Going for Golf: Who's the best?

It's the question that divides golfing households around the country: what is the best course in Australia?

In the January issue of Golf Vacations, British Open winner Ian Baker-Finch weighs into the debate, selecting his top 10 courses in Australia. Will it be Kingston Heath? Will it be Royal Melbourne? Or will IBF pick a dark horse as the best track in the country?

Talking of great courses, we look at three of the very best in New Zealand, along with features on golf in such far-flung places as the Dominican Republic, Cambodia and Ireland. Back home, we list 11 top Stay & Play destinations in Victoria.

And what better way to start the New Year than by winning a golf holiday? We're giving away a fantastic experience in Hamilton Island, one of the most luxurious holiday destinations in Australia.

Also in the latest issue, your final chance to enter our fabulous competition to win a brand new set of Mizuno clubs and bag, worth AU$2,000.

The Jan/Feb/March issue of Golf Vacations is out now in newsagents. For subscriptions, call Global Publishing on (02) 9555 8100 during business hours, e-mail info@globalpublishing.com.au or visit www.golfvacationsmag.com.au.

You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Great prizes, great features, great photos. Make sure you've got a copy of Golf Vacations this summer.

PADI (dive) certification in Galapagos with Red Mangrove Lodges

Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges Emphasizes Diver Training and Land-Based Multi-Island Accommodations To Enhance Novice-to-Expert Scuba Diving Experiences

Red Mangrove Lodges now largest producer of PADI dive certifications in the Galapagos

Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges http://www.redmangrove.com/, the region's leading hospitality company for active adventure, suggests that recreational divers, novice to expert, consider Darwin's magical archipelago as the destination for a wide variety of official PADI dive certification programs.

Hernan Rodas, founder and director of Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges reports that the Red Mangrove's Dive Center accomplished more diver certifications in 2011 than any other operation in the Galapagos.

 "In all of Ecuador there were 1,489 diver certifications issued in 2011. Red Mangrove's team of licensed instructors and master divers accounted for 160 of them, making us the largest producer of diver certifications in the Galapagos," Rodas said.

Rodas suggested that would-be divers seeking certification do classroom and required pool work at home, either with a local dive shop or recreation center or online through PADI's website (accessed via Red Mangrove's dive website: http://www.redmangrove.com/diving-in-galapagos/diving-classes/.)

To complete the third and final stage of the certification process divers are then required to perform open water check-out dives with an instructor.

"This is when many beginning divers look to warm and exotic waters so they can combine their requirements with an extended vacation," explained Rodas. "We have packages with just that in mind, allowing a diver to be certified during the first two days of their stay and then enjoying all the islands have to offer during the rest of the week."

"We're finding more and more dive instructors bringing their students here as a group for certification," said Rodas, adding that a new instructor incentive program is being developed that will provide lodging incentives for the instructor who brings with him/her four paid students.

According to Rodas, many divers travel with non-diving companions and family members which also makes Red Mangrove's land-based multi-island programs attractive. Year-round certification programs and vacation packages can be combined to accommodate diver/non-diver groups. There's a staff of five PADI approved dive instructors available with an equal number of dive masters to accompany divers on recreational outings. Two modern dive boats take guests to 45 dive and snorkel sites available off of Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela islands.

A popular package for beginner divers is Darwin's Land and Sea Adventure, 6 days and 5 nights (with eight dives) priced from $2,291 per person, double occupancy. See: (http://www.redmangrove.com/diving/land-and-sea-adventure.html). Certification is extra starting at $350 per diver on up according to the type of program (PADI certifications include Open Water Diver / Referral, Advanced, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, Specialty Certifications and Emergency First Responder).

Another option for guests who have never been diving but would like to try it is to sign up for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience for ages 10 and up.  Guests will watch a 45 minute video followed by time in a pool with an instructor. When comfortable, participants then head out to a specially chosen spot with an instructor for an open water dive. A PADI instructor leads the course that is $250 per person including introduction, equipment and in-water instruction. http://www.redmangrove.com/diving/discovery-scuba.html

About Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges

Santa Cruz Divers Lodge

Red Mangrove Galapagos and Ecuador Lodges in 2007 introduced a land-based alternative to exploring the Galapagos that heretofore was a cruise-only destination. While it may be best known for its upscale lodging and dive operations in the Galapagos, recent expansion has made it a leader in mainland Ecuador hospitality as well. With upscale waterfront lodges strategically situated on Santa Cruz, Isabela and Floreana, it is the only company offering high quality, branded accommodations and services on multiple islands in the Galapagos and across mainland Ecuador. Because it is land-based, Red Mangrove can offer a more extensive roster of activities and more flexibility than traditional cruise options.

The customary way to experience Red Mangrove's Galapagos hospitality is to spend a number of nights on each island accessed by small boat and/or aircraft. With 14 guest rooms, Aventura Lodge on Santa Cruz is distinguished by its architectural design which blends its mangrove forest and seafront environments tastefully and responsibly. Separated from the ocean by a white sand, palm-lined beach, Isabela Lodge offers eight rooms outside the fisherman's village of Puerto Villamil on one of the most volcanically active islands on Earth. Red Mangrove Floreana Lodge is a gathering of 10 private pine cottages just a five minute walk from the village of Puerto Velasco Ibarra (population 150). Red Mangrove Divers Lodge Santa Cruz has 11 rooms near the Red Mangrove Dive Academy. Red Mangrove Isabela Divers Lodge features 5-rooms adjacent to scenic Puerto Villamil. On the mainland coast of Ecuador Samai Lodge with 11 rooms is an inn-and-spa suited for recollection, relaxation and wellness surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and surf.

Contact Information:

Phone: 1.888.254.3190 / Email Form: http://www.redmangrove.com/contact-usWebsite: http://www.redmangrove.com/.

*updated * 'Spa' ban threatens Maldives' tourism

Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed
Closed luxury spas in response to religious protests

By Diane Evans - Travelmole

Exclusive resorts in the Maldives are fighting a ban on their luxury spas and health centres after the government shut them down.

The president of the Indian Ocean archipelago issued the decree on Saturday after Islamic opposition parties argued the spas were a front for prostitution.

'The government has decided to close massage parlors and spas in the Maldives, following an opposition-led religious protest last week calling for their closure,' President Mohamed Nasheed's office said in a statement.

But head of Maldives Association of Tourism Industry, Sim Ibrahim said the move threatened tourism which was crucial for the national economy.

He hoped the ban would be overturned.

On Monday the tourism industry filed two cases in the local civil courts, asking the judiciary to revoke the ban, claimed MATI lawyer Azima Shukoor.

The Maldives is home to more than 330,000 Sunni Muslims and has come under pressure from a minority of religious fundamentalists who are growing in influence.

Importation of alcohol is already severely prohibited in the Maldives and Islamists are now calling for a complete ban on alcohol and the sale of pork.

* Update *
Maldives government lifts spa ban after just six days

The Maldives government has lifted a nationwide ban on spas and massage parlours, revoking a circular sent by the tourism ministry last week which ordered spas to cease operations. Speaking to reporters this afternoon during a press conference held at Kurumba Maldives resort - the country’s first resort, which began operations in 1972 - the president said the government has requested the Supreme Court to advise whether spas are legal under the Maldives constitution.

Southern Ocean Lodge named Andrew Harper's Hideaway of the Year 2012

In anticipation of a new year of exceptional luxury travel experiences, Andrew Harper has just released its January 2012 Hideaway Report, and in it reveals its Grand Award winners. Baillie Lodges' much-lauded Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island has been awarded the most prestigious of titles; Andrew Harper's Hideaway of the Year 2012.

Based in New York, NY, Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report is a quarterly luxury travel review available to all members of the exclusive Andrew Harper Club. It is considered the most respected publication in luxury travel. Southern Ocean Lodge has been named Hideaway of the Year, at the top of a very prestigious list comprised of Mr Harper's favourite 19 properties he visited within the past calendar year.

World-roaming luxury travel reviewer Andrew Harper notes of his anonymous stay at Southern Ocean Lodge that it was, 'Unquestionably the highlight of our three-week trip to Australia.'

James and Hayley Baillie, the very hands-on owners and designers of the property, are delighted with this result.

'To receive this endorsement from an esteemed luxury travel reviewer such as Andrew Harper is every hotelier's ideal. That Mr Harper travels incognito to the far corners of the planet and experiences the most luxurious in travel reinforces that what we have to offer at Southern Ocean Lodge is truly special.

'We'd further like to congratulate the terrific team at Southern Ocean Lodge, which brings a delicate balance of professionalism and personality to make each guest's stay an unforgettable experience.'

The Lodge shares its achievement with fine Australian company and fellow Luxury Lodges of Australia members South Australia's The Louise, and Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, including a special mention to Joost Heymeijer, GM.

Each of Mr. Harper's Grand Award winners possesses exceptional character, a commitment to classic hospitality and a profound sense of place. Since 1979, Andrew Harper has provided members of the exclusive Andrew Harper club with honest insights and recommendations about the finest luxury travel experiences worldwide. Mr. Harper does not evaluate hotels by means of a checklist, but uses his three decades of experience to distinguish the truly enchanting from the merely excellent.

Read the Southern Ocean Lodge review in full online in Andrew Harper's just released January 2012 Hideaway Report; and at the Southern Ocean Lodge blog.

The full list of 2012 Hideaway Report Grand Award winners:

• Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia
• Ocean House, Rhode Island
• Glenmere Mansion, New York
• Panamonte Inn & Spa, Panama
• Hotel Plaza Grande, Ecuador
• Jumby Bay, Antigua
• Hôtel Le Toiny, St. Barths
• Sasaab, Kenya
• Elsa's Kopje, Kenya
• Casa Manni, Italy
• La Coquillade, France
• The Yeatman, Portugal
• Domaine de Murtoli, France
• Amanfayun, China
• Four Seasons Hangzhou, China
• Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia
• The Louise, Australia
• Trump International Hotel, Chicago
• The Resort at Pelican Hill, California

About Andrew Harper
Free of advertising since its inception in June 1979, Hideaway Report is a private monthly publication for sophisticated travelers. The selection of hotels, resorts and restaurants for inclusion in this publication is made on a completely independent basis, with Andrew Harper LLC paying full rate for all meals, lodging and related travel expenses. Andrew Harper and his editors travel incognito to write candid and unbiased travel reviews for a private membership service, which provides personalized travel-planning assistance, bespoke tours and valuable travel privileges to its members. For more information about Andrew Harper, visit http://www.andrewharper.com/.

Baillie Lodges

Reservations: T (61) 2 9918 4355 | E reserve@baillielodges.com.au | W southernoceanlodge.com.au

Emirates A380 on Malaysian Route

Emirates celebrated the New Year in a ‘big’ way by becoming the first airline to operate a scheduled Airbus A380 service to Malaysia.

The airline’s flagship, operating as EK346, piloted by Malaysian national Captain Kwong Yung Ling arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) earlier to a traditional welcome of a water canon salute.

Joining Captain Kwong on the flight deck for the first flight was First Officer Abdulaziz Alusaimi from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“We have been eagerly awaiting the start of our Airbus A380 service to Malaysia, a country that we have been operating flights to since 1996,” said Richard Jewsbury, Emirates’ senior vice president, commercial operations, Far East & Australasia.

“I am sure that this historic milestone in both Malaysian aviation history and in the Emirates story will further strengthen ties between Malaysia and the UAE, in addition to promoting trade and tourism opportunities between the two nations.

The 489 seat A380 operates as EK346 departing Dubai at 04:05 and arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 14:55 on the same day.

The return leg, EK347, will depart Kuala Lumpur at 19:30 arriving in Dubai at 22:30 also on the same day.

“The start of 2012 will be a busy time for Emirates, in addition to launching our A380 aircraft on one of our three daily non-stop flights between Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, we are also expanding our network to include Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro in South America from January 3rd and Dublin in Ireland from January 9th, opening up more opportunities for Malaysian travellers and businesses,” added Mr Jewsbury.

Emirates’ A380 service arrives in Dubai at a convenient time giving passengers the options of onward connections to any of Emirates’ expanding list of over 116 European, Middle Eastern, African and American destinations.

Destinasian: The Luxe List 2011

It’s been another big year for hotel openings in the Asia-Pacific region, but what makes one property more luxe than another? Based on reports from our network of contributors, we’ve assembled a list of 36 places that excel when it comes to style and ambience, be it a rambling Indian palace or a private villa in the hills of Chiang Mai. Though wildly different in terms of size, price, and look, they all have one thing in common: a singular sense of place and style that lets them stand out from the rest. Enjoy this year’s list.

China
Four Seasons Hotel, Hangzhou at West Lake, Hangzhou
Hotel Icon, Hong Kong
Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund, Shanghai
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa, Lijiang
Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa, Hainan
Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, Hong Kong
St. Regis Lhasa Resort, Tibet
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Shanghai
French Polynesia
Maitai Lapita Village, Huahine
India
Devi Ratn, Jaipur
Leela Palace Kempinski, New Delhi
Rasa Jaipur, Jaipur
Samode Safari Lodge, Bandhavgarh
Saratha Villas, Chettinad
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad
The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi
Indonesia
W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak, Bali
Japan
Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyo
Hotel Kanra, Kyoto
St. Regis Osaka, Osaka
Laos
Kiridara, Luang Prabang
Malaysia
Muntri Mews, Penang
Maldives
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Ba’a Atoll
Six Senses Laamu, Laamu Atoll
Singapore
Hotel Fort Canning
Taiwan
W Taipei, Taipei
Thailand
Hansar Bangkok, Bangkok
Howie’s Homestay, Chiang Mai
St. Regis Bangkok, Bangkok
Thanyamundra Organic Resort, Khao Sok
W Retreat Koh Samui, Koh Samui
United Arab Emirates
One&Only The Palm, Dubai
Vietnam
An Lam Ninh Van Bay Villas, Nha Trang
Fusion Maia, Danang
Hotel de l’Opera, Hanoi
Six Senses Con Dao, Con Dao

Sydney New Years Eve 2011

SYDNEY REVELLERS SHARE WHY THERE’S NOTHING LIKE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN AUSTRALIA


Revellers across the world will be able to see for themselves why there’s nothing like celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney, thanks to Tourism Australia’s latest digital and social media campaign.

Tourism Australia has created a short film overnight featuring footage downloaded by Sydney revellers sharing their New Year’s Eve experience via an iPhone app created specially to mark the year-end celebrations.

The film titled Project:12 captures the shared experience and emotion of welcoming in the New Year with friends and family against the magnificent backdrop of Sydney’s world-renowned fireworks display.

Tourism Australia used its Facebook fan page to source stories of people travelling to Sydney to celebrate with their family and friends, filming Skype interviews, emotional reconnections at the airport and festivities throughout the evening.

These stories were edited together with user-generated video clips, uploaded via the City of Sydney’s NYE iPhone app, and the official broadcast footage of the fireworks within just hours of the midnight celebrations.

Project:12 was released on Tourism Australia’s YouTube channel and distributed internationally via social media networks before many other parts of the world reached their own 2012 countdown.

The initiative is part of a Tourism Australia and City of Sydney joint venture to show the world why there’s nothing like celebrating New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia.

Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy believes New Year’s Eve and the world-famous Sydney fireworks display provides the perfect platform to showcase Australia to the world.

“As clocks around the world count down to 2012, we’re looking forward to leading the global celebrations and, through this video, allow revellers across the globe to share in one of world’s most spectacular New Year celebrations and see for themselves why there truly is nothing like Australia for New Year’s Eve, for fun and for a holiday," McEvoy said.

For information on travelling to and within Australia, go to www.australia.com.

To watch Project:12, go to http://www.youtube.com/australia.