Jetsettersblog

When it comes to holidays, a slowing economy and gloomy talk of a recession has not deterred Australians from seeking the simple pleasures in life – sun, surf and sand. According to a new survey conducted by Australia’s leading family travel and lifestyle magazine, Holidays with Kids, Queensland is the most popular local destination for families, while tropical resorts dominate the South Pacific and Asia categories.

The annual Top 10 Resorts list is based on a reader survey sent to an online database of 41,000 members, as well as surveys in two issues of the magazine (circulation 60,000). Readers were asked to nominate their favourite resorts in Asia, the South Pacific and Australia. They scored each resort on facilities and activities for children, the quality of childcare and babysitting services, the standard of accommodation, location, value for money and the overall experience. They then rated the resorts from one to five, with five being the highest score.

While many perennial favourites reappeared, the results did throw up some surprises.

While family-friendly facilities such as kids’ clubs, playgrounds and swimming pools are still important factors when choosing a resort, many Australian families are seeking out-of-the-ordinary experiences. Properties offering wildlife encounters and activities such as circus schools were amongst those that ranked highly.

In the Top 10 Australian Resorts category, Queensland took out all placings. Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast and Club Med Lindeman Island scooped the pool in the mid-range category; while Sands Turtle Beach on the Gold Coast proved most popular with families in the top-end listing, its apartment-style accommodation clearly striking a chord with savvy readers.

The continued dominance of Fijian resorts in the Top 10 South Pacific Resorts category shows that the troubled island paradise remains a firm favourite with families in search of an idyllic tropical escape.

The presence of several Malaysian properties in the Asia listing – including top place-getter Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria in Sabah – reveals the increasing popularity of adventure destinations, while the dominance of Bali and Phuket in the Top 10 shows Australians still seek great value in destinations where their dollar goes further.

According to Holidays with Kids editor Cathy Wagstaff, the survey is a great indicator of what families are looking for and a great planning tool for families.

“All properties have been voted by families that have enjoyed their experiences at these resorts. This year we have highlighted star ratings to give more of an indication of the quality of the property,” she said.

The Top 10 Resorts results are published in the new 2009 autumn edition of Holidays with Kids, which features our annual Ski and Snowboard issue in a flip-cover format.
In this jam-packed issue, you’ll find articles on skiing in Australia and overseas, as well as advice from experts, information on working as a ski instructor, interschools challenges, the all-important gear and who to watch in the Vancouver Winter Olympics in February. The edition also features stories on great Australian drives, Tahiti and festivals in Thailand – everything you need for a great family holiday.

Top 10 Resorts Australia

Resorts 4-stars and Over
1. Sands Turtle Beach Resort Gold Coast, QLD 4.5-star
2. Novotel Twin Waters Resort Sunshine Coast, QLD 4-star
3. Sea World Resort Gold Coast, QLD 4-star
4. Voyages Dunk Island Dunk Island, QLD 4-star
5. Hyatt Regency Coolum Sunshine Coast, QLD 4-star

Resorts Under 4-stars

1. Paradise Resort Gold Coast, QLD 3-star
2. Club Med Lindeman Island Whitsundays, QLD 3.5-star
3. Tangalooma Island Resort Moreton Island, QLD 3-star
4. Islander Noosa Resort Noosaville, QLD 3.5-star
5. Club Crocodile Airlie Beach Airlie Beach, QLD 3-star

Highly commended

BreakFree Diamond Beach Resort, Broadbeach QLD 4-star

Couran Cove Island Resort, Stradbroke Island, QLD 4-star

Hayman Island Resort, Whitsundays, QLD 5-star

Top 10 Resorts South Pacific

1. Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort & Spa Fiji
2. The Naviti Resort Fiji
3. Le Lagon Resort Vanuatu Vanuatu
4. Plantation Island Resort Fiji
5. Castaway Island Resort Fiji
6. Le Meridien Port Vila Resort & Casino Vanuatu
7. Treasure Island Resort Fiji
8. Aggie Grey’s Lagoon, Beach Resort & Spa Samoa
9. Radisson Resort Fiji Denarau Island Fiji
10. Warwick Fiji Resort & Spa Fiji

Highly commended

Malolo Island Resort, Fiji
Outrigger on the Lagoon, Fiji
Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Fiji

Top 10 Resorts Asia

1. Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort Sabah, Malaysia
2. Club Med Bali Nusa Dua, Bali
3. Bali Dynasty Resort Kuta, Bali
4. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa Phuket, Thailand
5. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Sabah, Malaysia
6. Laguna Beach Resort Phuket, Thailand
7. Serene Villas Seminyak, Bali
8. Westin Resort Nusa Dua Bali
9. Disney’s Hollywood Hotel Hong Kong
10. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort Phuket, Thailand

Highly commended
Club Med, Bintan Island, Indonesia
Holiday Inn, Phuket

Terrace Downs Resort On the Up – NZ’s Premier High Country Resort

Picture yourself in front of a roaring hot fire with a glass of firm red wine. Outside the night’s sky is alive, the full moon beams down on snow capped peaks and the clear sky illuminates thousands of tiny stars which look like salient polished diamonds. The air out there is crisp and cold, and as the frost sets in there is no wind, no movement just the most awe-inspiring view you have had the pleasure of experiencing. Rated among the top Resorts in the world Terrace Downs is unique in its grandeur, exclusive in location, distinct in the facilities it offers and remarkably affordable.

Located within an hour’s drive of Christchurch , New Zealand ’s second largest city, Terrace Downs is perfectly situated to allow easy access to all guests. Arriving at the High Country Resort seems all too easy; it is as if you should have driven for hours just to deserve the peace, serenity and rural tranquility it offers.

Originally focusing on golf, Terrace Downs successfully established itself as an 18 hole, par 72 championship course, which led the way for future developments under the new Kiwi ownership that have seen the Resort encompass every aspect of holiday, retreat and conferencing requirements.

Terrace Downs offers a full range of onsite activities including archery, claybird shooting and horse treks so you won’t need to worry about how to pass the time.

Close by, is the Terrace Downs Discovery Jet, great for jet boat tours of the intricate Rakaia River or for day trips fishing for salmon or trout; there is a long list of beautiful native bush walks; mountain bike tracks and challenging short hikes.

The access road to Canterbury ’s leading commercial ski area, Mt Hutt, is located only 20 minutes from the Resort or the slopes can be reached in just five minutes via a $75.00 heli-taxi transfer, back this season due to popular demand!

Also close are the idyllic Canterbury club fields, Craigieburn, Broken River, Temple Basin and Mt Cheeseman to name a few, as well as Porters Ski Area which features the steepest off piste runs in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Resort boasts three exquisite restaurants including Avoca Fine Dining, Tilley’s Bar and Brassiere and the newly announced alfresco wood fired pizza restaurant, The Grill.

With one, two and three bedroom Terrace Villa Suites to choose from and the luxurious Fairway Chalets available there is a variety of generous sized accommodation to suit all retreat requirements.

The Spa at Terrace Downs is possibly the icing on the cake for the already incomparable destination, unique Asian inspired products and décor offer a truly relaxing experience, and the internationally sourced therapists have extensive training and knowledge in the art of massage and the healing properties it holds.

Terrace Downs is a breathtaking place that leaves guests feeling revived, relaxed and rejuvenated.

With so many developments over the last six months and more changes planned for 2010, there is a very bright future ahead for this truly stunning Resort.

For more information, please visit: www.terracedowns.co.nz

In The Heart Of South Australia’s Flinders Ranges

Travellers to South Australia (www.southaustralia.com) looking for environmentally sensitive accommodation devoid of mobile phone reception yet rich in old-fashioned Outback hospitality, should look no further than 29,000 acre Rawnsley Park Station (www.rawnsleypark.com.au) .

Renowned for the introduction of their award winning luxurious eco villas, Rawnsley Park is located in the heart of the Flinders Ranges only 400 km from Adelaide overlooking Wilpena Pound, the 83 square km amphitheatre formed 640 million years ago.

This former sheep grazing estate offers great food and wine in its Woolshed restaurant and accommodation options suitable for every budget.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS – LUXURY ECO VILLAS

Whilst contemporary in design and décor, the eco villas boast the latest environmental features including rendered straw bale walls for insulation, polished timber floors over suspended concrete slabs, and overhanging eaves and wide verandas which provide shaded walls.

Other unusual features include retractable fabric ceilings which provide a magical night viewing panel from the bedroom, allowing guests to lie back in bed and gaze up at the stars in the clear southern skies above.

Rawnsley Park’s eco-villas have achieved Advanced Ecotourism accreditation which recognises Australia’s leading and most innovative eco-tourism products.

They provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

The first four eco-villas proved to be so popular since their introduction in 2006, that a further A$1 million was invested in four additional villas, which were completed in April 2009.

Each one of the eight eco-villas (six one-bedroom and two, two-bedroom) offers the same stunning views, secluded location, stylish interiors and quality facilities.

APARTMENTS in the holiday village are ideal for both families and groups. The 28 units range from one to three-bedrooms and are equipped with full kitchens.

THE CARAVAN PARK, dotted with native pines and gum trees, offers cabins, on-site vans, powered sites and bush camping, all catered to by a licensed shop, covered camp kitchen and modern amenities block.

ACTIVITIES

Visitors can enjoy 4WD tours, scenic flights, mountain bike treks (including a 200kms cycling track) and bush walking trails, whilst daily guided walks leave the Station early each morning.

These three-hour “High Life Walks” showcase the region’s unique flora, wildlife and geology, taking participants through exposed spinifex, mallee ridges and sheltered woodland, providing stunning views across the Outback landscape.

Other tour options include the daily two-hour “Sunset on the Chace”, a 4WD tour followed by dinner under the stars, and the four-course, silver service “Starlight Dinner” set amongst gumbarked trees under a canopy of stars. Developed in conjunction with the Woolshed, the dinner showcases in-season produce with dishes like fresh asparagus wrapped in smoked salmon; herbed lamb cutlets seasoned with pepper leaf and fennel served on potato and pumpkin rosti with red wine jus; and layered two chocolate ganache served with pistachio biscotti. This dinner is offered twice a month on selected dates.

Wildlife spotting is another draw card for the region as gorges have running water most of the year and it is possible to spot a yellow footed rock wallaby, one of the area’s endangered species. The plethora of birdlife ranges from the common ringneck parrot and the noisy galah to the elusive short-tailed grasswren and Australia’s largest bird of prey, the wedge-tailed eagle.

Additional touring can be undertaken in Flinders Ranges National Park, Wilpena Pound, the heritage town of Hawker and the Pichi Richi steam railway.

THE WOOLSHED RESTAURANT, open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, offers al fresco dining overlooking Rawnsley Bluff, with the added attraction of an authentic shearing shed attached and visible from inside the restaurant courtesy of glass doors. The constantly changing menu includes dishes like balsamic onion and feta tart with roast pumpkin, pine nut and roquette salad, marinated kangaroo, and stuffed Tommy Ruff (Australian herring) with lemon caper sauce.

THE OWNERS

Fourth generation Flinders Ranges residents, Tony and Julieanne Smith are passionate about the Flinders Ranges and represent one of the first tourism operators in South Australia to gain official eco-tourism accreditation, as well as being active in the development of the region’s ‘geo-tourism’ sector.

The Smiths have also contributed significantly to the Flinders Ranges’ recent declaration as a ‘National Landscape’ by Tourism Australia.

The couple is committed to environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism and has a Heritage Agreement with the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage in order to protect the diverse vegetation of Rawnsley Bluff. As part of this commitment they have ensured that there is a dedicated eco-tourism officer on site.

The Smiths have always been very aware of the fragile nature of the native vegetation on the eco-villa site where the principal plants are native pine and shiny-leaf hopbush. Both of these are arid zone plants that are very slow growing and Tony and Julieanne took great care to ensure that only the minimum vegetation clearance took place during construction of the eco-villas, since most of these plants are 50-100 years old and still only 1-3 metres high.
Rawnsley Park Station

The Bohemian Hotel Savannah Riverfront, the latest luxury boutique hotel by The Kessler Collection in Orlando, Fla., will officially open in Savannah, Ga. on July 24, 2009. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

This new property, which is the first new hotel overlooking the Savannah River to open its doors in 17 years, complements The Kessler Collection’s Mansion on Forsyth Park, located in the heart of Savannah.

Defined by brick and glass architecture and inspiring interior design, The Bohemian Hotel features nine stories including 75 guest rooms and suites, concierge service, valet parking and an on-site fitness center.

Savannah’s newest hotel will also offer a full-service restaurant on River Street serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring fresh seafood and casual American fare created by Kessler’s culinary team.

Rocks on the Roof, a rooftop lounge, offers spectacular views of the Savannah River amid casual elegance. Located at 102 West Bay St., the hotel has the distinction of being the latest property by hotelier and real estate developer Richard C. Kessler, chairman and CEO of The Kessler Enterprise, Inc. Introductory rates at The Bohemian start at $179 per night.

For reservations or more information, call 877-486-9575 or visit www.bohemianhotelsavannah.com

The hotel is fully committed to waste minimalisation, recycling, and energy management.

Chicago, IL – We have been Green Seal™ certified at the Bronze level for our progressive environmental policies. Our hotel meets the Green Seal™ Environmental Standards for U.S. Lodging Properties for waste minimalisation, water and energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible purchasing.

Green Seal is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the environment and promoting the manufacture, purchase, and use of environmentally responsible products and services.
Just some of our eco-friendly policies include:

-Recycling and Waste Reduction:
-In room, meeting, and public space recycling which resulted in over 24 trees being saved in 2008
-The use of reusable ceramic coffee cups in guest rooms in place of Styrofoam
-PVC room key cards that are 100% biodegradable
-Food donation of event/meeting leftovers
-Property wide double sided printing and copying as well as reuse of single sided documents, reducing paper consumption by nearly 50%
-Purchasing:

-Preference given to suppliers that are environmentally responsible
-Purchase of 35% post consumer recycled paper
-Energy Management:
-CFL bulbs in guest rooms and hallways, greatly reducing energy use
-Changed exterior sign bulbs from 800 (25 watt) incandescent bulbs to 800 (5 watt) fluorescent bulbs, decreasing output by 16,000 watts
-Water conserving fixtures throughout the hotel
-Linen and towel reuse program

-Formula 1 laundry system that reduces water and energy usage
-Implementation of rain barrels used to water exterior plants
-Dual Compressor Chillers that run more efficiently to reduce energy usage
-Deeply discounted parking rates for guests with hyrbrid vehicles
-Cleaning Products
-Use of environmentally safe and non-toxic laundry detergent for linens and towels.
-Biodegradable, non-phosphate, non-toxic guest room and bathroom cleaning products

Aruba’s Cunucu Arubiano, a new adults-only, luxury boutique resort, offers stays in individual “casitas.”

A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Cunucu Arubiano opened last October on Santa Lucia hill, as part of the Aruba Donkey Sanctuary.

The resort is situated near many of Aruba’s attractions. Each casita is designed to reflect 19th century Aruban and Dutch architecture and also offers modern amenities like king-sized beds, flat-screen televisions, air conditioning, microwave ovens, mini-refrigerators and Wi-Fi Internet access.

Rates include complimentary coffee, light breakfast and homemade sandwiches for lunch. Guests also receive a complimentary bottle of wine for every two nights booked.

For more information, visit www.cunucuarubiano.com

As part of an ongoing effort to streamline the embarkation process, Carnival Cruise Lines has installed self-service check-in kiosks at its Port of Miami cruise terminal.

The state-of-the-art kiosks provide guests with a fast and convenient way to check in for their cruise.

To use Carnival’s self-service kiosks, guests must have pre-registered online and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen, or from a Visa waiver country. To access their booking information and check in via the kiosk, guests swipe their passport or the credit card used to pre-register online. Additionally, the kiosks accept cash deposits for guests’ shipboard Sail & Sign accounts.

Once guests have successfully checked in, the station prints a receipt confirming that their registration process is completed and directs them to pick up their stateroom keys at a nearby desk.

The kiosks are part of a pilot program at the Port of Miami and, if met with positive response from guests, will be expanded to the line’s other year-round homeports.

For booking Carnival Cruises and other major cruise lines click the banner at the right for instant booking, photos and videos.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe and Chef Traci Des Jardins, James Beard award winner, have announced the name of their joint creation — Manzanita restaurant — which will open along with the resort later this year at the Northern California mountain resort.

Named for a tree that grows California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, the restaurant will feature a menu that will be a combination of Des Jardins’ French-inspired California cuisine with a regional mountain resort influence.

She will source organic, sustainable and locally grown meat and produce. The restaurant will offers 94 seats, plus a 71-seat bar and lounge area. The design will use texture and natural materials, and the open kitchen will be visible from all vantage points in the restaurant.

For more information, call 800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe

The first 9 holes of Muscat Hills Golf and Country Club, Muscat’s first golf course, opened in May 2009. Designed by internationally acclaimed golf course designer Paul Thomas, the PGA standard 18-hole championship course is set in natural mountainous surroundings with challenging fairways close to the heart of Muscat.

Further developments include the Country Club, a state of the art club house with leisure facilities and a comprehensive Pro shop.

The complex will also feature a boutique hotel, apartments and villa’s.

The course adds a further dimension to Muscat as a leisure and business destination.

For further information on Muscat Hills visit www.muscathills.com

Rhodes has the cleanest beaches in the European Union with more Blue Flag awards than any other island. 33 Rhodian beaches have been awarded the international Blue Flag status for excelling in safety, amenities, cleanliness and environmental standards.

Included in the list of Blue Flag beaches in Rhodes are ten in Faliraki, two in Lardos, and three in Ladiko.

The Blue Flag Award is a voluntary eco-label program run by Denmark’s Foundation for Environmental Education. The foundation grades beaches around the world based on a certain criteria such as water quality, infrastructure, services and environmental activities.

The Blue Flag Award is the highest a beach can be given and currently 3,300 Blue Flag beaches around the world have this. Greece is also ranked second in the world with 424, behind Spain with 493.

For more information visit www.blueflag.org