Jetsettersblog

Adventure meets nature at Thunderbird Park. This 112-hectare rainforest property in the mountain ranges between Brisbane and the Gold Coast offers a range of accommodation styles and exciting adventures.

Book a three-night package and pay from $657 per adult, there is no charge for one child and the fee per additional child is $297. As well as free accommodation for one child, this package includes meals and adventures.

Enjoy a cooked breakfast in the onsite Rainforest Restaurant each morning, a complimentary two-course dinner in the Rainforest Restaurant and pizza meal fresh from the wood-fired oven on the terrace.

There are five complimentary adventure family passes. Play a 15-minute game of Laser Skirmish, take a 30 minute horse trail ride, find gemstone filled thundereggs formed when dinosaurs roamed the earth, take the Adventure Parc ropes course challenge and play a round of mini golf.

Visit www.thunderbirdpark.com.au to find out more about this family adventure playground.

Jamberoo Action Park launches its smartphone application

In an Australian first for amusement parks, Jamberoo Action Park is going mobile, with the launch of Australia’s first ever theme park application. Guests will now find it even easier to control the action, with access to ticketing and Park information – straight from their smartphone.

“A huge percentage of Australians rely on information available through smartphone apps and now people will have all of Jamberoo Action Park’s information at their fingertips,” said Dax Eddy, General Manager of Jamberoo Action Park. “We are excited to be the first to bring a smartphone app to the Australian Amusement Park market”.

Available free through the App Store SM, the new Jamberoo Action Park App contains a variety of useful features and information to help guests plan their visit to the Park including:
E-ticketing for quick purchasing and priority entry.

An interactive park map, which scrolls around all the facilities available across the 40 hectares of the Park.
Ride information and images.

Connections to Jamberoo Action Park’s social media sites including Facebook and Twitter.

General information including opening hours, location, contact details and directions.

With more exciting developments to come, Jamberoo Action Park will continue to increase its digital presence, with Dax advising “By 2015 62 per cent of all mobile phones purchased are tipped to be smart phones. In fact, over 600,000 were sold in July 11 alone!

“So this is a great time for us to move into the mobile space with the Jamberoo Action Park smartphone app, with more exciting features and enhancements to come soon”.

About Jamberoo Action Park:

With the very best thrills and spills, NSW’s biggest theme park guarantees guests the most fun to be had in the water. Just over an hour’s drive from Sydney, Jamberoo Action Park is the ideal location to soak up some sun or enjoy the twists and turns of NSW’s favourite attractions. For more information see http://www.jamberoo.net/

Jamberoo Action Park – where you control the action!

Travellers using cheap, privately owned vehicles will be targeted with information on how to camp responsibly this summer.

Most rental vehicle companies now actively recommend their clients stay in holiday parks, Department of Conservation (DOC) camping grounds or other designated camping areas.

But the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum wants to ensure travellers who buy cheap cars or vans to drive around the country are also aware of the behaviour expected of them. So responsible camping information has been placed in car yards, internet forums and backpacker notice boards, as many of these vehicles are traded through the backpacker community.

For the second consecutive summer, the Forum is working with the Interislander and Bluebridge ferry companies which are handing out responsible camping brochures to campers crossing Cook Strait.

“Many of the visitors here for Rugby World Cup enjoyed camping while they were in New Zealand and received great welcomes from the communities they visited. We want to ensure that campers continue to be welcomed this summer and have great experiences on their travels,” Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIA) Advocacy Manager Geoff Ensor says.

Mr Ensor chairs the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum which brings together New Zealand’s leading campervan companies, the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, local government representatives, government agencies and tourism organisations.

The Forum is behind the ‘Where can I camp?’ campaign which provides camping information to travellers hiring campervans or wanting to camp in New Zealand. It has also developed the www.camping.org.nz website which offers comprehensive information on camping in New Zealand.

The www.camping.org.nz website is receiving about 60,000 hits a year, and the most viewed pages are those carrying regional information.

“A key spin-off of the Freedom Camping Act has been that communities and councils are producing much better information, so that campers know what the local rules are. And they now have the tools to better enforce those rules, through the website and other information sources, and using fines as a last resort.”

For more information on the New Zealand Responsible Camping Forum, visit
www.tianz.org.nz/main/nz-freedom-camping-forum

W Taipei continues to mix it up with the first ever “Pop Up Party” room package allowing friends to get together and play, exclusively at W Taipei! The room package is available up to 5 people in a Marvelous Suite and adjacent fabulous room from TWD49,000++ (USD1,635++) or for 8 in a Wow Suite at TWD155,000++ (USD5,170++), the package includes a one night stay package is; W Cosmo Mixi, Rainbow Tube Cocktails, Fun Kit, Play Kit, Detox Kit and much more!

“ This unique package Pop Up Party has been designed after noticing the trend in party groups staying with us at W Taipei since opened, “ says Cary M. Gray, General Manager of W Taipei. “ If you can’t beat them join them we say, no other hotels in Taipei encourage parties, we a can capture a missing opportunity and lets our guests enjoy. At W Taipei, we would love to mix it up and have fun as well as to cater to our customers’ needs and desires’

Make a booking now, and enjoy fun party offers including: W Cosmo Mixi- one bottle of Vodka, mixers, Red Bull energy drink, W Cosmo recipe and party snacks; Rainbow Tube Shooters; Play Kit- love protection (condoms and lubricant) in red hot lips bag; Fun Kit- W instant camera and sun glasses; Detox Kit- Hangover Breakfast, Fiji water, energizing eye masks, oxygen inhaler, Vitamin tablets and 30 minutes Quick Sprint vouchers at W Taipei’s Away Spa to recharge after an energizing evening! Guests who reserve “Pop Up Party” package has insider access to a table at Woobar, jumping the que to this popular hotspot in the city. So why wait – lucky you, your invited!

The Pop Up Party room package is available from December 1, 2011 to December 30, 2012. For further information and reservations, please call +886 -2-7703-8888 or visit: www.wtaipei.com

(Prices are subject to 10% service charge and applicable government taxes.)

The Southern Hemisphere’s hottest biking destination is gearing up for summer with trails guaranteed to spin everyone’s wheels, from beginners to extreme bikers.

New and improved trails around Queenstown offer a host of world-class terrain across hills, mountains, tracks and bike parks, from easy scenic rides to adrenaline-pumping downhill, cross-country, freestyling, and heli-biking.

Now extended to an eight-month season, New Zealand’s first gondola-assisted ‘bike lift’ has opened up a whole new dimension for mountain bikers in the heart of Queenstown. Riders can load their bikes onto the iconic Skyline Gondola and enjoy panoramic lake and mountain views as they’re lifted high above Queenstown to the new bike park. Here there are more than 30km of trails ranging from fast groomed tracks to rock gardens and natural single tracks, with runs graded green, blue and black for beginners, intermediates and advanced riders.

Back road cycling over at Walter Peak has also been extended, running from October to April. The trip, which can be done independently or in small guided groups, begins with an unforgettable 45-minute cruise across the lake aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. Riders can then cycle part or all of the spectacular 55km trail from Walter Peak high country farm to Mavora Lakes.

Another increasingly popular pastime is exploring some of Central Otago’s vineyards by bike. Take a leisurely pedal down scenic back roads and on the new 8.5km River Trail through the spectacular Gibbston valley, stopping off at award-winning wineries along the way. Or take a ‘cycle de vine’ guided tour on a comfortable cruiser to see the vines that grow some of the world’s best pinot noir. Taste the end result at cellar doors and meet some of the wine makers.

The new Manse Road trail, 20 minutes’ drive from Queenstown, is an easy way to explore picturesque Arrowtown and its historic Chinese Village. Another option specially developed for families is Jardine Park which connects to stunning lakeside trails around Kelvin Heights Peninsula and out to Jacks Point.

With more than 400km of trails across five mountain ranges, Queenstown offers the most heli-bike options in the world. Heli-biking is a great opportunity for riders to experience amazing descents and epic scenery on a trip tailored to suit their ability.

To make biking around Queenstown easy, experienced bike operators and rental providers offer a range of hire packages and guided tour options, whether it’s for an hour or a multi-day trip.

The surge in biking popularity has also promoted some new events and the return of firm favourites.

Biking season gears up before Christmas with a Family Bike Jam, the Wakatipu Trail Blazer and a Dirt Jump Opening Jam. At Easter, the Queenstown Mountain Bike Festival returns for its second year with a number of serious and fun events for all capabilities, while the brand new Orion Health GODZone Adventure race, 7-14 April, will be a multi-day, non-stop, expedition-style adventure race for serious athletes.

Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said biking was fast becoming recognised by national and international visitors as a great way of getting out and enjoying what Queenstown has to offer.

“Whatever your ability and wherever you go there’s amazing scenery and experiences. You can cycle between towns, vineyards or golf courses, go heli-biking, take to the parks for downhill action and technical riding or just have some fun with the kids. Add to that our huge range of activities, award-winning food and wine, vibrant social scene, day spa options, and accommodation to suit all budgets, and people can build their perfect holiday,” he said.

Influential travel authority Lonely Planet has chosen New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region of Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Fiordland as one of the world’s Top 10 Regions to visit in 2012 for its year-round activities and spectacular scenery.

One departure is already nearly sold out — Only 2 other departures available in 2012

The deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin’s 7 April, 2012, sailing to the Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands is nearly sold out.

You  must act fast to take advantage of this luxury cruise to one of the most exotic destinations in the balmy South Pacific.

Fortunately, Paul Gauguin Cruises has two more sailings of this popular itinerary planned for 2012 but these, too, are filling up quickly. Don’t miss this chance to secure their space- as well as this special offer:

Savings of 50% off standard cruise fares plus Air Credit and an additional value of up to US$3,200 per couple.

Guests enjoy exceptional value on all 2012 sailings of The Gauguin: savings of 50% off standard cruise fares plus our regular inclusions of:

• All shipboard meals with the choice of three open-seating dinner venues (at no charge)
• All shipboard amenities, activities and entertainment
• All onboard gratuities included
• Complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits, soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages served throughout the ship
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water
• In-suite bar setup and butler service in categories B and above
• Complimentary use of our exclusive, private white sand beach in Bora Bora, with bar service, volleyball and snorkelling
• Complimentary day on our private islet, Motu Mahana, off the coast of Taha’a, featuring snorkelling, watersports, barbecue with full bar service, and Polynesian hospitality
• Retractable watersports marina featuring complimentary waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking

This summer, guests can treat themselves to a little extra luxury at The Langham, Melbourne with great value and enticing benefits on extended stays. The Langham’s ‘Linger longer for less’ rewards guests with greater discounts and additional benefits the more nights they stay, providing an ideal excuse to plan a summer escape in the city.

The Langham’s ‘Linger longer for less’ offer:

Stay 2 nights and receive 10% off Best Available rate and complimentary use of Hi-speed internet services
Stay 3 nights and receive 15% off Best Available rate, complimentary use of Hi-speed internet services and late checkout of 2pm

Stay 4 nights and receive 20% off Best Available rate, complimentary use of Hi-speed internet services, late checkout of 2pm and full buffet breakfast for two in Melba Restaurant

*A minimum of two night stay applies and the offer is subject to availability. Fees apply for internet television. Offer is available until 29th February 2012.

The ‘Linger longer for less’ benefits are available across all the hotel’s enchanting room accommodation options, including the exclusive Club Terrace Rooms – one of the city’s most sought after hotel addresses for summer. With an expansive 50m2 private terrace, complete with sun lounges and outdoor dining setting, the terrace is an ideal place to relax on a balmy summer’s night and take in the uninterrupted sparkling city views.

With its prime Southbank position, The Langham, Melbourne is an opportune and stylish starting point for a truly amazing summer experience. Melbourne’s international sporting events, Moonlight Cinema in the Royal Botanic Gardens, hot summer fashions and a busy calendar of free events ensure there is much to do and see in the city; while guests seeking a more subdued summer break can escape to the holiday haven of Langham for seafood banquets, summer cocktails and refreshing spa treatments at Chuan Spa.

‘Linger Longer for Less’ offers are available at all Langham properties globally. For more information on the enticing benefits available around the world, visit www.langhamhotels.com

For further information and for reservations at The Langham, Melbourne, visit http://melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au  call 1800 641 107 or email rest.res@langhamhotels.com

Background notes:
Situated in the exclusive riverside Southbank precinct and offering stunning views of the Melbourne city skyline, the Yarra River and Federation Square, The Langham, Melbourne offers a luxurious and timeless inner-city experience.

The 25-floor hotel has 387 luxuriously appointed rooms including 45 executive club rooms and 11 suites, attended to by the hotel’s signature Service Stylists, who are there to fulfill guests’ every need. The hotel’s indulgent suites also offer the services of personal butlers, famed for their legendary ‘service with poise’ and enchanting hospitality.

The Langham, Melbourne was voted the top hotel in Melbourne in the region of Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in Travel & Leisure USA World’s 500 Best Hotels List for both 2011 and 2010 and is placed amongst the Top 20 Hotels in the Oceania region in the Condé Nast Traveler US Readers Choice Awards 2010.

The hotel’s chic Aria Bar & Lounge and interactive Melba restaurant offer guests exciting and sophisticated dining options, including a buffet with live cooking stations, and elegant and indulgent Afternoon Tea. Extensive conference and meeting facilities are offered by the hotel and the five-star property is home to the highly acclaimed, luxury Chuan Spa. Chuan Spa was voted Favourite Hotel Spa: Australasia & the South Pacific at the Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Spa Awards 2011 and offers treatments founded on Traditional Chinese Medicine and adjoins the sun terrace, pool and hotel’s Health Club.

Find out more about enchanting experiences at The Langham, Melbourne and make a reservation by visiting www.langhamhotels.com

Australia’s favourite holiday park provider, BIG4 Holiday Parks, has just launched the World’s first fully bookable holiday parks mobile site – the perfect on-road companion.

With 50 per cent of Australians using their mobile phone to access the internet (up from 41 per cent last year)[i] and 10 per cent of BIG4′s web traffic already coming from people using mobile devices, the industry leader saw the need to adapt for users of this fast growing technology.

Not to be confused with an ‘app’, BIG4.com.au is a site developed specifically for mobile devices and allows users to access the most up-to-date information from BIG4 without the need to download or update software. The BIG4 mobile site is also fully compatible across 99 per cent of mobile operating software including iPhone, iPad, Android, Symbian, Nokia, Windows Mobile and Blackberry.

All content from the site is fed directly from BIG4′s 180 Member Parks’ online booking systems, with any inventory stock being automatically updated to the mobile site. This means that people searching for BIG4 accommodation on the mobile site can be confident they are viewing the most current availability.

Travellers accessing BIG4.com.au from their mobile device will find everything they need to know about BIG4 Holiday Parks at their fingertips. The site is fully integrated with email, social media, GPS and more, giving users the option to contact Parks, share with their friends and even find directions to BIG4 Parks via Google Maps. Those with iPads and iPhones also have the option to save the site to their homepage to enable easy access to the website at all times.

The site boasts a fully interactive Park finder including the option to find ‘Parks near me’ via the GPS facility; information, pictures and availability, for all 180+ BIG4 Holiday Parks, with the option to book directly through the mobile site; information on all special offers and deals currently available; updated information on events and attractions near Parks; the ability to subscribe to the BIG4 enewsletter and find BIG4 on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc.; the option to buy or renew a BIG4 Memberships; as well as a link to purchase BIG4 gift vouchers.

BIG4 CEO, Ray Schleibs, says the release of the mobile site helps consolidate BIG4 as market leaders in delivering the most up-to-date booking experiences.

“BIG4 is always looking at new ways to improve the brand experience for our guests and increase consumer engagement, and the new mobile site is just one of the steps we are taking to ensure this,” says Mr Schleibs.

“We are incredibly proud of the technology used in this new mobile site, with it being the first fully bookable holiday park mobile site in the World. It will be an invaluable tool for people travelling around our great country, with all the information they need to continue their journey right at their fingertips. With the ability to book as they go, the new BIG4 mobile site makes the user experience as simple and seamless as possible,” Ray adds.

Those wanting to enjoy the BIG4 mobile experience can access the site via BIG4.com.au on any mobile device. You will automatically be redirected to the mobile site, however for those who still wish to view the full website, simply follow the link at the bottom of the screen.

Explore BIG4 mobile today at www.BIG4.com.au

China’s newest luxury hotel address, the Sofitel Guangzhou Sunrich, has created a new Prestige Indulgence package for travellers who want to shop and spa flop in Asia’s ultimate urban shopping jungle.

Taking advantage of its prime location and lush new Sofitel So Spa by renowned French skincare specialists L’Occitane, the chic package is ideal for those on a Guangzhou stopover or side-stay from nearby Macau or Hong Kong.

Part shopping experience, part spa indulgence, the package offers the best of both worlds for a bustling yet rejuvenating sojourn in the city.

Sofitel’s concierge team have designed an express shopping experience to allow guests an opportunity to visit a choice of upscale shopping malls and stores across Guangzhou as part of the Prestige Indulgence offer, including Teem Mall, Grandview Mall, Taikoohui, Friendship Store and Le Perle.

Best of all, guests have access to Sofitel’s convenient racy red Mini Cooper pick up and drop off service to help shop til you drop in style, or alternatively for more than one guest access to Sofitel’s Limousine Service (to the value of AUD90).

After a day of shopping, Sofitel naturally suggests an afternoon of rest and respite at the hotel’s own So SPA with L”Occitane branded day spa, and offers a spa credit to the value of AUD120 per night/room.

As the first So SPA with L”Occitane in Asia, Guangzhou continues Sofitel’s rich SO SPA tradition first established in Europe by the Sofitel London St James and Sofitel Marseille, to offer a serene environment that uses exclusive rituals and scents to help create a sense of total well being. The spa complements the hotel’s fitness area, So FIT, which offers complimentary fitness and well-being equipment access in addition to a stunning indoor pool with sub-aquatic music broadcaster, deck and spa.

In addition, the package includes overnight accommodation for two and an energising breakfast at the hotel’s ’2 on 988′ restaurant. An interactive gourmet buffet, ’2 on 988′ features five open kitchens, ‘raw’ stations, wood fire oven and French pastries – just the thing to hit the spot before you get busy hitting the pavement, stores and stalls of Guangzhou. Sofitel’s parting gift to Prestige Indulgence guests is a late and leisurely check-out until 4pm on the day of departure.

Sofitel’s Prestige Indulgence package is priced from AUD280 (1800 CNY) per night for two adults. The offer is subject to availability and conditions apply.

The package is available for bookings and stays between 1 December 2011 and 31 December 2012. To make a reservation or to find out more about the hotel, visit www.sofitel.com

The hottest ticket in town has just become even hotter. After Sam Stosur’s amazing triumph at Flushing Meadows, the interest and demand for Australian Open 2012 has never been higher. 3 night packages for the Mens & Ladies Final start from $1,577 and include an exclusive Finals Brunch held at Crown with special guest John Fitzgerald. They are selling quickly so make sure you don’t miss out!

Plus every person that travel with Sportsnet to Australian Open 2012 will receive FREE entry to the Game, Set & Match Cafe/Bar! A new facility in 2012 Sportsnet guests will enjoy an exclusive cash bar and catering facility, all enclosed in a private space away from the frantic Melbourne summer crowds.

To BOOK NOW or receive further information, FREE-CALL 1300 888 858 or drop us an email at travel@sportsnetholidays.com