Jetsettersblog

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa has announced their schedule of weekend yoga retreats for 2011 giving guests four unique opportunities to relax with soothing yoga, dine on wholesome cuisine and revitalise with a spa treatment.

The seasonal yoga retreats, which have been designed for all ability levels from beginners through to experienced practitioners, will take place 25-27 February, 10-12 June, 12-14 August and 4-6 November.

Hosted by YOGA TV host, Kris McIntyre, each weekend will vary to suit the changing needs of the seasons according to Ryoho (a form of yoga therapy combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian based healing arts of China and Japan):

25-27 February: digestion, weight loss, kicking sugar cravings and increasing energy levels
10-12 June: lower back strength, stress release and sexual energy
12-14 August 2011: flexibility, strong backs and joints and cleansing
4-6 November: power and strength, upper back release, blood pressure and circulation and happy hearts

Priced from $533* per person twin share, the all-inclusive escape includes two nights accommodation, full buffet breakfast daily, six yoga classes with yoga teacher, author and Yoga TV host Kris McIntyre, a yoga mat, The Golden Door workshops and demonstrations, a 50 minute spa treatment at The Golden Door Spa, wholesome meals inspired by The Golden Door cook book and prepared by Peppers Salt Resort & Spa’s new restaurant Season, full use of resort leisure facilities, unlimited in-room movies and more.

Non-residential packages are available from $390* per person including all yoga classes, mat, The Golden Door Spa treatment, one dinner and two lunches.

When guests aren’t striking a pose, they can step out into nature and enjoy a network of beachside walking and bicycle tracks, the resort’s large tropical beach lagoon pool, unspoilt surf beaches, or head to The Golden Door Spa for a menu of soul soothing spa treatments.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa is located just 15 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 60 minutes from Ballina Airport and less than 90 minutes drive from Brisbane.

For bookings or further information phone Louise Anker on 02 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au.

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

New Zealand-renowned landscape and portrait artist Belinda Weir is to leave a colourful impression following a stint as ‘artist in residence’ at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Since being invited in May to follow in a long tradition of guest artists on the Hermitage Artist in Residence Programme, Weir has painted an array of beautifully captured oil-on-canvas landscapes of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Among them are paintings of stunning mountain views, featuring Mount Sefton, Mount Wakefield, and Mount Cook (at evening/twilight). Her largest painting, entitled ‘Mount Blackburn under Snow’ will be presented to the Hermitage as a gift when she departs the centre next month.

Weir’s landscape artistry is distinct in conveying the terrain’s texture and rich earthly colours in both a notable painterly and impressionist technique that is reminiscent of the late Southern painter, Duncan Darroch who lived at Aoraki Mount Cook between 1928 and 1967. Belinda used only a pallet knife to apply paint to canvas.

Belinda describes her motivation as “being drawn to what is powerful in the land and to paint what I see there, what moves me” and her time at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre as “an incredibly positive experience that gave me opportunity to develop and grow.”

During winter Weir painted several portraits for staff and visitors at the centre.

“I could paint in the National Park for years and never run out of material,” she said. “In my work I aim to imply the grandeur of this place rather than try to squeeze it into the frame.”

Denis Callesen, General Manager of Tourism for Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village Ltd, said Weir’s “unique gift for capturing the magic” of the Southern Alps had hugely impressed staff and visitors.

“It has been fantastic to see Belinda around the National Park sketching, photographing and frequenting the ‘artist’s corner’ of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre,” he said.

“She has found herself perfectly at home here among the National Park’s majestic beauty, power and character and her talent for fine art perfectly encapsulates all these elements into a collection of dynamic, mesmerising artistry.”

“The Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre provides all of us with an opportunity to explore and connect to the national identity and celebrate the cultural characteristics New Zealanders hold dear,” said Mr Callesen. “By inviting Kiwi artists to come and paint as part of the Hermitage Artist in Residence Programme, we are holding in time a piece of New Zealand history as to how they depict people, scenery and life today.”

“What has been quite astonishing about Mrs Weir is that her work has developed an extraordinary style reminiscent of the late Duncan Darroch, an artist who lived in the region until his death in 1967 and whose works feature in the centre’s museum.”

Duncan Darroch (1888-1967) was a self-taught Kiwi artist who travelled New Zealand from port to port, as well as countries such as Canada and Britain, painting his journey as he went. In 1928 he moved to Mt Cook. Darroch’s paintings were of seascapes, landscapes and include a wide collection of Aoraki Mount Cook vistas, which were all captured in his unique, impressionist style.

The paintings of Belinda Weir can be viewed in the Hillary Gallery of the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, which is located adjacent to The Hermitage Hotel in the majestic Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Her paintings will go on sale in the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre retail shop at prices ranging from $1500 – $2000.

The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (AMRTA) is in the final stages of completing the spectacular new Jewel Cave Preservation and Redevelopment Project.

Jewel Cave is expected to re-open to the public in early December and exact dates will be announced via www.margaretriver.com

The closure of Jewel Cave for the past three months has enabled 50 year old infrastructure to be removed from above the cave to enable natural filtration of water and the protection of threatened ecological communities which live within the cave. A new tunnel entrance and walkway are also being constructed in keeping with the new Interpretative Centre design.

Building of the spectacular new Interpretive Centre is currently on schedule for completion at the end of November. Following the handover the new centre will be equipped with interpretation panels, retail stands and full cafe facilities.

The new design will blend into the natural forest environment with eco-friendly interpretive lighting being installed in the cave – aiding the conservation and preservation of this world-renowned and fragile natural attraction.

AMRTA Natural Environment Manager Lindsay Hatcher has been working at the ground level for the past two years and expects visitors to be suitably impressed by the reinvention of Jewel Cave.

“The innovative adaptations made to Jewel Cave through the way of in-cave lighting and a new Interpretive Centre will enable repeat visitors to enjoy a whole new experience.

“The new site will also boast a cafe which has been leased to local operator Karen White who currently runs the Leeuwin Lighthouse Cafe. They are very excited about presenting a new menu in such a tranquil and ambient setting with views that look directly out to the karri forest.

“The project would not have been possible without the support of our grant partners, Lotterywest, Royalties for Regions, TQUAL, South West Development Commission, RIFP and Envirofund” said Mr Hatcher.

The AMRTA encourages visitors and locals to follow the final progress of the building on the Jewel Cave Facebook page and thanks everyone for their patience during the redevelopment.

Lake Cave, Mammoth Cave and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse will continue to operate as normal.

The official media and dignitary launch of the completed Jewel Cave precinct will be held in February 2011.

Aries loves action, Cancer prefers a romantic atmosphere and Gemini needs people around. When it comes to holidays, the tastes of the 12 star signs couldn’t be more diverse. With 450 hotels in 250 destinations and 65 countries, Worldhotels, one of the leading groups for independent hotels, can offer the perfect holiday accommodation for every taste.

Sagittarius (23 November – 21 December): Adventure and night safari in Singapore

Hotel Fort Canning, Singapore

Sagittarius is an open minded, positive and restless person, always seeking to discover new things and countries. The Hotel Fort Canning is located in the city centre of Singapore and is the perfect address for the Sagittarius to explore one of Asia’s most vibrant cities. From here, it’s a short hop to Marina Bay to discover new restaurants, dining concepts and pulsing entertainment spots that are creating a buzz in this urban metropolis. Alternatively, for those inclined to discover Mother Nature a stroll around Fort Canning Park unveils lush flora and fauna of this tropical city and the heady scent of spice gardens. Those seeking tranquillity can relax walking through the hotel’s greenery or enjoy a glass of wine from the hotel’s wine lounge.

Capricorn (22 December – 20 January): Outdoor-activities in a serene setting

Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

The stable and tradition loving Capricorn prefers peaceful settings to crowded destinations. On holiday he likes to enjoy the beauty of nature. Sutera Harbour Resort is located within the magnificent scenery of Borneo’s Sabah. Spread over 384 acres of sea-front land with the majestic Mount Kinabalu its backdrop, it offers the Capricorn all facets of nature. He can visit the nearby Kinabalu Park and climb its famous mountain, enjoy a day at the beach or board one of the hotel’s three unique vessels.

Aquarius (21 January — 19 February): Fashion and style for free spirits

Édouard 7 Hotel, Paris, France

Aquarius is the most unconventional and extrovert among the twelve star signs. He loves everything extraordinary, be it fancy food, architecture or fashion. The Édouard 7 Hotel in Paris with its exceptional interior design and stylish details is perfect for this star sign. Aquarius will love the hotel’s unique couture suites, where lamps look like hats and vases are shaped like hand bags. And if that’s still not enough of fashion, he can enjoy shopping in one of Paris numerous boutiques.

Pisces (20 February — 19 March): Romantic beach getaway

Pacific Beach Hotel, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA

Pisces are very sensitive and introvert individuals who often have difficulties expressing their feelings. They prefer peaceful destinations and enjoy solitarily. At the Pacific Beach Hotel in Honolulu, Pisces find a maritime surrounding and relaxation. They can enjoy diving in the hotel’s three-storey indoor oceanarium and mingle with nearly 400 other fish. And after such an exhausting diving session they can relax in the hotel’s Laule’a Spa with a traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage.

Aries (20 March – 20 April): Exciting city trip to Rio de Janeiro

Rio Othon Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sunbathing and relaxing by the pool does not suit Aries’ personality. Being the most active among the zodiac signs, Aries loves action and unusual destinations. The Rio Othon Palace in Rio de Janeiro is the perfect base for him to explore one of Brazil’s most exciting cities. After a day of sightseeing, Aries can take a dip in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool or enjoy the magnificent view from the rooftop bar. After dark he can dance the night away in one of Rio’s many night clubs.

Taurus (21 April – 21 May): Cultural highlights with a spark of wellness

Royal Garden Hotel, London, UK

Taurus is the gourmet among the star signs. He loves the beautiful things in life such as art, cuisine and wellness. Located in the heart of London, overlooking Hyde Park and the adjacent Kensington Park, the Royal Garden Hotel offers the discerning Taurus everything he likes: culinary delights in its famous Min Jiang restaurant with an amazing view over London’s skyline, relaxation in its Soma Spa and proximity to the many cultural highlights London the city has to offer.

Gemini (22 May – 21 June): Variety and fun in Sweden’s capital

Berns Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden

Gemini is curious, communicative and flexible. He needs variety like he needs the air to breathe. At Berns Hotel, which is part of the famous Stockholm hot spot Berns Salonger, he doesn’t even have to leave the building to find a mix of different activities: He can visit the Asian restaurant and dine under magnificent chandeliers, enjoy the view from the summer terrace or spend the nights at the trendy nightclub 2.35:1. If that’s not enough, it also offers Stockholm’s most famous venues for concerts.

Cancer (22 June – 22 July): Romantic stay at Milan’s greenest hotel

Hotel Milano Scala, Milan, Italy

Being the most romantic among the star signs, Cancer loves to get lost in arts and music. His idea of a perfect holiday is to spend hours in an exhibition or to visit a concert. Hotel Milano Scala is located a stone’s throw from Milan’s cultural landmarks such as the ‘Teatro alla Scala’ or the ‘Duamo’- one of the most stunning Italian Gothic Churches. Each of its 63 rooms features an opera-theme reflected in furniture and artwork. Cancer will also like the fact that it is Milan’s first zero-emission hotel.

Leo (23 July – 23 August): Luxury holiday in a glamorous setting

ARIA Resort and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

The luxury loving Leo is the star among the zodiac signs. He loves superlatives and only the best is good enough. For this discerning star sign, the ARIA Resort and Casino in Las Vegas is the perfect destination. With 4004 rooms spread over 61 floors, 16 restaurants, ten bars, a nightclub and three pools, the hotel is the embodiment of superlatives. Leo can enjoy a beautiful view over Las Vegas from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the magnificent suites or try his luck in the ARIA’s elegant Casino.

Virgo (24 August – 23 September): Spa retreat in lush surroundings

Sagamore – The Art Hotel, Miami Beach, FL, USA

Virgos are very discerning and critical individuals selecting their holiday destination very carefully. Sagamore – The Art Hotel, one of Miami’s most prestigious hotels will certainly meet the Virgo’s high expectations. At the luxurious all-suite boutique hotel, the health conscious Virgo will enjoy being pampered from head to toe at the famous Rikra beauty bungalow before heading off to one of Miami’s attractions such as the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden or the Art Deco Walk.

Libra (24 September – 23 October): Sightseeing and relaxation in Budapest

Continental Hotel Zara, Budapest, Hungary

Libra is characterised best by its elegance, taste and charming personality. On holiday the balanced air sign prefers a mixture between activity and relaxation. Budapest offers the critical Libra a variety of cultural highlights like the UNESCO-World Heritage Sites ‘Buda Castle Quarter’ and ‘Gellert Bath and Hill’. In the four-star superior Continental Hotel Zara, Libra can find relaxation in two interior gardens, massage area and wellness center or enjoy the breathtaking view from the rooftop terrace.

Scorpio (24 October – 22 November): Exotic trip to the Far East

Rihga Royal Hotel Osaka, Japan

The passionate and enterprising Scorpio is interested in everything new and exotic. For such an adventurous star sign the Rihga Royal Hotel in Osaka is the perfect destination to explore the mysterious Japan. In the hotel’s 23 restaurants and bars, Scorpio can explore traditional Eastern dishes from Japan, Korea and China or Western culinary highlights from France or Italy. Those seeking physical activity can workout in the hotel’s fitness centre or dive into its beautifully designed indoor pool.

Whether they believe in horoscopes or not, guests can benefit from Worldhotels unrivalled “Two nights and more” offer until 28 February 2011. This special discounted rate includes breakfast and can be booked at worldhotel.com/two-nights-and-more for a minimum stay of two nights.

About Worldhotels

l Worldhotels is an exclusive collection of the world’s most unique independent hotels. Under the banner “Unique Hotels for Unique People”, it now has 450 affiliate properties in 250 destinations and 65 countries worldwide.

With the support of Tourism Queensland, Smartvisit Solutions Australia is pleased to announce the launch of the iVenture “Great Sunshine Way Attractions Pass”. Available for sale through leading travel and tour retailers, hotels and attractions, the pass will feature entry to over 40 top travel and leisure experiences from Queensland’s Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane including Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Paradise Jetboating, Tallship, Underwater World, Buderim Ginger, Aussie World, Kookaburra River Queen, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Moreton Island Adventures and many more.

The Great Sunshine Way Attractions Pass offers real savings with up to 40% off admission prices and customers can choose from 3 packages all loaded on to a single smartcard – 3 Ticket Pass or 5 Ticket Pass (valid for 3 months) or 5 Day Unlimited Pass. The 5 Day Unlimited Pass allows customers to visit as many attractions on the pass as they wish in 5 calendar days. The customer simply swipes their iVenture card at each attraction to gain entry.

The Great Sunshine Way Attractions Pass comes with an easy reference; fold out, colour guide so customers can plan their itinerary before they leave home or on the run. The handy guide details all experiences included in each package along with address and contact details.

The iVenture Great Sunshine Way Attractions Pass forms part of the iVenture Card (www.iventurecard.com) product range offering unique, flexible and fun, travel and leisure packages for key destinations in Australia and around the world. With over 200 experiences within Australia alone, including cruises, attractions, museums, tours, thrill rides, wildlife parks and more, iVenture Card packages provide travelers with outstanding choice as well as great value with up to 50% savings on admission prices. Other iVenture Card products include the See Sydney, Melbourne and Tasmania Attractions Passes.

The iVenture “See Sydney Attractions Pass” was voted by customers as the second most popular ‘thing to do’ in Australia and New Zealand, according to the 2009 Viator Traveler Awards.

Peppers Retreats Resorts and Apartments is expanding its portfolio into Fiji, with Peppers Naisoso Resort commencing development in July 2011.

Mantra Group CEO Bob East said the foray into Fiji was a natural progression for the innovative Peppers brand.

“We have a strong brand presence through our 23 Peppers properties in Australia and five Peppers properties in New Zealand so it is a natural growth progression for us to expand our operation through the South Pacific into Fiji.”

“Naisoso Island is an attractive location for a Peppers resort, with magnificent beach frontage and tropical views. The resort is just a 25 minute drive from Nadi Airport, making it a convenient destination for a romantic getaway, family holiday or special celebration like a wedding,” said Mr East.

The 178-room resort will be completed in two stages and will consist of a selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, with three lagoon swimming pools, a day spa and oceanfront restaurant.

“Peppers Naisoso Resort will offer guests the quintessential tropical holiday experience with personalized service and impressive facilities,” said Mr East.

Today’s announcement follows the successful opening of the cutting-edge Peppers Broadbeach at the Gold Coast and Peppers Coorabell Retreat in the Byron Bay Hinterland earlier this month.

Peppers Naisoso Resort is due to open at the end of 2012 and will be developed by Brisbane founded property development company Relcorp (Fiji) Limited, under the project management of Eastview Australia. Sustainable design experts TVS Partnership has been appointed as the architects.

Managing Director of Relcorp (Fiji) Limited, which is Fiji’s largest developer, Bob Lowres, hailed the choice of Peppers as the operators of their Peppers Naisoso Resort as a triumph for Naisoso Island.

“Peppers is a progressive and customer focused business which is evidenced by the loyal repeat clientele and their reputation as a quality accommodation provider,” said Mr Lowres.

Heli Charters Australia, North Queensland’s largest helicopter operator has purchased the fixed wing operation Weipa Air, expanding the current fleet of 12 helicopters to include 4 fixed wing twin engine, air conditioned Aero Commanders. The aircraft will comfortably seat 6 passengers all forward facing with window seats.

The fleet of Aero Commanders will operate under the new business name, Air Charters Australia and will offer tourism based scenic flights over the reef and rainforest and day tours to Cape York, Cooktown, Lizard and Dunk Islands. Commercial charters will remain operating under the Weipa Air banner. These aircraft were previously operated as Reef Watch.

Managing Director, Steve Spinaze states “having operational bases already established in Cairns, Weipa, Normanton and Horn Island means the expansion into fixed wing aircraft in these regions was a natural progression, and positions our company to cater for all aspects of tourism and commercial aviation”

With vast experience in aircraft operations, Nicolle Hayes has been recently recruited as the new Operations Manager. Nicolle can be contacted via email on nicolle@helicharters.com.au or via mobile 0437 238 946. Virginia Edwards remains as Director of Sales and can be contacted on 0437 463 102 or via email ginni@helicharters.com.au

The Augusta Margaret River Tourism Association (AMRTA) has opened its latest innovative initiative with the launch of the collaborative Be Tempted Margaret River venture.

Three years ago the AMRTA became the first tourism association in Western Australia to open a satellite office in Perth with the launch of ‘Tourism Margaret River’ at the Perth Busport.

In partnership with Be Tempted, Tourism Margaret River has now relocated to one of the premier shopfront locations in the state – London Court! Research shows that London Court is one of the Top 5 most-visited locations in Perth, ranking alongside Kings Park, Fremantle, The Bell Tower and Swan Valley!

AMRTA CEO Simon Ambrose expressed his excitement at the new opportunity.

“The partnership represents an amalgamation of the fine produce and quality tourism services that are indicative of the Margaret River region.”

“Be Tempted has been based in London Court for nearly four years and showcases the finest selection of food from Margaret River by providing gourmet hampers, tastings and giftware.”

“Tourism Margaret River specialises in providing information services, a free booking facility and professional itinerary development for those looking to escape to the stunning Margaret River region” said Mr Ambrose.

Complete with merchandise, a 60 inch plasma screen featuring spectacular regional images and that special down south vibe, ‘Be Tempted Margaret River’ is a one-stop shop for city workers and visitors alike.

The AMRTA would like to thank the Natural Olive Oil Soap Factory, The Wine and Truffle Company and Brookwood Estate for providing delightful tasting opportunities for visitors during the launch. Other businesses that provided products and services on the evening include: Bettenay Wines, Margaret River Nougat, Offroad Buggies Margaret River, Darby Park Serviced Residences, Margaret River with Neil McLeod and Margies Big Day Out.

For more information on Tourism Margaret River please visit www.margaretriver.com.

For more information on Be Tempted please visit www.btmr.com.au

Love is in the air as Kenya celebrates its part in royal history. The country may be best known for its dramatic landscape, abundant wildlife and rich Maasai culture but during the last week, romance has been the hot topic, as Prince William announced his engagement to long-term girlfriend, Kate Middleton.

Kenya made headlines after Prince William asked Kate to marry him in the continent that he considers a ‘second home’. The couple were staying in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, from where Prince William hired a helicopter to take Kate to a remote lake high on the slopes of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second tallest mountain. The area is familiar to the Prince who spent several months working at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as part of his gap year and who has made several visits to the region in recent years.

While there are a vast range of romantic spots in Kenya the Prince’s choice, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is a popular location for visitors and serves as a refuge for endangered species. Located four hours north of Nairobi, the landscape is compiled of mountainous regions and open grasslands that attract a diverse range of African wildlife. Lewa is home to more than 350 bird species as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, Colobus monkeys, black rhinos, white rhinos and the endangered Grevy’s Zebra.

Located to the north west of the conservancy is Lewa Safari Camp, a luxury tented camp which offers a range of activities for visitors such as game drives, horse and camel rides, bird watching, sundowner picnics, fly fishing and an opportunity to interact with the local Maasai people.

Whilst hiring a private helicopter may not be feasible for all visitors, there are still plenty of ways to fall in love in Kenya. Whether you’re taking a hot-air balloon over the Maasai Mara at dawn, enjoying a champagne breakfast on the savannah or cruising on a private dhow in Mombasa, Kenya is sure to impress your loved one.

For more tips on romantic destinations in Kenya visit: www.magicalkenya.com

BENIKEA, which stands for ‘Best Night in Korea’ is the brand for a new-concept hotel chain, bringing together the best and most comfortable hotels in Korea.

The purpose of BENIKEA is to provide quality hotel accommodation at affordable rates for visitors to the country. Forty-four hotels, graded ‘deluxe’ and below, currently participate in BENIKEA.

Perhaps the best thing about BENIKEA hotels is that their rates are mostly below 100,000 won (approx A$100) per night for two (off peak rate/standard room) so are perfect for budget-conscious travellers without sacrificing the comfort factor. Participating hotels of BENIKEA are only cream-of-the-crop hotels selected by Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) through a rigorous screening process.

BENIKEA’s forty-four participating hotels are located in all the most popular tourist cities and regions in Korea. From hotels conveniently located for ease of transport, to downtown hotels great for city touring, airport hotels, beach hotels as well as ski resort/hot spring hotels travellers can plan their itinerary and book their accommodation online at the official BENIKEA website www.benikea.com

Hotels can be searched on the map, by geographic region or using a list. The hotel information includes photos showing different types of guestrooms available and detailed reviews. Travellers will also find a great deal of practical tourist information and tips provided by KTO to plan their travels in Korea.

If you are travelling to Korea in the near future then check out the website www.benikea.com and plan your journey assured of excellent accommodation during your stay in Korea.

A detailed Korea guidebook can be obtained by contacting the Sydney office of Korea Tourism Organization Email: visitkorea@knto.org.au  or visit the KTO website where you can download a Korea Guide ebook.