Jetsettersblog

Lord Howe Island is offering the opportunity to obtain a PADI Eco Dive Certificate, a 4-Day Lord Howe Environmental Dive Adventure.

With highly experienced local Dive Masters you achieve PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality Dive Certification. Here you experience multiple and varied dive sites, each highlighting a different aspect of the pristine waters and unique marine life surrounding Lord Howe Island.

Thanks to the protection of marine sanctuary zones, the coral reefs surrounding Lord Howe are some of the healthiest in the world. In addition to spectacular coral reefs, Lord Howe is renowned as a major seagrass centre and during your series of Naturalist and Fish Identification dives you will experience these two quite different underwater environs.

There are over 490 different species of bony fish at Lord Howe Island; approximately 60% are tropical, 15 species are endemic to the area, and the remainder are sub-tropical and temperate species. On the two included Fish Identification Dives it is still possible that you will encounter unrecorded fish species! In the evenings return to the warmth and comfort of Arajilla Retreat.

The Lord Howe Environmental Dive Adventure for two people includes:
- 4 Underwater Naturalist Dives to varying dive sites around Lord Howe Island
- 2 Fish Identification Dives
- PADI Underwater Naturalist Speciality Diver Certification on completion of this dive programme optional Balls Pyramid dive, both dependent on weather and diver experience

- 4 nights accommodation for two in a Kentia or Banyan Suite, with optional easy add-on nights

- All meals – gourmet breakfasts, light lunches, three course dinners with menu changing daily, plus morning and afternoon tea and selected pre-dinner drinks each evening.

- All dive equipment

- Environmental dive notes

- Bicycles and return airport transfers on the Island

Price of AUD$2,770.00 per person ($5540.00 for two) valid from 1 September until 30 November 2008 and from 1 February until 31 August 2009;
Price of AUD$3,010.00 per person valid from 1 December 2008 until 31 January 2009.

Arajilla Retreat’s normal tariff applies for any additional nights’ accommodation.

Participants must have the PADI Open Water Diver Certificate or equivalent. There is a Balls Pyramid Surcharge of $120 payable at time of the dive trip. Please note that all dives are weather dependent and will be conducted only when conditions permit. Any dive cancellations due to weather will be subject to a full refund. However all accommodation amendments and cancellations are subject to our normal booking conditions.

Arajilla is open all year round.

Bookings can be made by:
telephone via freecall 1800 063 928
email: reservations@arajilla.com.au
website: www.arajilla.com.au

Nicole Kidman has let the secret out! Whilst there may not be any scientific evidence in claims that Nicole’s dip in a Kununurra waterhole led to the conception of her daughter, there’s certainly some magic in the waterholes at El Questro!

As reported in the Australian Women’s Weekly, Nicole Kidman fell pregnant during filming of Baz Luhrmann’s movie Australia, many scenes of which were filmed at Voyages El Questro Wilderness Park. In particular Nicole pinpoints it to a swim in waterfalls just outside Kununurra, claiming there is “something in the water up there in Kununurra”.

“There is something up there in the Kununurra water because we all went swimming in the waterfalls, so we call it the fertility waters now,” she is reported as saying.

Baz Luhrmann and the Australia film crew filmed sections of the movie at El Questro, including cattle stampedes with the magnificent Cockburn Ranges as the backdrop, river crossings and drought scenes.

Whether Nicole was enjoying a dip at Emma Gorge Waterfall (just behind Voyages Emma Gorge Resort), or at any one of the deep gorges, pools and rivers at El Questro – one thing’s clear: there’s certainly some magic in the Kimberley waters! So why not make the trip to Voyages El Questro to enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the many tantalising waterholes.

Emma Gorge

Hidden within the fiery red of El Questro’s Cockburn Ranges, lies the spectacular Emma Gorge Resort. It is conveniently located close to some of El Questro’s major attractions – just two kilometres off the Gibb River Road and one hour from Kununurra. Nestled between palms and pandanus, gravel paths link the Tented Cabins, restaurant, bar, reception and gorge. Take a short stroll from the base of the gorge past butterfly-filled trees and vines to a huge turquoise waterhole, perfect for swimming, and the ideal setting for a relaxing massage under the permanent droplet waterfalls.

El Questro Gorge
Another gorgeous spot for swimming is El Questro Gorge, where the water flows beneath clouds of butterflies and gorge walls cloaked in ferns and mosses. It’s so clear it looks as if the colourful native fish that live there are hovering in mid air.

Zebedee Thermal Springs

For those who prefer to take the waters in an even more leisurely fashion, there’s always Zebedee Springs, where guests can soak beneath a canopy of Livistona palms in thermal water that spills from orange sandstone cliffs.

But hurry, the wet season is fast approaching and El Questro Wilderness Park will close its gates at the end of October, re-opening again on April 1, 2009.

For bookings:
Voyages El Questro Wilderness Park Reservations Office (Kununurra)

New, revitalised and award-winning, there’s no doubt Queensland’s spas are doing their best to pamper visitors when they come to stay!

The Gold Coast hinterland has become even more appealing following the opening of O’Reilly’s Lost World Spa in the heart of the Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. The spa has been built to make the most of the beautiful natural surrounds with panoramic windows framing the spectacular mountain and rainforest views. Pampered wilderness lovers choose from an extensive spa menu with treatments utilising local indigenous plants and Sodashi products. The spa’s signature treatment is vinotherapy which uses powerful anti-aging extracts from grapes grown in O’Reilly’s own vineyard. The seven treatment rooms include two couples’ suites complete with a hydrotherapy bath, and a Rasul steam room. www.oreillys.com.au

North Queensland has recently welcomed two new day spas – the Zen-inspired, Japanese day spa, Aiga, in the Cairns Hilton, and Wellness@Port. Aiga’s range of treatments include two specialised techniques - the keiraku massage which promises to remove stress blocks and the electronic shimpi facial. www1.hilton.com. The most difficult decision at Wellness@Port in Port Douglas is which treatments to choose. The range is extensive and ranges from a two-hour Intense Pampering to a five minute dry hydrotherapy ‘Oceanwave’.

 All facials and body treatment use Waterlilly products derived from pure botanical ingredients, natural plant extracts and infusion of essential oils. www.wellnesspa.com.au

Spa lovers visiting the Sunshine Coast are enjoying the nature-friendly multi-million dollar upgrade of the spa at the Hyatt Regency Coolum. The spa is fully enclosed within the grounds of the resort and is surrounded by native flora and fauna. The elegant copper, timber and stone interior designs blend with the landscaped gardens and most of the 18 treatment rooms have private courtyards.

The other facilities include a gymnasium with a yoga and pilates studio, outdoor spa, manicure and pedicure stations, a hair salon and separate spa wings for men and women. www.coolum.regency.hyatt.com

The Cairns International spa has a new name and a new spa menu. Mii Spa incorporates therapies and services including skin care facials, custom massages, soothing hand and foot treatments and a series of body therapies, the ultimate of which would have to be the five hour LI’TYA Spa Indulgence. Extended opening hours and new treatments and services for men have also increased accessibility to the Spa. The 10 treatment rooms include a couple’s suite, a vichy shower, a dedicated hand and foot treatment room for up to 6 people and a tranquil Relaxation Sanctuary where guests rest before and after their treatment. www.cairnsinternational.com.au

The Spa at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat opened in November 2007 and has already been named spa-goers favourite Australian spa in the annual SpaFinder Readers’ Choice Award. Located in the Tallebudgera Valley behind the Gold Coast, the Spa includes exclusive signature suites and a 33 room sanctuary in beautiful, natural surrounds with landscaping and architecture which is both environmentally sensitive and stylish.

An elevated outdoor deck and lounge overlooks the native spa garden and the treatment rooms are all themed. The Spa Sanctuary offers a range of different retreats starting on set dates throughout the year including wellness programs and specialty treatments supported by organic cuisine and extensive facilities. www.gwinganna.com

…Watch this space… A new day spa will open at Ruffles Lodge, another glorious Gold Coast hinterland retreat, in mid November, and treatments will feature the beautiful indigenous-inspired products, LI’TYA.
www.ruffleslodge.com.au

For more information on other spa and wellness getaways in Queensland visit www.queenslandholidays.com.au/spa

 

Extraordinary faces in unusual places is the theme of a new exhibition which opened this week at the Treasury on King William in Adelaide.

Faces, a collaboration between corporate art agent, Art Logic, and onejourneyman travel photojournalist, Vincent Ross, the exhibition features large format canvas images of colourful characters predominantly photographed in Rajasthan, India, and also in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

The boutique exhibition, based on photographs taken on a recent Peregrine Adventures journey through northern India, will be on display at the Treasury for four months, until the end of January, 2009.

Patrons are inspired to ponder who these extraordinary characters are, where they come from and what kind of lives they lead as they dine and enjoy a drink at the popular Adelaide bar and restaurant.

The Treasury is located in South Australia’s iconic, Victorian era, 18th Century colonial Treasury building on King William Street, once the seat of State Government and today the home of the international Medina Grand Treasury Hotel.

WHAT: Faces
WHEN: October, 2008 – January, 2009
WHERE: Treasury on King William, 144 King William Street, Adelaide (www.treasurykw.com)
WHY: Because a bar is a great place to meet interesting people and you will be hard-pressed to find people more interesting than those on display.

Contact:
onejourneyman
Vincent Ross
Phone:044 777 4624 or 08 8294 6602
onejourneyman@gmail.com

Western Australia’s Kimberley region has been positioned as the real star of Australia in the much-anticipated Tourism Australia campaign “Come Walkabout”, produced by acclaimed director Baz Luhrmann.

The two ninety-second mini movies demonstrate the transforming nature of the Kimberley region, allowing people to get back to basics and be inspired by this ancient, magical part of Australia.

Glen Chidlow, CEO of Australia’s North West, said he was extremely proud that Baz Luhrmann chose to showcase the Kimberley region of Western Australia in the new Tourism Australia advertising campaign.

“The fact that the Kimberley region is the only Australian location that was filmed in the new Tourism Australia advertisements, is testament to how truly spectacular this part of Australia is,” Mr Chidlow said.

“The watering hole showcased in the “Billabong” version of the ad, and the Boab tree seen in the “Boab” version, are both located in the beautiful Kimberley region, accessible from the eastern gateway of Kununurra.”

The publicity that the region will receive off the back of Tourism Australia’s new campaign is in addition to the once-in-a-lifetime marketing opportunity offered by Australia the movie, which will be released in Australia on November 26.

“In September last year, Baz Luhrmann and his crew filmed a large majority of Australia in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, so it was such a compliment that he chose to come back to the area to film the advertisements.

“El Questro Wilderness Park, Home Valley Station, Digger’s Rest Station, Faraway Bay, the Cockburn Range and the icon of the Kimberley, the Boab tree, are all set to be world famous - so it’s an amazing and exciting time for the local community and for Western Australia.”

Adding to the star quality of the region, 11-year-old Brandon Walters from Broome, the western gateway to the Kimberley, stars in both the “Come Walkabout” campaign, and as Nullah in Australia.

New Caledonia is stamped on the map as a hot destination for New Zealanders in 2009.

Flight Centre has studied its top selling destination data and found that New Caledonia has consistently gained popularity over the past 12 months and will be one of the places to be seen in 2009, describing it as France’s best kept secret.

“New Caledonia is a fabulous destination and is steadily gaining in popularity with New Zealanders – as shown by Flight Centre’s statistics,” says Karen Priest, New Caledonia Tourism New Zealand Manager. “This is the result of some fantastic campaigns we have run over the last 18 months or so that have attracted a lot of New Zealanders to the destination.”

Ms Priest says that New Caledonia is poised to become a very popular holiday – and business – destination with the New Zealand market. Its close proximity (2 ½ hour flight), tropical temperatures, white sand beaches, shopping and French infused culture and cuisine are all major drawcards.

“New Caledonia has fabulous hotels, resorts and conference venues as well as culture and activities. It’s also a very cost effective option and sitting right on our doorstep.”

Ms Priest says there will again be some fantastic deals out in the market for 2009 that will make New Caledonia irresistible to visit.

New Caledonia is joined by Greece, Brunei, Croatia, Vietnam, Bali, Mexico, Czech Republic, United Arab Emirates and Spain as Flight Centre’s hot destinations for 2009.

Do something new and visit New Caledonia

For further information access www.newcaledonia.co.nz

Preparations are hotting up at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa for the Gold Coast’s premier sporting event, the Nikon Indy 300!

More than 200 kilograms of prawns, 3600 oysters, 250 kilograms of potatoes, 20 litres of Thousand Island dressing and 900 freshly-made Danish pastries will be consumed in the Resort’s famous restaurants and bars – the social pulse for all the off-track action.

The award-winning Resort is renowned as a celebrity and social hot spot throughout the four-day event and this year will be no exception.

Accommodation is almost fully booked but the Resort’s luxurious five-star hospitality extends to everyone, from the VIPs and Indy officials to hotel guests and party goers who are keen to relax or socialise after an action packed day on the track.

“The hottest four day party of the year is happening at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa during the Indy 300,” said Director of Food & Beverage, Daryn Hudson.

“Long after the adrenalin pumping action stops each day, the party atmosphere continues in the Resort’s bars and award-winning restaurants, which are conveniently located track side.

“The Marriott is the place to fuel up on sumptuous feasts or to simply soak up the style and luxury only offered in a five-star, world class resort.”

Fresh seafood is the most popular menu choice in the Resort’s signature eatery, the Lagoon Restaurant.

“For guests and visitors we have a sensational seafood buffet that overflows with the freshest of produce and is the perfect way to start and finish a day at the track,” he said.

“Every guest will receive a complimentary glass of house red, white or sparkling wine with the buffet over Indy.”

For those who like to keep the entertainment at full throttle, the Benihana Japanese Steakhouse, located on level three, is where chefs are as skilled at cooking as they are at the art of entertaining.

Featuring banquet menus from $79 per person, it is certainly a place to indulge in fine food and soak up some off-track atmosphere.

Guests are also invited to enjoy the newly opened Sake Bar, located within Benihana, which offers guests a contemporary, cosy social setting for drinks or Japanese-style tapas.

The Lobby Lounge Bar, which overlooks the Resort’s stunning lagoon pools, is where the party atmosphere heats up with live bands and entertainment every night during the Indy carnival.

Gold Coast singer-songwriter Casey Barnes will return to the Lobby Lounge for two shows on the 23rd and 24th October and Brisbane’s finest rock covers band, Stifflers Mum will perform on the 25th and 26th October.

“Indy fever is almost upon us and we are fully prepared. Each year, things just seem to get bigger and better and the Marriott always plays a part in that,” Mr Hudson said.

“The Resort will be buzzing with people who are calling in to have a drink with friends, listen to the talented artists in the Lobby Lounge or to enjoy the diverse dining experiences on offer.

“Don’t miss all of the off-track action while enjoying the finer things in life at the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa.”

Dining and accommodation packages can be arranged by phoning

the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa on 07 5592 9800.

*No discounts including the Marriott Gold Card will apply.

Extra information:

Entertainment in the Lobby Lounge Bar during Indy

Thursday 23rd October, 7pm - 11pm - Casey Barnes

Friday 24th October, 7pm - 11pm - Casey Barnes

Saturday 25th October, 6pm - 11pm, Stifflers Mum

Sunday 26th October, 5.30pm - 11pm, Stifflers Mum

Peregrine will venture into Greece and ‘Green’ Spain for the first time in its European Program for 2009. To launch the 2009-10 Europe brochure, covering walking, cycling and cultural adventures across Eastern and Western Europe, Peregrine is offering an Early Bird discount of 10 per cent off the tour price for all new bookings made and deposited by December 12, 2008.

The eight-day Highlights of Greece tour follows in the fabled footsteps of ancient gods and mortals – from Zeus to Aristotle. It explores the historic sites of mainland Greece, from the Acropolis in Athens to ancient Olympia, home of the gods and the first Olympic Games. It visits the gravity-defying mountain-top monasteries of Meteora, built by hermit monks in the 14th century, and the Oracle of Delphi, proclaimed by Zeus as the centre of the world. In the Peloponnese Peninsula, there are two relaxing days in the medieval village of Dimitsana, the base for exploring the Lousios Valley – one of the most beautiful in Arcadia - before returning via Mycenae to Athens.

Prices for Highlights of Greece start at AUD$2750 per person, twin share, land only and include a local tour leader, accommodation, breakfasts, transport and entrance fees. There are regular departures between May and September and the trip can be combined with the eight-day Crete and Santorini Explorer (AUD$2675 per person).

Peregrine has also introduced new tours in Spain, from ‘Green’ Spain in the north to the mountainous Pyrenees separating Spain from France, and a combination Spain-Morocco trip.

The eight-day Green Spain & the Pilgrims’ Way begins in contemporary Bilbao, then detours to explore the deep forests, mountains and tiny fishing hamlets of the north western corner of Spain. There are gentle walks in the Picos de Europa National Park and along parts of the renowned Primitivo pilgrim route. There’s time to wander the cobbled streets of the brightly-painted villages along the Cabo de Peñas coast – and to sample the local produce. The journey ends in Santiago de Compostela, site of the Catedral de Santiago – the centuries-old destination for pilgrims from across Europe and the world.

Prices for Green Spain & the Pilgrims’ Way start at AUD$3195 per person twin share and include a local tour leader, accommodation, breakfasts, transport and entrance fees. There are five departures from Bilbao between May and September, 2009.

For more information contact your travel agent or Peregrine Adventures on 1300 854 500 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com

Behind this secret curtain, nature has flourished, resulting in a vast and pristine wilderness described by Lonely Planet as ‘one of the world’s most beautiful regions’.

Fire-spitting volcanoes cloaked in ice dominate the landscape; remote indigenous tribes live as they have done for centuries, while rivers filled with salmon attract the highest concentration of brown bears on the planet. Teeming with an astounding diversity of wildlife including whales, sea lions, otters and birds, against a backdrop of wildflower-filled meadows, verdant valleys and towering mountain ranges - the Russian Far East is an adventure lover’s dream.

Australian-owned expedition cruising company, Aurora Expeditions, invites you to uncover the majesty and mystery of this remarkable region on one of its three voyages departing in 2009.

Travelling aboard the ice-strengthened 100-passenger Marina Svetaeva, the three expeditions will explore secluded islands and sites that would be impossible by any means other than by ship.

The 14-day ‘Ring of Fire’ expedition to the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka departs on 11 July 2009 from Sakhalin Island in Russia and travels through the islands that lie like stepping-stones between Japan and Russia ending in the town of Petropavlosk.

The second 14-day ‘Bering Sea Explorer’ expedition to Kamchatka and Chukotka departs from Petropavlosk in Russia on 24 July and visits the Commander Islands, Karaginsky Island, the Chukotka Coast and Arakamchechen Archipelago, and some of the least visited wilderness areas on Earth.

The final 13-day ‘Arctic Ocean Discoverer’ voyage explores the Bering Straight and remote Wrangel Island, travelling high above the Arctic Circle where few have ventured. The voyage departs on 6 August 2009 and begins and ends in Nome, Alaska.

Prices for all three voyages start at US$5,490 per person and include accommodation and use of all public areas on board the ship, all meals, guided shore excursions, lectures with expert naturalists and historians, and all port taxes. Sea kayaking is an additional option.

For further information and bookings call 1800 637 688 or visit www.auroraexpeditions.com.au

Fly for Free to Orpheus this Christmas & New Year Christmas & New Year at Orpheus is not for everyone. However, this year you can be one of the selected few to spend this special time of year away from the daily stresses of work, traffic, smog, friends, family, day trippers, noisy children and world events. Rest assured, this doesn’t mean that the festivities and great food of the season will be bypassed. Far from it….every detail will be taken care of in true Orpheus style.

For a limited time, Orpheus is offering FREE return scenic flights ex Townsville for any booking of five nights or more over the Christmas and New Year period – offering a saving of AUD$900. This special offer is valid for travel only from 21 December 2008 – 31 January 2009.

Escape to the sophisticated seclusion on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef, to one of the last remaining privately owned island retreats in the world. Surrounded by 1,300 hectares of pristine national park, Orpheus is an exclusive hideaway for those seeking a natural, relaxing and rejuvenating environment of palm fringed bays and enticing translucent waters.

Strictly limited to 42 pampered guests, Orpheus offers premium services and total seclusion. The island is an idyllic haven for escaping the frenzied pace of modern life with no telephones, televisions, day-trippers, nightclubs or children under the age of fifteen.

Awaken on Christmas Day to spend the day however you please. Escape to your own private beach, take part in a local snorkel exploring the 1,100 types of tropical fish and abundant coral life in our surrounding waters, or simply relax by the pool and waste away the hours – it’s your choice. Experience the award winning dining at Orpheus and join our Chefs for a gourmet Australian BBQ lunch, followed by a traditional five course degustation Christmas Dinner that evening with all the festive trimmings – and all tailor made to your individual dietary requirements!

Plans are underway already for New Years Eve and it is sure to be a night to remember. The evening will begin with sunset drinks and canapés, followed by a dining extravaganza guaranteed to tantalize the tastebuds. This exquisite evening is further complimented with your own exclusive band – Mirasole. The acclaimed duo will bring in the New Year with laughter, dancing and spectacular dining.

Priced from AUD$3625 per person (based on double/twin share), the five night package includes:

• FREE return scenic flights ex Townsville
• 5 nights private beachfront accommodation in an Orpheus Retreat
• Meet & Greet with fresh fruit cocktail
• All meals – including a la carte breakfast, alfresco dining or gourmet seafood picnic hamper and seven course degustation-style menu each evening
• Christmas & New Year inclusions
• Unlimited use of motorised dinghies, paddle skis, catamarans, canoes, snorkelling equipment, local snorkel trips, light fishing gear, pools, gymnasium, recreation room, tennis court, bushwalking and selected interpretive activities.