Jetsettersblog

Darwin in the Northern Territory will enjoy improved connections thanks to a new direct service with SilkAir – a wholly owned subsidary of Singapore Airlines. As of 26 March 2012, SilkAir will fly four times a week between Singapore and Darwin – the carrier’s first route into Australia. Darwin is Australia’s most northern city, making it the natural gateway to both the Outback and the country as a whole. Located just four hours’ flight from Singapore and two hours from Bali, Darwin is considered to be Australia’s most culturally diverse city. The city boasts a vibrant lifestyle centred around the outdoors, from al fresco dining and fine sunsets to beachside markets and sailing. www.singaporeair.com

Train journeys are one of the most romantic ways to travel and for honeymoon couples looking for the romantic journey of a lifetime, Great Southern Rail’s The Southern Spirit (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au) is just the ticket.

The Southern Spirit (www.greatsouthernrail.com.au) is an exclusive six day/five night rail journey from Adelaide or Melbourne to Brisbane, and vice versa, covering 2,810 kms as it winds its way through four states – South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.

Honeymooners can opt for the luxury ‘platinum service’ which includes plush, spacious en-suite private cabins, on-call Cabin Steward Service and in-cabin menu, as well as fine dining in the Queen Adelaide Restaurant car. By day the cabin is a private lounge but by night it is transformed into a luxurious bedroom complete with double bed.

Days are spent admiring the natural beauty of the diverse landscapes through which the train travels, from the rolling plains of the south to the stark beauty of the Red Centre. The Southern Spirit also makes a number of stops allowing guests to discover the beauty of The Grampians, the majesty of the Murray River, the vineyards of the Hunter Valley and the quaintness of Byron Bay.

In the evening, after a sumptuous dinner in the restaurant, honeymooners can retire to their cabin, dim the lights, pour themselves a glass of wine or champagne and sit back and enjoy the in-cabin entertainment. In the morning a leisurely continental breakfast is served in the cabins.

There are a limited number of departures remaining on the Southern Spirit until June and honeymooners wishing to include this trip in their Australian itinerary should ensure they register their interest or book well in advance due to the popularity of this route.

Fares for the five or six day train journey range from AUD$3,500 – AUD$6,800 (approx £2,357 – £4,579) depending on departure point and service level. These prices include Whistle Stop Tours and transfers. To book, either log on to www.greatsouthernrail.com.au or contact your local travel agent or tour operator.

Background
The Southern Spirit was launched in early 2010 with just two departures. This service increased to four departures, and now, due to demand, has further increased for the 2011/2012 season.

Great Southern Rail also boasts the world’s only two transcontinental services, namely The Ghan which operates north to south from Darwin to Adelaide, and The Indian Pacific which traverses east to west, Perth to Sydney. The Overland service completes Great Southern Rail’s portfolio of “Australia’s Great Train Journeys”.

The Southern Spirit guests can choose either a Gold or Platinum Service cabin.
The Gold Service cabin is a twin sleeper featuring ensuite facilities and a three-seater lounger which converts to upper and lower sleeping berths by night.
The Platinum Service cabin offers the ultimate in luxury rail travel. This spacious ensuite features a lounger that converts to a double or twin bedroom by night. Guests have on-call Cabin Steward Service and an in-cabin menu that make this a truly five star experience.

With an infusion of more than $21 million, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia and the Indigenous Land Corporation have begun the largest transformation of Ayers Rock Resort since its opening in 1982. Stage one entails an extensive refurbishment of all guest rooms and public areas at the five-star Sails in the Desert Hotel. All rooms will feature new furniture, curtains, linens, LCD TVs, carpet inspired by the topographical map of Uluru and artwork commissioned by local aboriginal artists. Refurbishment at Sails in the Desert is scheduled to conclude in May. Renovations will then extend to the other four hotels — Desert Gardens, Outback Pioneer, Lost Camel and Emu Walk Apartments.

On the reinvention of Ayers Rock Resort, Managing Director of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Koos Klein said, “We are committed to exceptional guest experience and therefore we are looking forward to all the changes being made at Ayers Rock Resort. We have a new vision, new activities, with new directions — all complimented by the dramatic improvements and upgrades that are being made in 2012 on the property.”

Historically committed to community development, Ayers Rock Resort will now offer an indigenous training and employment program to attract employees locally and from across Australia. Furthermore, the Indigenous Land Corporation has committed to raising Indigenous employment at the resort to 50 percent by 2018, providing over 300 jobs for Indigenous Australians. Additional developments at Ayers Rock Resort include a new under-the-stars dining experience, Tali Wiru or Beautiful Dune, relocation and transformation of the Mulgara Art Gallery, a spa focusing on spiritual healing and desert meditation and a Welcome to Country Ceremony in the Ayers Rock Airport arrival hall.

What better way to solidify your travelling ambitions for the New Year than by picking up a copy of the Jan/Feb/March issue of Vacations & Travel, Australia’s longest-running travel magazine?

This edition we spotlight Europe, bringing you the lowdown on destinations as diverse as Russia’s wild Kamchatka Peninsula and Belfast, taking centre stage in 2012 for its Titanic celebrations. Away from the continent we take you on a road-trip through South Africa, to a sumo tournament in Japan and on bikes, boards and boats in Taiwan. As an added bonus the issue comes with an eight-page guide to Switzerland, a 28-page Thailand lift-out and a 68-page supplement dedicated to the United States.

That’s more than 300 pages of essential holiday ideas and information for just AU$9.95.

PLUS: One lucky subscriber to Vacations & Travel will win an unforgettable, seven-night trip to Malaysia. To enter, visit www.vacationsandtravelmag.com

Vacations & Travel is out now at newsagents. For subscriptions, call Global Publishing on 61-2/9555-8100; e-mail info@globalpublishing.com.au; or visit vacationsandtravelmag.com

From an exotic island-hopping escapade to a full ’round the world’ expedition, Qantas Holidays (www.qantasholidays.co.uk Tel 020 8222 9124) has something for all globe-trotters itching to get out and explore in 2012.

Exotic islands from £2,009 – Combine Fiji and Hong Kong for the best blend of thrills and relaxation, with an added islands cruise for a deliciously exotic twist. Perfect for Swiss Family Robinsons or couples seeking pure indulgence, Fiji is a truly tropical paradise, whilst Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant cities in Asia.

Price includes: Return international flights from London Heathrow in economy with Qantas/BA/Air Pacific, 2 nights at Cosmo Hotel, Hong Kong, including breakfast, 2 nights at Sheraton Fiji Resort, including full breakfast, 4-day Southern Yasawa Islands cruise on Captain Cook reef Endeavour, return airport transfers in Hong Kong and Fiji.

Travel between 16 January and 24 March 2012 (travel must be completed by 24 March 2012).

World Explorer from £4,669 – A round the world trip still conjures up the magic of travel from the golden age of exploration. This ultimate globe-trotting trip takes in Singapore, Australia (Cairns, Port Douglas, Ayers Rock and Sydney), New Zealand (Auckland and Rotorua), Fiji and Los Angeles.

Price includes: International and Australia domestic economy class flights from London Heathrow with Qantas/British Airways and their codeshare partners, 26 nights 4-4.5 star accommodation, 7 days Hertz Group B car hire in New Zealand

Based on travel between 16 April – 20 June 2012.

All prices quoted are inclusive of taxes, fees and other charges unless stated otherwise. Prices correct at 12 December 2011 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Amounts payable to third parties not included. Travel/book by dates are as specified unless sold out prior. Offers are subject to availability which may be limited. Please check all prices, availability and other information with your travel consultant before booking. All prices are ‘from’ prices, per person, based on two adults sharing. Qantas Holidays general booking conditions apply.

From wild sporting events to Aboriginal heritage celebrations, Australia’s Outback Northern Territory, has an action-packed calendar of events to watch or participate in.

Whether you are visiting the tropical Top End, including Darwin and Kakadu National Park, or the Red Centre, home to iconic Uluru (Ayers Rock), coincide your trip with a top Territory event. We’ve selected the best of the best in 2012.

Tiwi Islands Annual Football Art Sale, 1 April 2012 (tbc)
A ‘must’ for Aussie Rules Football lovers but also a fantastic chance to view and buy some fascinating Tiwi Island artwork. An eagerly anticipated annual event that gives visitors the rare opportunity to explore the Tiwi Islands, located north of Darwin, without a permit.
www.tiwiart.com/tiwi_traditions/item/4

Mindil Beach Sunset Markets, 26 April – October 2012
As the sun goes down in tropical Darwin in Australia’s Top End, head to Mindil Beach to experience the amazing atmosphere and flavour of these famous beach side markets. Wander amongst over 260 stalls and browse the huge variety of items on offer from indigenous art, sculpture and didgeridoos to clothing, and amazing food stalls. You can also relax with a massage or take in the array of live music and performance art. The markets are open every Thursday and Sunday evening between April and October.
www.mindil.com.au.

Merrepen Arts Festival, 1-3 June 2012
The annual Merrepen Arts Festival is held in the friendly community of Nauiyu, 240 kilometres south-west of Darwin, on the banks of the Daly River. The festival, which celebrates 25 years in 2012, hosts a combination of events over three days, including art sales and auctions, traditional music and dance, bush tucker tasting and a football and sporting carnival. www.merrepenfestival.com.au

Alice Springs Beanie Festival, 22-25 June 2012
Tea pots, ships, birds and flowers – these aren’t beanie hats as we know it, they’re pieces of art. Celebrate this much loved woolly headwear at the annual Beanie Festival where there is no end to the fibre creativity! Music, crafts and fun bring together craftspeople from remote areas across the Northern Territory and beyond. Workshops, craft displays and a gala opening night is all part of the event and beanie wearing is essential for all attendees !  www.beaniefest.org 

Barunga Cultural and Sports Festival, 8-11 July 2012
One of Australia’s longest-running Indigenous community festivals, learn about Aboriginal culture at the annual Barunga Festival. Held in this remote Aboriginal community near Katherine over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend, the festival showcases sport, music, traditional dance, didgeridoo workshops, bush tucker and spear throwing demonstrations.
www.barungafestival.com.au

Lions Lasseters Camel Cup, 14 July 2012
A ‘must-see’ event in Alice Springs – watch brave riders whizz past the crowds on unpredictable camels. Camels veer off track, sit down mid race and occasionally reach the finish line! Created in 1970 as an unusual way to settle a bet between friends, camel racing is a fun day out and also includes rickshaw races and camel polo!
www.camelcup.com.au

Darwin Lions Beer Can Regatta, 15 July 2012
Build a boat entirely from aluminium beer cans and test your skills by sailing out into Darwin Harbour aboard your ‘tinny’ vessel. This ever-popular event is great to participate in but even more fun to watch. Catch the action at beautiful Mindil Beach as boats sink and splash in a struggle to reach the finish line.
www.beercanregatta.org.au

Australia’s Outback Marathon, 28 July 2012
The route of the outback marathon cuts an impressive path through the heart of Australia’s Red Centre taking in views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). With few sealed roads on the route, this marathon will push even experienced runners. Participants can complete several other stages aside from the official full marathon including a half-marathon, 11km and 6km.
www.australianoutbackmarathon.com

Garma Festival, 4-5 August 2012 (tbc)
Gulkula in North East Arnhem Land is the setting for the Garma Festival – a vibrant celebration of indigenous practices and traditions includes dancing, singing and art. There are several categories of registration available for visitors who want to become more familiar with a culture that dates back over 40,000 years. It’s one of Australia’s most significant annual cultural exchange events.

Darwin Festival, 9-26 August 2012
The Northern Territory’s capital city celebrates the diversity of the region with an annual celebration packed full of local, national and international performances from theatre and music to film, dance and comedy. Darwin boasts the perfect weather for this 18 night extravaganza.
www.darwinfestival.org.au

ASSA ABLOY Henley-On-Todd Regatta, Alice Springs, 18 August 2012
The Territory’s longest running iconic event, this is the outback’s answer to Henley-on-Thames! Bottomless handmade boats race down the dried up bed of the Todd River, Flintstone style. Have fun and enjoy the hilarity as you watch seemingly sane people race in bottomless ‘eights’, ‘oxford tubs’, ‘bath tubs’ and ‘yachts’ through the deep coarse sand in outback Alice Springs.
www.henleyontodd.com.au

Alice Desert Festival, 7-16 September 2012
The Alice Desert Festival is Central Australia’s premier arts and cultural festival, celebrating the desert and local culture. Indigenous musicians perform in the Bush Bands Bash, wild bush foods are harvested and cooked into succulent dishes and choirs sing amidst ancient desert landscapes of gorges and gaps.
www.alicedesertfestival.com.au/

Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, 17 August – 28 October 2012
The premier national indigenous event on the arts agenda. Initiated by the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in 1984, today the Award offers AU$56,000 worth of prize money; one of the highest for any art award in Australia. The Awards attract a broad range of artistic talent with upwards of 150 works selected for the exhibition from approximately 500 entries.

This exhibition showcases up-to-date developments in contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and attracts a range of indigenous artists from all parts of the country. The diversity and style of work submitted each year reflects the changing face of contemporary Aboriginal art practice.

For a full list of events log on to: www.australiasoutback.com

Bigger is most certainly not always better and that definitely rings true for specialist European tour company, Albatross Tours.

Destination specialists and a boutique business by design; Albatross Tours believes this gives them a major competitive edge over the large companies that form much of the market. The boutique size enables Albatross to excel at services that are ignored or under-serviced by big companies. So do the smaller guys rule or is bigger better?

Albatross Tours Managing Director, Euan Landsborough believes it is possible to have the best of both worlds, “We are actually in a unique position as we are a small Australian company, who also has a large parent company in the UK, Albatross Travel Group.”

“We’re Australian in our service, attitude and application, but use the UK’s power to put together the nuts and bolts like hotels and activity suppliers that a small operator could access as easily, especially from the other side of the world.”

As the biggest wholesaler service in the UK, Albatross Travel Group operates like an airline consolidator, buying for Albatross Tours and other tour providers in the UK. Their great rates on hotel accommodation, transport and excursions are passed through to Albatross Tours and importantly their customers.

Mr. Landsborough comments, “Albatross Travel Group has a department set up specifically to service our needs in Australia, which is an advantage not many tour companies here have.”

In a volatile market where small businesses are suffering and the big guys are booming, Mr. Landsborough is in an enviable position, “Being affiliated with Albatross Travel Group allows us to be more financially stable – we sailed through the GFC and have never made any employee redundant.” he said.

As a primarily small tour operator designed specifically for Australians and New Zealanders, Albatross Tours is able to give time and attention to its customers, which is a notable foundation for a successful travel company.

“Being a small operator, customer loyalty is important for us, as this provides repeat business and word-of mouth referrals. Gaining such loyalty is often easier for a small business, who can offer a more personalised customer service experience.” Mr. Landsborough said.

With a small business also comes a smaller chain of command, allowing a quick response to problems. As a global company Albatross generates over 4000 tours and looks after over 100,000 passengers per year, so to be able to respond to any issues that arise immediately is a major advantage.

“Through our close relationship with our parent company, we’re able iron out problems as and when they come up. Every January we also dissect every tour group, analysing customer feedback and look at what works and what doesn’t, down to every detail. It’s great to have the UK’s feedback an input, which helps us enhance our customers travel experience. Again, we use our ‘global’ position to our customer’s advantage.” Mr. Landsborough comments.

For further information about Albatross Tours and upcoming departures, please visit www.albatrosstours.com.au  or visit http://www.facebook.com/AlbatrossTours

Note to Editors:
Albatross Travel Group has won the following accolades and awards:
2011 Tour Wholesaler of the Year- Albatross Travel Group
2009 Tour Wholesaler of the Year – Albatross Travel Group
2010 Albatross Travel Group shortlisted for Wholesaler of the Year at the Coach Tourism Awards
2010 the Albatross Group recognised as the UK’s top selling wholesaler for Accor Hotels UK

In February, Binna Burra Mountain Lodge will open its new Sky Lodges, which are self-contained apartments that sleep from one to 10 people in studio, one, two or three bedrooms for singles, couples, families and groups. Each has its own fireplace and spa bath, and the views from every Sky Lodge are breathtaking.

Though the Sky Lodges appeal to those who prefer a more contemporary alternative to traditional Binna Burra, guests can still access the historic Lodge and the Clifftop Dining Room. Binna Burra Mountain Lodge combines a mountain getaway with the opportunity to explore a rainforest environment. Binna Burra is located outside of Brisbane.

The Lodge provides accommodation for a limited number of guests in heritage-listed lodges with the original buildings built from hand-cut tallow wood slabs. Some of the cabins date back to when the Lodge was first established in the early 1930s. All rooms offer tea- and coffee-making facilities, heaters, fans, are non-smoking, and are serviced daily. Televisions and telephones, clocks and radios are available in the Lodge, but not in guest rooms. Two styles of accommodation are available at The Lodge. Acacia rooms offer panoramic mountain views or rainforest views and each has its own balcony. Acacia’s have private shower and toilet facilities and have either queen, double, twin beds or can sleep larger families.

Casuarina rooms are heritage guesthouse style rooms nestled amidst native gardens. These original rooms were designed just to be slept in, as the rest of the time was spent socializing in the guest lounges and enjoying the facilities of the Lodge. Casuarina rooms offer comfortable beds plus a wash basin vanity unit. Separate bathroom facilities close to rooms on the same level are shared by just a small number of other guests. Guests participate in free daily activities program of guided walks, experience the adventure activities or explore the National Park at their leisure. For more information, call 011 1300 246 622.

Qantas plans to introduce new regional cuisine on its flights around the world, with locally sourced food and cuisine characteristic of the regions in which the flights take place. The regional cuisine will be introduced primarily in the snacks and in-between meals.

It will represent the region of origin or destination.

The new program will be put in place in spring.

The new on-board cuisine program is being directed by Neil Perry, a well-known Australian chef, author and restaurateur who has been directing Qantas on-board dining for 15 years as executive chef.

Perry is responsible for the development of the menus in the business and first class cabins, as well as the sommelier program providing Qantas with a selection of Aussie wines. Passengers in the premium seats are offered menus from which they can choose their meal selections.

Much of the food is prepared on the plane.

Vegetables are blanched and meats and fish are finished off on board.

Starwood Offers up to “50% Off” Discounts at Over 160
Hotels and Resorts in Asia Pacific

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) welcomes 2012 with the launch of a sizzling ‘Red Hot Deals’ promotion where travelers can book a room at up to 50% off the Best Available Rate (BAR).

Red Hot Deals are hotter than ever. The promotion kicks off today and runs until 31 January 2012 only. ‘Red Hot Deals’ offers special rates at over 160 participating Starwood Hotels and Resorts in Asia Pacific, in premium destinations like Hong Kong, Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Shanghai, Beijing and Fiji. The special rates can be booked online, at Starwood’s Customer Contact Centers and via Global Distribution System (GDS). Visit www.starwood-ap.com/redhotdeals2012  take advantage of this limited special offer.

‘Red Hot Deals’ is valid for stays from 4 January 2012 to 31 March 2012. Please visit www.starwood-ap.com/redhotdeals2012 for the full list of terms and conditions. Participating brands include Sheraton, Westin, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Four Points by Sheraton, W and Le Méridien.