Southern Discoveries buys shares in Milford Sound Lodge

The oldest and most established tourism operator in Milford Sound, Southern Discoveries, has purchased a shareholding in Milford Sound Lodge.

Milford Sound Lodge Directors Mike McConachie and Dave Kluken, who have operated the lodge for almost 14 years, welcomed the premier tourism company’s investment and the opportunity to work together in an iconic part of New Zealand.

Southern Discoveries General Manager John Robson said the collaboration was the continuation of a “solid working history” and a desire to support the growth of tourism product in Milford Sound.

“We have worked closely with Milford Sound Lodge for a number of years and are delighted to have the opportunity to invest in this iconic lodge, as well as the region,” he said.

“We have a long history with Milford Sound Lodge as they previously ran the Blue Duck Bar & Café in Milford that we now operate. Southern Discoveries’ and Milford Sound Lodge staff already work closely together, including participating in our Sinbad Sanctuary project.”

The Sinbad Sanctuary project is a partnership between Southern Discoveries, Fiordland Conservation Trust and Department of Conservation to protect native species in Sinbad Gully that lies at the base of Mitre Peak.

Milford Sound Lodge Director Mike McConachie said Southern Discoveries’ investment would enable an accelerated redevelopment of the lodge over the next 18 months, commencing with the construction of eight new ensuite chalets for the up-coming summer season.

Located on a spectacular site beside the Cleddau River, Milford Sound Lodge provides a wide range of accommodation options including luxury chalets, private rooms, dormitories and camping sites. It is a popular base for travellers to explore the area over multiple days.

Director Mike McConachie said the partnership came from a shared desire to “protect the natural wonders of Milford Sound so that future generations, both those that visit and those that choose to live here, can continue to enjoy them.”

“The planned development means we can better cater to current market demands by offering a wilderness base with more choice for independent travellers who are looking for comfort and privacy after spending the day actively exploring the region,” said Mr McConachie.

“We aim to create a world-class facility to enhance the visitor experience and to encourage our guests to slow down and connect with this amazing environment.

“Our staff are attracted here for the same reasons our guests are and enjoy sharing their passion for the area.”

As well as the shareholding in Milford Sound Lodge and ownership of the Blue Duck Café & Bar, Southern Discoveries operates four vessels at Milford Sound, ranging in capacity from 35 to 400 passengers, offering the widest range of trips and experiences in Milford Sound.

The company operates Scenic Cruises, the Encounter Nature Cruise and Discover More Cruise, which incorporates a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory, New Zealand’s only floating underwater observatory.

Southern Discoveries also owns and operates Harrisons Cove Kayaking, four information centres in Te Anau and Queenstown, and Te Anau-based coach service Go Milford.

The company operates the Queenstown Discovery which provides day and charter cruises on Lake Wakatipu. It also owns 50% of KJet, Queenstown's original Jet boat operator.

The purchase by Southern Discoveries is in line with a number of significant investments the company has made in its operation and product offerings over the last four years.

Earlier this month Southern Discoveries’ new catamaran ‘Spirit of Queenstown’ arrived in Queenstown after crossing the Tasman and taking to the road from Bluff to Kingston before being lowered into Lake Wakatipu. Spirit of Queenstown will commence operation in November, offering a range of tourism products at Mt Nicholas Station.

News from Queensland Tourism

A new level of luxury coasts into Hastings Street

Noosa’s only 5 star deluxe hotel in Hastings Street, Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa, has revealed its fresh $10-million renovation, including a hot new restaurant headed up by Peter Kuruvita.

The 176 guestrooms, suites and villas have been transformed from salmon pink to contemporary ivory and grey tones.

Noosa Beach House by Peter Kuruvita replaces the original Cato’s restaurant serving up fresh seafood dishes from its spectacular beachside location.

Budding master chef’s might also like to join Noosa Beach House’s cooking events where guests can grab a taste of Sri Lanka with Peter Kuravita and learn more about fine wines with their exclusive wine club.

Further Information:
Rates: From $299 per night.
W: www.sheratonnoosaresort.com

Propel yourself to new heights in Airlie Beach

You could take a boat around The Whitsundays… or you could strap a jet pack to your back and soar through the air with Airlie Beach Jet Pack Adventures.

These water-powered jetpacks allow guests to propel themselves into the air, hover and control the height of their flight.

Suitable for beginners, you will learn how to take off, fly, turn and hover in just a few minutes.

Further Information:
Rates: Solo flight weekend $349, Solo special midweek $249.
W: www.jetpackadventures.com.au

Two Sumatran tiger cubs roar into Australia Zoo

There’s more than crocodiles drawing crowds to Australia Zoo – two Sumatran tigers born to Kaitlyn and Ramalon joined the zoo family on 22 August 2013.

Book a trip in late October to catch the cubs in action from a new viewing platform which is currently under construction.

Animal lovers who can’t make it to the zoo can get their fix by watching the live cub cam, which streams real-time footage of the tiger den to YouTube.

Further Information:
Rates: Adult $59, Child $35, Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) $172, Family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) $189.
W: www.australiazoo.com.au

Historic B&B in Brisbane hot spot

Swap the big-name hotels for a more bespoke accommodation experience at The Collingwood B&B, in Brisbane’s stylish inner-city suburb of Paddington.

The restored Queenslander is a stone’s throw from the CBD but with only four suites, it’s quiet and private, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

All rooms have their own bathroom and small private balcony.

Further Information:
Rates: Suite for two people $250 (including breakfast) per night.
W: www.thecollingwood.com.au

Horses and camels hit the beach at Noosa

Hop in the saddle and explore the spectacular Sunshine Coast either by horseback, or from the hump of a camel.

Noosa Horse Riding and the Camel Company operate from Lake Weyba, 10 minutes from Noosa, where guests can take in elevated views out to Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Noosa National Park.

Riders of all ability can join their daily rides, with special sunset or proposal rides available on request.

Further Information:
Rates: Horse riding: One-hour ride $65, Two-hour ride $95. Special rides available on request. Camel riding: 1.5-hour beach and bushland safari $80 adults, $60 children. One-hour bush and beach safari $60 adults, $45 children.
W: www.noosahorseriding.com.au
www.camelcompany.com.au

Work it out at The Biggest Loser Retreat

Struggling to find the motivation to lose weight? The Biggest Loser Retreat operated by Golden Door Australia, in partnership with Shine Australia (the producers of The Biggest Loser) has opened on the Gold Coast, helping guests achieve their weight-loss goals.

The retreat is all about combining movement, food, coaching and education to kick-start a health and wellness overhaul.

Led by a team of health and wellness experts, professionally designed nutrition and exercise programs are created for each guest to achieve life-changing results.

Stop by in September for the opportunity to meet past contestants from the hit TV show, and be inspired by their determination to continue their weight-loss journeys.

Further Information:
Rates: 1-3 week retreat from $1855 per week; 4-7 week retreat $1707 per week.
W: www.biggestloserretreat.com.au

Cycle the Whitsundays

South Molle Island is now providing tourists with more than just the quintessential white sand and clear water Whitsunday experience, with the introduction of mountain bike trails to add speed and adrenaline to your island getaway.

The 14 kilometres of mountain bike trails on the island take in spectacular views to the famous Whitsunday Islands and fringing reefs and are the perfect way to discover the grasslands, eucalypt forests and rainforests covering the island.

To enjoy the tracks, pack your bike and sail across the short straight that separates Airlie Beach from South Molle Island.

Further Information:
W: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/destinations/south-molle-island

Gold Coast packing essentials: The Traveller App

Gold Coast Tourism has just launched a new travel companion – the Gold Coast Traveller App - that’s as easy to pack as the hat, swimmers and sunscreen among your holiday essentials.

Loaded with over 500 Gold Coast attractions, tours, restaurants and events, the app is searchable and bookable, making this directory the perfect holiday-planning tool.

The free app has already received a 4.5 star rating from the App store and overwhelming positive reviews from those who have tried the product.

Further Information:
Available through the app store.

Best Western expands into East Java

Best Western International (BWI) continues its rapid expansion across Indonesia with the signing of a new hotel in Malang, East Java, the first International hotel in town.

Set to welcome its first guests in the last quarter of 2013, BEST WESTERN OJ Hotel is ideally situated in the center of Malang. Located close to the town’s Tugu Monument and Town Hall, and just two minutes from the train station, it will provide an ideal base for both business and leisure travelers.

A selection of contemporary rooms come equipped with the latest modern amenities, including 32-inch LCD TVs, MP3 alarm clocks and rain showers, while the suites also offer kitchenettes and dining sets. And as with all BWI hotels, BEST WESTERN OJ Hotel will offer complimentary Wi-Fi to all guests.

Guests can relax in the hotel’s indoor swimming pool, which features a pool bar, or indulge their taste buds with quality international and Indonesian cuisine at the hotel’s restaurant. There is also a rooftop cafe, which is the highest point in Malang and provides stunning views across the city and mountains beyond. A business center will also ensure that corporate travelers are well catered-for.

“With its fast-expanding economy, rising middle class and thriving domestic travel sector, BWI sees the huge potential Indonesia has to offer,” said the company’s Vice President of International Operations for Asia & the Middle East, Glenn de Souza.

“Across the country, demand for accommodation in Indonesia’s second and third tier cities is growing rapidly, and Malang is a perfect example of this. As a center for trade, education and tourism, the city is fast becoming a regional hub. With Best Western’s international reputation for providing quality accommodation and excellent service, I am confident BEST WESTERN OJ Hotel will be hugely popular with all visitors to the city,” Mr. de Souza added.

BWI currently operates five hotels in Indonesia, but is planning to expand rapidly across the archipelago in the coming years, with more than 20 new hotels expected to open by the end of 2015. In addition to Malang, BWI will debut in other fast-expanding cities including Surabaya, Bandung, Pontianak, Samarinda, Banjarmasin and Bogor.

Australian Sleddog Tours add to their pack with 12 week old Freya

Australian Sleddog Tours new recruit Freya, a twelve week old Siberian Husky has stolen the show and stolen the hearts of all visitors mushing at Hotham and Dinner Plain this season.

Freya joins an 18 team, pure breed Siberian Husky operation and while she isn’t mushing yet, she is the star attraction at Australian Sleddog Tours. 

“Most of our beautiful Husky dogs are from rescue shelters, something we’re very proud of, but my partner Neisha every so often likes to cuddle up with the babies and we bring in new pups,” commented lead musher Brett Madden.

“We’re introducing Freya slowly to the pack, who are all very curious about their new family member, but she won’t mush until she is at least 10 to 12 months old. Guests will still get to enjoy Freya though with a pat and a cuddle when they visit us to mush with our other much loved 18 Huskies.”

Hotham Alpine Resort is located in the heart of the Australian Alps National Park approximately 4.5 drive from Melbourne, two hours from Albury, or a short 20 minute drive from Hotham Airport serviced by QantasLink, operating daily departures from Sydney during the peak Winter months.

Luxury and value blend on fabulous Mediterranean and European Riviera cruise holiday from Australia

Here’s a blissful 14-day European fly-cruise-stay holiday with everything going for it: Paris, Rome, Tuscany, the French and Italian Rivieras, Barcelona, Cannes and a visit to glamorous Monte Carlo with the opportunity to attend the Monaco Grand Prix if you desire. Also, drinks on the ship are free.

Named, appropriately, ‘Playgrounds of the Rich & Fabulous’, the holiday is on offer from Worldwide Cruise Centres (worldwidecruisecentres.com.au).

‘Playgrounds of the Rich & Fabulous’ includes an eight-night Tuscany & Grand Prix cruise with Azamara Journey from Rome to Barcelona. Prices for the whole holiday begin at A$6999 twin share per person, including return flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth to Paris, and back from Barcelona, travelling with the multi-award-winning airline, Emirates.

Azamara Journey is one of the world’s finest cruise ships, a vessel so exclusive that each suite aboard comes with the services of an English butler. Smaller and sleeker than most ships, Azamara Journey carries no more than 694 passengers and delivers five-star boutique cruising at its very best.

Special touches aboard can save you a lot of money. Tipping is taken care of; it’s  included in the price. All shipboard main meals, plus standard spirits, international beers and wines are complimentary, as are bottled water, soft drinks, speciality coffees and teas. Shuttle to and from the port (where available during cruise) is also complimentary. There’s even a complimentary self-service laundry aboard. Dining options range from casual to elegant, with menus featuring classic to modern cuisine from the world’s great culinary destinations. All shipboard main meals are included.

The holiday begins on 15 May 2014 with a flight from Australia to Paris. On arrival,  you’ll be conveyed by private car from the airport to the four-star Hotel Le Six for a two-night stay. This luxury boutique hotel is located in the heart of Paris, on the Left Bank in front of the Luxembourg Gardens near Notre-Dame Cathedral. After breakfast (included on both mornings) set out to explore this elegant and enticing city. The hotel is the perfect base for exploration – it’s a two-minute walk from the nearest Metro subway station.

After Paris, travel to Rome in the classic manner, by train in a first class seat, changing at Milan. A night’s stay in a four-star hotel in Rome gives time to catch the city’s beat, see the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Colosseum, sip cappuccino and nibble biscotti.

Now for eight dreamy days cruising the Mediterranean from Rome to Barcelona – visiting superb European cities and international playgrounds all the way. Your arrival in Monte Carlo coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix, the thrilling Formula One motor race held on the city streets. Race tickets are available, at additional cost –  or maybe opt for something quieter, like the world’s most prestigious casino.

In days to come, take it easy and savour the cultural and culinary pleasures of Tuscany, the South of France and Barcelona. Two days in Livorno give time to bike around the city ramparts of Lucca, taste the wines of Chianti, take in great artworks in Florence and Pisa.

Browse the shops and relish the fragrant gardens of easy-going San Remo on the Italian Riviera and lively cafés and chic restaurants on the French Riviera. You’ll rendezvous with Azamara Journey in both Saint-Tropez and Monaco before sailing for cosmopolitan Barcelona, Spain’s home of Gaudi, tapas and flamenco.

In between these fabulous ports of call, perhaps try Azamara Journey’s Spa and Wellness Centre, coffee café, piano bar and wine bar; sample live entertainment and daily enrichment programs (like wine and champagne tasting).

At the end of a wonderful two-week whirl, its time to fly back to Australia.

To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent go to:

www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au

SilverNeedle(R) Hospitality expands Australian hotel network with THREE new properties.

SilverNeedle® Hospitality today announced that three hotels have joined their expanding network, bringing the total new additions to SilverNeedle® Hospitality's portfolio to five this year alone - an overall key count growth of around 200.

The newest additions to the SilverNeedle® Hospitality group include the Sundowner Sundance Park in Tamworth, NSW, and two Country Comfort hotels located in the wine valleys of Victoria – Country Comfort Boulevard Motor Inn, Mildura, and Country Comfort Murray Valley, Wodonga.

SilverNeedle® Hospitality prides itself on its home town hospitality and its network, which spans across Australia's regional and coastal hubs. The group offers flexible accommodation options that cater to business and leisure travellers looking to enjoy both short and long term stays.

"We extend a warm welcome to these new brand licensing partners to our network, where they can be assured of solid support for the corporate, leisure and wholesale business," said Iqbal Jumabhoy, Managing Director & Group CEO of SilverNeedle® Hospitality. "SilverNeedle® Hospitality will continue to add quality properties to our extensive suite of offerings to meet the professional and leisure needs of savvy travellers."

SilverNeedle® Hospitality's partners will also enjoy full channel management integration, including being associated with its Escape Club loyalty programme, as well as Qantas' and Virgin Australia's frequent flyer programmes.

The Sundowner Sundance Park in Tamworth, NSW, is set in 11 acres of beautiful grounds and the 25 ground-floor rooms all come with convenient parking right at the door. Sundowner Sundance is famous across Australia for its guitar-shaped pool, which was originally opened by the late country music legend Slim Dusty. The hotel facilities also include a tennis court, playground, BBQ area, licensed restaurant – which is home to the Big HEFFA T bone Steak - and a function centre.

The Country Comfort Boulevard Motor Inn, Mildura, officially joins the SilverNeedle® Hospitality network this month. The hotel is situated near the picturesque banks of the Murray River, in the provincial city of Mildura. The 4-star hotel consists of 48 beautifully presented rooms and provides the perfect spot for travellers looking to enjoy a day trip to Mungo National Park, a paddle steamer cruise, which leaves daily from Mildura Wharf, winery tours or golf days at an international standard golf course. It is also a perfect choice for those looking for a stopover between Broken Hill and Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide.

The Country Comfort Murray Valley, Wodonga, also officially joins the SilverNeedle® Hospitality network this month. Conveniently located in the heart of town, this property boasts 25 new and modern rooms, with plans to build another 25 in the next 12 months. All rooms come with free WI-FI internet access and free undercover parking.

For more information please visit www.silverneedlehotels.com.au

Anantara Vacation Club Opens First Purpose-Built Club Resort With Launch of Anantara Vacation Club Phuket Mai Khao

Anantara Vacation Club, a unique Shared Ownership concept launched in 2010 by Anantara Hotels, 
Resorts & Spas, is pleased to announce the official opening of its first purpose-built Signature Club Resort – Anantara Vacation Club Phuket Mai Khao.

Located in northwest Phuket, the new resort is 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport and sets a new benchmark of quality and flexibility for vacation clubs across Asia and beyond in terms of exclusivity, space and choice.

Anantara Vacation Club Phuket Mai Khao comprises 70 One, Two and Three Bedroom Apartment Suites and 30 spacious One and Two Bedroom Pool Villas, with resort facilities including a swim up lagoon pool, a kids club, a gym and restaurants and bars, all in a lush tropical environment adjacent to Mai Khao Beach.

Harold Derrah, CEO of Anantara Vacation Club, commented, “We are very excited to open our first purpose-built AVC resort here in Thailand. Being such a key location in Asia for shared ownership resorts, Phuket was the obvious choice of destination for our first signature property, which offers the ultimate guest experience for our Owners.”

The stunning new resort is designed to reflect Thailand’s exotic culture, enhanced by a host of modern comforts. Each pool villa and apartment suite has a well equipped kitchen, and large separate living and dining spaces, to create an inviting home away from home full of thoughtful signature touches.

Positioned in the resort’s six storey complex, 60 One and Two Bedroom Apartment Suites span 94 to 128 square metres, with a private balcony to admire the garden and pool view.  With a choice of king size or twin beds, there is also the option of accommodating two additional guests, catered for by the living room sofa which can double up as two comfortable daybeds.  

Bathrooms offer both a refreshing rain shower and a large stone bathtub.  Eight Two Bedroom Apartment Suites, each totalling 209 square metres, boast a private plunge pool with a sun deck, loungers, umbrellas and outdoor dining furniture, while two Three Bedroom Royal Suites offer an exceptional holiday lifestyle with 346 square metres of luxury space, including a large private swimming pool and tropical outdoor amenities.

Affording superlative privacy and indulgence for couples or family holidays, 30 One & Two Bedroom Pool Villas range from 195 to 265 square metres.  Sliding doors from the bedroom offer direct access into the private pool, which is surrounded by a sundeck with loungers, a garden rain shower, a daybed in the sala, and both indoor and outdoor dining furniture.  Extending the family friendly attractions, Two Bedroom Pool Villas also boast a children’s wading section at one end of the pool.

Additional resort facilities include a large freeform swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a 24-hour fitness centre overlooking the pool and an Anantara Spa. Guests can join in group yoga, meditation and stretching classes. In addition, bicycles are available, giving guests the opportunity to explore the local area which offers numerous scenic routes along sandy beaches, country roads and through small villages. Club Owners also have access to a beach club on Mai Khao Beach, where they can relax on one of Phuket’s longest beaches or the more adventurous can take to the Andaman Sea on kayaks, surf boards or catamarans. For children there is a shaded wading pool, complete with inflatable toys, a playground and a kids club.

Three restaurants and bars dish up local and international flavours.  The all day dining restaurant Chaam is characterised by light gourmet snacks and sumptuous meals.  In addition, the wood fired pizza sala, Crust, is joined by the swim-up pool bar Ripples.  Club Owners who prefer to dine in the comfort of their suite or villa can pick up pre-packaged food parcels and wine from the resort’s continental deli, or indulge in Anantara’s signature Dining by Design concept with a private chef.  Thai cooking classes are also available for those guests wishing to learn more about the kingdom’s famous four flavour balance. Club Owners and guests also benefit from a range of shops and restaurants in Turtle Village next door.

This new Anantara Vacation Club resort joins the portfolio’s existing selection of luxury private villas on the islands of Koh Samui, Thailand and Bali in Indonesia, along with a selection of suites in Bangkok, Thailand, Sanya on Hainan Island in China, and in Queenstown, New Zealand.

The launch of Anantara Vacation Club in December 2010 marked an important stage in Anantara’s evolution, enhancing a brand that is renowned for delivering experiences steeped in indigenous luxury and refined Asian hospitality. In just 2.5 years, the company’s short span of operation to date, Anantara Vacation Club has rapidly expanded in the market with ownership sales continuing to exceed all expectations.