Jetsettersblog

Discover more with the See Hong Kong Attractions Pass. With a choice of 1, 2 or 3 consecutive days, the pass offers great value and convenience with free entry to over 15 top and unique attractions including Peak Tram, Big Bus Tours, Star Ferry, DHL Balloon, Dim Sum Cooking Class, Feng Shui Tour, Wetland Park and top museums in Hong Kong. Book your See Hong Kong Attractions Pass Today!

HONG KONG – iVenture Card, a leading global provider of tourism experiences, today introduced the See Hong Kong Pass. This innovative sightseeing smart card allows cash-free entry to more than 15 top and unique attractions in Hong Kong together with a free trip to Macau. The Pass is designed to provide unforgettable experiences, convenience and great savings to independent travelers to the destination. Following the successes of similar iVenture Card attractions passes in Australia, Canada and Singapore, the Pass is now available online and through its distribution network and attraction partners starting at a price of only HK$399 (1-Day Adult).

“The sightseeing smart card concept is relatively new to Asia. Hong Kong was selected as one of the first destinations in Asia to launch the pass as we see great potential in the Free and Independent Tourist (FIT) market and have received terrific support from the participating attractions and local tourism bodies,” said Thibault Paquin, iVenture Card Asia’s Managing Director and operator of the See Hong Kong Pass.

Travelers can choose from a one-day to a three-day pass to experience the best that Hong Kong has to offer. In addition to unlimited entry to top attractions like Big Bus Tours, Peak Tram and DHL Hong Kong Balloon, the See Hong Kong Pass will open doors to unique experiences such as Dim Sum Cooking Class by Super Star, Feng Shui Tour, Hong Kong Traditional Life Style Tour, Wine Tasting at the 8th Estate Winery and Aberdeen Harbor “Sampan” boat ride. The Pass also comes with one free trip to or from Macau by TurboJET and free entry to the Macau Tower Observation Deck. This represents over HK$2,000 of total value all on one simple card.

With year on growth of 22% and a record-high 36 million visitors to Hong Kong last year, the See Hong Kong Pass serves to increase the length of stay and overall experience of FIT visitors, and provides a simple solution for both vendors and pass-holders.

“We believe the See Hong Kong Pass will help drive domestic and international awareness and ticket sales to DHL Hong Kong Balloon, an iconic new attraction in Hong Kong. The See Hong Kong Pass answers the needs of attractions such as the DHL Hong Kong Balloon and provides visitors with a one price solution to sightseeing in Hong Kong,” commented Rob Perren, CEO, Future Leisure – the operator of DHL Hong Kong Balloon.

In addition to including many of Hong Kong’s most well known attractions such as Hong Kong Wetland Park, Maritime Museum and other popular museums, the See Hong Kong Pass also opens the door to new and enhanced experiences and discovery of some less known attractions.

“We are delighted to see the product launched. Dim Sum is a fabric of the Hong Kong dining experience that is often overlooked by visitors to the city. The pass provides visibility to our product and ensures that visitors to Hong Kong, whether first time or repeat visitors, have a sense of discovery,” says Grant Lee, Banquet & Events Manager, Super Star Restaurants.

“We are keen to work with the See Hong Kong Pass as it brings more attraction choices to the travelers. Pass-holders can have a chance to sample wines made in Hong Kong at 8th Estate Winery,” added Lysanne Tusar, Founder & CMO, 8th Estate Winery.

The See Hong Kong Pass is valid for 6 months once purchased and comes with an easy-reference pocket guide to help visitors plan their experience in Hong Kong and Macau.

Adult 1-Day HK$399 2-Day HK$649 3-Day HK$899
Child 1-Day HK$299 2-Day HK$499 3-Day HK$649

List of Featured Attractions
8th Estate Winery
Aberdeen Harbour “Sampan” boat ride
AJ Hackett Macau Tower
Big Bus – Hong Kong Island Tour
Big Bus – Kowloon Tour
Big Bus – Stanley Tour
DHL Hong Kong Balloon
Dim Sum Cooking Class & Tasting (by Super Star)
Feng Shui Tour
Happy Valley Racecourse
Hong Kong Traditional Lifestyles Tour
Hong Kong Maritime Museum
Hong Kong Weekly Museum Pass
Hong Kong Wetland Park
Macau Tower
Sha Tin Racecourse
Star Ferry
The Peak Tram
TurboJET (HK-Macau route)

Travel2 is offering a five-night holiday package in conjunction with Pacific Blue and the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. The package includes return economy airfares with Pacific Blue to Nadi, five-nights luxury accommodation at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa and one round of golf (18 holes) per person at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club located opposite the resort. The package also includes a Champagne breakfast at the Sofitel daily

The offer is priced from AUD$1,175 ex Brisbane; AUD$1,215 ex Sydney; and from AUD$1,315 ex Melbourne (per person twin share) and is inclusive of taxes (and subject to availability). Packages are available for sale until the 30th of June 2011. Travel dates are from the 14th of May until the 25th of June and the 26th of October and the 15th of December 2011.

To book, contact Harvey World Travel on 132 757 or visit www.harveyworld.com.au For more about the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa visit www.sofitelfiji.com.fj

Famous for its long, lazy beachfront location, swaying palm trees and romantic sunsets, the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is Fiji’s most sophisticated resort and the perfect backdrop for a relaxing South Pacific island escape. With a prime address on Denarau Island the resort enjoys a beach frontage and 26-acres of lush gardens with views extending across Nadi bay.

A private, sandy beach beside one of the largest lagoon-style pools in the Pacific, a menu of sixty signature spa treatments at the world-leading Mandara Spa, Fiji’s ‘Best Restaurant’ and the Islands’ most extensive, fully-integrated conference facilities are just some of the reasons so many return to the magnificent Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa. The Turtle Club for children aged two to twelve years, neighbouring Denarau Golf and Racquet Club, and extensive selection of water-based activities offer all the more reason to extend your stay.

Sofitel, World Class Hotels & French Elegance
Sofitel is the only French luxury hotels brand with a presence on five continents, in more than 50 countries. Sofitel offers contemporary hotels and resorts adapted to today’s more demanding and more versatile consumers who expect and appreciate beauty, quality and excellence. Whether situated in the heart of a major city like Paris, New York or Bangkok, or nestled away in a country landscape in French Polynesia or Brazil, each Sofitel property offers a genuine experience of the French art de vivre.

Discover Sofitel on www.sofitel.com
Discover A|Club at Sofitel, the new worldwide Accor loyalty program on www.a-club.com

Melbourne’s award-winning Chuan Spa at The Langham has launched a range of two and five day Residential Wellness Retreats offering personalised programs created to revitalise the body and calm the mind. Combining the holistic benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments, private yoga, Pilates, personal exercise training and whole foods, the retreats are designed to give guests the knowledge and experience for positive healthy changes to their life.

Changing seasonally, the customized retreats will offer a distinctive package of services for absolute rejuvenation and relaxation. The two-day retreats are carefully planned by Chuan Spa’s wellness experts to balance Ying and Yang while promoting either a detoxifying cleanse or stress reduction. The five day retreat is designed to offer a sense of total renewal with each day dedicated to a different Wu Xing element – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Centuries ago, practitioners of TCM identified the five elements and found their harmony to be essential for physical and emotional wellbeing.

With itineraries tailored around the individual rather than a group, the retreats are completely personal. Rather than joining group exercise classes or meditation groups, each guest experiences the retreat on their own, with private classes and therapies. This allows Chuan’s wellness experts to focus on the individual needs of each guest for the entire retreat. This results in each guest being able to make dramatic changes to their lifestyle, in a relatively short period of time.

Residential Wellness Retreats are also available for new parents and parents-to-be. Suitable for singles or couples, these special retreats will ensure expectant parents begin this important phase of their life in an optimum state of body and mind, or give new parents some important time to rebalance.

While completing their chosen retreat, guests can stay in the luxury and tranquility of a Langham Club Terrace Room. Perched high above the city, the Terrace Rooms offer a private sanctuary where guests can enjoy the fresh air, bask in the sunshine or simply chill out whilst delighting in the city panorama of uninterrupted sparkling city skyline views. The new Terrace rooms offer an expansive 50m2 private terrace, complete with sun lounges.

Bookings for Chuan Spa’s Residential Wellness Retreats are now open. Priced from $1870 for a two day retreat in a Grand River View Room (Sunday to Friday). Packages can be tailored to suit guests requested length of stay and individual program objectives.

For bookings call 1800 858 662 or email mel.resv@langhamhotels.com

For more information on Chuan Spa’s Residential Wellness Retreats, visit www.chuanspa.com.au

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa in the picturesque seaside village of Kingscliff on the Tweed Coast of NSW has announced four inspiring MasterChef Weekend Escapes – each an immersion into the world of food, cooking competitions and the best seasonal produce from the Gold Coast Hinterland and NSW Northern Rivers produce-belt.

The specially crafted weekend escape packages, which were inspired by MasterChef’s passion for food and the pursuit of cooking excellence, will take place on 29-31 July, 26-28 August, 28-30 October and 25-27 November.

Priced from $495* per room per night twin share, the MasterChef Weekend Escape Package includes two nights accommodation in a Hotel Room, full buffet breakfast for two daily, full use of resort leisure facilities, unlimited in-room movies and a banquet of unique dining experiences and events inspired by the series.

On arrival, food fans will be greeted with a Peppers Gift Pack of regional produce and craft, two MasterChef aprons and a MasterChef Series 2 cookbook.

That evening, they’ll sit down to a two-course dinner at Season to experience the acclaimed restaurant’s seasonally inspired menus offering fresh local and organic ingredients.

On Saturday, guests will be challenged to make the most of their MasterChef qualities hidden behind their aprons.

After a local tasting plate lunch and glass of wine, things will hot up in the kitchen with a Team Pressure Test, where guests will form groups and work together with their supplied raw ingredients, tools and recipe to replicate a signature Peppers dish in the allocated time.

The culinary journey will then go from the cook to the classroom with notebooks open, for a Masterclass with Season’s Executive Chef Reuben Radonich.

Over the course of an hour, guests will unlock secret processes and techniques to preparing and cooking seasonal produce plus they’ll have the chance to discuss all things food – taste, smell, colours and textures, sauces and accompaniments with Chef Radonich.

To complete their ultimate foodie weekend away, guests will savour a four-course MasterChef Reward Dinner with matched wines, featuring dishes served at the MasterChef rewards episode at Season (aired on MasterChef 26 May), including the second course Bangalow pork belly that impressed so much.

When guests aren’t cooking up a storm in the kitchen, 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.

Each MasterChef Weekend Escape is strictly limited to 15 couples. To secure a place for this memorable MasterChef journey, email bettina.bodley@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au  or phone 02 6670 5011.

*Subject to availability. Minimum two night stay.

There’s never been a better time to visit Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, with a great value winter package on offer at Hyatt Regency Coolum.

Priced from $420* per night, a family of four can stay in the peaceful surrounds of a two-bedroom Woodland Villa, with daily continental breakfast included.

The ‘Winter Value’ package features a two-course dinner each night in one of the resort’s Village Square restaurants. Guests can choose from family favourite Bruschetta, to more casual eateries like Noodles and Pizzeria.

Bike hire for two children completes the package inclusions.

Hyatt Regency Coolum is a perfect location for a family holiday set beside a pristine beach, just ten minutes from the Sunshine Coast, and only 90 minutes from Brisbane. There are countless bike tracks to explore over 150 acres of lush surroundings, nine pools, tennis courts, The Spa, a PGA Championship golf course and a range of fantastic kids’ activities at Camp Hyatt.

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

*Package subject to availability. Minimum 3-night stay. Valid from June 1, 2011 to July 31, 2011. Blackout dates apply.

NEW ZEALAND

POWERFUL PROFILE: Catharine Power has joined the Mantra Group as National Sales Manager for New Zealand. Having most recently worked with Amora Hotels and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, Catharine brings with her experience in all markets and will focus on the Corporate and Conference markets for Mantra Group, which incorporates the Mantra, Peppers and BreakFree brands.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: There’s movement in management on the Gold Coast, heralding exciting new leadership for three Mantra properties. Jan Hare has been appointed to the position of General Manager for Mantra Sierra Grand and Area Manager Broadbeach, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge both from an operational as well as a compliance and project management aspect. Also, Matthew Walters will begin as General Manager for Mantra Coolangatta Beach from June 27. A seasoned operator, Matthew joins the Gold Coast from Hervey Bay and more recently from Cairns, where he held the role of Relief General Manager at BreakFree Royal Harbour. General Manager of Mantra Broadbeach on the Park, Peter White, will leave his role at the end of June for his new position as a General Manager in Port Douglas, leaving room for an announcement of a new addition to the talented team at the Broadbeach property soon.

HOT DEALS:

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

FREE ACCOMMODATION: Stay one night free with some of the hottest tropical deals this winter. Fly or drive to the tropics for your winter escape where there is an endless variety of spectacular sightseeing and enjoyable activities to indulge in. Stay in Cairns, Port Douglas or Palm Cove with a selection of Mantra resorts and not only receive the warmest of receptions when you check in, but make the most of our packages where you stay four nights, and only need pay for three, or stay for three nights and only pay for two. Port Douglas deals start from $150* per night in a Hotel Room at Mantra on the Inlet, Palm Cove packages begin from $160* per night in a Hotel Room with Spa at Mantra Amphora, and Cairns accommodation is from $140* per night for a Hotel Room with City View at Mantra Esplanade. From the rainforest and hinterland to the pristine coast and world-famous Great Barrier Reef, this is one destination sure to make your winter blues disappear with the warmest of receptions when you check in. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

HOLIDAY HOTSPOT: Mantra Esplanade in Cairns is the perfect base to spend the school holidays in warmer weather, in a location close to everything including the family-friendly Courthouse Hotel nearby with $9.99 specials each night, as well as crab racing and kids activities each Wednesday at the Lagoon opposite the resort. Stay in a 2 Bedroom Apartment at $224* per night and relax on-site with facilities such as sauna and spa, swimming pool and restaurant. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

BLUE SKY BLISS: A typical day in June in Port Douglas means blue skies and safe waters with the end of the stinger season, so come visit and enjoy everything this popular holiday spot has to boast about. Mantra Aqueous on Port has Spa Rooms from $112* per night for a minimum four night stay, allowing guests to soak up everything from the beach to the indulgent offerings of a tropical resort, and the reef to the rainforest. A visit to the rainforest at this time of year can result in a fantastic cassowary experience, with these rare and endangered birds pairing up with their breeding partners meaning more sightings while moving through the Daintree Rainforest areas gathering food together. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

PICK A WINNER: The 2011 Cairns Amateurs Carnival has something for everyone – horse racing, fashion, socialising and celebrities. Pick a winner in September with Mantra Trilogy and Mantra Esplanade – both ideally located on The Esplanade, with packages already for sale so guests can book early to avoid disappointment. All packages include three nights’ accommodation, two tickets to the Cairns Amateurs Ball, plus Traditional Cairns Amateurs Membership which includes double entry to Cannon Park and exclusive members area, light buffet lunch, access to premium bar during the two days of racing September 2 and 3.The Mantra Trilogy package includes a Hotel Room from $885* per package for two adults or a 1 Bedroom Apartment from $930* per package for two adults. The Mantra Esplanade Package includes a Hotel Room City View from $864* per package for two adults, or a 1 Bedroom City View Apartment from $999* per package for two adults. On sale until 21/08/11 and valid for travel from check in on 01/09/11 to check out on 04/09/11. Call 13 15 17 or visit mantra.com.au. For information on the Cairns Amateurs visit www.cairnsamateurs.org.au.

RUGBY RATES: Rugby union fans will love the latest offer from Mantra to tie in with the Cairns and District Rugby Union hosting an international standard rugby union game in Cairns on July 29. Come to Cairns to watch world standard players in action when the Queensland Reds versus New Zealand’s Canterbury Crusaders as they prepare for the 2011 Super 15 competition. Soak up the sport then relax back at Mantra Trilogy from $180* per night in a Hotel Room, or Mantra Esplanade from $170* per night in a Hotel Room with City View – plus score a win with three nights accommodation, yet only pay for two. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

FESTIVAL FLAVOUR: One of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant festivals is coming up and to celebrate, Mantra has some great rates to make your stay stress-free. From June 16 to July 9 comes the Surfers Paradise Festival, showcasing a wide range of local artists, community groups and great emerging young bands. Base yourself in Surfers Paradise at Mantra Legends Hotel where you can stay three nights but only pay for two, from $160* per night in a Hotel Room. Or opt for Mantra Crown Towers where you can also stay three nights but only pay for two, from $185* per night in a 1 Bedroom Apartment. Visit mantra.com.au or call 13 15 17. For details on the Surfers Paradise Festival visit www.surfersparadisefestival.com.

THE RACE IS ON: With two upcoming Gold Coast events set to get your heart racing – Broadbeach Opera in the Park and the Gold Coast Airport Marathon – stay in style with Mantra. Enjoy a free evening of Broadbeach Opera In The Park on June 25, featuring world class entertainment under the stars at Kurrawa Park from 6pm, and choose from Mantra Sierra Grand from $241* per night for 1 Bedroom Executive, or Mantra Bel Air from $200* per night for 1 Bedroom Ocean for a minimum two night stay. Then keep ahead of the pack and book accommodation to catch the Gold Coast Airport Marathon in July this coming winter school holidays. With more than 25,000 competitors expected this year, book early for deals from July 2-3 at Mantra Sierra Grand in 1 Bedroom Executive from $250* per night, or Mantra Bel Air in 1 Bedroom Ocean from $190* per night for a minimum two night stay. Other great value deals in Surfers Paradise during both events include Mantra Circle of Cavill from $235* per night for 1 Bedroom, Q1 Resort & Spa from $245* for 1 Bedroom and breakfast for a minimum 2 night stay, and Mantra Wings from $311* per night for 2 Bedrooms for a minimum three night stay. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND

DO YOURSELF A FLAVOUR: This year’s Regional Flavours program is shaping up to be bigger than better than ever, when the event from July 29 to 31 will ignite Brisbane’s imagination with a range of events from MasterChef cooking displays and gardening tips from Gardening Australia stars, regional producers on show, a Design Exhibition and culinary competition featuring 200 culinary professionals. Mantra South Bank is offering all participating stall holders special accommodation rates from July 29 to 31 from $165* per night in a Hotel Room and from $185* per night in a Studio Room, if booked before June 30, 2011. Call 07 3305 2511 or email southbankbris.groups@mantra.com.au.

FRASER COAST, QUEENSLAND

CLASSIC CARS: Over $6 million worth of cars and 150 drivers from around Australia will participate in the Fraser Coast Sprints at the Maryborough Showground from June 24-26, with historics, classics, sports and moderns all competing. With trade stands and live entertainment on Saturday night, combine this family-friendly event with a break away at nearby at the popular Mantra Hervey Bay. Choose from a Hotel Room from $112* per night based on a two night stay, or for one night from $124*. Accommodation is available right up to a 3 Bedroom Apartment from $237* per night based on a two night stay, or one night stay from $263*. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

HUMPBACK HAVEN: The pristine and protected waters of Hervey Bay are the ideal playground for the mighty humpback whales to frolic now the whale watching season has begun, so take the plunge with the perfect packages to make the utmost of a journey to this magical spot on the Fraser Coast. Stay at Mantra Hervey Bay, the region’s only absolute marina-front property, with a Couples or Family package including accommodation and tickets for a half-day Whale Watching Cruise aboard the Quick Cat II with Hervey Bay Whale Watch. The Couples Package is from $209* in a Hotel Room including 2 adult tour tickets, and from $140* per extra night. The Family Package is from $328* for 2 Bedrooms including 2 adult tickets and tickets for 2 children aged between 4 and 14 years, and from $242* per extra night. Valid for travel until 31/10/2011.
Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantraherveybay.com.au.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES

HEAD TO HAIRSPRAY: Hairspray the Musical has hit Sydney at Star City’s Lyric Theatre, so the acclaimed production’s proud accommodation partner, Mantra, has styled some deals to make heads turn. See this big production with big heart and even bigger hairstyles thanks to Mantra’s great range of value Stay & See® packages. A magic choice for musical lovers is Mantra 2 Bond Street, located in Sydney’s vibrant city centre. Stay & See® packages start from $213.90* per person per night twin share including a ticket to the show. For those who have already have tickets for Hairspray the Musical and are looking for somewhere close and convenient to relax before and after the show, Mantra has a selection of sophisticated accommodation on offer in Sydney. For bookings phone 1300 658 103 or visit www.mantra.com.au/hairspray.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA

KING TUTS IN TOWN: Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to stay in comfort and see the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition currently on display at Melbourne Museum. This is King Tut’s only Australian stop before Egypt’s treasures return to Cairo! Mantra is celebrating with fantastic offers for families at properties across town. Located on the doorstep of Melbourne Museum, Mantra on the Park has 1 Bedroom Apartments from $189* or 2 Bedroom Apartments from $289* including car parking. Kids eat FREE when dining with paying adults at Mantra on Russell, with 1 Bedroom Apartments from $269* or 2 Bedroom Apartments from $329* including car parking! Valid until 31/10/2011. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability. Block-out dates and minimum stays may apply.

The most glorious example of a Balinese premier private members club with world-class amenities is now available to guests of The Villas, Seminyak.

The Villas is proud to announce a key partnership with Bali’s renowned Canggu Club to allow its guests temporary membership status of the Canggu Club during their stay at The Villas.

Canggu Club arguably boasts the best sporting facilities in Bali and offers a wide range of sporting facilities and activities to suit both adults and children.

“Whilst The Villas, offers the privacy and peaceful oasis of a superb Bali villa holiday, and our Prana Day Spa or Chill Reflexology & Acupressure Retreat are unmatched by any hotel in the area to reconnect the body, mind and soul. We are delighted to further expand our guest experience with an affiliation with the Canggu Club to offer our guests temporary members access to the sporting and additional recreational facilities available at this private members club,” said The Villas General Manager Andrew Keating.

A family-friendly members club, Canggu Club is set on a sprawling 4 hectare estate commanding an excellent location amongst the emerald rice fields of Canggu.

With a large Colonial style clubhouse as its centerpiece, the Canggu Club
boasts restaurants, kids’ play rooms with supervised child minding, a fully equipped gymnasium with state-of-the-art equipment, fitness centre, 25 metre pool, floodlit tennis courts, and air conditioned squash courts, WIFI internet, library, conference rooms with indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar facilities.

Canggu Club is a place to come and relax with family or friends, play some sport, enhance fitness levels or simply chill out to enjoy the ambience.

“The Villas, situated in Bali’s fashionable Seminyak beach district has been designed as a peaceful sanctuary in which guests can indulge in pampering beauty treatments and engage in a variety of holiday options. Now our guests can also enhance their fitness and broaden their Balinese experience through this association with the Canggu Club,” continued General Manager Mr. Keating.

Canggu Club is a short 15 – 25 minute taxi ride away (depending on traffic).

For more information on Canggu Club – www.cangguclub.com

For more information on The Villas – www.thevillas.net

Traveling at a speed of 300km/hour (180 mph) the new high-speed rail link between Beijing and Shanghai will make the trip in just 4 hours and 45 minutes. 90 trains travelling will operate daily carrying 1004 passengers each. Compared with 50 flights per day currently linking the two cities, the train system is expected to have a significant impact on the airline business.

Since trains rarely are delayed or affected by weather the new railway link is expected to be as fast as taking a flight and less expensive. These services will give tourists greater flexibility in their schedules and help decrease the cost of tours.

The trains have business class, first class and second-class seating. The train is schedule to open in late June.

The China Guide (www.thechinaguide.com), a wholly foreign owned and managed travel agency based in Beijing will be offering booking services for these new trains as part of their China custom and group tours. Please visit www.thechinaguide.com  for more details.

Weekend Saver
Need an excuse for a luxurious weekend getaway? We are offering attractive savings for weekend stays. The more you stay the more you save!
Save up to 20% when you stay for 2 consecutive nights.
Save up to 30% when you stay for 3 consecutive nights or more.
Terms & Conditions: Subject to availability. Offer valid until 30th September 2011. Bookings must be made on gracehotel.com.au and applicable for new bookings only. Offer excludes stays on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Book online and save!

Why Put a Price on Connection?
Stay connected at The Grace Hotel for free! Until 30th September, book direct on www.gracehotel.com.au, enjoy complimentary* internet for your entire stay when you book.
Terms & Conditions: Offer includes 1 x $25 Internet access per day. Valid for stays until 30th September 2011. Booking must be made via www.gracehotel.com.au

The benefit is for individual use only and not suitable for group audio/visual needs. To access this benefit, simply connect your laptop to the Internet in your room or other public space after checking in to the hotel. Log on as you normally would by clicking to accept charges for Internet access.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is pleased to announce the next in their series of Winemaker’s Dinners at their signature restaurant, The Fireplace, showcasing the stunning wines of New Zealand’s Craggy Range, on Friday 24 June.

Craggy Range chief wine-maker Rod Easthope will host the evening, sharing his many years of knowledge and experience about the finer points of wine-making and wine appreciation.

One of the most prestigious wineries globally, Craggy Range is famous for its single vineyard wines that are true expressions of the vineyard’s terroir. Using only the finest parcels of grapes grown by the best farmers, Craggy Range has a vision to produce the greatest wines in the world.

Diners at the Craggy Range Winemakers Dinner will enjoy a delicious five course meal perfectly crafted by The Fireplace’s resident Sous Chef, Obie Faulkner to complement the Craggy Range wines chosen for the evening.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove Director of Food and Beverage Mr Michael Dawkins is thrilled The Fireplace and Craggy Range will have the opportunity to fuse their talents, and says diners can expect an evening bursting with flavour.

“We have a very exciting winter season ahead at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, and the Craggy Range Winemakers dinner is sure to be a very enriching evening for wine enthusiasts all over.

“We have incorporated high quality local produce into the menu, creating a magnificent feast to pay tribute to the excellent quality of the wines,” he says.

At $120 per person, bookings are essential, so phone (07) 5501 9832 to secure your seat, or email emma.heath@hyatt.com. For Club at the Hyatt members, enquire about your special discount to this event.

For those looking to make a night of it, stay overnight at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove with a range of tailored packages on offer. Visit www.sanctuarycove.regency.hyatt.com

An event not to be missed, revel in an evening that will dance across your tastebuds at the Craggy Range Winemaker Dinner, hosted by The Fireplace, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove.