Jetsettersblog

In response to feedback received, Dunk Island Resort will be changing its tariff to full board from 1st April 2011, with new rates including bed/break fast and lunch/dinner delivering a win for guests.

“The new Full Board rates are structured so that guests will pay less on the new tariff than if they currently stayed at the resort and paid current rates with added meal plans. For example, a couple currently staying in a Garden Room with a daily $69 meal plan (L/D) pay $486. Under the new rates, the same product will cost $475 – a saving of $11.00,” said Hideaway Resortsʼ chairman Rupert Greenhough. “Travel industry and guest feedback received since taking ownership of the resort one year ago, has lead us to this full board concept, which we believe will enhance the guest experience in tandem with the resortʼs full refurbishment we have just announced,” he said. The new rates are also fully commissionable for travel agents.

“For many families in particular, being food inclusive means mum and dad can relax and enjoy their holiday even more as itʼs one less decision to consider and we know spend is a key decision factor for both our domestic and international guests,” said Rupert Greenhough. “We will continue providing quality and variety in combinations of a la carte and buffet across the resort’s restaurants.”

Currently, a $6.5 million upgrade is underway throughout the resort. The Plantation Bar and the Beachcomber Restaurant will undergo a full repaint and refinish, as well as undergoing some improvements to the buffet areas to enable chefs to interact more in food service delivery.

The Terrace Restaurant refit will feature new chairs and tables, some soft furnishings and work will continue on the Conference Centre to create a new, covered, external break out space. Air conditioning has been upgraded to all areas including the Conference Centre.

Dunk Island Resort continues to cater well to families, with children 12 years and under still able to stay free and eat free (off the kids menu and the buffet) when accompanying an adult. There are plenty of activities to keep children of all ages happy and occupied on Dunk Island, for them – and their parents – there’s also the popular Dunk Island Kids Club.

For images of Dunk Island Resort, visit;

http://www.dunk-island.com/media-home/

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For media enquiries, email media@hideawayresorts.com.au

A new guided tour at the Carlo Sandblow on Rainbow Beach near the Sunshine Coast based around GPS and wireless technology is now available for Iphones.

The GPS Eco Tourism Guided Carlo Sandblow Walk Iphone App provides the user with a detailed interpretation of the fauna, flora, history and culture of the Sandblow. The software makes use of communication technologies to alert the user, via SMS, of things such as an approaching storm or a whale breaching offshore, and limited telephone access also allows the walker to call for assistance if necessary. The walk (without GPS Coordinates) is available as a download from Apple’s App Store for $US2.65. It allows people to access and see for themselves this beautiful region, and provides an introduction of how this type of tour works. All that is required is an iPhone and a Wi-Fi connection. The Carlo Sandblow is located at the gateway to Fraser Island and is part of the Great Sandy Biosphere. A version of the Tour with GPS co-ordinates is also available upon application from the Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort, next door to the Carlo Sandblow car park. For more information visit www.carlosandblow.com

Celebrate romance with ‘once in a lifetime’ travel experiences tailored by Abercrombie & Kent. Here are our top suggestions and can be coupled with gorgeous images:

Safari luxury
Tucked away in Botswana’s remote Okavango Delta, the five luxurious suites at Baines’ Camp have mobile four-poster beds, offering the choice of sleeping under the stars or under canvas. The unforgettable Elephant Experience is available here too when guests spend a morning with a family of semi habituated elephants and their handler.

A&K’s 9 day ‘African Waterways’ safari is a private journey combining stays at three of A&K’s award-winning Sanctuary Lodges & Camps including Baines’ Camp. Prices from $9285 per person twin share.

Mysteries of Egypt
Experience the timeless beauty of Egypt from the treasures of Tutankhamun and the Pyramids to the temples of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings. Then relax for 7 nights in a Royal Suite on board the intimate Sun Boat III taking in the Nile and all its attractions at a leisurely pace. Professional Egyptologists bring to life the myriad of intriguing temples and tombs visited along the way and guests are free to enjoy complimentary drinks on board and outstanding cuisine.

A&K’s 12 day ‘Land of the Pharaohs’ is a private journey including a leisurely seven night cruise aboard Sun Boat III. Prices from $7895 per person.

Exotic Turkey
European with a dazzling touch of the East, Turkey has allure written all over it. Starry-eyed romantics will be taken in by the rich history and heritage, the exquisite cuisine, the glorious beaches and coastline and its dramatic landscapes. It’s difficult to go past Istanbul’s Four Seasons at the Bosphorus where you’ll feel like Ottoman nobility in sumptuous and spoiling surrounds. Consider a hammam for two and while away an afternoon.

A&K’s 10 day ‘Treasures of Turkey’ is a private journey featuring a stay at Four Seasons at the Bosphorus. Prices from $9335 per person.

Splendid South Australia
For a romantic retreat close to home hot foot it to Kangaroo Island and the area’s only world-class wilderness lodge. 21 suites here thoughtfully blend into the surrounding vegetation while commanding spectacular ocean, beach and wilderness views. Service here is second to none and you’ll revel in the ‘eco-chic’ interiors and the signature spa. Dining is a treat and there’s magnificent coastal scenery and abundant wildlife to discover.

A&K’s 6 day ‘South Australian Splendours’ is a private journey featuring a 2 night stay at Southern Ocean Lodge. Prices from $5784 per person.

Indian spice and colour

On an A&K tailored journey to India, honeymooners dine in one of the world’s most romantic settings – a pontoon floating on Lake Pichola in Udaipur with the illuminated City Palace as a backdrop. In the dreamy lake city, A&K guests stay at the famous and atmospheric Taj Lake Palace situated in the middle of Lake Pichola. Or a short drive away in the Aravalli Hills is the luxurious all-suite Devi Garh where the use of marble and semi-precious stones creates a look of contemporary India and yoga on the roof at dawn is not to be missed.

A&K’s 14 day ‘Splendours of Rajasthan’ is a private journey offering a selection of palace hotels and boutique properties. Prices from $8395 per person.

An Argentine Escape
Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Buenos Aires is a city of passionate Portenos who revel in fun, food and fashion. It boasts exquisite hotels from boutique boltholes to elegant neoclassical palaces, fascinating monuments, excellent restaurants and shopping to die for. There’s as much or as little to do and it’s the perfect place for two to tango!

A&K’s 8 day ‘Argentine Reflections’ is a private journey including 3 nights in Buenos Aires. Prices from $7620 per person.

Barefoot luxury in the Indian Ocean
Soneva Gili Resort & Six Senses Spa in the Maldives exudes privacy and exclusivity. Their ‘no shoes no news’ policy is the key to totally unwinding and relaxing. Accommodation is beach chic in over-water stilted villas all with king-size beds, open-air bathrooms, overwater and rooftop sundecks, sumptuous daybeds and personal entertainment systems.

Italian Indulgence
Synonymous with love where else to mark a momentous marriage or while away lazy days with a loved one but Italy? Art, architecture, food and wine, elegance and glamour, it’s all there in spades. From the iconic monuments of Rome to the Renaissance treasures of Florence and the dreamy canals of Venice, an unforgettable experience is guaranteed.

A&K’s 8 day ‘Inside Italy’ is a private journey to Rome, Florence and Venice. Prices from $8015 per person.

Your own private island
Picture a tiny coral cay, with perfect white sand and turquoise blue sea and it’s all yours. Well at Wilson Island that can be you with just the birds and turtles (oh, and your attentive staff) for company. You stay in designer-inspired tented accommodation and commune with nature, snorkelling, exploring the island, turtle watching (in season) and bird viewing or simply lazing in a hammock gazing across the wondrous Great Barrier Reef.

Prices from $5508 per night based on a 4 night stay.

Naturally New Zealand
Blissfully situated on Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is one of the world’s most beautiful and dynamic cities. So for a bit of adventure combined with sophisticated urban comforts, A&K recommends

Eichardt’s Private Hotel for winter honeymooners or a Valentine’s treat. There’s only 9 suites here, all meticulously kitted out with super-king size beds, fireplace, dressing room and bathroom with vast bath tub and heated floor. Meals here are a culinary journey where the chefs use fresh and organic produce sourced from local growers, with wines to match. After a day’s exploring, skiing, hiking, golfing, jet boating, fly-fishing or simply relaxing you’ll quickly call Eichardt’s home.

Turn at day at Wet’n'Wild into a night at the movies at Australia’s premier water theme park.

The ever popular Dive’n'Movies will return to Wet’n'Wild Saturday 4 December with a brilliant line-up of recent release family movies. Play all day on the slides and then stay for a flick while you chill out on a tube in the Wave Pool or relax on a deck chair enjoying the balmy summer evening. There’s no better way to enjoy summer than with this ultimate outdoor movie experience.

Dive’n'Movies will screen at sunset each Saturday in December and nightly 27 December to 25 January 2011 and they’re always fun for the whole family with only the most popular movies being selectively chosen to entertain the crowds.

Dive’n'Movies, proudly presented by Streets Ice Cream, are included in general admission to the park, so that’s over 10 fun-filled hours at Wet’n'Wild making it the best value for money family entertainment on the Gold Coast.

For even better value purchase a National VIP Pass for only $99.99 per person. That way you can have unlimited fun at Wet’n'Wild, Sea World and Movie World until 30 June 2011. And with Dive’n'Movies returning to Wet’n'Wild you’ve got your night time entertainment taken care of too.

Visit www.MyFun.com.au  to check out the Dive’n'Movie schedule and grab your tickets, then join us at Wet’n'Wild to enjoy a great day…and night out!

Premier Kristina Keneally today launched the 2011 NSW Events Calendar, featuring a spectacular line up of events, including the largest Picasso exhibition ever staged in this country and the Australian premiere of Dr Zhivago.

The events program is bigger and better than ever, boasting more than 80 ticketed and free events which will be staged exclusively in Sydney and regional NSW next year.

Highlights of the 2011 Master Events Calendar:
* Dr Zhivago – A New Musical
* Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris
* Mary Poppins – The Musical
* Vivid Sydney – A festival of light, music and ideas
* CountryLink Parkes Elvis Festival
* CMC Rocks the Hunter
* Sydney Festival First Night
* The Wintersun Festival
* Sydney Telstra 500
* Rugby Union Tri Nations
* FIA World Rally Championships – Coffs Harbour
* Crave Sydney International Food Festival
* Parramasala – Australia’s Festival of South Asian Arts
* Australian Open Golf Championship

Ms Keneally said the 2011 events program is expected to deliver more than $600 million into the NSW economy.

“NSW families and visitors have an impressive range of sporting, arts, entertainment, and cultural events to choose from,” she said.

“Our vibrant events program has something for everyone to enjoy, with audiences able to attend a quarter of the events on the calendar for free.

“Once again, this star-studded events program confirms Sydney’s status as a world leader in hosting major events and festivals.

“It’s music to our ears that we have the Australian premiere of Dr Zhivago – A New Musical in February at the Lyric Theatre for an exclusive eight-week engagement followed by Mary Poppins in May.”

Ms Keneally made the announcement at the Walsh Bay arts precinct with the Minister for Major Events Kevin Greene; Anthony Warlow, one of the world’s preeminent musical theatre performers; Australia’s leading theatrical producers John Frost and Rodney Rigby; and Managing Director of the Capitol Theatre, Stephen Found.

“The year kicks off with the best fireworks spectacular on earth, our world famous Sydney New Year’s Eve that continues to deliver more than $150 million into the State each year,” Ms Keneally said.

“The highly popular Festival First Night in early January is a chance for Sydneysiders to reclaim the city and take to the streets for an evening of live and free performances.”

Premier Keneally said the Picasso exhibition to be held at The Art Gallery of NSW will showcase iconic works from virtually every phase of Picasso’s legendary career.

“The exhibition will feature more than 180 extraordinary paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints and photographs,” she said.

“This unprecedented opportunity is possible because the Musée Picasso has recently closed for renovations, allowing a global tour of this full-scale survey to travel for the first and, likely, the only time.”

Mr Greene said Sydney’s major events program has been highly successful in securing major musicals and international art exhibitions.

“Our events program has truly come of age. We are at the beginning of a very successful season of Jersey Boys with 35 per cent of attendees coming from outside Sydney,” he said.

“We have just launched a new signature event the Sydney International Art Series with the Art Gallery of NSW and the Museum of Contemporary Art.”

Premier Keneally said almost 30 per cent of the events will be held in regional NSW, including the rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll Wintersun Festival in its new home of Port Macquarie.

“Regional NSW will also be spoilt for choice with visits from some of the greatest performers of all time – Kenny Rogers at Tamworth Country Musical Festival and Bob Dylan at Bluesfest in Byron Bay,” she said.

“Together with Golf Australia we have negotiated a Sydney home for the 2011 Australian Open, originally set down for Moonah Links in Victoria.

“The Australian Open was first played in Sydney in 1904 and it’s vital we continue to host the Open every year in Australia’s gateway city.

“The FIA World Rally Championship round will return and take over the Coffs Coast and Mount Panorama will once again host the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.”

Opera on Sydney Harbour will also debut in March 2012 and continue as an annual event on a purpose-built floating stage moored off-shore from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The 2011 NSW Master Events Calendar is available on;
www.eventsnsw.com.au

TREAT yourself to an idyllic summer getaway at Daydream Island Resort & Spa in Queensland’s beautiful Whitsundays from only $125* a night per person, twin share.

This fantastic deal includes a minimum 3 night stay in a luxurious Garden Balcony room, a scrumptious full buffet breakfast daily and access to over 20 free activities including kayaking, an open air cinema, fish feeding shows, rainforest walks and more.

Children aged up to 14 stay for free when sharing a room with parents/adults.

Guests who stay 5 nights or more will receive a complimentary $50 Food and Beverage voucher. Ocean Balcony rooms start from $167* per person twin share and Coral Ocean Balcony rooms from $189* per person twin share.

The deal runs until 31 January 2011 and is valid for travel until 31 March 2011. A high season surcharge applies for bookings 24 December 2010 – 7 January 2011.

Those timing their stay with Christmas and New Year’s will have plenty to keep them entertained with Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve, a Christmas Day church service at the Endeavour Chapel and a visit from Santa who will give out gifts to the kids.

Indulge in a hearty Christmas buffet lunch at Waterfalls Restaurant for $85 for adults and $42 for children 10 years and over. Children 9 years and under eat free.

There’ll also be lots of entertainment, games and a delicious spit roast during Daydream’s Boxing Day Festival.

Ring in the New Year with Daydream’s poolside New Year’s Eve Festival under the stars featuring 10 mouth-watering food stalls, free cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks, live entertainment, fireworks, kids’ activities and much more.

Tickets for adults cost $140 and children 10 years and over $42. Children 9 years and under enter for free.

A large range of free activities are available for guests including a free open air cinema on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, daily fish feeding at the resort’s man-made Living Reef, giant chess, beach volleyball, water polo and bocce.

If relaxation is more your style, the Rejuvenation Spa will leave you in bliss. The Spa provides a holistic approach to wellbeing, offering the time-tested health benefits of naturopathy, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy and massage.

For bookings and enquiries call 1800 075 040 or visit www.daydreamisland.com

*Conditions apply, subject to availability. On sale until 31/01/11. Valid for travel until 31/03/11. A minimum 3 night stay applies and includes a bonus $50 Food and Beverage voucher per room per stay for stays of 5 nights or more. Voucher cannot be redeemed for cash and cannot be refunded or applied against any other Daydream facility or expense. Voucher must be used for one transaction and no change provided. Children aged 0 – 14 years inclusive stay free of charge when sharing a room with parents/adults and utilising existing bedding. Extra charge applies for adult’s and children’s transfers. Cots can be provided free of charge.

Touch, the act of permitting a part of the body, especially the hands or fingers, of another person to make contact, is more than an expression of physical attraction. It is the measure of support and trust and is a major contributor to body well-being. Touch in the form of hand holding, back rubs and any connectivity between partners has been shown to facilitate physical and psychological functioning, particularly in terms of reducing stress, relieving pain, enhancing general health and perhaps even increase the longevity of those involved.

For Valentines Day, CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney is offering a Couples Connection Workshop where couples can learn massage techniques to perform on each other. The expert massage therapists at CHI will teach basic massage strokes that promote circulation and relaxation in the body.

“To be fulfilled, we all need a love that is unconditional, and the central gateway to the heart chakra is our heart love, which is expressed through our hands in the physical connection of touch,” said Catherine Lazzarou, the spa manager at CHI.

To book this private workshop session, please contact CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney. The Couples Connection Workshop lasts 1.5 hours and is priced at A$300 with a complimentary Shangri-La Essential Oil gift. Couples Connection Workshops are available Monday to Friday from 1 to 28 February 2011, and reservations are essential.

For enquiries and reservations, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Sydney on (61 2) 9250 6000, e-mail chispa.slsn@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com/sydney.

A spectrum of Asian wellness massages, body therapies, facials and CHI journeys are available to guests, including CHI Balance, Du Mai Back Therapy and the CHI Healing Stone Massage. With roots set in the Chinese theory of the five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth to harmonise the body’s energy, the treatment oils used in all therapies are customised to each guest’s element sign, which is expressed by personal preferences in tastes, colours and daily living.

Inspired by the Asian principles of harmony and balance, the spa interiors are designed to give guests the utmost privacy and a sense of detachment from the outside world. A rich tapestry of Asian artefacts, warm woods and specially designed ambient lighting bathe the space in a calming yet mystical glow. Each of the six suites is a “spa within a spa” to enable guests to indulge in the luxury of personal space, and provides guests with their own private changing area and an aroma steam shower to enjoy before treatments. Three of the suites, overlooking the world-famous Sydney harbour, feature infinity-edge spa tubs for relaxing soaks.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently owns and/or manages 69 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 30,000. Shangri La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com

Wollongong has entertainment covered this summer with a range of music, sporting and gala events set up to provide the perfect summer getaway.

Just 90 minutes south of Sydney, the Gong’s 17 patrolled surf beaches, seaside shopping centre, adrenalin-charged adventure facilities and great cafes and restaurants offer something for everyone.

Music lovers of all types will be catered for at WIN Entertainment Centre, where The Wiggles will perform their Greatest Hits concert on December 16 and international crooner Chris Isaak will treat the coast to his melodic tones on March 29.

Blues and Roots lovers can opt for the 16th Annual Illawarra Folk Festival at Bulli Racecourse from January 13-16, 2011, while sports enthusiasts can head to City Beach Wollongong on January 18-21 for a range of Iron man and Iron woman events in the 2011 Wave Warriors junior surf life saving challenge.

From February 4-6 City Beach will also be home to the 2011 Australian Surf Rowers League Open.

Families wishing to escape the city crowds can take part in a spectacular New Years Eve firework display over Wollongong Harbour or enjoy a spread of activities at the January 26 Australia Day celebrations. Included is an Australia Day Aquathon that will see at least 1800 participants compete in the country’s largest swim and run fitness event.

So grab the kids, a partner or friends this holiday period and let Wollongong entertain you.

For more information on Wollongong’s events, accommodation and activities call 1800 240 737, visit www.visitwollongong.com.au  or follow Tourism Wollongong on Facebook www.facebook.com/WollongongNSWAustralia  or Twitter www.twitter.com/wollongong_nsw.

You know that person in your life, who refuses to use public transport, because it’s just that little bit too common? How will you make their eyes light up this Christmas morning? Once you’ve bought him or her the custom-made Bulgari watch, and had a star named after them, what else is there? The challenge of finding that perfect gift has probably been plaguing you for months.

A scuba diving experience may seem just as common as catching that bus during rush-hour. Diving with a group of teenagers, instructed by someone who’s just left high school, and whom you would barely trust with to look after your pet hamster. Thanks to the brainchild of professional diving instructor, Peter Michie, that precious someone in your life can now enjoy an extraordinary one-on-one VIP diving experience. The day starts with the VIP being picked up from their home, office or anywhere else they chose, at a time that is convenient for them. They are then taken to one of 25 diving locations in and around Sydney. All equipment is supplied, and the half or full day of diving is tailored precisely around the VIP’s skills and desires. The day also includes lunch at one of Sydney’s finest cafes. The experience ends with the VIP being safely returned to their chosen destination.

Peter Michie of Bondive says “many of my clients just don’t want to commit to a weekend diving course with 10 other people. They are generally busy people, who are used to and enjoy the VIP treatment they receive at 5 star hotels and restaurants. They want to dive at a time that suits them, at the location of their choice. Bondive aims to provide that special care and attention that they won’t receive anywhere else”.

Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has taken out the Best Destination Spa (Resort) Award at the Australian Spa Association Awards held in Melbourne at the weekend.

The largest day spa in the Southern Hemisphere covering an impressive 750 square metres, The Spa at Hyatt Regency Coolum uses the multi-award winning product Natura Bisse to create luxury treatments.

Hyatt Regency Coolum Director of Sales & Marketing Pip Close said:

“Hyatt Regency Coolum is thrilled to win this award for what we believe is the premiere resort spa in Australia. It is fitting recognition for our Spa Manager Kyle LaMonica and his hard working team.”

About Hyatt Regency Coolum
Located on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, Hyatt Regency Coolum is spread across 150 hectares of lush rainforest, natural bush and woodlands, with direct access to 2km of pristine surf beach. The resort offers extensive accommodation choices from King Rooms through to the three-storey Ambassador Residence, a range of dining options and world class leisure activities that include a luxurious day spa, tennis centre, arts centre, kids clubs and a par 72 golf course that is home to the Australian PGA Championship.