Jetsettersblog

The historic Binna Burra Mountain Lodge on the Gold Coast is due to open 18 eco-friendly, luxury sky lodge apartments. The opening in January after an investment of A$12million (approx £7.5m) completes stage one of a 15-year redevelopment plan. The Sky Lodges are surrounded by World Heritage-listed Lamington National park and offer a luxurious accommodation alternative to the accompanying Mountain Lodge. The Sky Lodges are environmentally sensitive, solar-passive and energy efficient in their design and offer breathtaking views over the Coomera and Numinbah Valleys. Prices start from A$290 (approx £180) per night for a 1 bed studio sleeping 2-3 people. www.binnaburralodge.com.au

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.

After undergoing a recent upgrade, Orpheus, set in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, is reopening its doors on March 3. Located 50 miles north of Townsville (25-minute scenic flight), the island stretches across six miles of coastline, featuring a pristine National Park and surrounded by a World Heritage-listed Marine Park. The fringing reef surrounding Orpheus is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most spectacular and diverse and, unlike other island resorts, guests aren’t required to travel offshore to experience it. It’s not uncommon for guests to swim alongside green turtles, manta rays and humpback whales.

Accommodating 34 guests at any one time; Orpheus offers absolute seclusion and can be booked in its entirety for exclusive use. The newly refurbished beachfront accommodation combines tropical sanctuary with a contemporary minimalist aesthetic. All accommodation types offer natural color schemes, Bose iPod docks, Daintree Essentials products, crisp white linen and private terraces on Hazard Bay.

The two dining areas, one al fresco-style and the other a restaurant, offer a light, contemporary and daily-changing menu that showcases the riches of the region. The island’s signature experience, Dining with the Tides, allows guests to have an intimate dinner for two on the pier under a starlit canopy. Prices start from $1,400 (twin-share) per night, which includes all meals, house wine and beers, and unlimited use of sea equipment. Flight time is approximately three hours from Sydney, 3.5 hours from Melbourne and 2.5 hours from Brisbane. For more information, call 011-61 (0)3 8644 4070 or email rachel@orpheus.com.au

Coinciding with the introduction of Virgin Australia’s new business class service to Hamilton Island, two new packages have been introduced.

The new business class service to Hamilton Island — offered for the first time in eight years — offers travelers such amenities and perks as luxury leather seating, gourmet menus, international-style cosmetic amenity kits, priority check-in/boarding and complimentary access to Virgin Australia’s lounges.

The package features accommodations at Hamilton Island’s most exclusive gated resort offering 60 one-bedroom pavilions, Spa qualia, two world-class restaurants and a host of recreational amenities.

Priced from $12,204.40 per person, the package includes roundtrip business class airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney on Virgin Australia; domestic business class flights on Virgin Australia; five nights at qualia resort in a Leeward Pavillon; full breakfast at The Long Pavilion; VIP Hamilton Island airport or marina to hotel return transfers; private beach drop-offs; private golf buggy; four nights at the Sydney Four Seasons in a deluxe city harbor view room; and private airport transfers Sydney.

For those who prefer a boutique-style accommodation, the Beach Club package is priced from $10,754.40 per person and includes roundtrip business class airfare from Los Angeles to Sydney on Virgin Australia; domestic business class flights on Virgin Australia; five nights at the Hamilton Island Beach Club; return VIP airport or marina transfers; bushwalking; use of the fitness center, squash and tennis courts; exclusive entry to the Beach Club bar, lounge, and infinity edge pool; four nights at the Sydney Four Seasons Deluxe City Harbor view room; and private airport transfers Sydney. Both packages include use of non-motorized water sports including catamarans, sailboards, paddle boards, and snorkeling gear as well as Wi-Fi access. For more information, call Aspire Down Under at 877-7-ASPIRE.

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.

Whether inspired by BBC 2’s ‘Great Barrier Reef’ whose first programme of this three part series showed the presenter Monty Halls drifting through this spectacular underwater world or simply yearning to discover the biggest coral reef structure on earth, why not take the plunge yourself and book your own underwater adventure.

Featured in BBC2’s programmes, Heron Island and Lizard Island both offer the ideal introduction to the reef with opportunities to snorkel dive and get up close and personal with flora and fauna on these Great Barrier Reef hideaways.

Lizard Island (www.lizardisland.com.au)
Since the first exploration of the island by Captain Cook, who named the island after its large popular of monitor lizards and climbed to the top of a high rock outcrop, now known as Cook’s Look, to survey the reef, Lizard island has captured visitors with its pristine beauty.

Today, one of Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef resorts, Lizard Island boasts first class accommodation and unrivalled dive sites suitable for all levels of diving experience and snorkelling with a myriad of fascinating corals, fish, clams and sharks providing an ever changing underwater show. Mixing with green sea turtles and giant clownfish, snorkelers are also rewarded for little effort with 100-year-old giant clam gardens just moments from Lizard’s beaches.

Within a 15 mile radius of Lizard Island’s 24 soft white sandy beaches lie most of the reef and island types characteristic of the entire Great Barrier Reef. This includes fringing, inner shelf (outer barrier or ribbon) and lagoon reefs with several types of coral cays plus continental islands, all of which play host to an extraordinary array of marine habitats.

With the delights of Humpback Whales and magnificent Giant Black Marlin frequenting the waters throughout the year, another not to be missed experience has to be the 60 minute boat ride to the aptly named world famous ‘Cod Hole’ which provides the enchanting experience of diving with huge giant cod.

Tailor Made Travel (0845 – 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk)  offers a 6 night Tropical Paradise package to Lizard island from £3956/person based on two sharing, including 3 nights on Lizard Island inclusive of gourmet meals and alcoholic beverages, 3 nights Angsana Resort in Cairns – the gateway to Great Barrier Reef, return international economy flights with Qantas to Cairns, the Daintree Walkabout tour and return flights from Lizard to Cairns. Terms and conditions apply.

Heron Island (www.heronisland.com)
Known the world over for its excellent Great Barrier dive sites and fantastic coral gardens and pinnacles, its no surprise that Jacques Cousteau – the world’s most famous undersea explorer of our time – listed The Heron Bommie as one of his top ten favourite dive sites.

A natural coral cay located directly on the reef, teeming with reef fish, turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and endless varieties of invertebrates, Heron Island not only boasts over 20 different dive sites but is also a precious nesting ground for endangered Green and Loggerhead Turtles as well as the cheeky Black Noddy Terns which featured in the first episode of ‘Great Barrier Reef’. Around 60% of the 1,500 species of fish and around 72% of the coral species found on the Great Barrier Reef call the waters around Heron Island home.

For underwater adventurers, diving at Heron Island is relatively shallow, with an average depth of around 15 to 35 metres, with snorkellers enjoying shallow reefs that come up to within two or three metres of the surface in places and are easily explored from off the superb sun-kissed beach.

With turtle nesting and hatching taking place from November through to May, guests also have the opportunity of watching these amazing creatures as they come ashore to lay their eggs and give rise to hundreds of baby hatchlings that will then make the ultimate dash of their lives to the sea.

An ideal place for all the family to experience the reef, Heron Island also works closely with the island’s Research Station to ensure that visitors get a real appreciation for the reef’s fascinating flora, fauna and underwater wildlife with daily presentations and a programme of educational reef and island walks.

For keen divers – a great time to visit is the island is during the Heron Island Dive Festival, which will take place from 25 – 29 July 2012.

Tailor Made Travel (0845 – 456 8050, www.tailor-made.co.uk) offers a 4 night package on Heron Island staying in a Turtle Room from £516/person including return boat transfers from Gladstone to Heron Island and all meals based on two sharing. Valid from 1 May to 31 August 2012.

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.