Mantis recently announced that it was developing a five-star hotel on St. Helena, the island where Napoleon was exiled.

Each suite features modern interiors, under-floor heating and a laundry. Many have hot tubs on their balconies. QT Resorts can now be found in Port Douglas, the Gold Coast and in Sydney. The operators of QT define their properties as “design-led lifestyle hotels that provide high-energy, innovative restaurants and bars in a highly stylized design.”

The hotel will feature QT Hotels & Resorts’ interactive marketplace Bazaar, the Stingray Lounge and a ski-inspired spa experiences at spaQ. QT branded resorts can be found in Port Douglas, the Gold Coast and in Sydney.

In Queensland, the new Gold Class Kuranda Scenic Railway offers a premium service, with a focus on local produce, and takes passengers through World Heritage protected rainforest from Cairns to Kuranda. Gold Class services leave Freshwater Station, Cairns at 9.55 a.m. for Kuranda and return from Kuranda to Cairns at 3.30 p.m.

Audley have made a point of including some good value options as the current rate of exchange means that Australia can prove a fairly expensive destination for UK travellers. These include well located but simple city hotels and ideas for activities and excursions that are free or very low cost.

The Southwest

Sydney – Audley have included a page on Exploring Sydney with ideas for some more memorable ways to see the city including a private harbour cruise, a city bike tour and a backstage tour of the Opera House. In addition they suggest the Coogee to Bondi six kilometre walk – a free self-guided walking trail that takes you along the cliff tops of Sydney’s smart eastern suburbs, allowing you to share the stunning views enjoyed by its millonaire residents.

Lord Howe Island – Audley strongly recommend a stay here during the Australian summer when the Great Barrier Reef is at the height of the wet season. As visitor numbers are limited, the island is never crowded and you can explore the many walking tracks, snorkel among the corals or simply relax. Audley suggest staying at Capella Lodge which has just nine spacious suites and fantastic mountain and ocean views.

Melbourne – Audley recommend the drive from Sydney to Melbourne, stopping off at Jervis Bay and the Gippsland Lakes. In Melbourne they offer a range of accommodation including the Travelodge Southbank which enjoys a prime position and is superb value for money. They also encourage clients to go out in to Melbourne’s suburbs which have an eclectic mix of bars, cafes and shops and they suggest booking tickets for one of the many sporting events that takes place in Melbourne including the tennis, grand prix, horse racing and cricket.

Winelands – Audley have dedicated a page to the winelands and have included the new luxurious all-inclusive Kingsford Homestead as well as the Magill Estate where you can blend your own grapes and learn the secrets of winemaking.

Brisbane – As well as the city and its suburbs, Audley recommend exploring the seaside town of Noosa and the Noosa Everglades where you can take a boat trip or a canoe ride through a series of magnificent lakes and wetlands.

Another cost saving tip that Audley suggest is to become a temporary member of one of Australia’s Surf Life Saving Clubs – it’s free to join and you can eat and drink cheaply as well as getting the chance to meet locals and experience Australian local life. The Gold Coast has some of the best clubs.

The Northeast

As well as exploring the stunning coastline, Audley suggest going inland to the Atherton Tablelands and Daintreee Rainforest. They also recommend a visit to the frontier town of Cooktown and taking an excursion with an Aboriginal guide to some of the ancient rock art sites in the hills outside the town.

The brochure includes many of the well known islands in the Great Barrier Reef as well as the less known Haggerstone island which is a good all- inclusive option and a true Robinson Crusoe style rustic island experience.

The Red Centre

Audley have dedicated a page to Outback stations, giving various choices depending on whether you want to simply observe the day to day activities or get fully involved. One particular favourite is Bonds Springs where guests can stay in a restored cattleman’s cottage complete with veranda and obligatory barbecue.

The Northwest

A new way to explore the Kimberleys is to take the ‘Aerial Highway’ – a light aircraft network linking a range of luxury safari camps, remote cattle stations and key attractions. One of the places best visited in this way is Mitchell River National Park which would otherwise be a three day drive from Broome. Audley also suggest a stay at Faraway Bay which can only be accessed by light aircraft or boat and is certainly one of the most remote wilderness retreats in the world.

The Southwest

As well as exploring the city itself, Audley suggest heading south from Perth and exploring the rugged landscape and excellent food and wine produced locally. They recommend visiting the towns of Albany and Pemberton and have found some good accommodation options here including Cape Howe Cottages near Albany which are set in a private nature reserve with walking trails and a quiet beach close by. Audley have designed a good value 12-day Southwest Explorer itinerary from £2770 per person to include return flights, car hire and accommodation.

Tasmania

Tasmania offers a huge range of experiences and landscapes and makes a wonderful stand-alone itinerary. Audley feel that it is a microcosm of Australia’s best bits with incredible scenery, untouched wilderness, excellent walking, interesting convict history and superb food and wine. They suggest a 13-day Classic Tasmania self drive itinerary covering the entire island from £3620 per person to include return flights, car hire and accommodation.

For further details and a copy of Audley’s Australia brochure call Audley on 01993 838 810 www.audleytravel.com

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SYDNEY, Australia – BLUE Sydney, a Taj Hotel is already celebrating summer down under, but it’s not too late to get in on the fun at this five-star urban resort at the happening Wharf at Woolloomooloo. WATERBAR, named 2012 Bar of the Year in the Tourism Accommodation Australian Awards, is the epicenter of entertainment at BLUE attracting Sydney’s most exclusive parties and events.

“The action has not stopped at WATERBAR; from online fashion brand ICONIC’s first birthday bash, to CLEO Magazine’s annual swim party and the Miss Australia Fashion Show, which had loads of fabulous people in attendance,” said Sanjay Umashankar, general manager of BLUE. “Mr Ratan Tata, great-grandson of the founder of the Tata group (which owns Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces) was recently in Sydney and was presented with an honorary degree of Doctor of Business honoris causa by the University of New South Wales. This was awarded in recognition of his eminent service to the global community and was presented on the eve of his retirement.”

BLUE is also celebrating the completed refurbishment of its rooms and common areas. Here are more details on the summertime festivities and new features at BLUE.

In time for Valentine’s, it’s the Max Brenner Romance @ Blue – Enjoy a luxury marina view room with views across the Woolloomooloo Marina of the Sydney skyline. Once checked in, enjoy a Max Brenner romance dinner box set including fire water chocolate fondue tower with a candle and two fondue forks, milk chocolate caibos, Max’s chocolate chunks 200g, life is beautiful favorites caramelized pecans rolled in rich praline and fine cocoa powder, two of Max’s famous Belgian waffles for dipping and a bottle of sparkling Chandon. The following morning enjoy full buffet breakfast for two at Blue Cafe.
SUMMER COCKTAILS AT WATERBAR – WATERBAR is the top bar in Sydney for 2012 and was named one of the top 10 bars in the world by Conde Nast Traveler. It’s perfect for summer with marina views and an atrium setting. Mixologists at WATERBAR have created some refreshing summer libations like the Exotica, fresh and light with a touch of sweetness and served in a fabulous martini glass (Beefeater London dry gin, fresh lychees, lychee liqueur, ginger liqueur, fresh lime and kaffir lime leaves, shaken and served straight up.) Also try the mellow yellow (fresh strawberries, lemoncello, frais des bois, lemon juice, sugar cane syrup & egg white shaken and served short over ice) and more.
BLUE BIKES – BLUE Sydney now has an exciting new way to enjoy Sydney’s beautiful harbor; it’s BLUE bikes! They’re actually gold (Taj’s flagship color) and are exclusively for guests to ride around the Warf at Woolloomooloo and its stunning surroundings. Two vintage bikes can be booked, complete with picnic lunch. BLUE is the only hotel in Sydney to offer bikes for dreamy summer ride-abouts.
BLUE REFURB – Guests staying at BLUE Sydney will notice the iconic property has had a subtle makeover, designed to refresh its cool urban décor. In the unique warehouse style hallways, a new custom-designed carpet featuring an indigenous-inspired aquatic motif has been introduced, echoing the hotel’s harbor setting. Each of the 100 guest rooms, including 36 stunning Loft Suites, has been refurbished with flaxen carpet and new finishes. The rooms retain the authenticity and charm of their wonderful, historic wharf setting whilst providing the latest in modern luxury, with views of either the Woolloomooloo Bay Village or the Sydney Harbor foreshores. bit.ly/Qynsy7
AWARDS AWARDS AWARDS – http://bit.ly/OBMhN8
BLUE’s iconic WATERBAR was named “Bar of the Year” at the Tourism Accommodation Australia (NSW) Awards for Excellence 2012. This is the second year in a row that it has won the award.
2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 4 in the Luxury Travel Gold List in the category of Best Australian Hotel
2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 3 in the Luxury Travel Gold List in the category of Best Australian boutique property, villa or lodge
2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 9 in the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in Australia in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards
2012 BLUE Sydney features at No. 11 in the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in South Pacific in the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards
2012 Conde Nast UK, GOLD LIST includes BLUE Sydney
WATERBAR IS TAKING SUMMER PARTY BOOKINGS NOW! – Situated in one of Sydney’s most historic and unique venues, WATERBAR at BLUE has become one of Sydney’s best locations for corporate and private events. WATERBAR at BLUE offers the flexibility to accommodate any sized function group for cocktail events or launches and can be booked for 10 to 500 guests. With a sensational team skilled in event management to deliver every party need, BLUE Sydney is a knock-out party venue. For information email info@waterbaratblue.com bit.ly/S1GWJP
About BLUE Sydney
Situated on the waterfront of the Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo, BLUE Sydney provides guests with the best Sydney has to offer. Not only is it within walking distance of the CBD and the Sydney Opera House, it is also adjacent to the Royal Botanic Gardens, providing a great spot for those early morning or leisurely walks along Sydney’s spectacular harbor.

With 100 guest rooms, including 36 loft suites and the undeniably chic WATERBAR, BLUE Sydney backs up its beauty with inspired food and service under the direction of award-winning Executive Chef Kiran Arora, serving a fusion of tastes and dishes to fit this sophisticated hotel’s discerning clientele.

In line with BLUE Sydney’s philosophy of client service and style, special packages are always available, providing visitors to Sydney and Sydneysiders opportunities to enjoy what BLUE has to offer. Enjoy a cocktail in WaterBar, a delicious breakfast in BLUE café or a well-earned break at Sydney’s coolest hotel at Sydney’s hottest address.

About Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces
Established in 1901, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia’s largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 99 hotels in 56 locations across India with an additional 16 international hotels in the Maldives, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. From world-renowned landmarks to modern business hotels, idyllic beach resorts to authentic Grand Palaces, each Taj hotel offers an unrivalled fusion of warm Indian hospitality, world-class service and modern luxury. For over a century, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, the iconic flagship has set a benchmark for fine living with exquisite refinement, inventiveness and warmth. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India’s premier business house.

With today’s travellers seeking a more competitive deal when it comes to touring locally, Inspiring Journeys has significantly reduced the price of its Australian itineraries without compromising on delivering the very best in immersive and authentic experiences which the brand has become well known for. Furthermore, Inspiring Journeys is offering generous Early Payment Savings of up to $500 per couple on select journeys when you pay in full six months prior to departure.

Dedicated to showcasing the ultimate in Aussie adventures, Inspiring Journeys’ 2013/14 Australia program takes travellers on an enlightening path that allows them to get under the skin of each place they visit. In order to satisfy the experiential needs of travellers, each itinerary includes a cross section of discovery, exploration, learning and relaxing based activities to help shape and personalise your holiday while creating the ideal balance of fun, freedom and flexibility.

Travellers can explore the many wonders of Australia when choosing from each perfectly packaged itinerary included in the 2013/14 Australia program. Appealing to those witha liberated mindset who seek rich travel experiences and interactions, each journey includes enriching experiences in an intimate group such as; taking a scenic flight, learning how to find bush tucker, hiking through a rainforest or treating yourself to a spa session.

With a special emphasis placed on connecting with the environment, you can look forward to dining on locally produced cuisines inspired by the flavours of each destination, and staying in hand-picked wilderness retreats, lodges and resorts set in beautiful, unique locations when travelling with the brand. While travelling in a small group averaging 12-16 people, you will be transported by Inspiring Journeys’ luxurious, All Terrain 4WD Mercedes Benz vehicles which are designed to access areas off road that are often unreachable by coach.

Popular itineraries of Inspiring Journeys’ 2013/14 Australia program include:
5-day The Mysterious Northround trip from Darwin that stops at Kakadu, Katherine and Litchfield. Highlights include taking in the views and escarpment at Ubirr in Kakadu National Park, seeing Aboriginal rock art, enjoying a Highlight Dinner cruise on Katherine Gorge and staying in safari quarters at the award-winning Wildman Wilderness Lodge. Priced from $2075 per person – twin share (land only), save up to $210 per couple when paying in full six months prior to departure. Departures available from 28 April – 20 October, 2013.
5-day The Colour of Red from Uluru to Alice Springs or vice versa. Highlights include witnessing the changing colours of Uluru during sunset, a guided walk around the rim of Kings Canyon, and exploring the mystical domes of Kata Tjuta. Priced from $1925 per person – twin share (land only), save up to $200 per couple when paying in full six months prior to departure. Departures available from 5 April – 23 October, 2013.
7-day The Unknown Wilderness from Launceston to Hobart. Highlights include exploring Cradle Mountain National Park and Dove Lake by canoe or guided bush walk, taking a river cruise down the Pieman River and Corinna, and indulging in the state’s finest wines and cheeses during a tasting session. Priced from $3250 per person – twin share (land only), save up to $330 per couple when paying in full six months prior to departure. Departures available from 14 April, 2013 – 14 December, 2014.

To view the Inspiring Journeys 2013/14 Australia program, please visit www.inspiringjourneys.com.au

Everyone has a story, so why not start your next chapter with Inspiring Journeys

- call 1800 INSPIRING (1800 467 747) or contact your travel agent.

The accolade coincides with the deluxe hotel’s launch of a new three bedroom Sub-Penthouse which has only been made available for booking to the public this month, ensuring its place as the premier five star accommodation option on the Gold Coast is firmly entrenched.

A spacious 340 square metres of coastal luxury, the Level 48 Sub-Penthouse boasts magnificent panoramas across the coast which can be viewed from floor to ceiling windows throughout, and a wrap around balcony to enjoy the 270 degree views from the Gold Coast hinterland to the Pacific Ocean.

An expansive open plan living area is complemented by extras such as a media room that includes LCD TV and entertainment system with X-box or Wii consuls available for hire; and a fully equipped kitchen with all high-end European appliances for gourmet decadence, imported stone bench tops and personal espresso machine.

Bedrooms include a king bed in the master bedroom, with a queen bed and two singles in the second and third bedrooms. Three bathrooms will also ensure that enough space for personal pampering is available.　 Peppers Broadbeach beds are renowned for their comfort due to the specially designed plush-top mattresses and are accompanied by a seven-choice pillow menu to ensure the perfect night’s sleep is achieved.

Peppers Broadbeach General Manager, Adam Taloni, said the TripAdvisor accolade is a reflection on the level of service provided by his dedicated staff: “Guests walk away from Peppers Broadbeach with memories of a great stay and a great experience on the Gold Coast and feel compelled to share it on forums like TripAdvisor.”

“We have a beautiful product which is certainly a stand out on the Coast but the attention to detail provided by my staff, I believe, is what makes the difference,” he said.

Unlike any other hotel honours, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions covering more than 650,000 hotels and collected in a single year from travellers around the world.

Peppers was amongst an elite group in the Australian list of Top 25 Hotels including fellow Queensland properties Lizard Island Resort and Qualia Resort Hamilton Island; The Langham in Melbourne; Byron at Byron Resort & Spa in Northern NSW and Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa which took out the top spot. Sister property, Peppers Airlie Beach also came in at Number 17 on the list.

Rates for the Peppers Broadbeach Sub-Penthouse start from $950 per night (low season) and from $1800 per night (high season).　 One bedroom apartments start from $248 and 2 bedrooms from $335.　 Visit www.peppers.com.au/broadbeach for bookings and further information.

Peppers Broadbeach is located cnr Surf Pde & Elizabeth Ave, just a short stroll to beautiful Kurrawa Beach and parklands; a 25 minute drive from Gold Coast airport and a 40 minute drive to the hinterland.

ABOUT PEPPERS
Peppers Retreats, Resorts & Hotels is Mantra Group’s luxury accommodation brand. There are 28 Peppers properties in Australia and New Zealand in regional areas, resort destinations and metropolitan locations with the first Peppers in Fiji due to open in 2012. All offer a level of style and quality to meet the expectations of the most discerning traveller: www.peppers.com.au

What began as a group of small boutique retreats now includes a host of luxury holiday resorts and the beginnings of a network of metropolitan based apartment hotels.　 Retreats include Peppers Guest House Hunter Valley – the historic heart and home of Peppers; Peppers Cradle Mountain Lodge, Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat in Daylesford and Peppers Craigieburn Bowral through to the impressive resort style accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort in Kingscliff and Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove.　 In New Zealand, resorts such as Peppers Clearwater Christchurch and Peppers Bluewater Lake Tekapo are complemented by boutique retreats such as Peppers Parehua Martinborough and Peppers Awaroa Lodge in Abel Tasman National Park. The brand’s first foray into metropolitan locations has been a great success with the opening of Peppers Broadbeach in 2010. Further CBD and regional locations around Australia and New Zealand are slated for 2012.

Since Club.CuSoon launched one year ago, more than 50,000 members have signed up for the online rewards program, which is free to join at www.clubcusoon.com.au, and are enjoying exclusive accommodation deals plus a raft of other benefits such as a guaranteed late check-out of 11am with bookings made through the club and 5 percent off on any rates available on the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree websites.

For example, this week Club.CuSoon members can take advantage of a wide range of featured deals from a discounted coastal getaway at BreakFree Imperial Surf, Surfers Paradise, to a great-value city escape at Mantra Southbank in cosmopolitan Melbourne, or a special offer to experience a grand country escape at Peppers Manor House in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales.

Mantra Group Director of Marketing Ken Minnikin said Club.CuSoon members have received savings of up to a 62 percent off Peppers, Mantra and Breakfree rates across Australia and New Zealand.

“Club members are guaranteed the very best rates available anywhere online across the Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands.”

“In fact, they’re so heavily reduced, we can only offer them to Club members for a limited time.”

“And, unlike the plethora of deals and coupon websites out there, Club.CuSoon allows members to book direct with the well-known and trusted Peppers, Mantra and BreakFree brands and there is no waiting for vouchers to book like many coupon sites – bookings can be made instantaneously,” he said.

During its inaugural year, the seaside resort Mantra on Salt Beach, Kingscliff in Northern New South Wales has been the favourite holiday choice of Club members along with properties located in the popular Queensland holiday hot spots of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

With an irresistible range of boutique Peppers Retreats, Resorts and Hotels, an extensive collection of contemporary Mantra Hotels, Resorts and Apartments and wide range of comfortably appointed BreakFree Hotels, Resorts and Apartments in all capital cities, coastal locations and regional destinations, Club.CuSoon provides the greatest choice and the greatest savings

Owner, Amanda Woodward, said for a small annual fee, premium listings offered accommodation operators the opportunity to showcase their property and how it caters for families.

As well as having a full page display, with photos, description and symbols, premium listings will also feature on the home page, be promoted in social media and be able to advertise deals on a new ‘Specials’ page.

Queensland’s Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Lodge is the first company to come on board.

Family Friendly Accommodation was created by Amanda, a Victorian mum with a career in marketing communications, 12 months ago.

“My aim is for Australian families to use the website as their first point when researching where to stay for a family holiday or weekend away.

“We now have hundreds of listings around Australia, as well as links to international sites to help families looking for holiday accommodation locally or around the world.”

Family Friendly Accommodation also features reviews written by parents, allowing them to share their finds with other families.

After 12 months of growing the website, Amanda said she is looking forward to 2013 being the year to let spread the word to more families.

“I’ve had really positive feedback, which is great. This website is my new ‘baby’ and I am passionate about helping it grow and prosper. I believe it has the potential to become the number one on-line research site for family friendly accommodation in Australia.”

Amanda can be contacted at amanda@familyfriendlyaccommodation.com.au