Jetsettersblog

Australia’s Scenic Tours has sold out its summer season of river cruising, and though it still has some availability for fall has opened bookings for 2011.

The company has added a new ship to its fleet of four. The Scenic Pearl will debut in the Spring of 2011 bringing with it additional capacity to meet demands as well as new itineraries and cruise lengths appealing to the North American audience.

Guests booking in advance will have access to Scenic’s EarlyBird Offers such as Fly Free To Europe. A deposit of $250 per person holds a booking, though it is fully refundable should the client not wish to travel once the brochure is released towards the end of April. Clients who then pay the full deposit of $400 per person by May 15 will receive an onboard ship credit of $100 per couple to spend anyway they choose. For the first time, Scenic is extending the EarlyBird Offers to groups.

Scenic Tours is a tour operator based in Australia, in business for more than 20 years, with offices in Canada, Switzerland and the U.K., as well as Australia and New Zealand.

The company offers tours to Europe, Canada and Alaska, Australia and New Zealand, South America, Africa, Egypt, Jordan, Dubai and Asia.

Scenic Tours inaugural river cruise season was in 2008.

The company now owns and operates four luxurious river cruise ships. The Scenic Space-Ships are the most spacious on Europe’s waterways and offer private balcony suites for more than 80 percent of the staterooms.

For more information, call 866-689-8611 or visit www.scenictours.com

Better Than Chocolate! ZUJI’s $20 e(aster)-voucher giveaway

Australia: The guru says: “Good things come to those who wait. Better things, to those who don’t.”

If, like Tony Abbott, you’ve given up sex for Lent, don’t despair, the Easter break’s just around the corner! Online travel agent ZUJI, Helping Holidays Happen, has four more great reasons to book an Easter getaway in March at the banner at right.

1. No booking fees!
2. No credit card fees!
3. Domestic AND international flights available
4. PLUS a $20 e-voucher to spend on a hotel stay with ANY flight booking until 31 March 2010!

Of course ZUJI also has a choice of packages offering great deals to hot destinations around the world including return flights and cool hotels, for a break that will get you through the rest of 2010 with a smile.

It’s never too early to get away and bag holiday bargain; book now at www.zuji.com.au and beat the Easter rush!

Need more incentive? Check out these great flight deals* for starters (matched with some great hotels where you can use your ZUJI $20 e-voucher discount):

• Air New Zealand has flights to Christchurch one-way from $229 (book by 31 March 10 for travel until 30 November) and stay at the Holiday Inn City Centre for just $100 per night until 30 April 10, saving 20%

• Singapore Airlines has return flights to Singapore from $999 for travel between 25 April & 26 June 10. Book by 31 March. Stay 3 nights at M Hotel Singapore for $154 per night until 31 December, saving 20%

• United Airlines has return flights to LA from $1110 return for travel ‘til 16 June 10. Book by 3 March, Stay at the Hacienda Hotel for $87 per night, saving 30% until 31 March.

• Virgin Atlantic has return flights to London from $1910 return for travel ‘til 30 November 10 if booked by 31 March. Hampstead Britannia has rooms from $82 per night until 31 July- 20% off.

* All prices shown, including hotel, holiday and flight prices may vary and are subject to availability based on the fare types and room types available on your preferred travel dates.

Hotel prices are lead-in prices and based on per room per night.

Holiday prices and savings are per person based on twin share.

To book or find even more flights and hotel deals- try ZUJI’s TripSaver technology wwvisit the banner above to book flights and hotels together: and get away before the rest of the year does.

The first direct passenger flight from China arrived in Adelaide on 16 February, providing a non-stop air link into South Australia from the world’s most populous nation.

The flight arrival has been welcomed by Adelaide Airport (AAL), the Department of Trade and Economic Development and the South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC), who are working together to increase flight and passenger numbers into Adelaide from key domestic and international destinations.

SATC Acting Chief Executive, Jo Podoliak, said the China Southern Airlines flight was an important first step in opening up South Australia as a holiday destination for travelers from the massive Chinese market.

“Our expectation is that this charter from Shenzhen will be the first in a series of such flights from China as we work to build Adelaide and South Australia as a recognised destination for Chinese holiday makers,” Ms Podoliak said.

“China has now overtaken Japan as Asia’s largest source of visitors to South Australia, and we expect this growth to continue.

“Nationally, China is the fifth largest international source of visitors, but only accounts for 3% of international visitors to South Australia. With direct flights, we will see our State’s market share rise.

“Chinese visitors are vital to our future growth because they provide us with the highest total tourism expenditure of all international source countries.”

Adelaide Airport Ltd Managing Director, Phil Baker, said the China Southern charter flight provided an excellent opportunity to showcase the airport’s facilities and easy access to the city and attractions.

“This is the first time a China-based commercial flight, charter or otherwise, has visited Adelaide. China has a rapidly growing aviation market, and China Southern Airlines is the country’s largest carrier,” Mr Baker said.

“China Southern has two major hubs – at Beijing and the brand new Baiyun International Airport at Guangzhou. The airline has 342 aircrafts serving 841 cities in 162 countries, and is ranked as the 4th largest airline in the world.

“Clearly we see significant potential in attracting China Southern to Adelaide, which will create inbound tourism and business opportunities as well as opening up new connections into China and on to Asian and European destinations.

“Charter flights such as this are a real stepping stone in building recognition of South Australia among Chinese consumers and helping us develop a compelling business case for regular scheduled services.”

Seats into Adelaide on today’s China Southern Airlines charter flight have been sold and marketed by Chinese travel company BCTS, which specialises in travel to Australia.

The South Australian 2009-2014 Tourism Plan aims to increase the number of weekly international seats in to Adelaide to 10,000 by 2014, an increase from 2,800 in 2003.

Quay Grand Suites Sydney has been named the South Pacific’s Best Luxury Hotel in the Trip Adviser 2010 Travelers’ Choice Awards AND also voted one of the top 5 Luxury Hotels of the World!

The eighth annual competition has been the largest ever, and unlike any other hotel awards program in the world, the winners are based on the millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions on tripadvisor.com.

“Receiving this recognition from our guests demonstrates that Quay Grand has set a new benchmark for a 5-star hotel experience which is truly unique. From the impressive service to the impeccable facilities, this hotel is the epitome of luxury and the flagship property in the Mirvac portfolio,” said General Manager, Paul Donnelly.

Set majestically on the eastern shore of Circular Quay, Quay Grand is an apartment style hotel boasting spectacular views over Sydney Harbour and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

With the choice of 1 and 2 bedroom self contained apartments, guests enjoy the convenience of separate lounge, dining and bedroom, fully equipped gourmet kitchen and integrated laundry, bathroom with spa bath and opening windows.

In Quadrant Restaurant, Executive Chef Ross Barrett serves a distinctive Australian style menu with Mediterranean, Asian and French influences. Or for casual elegance, ECQ Bar is sun-drenched by day and cosmopolitan by night and features a range of creative cocktails, superb wines and casual dining overlooking Sydney Harbour.

Set in the midst of Sydney’s key attractions, Quay Grand is only moments away from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Opera House, and Sydney’s financial district and shopping precincts.

Quay Grand Suites Sydney is the pinnacle of Mirvac quality. The hotel is part of the Mirvac group of over 45 hotels and resorts in Australia and New Zealand, under such well known brands as Quay West Apartments & Resorts, The Como, Sea Temple Resorts & Spas, Sydney Marriott Hotel, The Sebel Hotels & Resorts, Citigate Hotels, Cairns Harbour Lights, Hotel Lindrum, Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney, and of course Quay Grand.

For bookings or further information phone 13 15 15 or visit www.mirvachotels.com/quay-grand-suites-sydney

Well known hotelier Andrew Loader has switched careers and interests to launch an exciting new studio that draws on the bold and distinctive French monochromatic style.

Andrew resigned as Sofitel’s Asia Pacific Vice President Marketing & Communication in Bangkok last month to move to Auckland to set up Monochromeinc. Interior Design, a studio providing design suggestions for hotels, offices and homes in Australia and New Zealand.

“Years of helping to create stylish and inspiring environments in top-end hotels across the region unlocked a passion I just had to try to fulfill,” Andrew said on launching his new venture today.

“Monochromeinc. will be characterised by crisp white backgrounds with black borders offset by sparking metallic or glass overlays and splashes of exquisite accent colors to provide bold yet timeless and classical spaces.

“My 23 years in the hotel industry has helped me to appreciate the beauty of inspired simplicity, and want to bring to life designs that reflect elegance, style and refinement.”

Andrew said Monochromeinc. Interior Design (www.monochromeinc.com ) offered a personalised consultancy for individual rooms or complete buildings along with full project management to bring the creative vision to reality.

Also available was an exciting range of wallpapers, fabrics, accessories and handmade furniture exclusive to the design studio.

Photos show a private residence in Thong Lor Bangkok designed and decorated by Andrew Loader.

Lismore is home to some of the world’s most beautiful heritage-listed reserves, national parks and beachside pockets. It offers a laid-back coastal escape for independent travellers or groups seeking somewhere quiet to relax, re-charge or re-connect in the summer months.

CLV Smart Stays brings the popular concept of budget university campus summer stays to Australia. When students are away for the university holidays, CLV Smart Stay campuses; located in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, New Zealand and now Lismore, offer savvy travellers stylish, affordable accommodation from November through to February.

Situated on-campus at Southern Cross University, CLV Smart Stays Lismore offers accommodation from as little as $45.00 per person per night. With access to a swimming pool, recreation lounge, event design services and Southern Cross University’s sporting and academic facilities, it is the perfect choice for holiday, business, sports or conference groups.

CLV Smart Stays Lismore Village Director, Warwick Tomlinson, says “Our Lismore village is centrally located and serves as the perfect base from which to explore all on offer in this beautiful region. Byron Bay, Bangalow and a host of secret beachside pockets can be easily reached, but guests also have the advantage of retreating back to a quiet haven at any time to enjoy some space and serenity too”.

CLV Smart Stays has filled a void in the market for quality group and independent self-contained accommodation through unique share accommodation options.

Single rooms are available to book per night, or join with a group of family or friends to book the whole four bedroom self-contained apartment which offers single room privacy and convenience for each guest along with spacious kitchen, dining and lounge areas.

Renowned for competitive prices but also modern designs and quality furnishings, CLV Smart Stays Lismore is the perfect choice for all your group and independent accommodation needs. And with a friendly, on-site team your stay can be perfectly tailored to your individual requirements for leisure, conference and group stays.

CLV Smart Stays – campus summer stays

Go to www.clvsmartstays.com.au  to see the special Lismore “Hot” Deals available every year from November to February!

The latest luxury accommodation on Magnetic Island is Lotus House, an exclusive retreat offering a world of seclusion and pure indulgence.

Only 20 minutes from Townsville, nestled between the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island’s World Heritage National Park, this exquisite beachfront house is the ultimate romantic destination.

Suitable for up to six adults, Lotus House features three spacious bedrooms each with king size beds and ensuites, exotic tropical gardens, an oceanfront temperature controlled swimming pool, air conditioning, spa bath, plasma televisions, fully equipped laundry facilities, and a host of other luxuries. Make the most of the stainless steel kitchen and European appliances by preparing your own meals, or relax and let your very own in-house chef whip up your favourite dishes.

Wander down sand dunes to the beautiful Horseshoe Bay, enjoy absolute privacy as you unwind by the pool, or kick back with gourmet canapés and chilled champagne on the expansive upper deck while you take in spectacular sunsets and uninterrupted ocean views.

With Lotus house also available for wedding receptions, intimate dinner functions, cocktail parties and corporate events, the options are endless with this luxurious and exclusive island retreat.

www.lotusonmagnetic.com

Guests visiting Falls Creek and Hotham Alpine Resorts in winter 2010 will benefit from today’s announcement by parent company, Living and Leisure Australia (LLA), of an additional $2.5 million investment in snowmaking at the resorts. LLA runs the skifields under the banner of Australian Alpine Enterprises (AAE).

Snowmaking power at Hotham Alpine Resort will increase by 40% this coming winter. An additional 22 state of the art high output TechnoAlpin fan snow guns will be installed on hydrant points throughout Hotham’s Heavenly Valley snowmaking network. The additional guns bring the resort’s total snow gun network to 77 high-output fan guns.

This coverage across beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain includes 100% gun coverage on Hotham’s signature runs of Imagine, Snake Gully and The Canyon plus key access trails such as Mother Johnson’s Return.

Falls Creek Alpine Resort is investing in 28 automatic TechnoAlpin lance snow guns with the majority of these being installed on Wombat’s Ramble, Australia’s longest beginner run at 2.2km.

With 100% automatic lance gun coverage, the run will be transformed into Australia’s newest nightskiing and boarding playground with floodlights running on green power.

Falls Creek will now have 49 fan guns, 50 automatic air water guns and 115 manual air water snow guns.

With the completion of a high capacity snowmaking system along the length of Wombats Ramble, new top to bottom snowmaking ensures night skiing will be available both earlier and later in the season.

Snowmaking helps to develop a solid base for the season, top up high traffic areas and keep popular access trails and ski areas open for longer.

John Schryver, LLA CEO said, “Previously installed snowmaking infrastructure helped to sustain a quality snow base through to the end of the 2009 snow season, which resulted in strong visitation building at both resorts from early in the season.

“This commitment by LLA to its continued investment in snowmaking will provide guests with greater confidence when booking snow holidays in the earlier and latter parts of the snow season, including school holidays.”

The 2010 winter season opens on 12 June 2010.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa at Kingscliff offers the perfect getaway for sun, surf and, come March, the soothing powers of yoga.

The stylish resort is holding a special yoga weekend from 12-14 March allowing guests to relax through specialist yoga classes, dine on delicious wholesome cuisine and revitalise with a spa treatment at the onsite Golden Door Spa.

Hosted by YOGA TV host, Kris McIntyre, the yoga retreat is designed for all ability levels from beginners through to advanced practitioners.

Kris teaches Ryoho, a form of yoga therapy combining traditional Indian Hatha poses with the meridian based healing arts of China and Japan.

Kris said the aim of the yoga escape is for guests to enjoy a relaxed weekend away in beautiful surrounds with the opportunity to enjoy yoga classes, an indulgent spa treatment and wholesome food.

“It’s not a ‘hard core’ yoga boot camp. Autumn is also the perfect season to detox or cleanse and to deal with health issues including lower digestive issues, respiratory problems (including colds, flus, asthma and hayfever), shoulder pain, heavy buttocks and thighs,” Kris said.

Priced from $474* per person twin share, the all-inclusive escape includes accommodation at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa, full buffet breakfast daily, six yoga classes with yoga teacher, author and TV host Kris McIntyre, yoga mat, Golden Door Spa treatment, wholesome meals inspired by The Golden Door cook book and prepared by Roughie’s Restaurant & Bar, full use of resort leisure facilities and more.

Non-residential packages are available from $340* per person including all yoga classes, mat, Golden Door Spa treatment, two dinners and two lunches.

The Peppers Salt Resort & Spa yoga retreat is a special offering that will take place seasonally with additional yoga weekends scheduled for 18-20 June and 10-12 September 2010.

Peppers Salt Resort & Spa combines the seaside-village charm of Northern New South Wales with Peppers’ renowned style and sophistication and features all the luxuries you would expect of one of Australia’s leading resorts including a large tropical beach lagoon, a network of walking and bicycle tracks, an unspoilt surf beach patrolled 365 days a year, The Golden Door Spa and award-winning Roughie’s Restaurant & Bar.

Providing the ultimate beach break on South East Queensland’s doorstep, SALT is located just 20 minutes from Gold Coast Airport, 60 minutes from Ballina Airport and less than 90 minutes drive from Brisbane through the new Tugun Bypass.

For bookings or further information phone Louise Anker on +61 2 6670 5027 or email louise@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au .

*Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Wilderness Wanders (www.wildernesswanders.com.au ) is an eco-adventure operator offering interpretive tours focussing on both the natural and human history of South Australia’s (www.southaustralia.com ) little known and pristine Eyre Peninsula region.

They offer half, full day and extended tours. Options include:

• Walking on Eyre (8-day walking tour) (read more)
• Cliffs & Dunes Combo (5 kms walk and sand dune drive)

• Koala & Cliffs Tour (six-hour, one-day tour)

• Tuna swim & Dune Combo (two-centre, one day tour)

• Special Memories (4WD day tour)

• Wanna Dune drive (four-hour, half day trip)

• Port Lincoln History Tour (two-hour tour)

• Coffin Bay Holiday Getaway (2-night tour)

• Luxury Eco Experience (two-day walking tour)

- Walking on Eyre is ideal for travellers passionate about walking and nature.

This 8-day walking tour, which features many Eyre Peninsula attractions including Whalers Way and Coffin Bay National Park, combines fabulous regional food and wine with typical accommodation in seaside towns and villages.

The tour, which departs Port Lincoln, costs AUD$2,350 (approx £1,300) per person and includes twinshare accommodation, most meals, transport, park entry fees and guide.

- Cliffs & Dunes Combo combines a five kms walk of spectacular views of Whaler’s Way coastline, with an exhilarating dune drive through the ever shifting sand dunes along Sleaford Bay. This full-day tour costs AUD$190 (approx £105) per person and includes a delicious gourmet lunch.

- Koala & Cliffs Tour, another new tour, explores picturesque Mikkira Station, home to hundreds of free roaming koalas, and the rugged coastal scenery of Whalers Way. This six-hour tour costs AUD$190 (approx £105) per person and includes a gourmet picnic, morning and afternoon teas.

- Tuna Swim & Dune Combo includes:

• swimming with giant tuna, one of the ocean’s fastest fish
• sand duning with the chance to sandboard at Wreck Beach
• an extreme 4WD tour through Lincoln National Park’s massive shifting sand dunes some of which are 80 metres high in parts

This trip costs AUD$170 (approx £95) per person and includes all equipment (wetsuits, mask and fins) for the tuna swim, Sashimi tasting, park entrance fees and sand boarding, plus transport, guide and refreshments. The tour starts and ends in Port Lincoln.

- Special Memories is an advanced Eco Tour taking in stunning coastlines, massive sand dunes and secluded beaches on a 4WD tour. Guests also learn about the early explorers who first came to the region. This day tour includes a luncheon featuring local gourmet produce and local boutique wines.

- Wanna Dune drive is a four-hour tour combining stunning coastal scenery, secluded beaches and high sand dunes with 4WD wildlife spotting, visiting the ecologically significant Sleaford Mere and the magnificent Wanna sand dunes. This tour costs AUD$95 (approx £52) per person.

- Port Lincoln History Tour is two-hour town history tour which provides visitors with an excellent means of learning about the colourful and often turbulent history of Port Lincoln since it was first settled in 1839.

Many famous explorers such as Matthew Flinders, Edward John Eyre and John McDowell Stuart have intimate connections with the town and its surrounding districts. The tour costs AUD$75 (approx £42) per person.

An extended four-hour history tour which includes out of town highlights costs AUD$95 (approx £52) per person, and includes a guide and refreshments.

- Coffin Bay Holiday Getaway is a two-day tour combining a 4WD trip through the Coffin Bay Peninsula with a magnificent half day Coffin Bay Explorer boat cruise highlighting the fabulous seafood and wildlife of this area.

Wildlife highlights include dolphins, kangaroos, emus and sea eagles. This tour costs AUD$369 (approx £205) per person based on two people travelling, or AUD$297 (approx £165) per person based on four people.

Price includes overnight accommodation at the Coffin Bay Beach House.

- Luxury Eco Experience is a three-day/two-night adventure combining two of the Eyre Peninsula’s top experiences with overnight stays in a luxury campsite and eco-lodge.

Enjoy wandering in the wilderness with a two-day walking tour of the Whaler’s Way coastline with its high cliffs, spectacular blowholes, caves and pristine beaches. Spot kangaroos, emus and many native birds including the rare osprey along the way. This package costs AUD$485 (approx £270) per person and includes the fully guided experience, transport and two-nights accommodation, one in the Wilderness Wanders campsite and the other in a private architecturally designed eco lodge, plus all meals.

An added attraction of meeting the Wilderness Wanders team is that annually they adopt at least one orphaned joey which is released onto their farm property when they become independent.

There are now a total six resident kangaroos that live with the Wilderness Wanders team.

All Wilderness Wanders tours are fully catered featuring local gourmet foods.

At the end of each trip guests receive a complimentary DVD slideshow of their adventures.