Jetsettersblog

Truly Getting Up Close And Personal On True North

TWO adventure cruises to the famed Kimberley wilderness region in July and August next year aboard the boutique True North, will feature activities as diverse as barramundi fishing, swimming in remote billabongs, seeing indigenous cave art with onboard naturalists, nudging underneath a vast waterfall, and a coral reef that “rises from the ocean.”

True North will sail these two 7-night cruises from Broome to the Hunter River on July 31 and August 28 2010, carrying just 36-guests served by 20-crew.

Highlights include witnessing the region’s vast tidal movements including “riding the tide” on the ebbing Sale River aboard True North’s expedition boats, and seeing the Montgomery Reef “rising from the ocean” – a phenomenon created when the fast-receding tide drains from the 350 square kilometre reef to expose myriad turtles, dugong, rays and other sea creatures.

True North also explores numerous rivers and one of the Kimberley’s most scenic waterways Prince Frederick Harbour, while shore excursions include the famous Wandjina rock paintings at Raft Point and the boab tree inscribed with HMC Mermaid 1820 by Captain Phillip Parker King 189 years ago.

A helicopter is carried aboard for optional-cost sightseeing flights, a picnic at an otherwise inaccessible billabong and a “Champagne Sunrise.”

Prices start from $7799pp twin-share including all gourmet onboard dining, use of six expedition boats for shore excursions and a light aircraft transfer from the Hunter River to Kununurra; air fares are additional.

For full details phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

Kauri Cliffs, Huka Lodge and The Farm at Cape Kidnappers

All three properties offer a unique experience on an individual basis, however collectively it can only be described as exceptional. All the lodges enjoy locations of great natural beauty that embody the qualities so admired in the New Zealand landscape. Hospitality in all cases delivers outstanding local seasonal produce, fine cuisine and attentive service.

Accommodation is comfortable and deliberately relaxed, yet very sophisticated in terms of decor and amenity with all three of these fine properties.

Designed to offer a very high level of privacy within private estates ensures the level of rest and relaxation these exclusive lodges are renowned for.

The cost of this 3 x fabulous package is NZ$26,470.00 including Goods and Services Tax of 12.5% for two guests on a double occupancy basis and is valid 15 December 2009 – 31 March 2010. This package is subject to availability and the terms and conditions that apply to all properties on an individual basis, including those that are applicable to the Christmas/New Year period.

Kauri Cliffs, Northland

Start your journey in Northland near the magnificent Matauri Bay at Kauri Cliffs a 6,500 acre coastal farm with 180-degree panoramic views of Pacific Ocean.

Guest accommodation is available within 22 well-appointed suites and a two-bedroom Owner’s Cottage nestled on the edge of a native forest overlooking the ocean and golf course.

The property also boasts a spectacular 18 hole par 72 golf course. Three private beaches and a waterfall can be explored on foot, by mountain bike or luxury 4WD. A private spa offering a wonderful variety of treatments on site invites guests to rejuvenate and revive both body and spirit while feeling at one with nature.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Three night stay, on a double occupancy basis, in a regular suite.

• Pre-dinner drinks with hors d’ oeuvres, three-course à la carte dinner, full breakfast, nonalcoholic mini bar and use of complimentary lodge facilities daily.

• One gourmet picnic lunch for two.

• Return transfers Kauri Cliffs/Kerikeri Airport.

• Three rounds of golf and two 50-minute spa treatments per person at either Kauri Cliffs or Cape Kidnappers or spread between the two properties.

Matauri Bay Road
Matauri Bay , Northland
PO Box 800, Kerikeri, New Zealand
T +64 9 407 0010 F +64 9 407 0061 E 3xFabulous@kauricliffs.com  www.kauricliffs.com

Huka Lodge, Taupo

Travel to the stunning Central Plateau region with its spectacular landscape of snow-capped mountain peaks, wild tussock, green lush forested wilderness, with the clear blue waters of the many lakes and streams.

Sought by the world’s most discerning travellers since the 1920s Huka Lodge lies nestled within 17- acres of manicured grounds on the banks of the Waikato River. With the hypnotic deep turquoise green waters of the river surging downstream to the mighty Huka Falls, the property offers every attention to detail and a perfect retreat.

With just 18 Lodge Rooms, one suite, the four-suite Owner’s Cottage and new two-suite Alan Pye Cottage, the property is truly exclusive. Over 20 deliberately romantic and sublime private dining venues offer every opportunity to relax and unwind. Tennis, pétanque, croquet, swimming and spa pools available on site as well as in-room massage and facials.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Three night stay, on a double occupancy basis, in a Lodge Room.

• Pre-dinner drinks with canapés, five-course dinner (menu changes daily), full country breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages and use of all Lodge facilities daily.

• Return transfers Huka Lodge/Taupo Airport.

• 18 holes of golf for two at renowned Wairakei Golf Course nearby.

• A 4-hour cruise aboard a private launch on Lake Taupo with opportunity to catch one of Taupo’s legendary Rainbow trout and/or clay target shooting. A delicious lunch incl. of beverages is provided as well as fishing licences.

271 Huka Falls Road, Taupo
PO Box 95, Taupo 3351, New Zealand
T +64 7 378 5791 F +64 7 378 0427 E 3xFabulous@hukalodge.co.nz   www.hukalodge.co.nz

Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay

Your next destination is Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s equivalent of the Napa Valley. Wineries and gourmet producers flourish in this bountiful region providing gourmands with many exciting opportunities to indulge in some of the country’s finest wine and food.

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is set atop 6,000 acres of rolling pasture land with terrain reminiscent of the American West but plunging 800 metres to the sea.

Guests are accommodated within 22 extremely comfortable guest suites and a four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. Private balconies ensure guests enjoy the superb coastal views, pastoral scenes and the spectacular golf course.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Three night stay, on a double occupancy basis, in a Hilltop suite.

• Pre-dinner drinks with hors d’ oeuvres, three-course à la carte dinner, full breakfast, nonalcoholic mini bar and use of complimentary lodge facilities daily.

• Return transfers Cape Kidnappers/Napier Airport.

• Three rounds of golf and two 50-minute spa treatments per person at either Kauri Cliffs or Cape Kidnappers or spread between the two properties.

446 Clifton Road, Te Awanga, Hawke’s Bay
PO Box 8850, Havelock North, New Zealand
T +64 6 875 1900 F +64 6 875 1900 E 3xFabulous@capekidnappers.com www.capekidnappers.com

Two iconic Gold Coast attractions – the Australian Outback Spectacular and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary have welcomed a new show and a new Wildlife Hospital respectively.

The Australian Outback Spectacular’s new dinner show, ‘Heroes of the Light Horse’, celebrates the link between the stockmen and the legendary Australian Light Horse. More than a million people from all over the world have visited the Spectacular since it first opened in 2006. Australian Outback Spectacular 2 has been directed by Australian film and television director, Simon Wincer, who is best known for movies, ‘The Man from Snowy River’, ‘The Lighthorsemen’, ‘Phar Lap’ and ‘Free Willy’. It runs nightly Tuesday to Sunday and the entry of $99.95 for adults, $69.95 children (3-13 years) and $89.95 for pensioners includes the 90 minute show, three course dinner, drinks and a stockman’s hat. www.myfun.com.au

Visitors to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary can tour its new $1.5 million Community Wildlife Hospital on a special VIP Behind the Scenes Tour. The new hospital will ensure the sanctuary’s veterinary staff can continue to provide first-class treatment for the region’s sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife. As well as providing veterinary care for the Currumbin collection and more than 4,500 wild animals each year, the hospital also provides a base for researchers. www.cws.org.au

Spring into Summer at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa with a natural organic ‘Naked Tan’ – the world’s first two hour ‘wash and wear’ spray tanning solution. Midweek during November, receive a full body scrub and full body tan for just $55, normally valued at $80*. It’s the perfect Summer preparation package!

Naked Tan is a botanical based spray tanning solution made from all natural ingredients to produce the most natural spray on tan possible in just two hours.

The timeless tan is complimented by a full body scrub containing a range of organic body care products that combine the purest organic plant extracts and ingredients, designed to deliver premium care for your skin with moisture and nourishment. This popular product, voted the best spray tan by the majority of beauty professionals in Australia, won’t leave your skin orange in colour, nor will it leave you with that distinct typical spray tan smell.

In fact, it is simply the finest smelling solution on the market.

As with all of our popular monthly mid-week specials, this offer also includes complimentary use of the Aqua Spa’s exclusive facilities:-
- The unique salt, mineral and freshwater spa pools

- 25m heated indoor lap pool
- Refreshment room
- Relaxation Deck
- Fully equipped gymnasium

Aqua Spa guests must be 16 years & over to utilise facilities. Persons aged 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The decadent Aqua Day at Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is Port Stephens’ ultimate luxury day spa with unique aqua therapies, wellbeing pamper packages, holistic treatments and an exciting new range of stunning products from LI’TYA – Spa Care from the Australian Dreamtime which are designed to relax your mind, refresh your body and rejuvenate your spirit.

The Aqua Spa’s unique thalassotherapy mineral spa pools have tapped into the pristine salt waters of Shoal Bay and the mineral rich waters of the surrounding sand beds to offer treatments with the elements necessary for life – water, oxygen and light.

Unique to the Southern Hemisphere, this unforgettable experience provides the ultimate in water massage therapy with each of the three spa pools offering various levels of rejuvenation.

Each day the thalassotherapy spa pumps crystal clear seawater from the depths of Shoal Bay and heats to 23OC. Two additional spas contain freshwater and mineral water to detoxify and rejuvenate, heated to 38OC and 32OC respectively. A rotation through the three spas will leave you feeling relaxed and invigorated.

The Aqua Spa also stocks an exclusive range of Youngblood make-up products and offers an extensive range of face and body treatments including manicures, pedicures, waxing and spray tans.

Visit www.shoalbayresort.com  for our complete range of treatments, accommodation options or ask about our gift vouchers to make someone’s day!

Call today to look your very best for summer with the ‘Naked Tan’ November midweek special offer. Bring your girlfriends along and make a day of it and or make it an essential part of your preparation for all of our November social outings! Bookings are made by calling Aqua Day Spa on 02 4984 8194.

About Shoal Bay Resort & Spa

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa is the ultimate beachfront resort for couples and families alike. Including 200 luxurious self-contained beachfront, waterview, pool view and executive style apartments, 4 restaurants, 5 bars, the iconic Country Club Hotel and the exclusive Aqua Spa.

Shoal Bay Resort & Spa overlooks the pristine white sandy beaches to Port Stephens volcanic Tomaree headland. Shoal Bay boasts walking and cycling tracks, flat water beaches perfect for families as well as three pristine unspoilt National Park surf beaches. For the more energetic a paved pathway to the top of Tomaree affords unparalleled views of Port Stephens, all within sight and a 10 minute stroll of the resort. Port Stephens is the largest Marine Park in NSW with over 160 resident dolphins and 7000 Humpback Whales passing within sight on migration each year.

Dining options range from the award winning Catch at Shoal Bay, the casual alfresco dining of Sandyfoot Café, the iconic Promenade Dining Room and the family friendly Mermaids Bar & Grill. The legendary Country Club Hotel still remains one of the most popular watering holes on the East Coast of Australia.

Aqua Spa includes the unique thalassotherapy mineral spa pools, twelve treatments rooms, group room and an extensive menu of treatments from hydrotherapy to massage.

For further information please call T: 1800 18 18 10 or visit www.shoalbayresort.com

Brisbane is preparing for its next blockbuster art exhibition – the 6th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art – to be unveiled in December.

The sixth exhibition in the Gallery’s Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art series will occupy the entire Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) as well as the iconic Watermall and adjoining galleries at the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG). APT6 will include the work of more than 100 artists from 25 countries, including collaborations and collectives, which reflect the diversity of practices across Asia, the Pacific and Australia.

The triennial will also feature contemporary art from communities that have not been represented in the APT before, including works by artists from Tibet, North Korea (DPRK), Turkey, Iran, Cambodia and Myanmar (Burma).

APT6 will also feature innovative Asia Pacific performances and music through the Pacific Reggae Project which looks at this musical genre as it has developed in Hawai’i, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and New Zealand.

The always popular children’s programme will also be available for younger gallery visitors.

www.qag.qld.gov.au/apt6

Grand Hotels International Opens New Hotel in Adelaide – Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley

Grand Hotels International (GHI) acquired and opened a new hotel in Adelaide last week, branded Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley (formally Holiday Inn Adelaide).

The Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Hindley is a 4 star, 180 bedroom property, with meeting and event facilities catering up to 420 delegates.

Kym Fell, has been appointed as General Manager of the property, transferring from Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston. He will also oversee the operation at the existing Hotel Grand Chancellor Adelaide on Currie.

Mr Fell has held the position of General Manager in various hotel groups since 1998, spanning 5 star luxury boutique hotels and corporate hotels in New Zealand, to his most recent role as General Manager at our Launceston property, delivering record growth. He has also won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, most recently being a finalist for the 2009 Tasmanian Business Leaders Awards.

Mr Fell joined GHI in April 2007 and after 2 and a half years in Tasmania hopes to bring to the Adelaide properties his zest for the industry and drive to exceed customer expectations.

Mr Fell comments, “I am looking forward to working with such an experienced team and continuing to offer exceptional service to our valued customers. GHI intend on investing in the standards of the hotel’s facilities with refurbishment planned over the next 12-24 months, including renovations of the bedrooms and pool area.”

Grand Hotels International owns and manages ten 4 star-4.5 star Hotel Grand Chancellor properties throughout Australia and New Zealand. All Hotels are in prime locations with a range of facilities offering accommodation for the most discerning guest as well as a host of conference and events facilities on a small to large scale, with three locations catering for over 1000 delegates. www.ghihotels.com

New safaris in the sky

Skysafari Australia has launched four new tours combining a scenic helicopter flight and some of Tropical North Queensland’s famed attractions.

For a taste of indigenous culture join the new ‘Guurrbi Experience’ tour which takes passengers on a scenic coastal flight to Cooktown where Aboriginal elder Willie Gordon leads them on a guided tour to six rock art sites.

Or to experience some of the tropical north’s best fishing, Skysafari’s new ‘Reel Heli Fishing’ tour is sure to please. It includes return flights to a remote guided river and estuary fishing destinations and opportunities for spotting crocodiles, birds and other native wildlife. For a unique pampering experience the new ‘Height of Indulgence’ tour includes return scenic flights over the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest to an exclusive landing destination at Julatten Mountain Retreat.

Here guests are treated to a range of indulgent spa treatments and morning or afternoon tea.

The new ‘Cape York in a Day’ tour means visitors to Tropical North Queensland no longer have to spend hours driving to discover the northernmost tip of Australia. The full day experience includes return flights from Cairns to Bamaga where passengers then transfer to a 4WD to discover the rugged beauty of this remote area.

www.skysafari.com.au

New York’s first Hotel Indigo opened in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.

Designed to reflect its colorful and dynamic surroundings, the newly constructed 122-room, well-priced upscale boutique hotel sets a new standard of exceptional design and intimate service in Chelsea’s eastern corridor. Located at 127 West 28th St., between 6th and 7th avenues, the 20-story hotel promises to boost the local nightlife and dining scene with Blu, its freshly designed restaurant serving American-bistro fare with a local perspective, and Glass Bar, the rooftop lounge boasting spectacular views of the city skyline. Blu restaurant is headed by Chef Roberto Bellissimo, formerly of Le Cirque.

The Hotel Indigo New York City Chelsea is owned and managed by Fortuna Realty, LLC, under a license agreement with a company in the InterContinental Hotels Group.

Fortuna Group’s portfolio includes several hotels, residential apartment buildings, office buildings and development properties. The hotel and venues are overseen by General Manager George Buchelli and Sales and Marketing Director Stephen Redford.

The Hotel Indigo New York City Chelsea features 122 guest rooms including two penthouse suites, with custom-designed furniture imported from Italy, oversized beds, plush bedding, hardwood-style flooring for a fresh residential feel, and spa-inspired showers with Aveda products.

Each guest room includes a 32-inch high-definition flat-screen TV with 150 channels, iHome docking station and fashion-inspired wall mural.

Additionally, the hotel provides guests complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and access to the 24-hour business center, meeting space and 24-hour fitness studio.

The hotel also features a pet-friendly policy.

For more information or reservations, visit www.hotelindigo.com

Amanresorts’ Amangiri hotel has opened in Utah’s canyon country, near the Utah-Arizona border.

The second property built in the U.S. by Singapore-based Amanresorts, the Amangiri — Sanskrit for “peaceful mountain” — is set on a 600-acre expanse of wilderness that has been home for centuries to the indigenous Navajo and Hopi tribes.

The hotel was made possible by a 2005 Act of Congress that permitted a swap of private and federal land.

The Amangiri has 34 guest suites, each with panoramic views and featuring day-beds, to large bathing areas and personalized service. Pool suites and the Girijaala and Amangiri Suites have private pools and secluded outdoor sky terraces.

The Amangiri’s 25,000-square-foot spa offers hydrotherapy treatments, color therapy-enhanced flotation treatments, indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a step pool, cold plunge and spaces for exercise, yoga and Pilates.

The hotel’s cuisine features menus that change regularly based on available ingredients from local farmers and emphasize organic and specialty products. The open-to-browse wine room has climate control, space for 900 bottles and the technology to serve even the finest vintages by the glass.

The private dining room seats 10 people, and its large wooden doors can be closed for privacy or open to the kitchen.

In addition to the resort, the Amangiri master plan features 28 four- and five-bedroom private villas, each with large pools, wine rooms, fireplaces, optional media rooms and staff quarters.

For more information, call 800-477-9180 or visit www.amanresorts.com/amangiri/home.aspx

How To Pack In A Crunch: Top Five Packing Tips To Help The Stressed Traveler

http://community.priorityclub.com

Every traveler knows how stressful it is to pack before a vacation. Packing can be a struggle for some people, but for others, utilizing certain strategies and products can make the process a breeze.

All that planning and huffing and puffing to just get the suitcase to close can be exhausting, so here are a few tips from experienced travelers to help make your packing less stressful.

For one, a great way to organize your suitcase is to use “space bags.” There are many types of space bags for each individual to choose from, but honestly, gallon size plastic bags work great.

You can pack each day of clothes into bags to keep them organized or keep shorts separate from shirts, etc. These plastic bags are also great to store toiletries, shampoo, etc and prevent shaving gel or hairspray from accidentally leaking onto your clothes.

Other “space bags” can be purchased in different sizes and allow you to vacuum out the air. These nifty bags allow you to easily pack everything you need instead of cramming everything into the suitcase and having to sit on top to close it.

Another recommendation from experienced travelers is to use plastic bags called Eagle Creek’s “Pack-it-Folder”.

It keeps the clothes from being wrinkled, while conserving space at the same time. These are very handy for business travelers.
A third tip is to roll your clothes instead of folding them. Most hotels have an ironing board and iron located inside the room.

Because of this convenience travelers can roll their clothes, allowing more room to pack, without the worry of wrinkling their garments.

The fourth tip is to pack socks and other items into shoes in order to create more space inside the suitcase. This can also be an organizational tip because you can already match the socks with shoes you will wear instead of having to dig them out of the bottom of the suitcase.

The final tip is to be sure to leave room for souvenirs. Pack some clothes that are not important and that you are willing to leave behind at the end of your travels. This can be a way to clean out your closet and simultaneously help you to be able to pack better for your trip.

So next time you get ready to pack for your travels, keep these packing tips in mind and you won’t have to stress about trying to cram tons of clothes in a heavy and bulky suitcase.

Priority Club Connect is an online community for Priority Club Rewards members. It provides a forum for members to connect and engage with other travelers and to learn about the Priority Club Loyalty program and the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands.

Topics of discussion range from exotic travel destinations and special offers to packing tips and financial travel information helpful for any traveler.

To join the community and contribute your travel tips and experiences, please visit: http://community.priorityclub.com