Jetsettersblog

Experience the fun and excitement of catching sport sized fish at Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures’ new Fishing Park and you’ll be hooked.

Glenworth Valley’s Fishing Park is a new recreational fishing facility growing Australian native freshwater fish and is now open for you to try your luck at fishing amongst the valley’s pristine wilderness. All the equipment you will require to get fishing is supplied and friendly guides are on hand to provide a free fishing lesson and tips on how to land the perfect catch.

Enjoy a picnic or BBQ lunch in the picturesque surrounds of the Fishing Park, take a short bushwalk to our spectacular rainforest waterfall or just relax and feed the fish. Fishing at Glenworth Valley is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy a great day out and is suitable for all ages.

Also available elsewhere on Glenworth Valley’s 3000 acre wilderness property is horse riding, quad biking, kayaking and abseiling adventures and 250 acres of riverfront camping.

Glenworth Valley’s Fishing Park is open by appointment daily and bookings are essential. Phone (02) 4375 1222 or visit www.glenworth.com.au for bookings or enquiries. Combine fishing with Glenworth Valley’s horse riding, quad biking, kayaking or abseiling activities and save 15% of the regular price.

Glenworth Valley Outdoor Adventures is Australia’s largest horse riding and outdoor adventure centre and is located on 3000 acres at Peats Ridge in the hinterland region of the NSW Central Coast, just 15 minutes drive from Gosford. Renowned as Australia’s premier horse riding centre, Glenworth Valley now offers a range of exciting adventure activities including quad biking, abseiling, kayaking, fishing and camping, with all activities suitable for all ages and abilities.

Stamford Hotels and Resorts are delighted to announce the Presidential Collection by Stamford, offering the ultimate in opulence for hotel accommodation. Launching with refurbished suites at their Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane properties, the collection is available at all Stamford properties across Australia and New Zealand providing high-end accommodation for the most discerning of guests.

The Stamford Suite – The Stamford Plaza Brisbane
After a quarter of a million dollar refurbishment the “Stamford Suite” is the pinnacle of luxury in Brisbane. An elegant oasis, panoramic views create a stunning backdrop to the impeccably designed interior. The suite features a regal master bedroom with a four-poster king bed and an LCD television subtlety nestled amid pure silk walls. The luxurious living and dining room boasts a baby grand piano, played by many a famous musician, including Elton John, Neil Diamond, Keith Urban, Justin Timberlake, Andrea Bocelli and more.

The Presidential Suite – Sir Stamford at Circular Quay
The Sir Stamford at Circular Quay’s Presidential Suite is located within the heritage section of the hotel overlooking leafy Macquarie Street. It offers an abundance of natural light and features high ceilings and Italian silk wall coverings that adorn the walls of the entire suite. Included in the furnishings is a Steinway Grand piano, antique paintings and a Louis XV marble fireplace.

The Penthouse – Stamford Plaza Melbourne
Located on the top floor of the hotel, The Penthouse is a two bedroom, two-storey apartment, which provides ample space with a king-size bedroom upstairs and queen size bedroom downstairs. A grand dining table seats six people for entertaining and a balcony provide breathtaking views out over the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne.

For reservations and enquiries within Australia call 1300 301 391 or email reservations@stamford.com.au For further information please visit www.stamford.com.au

About Stamford Hotels and Resorts
Stamford Hotels and Resorts is one of the largest owner/operators of premium quality hotels in Australia and New Zealand with over 2000 rooms, 2000 employees and residential assets. The Group operates eight hotels in the 5 and 4.5 star market segments with a unique portfolio of landmark premium and luxury hotels in key geographic locations – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland. It was formed in 1995 by its parent company, Stamford Land Corporation Ltd (formerly known as Hai Sun Hup Group Ltd), one of Singapore’s best-known public companies

Qamea Resort and Spa, in the North of Fiji, has just welcomed the Getaway Australia crew to their sunny shores for an extensive feature to air early 2011. An exclusive tropical destination for discerning travellers seeking a truly unique and authentic Fijian experience without sacrificing luxury or service, this was ‘the perfect place to end the year!!”

From the moment guests’ step onto the island, they will feel as if they have entered a Fijian village set in a South Pacific tropical paradise.

Qamea’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable luxury accommodation is just one of the reasons why they have received numerous awards, such as one of the “Top Ten Hideaway Resorts in the World” by the Robb Report, and more recently the only resort in the South Pacific to be nominated for Conde Nast’s highest award for 2008, “Most Excellent Resort in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands.” It is for this reason that the esteemed cast of Getaway fell in love with the Resort.

With just 17 bures, Qamea is an intimate and exclusive Resort that does not cater to children under 15 years of age. Guests can avail themselves of a wide range of complimentary activities including incredible snorkeling, hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, sea canoeing, hiking, croquet, visiting one of the local villages and lots more. Our diving is also world renowned, and with a fully equipped PADI dive facility our diving staff can introduce you to an underwater adventure you will long remember.

The holidays are always a special time on Qamea, and there will be a full holiday events programme for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s day, including special menus, village Christmas Choir on Christmas Eve, and our very popular beach bonfire with a Fijian band on New Year’s Eve.

Qamea is romance defined. Reserve a romantic afternoon on honeymoon beach – a totally private beach just minutes from our resort. Come and discover what makes them different.

Seabourn Sojourn World Cruise Sectors now on sale!

You will have to be quick to take advantage of the up to 60 percent discount being offered for suites aboard the deluxe Seabourn Sojourn yacht on an eight-night cruise from Sydney to Fremantle when you book through ecruising.travel.

Reduced prices of $2009 per person twin share for eight nights aboard Seabourn Sojourn, include all the five-star dining options, French champagne, Beluga caviar, vintage wines, top shelf spirits all complimentary, plus activities and entertainment onboard, port charges and government taxes.

This voyage includes port visits to Melbourne and Adelaide and allows plenty of time at sea to experience all the luxuries this vessel has to offer – four restaurants with the menus designed by acclaimed chef Charlie Palmer, six bars and lounges, two outdoor pools and six whirlpools, water sports marina, casino, shops, health spa, beauty salon and many more facilities and services.

Departing on February 6 2011, there are other suites available starting from $2409 per person and the itinerary is for sale until sold out.

For more information phone 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

The Gold Plate Awards are in their 43rd year and are aimed at providing a significant benchmark for the West Australian hospitality industry. Judges travel across the Perth metropolitan area and throughout regional Western Australia on a quest for excellence.

With a brand new design and fit out completed in 2008 Cafe restaurant, located in the lobby area of Hyatt Regency Perth, offers an interactive dinning experience with three pan-to-plate cooking stations. The concept is the first of its kind in Perth and allows guests the opportunity to liaise directly with the hotels Chefs.

Visit Cafe restaurant at Hyatt Regency Perth to join in the celebration of its success! Cafe is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For reservations please call 08 9225 1234

Golf addicts can play as many rounds as they can handle at Hyatt Regency Coolum this summer, with a sensational short-break package offering unlimited play at the resort’s acclaimed PGA championship course.

From January 4 to 31, 2011, Hyatt Regency Coolum will offer pairs and couples a special rate of $170* per person twin share including a night’s accommodation, continental breakfast, unlimited golf, golf carts and a free weekday golf clinic.

The package is perfect for anyone looking to hone their skills over the summer holidays and makes the most of Australia’s best-rated resort golf course.

As the home of the Australian PGA Championship, the par 72 course at Hyatt Regency Coolum offers 6137m of challenging fairways set between Mount Coolum and the white sandy shores of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

Created by renowned course designer Robert Trent Jones Jr, it was rejuvenated last year to include six brand new holes as part of a reconfigured front nine.

The course is supported by Australia’s leading golf education centre, offering under-cover tuition and the very latest technology in biomechanic analysis to help refine swing and technique. Its team of PGA professionals conduct group clinics covering everything from putting to psychology.

For full details and bookings contact Hyatt Regency Coolum on 07 5446 1234.

*Subject to availability, conditions apply. Free golf clinics run Monday to Friday only. Unlimited golf green fees can be used on any day whilst staying on the resort, subject to availability. Tee times should be booked early to avoid disappointment.

Cairns is preparing to host what is tipped to become one of the world’s most iconic triathlons in 2011 – the Challenge Cairns on June 5.

The international triathlon event will feature 1000 elite athletes and record prize money, with a scenic backdrop and course said to rival the Hawaiian Ironman.

As part of an international series of full ironman distance triathlons, Challenge Cairns will feature a 3.8km swim, 180km bike ride and 42km run, with organisers expecting the event to inject millions into the Far North’s economy and attract huge crowds – from athletes to race officials and their families and supporters.

So to prepare for such an exciting spectacle, Mantra is offering winning rates throughout its stylish resorts, hotels and apartments in the popular holiday region, making the prospect of visiting the Far North Coast even more enticing during this hotly anticipated sporting event.

Stay in Cairns close to the action at Mantra Trilogy, in a Hotel Room from $195* per night, or at Mantra Esplanade, in a Hotel Room City View from $182* per night. Both require a four-night minimum stay.

Or consider the picturesque Palm Cove where Mantra Amphora is located, and stay in a Hotel Room from $208* per night for a minimum of three nights.

There is also nearby Port Douglas, a true holiday haven. Stay there at Mantra Heritage in a Hotel Room from $176* per night, at Mantra on the Inlet in a Hotel Room from $176* per night, at Mantra PortSea in a Hotel Room from $216* per night including breakfast, at Mantra in the Village in a Hotel Room for $176* per night, or at Mantra Aqueous on Port in a Spa Room from $208* per night. All require a minimum stay of three nights.

Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Minimum stays required.

Stephanies Spa Retreat has been named “Best Hotel Day Spa” at the 2010 Australasian Spas of Excellence Awards by ASpa.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by our peers as a leader in the spa industry and we’re absolutely thrilled to have been awarded Best Hotel Day Spa in Australasia! ” says Stephanie Shepherd, CEO and Founder.

Stephanies Spa Retreat is located on level three of Sofitel Brisbane Central and is a welcome city escape for locals in the “know” and visiting celebrities. The luxury spa opened at Sofitel in June 2007 and offers an impressive menu of beauty treatments, spa therapies and exclusive signature treatments such as anti aging Vino Therapies and the unique Opal Rasul Treatment.

” We congratulate Stephanie and the Spa Retreat team on their recent award win,” says Tony Chisholm, General Manager Sofitel Brisbane Central.

“The Spa Retreat celebrates the French heritage of Sofitel through their many French inspired treatments; and we’re very proud to offer our guests the best day spa in Australasia”, adds Chisholm.

The “Best Hotel Day Spa” award recognises the continued excellence in the operation of the Spa Retreat in a hotel environment by demonstrating adherence to the Spa Operator Standards outlined in the ASpa Professional Code of Ethics. The award assessment is based 50% on the judge’s preliminary assessment and 50% on a secret shopper spa experience. A judging panel of five industry experts assess finalists across several categories; including spa menu, wellbeing and beauty services, relaxation spaces, staff training, competitor differences and treatments which reflect the spa’s concept and philosophy.

“ASpa is proud of the success of the awards and congratulates all of the well-deserving winners, along with all others nominated.” ASpa president, Karen Goudge said.

Stephanies Spa Retreat boasts 8 treatments rooms, including individual suites and a couple’s suite. The sensory and tranquility lounges are ideal for group bookings and are popular for corporate team building, hen’s evenings, pre-wedding parties and baby showers. The “Opal Rasul Temple” is undoubtedly the masterpiece of the spa. The unique mosaic dome style cave is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and its benefits have been enjoyed by the likes of many sports identities and musical starlets. A popular experience for friends to enjoy together, The Opal Rasul Temple can accommodate up to 4 adults. The treatment is a sultry one-hour journey of mud therapy, warm steam and tropical rain showers, experienced under a starlit dome within a bronze and turquoise mosaic temple.

“My vision and desire has always been to combine beauty therapies with peaceful places of harmony and balance. Even if clients are only visiting for a short time, we want them to feel they have entered another world when they step through our spa doors. We strive everyday to exceed their expectations and for the Spa Retreat to be recognised as the Best Hotel Day Spa in the country is icing on the cake!” concludes Shepherd.

Swissôtel Sydney is set to usher the New Year in style with the unveiling of a celebratory New Year’s Eve menu on Friday, 31 December 2010 at Jpb Restaurant located on Level 8 of the hotel on Market Street.

Jpb Restaurant’s private and intimate setting in the heart of the Sydney’s bustling CBD is the ideal venue to wine and dine with family and friends right before the revelry of New Year fireworks and street celebrations. The culinary journey starts off with a bubbly glass of champagne and amouse bouche on arrival followed by a selection of tantalizing entrees such as Wagyu Carpaccio, toasted ciabbatta, goats cheese, truffle mayonnaise, Capelli di angelo picked crab, zucchini flower scallop butter or Just shucked black label Oysters your choice, bacon and chorizo relish, namjin and eschallot vinaigrette.

Executive Chef Justin Zammit’s innovative culinary skills is highlighted in an appetizing selection of grilled mains that include Hand crafted spring pea and mint Agnolotti, confit garlic and tomato cream served alone or with Corn fed chicken breast, Atlantic salmon, Mooloolaba prawns and Angus scotch fillet. To top it all off, end this culinary journey on a sweet note with delectable desserts such as Lemon grass and kaffir leaf panna cotta,vinsanto marinated, chilli lychee and raspberry salad, Sable with vanilla bean cream, ice cream and raspberry butter and Selection of local and imported cheeses with house baked Lavosh with Fresh honeycomb.

“There truly is no other venue more suitable to begin your New Year celebrations than at Jpb Restaurant. Guests will be delighted not only with the exceptional menu, but also with the exclusivity and privacy the restaurant offers. They will discover a welcoming oasis above street level in the heart of the city centre and we look forward to celebrating the New Year with our guests,” said Wayne Horbach, General Manager of Swissôtel Sydney.

Swissôtel Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Menu starts from $39 for mains and is available for dinner only. For reservations or more information, please call Jpb Restaurant at +61 2 9238 7088 or email jpb.sydney@swissotel.com.

About Swissôtel Sydney
Swissôtel Sydney is a deluxe five star hotel located in the heart of the city. All of Sydney’s famous landmarks are within walking distance of the hotel, including The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the historic Rocks precinct, Sydney Opera House and the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

It’s easy to develop a crush on the picturesque surrounds of the Adelaide Hills wine region and this summer Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House is inviting you to ‘discover your crush’ at the annual ‘Crush – Adelaide Hills Food & Wine Festival’.

The Hills will come alive on 30 January when 60 wineries join together to celebrate the best of the region, with each offering a variety of food and wine experiences and music to accompany – from acoustic and jazz to funk and soul.

But if you can’t get to the Hills for ‘Crush’, boutique accommodation venue Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House is offering a package that allows you to get in before the crush, available throughout January and including accommodation and breakfast for two plus a bottle of Adelaide Hills wine from the celebrated Lobethal Road vineyard, from just $189 per room per night (subject to availability).

For bookings contact Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House on 08 8339 6777 relax@mtloftyhouse.com.au

Discover the region at your leisure with a visit to Hahndorf Hill Winery for a ChocoVino Experience and sample the world’s most luxurious chocolate matched with fine wines or enjoy a taste of Tuscany on the Chain of Ponds Winery’s famous vineyard balcony, returning to the tranquil elegance of Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House at the day’s end.

The phrase ‘they don’t make them like this anymore’ rings true at a place like Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House. While there is the requisite modern day touches – including complimentary in-room wireless broadband and sleek LCD TVs -it’s the authenticity of this 1850s country manor that resonates with all who stay here.

Rooms are reminiscent of a time when the ‘less is more’ concept didn’t exist – they are double the size of modern day hotel rooms and the opposite of today’s contemporary minimalist look, instead opting for comfy throw cushions, plush duvets, and opulent Victorian-era style furnishings. And if it’s a room with a view you’re after, most offer spectacular panoramas across the Piccadilly Valley – one of the most iconic views in South Australia.

There is Deluxe Room categories in both the original heritage home built in 1854 and in the subsequent extensions built after the Ash Wednesday fires of 1983 nearly razed the property to ground. Upgrade to a Superior Spa room for a two-person corner spa bath or go all out and stay in the Manor Grand View Suite which makes optimum use of the picturesque outlook.

For more information on Grand Mercure Mount Lofty House visit www.mtloftyhouse.com.au  and the Crush Food & Wine Festival visit www.crushfestival.com.au