Jetsettersblog

InterContinental Adelaide’s Executive Chef, Tony Hart has joined forces with the best South Australian food producers to offer a Master Class series like no other.

The intimate cooking experience begins in the Adelaide Central Markets, the largest undercover market in the southern hemisphere, where participants will hand pick the best local produce from Chef Tony Hart’s favourite suppliers.
Participants then move on to the InterContinental Adelaide’s’ five star hotel kitchen for the ultimate cooking experience.

Executive Chef Tony Hart believes by encouraging a “hands on” approach at the markets, participants will have the opportunity to taste, touch and smell various ingredients and gain a better understanding of what qualities to look for in meats, fish, fruit, vegetables and spices.

“South Australia offers some of the best produce in the world and we have it all here at our finger tips. Hopefully this experience showcases how to incorporate these high quality products available locally into everyday cooking,” says Chef Hart.

Each InterContinental Adelaide Master Class is themed around a particular food or style of cooking. From Moroccan to easy family recipes, each class will give participants the skills and know-how to prepare the finest quality recipes.

“During each class I will give a live demonstration before handing over the helm to participants and the InterContinental Adelaide team is there to help participants through every step,”
says Chef Hart.

InterContinental Adelaide has also partnered with BasiConcepts Homewares to provide “best in class” tools of the trade to all participants. By using the best brands in the business participants will be provided with a distinct advantage and will be instilled with the knowledge that using the correct tools will create the best results.

This Master Class experience goes beyond food preparation. Guests are welcomed to enjoy the fruits of their labour over lunch, paired with award winning South Australian wine. All wines included in the classes have been judged as the best wines for 2011 at The Advertiser/ InterContinental Adelaide Annual Wine of the Year Awards.

Chef Tony Hart wants the Master Class participants to continue on a culinary journey at home and take their newly learnt skills and experiences with them.

“We have intentionally created a Master Class gift bag containing InterContinental Adelaide Recipe cards, a restaurant voucher, a bottle of Award winning South Australian wine and a store visit card from Basic Concepts Homewares so our participants have the tools to continue on their own culinary journey.”

“For many home cooks, trying something new can be challenging but with a little guidance anything is possible and next thing you know you are off on the next culinary experience,” says Chef Hart.

The InterContinental Adelaide Master Class series is not to be missed… Inspirational ideas, techniques, tricks of the trade and the freshest local produce will ensure a perfect cooking experience for food enthusiasts of all levels of expertise!

As the planet, moon and sun align for a total solar eclipse on November 14, 2012, there’s no better way to feel connected to the universe than underneath the open sky on a pristine Tropical North Queensland beach.

Combine that with one of the most unique sporting events in the world, the Solar Eclipse Marathon at Port Douglas with competitors such as Australian marathon legend Steve Moneghetti, and you have an astronomical moment to remember.

Whether visiting to run the marathon, to cheer the runners on or to watch the solar eclipse, take time out to make the most of the enviable variety of activities in and around this beautiful region such as the Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation and stay in style with Peppers, Mantra, or BreakFree accommodation with the following special Solar Eclipse Marathon deals:

Cairns has a triple treat in store for guests staying a minimum of three nights with three choices of accommodation all close to the fabulous coastline:
Mantra Esplanade from $322* per night in a Hotel Room City View
Mantra Trilogy from $360* per night in a Hotel Room
BreakFree Royal Harbour from $352* per night in a One Bedroom Garden Room.

Palm Cove is also a delightful option for guests staying at least three nights:
Mantra Amphora from $368* per night in a Hotel Room
Peppers Beach Club & Spa from $638* per night in a Lagoon Spa Room.

Unwind for a minimum of four nights and Port Douglas becomes the ideal location for winning rates:
Mantra on the Inlet from $330* per night in a Hotel Room
Mantra Heritage from $352* per night in a Hotel Room
Mantra in the Village from $352* per night in a Hotel Room
Mantra PortSea from $396* per night in a Hotel Room
Mantra Aqueous on Port from $352* per night in a Spa Room
Peppers Beach Club from $616* per night in a Spa Suite.

For Peppers call 1300 987 600 or visit peppers.com.au. For Mantra call 13 15 17 or visit mantra.com.au. For BreakFree call 132 007 or visit www.breakfree.com.au 

For information on the Solar Eclipse Marathon visit www.solar-eclipse-marathon.com.

*Subject to availability. Valid for travel 11 – 17 November, 2012. Minimum stays apply.

From champagne dining to adrenalin-packed jet boating, Hilton Surfers Paradise is proving to be a chameleon of the hotel sector with its tailored packages for all holiday makers.

Officially opened to guests in mid-September this year, Hilton Surfers Paradise has launched three tailored accommodation packages – Boys will be Boys (just for boys), Girls just wanna have fun (just for girls) and Doing it for the kids (for families).

Whether it’s a well overdue getaway with the girls, weekend for the boys or fun-filled family holiday, Hilton Surfers Paradise has it covered with these signature packages designed to take the hassle out of planning a holiday.

Boys will be boys

If a weekend of male bonding is just what the doctor ordered, Hilton Surfers Paradise heard them loud and clear when designing its Boys will be boys package.

Whether it’s a thrill-seeking weekend of jet boating you’re after or a chilled-out afternoon with an ice cold beer on our pool deck, this is the package for it all.

Jam-packed with some of the best the Gold Coast has to offer, the package includes a complimentary upgrade to a two-bedroom Deluxe Ocean Residence, a bucket of Gold Coast local beer on arrival and two complimentary tickets for Paradise Jet boating.

Girls just wanna have fun

Imagine a weekend free from housework, no entertaining the kids and, dare we say it, away from the man of the house.

Hilton Surfers Paradise has handcrafted the perfect girls’ Gold Coast getaway with its Girls just wanna have fun package, which gives ladies the chance to escape their usual weekend routine and get a group of girlfriends together to spend some time on the spectacular pool deck, and enjoy the decadence of Hilton and the sundrenched Gold Coast.

The package includes a stay in a two-bedroom Residence with spectacular ocean views, a bottle of New Zealand Sparkling and Sauvignon Blanc and a side of chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Doing it for the kids

From games at Strike Bowling to 360 degree views atop Gold Coast’s highest lookout at Skypoint Observation Deck, Doing it for the kids has been crafted to keep every member of the family happy.

Hilton Surfers Paradise has designed this package to take the stress out of planning the perfect family holiday.

Doing it for the kids includes a family pass to Skypoint Observation Deck, two games at Strike Bowling, quality family fun time on the hotel’s amazing pool deck, and two hour access to the hotel’s movie theatre, with popcorn, milkshakes and soft drinks to boot.

Hilton Surfers Paradise General Manager David Kelly said the hotel was offering packages like these to give travellers a tailored taste of what the Gold Coast has to offer.

“We have scoured the Gold Coast from top to bottom for the best experiences for men, women and children and teamed up with some of the region’s best providers to take the hard work out of creating the ultimate weekend,” Mr Kelly said.

“The Gold Coast is a beautiful part of Australia with all its sun, surf and sand and at Hilton Surfers Paradise we look forward to welcoming all guests for the perfect Gold Coast getaway tailored to their needs.”

WIN the package of your choice!
Hilton Surfers Paradise is also giving away the chance to win the package of your choice.
Just visit Hilton Surfers Paradise’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/HiltonSurfersParadise and follow the prompts.
For package bookings, visit www.hiltonsurfersparadise.com.au or phone 1300 445 866.
Rates at the new Hilton Surfers Paradise start from $259 for a one bedroom residence and from $279 for a hotel room.

Singapore is synonymous amongst the ladies with great shopping and designer brands but what about the boys? With its long list of action-packed activities and annual sporting events, as well as the minimal time difference, Singapore also offers the perfect boys’ getaway destination.

Here are our top tips for an ultimate boys’ getaway in Singapore:

Take on a SuperCar with Ultimate Drive!
Take a tour of Singapore’s smooth roads aboard a Ferrari F430 Spider or Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder – there’s no better way to appreciate the city’s downtown scenery! Unleash the power on the straights or simply cruise along, enjoying the feeling of driving the ultimate boy’s car. Ultimate Drive has two boutiques located in the best spots in town – one at Marina Bay Sands Tower 3 and one at Singapore Flyer. So buckle up and feel the speed! www.ultimatedrive.com

Free-fall at the MegaZip at Sentosa Island
This brand new attraction on Singapore’s Sentosa Island, features a simulated free-fall jump that’s billed as one of Asia’s steepest and longest. It is certain to leave hearts and pulses thumping! Travel a staggering 450 metres from a tower 72 metres high, right over the island’s jungle canopy and over the sands of Siloso Beach at speeds of 50kph, before hitting the ground. Not for the faint-hearted! www.megazip.com.sg

Go ape at Forest Adventure
Forest Adventure, an aerial course built through trees involving ladders, bridges, swings, nets, trapezes and giant zip lines, is a thrilling, adrenaline-fuelled adventure. Equipped with only a harness and a helmet and attached to a safety line, you swing from tree to tree and zip across the Bedok Reservoir. Get ready to hit an adrenaline high when you take on the four giant zip lines – including the longest at a whopping 200 metres! www.forestadventure.com.sg

Experience the thrill of skydiving with the new iFly
iFly, the world’s largest indoor wind tunnel, will take your adrenaline levels to new highs. There’s no plane, parachute or jumping involved. Just hold on to your hat and expect an exhilaration rush like no other. www.iflysingapore.com

Face a G-Max bungee jump at Clarke Quay
Take on some heart-stopping action in the heart of the city with the G-Max Reverse bungee jump. You’ll experience the exhilarating thrill of gravitational force, jelly-cheeks and an adrenaline rush that’s akin to a rocket launch…exciting stuff! www.gmax.com.sg

Hold tight down the Sentosa Luge
This part toboggan, part go-cartride down a choice of two 650-metre-long tracks, involving hairpin bends and speedy straight sections, is a thrilling, adrenaline fuelled adventure. The recently opened second track, The Dragon Trail, is even more elevated and with tighter corners, offering an additional 688m of breathtaking fun! www.hg.sg/sentosa/luge

Pull a 360 at the Flow Barrell at Wave House
Put your surf skills to the ultimate test at Wave House Sentosa. Grab a boogie board and ride the rush of water on the Double FlowRider. Or try your hand at the more challenging Flow Barrel, an endless six-foot wave. Wave House Sentosa is within easy reach of Singapore’s hustle and bustle, but a world away from the safe city scene. www.wavehousesentosa.com

With all this to experience and more, Singapore truly is a city that never sleeps, offering high-speed action for boys 24-7!

The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) is hosting the world premiere of Star Voyager: Exploring Space on Screen, a major exhibition charting the history and future of space exploration as experienced through the moving image.

To celebrate exhibition’s world premiere, Accor hotels in Melbourne are offering space junkies and star gazers a special ‘Star Voyager’ package. The deal includes overnight accommodation plus two Star Voyager tickets to view the exhibition at leisure from just $144.

Accor’s ‘Star Voyager’ package is available now for stays until 28 January 2012 (subject to availability) at participating hotels, including Sofitel Melbourne On Collins from $300, Grand Hotel Melbourne MGallery from $214, Novotel Melbourne On Collins from $228, Novotel Melbourne St Kilda from $195, The Swanston Hotel Melbourne Grand Mercure from $204, Mercure Melbourne Spring Street from $204, Ibis Melbourne Little Bourke Street and Ibis Melbourne from $154 and Mercure Welcome Melbourne from $144.

Sci-fi movie buffs will have the opportunity to see real NASA artefacts used in space and film production materials, including costumes from Star Trek, Total Recall and Austin Powers. The exhibition also features an exciting new short film, allowing visitors to explore the surface of Mars in 3D.

For hotel information and to book, visit www.accorhotels.com or phone 1300 65 65 65.

The exhibition at ACMI, Federation Square is open daily from 10am-6pm runs until Sunday 29 January 2012. For further information, visit www.acmi.net.au/starvoyager

For more than 125 years Melbourne’s famous Hotel Windsor has perfected the art of creating special memories. So a personalised and beautifully presented Hotel Windsor gift certificate could well be that elusive perfect Christmas gift, for just about anybody.

“Hotel Windsor gift certificates increase in popularity year after year,” Victoria Batters, Hotel Windsor marketing manager, said. “We now have dedicated staff through November and December to manage the requests because of the demand.

“With the hotel’s renowned history and status, giving a Hotel Windsor gift certificate is really like giving a little piece of Melbourne.”

The hotel offers a range of vouchers for various accommodation packages and options and for fine dining at its signature 111 Spring Street restaurant. As well, of course, gift certificates are available for the hotel’s famous traditional afternoon teas.

Each certificate is personalised and presented in an elegant gift folder. Visit www.thehotelwindsor.com.au or call 03 9633 6004 and let The Hotel Windsor make all the arrangements.

Also available from The Hotel Windsor gift shop are the hotel’s home-made decadent Christmas puddings, at $25 each, mince pies and the Windsor Teas. The beautiful collections of loose leaf teas, packaged in elegant Hotel Windsor tins, are available as a set or for individual sale.

The 180-room Hotel Windsor was built in 1883, pre-dating some of the world’s leading grand hotels including the Savoy in London, which was built in 1889, the Waldorf Astoria in New York which dates back to 1893, and the Ritz Paris which opened in 1898.

To help visitors navigate their way around Melbourne’s endless array of incredible cafes, funky bars, inspiring galleries, fabulous shopping and must-see attractions, CBD hotel The Swanston Hotel Grand Mercure has launched ‘In The Know’.

‘In The Know’ is an essential guide to all the secret laneway spots, hidden cocktail bars, basement bargain shops, best ways to get around and everything travellers need to know when visiting Melbourne.

In The Know guides are free and cover Melbourne City and hot spots including Chapel Street, Brunswick Street, Lygon Street to trendy suburbs such as St Kilda and Collingwood.

Packed with personal recommendations from The Swanston’s dedicated ‘In The Know’ Team, the guides can be downloaded from the hotel’s website (www.theswanstonhotel.com.au/intheknow ) or collected from the Team at the Concierge Desk.

For guests on the move, they can follow and tweet with the In The Know Team via Twitter at ‘WeKnowMelbourne’ or join the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theswanstonhotel.

Swanston Hotel General Manager, Craig Bradbery says “We are very excited to launch our In The Know guides and introduce our experienced concierge team to guests”.

“Our team is out and about on a regular basis test driving, discovering and tweeting about the best places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained so that our guests can make the most of their time and enjoy the very best that Melbourne has to offer”.

“We won’t recommend anything that we haven’t actually tried or liked ourselves, so if it’s hanging out where the locals do, enjoying cocktails at a rooftop bar or knowing which Lygon Street restaurants serve the most authentic Italian food, our expert In the Know Concierge Team has it covered”.

The Swanton Hotel’s In The Know team has done all the research for guests and have even created special itineraries including The Ultimate Girls Weekend, Melbourne on a Budget and a guide to Melbourne’s Hidden Laneways.

For further information, visit www.theswanstonhotel.com.au

Each May to September travellers flock to Tahiti and her islands to witness one of nature’s great spectacles – hundreds of humpback whales migrating to and from their breeding grounds in the islands’ warm tropical waters.

One of the most popular destinations is Rurutu, the ‘island of whales’, in the far-flung Austral Islands, the most southerly group of Tahiti’s five archipelagos.

Here travellers view these gentle giants at play from well-positioned observation decks around the picturesque Bays of Morei and Avera or join a dive boat to snorkel in the whale’s summer habitat, listening to whale “songs” reverberating through the crystal clear waters and perhaps witnessing a mother and her new calf at play.

The larger island of Moorea in Tahiti’s famed Society Islands also welcomes groups of humpbacks during the whale season, providing a range of luxury resorts a short ferry ride from Tahiti’s capital, Papeete.

Here guided Eco-Tourism Tours allow visitors to join the humpbacks in their natural habitat while learning about the life of the whales and the geography of the island. Tour guides escort groups by boat into the deep ocean areas where schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins’ play and a hub of various marine life make for fantastic photo opportunities.

For more information and deals visit www.tahitinow.com.au  or follow Tahiti Tourisme at www.facebook.com/TahitiTourismAU  and www.twitter.com/TahitiTourismAU

What better place for a staff Christmas party or to celebrate Christmas with your friends than on Sydney’s picturesque Harbour, while enjoying delicious food and the incredible harbour views. Even more appealing is that Captain Cook Cruises is offering groups with a minimum of 6 people some amazing Christmas Party specials onboard the MV Sydney 2000.

Indulge in a two course Australian a la carte menu including tea and coffee, with personalised service and ambient music on the two-course Top Deck lunch cruise. The cruise is only $55 per adult, normally $77 per adult, Monday to Friday for groups of 6 people or more from 1 November to 24 December 2011. An open bar of Tooheys beer, Tyrell’s still and sparkling house bottle wine and soft drinks is available for $19 per person.

For the ultimate long lunch party, groups can’t go past Captain Cook Cruises three-course Top Deck Lunch Cruise. As well as enjoying a three course Australian a la carte lunch, table service and ambient music, guests also are treated to an open bar of Tooheys beer, Tyrell’s still and sparkling house bottle wine and soft drinks. The three-course Top Deck Lunch Cruise is available Monday to Sunday from November to 24 December 2011and is $99 per adult, normally $112 per adult.

All lunch cruises depart Jetty 6, Circular Quay at 12.30pm returning at 2.20pm or 3.45pm or depart No.1 King Street Wharf at 12 noon, returning at 1.45pm or 3.30pm.

Throughout November and December, Captain Cook Cruises is operating a special Buffet Dinner cruise on MV Sydney 2000. The buffet features Virginia baked leg ham, roast turkey, Sydney rock oysters, king prawns, smoked salmon, a wide selection of salads and every Saturday night from 9.30pm guests are entertained by a DJ.

The Christmas Buffet Dinner cruise is $79 per person and operates Sunday to Friday from 13 November to 23 December 2011, departing No.1 King Street Wharf Darling Harbour at 7.30pm and returning at 10.00pm. An open bar of Tooheys beer, Tyrell’s house bottle wine (still & sparkling) and soft drinks is available for $25 per person.

The DJ & Christmas Buffet Dinner cruise is $99 per person and operates every Saturday night from 12 November to 17 December 2011, departing No.1 King Street Wharf Darling Harbour at 7.30pm and returning at 11.00pm. An open bar of Tooheys beer, Tyrell’s house bottle wine (still & sparkling) and soft drinks is available for $35 per person.

Parties can dance the night away to tunes of the Sydney 2000 band on the signature Captains Club Dinner, nightly on the Club Deck of the MV Sydney 2000. Passengers will enjoy magnificent views, a superb three-course contemporary Australian a la carte meal including tea and coffee an open bar of Tooheys beer, premium wines, Yellowglen Vintage Pinot Noir Chardonnay sparkling wine and soft drinks.

The Captains Club Dinner cruise is $125 per person, normally $168 per person and departs Jetty 6, Circular Quay at 7.00pm returning 10.30pm every Saturday and 9.30pm Sunday to Friday. The dinner cruises also depart No.1 King Street Wharf at 7.30pm, returning 11pm every Saturday and at 10pm Sunday to Friday.

For further information and bookings, please contact Captain Cook Cruises toll free from Australia on 1800 804 843; Int +61-2-9206 1111, or visit www.captaincook.com.au

Every bride-to-be dreams of her ideal wedding day, from the perfect dress to the most sumptuous food and an amazing location. Creating your fantasy wedding can break the bank, but with Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove’s Wedding Winter Special you can have your wedding cake and eat it, too.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove understands that your wedding is one of the most special days of your life and would love to help you create a magical experience with 50% off your chapel booking when you book your reception in either The Grange or The Fireplace.

This special offer is available in the months of June and July 2012. The Gold Coast truly is a winter wonderland, with impeccable blue skies and warm sunny days, making it the perfect place for your wedding.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove offers an amazing location for your wedding and ceremony. The 80-seat Wedding Chapel features an ornate pipe organ, a white marble aisle with the option of a red carpet for an extra touch of elegance and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Coomera River. This is a beautiful and intimate setting in which to say your vows.

Whether you are planning an intimate reception or a lavish affair, Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove has something for you. The Fireplace is the hotel’s award-winning signature restaurant and can cater for up to 60 guests in sumptuous style. The restaurant features cherry wood wine cabinets, rustic décor, an open kitchen and wood-fired ovens. Doors open onto the gorgeous Fountain Terrace, allowing guests to spill out and enjoy the winter sunshine or tranquil night sky.

If your guest list is a little more extensive, The Grange is a magnificent reception location for up to 150 of your nearest and dearest. The Grange boasts all the grandeur of a classic Australian homestead with its colonial architecture and lush garden surrounds. This majestic manor is adorned with timber floors, rustic furnishings, cathedral ceilings, a fireplace and an ornate chandelier, creating an exquisitely romantic ambience.

The discerning bride considers every aspect of her wedding and so does Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove. The team of wedding specialists will help you plan every detail of your special day and wedding packages can be tailored to suit your every need. The hotel’s executive chef has also designed a delectable menu to cater to all tastes, with an emphasis on flexibility. There are special accommodation rates available for guests who choose to stay overnight at this luxurious five-star resort.

If you want to realise the wedding of your dreams, let Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove take care of the ceremony and reception, and take you seamlessly from engagement to wedded bliss.

For more information on Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove weddings and to book your Winter Wedding Special, please contact Wedding Executive Nathalie Smyth on +61 7 5501 9897 or visit www.yourweddingsanctuary.com.au.

*Offer valid on new bookings only. Subject to availability. This offer is not available for bookings on public holidays. 50% off is for any of the chapel packages when booking a reception in The Grange or The Fireplace.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites® brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Residential Group, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s worldwide portfolio consisted of 447 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com