Jetsettersblog

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.

With an exquisite selection of retreats and resorts in Australia and New Zealand’s most romantic destinations, Peppers is the perfect choice to celebrate St Valentine’s Day on February 14.

From chic hotels to quaint country retreats, Peppers offers a getaway to suit every couple’s idea of romance.

Choose from the following selection of top love nests to assist you in stoking the flames of love this Valentine’s Day…

TROPICAL NORTH QLD
Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas: Love is in the air at Peppers Beach Club at Port Douglas for the entire month of February. The luxurious resort is offering a Valentine’s Day package which includes overnight accommodation in a luxurious Spa Suite, full breakfast for two, a bottle of bubbles, box of chocolates and rose petals scattered on the bed in the shaped of a heart from $252* per couple per night. Valid until 29 February, 2012. Call 07 4087 1000 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

Peppers Beach Club & Spa, Palm Cove: Overlooking a stunning palm-fringed beach, Peppers Beach Club & Spa at Palm Cove has crafted a special Valentine’s Day Package. Priced from $265* per couple per night, the romantic package includes overnight accommodation in a Lagoon Spa Room with sparkling wine, chocolates and frangipani flowers on each pillow on arrival. The following morning, guests will also be treated to a special gourmet lovers continental breakfast delivered to their room. The first 25 lucky couples to book will also receive a complimentary room upgrade. Valid until 31 March, 2012. Call 07 4059 9200 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

Peppers Coral Coast Resort, Airlie Beach: The tropical haven of Peppers Coral Coast Resort, Airlie Beach is the ideal setting for a romantic Valentine’s Day escape. Be pampered at the luxury resort where guests who book a Valentine’s Day package from $599* per couple per night will enjoy overnight accommodation in a One Bedroom Apartment, breakfast for two, a $100 dinner voucher at the resort’s Tides Restaurant & Bar, a pamper treatment at the onsite endota spa plus a bottle of sparkling wine and gourmet cheese plate on arrival. Valid from 10 to 15 February, 2012. Call 07 4962 5100 or email coralcoast@peppers.com.au.

GOLD COAST, QLD
Peppers Broadbeach, Gold Coast: Relax, unwind and rejuvenate this Valentine’s Day at Peppers Broadbeach, the pinnacle of cutting-edge accommodation on the Gold Coast, on their luxurious All About You Package. The package is priced from $295* per couple per night and includes overnight accommodation for two people in a spacious One Bedroom Suite, a 30 minute clarity massage at endota spa, unlimited in-room movies and internet access, their superb pillow menu, complimentary iPad hire plus onsite parking and daily housekeeping servicing. Valid until 31 March, 2012. Call 07 5635 1000 or email broadbeach@peppers.com.au.

Peppers Ruffles Lodge & Spa, Gold Coast Hinterland: Located just 30 minutes from Surfers Paradise, this architecturally stunning retreat is ideal for lovebirds looking for a hinterland escape. Catering exclusively for adults, the retreat has Valentine’s Day all wrapped up with their special Valentine’s Day package. Includes overnight accommodation, a bottle of French champagne and a fruit platter on arrival, a three-course candlelit dinner for two people, breakfast for two and their evening turndown with port and chocolates. Priced from $570* per couple for a Garden Villa or Chums Spa Villa, $720* per couple for a Treehouse Pool Villa or $770* per couple for the Executive Suite. Valid 10 to 17 February, 2012. Call 07 5546 7411 or email ruffleslodge@peppers.com.au.

NORTHERN NSW
Peppers Bale Salt, Kingscliff: Treat your loved one to Peppers Bale Salt’s romantic Luxury Package. Priced at $449* per couple per night, relax in a beautifully appointed One Bedroom Apartment and indulge in an assortment of package inclusions such as a three-course a la carte dinner at Season restaurant, full buffet breakfast for two, a welcome drink on arrival, a bottle of wine and cheese platter in-room on arrival, evening turn-down service, executive concierge services and unlimited in-room movies and internet access. Luxury Package guests staying on February 14 will also be treated to a private, candlelit booth for their dinner at Season and complimentary glass of sparkling wine each. Valid for travel from 1 February to 31 March, 2012. Call 02 6674 7777 or email salt@peppers.com.au.

Peppers Coorabell Retreat, Byron Hinterland: Couples will go head-over-heels for Peppers Coorabell Retreat’s Hinterland Romance Package which is available every weekend throughout February and includes overnight accommodation in a Rainforest Suite, a bottle of champagne, scented oils and music on arrival to set the mood for love to shine, a romantic candlelit two-course dinner at the retreat’s highly-acclaimed Wilsons by the Creek restaurant, breakfast for two and a late 12pm check-out from $369* per couple per night. Valid until 26 February, 2012. Call 02 6684 7348 or email coorabellretreat@peppers.com.au.

SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS, NSW
Peppers Manor House, Southern Highlands: Speak the language of love with Peppers Manor House’s Ultimate Indulgence Package from $575* per couple per night. Includes overnight, romantic candle-lit three-course dinner for two at the retreat’s award winning Katers Restaurant, breakfast for two, sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival and a 30 minute relaxation massage per person at the onsite endota spa. Valid on 14 February, 2012. Call 02 4860 3111 or email manorhouse@peppers.com.au.

DAYLESFORD, VIC
Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, Hepburn Springs: When it comes to an intimate Valentine’s Day experience, it doesn’t get any more romantic than Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat’s Valentine’s Day Escape package. Includes overnight accommodation in a luxurious Superior Room with a two person spa bath, a twilight bathing session at Mineral Spa, a three-course a la carte dinner for two at Wild Birch restaurant, a dozen red roses and a selection of local hand-made chocolates, breakfast in bed or full buffet breakfast at The Conservatory and a late check-out of 12pm for $665* per couple per night. For added luxury, couples can also upgrade to the Deluxe Valentine’s Day Escape which, in addition to the above, also includes a take home hamper of regional produce and a couples Mineral Spa body and face treatment for $995* per couple per night. Valid for stays on 13 or 14 February, 2012. Call 03 5348 2202 or email springsretreat@peppers.com.au.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VIC
Peppers The Sands Resort, Torquay: Peppers The Sands Resort has an oriental inspired package for lovebirds looking to escape to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. The luxury resort’s Indulgent Oriental Geisha Retreat package is priced at $399* per couple per night and includes overnight accommodation in a Studio Room, breakfast for two, a 12pm late check-out and an Oriental Geisha day spa package for two at Saltair Spa Retreat, just a five minute drive from the resort. Valid until 30 April, 2012. Call 03 5264 3333 or email hotel.reservations@thesandstorquay.com

NEW ZEALAND
Peppers Bluewater Resort, Lake Tekapo: Surprise your loved one with a Valentine’s Day package that is ‘two perfect’ at Peppers Bluewater Resort at Lake Tekapo. Priced at $530* per couple per night, the package includes overnight accommodation in a One Bedroom Lakeview Villa, a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, a Valentine’s Day degustation dinner for two, breakfast for two, two hot pool passes at Alpine Springs and a 1pm late check-out. Valid 10 to 18 February, 2012. Call +64 3 680 7000 or visit www.peppers.co.nz.

Or take the option of allowing your Valentine to choose their own way to celebrate the day with a Peppers gift voucher. Priced from $50, these can be redeemed for accommodation at participating Peppers properties. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au

*Subject to availability.

Grand Pacific Tours, the New Zealand Luxury Coach Holiday specialist, has just released their 2012/13 Luxury Coach Holidays brochure. The distinct cover of The Tiki, an important figure to the Maori of New Zealand, provides a unique New Zealand element and was specially designed for Grand Pacific Tours.

Grand Pacific Tours product portfolio continues to be clearly defined in three categories, offering an itinerary to suit all budgets and interests:-

• Luxury Coach Holidays
• Ultimate Small Group Touring
• Special Interest Tours including Festive Season Holidays

The Luxury Coach Holiday range of tours has been successfully operating since the company began in 1996. Travellers have the choice of 5 different tours, each offering something different, that vary in duration from 9 to 19 Days. All are inclusive of airfares, accommodation, most meals, extensive sightseeing and travel on luxury 48 seater two door vehicles.

The Ultimate Small Group Touring collection offers a premium experience on New Zealand’s most luxurious touring vehicle. Travel on a full size coach which normally houses 49 seats and has been reconfigured with only 20 luxury leather seats. Choose from one of four itineraries all including premium accommodation; a deluxe travel set and the intimacy of travelling in a small group environment providing a more discerning touring experience. This seasons Ultimate Tour programme was SOLD OUT!

For the first time, a selection of tours over the Festive Season are also included, offering travellers the choice to travel aboard the Luxury Coach, staying in deluxe accommodation or for a more intimate experience, travel on the Ultimate Coach with only 20 luxury leather seats, staying in premium accommodation.

Brief descriptions of the Special Interest Holidays are incorporated that are based around themes such as Lawn Bowls, Probus, Steam Trains, Aviation, Garden & Single Travellers Tours. A popular tour for Steam Train buffs is the newly released 10 or 18 Day Steam Train Journey, the standalone 8 page brochure incorporates nine unique Rail Journeys and coincides with the 100 year Anniversary of the TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown.

The itineraries can be viewed online and brochures can also be ordered via the website.

For more information contact Grand Pacific Tours on 1800 622 768 or visit www.grandpacifictours.com

Georgina Torrington has created a new company aimed at providing passionate owners of tourism ventures with sales and marketing expertise to help build their business.

“This year has really started with a bang with the launch of Velox Group which is my business that will utilise the contacts and experience from decades of understanding and working with the MICE market,” enthusiastically explains Georgina.

Velox Group already has its first set of clients and will provide strategic advice along with the tools to implement a sales programme to grow their business. Tourism businesses that will benefit from the wealth of experience at Velox Group include adventure tourism, eco-tourism, cultural and culinary tourism ventures as well as niche activities. Thus stated, Velox Group’s first client is HOT Events.

Georgina was most recently the Business Manager for HOT Events and House of Travel Rugby. Her experience spans the hotel industry with sales management roles with Hilton Auckland and The InterContinental Hotels Group as Conference and Incentive Sales Manager and Key Account Manager respectively.

“Velox Group specialises in domestic and inbound sales, account management, lead generation and marketing representation to New Zealand based activities and team building providers to the MICE industry,” continues Georgina.

For more information about Velox Group, please visit www.veloxgroup.co.nz

Air New Zealand Group General Manager Australasia Bruce Parton said the airline was delighted to have won the recent Government tender to operate the services.

“Air New Zealand has a significant presence in the Tasman market and has a long and well-established relationship with the people of Norfolk Island, having been a trusted air service provider to customers there since 1947,” he says.

The Australian services will complement Air New Zealand’s weekly services between Auckland and Norfolk Island.

“Air New Zealand will now be flying five days a week into Norfolk Island from either Australia or New Zealand, with services on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

Mr Parton says the new services, utilising a 168 seat A320, are a good fit into the airline’s short-haul schedule.

“We are excited about the opportunity to deliver our award-winning, uniquely Kiwi experience to customers who will be travelling with us between Australia and Norfolk Island.”

Mr Parton hopes the new services will provide a tourism boost to Norfolk Island, which is famed for its natural beauty and fascinating history.

“Another benefit for our customers and Norfolk Island Tourism is our ability to offer dual destination travel – for example, Australian travellers will now be able to choose to visit both Norfolk Island and New Zealand on the same itinerary.”

“We’re also able to leverage our strong distribution platform in Australia to assist with the ongoing promotion of Norfolk Island as a destination, and are looking forward to working closely with Norfolk Island Tourism to support these services.”

Air New Zealand will initially operate two services per week between Sydney and Norfolk Island (on a Monday and Friday) and two a week between Brisbane and Norfolk Island (Tuesday and Saturday), with services to commence on 2 March 2012.

Mr Parton is confident that there is good opportunity for Air New Zealand to build on the proposed schedule and deliver additional services during busy tourism months.

“We will certainly look at operating additional services during peak seasons and adjusting our capacity as appropriate to meet ongoing demand,” he says.

Customers will be able to select from Air New Zealand’s innovative Seats to Suit product which enables customers to tailor their travel according to their needs. Four fare product offerings include Seat only, a Seat and checked bag, The Works (which includes inflight entertainment, meals and drinks) or Works Deluxe, which adds in premium check in, priority baggage, lounge access where available, an additional checked bag, and a guaranteed empty seat next to you in the air.

Proposed schedule:

Sydney-Norfolk Island (Monday and Friday) depart 0935 arrive 1240
Norfolk Island-Sydney (Monday and Friday) depart 1340 arrive 1610

Brisbane-Norfolk Island (Tuesday and Saturday) depart 1010 arrive 1400
Norfolk Island-Brisbane (Tuesday and Saturday) depart 1500 arrive 1610

Air New Zealand has won Air Transport World’s prestigious Airline of the Year award for the second time in three years.

This is the first time in the nearly 40-year history of the awards that an airline has won the Airline of the Year twice in three years. Air New Zealand has won more ATW awards than any other airline in the past decade.

In the eyes of the judges, Air New Zealand was the best airline in the world in the past twelve months.

The ATW judges lauded Air New Zealand’s industry-leading innovation and motivation of its staff, which had resulted in exceptional performance across the airline in market position, customer service, fiscal management and operational safety.

They described Air New Zealand as an industry trendsetter in a number of areas including product innovation and social media.

Judges were also impressed with the airline’s environmental initiatives including its commitment to operating a very young and highly fuel efficient fleet.

Air New Zealand was also commended for the way in which it had dealt with several natural disasters including the Christchurch earthquakes, and had stepped up to assist the communities that were affected.

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe, who will travel to Singapore next month to collect the award, said today’s announcement came as a huge thrill.

“Winning ATW Airline of the Year in 2010 was in my view one of the greatest accolades that had ever been bestowed on Air New Zealand – in our industry it’s equivalent to winning an Oscar. To pick up the award again this year is simply outstanding.”

The awards ceremony, which will be held in Singapore on February 13, will be attended by hundreds of aviation leaders from around the world.

“For Air New Zealand to again be recognised as the number one airline in competition with the world’s biggest and best airlines is testament to the continued hard work and passion of our 11,500 staff throughout the world,” says Mr Fyfe.

Mr Fyfe said the award reflected Air New Zealanders’ commitment to delivering customers with a uniquely Kiwi experience in one of the world’s most competitive industries.

“For many years now we have pursued a strategy that recognises that our people, rather than our planes, are the most valuable asset in our business.

“The airline industry is volatile and we believe the agility of our people to adapt and adjust our business to changing customer expectations, new competitors and uncertain economic conditions has enabled Air New Zealand to outperform most of our peers both financially and in terms of the genuine service we deliver.”

Mr Fyfe said the airline continued to be recognised internationally for its innovation, particularly in its marketing approach and products such as the game-changing economy Skycouch seating on its new 777-300ER aircraft.

“Air New Zealand will never be afraid to push the boundaries in striving to deliver a fabulously memorable experience to customers at every point in their journey, both on the ground and in the air.”

Mr Fyfe says the airline has come a long way since receiving the ATW Phoenix Award in 2005, an award that recognised “a commercial rebirth through a life-changing transformation”. At the time, judges commented that “Air New Zealand survived a near-death experience in 2001 to remake itself into a profitable and innovative competitor across different markets. In just three years, Air New Zealand has become an industry leader in both product and culture”.

Since then the airline had gone on to win the ATW Passenger Service Award in 2008 and the ATW Public Relations Award in 2009, an award that hadn’t been presented since 1997.

Last year it won more than 25 awards across the business – including for its innovation, inflight product, design, brand and marketing strength and customer service.

Summer Savings on Guided Vacations up to $870* per couple including Guaranteed Departures

Winter weather brings thoughts of great summer travel, so Brendan Vacations , the Ireland Specialist, is offering Definite Deal Days to turn those winter dreams into a summer reality! Book your Brendan dream vacation by March 10, 2012, and you can save up to $870 per couple on any 2012 Guided Vacation, including Brendan’s new exclusive guaranteed departures to Eastern European destinations.

* Travel must be taken by October 31 st, and when you pay in full at least six months prior to departure, you can save up to 5% per couple on the land portion of your vacation!

“Our many new guaranteed-departure vacations for summer coupled with a great incentive to book early translates into peace of mind and a great value for every traveler,” says Nico Zenner, President of Brendan Vacations.

“A great many immersive, new itineraries to Ireland and Europe qualify for savings, as do many of our Guided Vacations to Australia, New Zealand, USA & Canada, as well as Central and South America.”

Choose from popular itineraries below, including our new vacation in Ireland. Definite Deal Days is valid on all of the following 2012 Guided brochures: Europe , Ireland & Scotland , South & Central America, USA & Canada and Australia & New Zealand.

NEW Eastern European Guided Vacations featuring guaranteed departures:

Imperial Cities Showcase – 9 Days from $1,680**

Highlights include: Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, Krakow

Dalmatian Sunshine – 9 Days from $1,830**

Highlights include: Bled, Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes

The Best of Ukraine, Poland & Hungary – 12 Days from $2,498**

Highlights include: Krakow, Budapest, Kiev, Lviv, Zakopane, Kamenets Podolsky

The Balkans & Venice Revealed – 11-Days from $2,515**

Highlights include: Venice, Bled, Split, Dubrovnik, Plitvice Lakes

For a full listing of our new Eastern European Vacations, visit our What’s New for 2012 page or refer to our Europe brochure.

Or choose from one of our Favorite Vacations, Worldwide:

Highlights of Peru – 8 Days from $1,895**
Highlights include: Lima, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, Cuzco

Western Frontiers – 11 Days from $2,225**

Highlights include: Las Vegas, Bryce Canyon, Salt Lake City, Jackson, Yellowstone, Billings, Rapid City, Denver

Castles & Manors – 10 Days from $3,285**

Highlights include: Dublin, Donegal, Connemara, Killarney, Kilkenny
Highlights of Australia & New Zealand – 24 Days from $8,579**

Highlights include: Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney, Auckland, Rotorua, Darfield, Franz Josef, Queenstown

All Guided Vacations include accommodations, transfers, select meals and services of an experienced Travel Director aboard a private luxury motorcoach. Travelers will also receive travel documents and a souvenir group photo.

For more information and to book, please call Brendan Vacations at 1 (800) 421-8446 or visit www.BrendanVacations.com  for complete details.

A new tour package is being offered by New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers GC and Kauri Cliffs GC, the two top-rated resort courses in the Asia-Pacific region.

Both clubs are owned by hedge fund entrepreneur Julian Robertson, whose holdings also include two on-site lodges (and another on New Zealand’s South Island).

The Tiger Tour — named for Robertson’s Tiger Fund — might be the most expensive golf tour on offer anywhere in the world, assembling on a single itinerary golf, lodging, cuisine, helicopter tours, horseback riding, fly fishing, ocean sailing and winery tours in New Zealand.

The Tiger Tour is scheduled for March 12 to 20. The Tiger Tour, an eight-night/nine-day tour of New Zealand resorts Robertson and his family have developed since 2000, will launch in March at the end of the summer season Down Under. Retailing at $33,350 NZD ($26,199) per couple, this itinerary includes everything but airfare to and from New Zealand.

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

AMAZING GRACE: Peppers Beach Club & Spa in picturesque Palm Cove is welcoming Vanessa Grace to the team as the new Executive Chef. Vanessa is looking forward to setting a new benchmark for dining at Lime & Pepper restaurant – a stand out venue on the Williams Esplanade dining strip. Joining Peppers from Heron Island and having previously worked on Lizard Island in Tropical North Queensland and Long Island in the Whitsundays, Vanessa will draw on her superb knowledge of tropical flavours and produce to create a unique dining experience for locals and guests. Visit www.peppers.com.au  for more information.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

INTO THE BLUE: Peppers Blue on Blue Resort on Magnetic Island is the new focus for Abraham Dow, who has been appointed as General Manager of the popular island resort. A venue of choice for weddings and conferences, Abraham brings with him a wealth of expertise having previously managed large scale events at Bellachara Boutique Resort Gerringong on the New South Wales South Coast. Set in tropical landscaped surrounds with marina and mountain views, and positioned in the heart of a new waterfront precinct, the resort is a 25 minute ferry ride from Townsville and a leisurely stroll from the Magnetic Island ferry terminal. Visit www.peppers.com.au  for more information.

MARTINBOROUGH, NEW ZEALAND

SIMON SAYS: The newest addition to the Peppers New Zealand network, Peppers Parehua Country Estate, has welcomed Simon Tocker as its new General Manager. Simon brings with him an array of senior hospitality management experience as well as extensive Executive Chef skills as former owner of the restaurant at Huka Falls Resort in Taupo. Executive Chef Paul Condron has also joined the team from Elephant Hill winery estate restaurant in Hawkes Bay where his culinary flair catapulted Elephant Hill to the forefront of the region’s dining highlights. Located just minutes from charming Martinborough Village and one hour’s drive from Wellington, Peppers Parehua Country Estate offers a range of luxurious accommodation options with 28 exclusive suites and villas or garden and lakeside cottages. Visit www.peppers.co.nz  for more information.

HOT DEALS:

TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND

SPENDLESS SUMMER: Escape with your family to the holiday haven of Peppers Beach Club & Spa in Palm Cove before the end of April and enjoy three nights for the price of two. Stay for three and pay for two from just $290* per night in a Lagoon Spa Room, from $390* per night in a One Bedroom Lagoon Suite and from $490* per night in a Two Bedroom Lagoon Suite. Reconnect as a family, indulge in a spa treatment at the onsite Salt Beauty & Spa, enjoy a gourmet beach picnic or dine at the resort’s Lime & Pepper restaurant where kids 12 years and under eat for free (complimentary kids meal for each adult meal purchased). Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

MAGNETIC ISLAND, QUEENSLAND

MAGNETIC ATTRACTION: Set in tropical landscaped surrounds with beautiful marina and mountain views, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort redefines the essence of island holidays. Enjoy an island escape with these great bed & breakfast deals from $179* per night in a Hotel Room, from $279* per night in One Bedroom, or from $329* per night in a Two Bedroom. All rates include breakfast for two people. Valid until 31 March, 2012. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

ROD STEWART TOUR: The cosmopolitan vibe of Broadbeach is enticing all year round, but when a music legend such as Rod Stewart comes to town, there’s even more reason to visit this beautiful Gold Coast hub of dining, shopping and sightseeing. With forty years of chart-topping singles and albums under his belt, the ageless Rod Stewart will be rocking his incredible ‘The Hits’ tour at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on February 9. Hear all the favourites from Sailing to Maggie May, and enjoy a performance from special guest Diesel. Then simply stroll back to the comfort of your contemporary and luxurious five-star accommodation at Peppers Broadbeach. From $265* per room per night for a One Bedroom Suite. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

TWEED COAST, NEW SOUTH WALES

YEARNING FOR YOGA? Rejuvenation and relaxation is guaranteed at a series of yoga retreats on offer at Peppers Salt Resort & Spa at Kingscliff. For beginners through to experienced practitioners, join Yoga TV host Kris McIntyre at each retreat for soothing Ryoho yoga therapy. The four retreats have a specific focus including:

17- 19 February: Digestion, weight loss, energy levels and sugar cravings
18-20 May: Mother & Daughter retreat focusing on women’s health, sugar cravings, stress release and core strength
20-22 July: Stress release and sexual energy
12-14 October : Power and strength, upper back release, blood pressure, circulation and happy hearts

Priced from $557* per person twin share, the Yoga Retreat package includes two nights accommodation, full buffet breakfast daily, five yoga classes, a yoga mat and DVD. In addition, workshops, Zumba classes and a 50-minute spa treatment at the onsite The Golden Door Spa, wholesome meals including supper on Friday and lunch and dinner on Saturday inspired by The Golden Door cook book and prepared by Peppers Salt Resort & Spa’s onsite restaurant Season, full use of resort leisure facilities, unlimited in-room movies and more. Non-residential packages are available from $407* per person including all yoga classes, mat, The Golden Door Spa treatment, one dinner and two lunches. For bookings call 02 6670 5027 or email jolene.napper@conferencesandeventsatsalt.com.au 

DAYLESFORD, VICTORIA

CHILL OUT: It’s time to mix the stylish with the serene and begin the new year in the right frame of mind at Hepburn Springs thanks to the ‘Chill, Soak, Relax’ package at Peppers Mineral Springs Retreat, a grand 1930′s guest house that has been transformed into a deluxe retreat with elegant reception areas, leafy gardens and stunning courtyards. Stay for two nights from $480* and receive a 90-minute pass to the mineral water therapy zone at the award-winning Mineral Spa to reach that stress free goal and enjoy a weekend away or romantic escape. Valid to March 31. Call 1300 987 600 or visit www.peppers.com.au.

SURF COAST, VICTORIA

TAKE THE PLUNGE: Peppers The Sands Resort, Torquay has devised a unique Indulgent Oriental Geisha Retreat for guests to sit back and relax in a private Japanese plunge bath at Saltair Spa Retreat before indulging in an hour-long Susu Dew Massage. All from $399* per night in a Studio Room including a complimentary upgrade to a Studio View Room, hot breakfast for two in Hanners Restaurant and late checkout. Valid until 30 April, 2012. Call 03 5264 3333 or email sands@peppers.com.au.

AUSTRALIA DAY DEAL: Escape to the home of Australian surfing this Australia Day on Peppers The Sands Resort’s three night Australia Day Package. Priced from $503* per room per package, the package includes overnight accommodation in a Studio Room, an Aussie beach pack with Aussie thongs, sunscreen and a cap, hot breakfast for two served in Hanners Restaurant, a complimentary room upgrade to a view room (room upgrade subject to availability), complimentary car parking, morning newspaper and a late check-out (subject to availability). Peppers The Sands Resort, Torquay is located adjacent to Whites Beach and near the world-famous Bells Beach on the Great Ocean Road. Valid January 25-29, 2012. Call 03 5264 3333 or email sands@peppers.com.au.

*Subject to availability. Block-out dates and minimum stays may apply.

Book by 18 January for Great Deals Up Until June 2012

Be quick to take advantage of Air New Zealand’s sale on air fares to the South Pacific’s untapped gem – the beautiful Cook Islands. Book by 18 January for sale fares on direct Sydney to Rarotonga flights and also on flights via Auckland departing Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Fares to Rarotonga, the capital of the Cook Islands, start at just $310 one way via Auckland from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane for travel between 15 February and 17 March, and between 26 April and 31 May. Connections via Auckland will have you in the balmy climes of Rarotonga in as little as nine hours.

Or fly direct from Sydney each Saturday for $380 one way from 21 January to 31 March and again from 28 April to 30 June. The six hour direct flights will only be available at ‘Works’ level, which includes carry-on and checked baggage, meals and full entertainment package.

To book visit www.airnewzealand.com.au  

Boasting rare beauty, a tropical climate, warm welcoming people and a pace of life unsurpassed for romance and relaxation: the undiscovered Cook Islands also offer a surprising amount to see and do for couples, families, and friends’ getaways.

Swim, snorkel, cruise or learn to dive in shallow, incredibly clear turquoise l
lagoons free of rips or dangerous sea creatures. Take 4WD trips or hikes in to lush, mountainous interiors, dine at inexpensive waterfront restaurants serving delicious fresh food with million dollar views, enjoy the colourful markets or learn about the Cook Islands Maori culture at island nights or church on Sunday mornings.

After taking in the sights of the Cook Islands capital, Rarotonga, take a 45 minute flight north over to the coral atoll of Aitutaki.

The achingly beautiful island boasts arguably the most beautiful lagoon in the world. Aitutaki simply exudes romance and is a magnet for wedding parties, honeymooners and those renewing their love. Snorkel, kayak or swim in the exquisitely coloured lagoon and its many dazzling white sand motus (islets).

For further information on visiting see www.cookislands.travel