Jetsettersblog

CHARTERING with the world’s largest sailing holiday company is about to get even more exciting with the arrival of the new 384 catamaran to the Australian fleet.

Sunsail Sailing Holidays will soon take delivery of the innovative Sunsail 384, which has been exclusively produced for the global operator – whose Australian base is located in the Whitsundays – in conjunction with world renowned yacht builders Robertson & Caine, in South Africa.

It is the first yacht in a major charter fleet to feature solar panels – saving about 20 per cent on engine hours and increasing the lifespan of onboard batteries by up to five years – and the yacht’s design was completed by performance multihull architects Morrelli and Melvin.

“This catamaran is a market leader, designed for high performance with a generous sail plan, yet it is also highly practical and easy to sail, making it an ideal entry level catamaran,” said Sunsail marketing manager Kim Lehmann.

“The hull design offers a smooth ride and maximises load carrying capacity and the finely-tuned steering system gives exceptional feel at the helm, with the centralised sail control system ensuring simple and comfortable helming.

An abundance of outdoor space capitalises on sailing in the warm tropical breezes of the Whitsundays.”

Ms Lehmann said the Sunsail 384 catamaran was another example of Sunsail’s commitment to investing in its high-quality charter fleet.

“By commissioning the best designers and builders, we have been able to produce a supremely comfortable and easy-to-sail catamaran that places sailing performance and customer comfort at the forefront,” she said.

Inside, comfort is a top priority. The spacious, four double-cabin, two-head layout gives plenty of room for groups and an additional forepeak berth is ideal for children.

Generous headroom of 1.95m/6ft 5in throughout, plus substantial storage capacity as a result of under-bunk lockers in each cabin, gives extra space for onboard relaxation.

The exterior of the Sunsail 384 is equally well thought out, with a large cockpit hardtop providing excellent shade and weather protection and a powerboat-style stepped transom enabling easier boarding. Vertical front windscreens give superb panoramic visibility, maximise ventilation and really open up the salon area and interior headroom.

More than thirty of the new 384 catamarans are heading for Sunsail destinations across the world, with Sunsail’s total fleet purchase plan for 2010 at more than 140 new yachts, in line with its strategy of continued growth and an exceptional fleet.

In 2009 alone, Sunsail’s Australian base took delivery of two ‘flagship’ Sunsail 44i high-performance cruising yachts, a new 49i, a new 39i and a new Sunsail 464 catamaran, making its 37-strong fleet one of the most-up-to-date in Australia and the world.

The new 384 catamaran is due to arrive in Australia in early January 2010. Specs and imagery available on request.

For more information visit: www.sunsail.com.au

A dynamic group of Cheshire farms are providing lots of reasons to fall in love with the Cheshire countryside by grouping together on one website and demonstrating the excellent experiences that can be accessed through an exquisite rural farm stay.

Cheshire Farm Stay comprises 30 farms going all out to lure holidaymakers by publicising their fantastic location within one of England’s most beautiful counties, through a new website at www.cheshirefarmstay.co.uk

Add to that their menu of delicious farm fresh and local Cheshire produce, from famous Cheshire cheese to succulent asparagus, and it’s a package to make anyone go weak at the knees.

Whether visitors seek romance and we-time, gourmet or artistic experiences, relaxation or family fun, there’s a farm to suit everyone and the group have even put together 25 reasons why they think you will fall in love with them.

Some farms offer real talking points to drop into conversation around the dinner table after your stay, whilst others bring history to life, right on their doorstep.

Every farm also has some form of wildlife experience on offer, whether this is a badger watch by night, or seeing a peacock displaying its feathers whilst guests devour their home-cooked breakfast.

There is an abundance of birdlife around all of the farms, nature trails and walks to canals or riverbanks on many, and a plethora of flora that changes with the seasons.

The Gritstone Trail and Sandstone Trail are major reasons to plump for Cheshire if you are a walker, but there are literary and wildflower trails and glorious countryside across the county just crying out to be explored.

Choosing which farm to stay on may also boil down to whether the guest wishes to stay close to Lyme Park, to re-live their favourite Mr Darcy Pride and Prejudice moments, or visit one of Cheshire’s many glorious gardens, Chester’s fantastic shops, or a family attraction such as Chester Zoo.

If that’s not the factor that sways it, maybe it’s the opportunity to join in with some cowpat bingo, join a cupcake-making course, or be greeted by a finalist in the 2008 AA Friendliest Landlady of the Year contest.

To make your choice visit

www.cheshirefarmstay.co.uk  

created thanks to funding from Natural Economy Northwest.

Qatar Airways’ maiden flight to the northern Indian state of Punjab touched down this week, just right before the festive Diwali celebrations.

The inaugural flight from Doha – Qatar Airways’ operational hub – received a colourful and noisy send off last week as a troupe of Punjabi bhangra dancers provided a festive atmosphere at the boarding gate at Doha International Airport ahead of the inaugural flight.

Doha-based Indian leaders joined Qatar Airways senior management for the departure celebrations at the airport.

The launch also heralds the arrival of the only full-service scheduled global airline to the historic city in Punjab State.

With Diwali – the festival of lights – celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs around the world and falling this year on October 17, the arrival of flight QR 298 from Doha to Amritsar was a welcome sign ahead of the festive season.

The inaugural flight to Raja Sansi International Airport on the outskirts of Amritsar was packed with passengers heading to the city to celebrate the annual festival. The colourful city of Amritsar is home to the famous Golden Temple, the holy place of worship for the Sikh religion – a site that draws more visitors annually than India’s renowned Taj Mahal.

Qatar Airways passengers flying from North America, Europe, Africa and the Middle East to Doha have excellent onward late evening connections to Amritsar. The airline is operating the route four-times-a-week non-stop from Qatar’s capital city using a two-class Airbus A320, with 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class.

Over the next few weeks, the idyllic Indian beach holiday destination of Goa will join the network from October 25, and flights to the Australian city of Melbourne are due to start on December 6.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that the first Amritsar flight signalled the start of a new period of planned route expansion.

“These are exciting times for Qatar Airways with three route launches in less than two months, which demonstrates the robust growth we are still experiencing,” he said.

“Qatar Airways and, indeed the State of Qatar, have close ties with India which are today strengthening with the launch of flights to Amritsar. I am extremely indebted to the authorities in Amritsar for welcoming Qatar Airways with open arms to this wonderful, historic city.

“Amritsar is highly underserved by international airlines so we are pleased to be filling a void with our award-winning service to and from this highly popular destination in north India.”

What do the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Museum of Modern Art, Kensington Palace, Arc De Triomphe, the Burj Al Arab and now Cato’s Bar at Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa have in common…give up?…all are joining the 10th Anniversary of Global Illumination to raise funds and awareness of Breast Cancer. Often endearingly referred to as the ‘Pink Palace’, could there be a more obvious icon in Noosa than Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa to support this worldwide cause?

From the 19th – 26th October, Cato’s Bar on Hastings Street will be transformed emerging as the ‘Hastings Street Headquarters’ raising both awareness and funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Apart from being bathed in a glorious pink hue, Cato’s will be lighting the way for this month long focus.

Guests of the Resort will be invited to participate by placing pink light globes in their rooms, staff will be dressed with pink highlights and pink inspired cuisine will be served…so if you’re asked ‘would you like pink champagne or a pink pasta, don’t be alarmed its all for a good cause! A target of $10,000 has been set with merchandise available for sale and collection tins provided at Cato’s Bar on Hastings Street

Noosa’s calendar of events for October include: National Pink Ribbon Day on the 26th (be sure to come to Cato’s Bar on the 26th as the “Best in Pink” will win a night’s accommodation and all “patrons in bras” will get their first pink beer for free!) a stylish cocktail soiree at the Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club on the 29th and for the not so serious, a Fun Run on the 30th.

“We’ve got some great fun activities planned for the week of the 19th and the energy amongst the team to support the cause is just fantastic.

Noosa will play an important role and we will do all we can to support global research and awareness for this very serious disease” said General Manager, Stephen Ferrigno.

So don’t miss out and turn a get together in Cato’s with family, friends or workmates this October into a celebration of the local community’s commitment to breast cancer research.

For bookings or further information telephone the Restaurant on 7 5449 4754.

14-16 Hastings Street
Noosa Heads, Qld 4567

Are you looking for a unique and affordable accommodation option in Australia’s cultural capital city of Canberra? CLV Smart Stays offers the perfect campus stay at the University of Canberra Village, a short drive from the city’s lively heart and close to a host of Canberra’s major attractions including the Australian Institute of Sport and Parliament House.

CLV Smart Stays Canberra offers superb self contained open plan living accommodation for a fraction of the price available anywhere else in this region. With a unique mix of affordable rates and modern living the property is suitable for group accommodation or short stay solutions during the summer months.

Canberra offers a diverse range of experiences from world class dining, wineries, hip bars and sporting events to an endless array of cultural activities but the affordable accommodation options can be few.

CLV Smart Stays Canberra General Manager Robert Moyle brings a wealth of experience to the role with 19 years in hospitality management including positions with Marriott International and a General Manager’s role at one of Wyndham Vacation Resorts Asia Pacific properties.

“We have discovered a real gap in the current market by successfully offering contemporary and affordable accommodation for large sporting, business or community groups’ right down to independent travellers.

And the best part is, there really is no better place to stay and save when visiting the Nation’s capital,” Mr. Moyle said.

A new stage of the village was completed at the start of this year boasting 507 new rooms, 5 star energy efficiency and two spacious common areas with e-library and plasmas with Foxtel. The look is modern, fresh and relaxed with striking decor featuring soft shades of grey and white with a splash of citrus and all rooms are well appointed with contemporary furniture and modern appliances.

A host of different accommodation types are available including 1, 2 or 5 bedroom apartments or even 12 bedroom dorm style options. The property now has 1334 rooms and therefore the unique added ability to house up to 1000 smart stays guests at any one time.

Single room rates start at $85.00 per room per night, or perhaps you’re in the market for a 12 bedroom apartment for $780.00 per night, your affordable and unique Canberra adventure is just an email or phone call away.

CLV Smart Stays – big on service, low on price

www.clvsmartstays.com.au

In 2012, Tropical North Queensland will experience one of the world’s great astronomical events – a total solar eclipse.

On the morning of Wednesday 14 November 2012, the earth will be plunged into darkness as the moon passes in front of the sun.

This remarkable event is destined to be one of life’s awe-inspiring moments not to be missed – and as such, has spurred a number of experienced tourism companies to form a commercial working team to best assist in maximizing its potential in the tropical north.

Spanning some six different organizations representing restaurateurs, tourism marketing professionals, Music festival specialists and coach, airline and reef tour operators, a commercial alliance has been formed to ensure the region is well placed to benefit from this natural occurring event while providing the necessary infrastructure for visitors to capture the eclipse in its magnificence and glory.

Spokesman for the group, Todd Parker of Parker Travel Collection said, “In December 2002, the Solar Eclipse at the small township of Ceduna in South Australia attracted over 40,000 people – which as a destination was considered the prime observation point.

“Given the 2012 eclipse will pass directly over areas within TNQ, we are confident of attracting the same number of observers – at the very least. With the possibility of coastal cloud cover affecting visibility, it has believed the best place to view the eclipse will be on the Tablelands and out on the Great Barrier Reef,” he said.

Currently this initiative is handling enquiries from scientific astronomers and a number of festival organizers who are planning to stage some of the largest music events in the region coinciding with the eclipse.

Robin Macpherson who has been in Cairns for the past four years planning such events, said “In 2002 over 8000 people went to the Outback Eclipse music festival. In 2012 we would expect substantially more given the accessibility and natural beauty of the region. We look forward to working hand in hand with local operators to present a whole series of inclusive ticketing options.”

Mr Parker said the consortium’s sales and marketing focus will be on increasing the length of stay in the region from local, regional, state, national and international markets – to make the most of far reaching expenditure that will be created by this once in a lifetime event.

Team Eclipse 2012 is a consortium of the following professionals:

Festivals: Robin Macpherson, Serpent Trail & Eclipse Down Under
Air Charter and Touring: Ian Button, Air Australia Charters & Tours
Coach Charter & Touring: James Dixon, Downunder Tours
Reef Charter & Touring: Michael Healy, Quicksilver Group Catering
Catering: Craig Squire, Ochre Restaurant & Catering
Logistics: Andrew Dineen, Parker Travel Collection
Accommodation & Packaging Sales
and Marketing: Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection

www.eclispedownunder.com

Parker Travel Collection has offices in Cairns, the Gold Coast and Melbourne. For further information, contact Todd Parker, Parker Travel Collection on 07 4055 6122, mob: 0417 440 922, email: or visit the website on www.parkertravelcollection.com

The Elandra Resort, Mission Beach is the perfect place for couples to let love bloom on their honeymoon.

As a boutique 4 and ½ star resort, The Elandra is a hip, cool and sexy destination in Tropical North Queensland, only two-hour’s drive from Cairns.

Translating from Aboriginal as ‘home by the sea’ The Elandra features a stunning pool perched on cliff top overlooking the magical Coral Sea with uninterrupted views of Dunk and Bedarra Island.

Each of the Elandra’s 55 unique suites is nestled amongst the lush tropical rainforest and is connected by an elevated timber boardwalk. The Elandra contains a fine dining restaurant, extensive wine list, glamorous cocktail bar, tennis court, stylish boutique and in-room massage services for the upmost in relaxation.

Billed as where the safari meets the sea, The Elandra channels exotic and enticing themes from as far as Mozambique and Morocco.

All Elandra suites offer rainforest or ocean views and are an eclectic and stylish mix of zebra skin, striking tribal arts and artisan furniture. Be beguiled by the charms of Safari Suite room, the African Queen or the Elandra King Suite.

The Elandra invites you to open your heart to the possibilities of pleasure.

Perhaps you may be interested in a private picnic at nearby Lovers Bay, South Mission Beach, or even a visit to Dunk Island on your own chartered boat.

Alternatively reef tours and snorkeling trips are also an ideal way to enjoy the Great Barrier Reef’s natural beauty at first hand.

If you prefer to stay sedentary with the one you love, whisper sweet nothings while sipping cocktails by the plunge pool or watch the moon rise over Dunk Island from a private table for two.

For the outdoor extreme sport types, Mission Beach offers skydiving, crocodile spotting tours, rainforest walking tracks, diving, water rafting, water skiing, fishing and more.

The Elandra offers a 2009 Honeymoon Package for couples seeking a unique and intimate getaway, as well as a variety of wedding options for those who want to exchange or renew their vows in this extraordinary tropical paradise.

• THE ELANDRA HONEYMOON & ROMANCE PACKAGE INCUDES:

• 2 nights in King Suite
• Full hot breakfast for 2 nights / 2pax
• Picnic hamper on secluded Lover’s beach
• Seafood dinner for 2 pax OR 2 x 1 hour massages
• TOTAL VALUE: $1,500 (HIGH SEASON)
• *Minimum of 2 pax, subject to availability, dinner is three courses (alcohol not included)
• *A weekly package can be devised on request

www.elandraresorts.com

Leading special interest operator, Elite Special Event Tours has released their popular English Classic Car Tour programme for 2010 priced from $10,999 pp/twin share inclusive of return air fare Sydney/London Heathrow, car rental, accommodation, car insurance, English breakfast daily, five dinners and three pub lunches.

The ultimate open-road tour for classic car enthusiasts, guests drive an array of classic roadsters each day of the tour – including a Jaguar E-Type, an Austin Healy 3000, a Triumph Stag and a MGB Roadster – visiting charming villages along England’s country lanes and highways. Complementing the tour is Elite Special Event Tours’ exclusive entrance to the Silverstone Classic, a superb racing event and track made famous by drivers such as Stirling Moss.

Guests at Urban Brisbane, the city’s stylish independent hotel, will now be greeted by two sleek and compact Smart Cars, named Urby One and Urby Two.

The vehicles are the latest addition to Urban Brisbane’s designer perks, which include a Manhattan-style terrace pool, marble-sculpted cocktail bar, villa-style ground floor guest rooms, and balconies overlooking the city skyline.

The striking Smart Cars are a perfect fit with the hotel’s contemporary brand and are completely carbon free –

a must for Urban Brisbane, which prides itself on its environmentally-friendly values.

Urby One and Two will be used to transport corporate guests to the property –

their arrival marks the start of an exciting month at Urban Brisbane, with the unique Urban Loft function suite set to be launched just in time for Christmas.

Sally and Gordon Hammond’s Australian Regional Food Guide has led the way in researching, publicising and supporting regional food and wine producers and in this, its 10th successful year, launches a new website to celebrate this milestone anniversary.

The new website http://www.australianregionalfoodguide.com.au   had its “soft launch” this week introducing visitors to a brand new platform, format, and features that further enhance the site’s leadership in promoting the best fresh, local produce and product from throughout the nation.

“The new site has been six months in the making” said the Hammonds.

“Changing sites is a bit like moving house, Most of the stuff is now unpacked and in place. Some is still in boxes and waiting to be sorted while some is still in the removal van.

Over the next few weeks we’ll have everything in place and fully updated. At the same time will welcome feedback from our supporters to ensure we make the new site the best it can be.”

New features include:

• A new look – more white space, NO ADS, and a bright and simple design

• A brilliantly fast search function. In fact everything else works faster. They have cut back on java scripts and flash graphics to delete all those things behind the scenes that slow a site down.

• A new product search to the Director requested by Chefs which will enable them to search for any product around the country – ease of access.
• An introduction to ARFG Guides who assist Sally in keep abreast of new developments and product in their regions.

• A new ARFG Blog – where visiting foodies have their say and share and exchange information and views from around the country.

• NO ADS: Recent research reveals that over 85 percent of people detest being targeted by on-line ads. ARFG is taking a different tack. If enough people subscribe to the Premier Listings the site will become self sufficient and not rely on advertising for income.

• Better analytical tools which tell them how the site is being utilised.

What’s the Same:

• The News pages are looking better than ever. Slightly different in appearance but designed to carry more information and much easier to organise, upload and archive.

• Events and Markets benefits greatly from the new Content Management Systems becoming better organised, offering more information, and easier access to that information.

• Focal Point: is very popular with photographers and has been retained and will soon have all back articles uploaded.

• Eating well: while still under construction it will provide a great resource on how to best grow, harvest and prepare nutritious dishes made from the best fresh, local produce and product.

Hammond with her husband, award-winning photographer, Gordon, were ground-breakers in the promotion of regional produce, when they launched their Australian Regional Food Guide in 1999 with the first of two published guidebooks,

The website, begun in 2005, has grown steadily since superseding the books and listing close to 4000 regional food producers, restaurants, markets and events throughout all Australian states.

“It is a never ending job keeping it up to date,” said Hammond.

In the foreword of the first Australian Regional Food Guide, Hammond said the “the country was at budburst” with its promotion of regional food.

“Then, the interest in regionalism was just showing signs of developing. Now I would have to say it is in full flower and about to fruit generously.”

The ARFG also has the support of the NSW Department of Industry and Development. It is currently using the site to help regional food producers find new buyers for their produce by offering eligible producers a fully-subsidised 12-month listing on the ARFG,

Any interested regional producers should contact Jillian Fryer at the Department of Industry and Development on jillian.fryer@business.nsw.gov.au

In keeping with the generosity of the site which has in the past offered free listings to drought and flood-affected regional producers, this year all Yarra Valley regional food operators who have had their properties destroyed in the February fires, are offered a complimentary 12-month listing to assist them to re-establish.

Enjoy the new site on http://www.australianregionalfoodguide.com.au/ and learn more about Sally Hammond on www.sallyhammond.com.au  Sally is a prolific writer steering her passion into highlighting Australian food and travel enterprises.