Jetsettersblog

New travel deals site backed by Channel 10 & News Corporation set to turn up the heat on travel deals this summer

Australian group buying retailer, OurDeal, has announced the launch of OurDeal Escape, www.ourdeal.com.au/escape, a dedicated travel site for domestic and international holiday deals.

OurDeal is jointly owned by News Limited & Network Ten and has been successfully running travel deals since it launched back in mid 2010. However the new OurDeal Escape will now be providing members with a dedicated travel deals section, updated each week with new and exclusive international and domestic deals. The site goes live from today and will allow travel merchants, hospitality groups and hoteliers to offer new and exciting packages to travel hungry members.

The launch is being spearheaded by Sam Linder who recently joined OurDeal as Head of Travel. Lindner was previously the Australian Marketing Manager for Wego.com, one of Asia’s largest travel search engines, where he was responsible for launching Wego into the Australian market three years ago.

“We have a very exciting roadmap ahead for OurDeal Escape. First will be a new & distinctly travel look and feel, which will be very different to the rest of the OurDeal site. Soon after launch we will be introducing a variety of unique travel planning tools & features that we believe will set us apart from all other Australian travel deal sites.” Lindner explains.

“Included in these are in fact features that will help to build more long term partner relationships through branding opportunities and member engagement directly with the brands themselves. Our approach is different than most, we will be working closely with our partners to establish a more regular strategic approach to the deals.” Lindner said

With the backing of Channel 10 and News Corporation OurDeal’s competitive advantage also lies in their extra potential reach for some of their specially chosen deals that will be supported by TV & Print coverage to help promote both the partner’s brand and the deal itself.

OurDeal Escape launches with a $20,000 travel giveaway

As part of the launch, OurDeal are giving away $20,000 in travel, providing 12 lucky winners with a great start to the New Year. Four major winners will each receive a $3,000 OurDeal Escape travel voucher plus $1,000 spending money and eight winners who will also receive a $500 Escape voucher. The campaign will be supported on TV, Print & Radio, helping to drive what is expected to be a large influx of hungry travellers to OurDeal Escape just in time for the holiday season and to help with their 2012 travel plans.

Inspiration matched to what Aussie travellers want

The OurDeal Escape service is designed to inspire people and help remove the traditional headaches associated with booking a holiday. Whether it’s an impulse-buy weekend away or somewhere further afield, deals will be structured to match the holiday needs and desires of Australian consumers.

The launch of OurDeal Escape comes at a time when the Australian tourism industry is showing strong signs of growth with recent findings from Tourism Research Australia showing that there were more than 68.9 million overnight trips taken in Australia by Australian residents, year ending June 30, an increase of 4 per cent on the same period in 2010.

“With the instability of the global economy still hanging over our heads and with the AUD slipping back below parity with the USD last week we do expect to see strong demand in our domestic deal offering over the next few months as Aussie travellers may opt for a holiday closer to home. So although destinations such as Asia and the Pacific are still going to be very popular, we see a great opportunity to work with the local providers to help push their Australian domestic opportunities” Lindner said.

Although initially the focus will be on packaged accommodation deals, OurDeal Escape will be moving into supplying deals across a vast range of travel categories.

About OurDeal:

OurDeal is a new online shopping experience that offers its members daily Deals at unbeatable prices, through the power of group or ‘collective’ buying. Collective buying is when a group of consumers come together and leverage the power of numbers to secure big discounts. The discount coupon book for the digital age, OurDeal is free to join and offers members daily discounts of up to 90% on things to see, eat and do. With unheard of Deals on restaurants, day spas, hair salons, concerts, fitness sessions as well as adventures from paint ball, scuba diving to wine tours, even those on a strict budget can experience the best their city has to offer thanks to OurDeal.

QUEENSLAND: While you can’t put the world’s largest sand island in your Christmas stocking, you can choose to holiday in World Heritage-listed wilderness on Fraser Island this summer with two great deals from Eurong Beach Resort and Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Summer Days At Kingfisher Bay

Kingfisher Bay Resort’s ‘Freestyling on Fraser Island’ deal includes three nights’ hotel accommodation, passenger ferry transfers and daily breakfast for just $376* per person, twin share.

Guests who book this package will also receive $150* resort credit to spend on their choice of meals, tours or activities while on Fraser Island. Plus during school holidays our popular Junior Eco Rangers program will keep the kids amused with outdoor activities in a fun environment.

The offer is valid until 15 December 2011 and from 09 January to 04 April 2012. *Conditions apply. If you’re planning on travelling over Christmas and Boxing Day or planning your New Year’s celebrations on Fraser Island, check kingfisherbay.com for the daily deals.

To book call 1800 072 555 or visit www.kingfisherbay.com.

FESTIVE SNIPPET – Christmas Day On The World’s Largest Sand Island: On Fraser Island, Santa’s more likely to arrive by rural fire brigade truck than by sleigh and the halls aren’t decked with holly, but the atmosphere is certainly festive. Come December 25, Kingfisher Bay Resort’s signature Seabelle restaurant will offer a festive degustation experience against a seasonal backdrop of wattle, swamp banksias and native mistletoe, which will be in bloom around the resort.

Not to be outdone, the resort’s popular buffet restaurant Maheno, the Maheno Lounge, the Dingo Deck (outdoors and poolside) and Ballroom will serve up a Christmas lunch laden with seafood and turkey.

And for those wanting more of a casual Christmas atmosphere, the beachside Sand Bar is offering a carvery menu featuring traditional festive favourites alongside fresh garden salads and roast vegetables.

Christmas Day lunch sittings start from 11.30am. Prices start from $75 per person (or $30 for children 8-12 years). Day guest prices include marine transfers. For more information visit http://www.kingfisherbay.com/christmas-day.html or call +61 7 4120 3333.

A ‘Jolly’ Family Holiday By The Seaside At Eurong Beach
Eurong Beach Resort’s Bed, Brekkie and Barge package is a hassle free way to explore Fraser Island from your base at the seaside reside. Priced from $59per person, per night in quad share (with upgrades available) the offer is valid until 15 December 2011 and after 09 January 2012.

If you’re planning on travelling over Christmas and Boxing Day or spending New Years’ Eve on Fraser, check eurong.com for the best rates.

FESTIVE SNIPPET – Christmas Day The Fraser Island Way: Tis the season to be jolly… and our Eurong Beach Resort family will help yours celebrate December 25 with a special Christmas Buffet Lunch with king prawns, traditional turkey and roasts, baked ham, continental meats, traditional Christmas pud ($75 adults, $30 children). The festivities continue over New Year’s Eve as DJ Birdman returns after his mammoth sendoff to 2010 to rock the bar into 2011.

Bookings essential. Call +61 7 4120 1600 for more info. Please note that full payment will need to be taken upon reservation.

Getting There
Fraser Island is just offshore from Hervey Bay on Australia’s east coast and Kingfisher Bay Resort passenger and vehicle ferry services depart daily from River Heads (secure parking is available).

Virgin Blue and QantasLink provide direct flights to Hervey Bay and the resort operates airport connections.

Please check Kingfisher Bay Resort’s Christmas page for changes to the schedule sailing times on December 25. http://www.kingfisherbay.com/christmas-day.html

More About The Resort
Kingfisher Bay Resort – on World Heritage Listed Fraser Island – includes 109 self-contained two and three-bedroomed villas; Kingfisher holiday houses for bigger groups; the 152-room Mercure Kingfisher Bay Resort – Fraser Island hotel; as well as touring and marine businesses.

Celebrate Summer with Contemporary Hotels as they announce five new additions to their celebrated collection of Luxury Beach House + Villa + Apartments.
Within this growing collection of unique and desirable city, coastal and country retreats there is an experience to suit every style and taste. All of the fantastic new properties are within easy driving distance of Sydney.

City
“Apartment Noir” Darlinghurst, NSW
Apartment Noir is high style apartment living in Darlinghurst. Designed by Belle Magazine’s interior designer of the year Greg Natale the decadent interiors offer a luxurious accommodation experience for visitors to Sydney who wish to embrace the local Darlinghurst lifestyle.

Country
“Mending Wall” Mt Irvine, Blue Mountains, NSW
This striking contemporary country residence offers guests a serene and unique mountain experience only two hours from the Sydney CBD.

Coast
“Palm Beach Villa” Palm Beach, NSW
The Palm Beach Villa is a magnificent architectural ocean-front villa with views stretching from Palm Beach to the Pacific Ocean and beyond. This is luxury holiday accommodation on a grand scale.

“Barrenjoey Villa” Palm Beach, NSW
Situated on Pittwater’s edge in idyllic Palm Beach this beautiful direct beach-front Villa offers the perfect Palm Beach holiday experience

National Park/Waterfront
“Bora Bora House” Cottage Point, NSW
Inspired by the luxurious private Island resorts, this extraordinary deep waterfront/beachfront villa is situated in the beautiful Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Just thirty five minutes from the Sydney CBD yet secluded in National Park and flanked by water this award winning property is simply stunning.

The Contemporary Hotels collection now encompasses nearly thirty exclusive properties that are the destination of choice by urban sophisticates, professionals, couples and well-travelled families looking for unique contemporary accommodation that celebrates Australia’s style.

Design excellence is indeed the defining hallmark of the Contemporary Hotels ethos which celebrates Australian architects, interior architects and designers. The portfolio includes work by leading and award winning architects and designers such as Ian Moore, David Katon, Iain Halliday, Ed Lippmann, Scott Weston and Greg Natale.

The Contemporary Hotels Philosophy

To know what is important and what is not important to the new generation of global traveller.

To understand that design is no temporary trend but the measure of sophisticated, urban and relaxed living.

To always appreciate humour, creativity and style.

To celebrate lifestyle.

For more information please contact

Nick Willox
Sales & Marketing Manager Contemporary Hotels
+612 9331 2881

nick@contemporaryhotels.com.au
www.contemporaryhotels.com.au

Sea World Resort & Water Park is offering guests a fantastic opportunity to enjoy all the activities the 4.5 star facility has to offer with their brand new Super Pass and Escape Pass Packages.

The Super Pass Package is perfect for families who want to enjoy the ultimate theme park holiday on the Gold Coast. Book and stay for a minimum of three nights between 1 November 2011 and 22 June 2012 to receive Super Passes including 28 consecutive days of unlimited access to Sea World, Movie World, and Wet’n'Wild Water World until 30 June 2012 from only $145 per person, per night twin share.

The Escape Pass Package is perfect for short getaways. Book and stay for a minimum of two nights between 1 November 2011 and 22 June 2012 to receive Escape Passes including 14 consecutive days of unlimited fun at your choice of two of the BIG 3 Parks, Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n'Wild until 30 June 2012 from only $139 per person, per night twin share.

Plus, guests booking and staying before 22 June 2012 will also enjoy an exclusive Dolphin Discovery presentation, where they will get the opportunity to sneak a peek with a dolphin and trainer in the spectacular Dolphin Cove before the park opens.

Sea World Resort & Water Park General Manager Ernst Pfister said that this is an amazing deal not to be missed, especially with the up-coming launch of the Nickelodeon ‘SpongeBob SplashBash’ this Christmas.

“The ‘SpongeBob SplashBash’ is going to be extremely popular with families as the Resort brings the undersea world of Bikini Bottomto life through amazing special effects including the spectacular dancing water display featuring a mixture of water jets and LED lights, spray buckets, and water sprays.

“SpongeBob, Gary, Patrick and Squidward will be the centrepiece of the ‘SpongeBob SplashBash’, with Dora and friends the centrepiece of the interactive sculpture. The Spray Park will be transformed into the perfect place for the entire family to relax and play.”

“After experiencing the ‘SpongeBob SplashBash’, kids can meet SpongeBob, Dora and their friends in the Resort lobby. Plus, visit the Resort’s newly upgraded Kids’ Club with specially designed Nickelodeon activities and programs that the kids will love.”

Located on the stunning Broadwater, Sea World Resort & Water Park is the ultimate family theme park holiday destination, featuring two lagoon pools and direct monorail access to Sea World.

There is so much for the whole family to enjoy, so why not stay, play and splash at the award winning Sea World Resort & Water Park for your next holiday. For full terms and conditions of these great packages, phone 1800 074 448 or visit www.MyFun.com.au

NATIONAL

GIFT OF GIVING: There’s no need to stress over what to buy your family and friends, we’ve got you sorted. Everyone needs a holiday so why not give them one under the Christmas tree with the Mantra Gift Card as the perfect pressie. Choose from denominations of $50 to $2000 which can be redeemed at any Mantra throughout Australia, to give your loved-ones the getaway they deserve. Visit www.mantra.com.au.

TWEED COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES
4 THE KIDS: Mantra on Salt Beach at Kingscliff is very excited to welcome the 4 ASD Kids Weekend to Salt from December 16-19, which will bring together sponsors, celebrities and supporters for a wonderful weekend of activities and events for a great cause. 4 ASD Kids was founded by rugby star Mat Rogers and his model wife, Chloe Maxwell, whose son battles autism. The charity assists families with autistic children to access early intervention therapies. Guests can stay at Salt for the entire weekend or attend selected events such as the Quiksilver Welcome Pool Party, Chloe & Friends Ladies Lunch, Mat Rogers Celebrity Golf Classic, Gala Dinner, Fishing Charter, Christmas Carols Concert, Kids Events and more. Visit www.4asddkids.com.

HOT DEALS:

NATIONAL

PAT’S MATES RATES: Aussie icon and Mantra hotel ambassador, Pat Rafter has made some prime picks for surfside getaways at Mantra apartments and hotels this summer at Australia’s most sought-after holiday locations. From the tropics of North Queensland to historical Tasmania, coastal NSW to the wild west of WA and with summer fast approaching, it’s the ideal time to book your great Australian summer holiday with Pat’s Mates Rates valid for stays until March 31, 2012. Choices include ‘Stay 3, Pay 2′ specials in Tropical North Queensland from just $140* per room per night at Mantra Esplanade at Cairns, or from $160* per room per nights at Mantra Amphora at Palm Cove, and popular Port Douglas resorts from $150* per night. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

PAT’S CITY ESCAPES: When it’s hot in the city this summer, you can still stay in comfort thanks to Mantra hotel ambassador and tennis star Pat Rafter and his Mate’s Rates on offer. Escape to the bright lights of the big cities for cultural encounters, a cosmopolitan vibe and endless entertainment with these sizzling specials chosen by Pat, starting from $134* per night in a Hotel Room at Mantra on Queen for the buzz of Brisbane, or take in the historical sites of Hobart from $141* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment at Mantra One Sandy Bay Road. Valid for stays until March 31, 2012. For more great deals call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND
PLAN AND SAVE: Feel like two free nights away for Christmas? Then look to Mantra to plan your Christmas holiday early and save with these incredible summer deals where you can stay for six nights but pay for only four including daily breakfast for two, at the beautiful Mantra PortSea at Port Douglas. Stay in a Hotel Room from $153* per night, or in a One Bedroom Studio Room from $187* per night. Or choose a One Bedroom Studio Lagoon Room from $213* per night. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

SUNSHINE COAST, QUEENSLAND
CHAMPION CHOICE: Sports fans will be flocking to the 2011 Australian PGA Championship at Coolum when the Sunshine Coast hosts the annual event from 24-27 November. Since the tournament attracts thousands of spectators, avoid the accommodation crush, book early with Mantra and score a free night’s accommodation by paying for two nights but staying for three. Choose from Mantra Mooloolaba Beach from $198* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment or Mantra Zanzibar for Two Bedrooms from $267* per night or for Three Bedrooms from $401* per night. Valid for sale and travel until 31/03/12. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
SPECK-TACULAR: After 277 episodes and more than 150 guests, the ABC TV show Spicks and Specks will arrive at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on December 3 for a live stage goodbye from Adam, Alan and Myf. Fans won’t want to miss the Spicks and Speck-tacular Finale, and can stay close by at Mantra Phoenician at Broadbeach from $191* per night for a minimum of two nights in a One Bedroom Apartment with the convenience of on-site parking. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au .

CENTRAL COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES

TAKE THE KIDS: Mantra Ettalong Beach on the picturesque shorefront is too good to keep all to yourself, so make the most of the school holidays and bring the children with our Kids Stay Free package. Receive a complimentary sofa bed for children under 12 in a One Bedroom Hinterland Suite from $185* per night, for travel until January 31, 2012. Call 1800 819 123 or www.mantraettalongbeach.com.au.

SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES
FROM THE ART: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris, have arrived at The Art Gallery of NSW with more than 150 paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings from Pablo Picasso’s personal collection on display from November 12 until March 25, 2012. The ideal place to base yourself for an art immersion is nearby at Mantra 2 Bond Street, offering One and Two Bedroom Apartments with stunning Sydney city views in close proximity of a host of Sydney’s premier business and tourist attractions. Priced from $250* per night in an Executive Studio. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

FRESH FOCUS: The contemporary and stylish Mantra Chatswood has a fresh outlook with newly refurbished Studio Rooms, making it better than ever to enjoy our Relax & Unwind package. From $189* per night, stay in a new-look Studio, and receive two full buffet breakfasts daily, two bottles or Crown Larger or a bottle of wine. Valid Friday through to Sunday until December 29, 2011. Call 13 15 17 or visit www.mantra.com.au.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA
LET’S DO LAUNCH: We’re ready to relaunch three popular Melbourne Mantra properties which have undergone recent refurbishments to enhance your stay, whether it be for business or pleasure. Choose from Mantra 100 Exhibition from $139* per night in a One Bedroom Apartment, following additions including new carpets, high speed wireless internet, new TVs and stereo systems with iPod docking stations, and new furniture. Or Mantra Little Bourke’s Executive Suites are from $225* per night including breakfast for two guests, with this hotel renovating the Alibi Kitchen & Bar complete with Chesterfield lounges by the fire. Also, Mantra on the Park has One Bedroom Apartments starting from $159* per night and Two Bedroom Apartments from $259* per night, all looking superb following a $4 million dollar refurbishment project. For travel until January 15, 2012. Visit www.mantra.com.au  or phone 13 15 17 for bookings.

ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
LAUGH OUT LOUD: Prepare to get a little cheeky with the Strip Off at Mantra on Frome package on offer, to tie in with stand-up comedian Eddie Izzard’s Stripped show arriving in Australia. Hailed as one of the best, comic genius Eddie Izzard is performing at the Festival Theatre on November 23, fresh from selling out Madison Square Garden and Wembley Arena. Enjoy the laughs and relax back at Mantra on Frome in a Studio with breakfast for two included, from $174*. Call 08 8223 9000 or visit www.mantra.com.au . For Stripped tickets book through www.bass.net.au.

*Subject to availability. Minimum stays and block-out periods may apply.

ABOUT MANTRA HOTELS, RESORTS & APARTMENTS
Whether for business or leisure, the extensive collection of hotels, resorts and apartments captures the natural charm and ambience of their diverse locations, from bustling cities to serene coastal escapes. Stylish decor, quality service and the best locations are all part of the offering at over 50 Mantra properties across Australia and New Zealand.

Since the announcement over the weekend that the Gold Coast will host the 2018 Commonwealth Games, anticipation and expectation of what Australia’s sixth largest city and most popular holiday destination will deliver has soared.

Already famous for hosting some of the nation’s largest and most successful major events, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will be the biggest event in Australia over the next decade.

Gold Coast Tourism CEO Martin Winter said there would be plenty to look forward to between now and 2018.

“The Gold Coast’s international profile is about to hit new levels as the city builds its promotional momentum towards 2018,” he said.

“Spurring that on will be an unparalleled period of new investment and development to further the Gold Coast’s credentials as a truly modern international city, it has already been started with the Queensland Government announcing $500 million direct investment in venue and transport infrastructure.”

“We believe more than 120,000 extra tourists will visit the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games with around a 50% split between international and domestic visitors, so the opportunity for our $4.5 billion tourism industry is exceptional.”

“This is an exciting new phase for Australia’s Gold Coast as it leads the region in its development and accomplishments as a truly world-class city.”

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said the Games could generate up to $2 billion in economic benefit with up to 30,000 full time-equivalent jobs created between 2015 and 2020.

“Congratulations to the Gold Coast, to Queensland and Australia – we did it!” said Ms Bligh.

“Our united community welcomes these games.

“In 2018 we will be ready to host a unique world- class and friendly event that builds on the Commonwealth brand and enhances our city’s reputation.

“This city will be transformed with new infrastructure and a buzz that only a big international event like this can bring.”

Westin will grow its Portfolio by 50% by April 2012 with plans
to double its footprint by 2014

White Plains, NY – November 8, 2011 – Surging ahead in China, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., (NYSC: HOT) today announced its popular Westin brand will open three new hotels in the fast-growing cities of Ningbo, Xian and Xiamen over the next six months. Earlier this year, Westin opened three hotels in several dynamic markets including its first hotel in Nanjing and Wuhan and its second hotel in Guangzhou. With the addition of these six hotels, Westin will boast a portfolio of 16 hotels in China by April 2012 and is on track to double its footprint in the region by 2014.

“Westin is rapidly branching out across China, fueled by growing enthusiasm among owners and developers who are eager to introduce the popular global brand to some of the country’s fastest growing cities,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader for Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Our emphasis on wellbeing is resonating with travelers across China and around the world. More than 90% of Westin hotels currently in development will open outside the United States.”

“The phenomenal demand for the Westin brand is helping Starwood lengthen its lead in China, where we have nearly 100 hotels in the pipeline,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President of Starwood’s Asia-Pacific Division, a Chinese native who began his career with Starwood in 1979. “Demand for high-caliber global lodging continues to outpace supply in China, creating ideal conditions for the rapid expansion of all of our brands. We are also well positioned to leverage our long-standing relationships with local owners, who recognize the many benefits of joining the powerful Starwood network.”

The three new Westin hotel openings come on the heels of the month-long relocation of Starwood’s global headquarters to Shanghai, China this summer. The unprecedented managerial exercise highlighted Starwood’s evolution as a global company and the development boom in China.

The Westin Ningbo
Located in the heart of one of China’s oldest seaport cities, The Westin Ningbo is close to the Fenghua River in Ningbo’s central business district and close to the renowned Tian Yi Square’s many restaurants and boutiques. The 312-room hotel will offer six restaurants and bars, a Heavenly Spa and more than 14,000 square feet of meeting space for meetings, trade exhibits, and global conferences.

The Westin Xian
The Westin Xian is located in a vibrant entertainment and commercial area, near the ancient city’s numerous cultural attractions, ruins and temples, as well as its shops, restaurants, and corporate offices. The hotel will feature 326 guest rooms, a Heavenly Spa, an indoor swimming pool, 5,705 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting facilities and an art and artifact museum below the hotel.

The Westin Xiamen
The Westin Xiamen is strategically located in the new central business district and is part of a mixed use complex offering an art centre, retail shops and entertainment outlets. The hotel will offer 304 spacious guestrooms, a variety of Chinese and international cuisine at its three restaurants, a Heavenly SpaÒ, indoor pool and more than 14,000 square feet of flexible meeting space for business meetings and social functions.

At all three new Westin hotels, the sensory-rich environment will offer a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Guestrooms will feature the world-renowned Westin Heavenly BedÒ featuring lush sheets, down cushioning and a patented pillow-top mattress, which cradles and contours to the body for complete comfort. Another industry first, the Heavenly BathÒ creates an invigorating spa-like experience, enhanced with the brand’s Heavenly Shower® Heavenly® Robe and exclusive White Tea Aloe bath amenities. In-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space will offer travelers convenience and productivity in a tranquil setting.

Westin Hotels & Resorts, like all brands within Starwood’s robust portfolio, is proud to offer the Starwood Preferred Guest® program, which made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates on Free Night Awards. SPG® offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program.

About Westin Hotels & Resorts
Westin Hotels & Resorts makes the healthiest choices irresistibly appealing, so guests leave feeling better than when they arrived. With more than 180 hotels and resorts in over 36 countries and territories, Westin is owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Starwood Hotels is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,071 properties in 100 countries and territories with 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, W®, Westin®, Le Méridien®, Sheraton®, Four Points® by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft®, and Element SM. The company boasts one of the industry’s leading loyalty programs, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), allowing members to earn and redeem points for room stays, room upgrades and flights, with no blackout dates. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com

Experience innovative tranquillity on an island that Anantara has rediscovered and then reinvented for travellers and couples who expect more than an idyllic island life. Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa on picturesque Koh Phangan is an invitation to dream, journey and enjoy paradise.

In the Gulf of Thailand, north of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan has become famed for its vibrancy, yet still boasts bountiful natural attractions and a richly expressed heritage. Anantara now offers a gateway to the fascinations of island life from a hideaway that redefines barefoot luxury.

Tucked discreetly at the base of a lush mountain, amongst towering coconut palms and just steps from the powdery sands of Thong Nai Pan Noi beach, 44 private pool suites and villas in seven distinctive layouts face the turquoise sea. Comprising indoor and outdoor living spaces ranging from 100 to 250 square metres, each sanctuary reflects its own charming character. In natural harmony with the exotic surrounds, wood and stone features provide a striking backdrop to rich hand woven silks. Luxury comforts inside range from a “blissful dreams” mattress adorned with 500 thread count linens, to a 32 inch flat screen TV with home theatre entertainment, and outside to an indulgent private plunge pool.

Guests keep in touch with complimentary WiFi throughout the resort, accompanied by an extensive library with PCs alongside international magazines and newspapers. Light relief from the beach is also catered for by browsing unique artifacts at the boutique gift shop and energising sessions in the gym.

Dining at Rasananda can be a relaxed and casual affair or a creative connoisseur experience, depending on the mood and preference that each day brings. The resort’s signature Bistro @ The Beach sits prettily between a white sandy bay and the resort’s water gardens and pool, astounding guests with a blend of local techniques and international trends that transform seaside cuisine into long lasting impressions. Understated luxury and enviable choice are the hallmarks of The Lounge, where Phangan Island’s only sea view wine cellar features an incredible selection of wines and champagnes to be paired with fine cigars, enhanced by weekly cocktail parties and tasting journeys.

An invitation to reawaken vital energy comes from Anantara Spa, where the deliverance of ancient secrets paves the way toward beautiful wellbeing, whether a guest can only spare the time for an individual treatment, or has the freedom to embark upon an extended restorative journey. A feeling of being completely at one with nature is effortlessly achieved by open air teak wood treatment suites and salas that surround a lagoon fed by a jungle waterfall, shrouded by indigenous noni trees which rise amidst gigantic granite boulders and towering palms.

Anantara Spa’s holistic approach extends to private yoga classes for one or two people, which take place on the shady poolside deck of a guest’s private suite or villa, and on a spacious wooden platform nestling pristine sands to the sound of gentle waves. 90 minute lessons or elongated three, five and seven day programmes offer an inspirational approach, complete with spiritual quotes and focused intentions, as well as a personalised exercise plan to take home.

Lazy days can be spent unwinding at the beachfront infinity pool. Interactive resort experiences include mastering the art behind one of the world’s most popular cuisines with a Thai cooking class. While at the resort’s dedicated activities sala, guests can choose from a thrilling range of water sports including scuba diving, and book captivating excursions to suit every passion and holiday inclination.

The sparkling waters of the Gulf of Thailand beckon exploration, and the resort’s 37 foot ocean cruiser affords the perfect sailing escape. A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park introduces guests to one of Thailand’s most beautiful reserves, where teeming reefs offer colourful snorkelling opportunities, crystal clear waters are ideal for kayaking, and a mountain climb reveals an impressive panorama. Anantara’s tropical rainforest adventure showcases the island’s distinctive cultural and natural attractions in one day, by combining snorkelling, archery, elephant trekking, a Thai boxing show and a herbal steam sauna. Local life can be encountered in a leisurely stroll through Phangan’s bustling walking street market held every Saturday, tempting visitors to browse for souvenirs, sample southern delicacies from street food vendors, and mix with fellow travellers at local bars.

Rasananda’s discreet island setting, luxurious facilities and exceptional cuisine also set the scene for dream beach weddings and exclusive honeymoons.

Do it all, or do nothing at all – discover your Rasananda lifestyle at www.anantara.com

 

Habitat HQ was crowned best Victorian ‘Backpacker Accommodation’ at the RACV 2011 Victorian Tourism Awards gala dinner held at Crown Casino.

Winning for a second consecutive year, the judges again recognised Habitat HQ’s innovative tourism offering awarding Habitat HQ the highest honour.

In front of over 1,000 industry representatives, Peter Beaconsfield, Director, Nicola Smith, Business Development & Marketing Manager and Elaine Gilligan, Operations Manager collected the award on behalf of their elated Habitat HQ team.

“We are so proud to be driving innovation in the backpacker and youth segment and to be recognised by the industry for our level of excellence.

This award celebrates the ongoing passion of our staff and their contribution to the broader tourism industry.” said Nicola Smith, Business Development & Marketing Manager.

Peter Beaconsfield congratulated his staff saying “Habitat HQ’s success is due to our wonderful and dedicated team. Each member prides themself on assisting every guest to enjoy a positive and memorable travel experience.”

Congratulating Habitat HQ the Minister for Tourism and Events, Louise Asher said the awards are instrumental in encouraging creativity, professionalism and innovation within the tourism industry.

“These awards celebrate the achievements of those who strive for tourism excellence and quality, and to make Victoria a world-class tourism destination.”

From the 140 tourism operators entered, Habitat HQ and the other 30 award winners will go on to represent Victoria at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in Cairns, March 2012.

Everything you need to know about North Stradbroke Island (Straddie) and quite a lot you didn’t know you needed to know is now online at the island’s first official website at www.stradbrokeisland.com

For the first time, visitors have a one stop website with links to the complete range of available accommodation from luxurious to beach camping and to island buses, barges and ferries. They can find out where to eat, shop, book a four wheel drive tour or a fishing charter, take surfing lessons and more.

“Several commercial website operators have Stradbroke Island websites that only offer selected island information based on advertising revenue and this has been confusing for visitors,” Straddie Chamber of Commerce tourism spokesperson Col Battersby said. “This official site offers accurate, independent and up to date information on all of the island’s accommodation, attractions and tours as well as the various transport options available from Toondah Harbour and on island buses.”

Mr Battersby said even many regular visitors would discover much that’s new to them about the island, with information on national parks, the island’s ecology, surf patrol information, dog friendly beaches, freshwater lakes, native plants and animals, local artists and galleries and the various cafes and clubs. The site also provides details of annual festivals that range from reggae to chamber music, indigenous celebrations and a variety of arts festivals.

“Most visitors know about Point Lookout because it is such an iconic location,” Mr Battersby said. “But they might not realise how much they’ve been missing by not visiting the other two island townships, Amity Point and Dunwich. The site tells visitors where to dine and picnic at Amity, which is also the best place on the island to spot koalas.”

The official website also has links to many attractions at historic Dunwich, including the golf course, the award winning museum and indigenous art galleries. It even has links to information how its rare freshwater lakes, like Bummeira (Brown Lake) near Dunwich, have formed.

For everything you need to know about North Stradbroke Island visit www.stradbrokeisland.com