – 6 Luxury Suites, 10 Deluxe Suites, and 4 Premium Suites – with rates ranging from AUD $1,000 to AUD $3,000 per suite, per night.

“Each suite will offer magnificent ocean views, designer bathrooms, private decks, king size beds, separate lounge areas and state-of-the-art audio, visual and communications technology. Suites range in internal size from a generous 80 square meters to 150 square meters for the Premium Suites – which will also feature private plunge pools,” says Mr. Farrell.

“From my perspective, it was essential that we get this right and that Saffire provides the discerning guest with a truly five star experience. Like no other, Saffire will provide premium facilities that are both sensitive to its natural surrounds and sensitive to guests’ wellbeing,” Mr. Farrell adds.

“The total investment by the Company is in excess of $32 million and with construction commenced we have every intention of being open by December 2009,” notes Mr. Farrell.

“A world-class experience in every way, it is our intention for Saffire to be the jewel of Tasmania. Saffire will operate alongside Pure Tasmania’s other iconic properties such as the Henry Jones Art Hotel and will be internationally promoted under the award-winning Pure Tasmania brand,” Mr. Farrell concludes.

Cunard said its five-year partnership with Canyon Ranch will go forward and include cooperative marketing and promotions initiatives as well as new treatments and services. The partnership began in 2004 with the Canyon Ranch SpaClub aboard Queen Mary 2.

New treatments and services have now been introduced, including Voya seaweed treatments, detoxifying and revitalizing rituals, and performance orthotics service.

Queen Mary 2’s Canyon Ranch SpaClub boasts 30 associates in a 20,000-square-foot spa, salon and fitness facility on two decks.

The SpaClub offers 24 massage, body and skin care treatment rooms, a fitness center with more than 50 pieces of cardio and weight-training equipment, and a relaxation room with sea views.

The spa also features water-based features, including a 30-by-15-foot thalasso-therapy pool with airbed recliner lounges, neck fountains, a deluge waterfall, air tub and body massage jet benches.

Adjacent to the pool is a thermal suite with an herbal sauna, Finnish sauna, reflexology basins and an aromatic steam room.

For more information, visit www.cunard.com  or www.canyonranch.com

Members of JAL Mileage Bank, the frequent-flyer program for Japan Airlines, now have more opportunity to earn miles with Outrigger Enterprises Group with the addition of two new Outrigger properties to the rewards program and a Double Mileage special available at a select number of Outrigger hotels and resorts.

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket, Thailand, and O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger in Bali, Indonesia, are the newest Outrigger-affiliated properties to join the JAL Mileage Bank program.

Each is offering members 500 miles per stay.

JAL Mileage Bank members ask for the mileage credit at check-in and show their membership card and the hotel does the rest. (Flyer miles are restricted to one award per room, per stay.)

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort in Phuket is a new luxury resort that opened in April.

The 78 suites offer ocean views from rooftop sundecks, garden retreats, and beachfront lofts with private swimming pools.

Guest services include butler service, a total spa and wellness experience at the on-site Navasana Well-Being Centre, Turquoise-A Dining Experience, in-room dining, and personalized limousine tours. “Serenity Toys” allow the adventurous to play on the sea with a speed boat, Hobie Cat catamarans, and kayaks that launch directly from the resort.

O-CE-N Bali by Outrigger occupies a beachfront setting at Legian Beach near the resort destination of Seminyak.

There are five levels of accommodations. Flat-panel televisions, cable service, and high-speed Internet access are standard features in all rooms.

Fifth floor penthouse suites offer split-level accommodations with private Jacuzzi tubs and landscaped garden terraces suitable for entertaining. A Double Mileage promotion is also available at select Outrigger properties in Hawaii, Guam and Fiji, which means JAL Mileage Bank members can earn as many as 1,000 miles per stay depending on the property.

For more information, visit www.outrigger.com