Jetsettersblog

An experience considered one of the most iconic in the World, rivalling an expedition across the pyramids of Egypt or the game parks of Africa, is what defines an hour long hot air balloon flight across Australia’s Gold Coast with Balloon Down Under.

That’s the plaudits and unbiased opinions given by some of the most experienced International hot air balloonists during initial flights across the region.

It’s also the reason why Balloon Down Under continually fulfills its guests requests for that memorable, once in a lifetime adventure.

Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, anniversary, marriage proposal, wedding, commitment ceremony or simply ticking off one of your lifelong must dos, Balloon Down Under aims to deliver.

Contrasts of an endless coastline cradled by mountainous rainforests and interspersed with a plethora of natural and man-made canals, ensures a first class Gold Coast exploration with Balloon Down Under.

Tradition dictates that the all inclusive champagne breakfast makes for the perfect complement to complete the experience.

A unique post flight ceremony gives your pilot the opportunity to explain the significance of the champagne, derived from the celebration of the first manned flight in Paris in 1783.

Exclusive use of Balloon Down Under’s five, 10 and 16 person balloons also allows guests to share the experience with friends and family, or choose to simply register your involvement and get set to meet new friends as part of your next journey.

You never know who you may meet with sports stars, politicians, overseas royalty, musicians and every sort of person imaginable continually partaking in a ballooning expedition.

Ballooning with Queensland’s longest running hot air balloon operator has been enjoyed by people as old as 97, making this an adventure to be enjoyed by all. Balloon Down

Under operates every day of the year with launches taking place right across the Gold Coast and a free transfer from your accommodation is available upon request.

Maintain that quest for something truly spectacular by booking your unique Balloon Down Under flight today. Phone (07) 5593 8400 or visit www.balloondownunder.com

The Gold Coast’s favourite theme parks, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Water World have announced the return of Australia’s best theme park deal – the revolutionary VIP pass!

The new VIP pass provides unlimited entry to Sea World, Movie World and Wet’n’Wild until June 30, 2011 for the amazing price of just $99.99.

And for a limited time, Queensland residents will be able to purchase a family pack, which gives families 4 passes for the price of 3 at just $299.99!

Village Roadshow Theme Parks Director of Sales, Annette Pearce said, ”We’ve declared this year the National Year of Fun! And we want families travelling to the Gold Coast to have the ultimate theme park experience during their holiday.

“For this reason we have created a great value, one-stop pass to fun and entertainment and are making it available to families Australia-wide.

“The VIP Pass really is the best deal around because it gives unlimited entry to three theme parks for a whole year, so you can visit over and over again,” she said. Why not get a VIP pass for the whole family and experience thrill rides, stunt cars, shows, water slides, animals and heaps more all year round!

“And Sea World Resort & Water Park is joining the fun revolution, offering a special new VIP theme park package. From $799**, guests can stay 3 nights and receive their 4th night FREE, plus receive 2 adult VIP passes with unlimited entry to all three parks until 30 June 2011. www.myfun.com.au

Adina on Crown: Medina on Crown has been rebadged Adina Apartment Hotel Sydney, Crown Street.

The new badge aligns the hotel with the European based Adina Apartment Hotels and was prompted by a recognition of the new mood of the property (following a recent refurbishment) and the vibe of its location.

Adina hearts dogs!: The European based Adina Apartment Hotels have just launched a unique and exciting package dedicated to pooches. From just EUR38.00 per night guests’ dogs will stay in style at Adina!

The package includes: a special bed for dogs, a dog bowl, a Do Not Disturb door hanger with dog logo so housekeeping know you have a pet in residence and access to the services of an on call vet. A very cute dog menu is also available and includes gourmet treats with names such as the ‘Rufus Feeding Bowl’ and ‘Otto’s Nibbles’.

Medina Apartment Hotels

Medina hearts the Gong: Medina Executive Wollongong has very special rates available this month including overnight accommodation from $130 per night or book a two night stay in a one bedroom apartment including parking from just $280.

David Campbell croons at Medina: David Campbell has just kicked off his brand new ‘On Broadway’ tour.

On the road, David, his family and his crew call Medina Apartment Hotels their home away from home because of the family-friendly space and great locations.

“Medina Apartment Hotels offer the perfect set up for a family travelling – or on tour. It really is my preferred home away from home,” said David Campbell.

Vibe Hotels

Family Connections: Looking for a mini-break that kids and adults alike will love? Vibe Hotel Rushcutters, located in one of Sydney’s most picturesque locations, has a perfect and oh so simple solution – an elusive interconnecting door. Adjoining rooms will allow you to enjoy a relaxing break and keep an eye on the family.

The Family Connections package is bursting with valuable (and fun) inclusions including: one queen room interconnected with one twin room, complimentary full buffet breakfast (2 Adults + 2 Children), complimentary parking, two complimentary drink vouchers for the parents, unlimited complimentary soft drinks for the kids, a complimentary in-house movie on one day of your choice, a kids’ fun pack, complimentary baby cot – if required and a Nintendo Wii for the kids to use. The package is valued at $495, but is now available for just $280 per night. Subject to availability.

Vibe Scores with Sydney FC: Vibe Hotels just scored a game winning goal, securing a preferred sponsorship agreement with A-League Champions Sydney FC for the 2010/2011 football season. Sydney FC players, management and visiting teams will all now have vibe-rant accommodation experiences when travelling. As part of the agreement, Vibe Hotels has been named exclusive accommodation provider to the team.

Travelodge Hotels

Take a fresh look at Travelodge in NZ: Toga is excited to announce that the final stage of construction at Travelodge Wellington is complete! Travelodge Wellington is now one of the best four star hotels in Wellington complete with Steps Restaurant and Bar and new conferencing facilities.

Now is the perfect time to take a fresh look at Travelodge in New Zealand including Wellington and Palmerston North. To celebrate, Travelodge New Zealand’s properties are offering great deals.

Stay at Travelodge Wellington for just $125 per night including free parking or enjoy a night in with the Movie Package including: overnight accommodation for $140, in-house movie, pizza, popcorn and soft drink. Stay at Travelodge Palmerston North for just $99 per night including breakfast.

Gift certificates, ideal for Father’s Day, are available across each of the Toga hotel brands starting from $50 – $500.

About Toga Hospitality

Toga Hospitality is one of the largest accommodation providers in Australia and currently operates 50 strategically located apartment hotels and hotels in Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

• Adina Apartment Hotels in six locations (Australia and Europe)
• Medina Apartment Hotels in 21 locations (Australia)
• Vibe Hotels in seven locations (Australia)
• Travelodge Hotels in 16 locations (Australia and New Zealand)

That equates to over 6,000 apartments and hotel rooms which vary in price, location and design in order to meet a range of different accommodation needs. For more information about Toga Hospitality, visit: www.togahotels.com.au

Toga’s celebrating seven nominations for this year’s HM Awards!

Hayman is set to introduce new levels of international resort excellence with the unveiling of an exclusive collection of magnificent Beach Villas at the premier Great Barrier Reef private island destination.

Opening in December 2010, eight absolute beachfront Villas, on the shores of Hayman, will offer breathtaking uninterrupted views of the sparkling Coral Sea and beyond with unsurpassed interior appointments.

Hayman owning company, Mulpha Australia has engaged internationally renowned architect, Kerry Hill, to design each Villa, which will provide 120 square metres of sheer luxury, including a stunning private pool.

This significant project for Hayman is part of a major upgrade program throughout the resort which includes the scheduled completion and delivery in 2010 of the first Kerry Hill-designed Hayman Private Residence, which is being anticipated to redefine lifestyle home ownership.

Mulpha Head of Hotel Investment and Hayman Managing Director, Lloyd Donaldson, who is overseeing the current projects, said the eagerly awaited opening of the new Beach Villas was evidence of a commitment to ensure Hayman maintained its position as one of the most celebrated private island resorts in a competitive world market.

“This is a milestone period as Hayman celebrates 60 years as a leading tourism destination welcoming guests to enjoy a unique and memorable resort and reef experience.” Mr Donaldson said.

“The opening of our Beach Villas and ongoing upgrades affirm our intention to deliver new standards of product and service and position Hayman as a benchmark for resort excellence in Australia and internationally.”

Hayman is owned by Mulpha Australia Limited and is a member of the prestigious organisation, The Leading Hotels of the World.

New Zealand’s award-winning Lake Okareka Lodge by lebua in Rotorua is now offering the option of individual suite bookings in addition to guests being able to book exclusive use of the entire lakeside lodge.

Lake Okareka Lodge has three luxury suites for individual bookings, spread out over three levels.

Guests can enjoy at their pleasure the lounge and library rooms, dining area, private balconies and the extraordinary landscaped garden that takes them down to the beach and jetty for fishing, or to jump on the lodge’s jet ski or go kayaking.

Guests also have access to the full range of lodge services including private airport transfers, use of all recreation equipment, a fully equipped fitness studio, massage room and 24-hour butler service.

Kiwi born and bred talented chef David Robinson will prepare an a la carte breakfast, pre-dinner drinks with canapés and a five course gourmet dinner matched perfectly with New Zealand’s finest wines.

Lake Okareka Lodge has been named one of the world’s top ten romantic places to propose (www.hotelscombined.com 2010), the world’s Best Country House (World Luxury Hotel Awards 2009) and New Zealand’s Leading Luxury Lodge (World Travel Awards 2008).

lebua Hotels & Resorts’ New Zealand country manager Diana Moore says ‘exclusive use’ bookings where a single party – mostly families and groups of friends – occupy the entire complex is certainly still on offer and is what differentiates Lake Okareka Lodge from most other properties.

“However there have been so many requests to book suites individually, that I needed to address the demands of our market.”

Lake Okareka Lodge is one of a handful of five star properties with a New Zealand tourism Qualmark ‘Exclusive’ rating, the premium grading category described by Qualmark as “the best of the best.”

Rates for two people booking a single suite start from NZ$2650 a night and from NZ$5005 for exclusive use of the entire lodge complex and gated estate (all excluding GST).

www.lebua.com

Best Western has expanded its presence in Western Australia with the addition of Best Western Albany Motel & Apartments in Albany.

With a prime location in the centre of the scenic coastal town of Albany, the motel caters for families, couples and the business travellers alike.

The property is situated within an easy stroll to the main street, shops, restaurants and cafés, the waterfront and historical attractions such as the Old Gaol Museum and the Brig Amity Replica.

The motel offers 36 well-appointed rooms comprising of standard, deluxe, family units, self-catering apartments and a King Spa Suite.

All rooms offer light cooking facilities, TV with free 24-hour latest in-house movies and reverse-cycle air-conditioning.

Services at the property include guest laundry and same day dry-cleaning, business facilities including conference room, fax, photocopying and wireless internet access, and free parking.

Best Western Australasia CEO Rob Anderson said, “Albany is a thriving community, and the new property will further support increased trade and tourism to the area. We’re excited to bring this property into the Best Western fold”.

For more information or, to book accommodation at the Best Western Albany Motel, call 131 779 (from Australia), 0800 237 893 (from New Zealand) or log on to the banner below.

Ticketmates introduces the Explore Pass – The Gold Coast’s greatest tour and attraction package!

Experience the Gold Coast without putting a dent in your budget.

The Explore Pass includes entry to Sea World, Sea World Whale Watch, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Q Deck.

If you are looking for value for money, then this is the way to go.

The Explore Pass includes entry into Sea World, a Sea World Whale Watch Ticket, entry into QDeck and a chance to enjoy a full day of fun at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.

The only booking required is Sea World Whale Watch with booking details located on the voucher.

No booking is required for entry to the other attractions, the entry ticket can be used on any day.

The Explore Pass is valid for 30 Days from date of purchase.

For more information or to book now, please go to

THIS LINK.

Get Hummered have opened their office in the Surfers Paradise Transit Centre and to celebrate, are offering new packages including – Airport Transfers (to Coolangatta and Brisbane) from $45 p/p,

Super Sunday Specials of $199* for 20 minute transfers (*Conditions apply – see website for details),

Surfers Paradise / Broadbeach tours for $45 p/p, Whale Watching Transfers &

Packages from $109 p/p, Travel packages (go to Sydney / Cairns in a super stretch hummer).

Get Hummered can personalize each booking.

We cater for all occasions whether it is for a large event or just a small group needing that five star service.

Get Hummered has the newest and most modern fleet of hummers in Queensland.

All our stretched hummers are equipped with bar facilities, plasma or LCD screens, modern sound systems and various lighting effects.

For more information check out our website

www.gethummered.com.au

or phone 04111 HUMMA (48662)

The St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission has created a Facebook page targeting the meetings and conventions industry.

“Meet St. Louis” includes photo albums that include images of the America’s Center convention complex, St. Louis attractions, catering options, and pictures from the CVC’s booth at the 2010 ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership conference.

St. Louis also uses the handle MeetStLouis for its meetings industry-specific Twitter page. The CVC also maintains consumer-focused Facebook and Twitter pages, “Explore St. Louis” and “explorestlouis,” respectively, which post local event information and activities for leisure travelers and area residents.

For more information, call 800-916-0037 or visit www.explorestlouis.com

Abercrombie & Kent Villas expanded its portfolio with a collection of 18 new luxury ski chalets in the French and Swiss Alps.

The chalets come with their own hosts, chefs, housekeeping and private chauffeurs. Abercrombie & Kent Villas also offers lodges in North America, with mountain lodges in Aspen and Jackson Hole.

In France, priced from $13,117 to $122,685 per week, are such chalets in Val d’ Isere as the six-bedroom Chalet Montana and the four-bedroom Chalet Himalaya.

In Courcheval, they acquired the five-bedroom Shemshak Lodge.

In Switzerland, the rates range from $8,257 to $72,860 per week including the six-bedroom Chalet Kernow in Verbier and the three-bedroom Chalet Les Esserts, also in Verbier.

In the U.S. is the four-bedroom Countryside at Snowmass Club in Colorado.

For more information, visit www.akvillas.com/ski-chalets