Jetsettersblog

Taking island gastronomy to a whole new level of romance and style, Anantara Phuket Villas invites couples to share a fantasy evening, brought to life by a private chef and butler in a choice of idyllic settings with its signature Dine by Design.

Among the many wonderful location possibilities, guests can savour an intimate candlelit meal in the privacy of their pool villa’s cosy dining sala. Alternatively, stroll along an exotic pathway crossing an expansive lagoon to reach Mai Khao Beach, where a table for two can be set up on a secluded stretch of sand, with the Andaman Sea just steps away. While the resort’s unique infinity pool overflows onto a shallow platform with a table placed in ankle deep water, overlooking the flame lit lawn and beach, and Phuket’s famous sunset.

In these inspirational settings, the discreet service of a personal butler tends to every need, ensuring that the entire evening unfolds in seamless exclusivity. Couples dine on carefully devised menus of exceptional local and global flavours, which can be fine tuned, and even replaced with a completely new culinary sequence, by collaborating with a private chef.

The Anantara Signature Seafood Dinner for Two comprises an overflowing platter of coveted local and imported seafood, accompanied by sumptuous dressings and sauces, tossed salad greens and jasmine rice, and concluding with a lemon granite dessert. The Royal Thai Siam Plate commences with gourmet Thai appetisers, followed by specialties fusing the finest land and sea ingredients, rounded off by a traditional Thai dessert.

For the Barbecue menu, guests enjoy a mezze platter while Mediterranean and Middle Eastern marinated meats are flame grilled to perfection, accompanied by delicious sides and finishing with a decadent sweet finale. The heart and soul of Italy is captured in the Italian Indulgence sequence, featuring imported Mediterranean delicacies to create richly authentic masterpieces, ending in a mouthwatering tiramisu. While the Andaman Thai Grill transforms an ocean bounty into a feast of distinctive Thai dishes, pairing tastes of Anantara’s shoreline setting with the kingdom’s famous four flavour balance.

To reserve your exclusive Dining by Design occasion, please contact Anantara Phuket Villas’ Food & Beverage Concierge as early as possible to avoid disappointment, since the resort offers only one reservation per setting to ensure privacy and personal attention.

For more information please contact Anantara Phuket Villas 076 336 100

A world first tour to the Goodwood Festival of Speed is offered by Australia’s leading niche tour operator Elite Special Event Tours.

It follows their unique concept in 2011 of participants driving a different English Classic car each day as they motor across the Cotswolds on their way to England’s largest motoring garden party. The Goodwood Festival of Speed in June which is held in the estate of Lord March, together with the Goodwood Revival Meeting held in September are milestone events on any car enthusiast’s calendar and an absolute must do on anyone’s ‘bucket list’.

Participants drive a different car each day with an E Type Jag, Healey 3000, Triumph TR6 and an MGB being just some of the cars on offer. Visiting quaint English country pubs, the Cotswolds for afternoon tea and traditional sights such as the city of Bath and Stonehenge, historic Salisbury and Winchester, there’s also ample free time to discover England at its best.

For those who would like to stay a little longer, the company also offers the option of attending the Formula One British Grand Prix at Silverstone after the tour.

The tour is priced from $7890 per person for two people sharing a room and travelling together in one car, airfares are not included.

The SPA Traveller, a luxury lifestyle guide to the world’s finest hotel and resort spas, has announced that Six Senses Yao Noi Beyond Phuket has been named the best international destination spa as voted by their international readers.

This is the first year of The SPA Traveller Awards and online voting had been taking place for six months during which readers were asked to nominate their favourite spa, treatment, therapist and cuisine. There are 12 categories in the UK and 10 in the international section along with three in the exclusive Editor’s Choice.

Manish Puri, General Manager of Six Senses Yao Noi commented: “It’s a great honour to win this award in the inaugural SPA Traveller Awards. We are proud to offer our guests specialized holistic and Six Senses SLOW LIFE treatments and are looking forward to the launch of a series of wellness programmes at the end of the year. Thank you to all the readers who voted for us”.

The specially designed Six Senses Spa village provides a truly relaxing and revitalizing experience. Skilled therapists create sensory journeys for guests with a range of holistic wellness and pampering treatments using only natural products. The spa is nestled in the lush tropical forested hillside and is styled as a traditional Asian long-house.

Surrounded by Marine Parks, Koh Yao Noi is situated midway between Phuket and Krabi, just 24-kilometres to the East of Phuket in Thailand. It lies within the protected waters of the Phang Nga Bay, offering unique views with its limestone islands known from the James Bond movie “The Man with the Golden Gun”. It offers remote-yet-accessible nature with its lush tropical rainforests fringed with sandy beaches and year-long calm, pleasant waters. The natural vegetation and tropical landscaping provides privacy between the elevated villas. Sea View villas offer glorious views over Phang Nga Bay and the Mountain View villas are set in lush tropical forests.
For more information, please visit www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesYaoNoi/

One of Canberra’s most historic hotels, the Mercure Canberra is offering special Renaissance Packages following the hotel having undergone a renaissance of its own. From just $229 per night you can enjoy overnight accommodation in one of the hotel’s newly refurbished rooms, full buffet breakfast and two tickets to the Renaissance exhibition on show from 9 December until 9 April 2012 at the National Gallery of Australia. In addition, if you stay two nights you will receive a $50 voucher towards food and beverage consumption within the hotel.

The Renaissance blockbuster exhibition features 70 works by Italian masters including Raphael, Botticelli, Bellini and Titian, all on show for the first time outside of Europe and only in Canberra.

The exhibition promises a glimpse into the 15th and 16th century flowering of Italian art that would otherwise require an airfare to Europe to see. Among the artworks on show will be Raphael’s St Sebastian, Botticelli’s The Story of Virginia the Roman and Titian’s Madonna and Child.

The 128-room Mercure has undergone a major renovation program, with all standard rooms receiving new bathrooms, new paint, new furnishings and fittings as well as renovations to the reception area in old Australian Federation style, brightened corridors and a new restaurant to complement the Bistro.

With a rich history of its own, The Mercure first opened in 1927 as the Hotel Ainslie, coinciding with the launch of Old Parliament House. Built in English deco style, it quickly became the centre of Canberra’s social scene and today is still a popular meeting point for locals, dignitaries, politicians and business people.

Classified by the National Trust, it has been entered on the Royal Institute of Architect’s Register of Significant 20th Century Architecture and on the Australian Heritage Commission’s Register of National Estate.

Novotel Canberra is also offering the same Renaissance packge, with prices from $269 per night. The 4.5-star Novotel has also recently undergone a multi-million dollar refurbishment and offers excellent facilities for families including an indoor pool and spa complex.

This package is valid until 9th April 2012 at both hotels, subject to availability and can be booked by going to www.accorhotels.com/art

For more than 35 years, Mercure has exemplified expert hospitality and personalized service. Operating in 50 countries around the world, Mercure boasts hotels with distinctive personalities, carefully preserved through the type of services offered and the decor, both of which vary from one hotel to the next. The hotel managers and staffs of the 690 Mercure hotels are hospitality professionals. Attentive and available, they are ready to listen and make sure their guests enjoy a stay full of genuine moments of pleasure and relaxation in a truly warm and comfortable setting. For more info go to www.mercure.com

Enjoy an endless summer at one of Mirvac Hotels & Resorts premier Victorian or Tasmanian properties and go in the running to win a 5-night luxurious holiday at the new Sea Temple Surfers Paradise.

To enter the competition, simply choose an ‘endless summer’ deal from 10 outstanding properties in brilliant locations around Victoria and in Tasmania. With hotels and resorts in the heart of Melbourne CBD, opposite Albert Park, in the Southbank precinct and the heart of South Yarra, the Yarra Valley, Warrnambool, Falls Creek and Launceston, you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in the Garden State and Apple Isle.

From just $129* per night, enjoy an endless summer deal at Citigate Melbourne, Citigate Albert Park or The Sebel Heritage Yarra Valley. Head further south and indulge at The Sebel Launceston, located at the gateway to the glorious Tamar Valley.

One of Melbourne’s premier hotels, The Como Hotel, is offering guests an endless summer deal from just $155* per night. Sitting pretty in the fashionable heart of South Yarra, take advantage of The Como’s prime position and enjoy the boutiques, restaurants and cafes right at the doorstep. From $156* per night, the 5-star Quay West Suites Melbourne in the heart of Southbank, overlooking the Yarra River, offers all the luxuries of a big city stay.

The Sebel Melbourne and The Sebel Albert Park Melbourne are boasting summer specials from $159*per night and Quay West Resort & Spa Falls Creek is presenting alpine enthusiasts an endless summer deal from just $169* per night.

Capping off the summer sale extravaganza is Hotel Lindrum, with room nights from $189*.

Take advantage of these ‘endless summer’ deals and go into the draw to win a 5-night stay at Sea Temple Surfers Paradise for two people and make this summer truly endless.

For further information on these offers, head to www.mirvachotels.com/summer  or call 13 15 15.

Summer is approaching and whilst it’s a quieter time for travelling in the north, the South West is the place to be! Broome & The Kimberley Holidays have released a brand new package to enjoy wining & dining in WA’s summer playground; the Margaret River Wine region.

With endless stretches of captivating coastline, glistening turquoise waters, luminous white sandy beaches and towering old growth forests, the landscapes of Australia’s South West are truly magical. Just a leisurely drive south of Perth, it is the perfect destination to spend a few days exploring the many art galleries, wineries, breweries and underground caves that abound.

For the ultimate Margaret River Experience we have included 3 days car hire so that you can explore on your own, a 3 night stay in luxury at the stunning Quay West Resort Bunker Bay, and a Cape Mentelle Winery Behind the Scenes and Degustation Tour. Learn how wines are made both in the vineyard and in the winery, followed by a degustation lunch experience, combining private wine tasting matched to a selection of local produce hosted in Cape Mentelle’s historic barrel cellar.

From $571*pp, Exclusive 3 night Margaret River Wine & Dine package includes:

3 night’s accommodation at Quay West Resort Bunker Bay

3 days Europcar Intermediate car hire pick up/drop off Perth

Cape Mentelle Behind the Scenes and Degustation Tour
*Accommodation upgrades are available
* Package valid or travel until 31 March 2012

Complete your experience with a 3 day rail journey onboard the Indian Pacific traversing Australia’s outback between Perth and Sydney. Gold Service including all meals, from $2092*pp.

Reservations Contacts: 1300 245 565 or reservations@broomekimberley.com
For more information visit www.broomekimberley.com.au

It’s never been easier to plan a Great Escape over summer, with Rendezvous and The Marque hotels offering a sizzling hot deal of up to 50% off!

Couples looking for a romantic getaway, families seeking affordable summer fun or singles visiting friends or relatives over Christmas and New Year can take a break at Rendezvous and The Marque Hotels. Guests can enjoy the action in the city or relax in a beachfront resort and receive an amazing discount on their stay.

In addition to receiving up to 50% off over December and January, those staying will also be treated to Rendezvous’ superb Value Promise, which includes complimentary local telephone calls, three hours of complimentary internet access along with low mini bar and laundry prices and no credit card surcharges.

With participating hotels located across Australia, Auckland and Singapore, Rendezvous and The Marque hotels are the perfect choice for a Great Escape this summer*.

This amazing offer is available for booking and stays from December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012. To receive a bonus 1pm late check out, book online at www.rendezvoushotels.com/greatescape  or www.marquehotels.com/greatescape

Phone reservations can be made via1800 088 888 (Australia), 0800 666 777 (New Zealand), +65 6336 0220 (Singapore) and quote “Great Escape.” Terms and conditions apply, check websites for details.

*Offer excludes Shanghai, Christchurch and Canberra hotels.

About Rendezvous Hospitality Group

The Rendezvous Hospitality Group (RHG) operates 14 hotels across the Rendezvous Hotels and The Marque Hotels brands in the Asia Pacific region. It employs more than 1,700 people and manages 2,853 hotel rooms. Headquartered in Singapore, RHG is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Straits Trading Company Limited, one of Singapore’s oldest publicly-listed companies, with business interests and investments spanning the Asia Pacific region.

http://www.rendezvoushotels.com

• Rendezvous Hotel Perth
• Rendezvous Hotel Adelaide
• Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
• Rendezvous Stafford Hotel Sydney
• Rendezvous Hotel Brisbane
• Rendezvous Reef Resort Port Douglas
• Rendezvous Hotel Singapore
• Rendezvous Merry Hotel Shanghai
• Rendezvous Hotel Auckland
• The Marque Brisbane
• The Marque Sydney
• The Marque Perth
• The Marque Christchurch
• The Marque Canberra

Cruise specialists ecruising.travel have released savings of more than $6000 per person on their Ultimate Asia cruise/tour for 2012 which travels through China, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong including a 12-night cruise on-board the luxury Azamara Quest, now available from $7549 per person.

There is also the bonus of a free night stop over at the historic Raffles Hotel in Singapore on the way back to Australia if you book by December 31.

The 23-night package begins in Beijing China, where you will visit the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall before travelling to the UNESCO World Heritage site- the Summer Palace. From here you will fly to Xian for the famous Terracotta Warriors first discovered by a local farmer in 1974, from there continue to Shanghai to visit the highlights of the city before boarding your vessel.

The cruise has port stops in Busan, Hiroshima, Kobe, Kagoshima, Taipei and Hualien before arriving at Hong Kong.

Departing Australia on March 5, 2012 the package includes return economy airfares with Singapore Airlines from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, domestic flights within China, two nights’ accommodation at Raffles in Beijing, Aman Resort at the Summer Palace Beijing, The Sofitel in Xian, The Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai and The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, eight days of fully escorted sight-seeing with an English speaking guide through-out China and all entrance fees, most local meals whilst in China including famous Dim Sum dinner and Peking duck specialities, 12 nights cruise accommodation with full board and entertainment and all transfers.

For more information on the ship and itinerary contact ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out their new website www.ecruising.travel

Australians are encouraged to create a ‘bucket list’ of life goals at the new ‘Do Kokoda’ site, for the chance to win a trip to PNG. This fun site was launched today by the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNG TPA) and Fitness First.

Participants are invited to enter their life goal on the new ‘Do Kokoda’ micro-site www.DoKokoda.com.au  to win the ultimate trip to PNG which includes return flights from Australia, a nine night Kokoda trekking adventure plus a two night beach resort stay to relax and unwind after the hard work!

No matter what life goals are chosen, from swimming with Great Whites, or learning a language, to running a marathon or becoming a famous chef, all Australians are invited to add their own goals to the list on the micro-site www.DoKokoda.com.au or choose from those already listed.

Entrants then share their goals via Facebook and Twitter and ask their friends to vote for them. The entrant whose goal gets the most votes will win the trip to Papua New Guinea. The campaign will run until the end of February so there are only three months to get moving and create a bucket list and drive votes.

All those who take part in the voting also go into the draw to win a four week Fitness First Outdoor Training package for two people.

PNG TPA’s Australian representative Michael Woods said the social media campaign aims to get people excited and motivated to set and achieve their goals.

“We often hear that trekking the Kokoda Track is something Australians really want to do in their lifetime – unfortunately dreams like these often sit on a personal ‘bucket list’ and never get crossed off,” Mr Woods said.

“We want the ‘Do Kokoda’ challenge to get people talking and sharing their dreams – no matter what they are. By creating and contributing to a shared list, participants will gain inspiration from other people’s ideas and hopefully goals like trekking Kokoda will get closer to reality.”

At the end of the campaign the goals will be collated to reveal the ultimate ‘bucket list’ showing what Australia’s most popular lifetime dream is.

The campaign will be promoted in Fitness First clubs Australia-wide, in their magazine, on the Fitness First website, as well as on the PNG Facebook page. Competition closes on 29 February 2012.

Visit www.DoKokoda.com.au for more information about the competition and www.papuanewguinea.travel/Australia  for PNG information.

Notes to Editor

The Major prize includes travel for 2 people from any Australian capital city to Port Moresby and return, using Virgin Australia / Airlines PNG services only via Brisbane or Cairns (no travel on other airlines is included); airport transfers in Port Moresby; 2 nights’ accommodation in Port Moresby (one either side of the Trek); charter flight to Kokoda; services of an Australian Tour WWII historian; PNG carriers for food & equipment; 7 nights’ accommodation on the track; all meals on the track, road transfers from Owers Corner to Port Moresby; 2 x person tent; Kokoda Track Authority Trek Permit; Polo Shirt & Kokoda Certificate; Public Liability Insurance; Licensed PNG Tour Operator; satellite phones & radios; Medivac Procedures. At the end of the trek, 2 nights Tufi Experience at Tufi resort, Oro province including transfers from Port Moresby, accommodation and all meals.

Promotion closes at midnight AEST on 29/02/12. The prize draw will take place at midday AEST 02/03/12 at Level 2, 52 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction NSW 2022. The winner of the draw will be notified by phone and email.

Still looking for somewhere to holiday this summer? Call off the search. BreakFree Hotels, Resorts and Apartments have conducted a stocktake and uncovered a selection of great value stay for three and pay for two deals still available all over Australia.

And to make it even easier, BreakFree has put them all in one convenient location – www.breakfree.com.au/special-offers.

Whether it’s a family fun fest or a much-needed weekend away, guests will be hard pressed to find a better deal this summer with these fantastic Stay 3, Pay 2 deals at the following holiday havens:

Cairns: Sample the sights of Cairns and the nearby Great Barrier Reef from your base at BreakFree Royal Harbour, from $190* per night in a One Bedroom Ocean View Apartment or from $380* for three nights.

Fraser Coast: Soak up the spectacular sandy beaches of Hervey Bay from your One Bedroom Apartment at BreakFree Great Sandy Straits, from $135* per room per night or from just $270* for three nights.

Sunshine Coast: Enjoy the beachside location of BreakFree Rainbow Shores at Rainbow Beach just north of the Sunshine Coast, from $140* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment or from $280* for three nights.

Gold Coast: Stay in the heart of cosmopolitan Broadbeach at BreakFree Neptune from $135* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment or from just $270* for three nights.

Byron Bay: Immerse yourself in the seaside ambience and colourful culture while staying at BreakFree Eco Beach from $244* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment or from $488* for three nights.

Coffs Harbour: Relax at BreakFree Aanuka Beach Resort, located in lush landscaped surrounds at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, from $168* per night in a Hotel Room or from $336* for three nights.

For full details call 132 007 or visit www.breakfree.com.au.

*Subject to availability. Valid until 31 March, 2012. Block out dates and minimum night stays apply.

ABOUT BREAKFREE HOTELS, RESORTS & APARTMENTS: BreakFree Hotels, Resorts and Apartments offer an extensive range of over 30 properties in favourite holiday destinations and cities around Australia and New Zealand. Spacious, self-contained apartment accommodation combines value with access to the best beaches, city highlights and holiday attractions, making them ideal for leisure seekers and corporate travellers alike.